Santa Teresa Hills Presbyterian Church

09/03/2026

God gifted us with a beautiful world. What can we learn from nature? How can we be better stewards of the earth? Is that even an important part of our faith? Join us this Sunday as we focus on the topic of caring for God’s creation.
We will celebrate Holy Communion and hear a lovely duet from Mindy Dickens and Dave Robertson. Hope to see you there, in person or online!
Art: Mary Haasdyk Vooys, illustration for “A Feast Day for the Whole Church,” Christian Century, September 2026.

“The Feast of Creation in Christ names our need to celebrate God’s saving work in creation,” says liturgical theologian Kimberly Belcher, “and to do so...

08/27/2026

When Pharaoh commanded all the baby boys of the Hebrew slaves to be killed at birth, Moses’ mother found a way to save her son. You probably know the story of how he was hidden in a basket among the bullrushes, how his sister Miriam watched over him, and how Pharaoh’s daughter drew him up out of the water and adopted him. Later God chose him to help free the slaves from Egypt.
Every child is precious to God. Every child deserves love, care, and protection. Let’s do all we can to make sure that all children grow up healthy in body, mind, and spirit, so they can fulfill the plan God has for their lives as well.
We will have the chance to reflect on the circumstances surrounding Moses’ birth this Sunday as we celebrate the baptism of one of our church’s children. Join us on this special day!

Art: James Tissot (1836–1902), Moses Laid Amid the Flags (c 1896-1902), gouache on board, 25.2 x 12.4 cm, The Jewish Museum, New York, NY. Wikimedia Commons. From https://eclecticlight.co/2019/12/28/foundling-paintings-of-moses-in-the-bulrushes/.

08/06/2026

Have you ever felt so worn out and discouraged that you just didn’t want to go on? Ages ago the Prophet Elijah was in the same boat. Even though he had devoted his life to serving the Lord, he felt like a failure. He just wanted to give up. What happened and how did he go on to continue his work, renewed and strengthened? Join us this Sunday for the rest of the story!
This week we will welcome new members into the church, and we will have an old-fashioned hymn-sing. Don’t miss it!
Art: Herbert Mandel, oil, “Elijah Being Fed by the Ravens”: Ink Link, Nov. 11, 2018; https://manchester.inklink.news/the-story-of-the-prophet-elijah-jezebel-and-king-ahab/.

08/02/2026

Viva Calle San José will be passing right by our church on September 13! Plan on joining us that day. We will be setting up pop-up tents featuring our ministries, plus some fun activities for kids. See Fellowship elder Kate Manley or Pastor Deb if you want to help! https://www.vivacallesj.org/

07/30/2026

Once when the crowds followed Jesus into the wilderness, at the end of the day they were hungry. Jesus miraculously fed over 5000 people from five loaves and two fish. There were even left-overs! (Matthew 14:13-21)
Today Jesus invites us to the Lord’s Table, where we find abundant grace. What is the meaning of Holy Communion? How does it nourish us? This is Pastor Deb’s topic for this coming Sunday.
We will also confirm two of our young people. We rejoice with them as they profess their faith in Christ and their commitment to the church.
Our summer music program continues with a quartet from our choir presenting special music to inspire us.
Join us this week in person or on Zoom. You are always welcome!
Artwork: Swanson, John August. [retrieved July 28, 2026]. “Loaves and Fishes,” from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt University Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://act.library.vanderbilt.edu/artworks/56553 . Original source: Estate of John August Swanson, https://www.johnaugustswanson.com/.

07/23/2026

It’s easy to get wrapped up in our day-to-day tasks and worries. Sometimes we need to slow down and take a breath. This Sunday you will have the opportunity to do just that, as we offer a more meditative service. Our theme is “Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). We will hear music, scripture, and prayer that invites us to cast our burdens on Christ and listen to His voice. Please join us for this special Sunday service.
Photo: Svenja Wagenseil, Unsplash.com

07/16/2026

This week Pastor Deb begins a sermon series on “Sabbath Rest.” As it says in the Ten Commandments, “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.” But how should we keep it holy? What if we have to work on the Sabbath? Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for humankind and not humankind for the Sabbath.” In other words, observing the Sabbath is for our benefit. Join us this week to learn more.
We will welcome back our former music director, Hugh McDevitt, and his wife, Deb, who will sing two special pieces for us, “He’s Always Been Faithful,” and “How Great Thou Art.”
As always, you are welcome at STHPC!
Photo: Pastor Deb Troester; Zephyr Point, Lake Tahoe

07/12/2026

Jesus said that if you give even a cup of cold water to someone in his name, it is as if you are giving it to him. How much more if we reach out our hands in friendship and compassion to those who are truly marginalized?
Join us this Sunday to learn about how our church reaches out to migrant workers in the Pajaro area, by supporting Devorah Duncan’s work. She has devoted years to assisting migrants in their difficult lives.
California produces crops worth more than twice that of any other state. Migrant workers, who do much of this work, contribute greatly to our state’s economy, but receive very little in return, often living in poverty and even suffering from hunger in this land of plenty.
Pastor Deb is back from her travels, and is lending her pulpit to Devorah to tell us about this ministry, fill us in on what it’s like to be a migrant worker, and tell us how we can help.
We will hear special music from our Praise Band. Join us this Sunday for informative, joy-filled worship!
Photo: Wikimedia Commons by Tony Webster | CC BY-SA 2.0, from “Poll finds broad support for farmworkers who labor through pandemic,” by Edward Lempinen, UC Berkley News, May 8, 2020.

07/03/2026

This Sunday, we will explore the theme of “A Stranger Amongst Us” as we reflect on the importance of faith in welcoming those who are different. The Bible calls on us to “Welcome the Stranger and care for the least among us,” please bring something to share (Like a food item, small gift, item of clothes) with someone else. This is a reminder of our shared humanity.
The sermon is a blend of uplifting music by The STHPC Praise Band, Pa Mudoh Lucas and Carine Ndifon, alongside a heartfelt message from Carine. Please come to enjoy a meaningful worship experience and let’s embrace the spirit of hospitality together!
Art: Norman Rockwell

06/24/2026

All of us have moments of deep sorrow and grief in our lives. At the same time, there are days when we can truly rejoice. Most of us prefer the latter! But can lament and joy actually work together?
Join us this Sunday as author and pastor Rev. Sharon LeClaire speaks to us on the story of Christ’s raising Lazarus from the dead. He turned grief into joy that day. What lessons can we learn from this passage?
After church you will have the opportunity to express your ideas on the future of our congregation and what kind of pastor you would like to have after Pastor Deb retires. Please join us!
Art: Swanson, John August. “Take Away the Stone,” from Art in the Christian Tradition, Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=58578 [retrieved June 16, 2026]. Original source: Estate of John August Swanson, https://www.johnaugustswanson.com/.