A LO N G T H E WAYThe Newsletter of Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church • September 2016

The Table is Set for PeaceBy Judi Pogue, Peacemaking and Social Justice

On October 2, World Communion Sunday, people from all over God’s earth will join in looking at our world and our lives and asking, “Can God spread a table even in this wilderness? Even in my wilderness?” To which God responds and says, “Come to the table of peace.” Supporting the Peace & Global Witness Offering helps invite others to the table, both near and far.

In 1980 the Presbyterian Church (USA) affirmed that peacemaking is central to the gospel message, and Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church made a commit-ment to peace soon after. “Let Peace Begin with Me” became part of our benedic-tion to support this com-mitment. In recognition

of the 25th anniversary of the original commit-ment, our Session reaf-firmed the Commitment to Peacemaking, A Believer’s Calling in 2005.

For more than thirty years it has been the practice at SVPC to receive this Special Offering, once known as the Peacemaking Offering, now the Peace and Global Witness Offering, on World Communion Sunday. The congregation has always been very generous in giving to peacemaking.

One half of the offering received is sent to PC(USA) to support peacemaking throughout our country and the world, a quarter is sent to the San Jose Presbytery to be distributed by the Presbytery Peace and Justice Task Force

for grants, scholarships and other peacemaking activi-ties. The remaining quarter is given to organizations or projects selected by the SVPC Peace and Social Justice Committee.

Organizations that have received contributions in the past include Swords to Plowshares, Next-Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, Friends Outside, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, Students Rising, and Bill Wilson Center.

You will receive a letter in mid-September naming the 2016 recipients. It is our hope that our congrega-tion will once again give generously!

Go green!Go Green! Consider joining the more than 400 indi-viduals and families that now receive their newsletter electronically. The online edition arrives sooner, contains the same articles plus vivid full-color photos and live links, and can be easily shared with family and friends, all while helping reduce our carbon footprint! Opt-in by sending an e-mail to newsletter@svpc.us with your request.

September2–5 All-Church Camp, Redwood Glen near La Honda4 Labor Day Sunday Please join us for worship at 7:50 or 10 AM this Sunday

(No 5 PM worship service) No Church School6 Parent Support Group Coffee, 9 AM, Coleman Room Choir of Bells rehearsal resumes, 7–9 PM, Sanctuary7 JAM Kickoff, 9:30 AM, Coleman Room FLASH, 6–7:45 PM, Gym CLUE, 7–8:45 PM, Youth Room8 50s+ Singles Group Dinner, 6 PM, Black Bear Diner10 Presbyterian Women Horizons Bible Study Day,

10 AM–3 PM, San Francisco Theological Seminary11 Food Drive for those in our community served by

Sunnyvale Community Services (note: 2nd Sunday in September)

Church School resumes at 10 AM and 5 PM Church School Choir resumes: Cherub (3’s and 4’s), 11-11:15 AM, Room 802 Rainbow (K-2nd grade) 11-11:20 AM, Room 405 Glory (3rd-6th grade), 11-11:25 AM, Room 203 FLASH AM Kickoff, 10–11 AM, Gym 12 Newsletter articles due for October edition First Dudes Group, 6:45–8:30 PM, Gym Adult Learning—Religion and the 2016 Presidental

Election, 7:30 PM, Fellowship Hall14 FLASH, 6–7:45 PM, Gym CLUE, 7–8:45 PM, Youth Room

September CalendarA quick look at what’s happening at SVPC this month...

Newsletter DeadlinesThe newsletter deadline is Monday, September 12 for the October edition. Articles may be up to 120 words in length. Send your article to newsletter@svpc.us, and, if possible, include a photo with your article.

