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 has two types of deacons, Parish Deacon and Home Deacon. Deacons attend monthly meetings for mutual support and training, and may help with congregational needs as they arise. Desirable characteristics for both types of deacons include sound judgment, compassion, warm sympathies, good listening skills, prayerfulness, and faithfulness.

Deacons currently serving are: Sue Ahn, Julie Clinton, Helen Conklin, Drew Crow-Bray, Arul Daniel, Beverly Fisher, Milt Gentry, Pat Innes, Sara Johnson, Timblin Kelleher, Kathleen Newby, Linda Ometer, Kristi Pierce, Emily Ralph, Randy Ristau, Debbie Shaver, Anne Stewart and Cheryl Thomas.

PARISH DEACON

Parish Deacons provide ongoing care and nurture to members of the congregation according to individual needs and one’s own gifts for the ministry of compassion. Some of the areas of compassion are Parish Contact (through letter writing, e-mail, text, or phone), Newer Member Integration, and Young Adult Ministry. Deacons work closely with Associate Pastor Karin Kennedy Hejmanowski and Jean Ranck, the Administrative Assistant for Pastoral Care. This is a very rewarding role for people who enjoy getting to know members better and helping them feel connected to the church.

HOME DEACON

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 (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 job for people who especially enjoy one-on-one interactions and working with senior adults.