inside this issue pastor`s parable may 2015

PASTOR’S PARABLE
Pastor Henry
We recently completed the six weeks Lenten journey and also celebrated the
glorious resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday. One of the highlights of the
Easter Sunday celebration at our churches was the Easter egg hunt. Each
Easter Sunday, many children and parents from the community gather in
anticipation for the time to begin the hunt. And many volunteers from our
churches work very hard to make it happen.
This year, the Duet Christian Education Team decided to make this event a
chance to reach out to the families coming for the egg hunt. It turned out to be
a wonderful opportunity for one of our ministry values: welcoming and
outreach. In addition to the usual egg hunt preparation, the Education Team
prepared a hand out with the children’s ministry information including our
regular Sunday school, the music program, and Vacation Bible School. In order
to promote our children’s ministry, the Education Team decided to purchase
recyclable grocery bags and provided them as a free gift. The bag was designed
with a slogan, “Bag It for God’s Planet”, and included our church names and
address. It attracted everyone to stop by for the gift and flyers, and most left
their contact information for follow up.
I think this event was successful because the gift was something most people
found interesting and useful. The recyclable shopping bags were seen as
welcoming and inviting. It was possible because of the hard working people of
our churches. The bag was indeed a great hit. Just imagine when people take
our bags when they shop, the bag becomes a walking advertisement for our
churches and ministries. When our ministry focuses on the needs of the people
we serve, the outcome can be more exciting and effective. Because of the
innovation and hard work of our church leaders, more people in our
community learn more about the active children’s ministries at our church.
Continue Page 2 Col. 1
Relying on God's
faithfulness, we journey
together seeking unity,
inclusiveness, and renewed
life in Christ, becoming a
vibrant witness to
God's love.
MAY 2015
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
CALENDARS
FELLOWSHIP EVENTS
LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES
LECTIONARY
PASTOR’S PARABLE
PRAYER CONCERNS
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
SUNDAY SCHEDULES
UNITED METHODIST
WOMEN
PASTOR’S PARABLE
(cont.)
I want to thank our Duet Christian
Education and Evangelism Teams for
making this event possible. I thank
Ken Redler for researching the
source for the bags, Lea McGowan for
the wonderful design, and Bob
McGowan for processing the
purchase. It would not have been
possible without the hard work of the
welcoming crew, including Linna
Harnack and members of the Duet
Teams. This event was a great
example of how we are relevant and
effective in meeting the needs of the
community.
I remember the Maundy Thursday
reading of Jesus washing the feet of
his disciples and his reminder of his
active service for the disciples.
“I,
your Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet. So you also
should wash one another’s feet. I
have given you an example. You
should do as I have done for you.
(John 13:14-15 NIRV)
EGGTISTICS
How many plastic eggs? 1,253 and
they all disappeared in 3 minutes flat.
How many Easter bunnies does it
take to fill 1,253 plastic eggs? In the
week prior to the main event,
Cheyenne filled 300 eggs to earn
three hours for her school volunteer
time. On the Friday before Easter
Sunday, volunteers gathered in Room
1 to fill 900 eggs. In about an hour
the job was complete. We thank
stuffers Gloria, Olivia and Serena;
Bev, Lois, Ione, Anne, Jim, Carol,
Nancy, and Ken. Cheryl and Jane kept
the egg fillers supplied with empty
plastic eggs, candy, and stickers.
What did the egg hunters find inside
those 1,253 eggs? Thanks to Cheryl,
who cut sheets of stickers, each egg
was stuffed with two Tootsie Roll
candies and one sticker.
That’s not all! Bags were filled with 50
eggs and ready for distribution on the
lawn areas before worship on Easter
Sunday. A group of youth volunteers
then distributed the eggs. The hunting
grounds were taped off by Ken, who then
did crowd control.
Everyone had so much fun, we know
they’ll be back next year to do it all
again.
May it be a constant reminder for our
everyday ministry.