18 Moment with Children at 10 AM and 5 PM—Teacher Dedication Sunday FLASH students in worship with Donut Party After, 9:50 AM, Trinity Court21 JAM, 9:30 AM, Coleman Room FLASH, 6–7:45 PM, Gym CLUE, 7–8:45 PM, Youth Room22 Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering, 10:30 AM, Fellowship Hall Knit for Kids sweaters due23–24 Silicon Valley Mobile Pack25 New Members Class #1, 11:30 AM–1 PM, Coleman Room FLASH students in worship with Donut Party After, 9:50 AM, Trinity Court Adult Learning—Interpreting Scripture in Community: Week 1, 11:30 AM,

Fellowship Hall (registration required) Knit for Kids Sweater Dedication, 10 AM and 5 PM worship services26 First Girls’ Small Groups. Contact youth@svpc.us for details.28 LOGOS begins First optional Pizza/Homework, 4:30 PM, Gym FLASH, 6–7:45 PM, Gym CLUE, 7–8:45 PM, Youth Room Adult Learning—Interpreting Scripture in

Community: Week 1, 7:30 PM, Soulé Hall (regis-tration required)

30 Junior High Fall Frenzy sign up deadline. Contact youth@svpc.us.

October2 World Communion Sunday, Peace & Global Witness

Offering New Members Class #2, 11:30 AM–1 PM,

Coleman Room14 Ugo Sforza Organ Recital, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary30 SVPC 60th Anniversary Celebration New Members received in worship

Where is that?

Coleman Room (Bldg 700)

Fellowship Hall (Bldg 300)

Fireside Room (Bldg 200)

Gym, Phoenix Center (Bldg 700)

Sanctuary (Bldg 100) Soulé Hall (Room 501,

Bldg 500)Youth Room, Phoenix

Center (Bldg 700)

This September we begin a new way of thinking about being a community that is rooted in Christ and reaches out in love. Our new sermon series, WORSHIP + 2, gives us another way to think about how to be faithful followers of Christ. We all know that worship is the core of our lives as Christians. We also need the + 2—a commitment to go deeper and a commitment to serve others.

In the next few weeks, you will be hearing more about “+ 2” opportunities. As we all return to the familiar routines of fall, let’s be open to new ways of exploring and expressing our faith.

In Christ,

Friends,September is one of those months that we all remember. School is in session and that means the end of summer and the start of something new. Unlike any other season of the year, it marks the return to routines and potential for new beginnings.

The same is true for church.

Our children and youth relaunch Church School, LOGOS, and FLASH and CLUE. Classes start for adults, small groups re-form, and new sermon series begin. We commit to volunteering and serving.

The View From Hereby Rev. Debbie Whaley

“This September we begin a new way of thinking about being a community that is rooted in Christ and reaches out in love”

WORSHIP + 2September 11-25

Rooted in Christ...Sunnyvale Presbyterian offers everyone an opportunity to connect with the church community.

New Members ClassSeptember 25 & October 2, 11:30 AM–1 PM, Coleman Room

Received in worship on October 30 after meeting with Session on Tuesday, October 18

If you’ve been attending worship and are inter-ested in the next step, come and explore mem-bership with us. The Rev. Karin Hejmanowski will be teaching a two-week class. If you plan to attend, please contact Jean Ranck at jean@svpc.us or 408-739-1892. Child care is available.

Your Votes are in… Our Favorite Hymns for 2016Valerie Sterk, SVPC organist

What are our congregation’s favorite hymns? During July we collected nearly 200 hymn votes. From those, we sang the top favorites during our August hymn sings. Here are the voting results:

I Danced in the Morning1. Three-way tie for 2. The King of Love My Shepherd Is, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou ArtTwo-way tie for 3. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, Morning Has BrokenTwo-way tie for 4. Great Is Thy Faithfulness, In the GardenHere I Am, Lord5.

If your favorite hymn didn't make it into this list, take heart—we’ll be weaving your other favorite hymns into 10 AM worship services throughout the year. Come sing together in worship!

Church School Kicks Off for Preschool through Sixth GradeSeptember 11

It’s almost time for a new year of Church School to start. We will kick-off with tables set up in Trinity Court before and after the 10 AM and 5 PM worship services for parents to pick up registration packets and check that your child(ren)’s informa-tion is correct. We are grateful for a full set of teachers and volunteers to begin another great year in Children’s Ministry.

