Weekly Updates 05.30.2025

SATURDAY

• A reminder that our Family Ministry Training is happening tomorrow, Saturday, May 31st, from 10am-12pm. This training is for volunteers who work with kids ages 0-4, or for folks interested in helping. Our LMFT member and friend, Mady, will provide useful tips for working with all children. Light refreshments provided. Let Pastor Andrew know if you have any questions.

Sunday Happenings

• Help give the gift of life! Sign up to participate in the American Red Cross’ Blood Drive this Sunday, June 1st, from 9am-3pm. Schedule here for this urgent need: June 1 Blood Drive Sign-up (NOTE: Be sure to sign up for the one in Pasadena located at 75 N Marengo Ave.)

• We are blessing graduates this Sunday! Please fill out this form if you are graduating at any level high school or above so we can include you in the blessing!

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Luke 19:1-9. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The pastoral staff will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is buyer’s choice and other nut butters.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

• Each year the FBCP Foundation has awards scholarships to FBCP members for post-secondary education. Church members interested in applying for the 2025-2026 academic year can apply here. Applications are due Monday, July 6, 2025. The Foundation is a separate entity established in 1958 by members committed to contributing financially to the church in the present and future years.

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Coming Up

• Join us after worship in the Parlor on Sunday, June 1st, for thirty minutes of prayer for our American Baptist global servants. If you are interested in joining with this group, please email Jeannette or Judy. This will enable us to send you an email about the specific matters for which we will be praying.

• More info coming soon about a community action opportunity after worship on Sunday, June 1st, led by Zach Hoover and LA Voice to advocate for just practices in relation to fire recovery.

• Our Yarn Crafts Group meets next on Sunday, June 8th, after worship in the Parlor. All levels of knitters, crocheters, or other crafters are welcome to join the fun. Bring a water bottle and snacks to share if you’d like. Click here to email Justine and Whitney. After the June 8th meeting, this group will be taking a summer break until after Labor Day.

• Our next SPARKY (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all) event is happening at Miya in Altadena, June 28th, at 12pm. Let Kevin know you’ll be there (and let him know if a business you love was affected by the fires and needs support)! No need for a flyer or code. Just show up, order, and eat!

🌈Pride Events

We hope you can join us for these fun Pride events in June. Also, check out the Connections Desk for a free gift:

• Altadena Pride Walkabout is happening for the fourth year! Join us on June 14th from 3-6pm at the Altadena Main Library. Many of the locations that we previously walked by have sadly burned; however, a shorter walkabout will start and end at the library (walk starting at 3pm), and FBCP will also be participating in the spiritual event options at 4:30pm where Altadena leaders are providing healing spaces and resource booths. Click here to read more. If you’ve never been, this is a lovely event!

• The Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department presents its 4th annual Love, Loud & Proud Pride Month celebration on Saturday, June 21st, from 6-9pm. The event features drag performances and story time, live music, dance competitions, local food trucks, arts & crafts activities, face painting, and resources from local LGBTQ+ organizations, community partners and allies. This is a free, family-friendly event with food available for purchase.

Name that pet

• The pet photos are up in the lobby! If one of the pets is in your family, please take a moment to fill out a post-it and let us know your sweet furry or feathery friend’s name.

Kids Camp is around the corner!

Register now! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. This year’s theme is "Lock In" where we’ll be exploring what it looks like to attune, abide, ground and focus just like Jesus did. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults and youth, let Pastor Andrew know if you’d like to help out!

Six Weeks at a Glance

5/31 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)
6/01 - Blood Drive
6/01 - Prayer for Global Servants
6/08 - Spring Sunday School Ends
6/08 - Yarn Crafts Group
6/14 - Altadena Pride Event
6/16-6/20 - Kids Camp!
6/22 - All-Church Potluck

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families | 05.24.2025

Beloved Families,

Next Saturday we are hosting a training for our nursery volunteers, and our own Mady Snyder will be there to share her wealth of experience and expertise. As we look forward to that time for our team, I remain grateful for the gifts in our community and am reminded of the generosity you all nurture from week to week. Our upcoming summer camp is another place we get to see your many gifts in action to create space for intergenerational learning. Our Sunday School classes are also an example of the wisdom carried by members of our community. And that is certainly not an exhaustive list! In all our gatherings, it is a joy to integrate people's passions for things like hiking, crocheting, gardening, cooking, landscape architecture, and gymnastics—just to name a few. Thank you for the ways you bless our community with the ways God has created you. May our sense of belonging increase in our shared spaces of learning and discovery. 

Honoring Grads 

Help us prepare for our Blessing of Graduates on Sunday, June 1st, as we take time to honor and celebrate our graduates of all ages. Please fill out this form for anyone in your family graduating at any level high school or above so we can include you in the blessing!

Kids & Youth Singing in Service

Our elementary kids and youth will be joining our adult choir in singing during service on June 8. On that Sunday, we are asking kids and youth to arrive at 9:30 AM that morning for a final rehearsal with the choir. They will be singing a song called "The Blessing," which is a musical version of the benediction we share at the end of worship each week. You can use these lyrics and this video to help your kids practice at home.

Kids Camp 

We are excited for camp this summer, and registration is still open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are looking forward to this special intergenerational experience where we get to encounter God's love with people from our church family. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults, let Pastor Andrew know if you want to be part of camp in any way this year. It is always an intergenerational time of learning and fun!

Walk & Play L.A.

Walk & Play L.A. is an annual fundraiser and community event to support Children's Hospital Los Angeles. It’s a day full of family friendly activities, highlighted by a 3K walk to the Santa Monica Pier. Our own Jon Rinkus is a chaplain at CHLA, and he is participating in the event with the Spirit Sprinters team. Spirit Sprinters support CHLA's Spiritual Care Department, which provides emotional and spiritual support to patients, families and staff. You can support his team and participate by signing up here. It takes place at the Santa Monica Pier on June 7. Go, Jon!

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the power of telling the truth.

ELEMENTARY

This past Sunday we learned about the Parable of the Prodigal Son with an emphasis on the younger brother. Through games and wondering together, we explored how it feels when we mess up and how we can let kindness enter the situation.

This coming Sunday we will continue to dig into the Parable of the Prodigal Son, this time with an emphasis on the older brother and his feelings. We will also be recognizing our kids with May birthdays!

Discussion Question for the Table at Home

• During last Sunday’s lesson, one of the children wondered why the father chose to interrupt his son, which would be a great question to explore as a family. 

• We can all relate to interrupting others and even interrupting our children. What are the reasons we interrupt others? What are examples of times we should listen instead? When might it be a loving thing to interrupt someone?

YOUTH

This Sunday our youth are invited to join us for lunch and a chance to hear from Sithy Bin, who has a remarkable story to share about his journey and how we can ally with immigrants. Text "Sithy" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP for you and/or your youth.

Have a beautiful weekend! We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Andrew and Lindsay

Weekly Updates 05.23.2025

FRIDAY

• Join local churches for the fourth Palestine/Israel film screening tonight, May 23rd, at 7pm at PazNaz Church in Pasadena (with a bake sale starting at 6:30pm). The series is sponsored by the Clergy Community Coalition, the Center for Restorative Justice, and Brehm Film of Fuller Seminary. Register for this free screening here.

SATURDAY

• Our next SPARKY (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all) event is happening at El Patron Restaurant tomorrow, May 24th, at 12pm. Let Kevin know you’ll be there (and let him know if a business you love was affected by the fires and needs support)! No need for a flyer or code. Just show up, order, and eat!

Sunday Happenings

• Spring Sunday School continues with three class choices starting at 9am on Sundays. Click here for more information.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Romans 6:1-14. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. Our youth are invited to join us for the lunch for Sithy Bin. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• The pet photos are up in the lobby! If one of the pets is in your family, please take a moment to fill out a post-it and let us know your sweet furry or feathery friend’s name.

• After worship this Sunday, we have a special opportunity to have lunch with Sithy Bin, a Cambodian immigrant struggling to remain in this country. He has a remarkable story to share about his journey and how we can ally with immigrants. Text "Sithy" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is peanut butter and other nut butters.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

• Each year the FBCP Foundation has awards scholarships to FBCP members for post-secondary education. Church members interested in applying for the 2025-2026 academic year can apply here. Applications are due Monday, July 6, 2025. The Foundation is a separate entity established in 1958 by members committed to contributing financially to the church in the present and future years.

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Coming Up

• Save the date for a Family Ministry Training for those volunteering with our younger kids ages 0-4 on Saturday, May 31st, from 10am-12pm. Let Pastor Andrew know you’re in! Light refreshments provided.