DUET MINISTRY TEAM
VISION STATEMENTS
Duet Education Team—Deepen and
build our understanding of, and
relationship with God by: nurturing
faith, encouraging study of the Bible,
teaching Christian history, tradition
and discipleship, leading to a
celebration of our relationship with
God and all God’s children. Ken Redler,
Chairperson
Duet Evangelism Team—To joyfully
share our growing relationship with
the living God, and invite others to
experience the exciting, transforming
power of being a part of Christian
Community. Bob McGowan, Chairperson
Duet Fellowship Team—Strengthen
and grow our Christian community
by developing friendships, melding
the congregations, and welcoming
others into our fellowship. Mickey
Lazaga, Chairperson
Duet Social Ministry Team—In
response to our calling to be God’s
hands on earth we lovingly serve
God’s children, sharing our resources
as we serve, learn, teach, and
advocate. Judy Williams, Chairperson
Duet Worship Team—In worship
we are drawing into a relationship
with God and into God’s presence
through praising, praying, listening,
teaching, and receiving the
sacraments. Dianne La Verne,
Chairperson
DUET Staff
Senior Editors
Pastor Henry
Henry Kim, Pastor
Peggy White, Pastor
Production Editors
Lea McGowan
Matthew Ridgway
Writers
All the People
Office Hours
St. John: Tues, Wed, Fri, 930 am-130 pm
Trinity & JV: Monday-Friday, 9 am-1 pm
Available by Appointment
DUET articles are due in the office by the
15th of every month.
Page 2
THIS ‘N THAT
YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS
Our friends at St. John Lutheran Church:
Art, Anne, Mark,
Joan, and the Seiler-Garman family.
Imagine NO Malaria. To date, our Malaria fund raising
efforts have brought in more than $745. Keep those
donations coming in to St. John and Trinity.
Our friends at Trinity United Methodist Church:
Jessica and her family, Melva, Pat, Clare (Dianne’s mother),
and Ruth Wise.
Guys, you are missing out if you don’t attend the Men’s
Breakfast Fellowship on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each
month at 7 am in the Fellowship Hall. Made-to-order
pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee, and juice are served (along
with fresh biscuits from the kitchen of Bob Williams).
You’ll enjoy lively conversation with several of the men
from the Faith in Action Shelter. Attendance is averaging
about 16 men. Try it, you’ll like it!
We extend our sympathy to Alice Winkler”s family. Alice
died on March 25, 2015. She was a long-time member of
St. John’s.
We pray for those who are or have been ill, those
undergoing treatments, those recovering from surgery, and
their caregivers;
Duet Worship (formerly Joint Worship) will come again
May 31, the last day of Sunday school for the children. Join
us at 10 am for worship with fellowship following.
all of God’s people, church members, our elderly and shutin friends, and our faraway friends;
for those unemployed, looking for work, beginning new
jobs, the under-employed, hungry, outdoor citizens,
victims of violence, and struggling families;
Did you notice? Thanks to a generous donor, there are
new, comfortable folding chairs in the Sanctuary building—
they even match the carpet color. The well-worn orangered folding chairs have been retired to other rooms on
campus.
for those affected by intense storms and earthquakes,
especially in Nepal; and victims of fire and other disasters
so that they might rebuild their communities and grow
closer to one another;
for empowering the church with grace, hope, and healing,
in nations suffering from Ebola, experiencing turmoil or
unrest, and those living under oppressive leadership;
The Easter Pancake Breakfast was a hit with our visitors
and friends on Easter Sunday. Thank you, Boy Scouts, for
returning with this welcome tradition. We’re looking
forward to next year!
for all those who suffer from the burning fever, painful
aches of malaria, and live in constant dread of the bite of
deadly mosquitoes, that they find respite from their pains
and that God fill their hearts with hope and assurance of a
malaria-free future;
Wondering what to do with those plastic Easter eggs?
They can be recycled at church for next year’s Easter egg
hunt. Drop them off in the church entry or in the office any
time.
for immigrants coming across our U.S. border, both
unaccompanied minors and adults, that they receive
humanitarian assistance from our government agencies
charged with their care;
Have you lost it? We have one brown tweed Irish
motoring cap size 7-1/4; one tan White Sierra XL jacket;
and one square electronic auto access key. Claim in the
church office.
police, firefighters, emergency care workers, safety
personnel, and military personnel, especially those who
have come home broken in mind, body, and spirit;
Bag It For God’s Planet bags are available at church any
time. Take them for you and give to your neighbors too.
Get the word out that our churches are active in the
community.
the leaders of our cities, state, and nation, including
Governor Brown, President Obama, and leaders
throughout the world;
guidance for the missions and pastors of St. John, Trinity,
and The Very Good Korean Methodist Church;
strength for our church leaders around the world,
especially ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton; ELCA
Bishop Holmerud; UMC Bishop Brown; and UMC El Camino
Real District Superintendent, Kristie Olah.