Sticky Faith & DonutsKurt Miller, Associate Director of Youth Ministry

The 2016–17 calendar year is almost off and running! We here in the SVPC Youth Ministry are always trying to take things to the next level and that means evaluating programs, training volunteers, and looking at the latest research. A few weeks ago I went to the PC(USA) Presbyterian Youth Triennium, and I learned a ton. One of the main takeaways was the plea to get the youth more involved and visible on Sundays. Rodger Nishioka, an SVPC All-Church Camp alum, was the keynote speaker for the adults and he said something that really convicted me. He said that if you have a separate program for youth during normal church times, you need to stop. He contends it tells the students they don’t belong in church with the adults and that this increases the likelihood that they will leave the church later in life because they don’t know how to “be in church.” Furthermore, he said that having adults actively invested in students’ lives is the number one factor that portends faith retention. Not youth group. Not hanging out with me. Not mission trips. But rather, encouraging students to attend worship and interact-ing with other adults is how we will achieve that.

After talking about this with the pastors and program staff, we are excited to share a change to FLASH AM (Sunday morning program for 7th and 8th grade students). Beginning September 18, I will stand outside in Trinity

Kurt Miller

Court every Sunday morning to wait for the students. We will then sit together in church because I know our students are very mature and they will learn a lot from our morning services. After church we will go to the youth room from 11:05–11:25 for “Donut Party After” or DPA to eat donuts and unpack the sermon together. This teaches your students how to “be in church.” The last Sunday of each month we will have a more traditional FLASH AM during church in the gym with games and prizes. We’ll have trivia questions from the sermons we have heard in church in the previous weeks.

We are very excited about this change as it will lead the students toward life-long faith retention. Go to https://fulleryouthinstitute.org/stickyfaith/hello for more information about the research on youth and faith retention. Or email Kurt at kurt@svpc.us. Our number one priority is to have your students retain their faith when they leave SVPC and I believe this is a huge step in the right direction. Thanks!

P.S. Junior Highers will meet in the gym September 11.

DPA**DONUT PARTY AFTER

Choir of BellsHave an ear for music? Have an interest in playing (or learning to play) hand bells? If so, come join the Choir of Bells for their fall season and make a joyful noise unto the Lord! The Choir of Bells rings at the 10 AM service on the third Sunday of each month and in a prelude prior to the 11 PM service on Christmas Eve.

Practices are Tuesdays from 7–9 PM in the sanctuary. The first rehearsal is September 6. All levels of experience are welcome; the first few rehearsals will cover introduc-tory material. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Gretchen Rauch at grauch@me.com or Jeff Reilly at jreillyhome@gmail.com.

Youth Director Search UpdateThe Youth Director search committee has been meeting for about three months. They have received more than 40 resumes from potential candidates. At this time they have interviewed five candidates over the phone and hope to have some face-to-face interviews in the near future. While we are encouraged, we are also grateful that we do not feel we are on a tight timeline. Kurt Miller, our amazing Associate Director of Youth Ministry, is moving forward with the youth program and we have every confidence in him. With that assurance, we are waiting for God’s perfect timing for a mutual decision between the committee and the candidate we eventu-ally hire. Please keep the team and the process in your prayers.

Want To Pay Less Tax?Tavie Armfield, Church Comptroller

Here are three popular ways people are giving to charities and reducing their tax burden:

Give appreciated stock.1. If you give stock shares directly to SVPC, you may claim the current market value of the shares as a charitable gift, and you do not pay taxes on your gains. Give through your Charitable Trust Accounts such as a 2. Donor Advised Fund. A tax deduction can be taken when the fund is established and the donor determines how the funds are to be invested, as well as when and to whom the funds may be given. Give from your IRA/401K/403B distribution directly 3. to SVPC. If a donor is over age 70½, a “Required Minimum Distribution” (RMD) must be taken annually. If the distribution is sent directly to SVPC as a contribution, it is not counted as taxable income.

This is meant to be an overview. In all cases, please consult your tax advisor.

Financial Update through JulyTavie Armfield, Church Comptroller

Our fiscal year, which began in April, is off to an excellent start (see sidebar). This surplus has continued to grow over the summer months and is much healthier than we normally see. Having lower expenses than expected and a VERY generous congregation are the reasons for the surplus. Your continued dedication to the financial well-being of our church is what makes it possible for us to continue to be a thriving church community. Thank you!

