Grief Ministry

Saratoga Federated Church

We believe that when we experience grief we enter into a time of great potential for personal growth. These crises can become dangerous opportunities for us to receive comfort and encouragement as we step into new understandings and faith. Each one’s journey through the Valley of the Shadow is unique.

The journey is best when made with others. Our Grief Ministry Coordinator, Peggy Beck, accompanies the pastor when meeting with the family, represents the church in hosting the funeral/memorial service, coordinates the involvement of other parishioners for family meals, home watch, greeters/ushers, reception team, etc.

Grief Recovery Workshop

Meeting Sundays, 3:00-4:30
October 6, 13, 30 & 27, 2024
In Douglass Hall

Beginning Sunday October 6th from 3-4:30 pm in Douglass Hall, the Grief Ministry will be providing a workshop on self-care for those who are grieving, and those caring for others who are suffering a loss. Sessions will include practical tools, stories shared by those further along the same road, spiritual guidance, recommended resources, and fellowship with others living a similar experience. While our focus will be on bereavement, the workshop will be helpful for those recovering from any kind of loss. Divorcees are welcome. The workshop will run 4 weeks, through October 27. Consider attending with a friend.

Our speakers will be Jeanette Lindsay, Rolf Lips, Laurel Smith and Jackie Hester.

Questions? Contact Peggy Beck, Grief Ministry Coordinator, at (408) 867-1000 or by email.


Register for the Grief Recovery Workshops

Grief is harder around the holidays

Know how to deal with the challenges!
Sunday, November 17
3:00-5:00
Douglass Hall

The holidays can be a particularly challenging season for those grieving the loss of a loved one. The Care Ministry will be presenting this seminar to help those who have suffered a loss navigate the holidays.

This 2 hour seminar will feature practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts, and other people who have experienced the holidays after a loved one’s death. Those who attend will receive a Survival Guide filled with practical tips, encouraging words, journaling ideas, and exercises for help through the holiday season.


Register for Surviving the Holidays

If you have any trouble registering, email Peggy Beck.

Mom's Meet Up

Let us know how many children you are bringing to the Mom’s Meet Up on Monday, November 13.

Jill Okamura

Jill has attended SFC since moving to Saratoga in 1988. Jill and David married here over 25 years ago and raised their children, Zachary and Anna, at SFC.

David and the twins’ baptisms in the courtyard are treasured memories. Having accepted Christ as a child, Jill is passionate about helping kids and their families connect and grow with Christ. She has served in youth and children’s ministry over the years.

Jill enjoys being a Buddy in our Bridge Builders ministry, participating in Night to Shine and Scouting with David. She is humbled to be asked to serve as an elder.  

Email Jill

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.

Barb Clark

Barb and her husband Chris joined SFC over thirty years ago and raised their four children at the church. She has loved being part of the Body of Christ here, and especially treasures various Life Group and ministry experiences. 

She recently retired after 21 years of teaching and now is able to spend more time with her adult “kids,” their spouses, and her seven grandchildren. She loves days at the beach, reading a good book, praying for and with others, and gathering with friends.

Email Barb

Glenn Aby

Glenn grew up in Cupertino and went to Humboldt State to get a degree in Social Work and Sociology and later a Masters in Education to be a school counselor. 

For the last 28 years that’s what he’s been doing. Glenn joined Saratoga Federated in 2001 with his wife Janelle. They have two children who have grown up at Saratoga Federated; Katelyn (19) and Jack (16). Glenn enjoys running, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Email Glenn

Nick Kepler

Nick and his wife, Gail, have attended SFC since 2005, and their daughter, Jennifer, was active in MadHouse and LifeHouse until moving to Portland to study nursing in 2018. During his years at SFC, Nick has taught Sunday School, joined the annual house-building trip to Mexico and helped manage Serve Sundays. 

He currently helps lead a high school boys Bible study as well as serving on the Elder council. Nick grew up in the Bay Area and attended Menlo Park Presbyterian Church throughout his childhood. He has worked in the semiconductor industry for over 30 years and enjoys lots of bicycle riding whenever possible.

Email Nick

Margaret Dancey

Margaret was born in Oakland, CA and grew up in the Pentecostal church that was founded by her parents. She and her husband, Norbert Fronczak, have two children, Paige and Cameron, and have been married for 25 years. 

They came to SFC 20 years ago when Paige was a baby. The kids were part of kids choir and Mexico housebuilding. Margaret enjoys singing in the choir and engaging in other volunteer opportunities at SFC. She enjoys her family, her sisters, murder mysteries, travel and the beach. 

Email Margaret

Morgan Griffith

Morgan has attended SFC since 2005. His wife Stephanie grew up at the church and teaches at SFC’s Village Preschool. They have teenage twins who are currently active in the Lifehouse ministry. 

Morgan has fond memories of his childhood church where multiple generations worshiped together and cared for each other; for this reason, SFC felt like home to him from the start. He has co-led high school boys’ Bible studies and currently helps with the Sunday evening Lifehouse gatherings. Morgan is a civil engineer and enjoys running, walking his dog and watching English soccer.