God, make this Easter season, our prayers and meditations,
be a rich time for thanksgiving and growth. Holy God,
bring to our minds and hearts the needs of the world and
our fitting response. Amen.
The Thursday night Duet Prayer Fellowship meets in the Library at
7 pm to pray for many people whose names are not published. You
are welcome to join this small group to pray for spiritual growth
and healing through prayer for others. Please contact Jane Dredge,
Mickey Lazaga, or your pastor if you wish to have anyone added to
our prayer list.
Page 3
DUET CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
WHERE TO BEGIN?
 Ken & Linna
If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and
give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure
in heaven; then come, follow me. Jesus Christ
Graduate Recognition Sunday
On June 14, the second Sunday in June, the names of all
of our graduates, e.g., those graduating from
kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high
school, vocation or community college and university,
will be listed on an insert in our bulletins so all can
become familiar with the advancement of our
community’s young people.
...the poverty of the poor is not a call to generous relief
action, but a demand that we go and build a different
social order. Gustavo Gutierrez
We can get started in several small ways:
⦁ Support smaller, locally owned businesses.
⦁ Reduce, reuse, and recycle so we don’t use more
than our fair share of available resources.
⦁ Tip generously, and engage service staff in caring
conversations.
⦁ Give often and generously to agencies that
address problems of hunger and homelessness.
Pastors Henry and Peggy will also want to give all
those graduates present on that day a special blessing
during worship. At 10:20 am, in the Fellowship Hall,
the Duet Education Team plans to give a special
recognition to those graduates from high school and
above.
Consider the relationship between low-priced goods
and services, and many workers’ low wages.
Kathryn Haueisen, retired ELCA pastor
We hope to hear from those graduates about their
future plans. To ensure the team has the names of all
of the 2015 graduates, we are requesting all parents,
grandparents, aunts and uncles, to please give us the
names of the graduates in your family as soon as
possible. We need to have a complete list by May 15,
not only for our planning purposes but also to publish
the list in the June DUET.
PROJECT DAY — EVERY FRIDAY
 Jane
A special “thank you” to all those who helped fill over
1250 Easter eggs for the egg hunt! Come to Project
Day any time after 9:30 am on Fridays, even if you do
not have a project. Just relax and enjoy a treat with
coffee or tea.
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
The Education Team has chosen “Hometown
Nazareth” as the theme this summer. Our desire is to
have children identify with Jesus as a child - what his
hometown looked like, how the people dressed in that
day, what type of activities and games were part of his
early life, a house where Jesus was raised, and maybe
meet his mother Mary who will tell them the stories of
his birth and childhood. There will be shops in his
hometown market place where our children will meet
craftspeople of that day and participate in making the
same crafts with which Jesus was very familiar as a
child. There will also be a corral near the market place
to introduce our children to the typical animals that
Jesus saw and played with. In fact, it might be possible
that during one of these VBS sessions, those animals
may be real ones. But shhhh, we need to wait and see….
The warmer weather is not ending the scarf project.
We have more yarn available and will continue to
make scarves.
CROP HUNGER WALK
 Judy
The Church World Service CROP Hunger Walk took
place in San Jose around the rose garden on April 19.
Donations are still needed to support the hungry in
our area. You can donate on line in support of St. John
and Trinity’s teams.
St. John Lutheran Church
http://hunger.cwsglobal.org/goto/stjohnsunnyvale
Obviously we are going to have a lot of fun. And we’ll
need help! You might expect to be approached real
soon and be asked to participate somehow. And if you
do participate, you won’t regret it. Once again, we will
have our VBS session back-to-back with the Summer
BBQ. There will be five sessions, one every week on
Wednesday evenings starting on June 24 and ending on
July 22. As before, we will gather at 6:40 pm and end
at 8:00 pm.
Trinity United Methodist Church
http://hunger.cwsglobal.org/goto/trinitysvale
Page 4
DUET FELLOWSHIP TEAM EVENTS
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
A
 Walt
Bev
Sunnyvale Singers. On Saturday, May 2 at 3 pm, the
Sunnyvale Singers present for our enjoyment “War No
More”, songs of lament and hope commemorating the
150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War.
Welcome Back, Suad
At our April 14 meeting, we were surprised and
blessed with the presence of Suad, our UMW friend and
former church secretary of many years, who has been
gone for four months visiting family in Palestine. Suad
shared beautiful pictures of her granddaughter’s
wedding in Ramallah on January 4, 2015.
