Groups

Community is a key component of the Christian Life. At Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church we believe it's important to offer many opportunities for growth and fellowship within the larger group of those who attend services here. One of the best ways to foster spiritual growth, fellowship and to provide opportunities to develop new friendships is through interaction within a group outside of the worship activities at our church. We invite everyone to review the variety of groups and opportunities for spiritual growth that are currently active in our church family; then get involved with one or more.

Check out these opportunities to connect, and email Carol Heath, Director of Community Life to find out how connect with a group that interests you.

Small groups at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church are a great way to get connected with our church community. In these groups relationships are strengthened, friendships are formed, and support systems are put in place to help navigate through our journey of faith and our daily lives.

Study Groups meet weekly or bi-weekly to consider a passage of scripture or a topic in light of our faith. The participants in these groups desire to grow in depth of understanding of faith while encouraging and supporting one another through prayer and care.

Prayer Groups meet to lift up one another, the church, and others in prayer. These groups can be a great place to grow in confidence in praying and to join with others who are committed to praying for our community!

Are you in your 20s or 30s? Looking to connect with others? Whether you identify as single, partnered, LGBTQIA+ or straight, all are welcome!

The Young Adults at SVPC are a diverse group of people in their 20s and 30s. Some are single, some married, some with children. While everyone is at a different place in their faith journey, what we have in common is an interest in building community with our peers in Christian fellowship. Throughout the year we host various activities including hikes, picnics and BBQs, wine tasting, and holiday parties.

For more information contact Jonathan Dix.

Presbyterian Women (PW) is the national women's organization of the Presbyterian Church (USA). With a history of more than 200 years, PW is committed to nurturing faith, supporting the church's mission, working for justice, and building community. Membership is open to all women.

SVPC's PW gives strong support to the mission of the PC(USA) and commits to nurture our faith through prayer and study. We have four general meetings a year and many of our members belong to smaller groups called Circles that meet monthly.

Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church has an active PW organization to which all women are invited for fellowship, bible study, and involvement in the church and community.

PW Circles are groups of women that meet regularly, usually monthly from September through June, for fellowship, prayer, discussion of study material and planning. For information about when the PW Circles meet, please contact pw@sunnyvalepres.com

This year's Horizon's Bible study, "Sacred Encounters," invites us to consider Jesus, "the good shepherd" (Luke 10:15), who shared the Good News through sacred encounters with everyday people.

The annual Spring Retreat for women and non-binary people is always a time of refreshment and a chance to pull away from the stresses of everyday life to connect and reconnect with other women of the church. You'll have opportunities to relax, hike, laugh, read, share a craft, or just hang out with friends.

The 2024 retreat is April 5 – 7 at the Vallombrosa Center in Menlo Park with speaker Rev. Marci Glass. More information can be found here.

For more information, contact the retreat directors at womens_retreat@sunnyvalepres.com.

Whether you’re new to biking or a long-time cyclist, SVPC's cycling group is for you. We have rides throughout the year to encourage cycling and fellowship; some are easier while others require more cycling experience. Participate whenever and however you wish. We hope you'll join us as we celebrate creation and our commitment to hospitality and community. We ride together on Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Email biking@sunnyvalepres.com if you would like to be invited to SVPC's Yahoo! biking group and receive information on upcoming rides.

The Choir of Bells shares their gift of music during worship once per calendar month from September through June, and at an annual concert. There are about 13 ringers aged 12 and older, some of whom have been ringing since they were small children and others who have only been ringing a few months, and some family groups who ring together.

The Choir of Bells practices Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary beginning in September. We always have a lot of fun and the fellowship is wonderful. For anyone interested in joining the “Bells,” the ability to read music is a big bonus, but is not absolutely necessary—we will teach you what you need to know!

Gretchen Rauch, Choir of Bells Director
Email: Gretchen Rauch

If you can knit and purl or crochet, you have the skills to create a colorful sweater, scarf, baby blanket or baby cap. The group meets in the afternoon on the second Wednesday of each month, or you may choose to knit indivdually and turn in completed items to Marilyn Kunz. Check out World Vision's Knit for Kids page to see how your knitted creation will impact the lives of children around the world.

For more information or for a knit or crochet pattern, contact Marilyn Kunz 408-247-7865 or knitforkids.svpc@gmail.com.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry is one way that knitters have combined their faith and their knitting. According to Jane Bristow, co-founder of the ministry, “Shawls … made for centuries are universal and embracing. They enfold, comfort, cover, wrap, give solace, warmth, mother, hug, shelter, and beautify. They are symbolic of inclusive and unconditional loving. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed.”

Knitters (and crocheters) of all skill levels meet monthly to work on individual prayer shawls. The shawl maker begins with prayers for the recipient (known or unknown). Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Shawls are offered for many reasons including bereavement, comfort during an illness, a birth, or celebration.

Join us at our monthly gathering on the third Wednesday of each month from 7:30–9 p.m. You are also invited to make shawls in your own home and to contribute them.

To participate or for more information, please contact prayershawl@sunnyvalepres.com.