• Help us prepare for our Blessing of Graduates on Sunday, June 1st, as we take time to honor and celebrate our graduates. Please fill out this form if you are graduating at any level high school or above so we can include you in the blessing!

• Help give the gift of life! Sign up to participate in the American Red Cross’ Blood Drive. FBCP is hosting a drive on Sunday, June 1st, in the Gym from 9am-3pm. Schedule an appointment here for this urgent need: June 1 Blood Drive Sign-up (NOTE: Be sure to sign up for the one in Pasadena located at 75 N Marengo Ave.)

• Join us after worship in the Parlor on Sunday, June 1st, for thirty minutes of prayer for our American Baptist global servants. If you are interested in joining with this group, please email Jeannette or Judy. This will enable us to send you an email about the specific matters for which we will be praying.

• More info coming soon about a community action opportunity after worship on Sunday, June 1st, led by Zach Hoover and LA Voice to advocate for just practices in relation to fire recovery.

• Our Yarn Crafts Group meets next on Sunday, June 8th, after worship in the Parlor. All levels of knitters, crocheters, or other crafters are welcome to join the fun. Bring a water bottle and snacks to share if you’d like. Click here to email Justine and Whitney. After the June 8th meeting, this group will be taking a summer break until after Labor Day.

• Altadena 🌈Pride Walkabout is happening for the fourth year! Join us on June 14th from 3-6pm at the Altadena Main Library. Many of the locations that we previously walked by have sadly burned; however, a shorter walkabout will start and end at the library (walk starting at 3pm), and FBCP will also be participating in the spiritual event options at 4:30pm where Altadena leaders are providing healing spaces and resource booths. Click here to read more. If you’ve never been, this is a lovely event!

Kids Camp is only 3 Weeks Away!!

Register now! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. This year’s theme is "Lock In" where we’ll be exploring what it looks like to attune, abide, ground and focus just like Jesus did. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults and youth, let Pastor Andrew know if you’d like to help out!

Missions Corner

Please see our Missions Update page for the latest information and prayer requests from the IM global servants we specifically support as a congregation.

Six Weeks at a Glance

5/23 - Palestine/Israel Film Series
5/24 - SPARKY! @El Patron
5/25 - Lunch with Sithy Bin
5/26 - Memorial Day | Office Closed
5/31 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)
6/01 - Blood Drive
6/01 - Prayer for Global Servants
6/08 - Spring Sunday School Ends
6/08 - Yarn Crafts Group
6/14 - Altadena Pride Event
6/16-6/20 - Kids Camp!
6/22 - All-Church Potluck

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families | 05.17.2025

Beloved Families,

The next few weeks are going to be extra busy and emotionally charged for many of you as your kids finish class projects, take finals, and participate in all the end-of-year festivities. Our hope is that you will find small moments of stillness and unscheduled time to keep your family grounded in God's love and presence. Those little pauses can go a long way. We are praying for strength, encouragement, good sleep, and connection in the midst of so much doing. Thank you for all the ways your families are continuing to shape our congregation. We love you and are so thankful we get to be in a community together. See you tomorrow for worship!

Honoring Grads | June 1

Help us prepare for our Blessing of Graduates on Sunday, June 1st, as we take time to honor and celebrate our graduates of all ages. Please fill out this form for anyone in your family graduating at any level high school or above so we can include you in the blessing!

Walk & Play L.A. | June 7

Walk & Play L.A. is an annual fundraiser and community event to support Children's Hospital Los Angeles. It’s a day full of family friendly activities, highlighted by a 3K walk to the Santa Monica Pier. Our own Jon Rinkus is a chaplain at CHLA, and he is participating in the event with the Spirit Sprinters team. Spirit Sprinters support CHLA's Spiritual Care Department, which provides emotional and spiritual support to patients, families and staff. If you want to support his team and participate, you can do so by signing up here. It takes place at the Santa Monica Pier on June 7. Go, Jon!

Kids & Youth Singing in Service | June 8

Our elementary kids and youth will be joining our adult choir in singing during service on June 8. They will be singing a song called "The Blessing," which is a musical version of the benediction we share at the end of worship each week. This Sunday our very own Kevin Bishop will be teaching sign language to go along with the song during our time with kids.  We hope to see you at church this Sunday for this opportunity to learn from Kevin! You can use these lyrics and this video to help your kids practice at home (thanks for making that, Warren!).

Kids Camp | June 16-20

We are excited for camp this summer, and registration is still open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are looking forward to this special intergenerational experience where we get to encounter God's love with people from our church family. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults, let Pastor Andrew know if you want to be part of camp in any way this year. It is always an intergenerational time of learning and fun!

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will explore the power of telling the truth.

ELEMENTARY

This past Sunday was Mother’s Day and we had a great time sharing what we love most about the Moms and Mother Figures in our lives. During our bible story time, we focused on how Mordechai helped Esther find where she could use her special talent.

This coming Sunday we will revisit the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Pastor Andrew will be out of town, but Pastor Lindsay and our volunteer team are excited to teach the elementary kids.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Parents, as a follow up to last Sunday’s Bible story, please tell your children what special talent you see in them.

YOUTH

This Sunday we will have our regular gathering after worship including lunch. Please note that the following Sunday, May 25, our youth are invited to join us for lunch and a chance to hear from Sithy Bin, who has a remarkable story to share about his journey and how we can ally with immigrants. Text "Sithy" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP for you and/or your youth.

Have a beautiful weekend! We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Andrew and Lindsay

Weekly Updates 05.16.2025

Sunday Happenings

• Spring Sunday School continues with three class choices starting at 9am on Sundays. Click here for more information.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Romans 6:1-14. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• Our Yarn Crafts Group continues meeting this Sunday after worship in the Parlor. All levels of knitters, crocheters, or other crafters are welcome to join the fun. Bring a water bottle and snacks to share if you’d like. Click here to email Justine and Whitney.

• The LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies (ages 16 & up) are invited to join us this Sunday for our FBCPride Potluck. We’ll meet after worship in the Southside Room. Join us for fellowship, a testimony from Mikayla, and planning of Pride events in June. Email pride@fbcpasadena.com to join our mailing list, and click here to sign up for the potluck if you’re able—thank you!

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is rice and beans.

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Coming Up

• Join local churches for the fourth Palestine/Israel film screening this Friday, May 23rd, at 7pm at PazNaz Church in Pasadena (with a bake sale starting at 6:30pm). The series is sponsored by the Clergy Community Coalition, the Center for Restorative Justice, and Brehm Film of Fuller Seminary. Click here to RSVP for this free screening

• Next Sunday, May 25th, we have a special opportunity to have lunch with Sithy Bin, a Cambodian immigrant struggling to remain in this country. He has a remarkable story to share about his journey and how we can ally with immigrants. Text "Sithy" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Save the date for a Family Ministry Training for those volunteering with our younger kids ages 0-4 on Saturday, May 31st, from 10am-12pm. Let Pastor Andrew know you’re in! Light refreshments provided.

• Help us prepare for our Blessing of Graduates on Sunday, June 1st, as we take time to honor and celebrate our graduates of all ages. Please fill out this form if you are graduating at any level high school or above so we can include you in the blessing!

• Help give the gift of life! Sign up to participate in the American Red Cross’ Blood Drive. FBCP is hosting a drive on Sunday, June 1st, in the Gym from 9am-3pm. Schedule an appointment here for this urgent need: June 1 Blood Drive Sign-up (NOTE: Be sure to sign up for the one in Pasadena located at 75 N Marengo Ave.)

• Join us after worship in the Parlor on Sunday, June 1st, for thirty minutes of prayer for our American Baptist global servants. If you are interested in joining with this group, please email Jeannette or Judy. This will enable us to send you an email about the specific matters for which we will be praying.

• More info coming soon about a community action opportunity after worship on Sunday, June 1st, led by Zach Hoover and LA Voice.

• Altadena Pride Walkabout is happening for the fourth year! Join us on June 14th from 3-6:30pm at the Altadena Main Library. Many of the locations that we previously walked by have sadly burned; however, a shorter walkabout will start and end at the library (walk starting at 3pm), and FBCP will also be participating in the spiritual event options at 4:30pm where Altadena leaders are providing healing spaces and resource booths. More info and map coming soon. Please attend Sunday’s FBCPride Meeting if you’d like to talk about how to volunteer (or email here if you can’t make it but would like to help). If you’ve never been, this is a lovely event!

Kids Camp is only 4 Weeks Away!!

Register now! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family! Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults and youth, let Pastor Andrew know if you’d like to help out!

Missions Corner

Please see our Missions Update page for the latest information and prayer requests from the IM global servants we specifically support as a congregation.

