GROUPS

Get Connected!

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 opportunities to develop new friendships is through interaction within a group outside of the regular church worship activities. We invite everyone to review the variety of groups and opportunities for spiritual growth that are currently active in our church community, then get involved with one or more that spark your interest. 

 

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

Small Groups

Small groups at Sunnyvale Pres 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

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.

 

We also have a weekly Sunday morning Bible study, multiple Women's Bible study Circles organized through PW, and a weekly Men's Bible study group.

Prayer Groups

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!

Young Adults

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

 

The Young Adults at Sunnyvale Pres 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, email the Young Adults group leader.

Support Groups

Support groups are made up of people who desire to walk with others for a time to share encouragement in specific areas of challenge in their lives. These facilitated groups meet once or twice monthly. 

 

We currently offer multiple support groups, each with a specific focus — parents, the LGBTQ+ community, those grieving the loss of a loved one, and more. 

Support Groups

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

Presbyterian Women (PW)

Presbyterian Women (PW) is the national women's organization of the Presbyterian Church (USA). With a history spanning 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 organization 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.

Presbyterian Women (PW) Circles

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 email the PW leader.

 

This year's Horizon's Bible Study, "Let Justice Roll Down," by author Patricia K. Till, invites us to care for neighbors and God's creation with all our hears, with particular care for society's least powerful members who are disproportionately impacted by unjust systems.

Spring Retreat

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 2025 retreat will be held March 28–30 at the Vallombrosa Center in Menlo Park. 

 

For more information, email the Spring Retreat directors. (Registration form coming soon!)

MEN'S MINISTRY

Winter Retreat

January 31 – February 1, 2025

The annual Winter Retreat for men and non-binary people is an opportunity to get away from our everyday lives and enjoy being with each other in a beautiful redwood forest setting for a transformational experience.

 

For more information, email the Winter Retreat directors. (Registration form coming soon!)

Men's Bible Study

Learn more about our weekly Men's Bible study group.

INTEREST GROUPS

Active Groups

Cycling

Saturdays @ 9 am

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 am.

 

Email the cycling group leader if you would like to be invited to our Yahoo! group and receive information on upcoming rides.

Hiking

2nd Saturdays @ 9 am

We are a group of hiking enthusiasts, many of whom attend Sunnyvale Pres. We welcome people of all faiths and all hiking abilities. We strive to be inclusive of all and enjoy discussing issues around faith as we walk in God’s creation. Hikes happen on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 9 am at the meetup site.

 

Join the hiking group email list to receive information on the monthly hikes.

Pickleball For All

Gym

Do you play pickleball, or are you interested in learning? Or do you just want to smack the ball around a bit while making new friends? Let's play! Our first meet-up is Sunday, September 29, where we'll discuss the group's frequency and availability going forward. Please RSVP on the pickleball group interest form to let us know if you're interested in joining us! Organizers: Erica Swanson & Marissa Moffett

Yoga

1st  Saturdays @ 9–10 am in Fellowship Hall

This group is a way for us to care for our bodies and souls as we do yoga as a spiritual practice. God dwells within and yoga is a way for us to be present to our bodies. Therefore, this practice helps us to be more present to God. In short, yoga is a unique form of body prayer. 

 

This group meets every 1st Saturday of the month from 9–10 am in Fellowship Hall. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing. Join us for a good stretch and to hear some poetic psalms in verse. For more information or to be added to the email list, please email Keyla Zorzella. (Yoga group will not meet on Dec. 7.)

Music Groups

Chancel Choir

Rehearsals Thursdays @ 7–9 pm

The Sunnyvale Presbyterian Chancel Choir sings a variety of music on Sunday mornings at the 10 am worship service, participates in a Christmas Eve service, and extends its ministry of music with concerts in December and in the spring.

 

Regular choir rehearsals are Thursdays from 7–9 pm. There are no auditions and perfect attendance is not required. Please email organist Valerie Sterk for more information.

 

Choir of Bells

Rehearsals Tuesdays @ 7 pm

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 a dozen ringers of all ages, and new people are welcome! 

 

The Choir of Bells practices Tuesday evenings at 7 pm in the sanctuary. 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 necessary — we will teach you what you need to know! For more information, please email Choir of Bells Director Gretchen Rauch.

Creative Groups

Knit for Kids

2nd Wednesdays

If you can knit 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, email SVPC's Knit for Kids coordinator.

Prayer Shawl Knitters

3rd Wednesdays @ 7:30–9 pm

The Prayer Shawl Ministry is one way for knitters to combine faith and knitting. Knitters/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. Shawls are offered for many reasons including bereavement, comfort during an illness, a birth, or celebration. 

 

Join us at our monthly gathering (you're also invited to make shawls at home to contribute.) To participate or for more information, please email the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Poetry

Meeting times vary

We are a diverse group of folks who love to read, hear, share, and talk about poetry. We also love sharing a meal together!  Email the poetry group leader for more information or to be added to the email list.

Fiber Arts

Meeting times vary

Fiber Arts encompasses all forms of fiber creativity including embroidery, knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, scrapbooking, and card making. The group enjoys sharing and discussion, group projects, and working on individual projects while being in community.  Email the fiber arts group leader for more information or to be added to the email list.

Cooking

4th Sundays @ 2 pm

Unleash your inner chef and join the SVPC Cooking Group! Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, enjoy the opportunity to explore new recipes, share culinary tips and enjoy delicious food while building community. Meetings are the 4th Sunday of every month at 2 pm (generally at a participant's house) with a theme decided by the group. Email the cooking group leader for more information or to be added to the email list.

Additional Groups

Genealogy

1st Tuesdays @ 7:30 pm on Zoom

If you are a beginner to genealogy or a seasoned researcher, the Genealogy Group can help you add branches to your family tree. Using online videos, we explore resources that can expand our individual family histories. Focusing on individual research, we work together to find solutions to family tree problems. This group is open to anyone who is interested in learning how to locate and document accurate records about their relatives. Email the genealogy group leader for more information, or to join the email list.

Environmental Justice Action Group

2nd Mondays @ 7:30 pm on Zoom

If you are interested in combining your faith with a concern for the environment, join the new Environmental Justice Action Group. This group will use Bible study as a way of exploring a variety of environmental topics and will develop several hands-on activities throughout the year. After an introductory study, the group will explore how SVPC could become an “Earth Care Congregation,” a PC(USA) designation for churches that commit to meeting environmental goals. Email the environmental justice action group leader for more information or to join the email list.

Board Games

Meeting times vary

Would you like to join the board game group? We meet for games as often as someone feels like hosting. Are you a novice? No problem; there are easy-to-learn games. Not competitive? There are cooperative games. Not a strategist? There are games of chance. Shy? You won’t have to make conversation. Email the board game group leader for more information or to join the email list.