Weekly Updates 09.26.2025

Sunday

• Look out for yummy treats for sale this Sunday at our Oaxaca Missions Team Bake Sale. The team will be selling goodies to raise money for their trip to Mexico coming up October 10th-18th. You’ll find the treats in the courtyard before worship and the Narthex afterwards (if there’s any left after Sunday School)!

• Our Fall Sunday School is in full swing, and it’s not too late to join. Classes include: Theology of Hospitality: Gifts of Food and Presence in the Southside Room this week, Theology of Song in the Library, and Theology of Resistance and Resilience: Building the Beloved Community in the Parlor. We hope you can join us! Click here to read more about our classes and sign up, or stop by even if you haven’t signed up.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Matthew 7:1-5 and our theme from Breathing Under Water is Step 4: Moral Inventory. 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 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.

• Yarn Crafts Group is canceled this Sunday. The next gathering will take place on Sunday, October 12th, after worship in the Parlor.

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

Study with John Jay

Pastor John Jay’s new Monday study will continue as a discussion on the upcoming sermon text and theme. We will gather in the Parlor from 12pm-1pm each week for a wild time of interpretation, imagination, theological training, storytelling, and general merriment. No prep is required to join the fun, and you are welcome to bring your lunch and enjoy during this hour. Bring a printed Bible if you have one (we have extras), a pen and notebook, and all the curiosity you can muster. Can't wait to study together! Email Pastor John Jay with questions.

Coming Up

• Pastor Andrew and Helen invite families to hangout in the park by the Gym after worship next Sunday, October 5th. Pack a lunch or grab a local bite to eat and enjoy outside while the kids run around. Email Pastor Andrew with questions.

• The FBCPride Group is planning a fun outing to the USC One Archives Museum on Saturday, October 18th, at 1:30pm and you’re invited to come with us! This is the world's largest LGBTQ+ archive, and our very own Jerry Brown created items that are included in the archives. One of USC’s own archivists will also be on hand to share secrets of the museum and highlight parts of the museum. Join us for lunch beforehand at Central Kitchen, and click here to RSVP for the limited (free) archive tickets. FBCPride is a monthly gathering of LGBTQ+ Christians and allies to grow in friendship, education, love and support.

• Our Basics Class will meet after worship on Sunday, October 19th, at 12:30pm in the Southside Room for those who are interested in learning about our church. Pastors will walk you through our church history, our American Baptist denomination, and the meaning behind some of our practices like baptism, communion and membership. Lunch will be provided. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

• Parents, join us for Parent Night Out on Friday, October 24th, from 6-9pm. We'll serve snacks and provide activities for your kids, while you eat dinner, shop, or take a nap! You can register your kid(s) with this link.

• Join us on Saturday, October 25th, at 9am for our quarterly Men’s Breakfast in the Park off Union St. You won’t want to miss the meal or the time of fellowship together. Text “bacon” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Pastor Andrew invites everyone to show their inner child and wear a friendly Halloween costume on Sunday, October 26th. We look forward to seeing what you come up with, and there might even be a prize!

• Thanks to our Potluck Volunteer Squad last week—Tina, Troi, Charlie, Gaby, Michael, Melissa, Amanda, Fredric, Eric, Kirk, Michael, and others who stayed and helped! We couldn’t have done it without you.

De-Escalation Team

Thanks to the folks who serve on our De-escalation Team, a team focused on caring for the needs of folks who might walk in off the streets needing help. Being in an urban setting, FBCP gets regular visitors with varying levels of physical and mental needs. We want to have a few volunteers trained and available to talk with folks who might need help calming down or talking to someone, while the pastors are busy during the service. Text the word "calm" to 626.727.9498 if you enjoy this line of work and Gaby will be in touch with you regarding the next training at 9am on November 9th.  