Six Weeks at a Glance

5/18 - Yarn Crafts Group
5/18 - FBCPride Lunch
5/24 - SPARKY! @El Patron
5/26 - Memorial Day | Office Closed
5/31 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)
6/01 - Blood Drive
6/01 - Prayer for Global Servants
6/08 - Spring Sunday School Ends
6/14 - Altadena Pride Event
6/16-6/20 - Kids Camp!

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families | 05.10.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

This weekend we give extra thanks for the mother figures in our lives. Within our congregation, we are blessed with women and girls who show us glimpses of the ways God nurtures, sustains, and cares for us. As I held the stories of our community's mother figures in prayer this week, I was reminded of the vast range of their experiences. Having come through Holy Week recently, the image of Mary remaining present in the midst of her son’s suffering is also fresh on my heart. I found myself returning to this post by Kat Armas (author of Abuelita Faith) on the topic of motherly characteristics in Jesus. If you don't have time to read the whole post, then I encourage you to take a look at the poem provided at the end, which was prayed over me by members of FBCP when I was pregnant with Emma Kate. As Armas points out, understanding God as a mother figure is not meant to replace our understanding of God as Father; rather, "perhaps expanding our view of language can not only help us understand the bigness and the beauty of God, but also benefit those who have never had a father to relate to." May we feel the expansive and tender heart of God who, like a mother, loves and nurtures us without end, able to bear with both deep suffering and deep joy—and everything in between. 

Kids Camp 

We are excited for camp this summer, and registration is still open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are looking forward to this special intergenerational experience where we get to encounter God's love with people from our church family. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults, let Pastor Andrew know if you want to be part of camp in any way this year. It is always an intergenerational time of learning and fun!

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the story of when Jesus appears to his followers in Matthew 28:16-20.

KIDS

In a galaxy far far away, we celebrated Star Wars Day (May the 4th) this past Sunday. It was so much fun seeing you show up in Star Wars attire, take photos in front of the space backdrop, and have the kids fill out the Star Wars themed follow along sheet. We had a great time diving into this imaginative world with the rest of the church family.

In staying in the celebratory mood, this coming Sunday we will celebrate the mothers and mother figures that have helped us get to where we are. Our elementary kids will explore the story of Esther and how she was able to use her talents to free her people. 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What is your special talent?

• Who are the mother figures in your life? How do they help reflect God's love and care for us?

YOUTH

This week our youth will be off so they can spend time with their families on Mother's Day. Next Sunday we will have our regular gathering after worship.

On Sunday, May 25, our youth are invited to join us for lunch and a chance to hear from Sithy Bin, who has a remarkable story to share about his journey and how we can ally with immigrants. Text "Sithy" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP for you and/or your youth.

Have a beautiful weekend! We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Lindsay and Andrew

Weekly Updates 05.09.2025

Sunday Happenings

• Spring Sunday School is in full swing with three class choices starting at 9am on Sundays! Click here for more information.

• We invite all girls, women and mother figures to enjoy a five-minute complimentary massage on Mother’s Day, May 11th. Massage chairs will be set up in the back of the Sanctuary and will be available throughout the service.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Romans 8:18-25. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. Our youth are invited to spend time with families on this holiday weekend, and we will resume our regular lunch gathering on May 18th. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is toiletries (including feminine and baby items).

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🐢Call for Pet Photos!

Upload a photo of your animal friend by clicking this link. Keep an eye out for photos coming to our board in the lobby. Please submit photos by this Sunday, May 11th. We can’t wait to see your cute critters!

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Coming Up

• Our Yarn Crafts Group will meet on Sunday, May 18th, after worship in the Parlor. All levels of knitters, crocheters, or other crafters are welcome to join the fun. Bring a water bottle and snacks to share if you’d like. Click here to email Justine and Whitney.

• Our next 🌈FBCPride Potluck will happen after worship on Sunday, May 18th, in the Southside Room. Join us for fellowship, along with planning for Pride events in the area. Email pride@fbcpasadena.com to join our mailing list, and click here to sign up for the potluck if you’re able—thank you!

• Join us for lunch with a special guest on Sunday, May 25th, after worship in the Southside Room. Sithy Bin has a remarkable story to share about his journey and how we can ally with immigrants. Text "Sithy" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Save the date for a Family Ministry Training for those volunteering with our younger kids ages 0-4 on Saturday, May 31st, from 10am-12pm. Let Pastor Andrew know you’re in! Light refreshments provided.

• Help us prepare for our Blessing of Graduates on Sunday, June 1st, as we take time to honor and celebrate our graduates of all ages. Please fill out this form if you are graduating at any level high school or above so we can include you in the blessing!

• Help give the gift of life! Sign up to participate in the American Red Cross’ Blood Drive. FBCP is hosting a drive on Sunday, June 1st, in the Gym from 9am-3pm. Schedule an appointment here for this urgent need: June 1 Blood Drive Sign-up (NOTE: Be sure to sign up for the one in Pasadena located at 75 N Marengo Ave.)

• Join us after worship in the Parlor on Sunday, June 1st, for thirty minutes of prayer for our American Baptist global servants. If you are interested in joining with this group, please email Jeannette or Judy. This will enable us to send you an email about the specific matters for which we will be praying.

Missions Corner

Please see our Missions Update page for the latest information and prayer requests from the IM global servants we specifically support as a congregation.

American Baptist International Ministries is continuing to respond to the March 28th Earthquake in Myanmar that affected both Myanmar and Thailand. The IM global servants serving in that overall area are safe (including Kit Ripley), but the needs of the people most affected are great. At least two IM global servants serve in ministry related to refugee camps along the border and at least two others have ministry both in Myanmar and Thailand. An initial grant of $10K in OGHS emergency funds was sent to partners providing humanitarian relief to victims. There is an ongoing need for victims in Myanmar, which you can read about here. Anyone wanting to help can do so by giving here and designating it for OGHS-Myanmar Relief by the end of today.

Kids Camp is only 5 Weeks Away!!

Register now! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family! Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults and youth, let Pastor Andrew know if you’d like to help out!

Six Weeks at a Glance

5/11 - Mother’s Day
5/11 - Pet Photo Deadline
5/17 - Holy Walkamolies Hike
5/18 - Yarn Crafts Group
5/18 - FBCPride Lunch
5/24 - SPARKY! @El Patron
5/26 - Memorial Day | Office Closed
5/31 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)
6/01 - Blood Drive
6/01 - Prayer for Global Servants
6/08 - Spring Sunday School Ends
6/14 - Altadena Pride Event
6/16-6/20 - Kids Camp!

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

Weekly Updates 05.02.2025

Saturday

• Pastor Andrew is hosting a Family Ministry training tomorrow, Saturday, May 3rd, from 10am-12pm for current volunteers and anyone interested in working with elementary-aged children. Click here to let us know you’ll be there!

Sunday Happenings

• Spring Sunday School is in full swing with three class choices starting at 9am on Sundays! See details below.

• Name Tag First Sundays—we invite you to find the table in the lobby on each first Sunday of the month and write out your name as a step towards learning new faces and meeting new friends.

• Join us for worship in the Sanctuary at 10:30am as we partake in communion together (note: crackers are gluten free)! Our scripture this week is Luke 24:44-53. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Please note that because this will be the first Sunday of the month, our kids five years old and up will join us in the Sanctuary for service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• You are invited to our BASICS class after worship, which is a deep dive into FBCP culture, history and future. If you have been curious about membership, this is also the class that is needed to officially join our community. You are welcome to take the class and not move toward membership, but you cannot become a member without the class. We hope you can join us in the Southside Room from about 12-1:30pm! Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP, and let us know if you need childcare.

• Our Yarn Crafts Group will meet this Sunday, May 4th, after worship in the Parlor. All levels of knitters, crocheters, or other crafters are welcome to join the fun. Bring a water bottle and snacks to share if you’d like. Click here to email Justine and Whitney.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is soup/chili/stew.

Spring Sunday School

Here’s our fresh lineup:

• Spiritual Values in Literature with Rene Scheys starts this Sunday, May 4th, at 9am in the Parlor. Join us as we read, discuss, and appreciate the acclaimed novel This Other Eden by Paul Harding (writer of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Tinkers, a previous Spiritual Values in Literature selection). This beautiful novel (inspired by true events) tells the story of an unconventional interracial community situated on a remote island off the coast of Maine, a community infused with hard-won love and complicated grace. Copies of the book will be provided, and the class runs thru June 8th.