$669k Income-$529k Expenses

$141k Surplus

Who Is Jesus? What a Difference a Lens Makes: San Francisco Theological Seminary Horizons Bible Study DaySaturday, September 10, 10 AM–3 PM

Presbyterian Women invite you to spend the day with the Rev. Judy Yates Siker, author of the 2016 Horizons Bible Study. She invites you on a journey to better understand who Jesus was and is—a journey of your hearts and minds. Refreshments and lunch are included.

Register by September 1 at the San Francisco Theological Seminary website. Go to sfts.edu, then go to News & Events > Upcoming Events > Horizons Bible Study > Buy tickets now!

For more information and carpooling, contact Jackie Mattison at 408-241-0760.

Presbyterian Women Fall GatheringSeptember 22, 10:30 AM, Fellowship Hall

All the women of SVPC and their friends are welcome at the SVPC Presbyterian Women (PW) Fall Gathering. Lucy Janjigian, an artist whose paintings appear in various col-lections around the world, will present her DVD “Journey to Resurrection,” and speak about her paintings. She is a member of this church and active in PW at both the local and national levels.

At the start of the gathering Pastor Karen Hejmanowski will conduct the installation of the PW officers. Light re-freshments will be served. For more information, contact Jackie Mattison at 408-241-0760.

Rev. Judy Yates Siker

Lucy Janjigian

Reaching Out In Love.Christ commands us to love one another as He loves us. Here’s how.

Parent Support Group CoffeeResumes Tuesday, September 6, 9–10 AM

We will be resuming our Parent Support Group Coffees. Last year’s coffees were a great success. Parents who attended included those whose lives are affected by family members with special needs, learning differences, behavior challenges, or those wanting to be a part of a sup-portive community.

The Special Needs Ministry at Sunnyvale Presbyterian welcomes you to be part of this informal group. This is a place for parents in the community to gain support, ask questions, share stories, learn about resources, as well as share joys and accomplishments along their journey. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month in the Coleman Room. For further informa-tion, please contact Sara Grignon at sara@svpc.us.

Silicon Valley Mobile PackSeptember 23–24

Open registration started on August 26. Hurry to get on a packing shift before all of the volunteer slots are filled or you can sign up for the waiting list. Contact Gary Ruschke at missioneldergary@gmail.com for questions and child care.

Follow this link to register: bit.ly/SVPC_MobilePack_Reg. Password: pack2016 (only required through August 25). See the church website for event details: www.svpc.us/difference/mobilepack.

Alternative Gift Faire SuspendedThe Mission and Service ministry is sad to announce that SVPC will not be holding an Alternative Gift Faire this holiday season due to a lack of volunteer leadership. We would like to thank last year’s leaders and all of the volun-teers who have served in this ministry over the years. The Mission and Service team will be looking into possible options to provide the congregation with other alternative giving opportunities for the holidays. Please contact Gary Ruschke at missioneldergary@gmail.com for questions.

Knit for Kids Sweater DedicationSunday, September 25, at the 10 AM and 5 PM services

Sweaters should be turned in at the church office or to Marilyn Kunz, 408-247-7865 by September 22 to be included in the display on Trinity Court. Stop by our table to ask questions and pick up an easy pattern. You may also turn in any finished sweaters. In October, the sweaters will be distributed to Jonna, our mission partner in Central Asia, and also around the world through World Vision.

Thank you to all the knitters and crocheters for the dedication, time and love that you give to this ministry and for the beautiful handmade items you make for children around the world. Please check the Sunday bulletins for announcements about our monthly lunchtime knitting meetings.

Eagle Scout Rebuilds Book SaleOn Sunday see the new Book Sale. The cabinet, of similar but improved design, was originally built by longtime church member, Ken Lafler. For over 30 years it offered Bibles and books for all ages.

Jon Moorwood, a scout from SVPC’s Troop 466, made the new Book Sale display as his Eagle project. He admitted he didn’t really understand how much effort and time it would take, estimating three days of building. They checked measurements multiple times and used scrap wood first. Jon says, “My team really helped me (through) the six days it actually took to build. We wanted to make this the best cabinet we could. I wondered if we could finish, (but) I learned, with enough effort, you can achieve your goals. Thank you for the opportunity. I hope (it) lasts a long time.”