Six Weeks at a Glance

9/28 - Oaxaca Bake Sale I
10/5 - Oaxaca Bake Sale II
10/5 - Family Park Hangout
10/11-10/18 - Oaxaca Missions Trip
10/18 - FBCPride Outing to USC One Archives
10/19 - Basics Lunch
10/24 - Parent Night Out
10/25 - Men’s Breakfast
10/26 - Costume Sunday
11/2 - All Saints Sunday
11/2 - FBCPride Group
11/2 - Family Park Hangout
11/2 - Prayer for Global Servants
11/7 - Community Dinners

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 09.19.2025

Saturday

• Ladies, you are invited to bring clothes and accessories to trade (and a snack to share) tomorrow, September 20th, at 11am in the Fellowship Hall (enter through the glass door on Union St). Enjoy searching for new treasures to take home at our Women’s Clothing Swap! Contact Rebekah with questions.

Sunday

• BYO Cushion Day! The delivery of our new pew cushions was delayed one week, so our wooden pews will be bare. Please feel free to bring along your own cushion to sit on!

• Fall Sunday School starts this Sunday from 9-10am! Classes include: Theology of Hospitality: Gifts of Food and Presence taught by Kathy Oliver, Cindie Ekstrand, and Kevin starting in Room 211, Theology of Song taught by Riley Taylor in the Library, and Theology of Resistance and Resilience: Building the Beloved Community taught by John Williams and Nancy Stiles in the Parlor. We hope you can join us! Click here to read more about our classes and sign up, or stop by even if you haven’t signed up.

• Our next monthly Grief Group meets this Sunday, September 21st, at 9am in Southside Room. This is a space for anyone experiencing grief or loss to be with others in a similar season. Reach out to Jon Rinkus if you are interested in joining this group. Jon is a trained Hospital Chaplain through Fuller and provides a rich space for folks to process grief.

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Matthew 26:36-46 and our theme from Breathing Under Water is Step 3: Surrender. 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 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.

• Stay for our All-Church potluck this Sunday, September 21st, after worship in the Gym. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a dessert (last name A-G), main dish (H-R), or a salad or side dish (S-Z) of about 8-10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. Enter through the park to drop off dishes in the Basement Kitchen. Thanks to Tina, Troi, Charlie, Gaby, Michael, Melissa, Amanda, Fredric, Eric, Kirk and Michael for volunteering to help! Please let Pastor Chip know if you’d like to join the fun of setup or cleanup. Thanks!

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

Study with John Jay

Pastor John Jay’s new Monday study will continue as a discussion on the upcoming sermon text and theme. We will gather in the Parlor from 12pm-1pm each week for a wild time of interpretation, imagination, theological training, storytelling, and general merriment. No prep is required to join the fun, and you are welcome to bring your lunch and enjoy during this hour. Bring a printed Bible if you have one (we have extras), a pen and notebook, and all the curiosity you can muster. Can't wait to study together! Email Pastor John Jay with questions.

Coming Up

• Look out for yummy treats for sale at our Oaxaca Bake Sale on Sundays September 28th and October 5th (note the shifted dates). Our Oaxaca Missions Team will be selling goodies to raise money for their trip to Mexico this Fall. Let us know if you would like to bake for their sale. You’ll find treats in the courtyard before worship and the Narthex afterwards (if there’s some left after Sunday School)!  

• Join the Yarn Crafts Group for knitting or crocheting projects (or any crafty project you’d like to bring), biweekly on Sundays after worship in the Parlor. Our next meeting will be September 28th. All ages and abilities are welcome to attend. You can bring your own materials (and snacks to share) or Whitney will provide yarn and needles to get started. Email Whitney for details.

• Pastor Andrew, along with parent volunteers Stormie and Helen, invite families to hangout in the park by the Gym after worship on Sunday, October 5th. Pack a lunch or grab a local bite to eat and enjoy eating outside while the kids run around. Email Pastor Andrew with questions.

• Our Basics Class will meet after worship on Sunday, October 19th, at 12:30pm in the Southside Room for those who are interested in learning about our church. Pastors Chip and Riley will walk you through our church history, our American Baptist denomination, and the meaning behind some of our practices like baptism, communion and membership. Lunch will be provided. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

• Join us on Saturday, October 25th, at 9am for our quarterly Men’s Breakfast in the Park off Union St. You won’t want to miss the meal or the time of fellowship together. Text “bacon” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• We are postponing Parent Night Out to Friday, October 24th, from 6-9pm. Save the new date! We'll serve snacks and provide activities for your kids, while you eat dinner, shop, or take a nap! You can register your kid(s) with this link.