• Contemplative Practices with Pastor Lindsay Dorman introduces contemplative practices and rhythms lived by Jesus, exploring how we might learn to incorporate them into our lives. The class will provide time both to try new practices and reflect on them with one another. Instead of leaving with a new to-do list, the goal is to discover new ways to make space for God to do a transforming work in us. This class starts this Sunday, May 4th, and runs through Sunday, June 1st, at 9am in the Chapel.

• Rich and Kris Laski’s class is on break this week due to travel. You’re welcome to join the group on May 11th as they discuss the book Doing Life With Your Adult Children - Keep Your Mouth Shut & The Welcome Mat Out. As parents of six adult children, the Laskis will discuss relationship realities. This class is intended to spark meaningful discussions that will hopefully be helpful for any parent with adult children or any adult child with parents. Copies of the book will be provided. Class runs thru June 8th in the Southside Room.

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🦎🐈Call for Pet Photos!🐕🐢

Upload a photo of your animal friend by clicking this link. Keep an eye out for photos coming to our board in the lobby. Please submit photos by Sunday, May 11th. We can’t wait to see your cute critters!

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Kids Camp is only 6 Weeks Away!!

Registration is open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family! Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults and youth, let Pastor Andrew know if you’d like to help out!

Coming Up

• We invite all women to enjoy a five-minute complimentary massage on Mother’s Day, May 11th. Massage chairs will be set up in the back of the sanctuary and will be available throughout the service.

• Our next 🌈FBCPride Potluck will happen after worship on Sunday, May 18th, in the Southside Room. Join us for fellowship, along with planning for Pride events in the area. Email pride@fbcpasadena.com to join our mailing list.

• Join us for lunch with a special guest on Sunday, May 25th, after worship in the Southside Room. Sithy Bin has a remarkable story to share about his journey and how we can ally with immigrants. Text "Sithy" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Save the date for a Family Ministry Training for those volunteering with our younger kids ages 0-4 on Saturday, May 31st. Let Pastor Andrew know you’re in!

• Help us prepare for our Blessing of Graduates on Sunday, June 1st, as we take time to honor and celebrate our graduates of all ages. Please fill out this form if you are graduating at any level high school or above so we can include you in the blessing!

• Help give the gift of life! Sign up to participate in the American Red Cross’ Blood Drive. FBCP is hosting a drive on Sunday, June 1st, in a mobile clinic parked on Holly St. from 9 am - 3 pm. Schedule an appointment here for this urgent need: June 1 Blood Drive Sign-up (NOTE: Be sure to sign up for the one in Pasadena located at 75 N Marengo Ave.)

Missions Corner

Please see our Missions Update page for the latest information and prayer requests from the IM global servants we specifically support as a congregation.

American Baptist International Ministries is continuing to respond to the March 28th Earthquake in Myanmar that affected both Myanmar and Thailand. The IM global servants serving in that overall area are safe (including Kit Ripley), but the needs of the people most affected are great. At least two IM global servants serve in ministry related to refugee camps along the border and at least two others have ministry both in Myanmar and Thailand. An initial grant of $10K in OGHS emergency funds was sent to partners providing humanitarian relief to victims. There is an ongoing need for victims in Myanmar, which you can read about here. Anyone wanting help can do so through our church by designating it for OGHS-Myanmar Relief by May 9 or by giving directly to IM here.

Restorative Justice Survey

• Many of our friends from The Center and CCC are involved in finding equitable housing solutions for displaced families after the Eaton fires. Please take a moment to learn about their advocacy work with the 710 stub land and take their survey. Thanks!

Regular-ish Happenings

• Spring Sunday School | Click here to read details

• Yarn Crafts Group | 5/4 after worship | Parlor

• Holy Walkamolies | 5/24 at 9am (8:30 to carpool) | Click here for details

Six Weeks at a Glance

5/3 - Family Ministry Training (Elementary)
5/4 - Basics Class
5/11 - Mother’s Day
5/11 - Pet Photo Deadline
5/18 - FBCPride Lunch
5/26 - Memorial Day | Office Closed
5/31 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)
6/01 - Blood Drive
6/14 - Altadena Pride Event
6/16-6/20 - Kids Camp!

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families | 05.02.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

We are excited to see our volunteers who work with our elementary kids at our training this Saturday at 10AM. We'll have morning snacks and coffee to get us going. Pastor Andrew is eager to share how we can all continue to nurture the loving community for kids at FBCP. You will hear more about the ways he is excited to lead in addition to learning more about the curriculum approach we have been working on these last months. Please enter off Union Street and join us in the kids room on the second floor. We hope to see you there!

May the 4th

This coming Sunday is May 4th, which is Star Wars Day. Yay! We know many of you share Pastor Andrew's love for this fun theme, so we invite children and families to wear anything related to Star Wars if they want on Sunday. There will be a Star Wars backdrop and a polaroid camera in the lobby for folks to take pictures to add to our new photo board. 

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will explore the story of when Jesus appears to his followers in Matthew 28:16-20.

KIDS

This past Sunday the elementary and kindergarten classes combined for an intentional time of community building. One of the highlights came during a time of playing Would You Rather? Ask your kids which question had the most energy around it (and maybe play a round at the table!).

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for worship and communion since this is the first Sunday of the month. Make sure your child picks up snacks and a fun follow-along sheet to fill out during worship. Pastor Andrew will have those ready in the lobby as you enter. It will be a beautiful morning with communion and all our regular liturgical elements, and we are thankful for the presence of our kids with us.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What stands out to you the most about the story of Jesus' ascension to heaven?

• Who is someone in our church you would like to get to know? 

YOUTH

This week our youth are on for our regular gathering after worship, including lunch. We'll wrap up at 1:30 PM, and parents can pick up their youth on Union Street at the glass doors. We will be exploring the scripture from service centering on the ascension as we continue to follow the gospel of Luke in Eastertide.

COMING UP

El Molino Jams — Rescheduled!

The Ellis boys (Bennett and Asher) invite you to their third annual music festival right in their front yard! Due to weather, this family-friendly neighborhood event has been moved to Saturday, May 10, from 3-5 PM. See the fun flyer below for more details. Thanks, Ellis boys!

Kids Camp 

We are making plans for camp this summer, and registration is open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults, let us know if you want to be part of camp in any way this year. It is always an intergenerational time of learning and fun!

Youth Summer Pilgrimage

As a reminder to parents, this summer our youth are invited to participate in a Southern Pilgrimage with The Center for Restorative Justice. They are hosting a powerful six-day journey through the Deep South, tracing the legacy of Emmett Till and the Black Freedom Struggle. This immersive experience will take students from Jackson, MS, to Money, MS, Memphis, TN, and Montgomery, AL, exploring key historical sites and museums that shaped the fight for racial justice. The trip takes place June 21-27. Here is a link to the application, which is due May 9. Please let me know if your youth plans to apply. If you have any questions at this time, feel free to reach out. I look forward to what I know will be a transformational trip with our youth!

Have a beautiful weekend! We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Lindsay and Andrew

FBCP Families | 04.26.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Easter was so beautiful with all of you! What a gift to celebrate with all the generations as we came together for delicious food, beautiful music, and a service full of testimonies of God's love and power. Hannah's baptism was a reminder of what it means to feel a sense of belonging to God and a true belovedness. Thank you for being the place where my own kids learn about God and get to experience the abundant love of Christ. He is risen. He is risen, indeed!

Next month you will see some changes in the format of this weekly email, which will be a combination of Pastor Andrew's updates for kids and my updates for youth. We will still keep all information for families in one place so that your inbox is not inundated. I am also excited to share more about intergenerational formation and our growth as a church family over time. We hope this continues to be a place of helpful information for you and your families.

El Molino Jams — Rescheduled!

The Ellis boys (Bennett and Asher) invite you to their third annual music festival right in their front yard! Due to weather, this family-friendly neighborhood event has been moved to Saturday, May 10, from 3-5 PM. See the fun flyer below for more details. Thanks, Ellis boys!

Summer Registrations

Kids Camp 

We are making plans for camp this summer, and registration is open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults, let us know if you want to be part of camp in any way this year. It is always an intergenerational time of learning and fun!

Youth Summer Pilgrimage

As a reminder to parents, this summer our youth are invited to participate in a Southern Pilgrimage with The Center for Restorative Justice. They are hosting a powerful six-day journey through the Deep South, tracing the legacy of Emmett Till and the Black Freedom Struggle. This immersive experience will take students from Jackson, MS, to Money, MS, Memphis, TN, and Montgomery, AL, exploring key historical sites and museums that shaped the fight for racial justice. The trip takes place June 21-27. Here is a link to the application, which is due May 9. Please let me know if your youth plans to apply. If you have any questions at this time, feel free to reach out. I look forward to what I know will be a transformational trip with our youth!