But upon the heels of this celebration, all of us at the
meeting witnessed a sobering event. Melva, as she was
presenting the opening devotions, accidentally tripped
and suffered a horrendous fall. The meeting was
postponed, and Melva is presently recovering from
bruises, a broken vertebrae, and a broken arm.
This concert will benefit Sunnyvale Community
Services. A free-will offering will be taken. Again we
need finger foods for the reception after the concert.
Summer Barbecues. On June 17 we will have the first
of ten summer barbecues. Come and enjoy good food
and fellowship. Invite your friends and neighbors to
take advantage of this opportunity.
Our prayers are all focused on concern for Melva.
General Meeting—May 12
Ardys is scheduled for a program on “Methodist
Terminology”, sharing her journey on becoming a
pastor and explaining the Methodist ordination
process. All are welcome—Tuesday, May 12, 9:30 am,
Room 1.
Ice Cream Social. On Sunday, June 14, the alwayspopular Ice Cream Social will be held in the sanctuary.
Make your own ice cream sundae and then enjoy live
big band music. You also have a good chance to win a
cake or plate of cookies in the cakewalk. Bring your
children or grandchildren as they always enjoy ice
cream and winning cakes!
Upcoming
Potluck luncheon, June 9, 10 am—you don’t want to
miss Vickie’s telling of her experiences with senior
concerns.
Other Events. The Fellowship Team is also working
on events for later in the year including a San Jose
Giants game and a visit to the De Anza Planetarium.
FREE FRIDAY FLICK—MAY 8
THANKS
to the Fellowship Committee, UMW, and Bill Fleig
for organizing the set up of the canopies and all
others who made the reception after the Music
Festival a wonderful success. It was nice having
the outside experience where everyone seemed to
enjoy the weather (even the wind), the food, and
time to socialize. I really want to say how much I
appreciated all the hard work.
 Bob
Are you ready for this one? William Powell and
Myrna Loy star in I Love you Again (1940), a zany
comedy about a boring business man—well, really a
notorious con man. There’s something about blows
to the head that change Powell’s personality.
Curious?
Mickey
We’ll see Our Gang veterans Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer and
Mickey Gubitosi, aka Robert Blake, in a funny
sequence with a group of surly kids.
SANTA’S HELPERS
After last month’s movie, we
were still laughing on Sunday!
This one promises to provide
more laughs.
Invite your
family and friends for a fun
Friday evening at the movies.
Sharing of snacks before
during and after the showing
is always a highlight of the
evening. Plan to come!
Jane
Come and join us the third Saturdays of May-June,
September-November, at 9:30 am in Room 1. These
workshops are two hours.
We are working to fill 500 Santa Bags this year, our
24th and final year.
Santa’s Helpers is an independent charitable organization operating
out of our facilities.
Page 5
A GIFT OF SERVICE
TRINITY’S SUNDAY SCHEDULES
GREETERS AND USHERS
May
3
Ardys
10
Jane
17
Volunteer Needed
24
Volunteer Needed
31
Volunteer Needed
June
7
14
21
28
Ardys
Volunteer Needed
Volunteer Needed
Volunteer Needed
SCRIPTURE READERS
May
3
Ardys
10
Jane
17
Volunteer Needed
24
Dianne La Verne
31
Volunteer Needed
June
7
14
21
28
KIDS’ TIME
May
3
10
17
24
31
Ardys
Volunteer Needed
Volunteer Needed
Dianne La Verne
Bob
Jane
Jane
Dianne
Volunteer Needed
FELLOWSHIP TIME
May
3
Board of Trustees
10
Education
17
Staff-Parish Relations
24
United Methodist Women
31
Duet Council & Men’s Fellowship
June
7
Church & Society
14
Finance Committee
21
Nominations Committee
28
Evangelism
NOTE: Trinity’s Fellowship Time hosts are responsible
for making coffee and providing snacks after worship.
Please be sure to clean up, empty the trash, and lock the
doors after Fellowship Time.
ALTAR FLOWERS
May
3
10
17
24
31
Donor Needed
The McBeth Family
The McGowan Family
The Noguera Family
The Wilser Family
ST. JOHN’S WORSHIP MINISTERS
May
3
May
10
May
17
May
24
May
31
Walt & Carol, Jim,
Chuck & Ruth,
Refreshments: Sign up Needed!
