Session and Deacons

Session is responsible for the mission and government of the church. Session is comprised of installed elders and the pastors. Members of Program Staff and the Clerk of Session attend session meetings regularly. Elders are elected by the congregation for a three-year term to serve on Session. Elders are assigned to one of eight Ministry Areas (Children, Discipleship, Ministry Resources, Mission and Service, Caring, Welcome and Hospitality, Worship, Youth) or Chair of Council or Chair of Nominating Committee or Chair of Personnel. Session meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

The office of Deacon is one of empathy, witness, and service. Deacons serve as Christ’s hands and feet in our own community as they nurture members of the congregation. Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church deacons primarily provide caring contact and connection for members of our congregation who are unable to make it to church due to health or mobility issues. Deacons attend monthly meetings for mutual support and training, and may help with congregational needs as they arise. Desirable characteristics for deacons include sound judgment, compassion, warm sympathies, good listening skills, prayerfulness, and faithfulness.

Home Deacons provide care and nurture to assigned home-bound members of our church community. Each Home Deacon is assigned to one or two members at a time. The Home Deacon visits their care receiver(s) monthly or more (visiting times are flexible) and keeps in regular communication with Jean Ranck, the Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Care and Pastor Karin about any needs or celebrations that arise. This is a wonderful role for people who especially enjoy one-on-one interactions and working with senior adults.