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will explore the story of when Jesus appears to his followers in Luke 24:13-49.

ELEMENTARY

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. This week the kids will enjoy a morning of joy and delight as they lean into Eastertide and the hope of resurrection. Pastor Andrew has some fun games and opportunities to connect as they spend time together this first week after Easter. We look forward to a beautiful morning of intergenerational worship and learning!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• God created us for joy and delight. What brings you joy?

• Where do you see signs of new life? Consider especially places in nature and in your own growth. 

YOUTH

This week our youth will be back on for our regular gathering after worship, including lunch. We'll wrap up at 1:30 PM, and parents can pick up their youth on Union Street at the glass doors. Parents, keep an eye out for a separate email regarding summer plans and some upcoming ways to get out and support our youth.

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 04.25.2025

Film Screening Tonight @Fuller

• Our community partners invite you to the third Palestine/Israel film tonight, April 25th, at 6pm at Fuller Seminary’s Travis Auditorium. We will be watching Where Olive Trees Weep. This film, made in 2022, will be the most recently-made film we watch in our series. Click here to receive the free registration link.

Saturday

• Join the Legacy Land Project’s Resource Fair and concert to benefit displaced Eaton fire residents. This event is supported by our community partners as they strive to ensure an equitable rebuilding of Altadena. The event will happen tomorrow, April 26th, 2025, from 11am-8pm at Memorial Park in Pasadena. Chaplains and pastors are also invited to participate by offering spiritual and emotional care. Volunteers can sign up here.

Road Closures this Sunday

• The annual Pasadena Half Marathon & 5K at the Rose Bowl will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Travel to and from the church may be impacted. Please see the website for the course map that includes the racecourse and the corresponding 6am closures and re-opening details.

Sunday Happenings

• Spring Sunday School starts this Sunday (and next)! See details below.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Luke 24:13-32. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• Our Yarn Crafts Group continues meeting this Sunday after worship in the Parlor. All levels of knitters, crocheters, or other crafters are welcome to join the fun. Bring a water bottle and snacks to share if you’d like. Click here to email Justine and Whitney.

Spring Sunday School

Our classes start this Sunday and next! See exact dates below:

• Rich and Kris Laski start their class this Sunday at 9am in the Parlor. This class will be structured around the Jim Burns book Doing Life With Your Adult Children - Keep Your Mouth Shut & The Welcome Mat Out. As parents of six adult children, the Laskis will be discussing relationship realities. This class is intended to spark meaningful discussions that will hopefully be helpful for any parent with adult children or any adult child with parents. Copies of the book will be provided. Class runs thru June 1st.

• Spiritual Values in Literature with Rene Scheys starts next Sunday, May 4th, and runs thru June 8th. Join us as we read, discuss, and appreciate the acclaimed novel This Other Eden by Paul Harding (writer of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Tinkers, a previous Spiritual Values in Literature selection). This beautiful novel (inspired by true events) tells the story of an unconventional interracial community situated on a remote island off the coast of Maine, a community infused with hard-won love and complicated grace. Copies of the book will be provided.

• Contemplative Practices with Pastor Lindsay Dorman starts May 4th and runs thru June 1st. This class introduces contemplative practices and rhythms lived by Jesus, exploring how we might learn to incorporate them into our lives. The class will provide time both to try new practices and reflect on them with one another. Instead of leaving with a new to-do list, the goal is to discover new ways to make space for God to do a transforming work in us.

Class descriptions and more information can be found here:

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🦎🐈Call for Pet Photos!🐕🐢

Upload a photo of your animal friend by clicking this link. Keep an eye out for photos coming to our board in the lobby. Please submit photos by Sunday, May 11th. We can’t wait to see your cute critters!

The Alvaro family’s furry friend Gertie

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Coming Up

• Parents of LGBTQ+ folks might be interested in attending the Parent & Family Summit with QChristian in Long Beach from May 2-4. Our friend and FBCP member Ken Fong will be a keynote speaker.

• Pastor Andrew will be leading a Family Ministry training class on Saturday, May 3rd, at 10am for volunteers working with elementary-aged children. Everyone who already volunteers AND anyone interested in helping with our K-5th grade kids is invited to attend. Text “elementary” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP for the first training. A training for those volunteering with our younger kids ages 0-4, will happen on Saturday, May 31st. Text “nursery” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP for this training. Email Andrew with questions.

• You are invited to our BASICS class, which is a deep dive into FBCP culture, history and future. This is after worship on May 4th at noon in the Southside Room, and lunch is provided. If you have been curious about membership, this is also the class that is needed to officially join our community. You are welcome to take the class and not move toward membership, but you cannot become a member without the class. We want you to know what you are getting into! Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• We invite all women to enjoy a five-minute complimentary massage on Mother’s Day, May 11th. Massage chairs will be set up in the back of the sanctuary and will be available throughout the service.

• Our next 🌈FBCPride Potluck will happen after worship on Sunday, May 18th, in the Southside Room. Join us for fellowship, along with planning for Pride events in the area. Email pride@fbcpasadena.com to join our mailing list.

Kids Camp Registration

Registration is open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family! Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults and youth, let Pastor Andrew know if you’d like to help out!

Call for Musicians

• Riley has an exciting opportunity for folks who are musically-minded. He is recording an FBCP album and would like to invite you to text "record" to 626.727.9498 if you'd like to contribute to the album by either singing, playing or mixing music. Riley will try his best to reach out and get everyone involved who would like to contribute.

Restorative Justice Survey

• Many of our friends from The Center and CCC are involved in finding equiptable housing solutions for displaced families after the Eaton fires. Please take a moment to learn about their advocacy work with the 710 stub land and take their survey. Thanks!

Regular-ish Happenings

• Spring Sunday School is starting April 27th (dates vary)! Click here to read about the classes/dates offered.

• Yarn Crafts Group | 4/27 after worship | Parlor

• Easy-Going Basketball | 4/27 @7pm | Gym

• Holy Walkamolies | 5/24 | TBA

Six Weeks at a Glance

4/25 - Palestine/Israel Film Screening
5/03 - Family Ministry Training (Elementary)
5/04 - Basics Lunch
5/11 - Mother’s Day
5/11 - Pet Photo Deadline
5/18 - FBCPride Lunch
5/26 - Memorial Day | Office Closed
5/31 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)
6/01 - Blood Drive

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families | 04.19.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our kids, youth, and adult choir for leading us in worship last week at our Palm Sunday service. It was such a beautiful picture of our church family and the richness of intergenerational worship and formation. (And thanks to the parents for bringing kids early to help make the morning run smoothly!)

The past two evenings have been really powerful, tender services as we retold the story of Jesus' last moments with his disciples and his crucifixion. Thank you to all who were able to join us in those services to live more fully into the path of Christ, even and especially in suffering. Today we honor a space of waiting as we look toward tomorrow and the resurrection. May we stay with Christ in a spirit of hope even as we mourn and wait.

Easter Sunday

Join us starting at 10 AM for our annual Easter Brunch in the park! In addition to a delicious spread of food, we will have some creative stations and lawn games to spark joy in both kids and adults. This will be a chance for families to eat and create together with our larger church community. You are also invited to bring flowers from your neighborhood to adorn our cross as a communal sign of life and resurrection. 

At 11 AM, we will move to the sanctuary for our Easter worship service. Kids above nursery age will join us in the sanctuary, and we will have some activities for them to take into worship. Our nursery will be open at 10:50 AM for kids four and under. They will get to explore the Easter story, too. Our youth will be part of our all-church festivities and then resume their regular youth gathering next week. It's going to be a beautiful morning of celebration, baptisms, and rejoicing. We hope you will join us!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Read the story of resurrection as a family, maybe in a few different translations. What are you wondering as you hear the story this year? What stands out to you?

• What does the Easter story tell us about the power of God's love?

Summer Happenings

Kids Camp Registration

We are making plans for camp this summer, and registration is  open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. Adults, let us know if you want to be part of camp in any way this year. It is always an intergenerational time of learning and fun!

Youth Summer Pilgrimage

As a reminder to parents, this summer our youth are invited to participate in a Southern Pilgrimage with The Center for Restorative Justice. They are hosting a powerful six-day journey through the Deep South, tracing the legacy of Emmett Till and the Black Freedom Struggle. This immersive experience will take students from Jackson, MS, to Money, MS, Memphis, TN, and Montgomery, AL, exploring key historical sites and museums that shaped the fight for racial justice. The trip takes place June 21-27. Here is a link to the application, which is due April 28. Please let me know if your youth plans to apply. If you have any questions at this time, feel free to reach out. I look forward to what I know will be a transformational trip with our youth!