Organ RecitalFriday, October 14, 7:30 PM

Ugo Sforza, an accom-plished Italian organist and composer, will return to the Bay Area for an organ recital. His program will include a variety of exciting organ rep-ertoire: Reger's Phantasie und Fuge über BACH; Franck's beautiful Prélude, Fugue et Variation (op. 18); and several of Ugo’s original compo-sitions (including a first performance).

Ugo presented wonderful recitals for us the past two autumns, and we are eager to welcome him back for another inspiring performance. There is no admission charge; a free-will offering will be received at the door. Invite your friends and family to join us for this recital, and for the reception following in Fellowship Hall.

For more information on Ugo Sforza and his music visit his website: ugosforza.jimdo.com.

50s+ Singles Group DinnerThursday, September 8, 6 PM, Black Bear Diner

Our new 50s+ Singles Group, Spice, will meet for dinner at Black Bear Diner in Sunnyvale. Come join us and enjoy a pleasant meal. We welcome people who are part of SVPC as well as those in our community. We have a regular monthly dinner at local restaurants on the second Thursday of each month. We plan to do other activities and outings as the group grows. This is a wonderful way to make new friends. For more infor-mation, contact Melanie Prolo at 408-934-9311 or melanieprolo@gmail.com.

Fall 2016 Adult Learning Programs Help you “Go Deeper”Adult Learning has many ways for you to “go deeper” in your faith this fall. The fall schedule starts with a timely presentation by the Rev. Dr. Jim Bennett, Parish Associate at SVPC and Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies at Santa Clara University. On September 12 at 7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall, Jim will be speaking on Religion and the 2016 Presidential Election. You don’t want to miss this lively discussion!

Then, beginning September 25, join Pastor Debbie Whaley as she leads the five-week class, Interpreting Scripture in Community. Reading the Bible is not as simple as it seems, yet we know that Scripture is the best way for us to learn about God’s character, mission, and grace. The class will be offered Sundays, starting on September 25, at 11:30 AM in Fellowship Hall, and Wednesdays, starting September 28, at 7:30 PM in Soulé Hall. Be sure to register for either the Sunday or Wednesday class on the church website or at bit.ly/AL-InterpretingScripture.

Adult Learning Fall Schedule

Monday, September 12, Religion and the 2016 Presidential Election

Sundays and Wednesdays, September 25– October 26, Interpreting Scripture in Community

Monday, October 10, Energize Sunnyvale

Sundays, November 6–20, The Mystery of the Incarnation

Wednesdays, November 8–December 7, The Book of James

Saturday, December 10, Advent Retreat

In Our Thoughts and Prayers... For the loss of loved ones: Barbara Brown; Beth Pole’s husband (Raymond Pole); Lois

Sanguinetti’s sister (Norma Deem) For cancer treatment: Bob MeyersFor recovery: Charlotte Birdsong, Shannon Birdsong, Steve Dansey, Jackie Hirsch, Lucy

Janjigian

Keep in touch!E-mail — info@svpc.us

Like us on Facebook: SVPC — facebook.com/SunnyvalePres Youth — facebook.com/SVPCYFM Children’s — facebook.com/SVPCMWCJAM—facebook.com/groups/JAMSunnyvaleThe Table—facebook.com/TableSVPC

In Celebration... We celebrate the births of Ryder Barrett Saik to Barry and Debbie Wilson Saik, and Penelope August Derr to parents Tara and Chris Derr, brother Beckett and grandparents Wilna and Chris Derr.

We also celebrate the 65th wedding anniversary of Barbara and Ruel Lefler in July.

A Wealth of Resources Do you know that in addition to the great resources in our church library, we’re a member of the Northern California Ecumenical Media Resource Center (MRC), and their resources are available to anyone in our church?

Small groups, Presbyterian Women small group circles, committees, and classes for all ages can check out media for a one-time session or series. Individuals can check out media for personal study and inspiration, and families can enjoy DVDs, videos and Bible computer programs.

The MRC catalog is online. Items can be mailed if you pay the postage, or picked up and returned to the MRC, which is located at the Campbell Methodist Church on Winchester near Hamilton Avenue.

www.emrclibrary.org

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