Email Morgan

Carol Presunka

Carol, her husband Peter and their 3 children have been attending SFC for about 20 years. They were introduced to the church by the Lillo family, in particular Debbie, who created Bridge Builders for families such as theirs, who have children with special needs who can’t attend regular church.  

 

They moved here from Canada where Carol worked in telecommunications, but once here, volunteer work became her passion. She has worked for a non-profit, helping families with disabilities, served on the Board of the Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood Foundation and currently is a School Board Trustee.  She enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with friends. 

Email Carol

Sean Miller

As Lead Pastor, Sean is passionate about communicating the ancient wisdom of the Scriptures in compelling and practical ways and helping people enter into the story that God is writing—one in which they are a character in the grand narrative and redemptive plan of our creator. Sean believes that the role of a shepherd is a great gift and privilege.

As a leader in pastoral ministry since 1993, Sean has been invested in the art of guiding a faith community, especially its core leaders, toward greater levels of health, connection with God, and love toward others. Over the years, Sean has spent time working with students, families, and executive teams. He is a mentor, consultant, and enthusiast for other leaders and seeks to invest in the emerging generation.

Sean loves spending time with his three adult children, Mackenzie, Galaxy, and Caden. He also loves to travel, hike, read, watch movies, and spend time laughing with friends. Other interests are drinking good coffee, running, cycling, and taking long walks and long naps.

Sean studied Bible and Theology at San Jose Christian College (now William Jessup University) and Transformational Leadership at Bethel Seminary. He has also served as Adjunct Faculty at William Jessup University, teaching The Art of Biblical Interpretation, Discipleship Praxis, and Self-Leadership.

Email Sean

Eric Leonard

Eric has attended Saratoga Federated Church since he was in elementary school. He has served in many positions including mid-week youth leader, worship deacon, pastoral search team, nominating committee, elder and Sunday school teacher. 

Eric and his wife, Tracy, raised their three daughters at SFC. Saratoga Federated Church has been an instrumental part of Eric’s life, and the relationships and experiences have been a source of joy from the beginning. He loves SFC and the church universal and desires to have non-believers experience a relationship with Jesus Christ and believers to grow deeper in their faith. Eric owns his own business in Santa Clara and enjoys work, playing soccer and traveling.

Email Eric

Matthew Robinson

Matthew and his family are originally from Mississippi. Matthew joined SFC five years ago with his wife, Allison, who now serves as Childcare Coordinator for the Children’s Ministry. They have three children growing with Saratoga Federated: Elisabeth, Joshua, and Charlie. 

Matthew also serves at SFC in the Children’s Ministry. He has worked in various technology related fields and currently works as an Infrastructure Engineer. Matthew enjoys reading, following his children’s activities, and occasionally playing the trumpet whenever he can.

Email Matthew

General Fund Update

As of March 12, 2023

Fiscal Year to Date:

Actual: $1,281,173
Budget: $1,478,868
Over/(Behind): $(197,695)

Last Week’s Giving:

Actual: $24,289
Budget: $37,075
Over/(Behind): $37,075
Give Now

Scott Fritz

Scott has been attending Saratoga Federated Church for over a decade. Scott moved down to the Bay Area for a new job in July of 2010. He searched for a new church and a men’s Bible study and finally connected with SFC. While at SFC, Scott has regularly attended a men’s Bible study on Tuesday mornings, helped with the Men’s Breakfasts, and attended the Adult Sunday School class where, after a few years, he began teaching the class. In his professional career, he spent 40 years as an electrical engineer designing analog integrated circuits in the IC industry. He retired from electrical engineering in June of 2020. Scott was married 35 years, has three grown children and three grandchildren.

Email Scott

Kid's Choir

Register for the SFC Kid’s Choir.

Jon Giamanco

Jon was born and raised in San Diego, CA and has never surfed a day in his life. He and his wife, Steph, were married in the SFC chapel 16 years ago this past June and have two kids, Sophie (11) and Joel (7). Jon and Steph began regularly attending Saratoga Federated when they moved to the Bay Area in 2007, and both have held various volunteer roles while Steph is currently on staff as a Care Associate. Jon has served with the Youth Ministry, on search committees, construction lead for six Mexico house building trips, as a small group leader, a care deacon, and is currently serving on the Sunday tech and worship teams. He enjoys photography, playing many different sports, reading, and getting to participate and attend their kids’ activities.

Email Jon

Diana Miller

Diana Miller is the architect of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Initiative in Silicon Valley. Her strategic vision–to share knowledge of the program’s benefits to cities–will result in WHO’s recognition that Santa Clara is the first County in the United States to have each of its fifteen cities declared “age-friendly”. 

Recognizing the huge shift occurring in the demographics of older persons — and the startling requirements of a swelling universe of seniors with increased unmet needs — Diana embarked on a mission to inform civic leaders and motivate them to take action. Combining her passion with focus will ultimately yield a better life for seniors everywhere who will benefit from the global Age-Friendly movement that Diana is helping guide.

Diana’s dedication and talent spring from her decades of hands-on experience as a community organizer and her deeply personal commitment to improve the lives of some of our society’s most challenged populations. For six years early in her career, Diana utilized her skills in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, improving quality of life in housing, transportation, medical and safety issues for seniors there.