May we wait with attention and anticipation as we look to tomorrow. 

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay and Pastor Andrew

Weekly Updates 04.18.2025

Good Friday Service

• Join us tonight at 6pm in the Sanctuary for our Good Friday Service. This special service will serve as an invitation to listen to scripture and our wonderful FBCP Choir as we remember Christ’s crucifixion and His death on the cross. The service ends with a procession out of the Sanctuary in silence. Childcare will be provided for nursery-aged children.

Saturday

• Our next SPARKY! (Support Pasadena + Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all!) outing is to dym books & boba tomorrow, Saturday, April 19th at 1pm, located at 2057 N Los Robles Ave at Woodbury. Come and have a boba, a coffee or a latte and pick up a new book! This AAPI-owned, independent bookshop opened just before the fires, so let's show them we're glad they're here. You can even bring your own jar to help save the environment. Text “sparky” to 626.727.9498 to receive the address electronically. See you there!

Easter Sunday

Flowers for the Cross

Help us decorate the cross on Easter with greenery from all over our city! Snip and bring in some flowers when you come for brunch at 10am on April 20th.

Easter Brunch this Sunday | 10am

We will celebrate Easter Sunday on April 20th beginning with a potluck brunch and mariachi band at 10am in the Park on Union Street!  Based on your last name, if you’re able, we’re asking you to bring about 10 servings of something savory (A-Q) or sweet/fruit (R-Z) to eat and share with your friends here. 

Worship this Sunday | 11am 

Join us for Easter Sunday! Our scripture this week is Luke 24:1-12. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up will join us for service to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Our regular youth gathering will resume a week from Sunday so that youth can spend extra time with their families on Easter Sunday. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is baking items (small bags of flour or sugar, oil, etc).

Easter Monday

• The office will be closed on Monday, April 21st.

• Monday, April 21st, is the deadline to register for the Southern Pilgrimage with The Center. This transformative experience highlights the resilience and resistance of freedom seekers who persevered in the face of violent racism and oppression.

Spring Sunday School

Registration is open! Our spring lineup features a fun mix of practical wisdom, literary inspiration, and spiritual practices:

•Doing Life with Your Adult Children with Rich & Kris Laski (4/27-6/1)

•Spiritual Values in Literature: This Other Eden with Rene Scheys (5/4-6/8)

•Contemplative Practices with Pastor Lindsay Dorman (5/4-6/1)

Click here to register today!

Upcoming Events

• Our community partners invite you to the third Palestine/Israel film series screening next Friday, April 25th, at 6pm at Fuller Seminary. We will be watching Where Olive Trees Weep. This film, made in 2022, will be the most recently-made film we watch in our series. Click here to receive the free registration link.

• Parents of LGBTQ+ folks might be interested in attending the Parent & Family Summit with QChristian in Long Beach from May 2-4. Our friend and FBCP member Ken Fong will be a keynote speaker.

• Family Ministry Training with Pastor Andrew is around the corner! Our church family is growing, and we would love for you to join our crew of Family Ministry volunteers! Pastor Andrew will be leading a Family Ministry training class on Saturday, May 3rd, at 10am for the elementary-aged children. Everyone who already volunteers AND anyone interested in helping with our K-5th grade kids is invited to attend. A training for our younger kids ages 0-4, will happen on Saturday, May 31st. Email Andrew or text “kids” to (626) 727-9498 for more information.

• You’re invited to our Basics Lunch after worship on Sunday, May 4th, in the Southside Room. Whether you have been at FBCP for a short period or you would like to be baptized, become a member, or simply learn more about our church, our Basics Lunch covers all the main information about our denomination and history. It is also an opportunity to ask a pastor any questions you may have. We hope that you can stay and get to know a few other folks. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• We invite all women to enjoy a five-minute complimentary massage on Mother’s Day, May 11th. Massage chairs will be set up in the back of the sanctuary and will be available throughout the service.

• Our next 🌈FBCPride Potluck will happen after worship on Sunday, May 18th, in the Southside Room. Help us plan and prepare for Pride events in the area. Email pride@fbcpasadena.com to join our mailing list.

Kids Camp Registration

We are making plans for camp this summer, and registration is now open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family! Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. 

Regular-ish Happenings

• Spring Sunday School is starting April 27th (dates vary)! Click here to read about the classes/dates offered.

• Yarn Crafts Group | 4/27 after worship | Parlor

• Holy Walkamolies | 5/24 | TBA

Six Weeks at a Glance

4/18 - Good Friday Service
4/19 - SPARKY! Outing
4/20 - Easter Sunday Brunch + Service
4/21 - Easter Monday | Office Closed
4/21 - Deadline to register for Southern Pilgrimage
4/25 - Palestine/Israel Film Screening
5/03 - Family Ministry Training (Elementary)
5/04 - Basics Lunch
5/11 - Mother’s Day
5/18 - FBCPride Lunch
5/26 - Memorial Day | Office Closed
5/31 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

Join us for Holy Week

Palm Sunday brought us triumphantly into this Holy Week, and you can access the recording below.

There is much more ahead and we hope you can join us tonight, Friday, and Sunday:

Maundy Thursday

April 17th | 6pm in the Chapel

This will be an intimate service that includes a reflective time of prayer, communion and foot washing. Childcare will be provided for nursery-aged children.

Good Friday

April 18th | 6pm in the Sanctuary

This special service will serve as an invitation to listen to scripture and our wonderful FBCP Choir as we remember Christ’s crucifixion and His death on the cross. The service ends with a procession out of the Sanctuary in silence. Childcare will be provided for nursery-aged children.

Flowers for the Cross

Help us decorate the cross on Easter with greenery from all over our city! Snip and bring in some flowers when you come for brunch at 10am on April 20th.

Easter Brunch + Service | April 20th @10am

We will celebrate Easter Sunday on April 20th beginning with a potluck brunch and mariachi band at 10am in the Park on Union St!  Based on your last name, if you’re able, we’re asking you to bring about 10 servings of something savory (A-Q) or sweet/fruit (R-Z) to eat and share with your friends here. Worship service will be immediately afterward at 11am with the children joining us for service to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Nursery care will be provided for ages four and under. We hope you can join us both for brunch and worship!

Parking

Free parking is available at 150 E Holly St, Pasadena 91103. Bring your ticket with you for validation.

We look forward to celebrating Holy Week and Easter with you.

FBCP Families | 04.12.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Holy Week is here, and I always cherish the chance for our community to retell the story of Christ's death and resurrection. I hope you can join us on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday at 6PM. Those are both powerful services with embodied practices, and they always prepare me more fully for the reality of resurrection on Easter Sunday. Tomorrow our kids and youth will join our adult choir in leading us during worship in our Palm Sunday service! Please bring your kids and youth to the sanctuary at 9:30 AM for one last rehearsal. We'll have pastries in the courtyard for parents so you can hang out until worship. I look forward to being with you tomorrow as we prepare for a meaningful week ahead. 

Meet and Greet with Andrew

Tomorrow we invite you to join us for lunch and a chance to meet Andrew, our new Pastor of Children and Community Partnerships! You'll have a chance to hear more about his story while connecting with each other. We invite you to bring a card of blessing to the event to give Andrew as a welcome. We'll gather in the park after worship for this time of connection as we give a warm welcome to Andrew.

Kids Camp Registration

We are making plans for camp this summer, and registration is  open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations.

Youth Summer Pilgrimage

As a reminder to parents, this summer our youth are invited to participate in a Southern Pilgrimage with The Center for Restorative Justice. They are hosting a powerful six-day journey through the Deep South, tracing the legacy of Emmett Till and the Black Freedom Struggle. This immersive experience will take students from Jackson, MS, to Money, MS, Memphis, TN, and Montgomery, AL, exploring key historical sites and museums that shaped the fight for racial justice. The trip takes place June 21-27. Here is a link to the application, which is due April 28. Please let me know if your youth plans to apply. If you have any questions at this time, feel free to reach out. I look forward to what I know will be a transformational trip with our youth!

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will explore the story of Palm Sunday.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. Please note that any kids who are singing with the choir will sit together for the start of service. This week the kids will dig into the story of Palm Sunday with Andrew and our amazing volunteer team. We look forward to a beautiful morning of intergenerational worship and learning!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What are you wondering after hearing the story of Palm Sunday?

• What do you think Jesus felt as he rode into town on the donkey?

YOUTH

This week our youth join our lunch in the park to welcome Andrew. We hope they enjoy this time of fellowship with the larger church and the chance to get to know Andrew better!

Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families.