Jim, Sharon,
Marsha, Mickey, Chuck & Ruth
Refreshments: Sign up Needed!
Seiler-Garman Family, Dennis, Toshiko,
Sharon & Linna
Refreshments: Sign up Needed!
Jim, Mickey, Dorothy, Walt & Carol
Refreshments: Sign up needed!
Duet Worship
Linda, Sharon,
Chuck & Ruth
Refreshments: Duet Council
MAY 2015 LECTIONARY
May
3
Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31;
1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8
May
10
Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98;
1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
May
17
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1;
1 John 5:9-13; John 17: 6-19
May
24
Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b;
Romans 8:22-27;
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
May
31
Duet Worship
Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17;
John 3:1-17
Page 6
MAY 2015 CALENDARS
ST. JOHN & TRINITY
Weekly Schedule
Sunday
Worship, 9:15 am and 11:00 am
Duet Children’s Sunday School, 9:45 am (Room 2)
Duet Youth Group, 9:45 am (Room 3, 2nd & 4th Sundays)
Duet Children’s Music Time, 10:30 am (Chapel)
May Events & Meetings
2
Sunnyvale Singers Benefit Concert, 3 pm
6
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, 7 am
8
Free Friday Flick, 8 pm
10
Mother’s Day
12
UMW General Meeting, 9:30 am
15
DUET Newsletter Deadline, 8 am
Tuesday
Praise Singers, 6:30 pm (Room 1)
16
Santa’s Helpers Workshop, 9:30 am
20
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, 7 am
Wednesday
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, 7 am (1st & 3rd Wednesday)
Project Group, 9 am (Fellowship Hall, 2nd Wednesday)
Trinity Chime Choir, 6:30 pm (Sanctuary)
Trinity Adult Choir, 7:30 pm (Sanctuary)
24
Pentecost Sunday, wear red
25
Faith in Action Shelter Meal
26
UMW Circle Meeting, 9:30 am
Joint Venture Advisory Committee, 7:30 pm
Thursday
Duet Prayer Fellowship, 7 pm (Library)
St. John Adult Choir, 7:30 pm (Sanctuary)
29-31
2015 ELCA Synod Assembly, Sacramento
Friday
Project Day, 9:30 am (Room 1)
Study Group, 3:30 pm (Call the Office for location)
Duet Council—May 11, 7:30 pm
Education—May 5, 7:30 pm
Evangelism—June 9, 6:30 pm
Fellowship—May 12, 7:30 pm
Social Ministry—May 4, 1:30 pm
Worship—May 20, 11:30 am
Monday
Yard Birds Breakfast, 8:00 am
Yard Birds Work on Campus, 9:00 am
For details about any of these events please see our
calendar at www.luther95.net/SJLC-SCA/ or
www.trinityumcsunnyvale.org
You will find an electronic copy of the newsletter there.
The Duet Ministry is on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/DuetMinistry
Duet Ministry Team Meetings
Listed in alphabetical order
2015 Duet Worship Schedules
Duet Worship services are scheduled throughout the
year. Please make a note on your calendar and join us
for worship at 10 am on the fifth Sundays of 2015.
⦁ May 31
⦁ August 30
⦁ November 29
When you finish reading the DUET,
please recycle responsibly.
Page 7
St. John/Trinity Joint Venture
581 East Fremont Avenue
Sunnyvale CA 94087-2743
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
DATED MATERIAL
PLEASE DELIVER BEFORE MAY 1, 2015
MAY/JUNE 2015
How to Contact Us
Internet
www.luther95.net/SJLC-SCA
www.trinityumcsunnyvale.org
www.facebook.com/DuetMinistry
Email
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Telephone
St. John 1-408-739-2625
Trinity 1-408-739-1601
Joint Venture 1-408-739-1601
Fax 1-408-739-2627
You’re Invited!
May 2015
June 2015
May 2
Sunnyvale Singers Benefit Concert, 3 pm
June 3
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, 7 am
May 6
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, 7 am
June 12
Free Friday Flick, 8 pm
May 8
Free Friday Flick, 8 pm
June 14
Big Band Concert & Ice Cream Social
May 10
Mothers’ Day
June 17
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, 7 am
Summer BBQ, 6 pm
May 20
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship, 7 am
May 25
Memorial Day—Office Closed
May 31
Duet Worship Service, 10 am
June 2015 Articles Due May 15
June 24
Summer BBQ, 6 pm
Vacation Bible School, 6:45 pm