As an experienced non-profit executive, Diana has recruited, motivated and managed hundreds of volunteer leaders from diverse backgrounds, building their skills in community engagement, creative commitment and fund-raising. Noted as a strong and inspirational leader and passionate about pursuing her goals, Diana is respected and revered for her ever-present sense of humor and genuine desire to bring out the best in all the people in her life. 

Bill Yanowsky

Bill has a Masters degree in Kinesiology from San Jose State University. He is also a Certified Athletic Trainer with almost 30 years of experience in Sports Medicine specializing in Care and Prevention and Rehabilitation of injuries. He has worked with high school, college and professional athletes during his career. For the past 13 years, he has transferred his skills to personal training. He started personal training at the Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos and since Sept. 2022 he started his own business.

His clients range in age from 43 to 83. Most have extenuating physical conditions that include, osteoarthritis, Parkinsons, and/or heart disease. Through exercise and life style changes his clients have been able to increase strength and energy, along with improving balance and overall quality of life. We are learning through exercise how to combat aging and disease.

Feel free to check out Bill’s website for additional information.

Jeannie Mirassou

Jeannie Mirassou is the Founder of S.A.I.L. (Senior Advocates for Independent Living) Health Concierge, Certified Age in Place Specialist. Jeannie has 20 years experience in Emergency Room and Critical Care as a Practitioner of Respiratory Care.

Our goal at S.A.I.L. is to promote a safe and healthy environment for thriving as we age with focus on minimizing dependency on others. Home assessments are the cornerstone of the journey for safe living in your home for as long as possible. Preventing falls by redesigning your current floor plan (includes decluttering in certain areas), learning how to navigate through the medical system, and creating an emergency medical plan unique to you. S.A.I.L. is committed to lessening the common worries of aging; loss of independence, declining health, and running out of money. Together we will create a safe haven.

Laurel Smith

There’s a good chance that in a couple of years, Laurel Smith will complete her ninth decade still hoping to keep on keeping on. Having had three marriages, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and 32 vibrant professional years, she actively volunteers. Editing publications for various organizations, facilitating Zoom meetings, and singing in her church choir keep her engaged when she is not writing her memoirs, reading, streaming, attending online retreats and classes, enjoying outings with friends, mentoring younger women, and visiting her family in San Diego. 

Vandana Puri

Vandana is an accomplished and compassionate Senior Nutrition Program Manager dedicated to improving the lives of older adults through her expertise in nutrition and wellness. She has a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science and has been a registered dietitian for over 20 years. She holds a deep understanding of the unique dietary needs of older adults and is committed to enhancing their quality of life through a holistic approach. With a solid background in public health and a passion for older adults, Vandana has successfully led and implemented innovative intergenerational programming for the older adults in the community. Her strategic vision and commitment to quality ensure that the program she manages operates seamlessly, delivering nutritious meals, educational resources, and community engagement. With her strong leadership and unwavering dedication, Vandana continues to make a profound difference in the lives of older adults, promoting their well-being and enhancing their overall health.

Ladies Night Out - Feb 26

Complete this form to register for the Ladies Night Out event happening on February 26.

Ladies Night Out - Sept 14

Complete this form to register for the Ladies Night Out event happening on September 14.

Saratoga School Parking

We request that everyone who is able, park at the church and walk up to the school.

There is limited handicap parking at the school and limited on-street parking by the school.

There is also a nice drop off spot at the school in the parking lot for dropping off and picking up passengers.

Bible Skills, Drills, & Thrills

Register for this class that runs from October 11 to November 15, 2023.

Child's Grade Level

Points of Light, Oakland

Since 2007, POL has been reaching and saving at-risk youth in the inner city of Oakland by implementing creative and effective faith-based programs. We are instilling Christian values in youth and children, which become their foundation to inspire them to take courage and power to be a point of light in their communities, providing hope and relief to other youth within Oakland.

There are hundreds of churches in Oakland, but there are no inner-city youth pastors. Inner city churches lack the resources to provide for youth and children because of the needs and hurts in their communities.

ACSI Guatamala

Stuart and Sheny Salazar
ASCI Guatemala

The Salazars serve over 1000 Christian schools in 19 countries, including Mexico, Central, South America, and the Caribbean. These schools provide a  biblical world view and a Christian philosophy of education, which translates into fully equipped graduates that will be the salt and light this world needs. The Salazars ensure each school has the tools and training needed to raise up the new generation of world changers. One of their graduates was the president of Guatemala, elected in 2016.  

Empower Malawi

Empower Malawi

Bringing a new understanding of Jesus’ teaching on man, woman, and marriage, Empower helps end the horrific “Hyena Practice” and equips communities with educational opportunities. Since 2009, we have trained 1,100 pastors and leaders in biblical understanding of marriage, and equipped 250 men and women to offer early childhood education in villages to over 1,000 children. We provide loving homes for 20+ orphans, and we run a high school for girls and boys in a community where one didn’t exist previously. Our first-ever class graduated in June!

 

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible:

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. 

Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man and crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; 

He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. 

And I believe in one united and apostolic church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.