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 04.11.2025

Sunday

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary for Palm Sunday! Our scripture this week is Luke 23:1-12. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. Our kids and youth who are joining with the Choir for this Palm Sunday celebration are asked to arrive at 9:30 for practice.  They will then sit together for the start of service. Parents are invited to enjoy pastries in the courtyard after dropping off kids at 9:30 AM. Our youth are invited to join the church for our Meet and Greet with Andrew after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is cereal.

• After worship this Sunday, we invite all families with kids and our Family Ministry volunteers to join us for lunch and a chance to meet Andrew, our incoming Pastor of Children and Community Partnerships. You'll have a chance to hear more about his story while connecting with each other. We invite you to bring a card of blessing to the event to give Andrew as a welcome.

Upcoming Events

• Our next SPARKY outing is to dym books & boba on April 19 at 1pm, located at 2057 N Los Robles Ave at Woodbury. Come and have a boba, a coffee or a latte and pick up a new book! This AAPI-owned, independent bookshop opened just before the fires, so let's show them we're glad they're here. You can even bring your own jar to help save the environment. See you there!

• Our community partners invite you to the third Palestine/Israel film series screening on April 25th at Fuller Seminary. We will be watching Where Olive Trees Weep. This film, made in 2022, will be the most recently-made film we watch in our series. Text "film" to 626.727.9498 to receive the free registration link.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday | April 13th | Regular Worship Time @10:30am

Join us as the children and youth lead worship with the FBCP Choir to welcome Holy Week with palms waving.

Maundy Thursday | April 17th | 6pm in the Chapel

This will be an intimate service that includes a reflective time of prayer, communion and foot washing. Childcare will be provided for nursery-aged children.

Good Friday | April 18th | 6pm in the Sanctuary

This special service will serve as an invitation to listen to scripture and our wonderful FBCP Choir as we remember Christ’s crucifixion and His death on the cross. The service ends with a procession out of the Sanctuary in silence. Childcare will be provided for nursery-aged children.

Flowers for the Cross

Help us decorate the cross on Easter with greenery from all over our city! Snip and bring in some flowers when you come for brunch at 10am on April 20th.

Easter Brunch + Service | April 20th | 10am

We will celebrate Easter Sunday on April 20th beginning with a potluck brunch and mariachi band at 10am in the Park on Union Street!  Based on your last name, if you’re able, we’re asking you to bring about 10 servings of something savory (A-Q) or sweet/fruit (R-Z) to eat and share with your friends here. Worship service will be immediately afterward at 11am with the children joining us for service to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Nursery care will be provided for ages four and under. We hope you can join us for brunch and worship!

Kids Camp Registration

We are making plans for camp this summer, and registration is now open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family! Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. 

Pilgrimages with The Center

Our friends at The Center for Restorative Justice are offering two place-based pilgrimages this summer, and you are invited to apply. At The Center, they contend that we cannot move toward a just future until we rightly remember and reckon with our past. Through their place-based pilgrimages, they create space for communities to become proximate to history and practice truth-telling, advocacy, and repair with future generations in mind. Having led these pilgrimages since 2017, they have seen their impact and ability to foster community and courage to transform schools, churches, workplaces, families, and local politics. 

Southern Pilgrimage | June 6 - 13, 2025

New Orleans and Wallace, LA; Jackson and Money, MS; Memphis, TN; Birmingham and Montgomery, AL.

Anchored in the rich storytelling of the Black freedom struggle, the Southern Pilgrimage immerses participants in the past, places, and the stories of people who have shaped the centuries-long fight for civil rights and human dignity. This transformative experience highlights the resilience and resistance of freedom seekers who persevered in the face of violent racism and oppression. Learn more details and apply here. Deadline to apply is April 21.

Asian American Pilgrimage | July 19-25, 2025

San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Yosemite, Manzanar, and Los Angeles

This pilgrimage traces the intersecting dynamics within the Asian American community focusing on the connections between church, history, and racial justice. Together, we will confront harmful myths and stereotypes, uncover the violent history of racism faced by the AAPI community, celebrate countless acts of resistance, and encounter stories of the generational organizing work by ordinary people. Along the way, we will hear from incredible Asian American faith leaders, organizers, and everyday resistors. Learn more details and apply here. Deadline to apply is June 4.

Regular-ish Happenings

• Lenten Sunday School | Sundays at 9am thru 4/13

• Yarn Crafts Group | 4/27 after worship | Parlor

Six Weeks at a Glance

4/13 - Palm Sunday
4/13 - Meet + Greet w/Andrew
4/17 - Maundy Thursday Service
4/18 - Good Friday Service
4/19 - SPARKY Outing
4/20 - Easter Sunday Brunch + Service
4/21 - Office closed
4/25 - Palestine/Israel Film Screening
5/01 - Pasadena Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
5/03 - Family Ministry Training (Elementary)
5/04 - Basics Lunch
5/11 - Mother’s Day
5/31 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families 04.05.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Thanks to all who were able to join us last Sunday and lean into the practice of lament. Our kids also explored some ideas around feelings and attunement to their emotions. I wanted to share one of the practices they tried in case you want to do it as a family. Arielle made this simple practice based on some ideas from The Book of Belonging, and our leaders got to try this with the kids. It is very similar to what we did in the sanctuary. May we be blessed in coming together to share the full range of our human emotions. 

Lament Practice

Let’s start by “putting one hand over (our) hearts and one over (our) bellies and take some deep belly breaths.” Think about something that causes you sadness or pain. It could be something or someone you lost, or someone or something that hurt you. “Notice how your sadness” or hurt “feels in your body (Is it heavy? Hot? Wobbly? Squeezing?).” Tell God what has caused you sadness or pain. “Notice what thoughts you have and share them with God.” You might think, “It's not fair! I feel forgotten! You let me down! Why?” (Clark,226).                                                                                                                                                                              

Now, think about how you want God to help and tell God. 

Closing Prayer: Thank you for loving us. Help us to trust in your never-ending love, God, even when we feel sad or hurt and don’t understand what is happening.       

Clark, Mariko. The Book of Belonging. Convergent Children’s, 2024.

Special Gratitude

This week I want to share a special gratitude for Arielle, who has been an integral part of the transition period with our ministry to kids. She works as a speech pathologist and has been a faithful volunteer in our family ministry for some time now. We were blessed to be able to bring her on for a few hours a week to work on longterm curriculum planning and to lead the kids on Sunday mornings while we completed our hiring process for a full time pastor. Her work has ranged from administrative duties during the week, to curriculum consulting, to leadership on Sunday mornings. She is an excellent researcher, an imaginative lesson planner, and a wonderful caretaker of our kids. Please join me in thanking her for continuing to nurture such a loving and fun space for our kids while keeping our volunteers informed and our ministry running smoothly. I am so thankful for her commitment to our church family and the thriving of our kids!

Kids Camp Registration

We are making plans for camp this summer, and registration is  open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. 

Palm Sunday |  Kids and Youth Singing

We are so excited for our kids and youth to join our adult choir in leading us during worship next Sunday, April 13, in our Palm Sunday service! They will begin practicing this Sunday during our kids time, and they will continue to rehearse on Sunday for the coming weeks. Next Sunday, please bring your kids and youth to the sanctuary at 9:30 AM for a rehearsal with the adult choir. We'll have pastries in the courtyard for parents so you can hang out until worship. Here are the lyrics, and here is a recording that you can use to help your kids practice at home. A huge thanks to Grace Goodman for leading the hand motions for the song this year!

Meet and Greet with Andrew

On Sunday, April 13, we invite all families with kids and our Family Ministry volunteers to join us for lunch and a chance to meet Andrew, our incoming Pastor of Children and Community Partnerships. You'll have a chance to hear more about his story while connecting with each other. We invite you to bring a card of blessing to the event to give Andrew as a welcome. We'll gather after worship for this time of connection as we give a warm welcome to Andrew!

Youth Summer Pilgrimage

As a reminder to parents, this summer our youth are invited to participate in a Southern Pilgrimage with The Center for Restorative Justice. They are hosting a powerful six-day journey through the Deep South, tracing the legacy of Emmett Till and the Black Freedom Struggle. This immersive experience will take students from Jackson, MS, to Money, MS, Memphis, TN, and Montgomery, AL, exploring key historical sites and museums that shaped the fight for racial justice. The trip takes place June 21-27. Here is a link to the application, which is due April 28. Please let me know if your youth plans to apply. If you have any questions at this time, feel free to reach out. I look forward to what I know will be a transformational trip with our youth!

