Sunnyvale United Methodist Church

		First United Methodist Church of Sunnyvale


Worship/Music
Fellowship
Youth/Learning
Church History
Outreach
Church Staff

Outreach

Lay Ministry
A trained support team of individuals who provide pastoral care and assistance to the congregation and beyond. Monthly meetings are held for continuing education and spiritual renewal.

Senior Nutrition Program
A community outreach program operated by the church with funding from Federal, State, County and City governments, and more than 20% contributions by the participants. Hot meals are served at 11 am each weekday along with camaraderie, live dance music, and many other services for the 200+ seniors. For more information, call (408) 739-0833.

Sr. Nutrition Program Celebrates 30 Years
On Wednesday, April 14, 2004 the Sunnyvale Sr. Nutrition Program celebrated 30 years of operation honoring its staff and volunteers. Sunnyvale¡¯s mayor, John Howe, presented a recognition and congratulations certificate from the City. Other honored guests included then Pastor, Paul Harkness, and church staff; Celine Chan, County Nutrition Services Manager, and various Santa Clara County staff who support the program.

The Sr. Nutrition program began in February 1974. Since then, untold numbers of meals have been served while the band plays music and seniors dance. FUMC provides the kitchen and dining room facilities, as well as staff and services to support the program.

Nick Vaksvik, site manager, has been with the program since 1977 and manages a cadre of part-time paid employees and dozens of volunteers. Currently Joan Smithson, site manager, co-manages the Senior Nutrition Program with Nick. The program provides nutritional lunches according to U.S.D.A. guidelines 5 days a week (M-F) serving close to 200 lunches daily at a minimum donation to participants. Dorothy Pioske, kitchen manager, has been with the program since 1978 and oversees the preparation of the meals by competent staff and helpers.

Funding is provided by the County of Santa Clara, the Council on Aging, the Santa Clara County U.S.D.A. and City of Sunnyvale along with participant donations.

We give thanks and blessings for all the paid staff and volunteers of the Sr. Nutrition Program for providing such a tremendous outreach to the community. It is a tribute to their faithfulness that they are celebrating 30 years of service!

Faith in Action (Rotating Shelter)
A shelter for the homeless which we host at our church one month each year, and which we support with meals at other times of the year.

Food Pantry
People with short-term needs are provided support from supplies donated by our members.

Mission Commission
Raises funds, consciousness, and support for those in need (homeless, abused, disadvantaged) through programs including Habitat for Humanity, Career Closet, and the San Jose Family Shelter.

Sunnyvale Cares
A joint effort with other area churches in which a food drive is done on the first Sunday of the month which benefits local food programs such as Fish, Our Daily Bread, and Sunnyvale Community Services.

World Outreach
Our congregation supports many urgent disaster relief needs through our regular apportionment giving and special offerings through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Our Conference Apportionments are used in part to support World Service, Africa University, Black College, Episcopal General Administration, Interdenominational Cooperation, and Ministerial Education