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will explore emotions, especially anger, and how to manage our feelings in healthy ways.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for worship and communion since this is the first Sunday of the month. Make sure your child picks up snacks and a fun survey to fill out  during worship. Arielle and Andrew will have that ready in the lobby as you enter. It will be a beautiful morning together with communion and all our regular liturgical elements. We are thankful for the presence of our kids with us.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What surprises you about Jesus in the scripture this week (Luke 22:47-53)?

• What part of worship felt most important or meaningful to you this week? 

YOUTH

This week our youth will have our regular youth gathering after worship, including lunch.n We will continue exploring themes of lent and scriptures from Luke. We'll wrap at 1:30 PM, and youth can be picked up from our Union Street park gate.

Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 04.04.2025

Thank you to everyone who signed up for our beloved Community Dinners!  We pray you have a wonderful evening of connecting at tables around our city this evening.

Sunday

• Join us for worship in the Sanctuary at 10:30am as we partake in communion together (note: crackers are gluten free)! Our scripture this week is Luke 22:47-53. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Please note that because this will be the first Sunday of the month, our kids five years old and up will join us in the Sanctuary for service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is fruit and vegetable juice.

Upcoming Events

• The FBCPride Group karaoke event has been postponed, so stay tuned for more information at our next Pride gathering on May 18.

• After worship on April 13th, we invite all families with kids and our Family Ministry volunteers to join us for lunch and a chance to meet Andrew, our incoming Pastor of Children and Community Partnerships. You'll have a chance to hear more about his story while connecting with each other. We invite you to bring a card of blessing to the event to give Andrew as a welcome. We'll gather after worship for this time of connection with Pastor Andrew!

• Our next SPARKY outing is to dym books & boba on April 19 at 1pm, located at 2057 N Los Robles Ave at Woodbury. Come and have a boba, a coffee or a latte and pick up a new book! This AAPI owned, independent bookshop opened just before the fires, so let's show ‘em we're glad they're here. You can even bring your own jar to help save the environment. See you there!

Holy Week

Palm Sunday | April 13th | Regular Worship Time @10:30am

Join us as the children and youth lead worship with the FBCP Choir to welcome Holy Week with palms waving.

Maundy Thursday | April 17th | 6pm in the Chapel

This will be an intimate service that includes a reflective time of prayer, communion and foot washing. Childcare will be provided for nursery-aged children.

Good Friday | April 18th | 6pm in the Sanctuary

This special service will serve as an invitation to listen to scripture and our wonderful FBCP Choir as we remember Christ’s crucifixion and His death on the cross. The service ends with a procession out of the Sanctuary in silence. Childcare will be provided for nursery-aged children.

Flowers for the Cross

Help us decorate the cross on Easter with greenery from all over our city! Snip and bring in some flowers when you come for brunch at 10am on April 20th.

Easter Brunch + Service | April 20th @10am

We will celebrate Easter Sunday on April 20th beginning with a potluck brunch and mariachi band at 10am in the Park on Union Street!  Based on your last name, if you’re able, we’re asking you to bring about 10 servings of something savory (A-Q) or sweet/fruit (R-Z) to eat and share with your friends here. Worship service will be immediately afterward at 11am with the children joining us for service to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Nursery care will be provided for ages four and under. We hope you can join us for brunch and worship!

Kids Camp Registration

We are making plans for camp this summer, and registration is now open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family! Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. 

Pilgrimages with The Center

Our friends at The Center for Restorative Justice are offering two place-based pilgrimages this summer, and you are invited to apply. At The Center, they contend that we cannot move toward a just future until we rightly remember and reckon with our past. Through their place-based pilgrimages, they create space for communities to become proximate to history and practice truth-telling, advocacy, and repair with future generations in mind. Having led these pilgrimages since 2017, they have seen their impact and ability to foster community and courage to transform schools, churches, workplaces, families, and local politics. 

Southern Pilgrimage | June 6 - 13, 2025

New Orleans and Wallace, LA; Jackson and Money, MS; Memphis, TN; Birmingham and Montgomery, AL.

Anchored in the rich storytelling of the Black freedom struggle, the Southern Pilgrimage immerses participants in the past, places, and the stories of people who have shaped the centuries-long fight for civil rights and human dignity. This transformative experience highlights the resilience and resistance of freedom seekers who persevered in the face of violent racism and oppression. Learn more details and apply here. Deadline to apply is April 21.

Asian American Pilgrimage | July 19-25, 2025

San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Yosemite, Manzanar, and Los Angeles

This pilgrimage traces the intersecting dynamics within the Asian American community focusing on the connections between church, history, and racial justice. Together, we will confront harmful myths and stereotypes, uncover the violent history of racism faced by the AAPI community, celebrate countless acts of resistance, and encounter stories of the generational organizing work by ordinary people. Along the way, we will hear from incredible Asian American faith leaders, organizers, and everyday resistors. Learn more details and apply here. Deadline to apply is June 4.

Regular-ish Happenings

• Lenten Sunday School | Sundays at 9am thru 4/13

• Yarn Crafts Group | 4/6 after worship | Parlor

Six Weeks at a Glance

4/04 - Community Dinners
4/13 - Palm Sunday
4/13 - Meet + Greet w/Andrew
4/17 - Maundy Thursday Service
4/18 - Good Friday Service
4/20 - Easter Sunday Brunch + Service
5/03 - Family Ministry Training (Elementary)
5/04 - Basics Lunch

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families | 03.29.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

For the season of Lent, we have been following the life of Jesus in the book of Luke. Tomorrow in worship we will look at the scripture in Luke 22:39-46, which describes Jesus crying in anguish. As a staff we have been thinking a lot about what our tradition offers in terms of lament and how vital it is that we have spaces to name our sorrow in both individual and communal ways. Our kids will get the chance to explore this tomorrow as well, and I am praying for a really rich time of worship together. I came across this poem by Christopher Reid about the ways elephants have their own ritual for grief. It felt like a beautiful picture of what we do as a church family, placing the full range or emotions in "new, hopeful arrangements." 

Who Is Your Neighbor?

Last week our kids explored the story of the Good Samaritan, and they had a great time engaging in activities and questions that introduced the theme of what it means to love our neighbors. They were engaged with the story but ran out of time to fully get into our Wondering Questions, so we wanted to share them with you in case you want to open up some family discussion. The story is familiar but always challenging, so we pray for discussions that hold complexity rather than simple answers.                                                                                                                                                                              

• What are some things that might keep you from looking out for, noticing, or helping others?     

• How has someone loved and cared for you like a neighbor? 

• Are there people you have a hard time seeing as a "neighbor" to love and take care of? Why?

Kids Camp Registration

We are making plans for camp this summer, and registration is  open! Camp will run June 16-20 from 9am-12pm each day. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family. Youth families, please note that the youth are invited to help again this year, and this can count for community service hours if they have any requirements through school or other organizations. 

Palm Sunday |  Kids and Youth Singing

We are so excited for our kids and youth to join our adult choir in leading us during worship on Sunday, April 13, in our Palm Sunday service! They will begin practicing this Sunday during our kids time, and they will continue to rehearse on Sunday for the coming weeks. On that Sunday (April 13), please bring your kids and youth to the sanctuary at 9:30 AM for a rehearsal with the adult choir. We'll have pastries in the courtyard for parents so you can hang out until worship. Here are the lyrics, and here is a recording that you can use to help your kids practice at home. A huge thanks to Grace Goodman for leading the hand motions for the song this year!

Save the Date!

On Sunday, April 13, we invite all families with kids and our Family Ministry volunteers to join us for lunch and a chance to meet Andrew, our incoming Pastor of Children and Community Partnerships. You'll have a chance to hear more about his story while connecting with each other. We invite you to bring a card of blessing to the event to give Andrew as a welcome. We'll gather after worship for this time of connection as we give a warm welcome to Andrew!

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will explore emotions, especially anger, and how to manage our feelings in healthy ways.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or sit with any of their leaders in the front pews. This week the kids will engage with the story of Jesus agonizing in the garden (the same scripture we will hear in the sanctuary worship service). Our kids will have chances to explore lament and the full range of our human emotions. We pray that our kids will feel freedom in sharing how they really feel with a God who loves and cares for them and all of creation.    

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Why did Jesus need time to go off and cry with God?

• What is something you feel angry, sad, or even hopeless about?

• Why is lament an important practice if we follow Christ?

YOUTH

This week our youth will have our regular youth gathering after worship, including lunch. Pastor Riley will be leading the time this week. We will continue exploring themes of lent and scriptures from Luke. We'll wrap at 1:30 PM, and youth can be picked up from our Union Street park gate.

Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

a word from riley

Today Riley shares a reflection ahead of Sunday worship, complete with a song!