De-Escalation Team

Thanks to the folks who serve on our De-escalation Team, a team focused on caring for the needs of folks who might walk in off the streets needing help. Being in an urban setting, FBCP gets regular visitors with varying levels of physical and mental needs. We want to have a few volunteers trained and available to talk with folks who might need help calming down or talking to someone, while the pastors are busy during the service. Text the word "calm" to 626.727.9498 if you enjoy this line of work and Gaby will be in touch with you regarding the next training at 9am on November 9th.  

Beloved Member

Robin C. Campbell, a beloved member of First Baptist Church of Pasadena, died on September 6th, 2025, due to complications from Leukemia. Robin spent his later years in Utah with his wife Marion. They frequently returned to Pasadena and joined us in worship (especially during Advent for our Candlelight Carol Service). We are honored to host his memorial service on November 29th, 2025, details forthcoming. Please keep Marion and their children in your prayers as they mourn this loss and remember well the love they all shared.

Six Weeks at a Glance

9/20 - Women’s Clothing Swap
9/21 - Fall Sunday School Begins
9/21 - Grief Group
9/21 - All-Church Potluck
9/28 - Oaxaca Bake Sale I
10/5 - Oaxaca Bake Sale II
10/5 - Family Park Hangout
10/11-10/18 - Oaxaca Missions Trip
10/19 - Basics Lunch
10/24 - Parent Night Out (new date)
10/25 - Men’s Breakfast
10/26 - Costume Sunday
11/2 - All Saints Sunday
11/2 - FBCPride Group
11/2 - Family Park Hangout

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 09.12.2025

Saturday

• Women are invited to enjoy ice cream and fellowship at the Laski Home tomorrow, September 13th, at 2pm. Bring a pint of your favorite ice cream and enjoy fellowship on the Laski’s back patio. Email Rebekah for details.

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Mark 5:23-43 and our theme from Breathing Under Water is Step 2: Desperate Desiring. 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 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.

• Join us after worship this Sunday, September 14th, in the Parlor 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.

• Also this Sunday, our Yarn Crafts Group returns! Join these crafty folks for knitting or crocheting projects (or any crafty project you’d like to bring). All ages and abilities are welcome to attend. You can bring your own materials (and snacks to share) or Whitney will provide yarn and needles to get started. Email Whitney for details.

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

Fall Sunday School

Join us for seven weeks starting September 21st on Sundays from 9-10am! Classes include: Theology of Hospitality: Gifts of Food and Presence taught by Kathy Oliver, Cindie Ekstrand, and friends, Theology of Song taught by Riley Taylor, and Theology of Resistance and Resilience: Building the Beloved Community taught by John Williams and Nancy Stiles. We hope you can join us! Click here to read more about our classes and sign up! We hope you can join us!

Study with John Jay

Starting this Monday, September 15th, Pastor John Jay will begin hosting a weekly study and discussion on the upcoming sermon text and theme. We will gather in the Parlor from 12pm-1pm for a wild time of interpretation, imagination, theological training, storytelling, and general merriment. Pastor John Jay will lead the discussions (in collaboration with Riley). No prep is required to join the fun, and you are welcome to bring your lunch and enjoy during this hour. Bring a printed Bible if you have one (we have extras), a pen and notebook, and all the curiosity you can muster. There is no need to RSVP for this group, just show up as you are able. Can't wait to study together! Email Pastor John Jay with questions.

Clothing Swap

On Saturday, September 20th, at 11am in the Parlor, you are invited to bring your unwanted clothes and accessories (and a snack to share) and enjoy searching for new treasures to take home! See flyer below and contact Rebekah with questions.

Coming Up

• Look out for yummy treats for sale at our Oaxaca Bake Sale on Sundays September 21st and 28th (you’ll be here early for Sunday School anyway!). Our Oaxaca Missions Team will be selling goodies to raise money for their trip to Mexico this Fall. Let us know if you would like to bake for their sale. You’ll find treats in the courtyard before worship and the lobby afterwards (if there’s some left)!  

• Our next monthly Grief Group meets on Sunday, September 21st, at 9am in Room 214. This is a space for anyone experiencing grief or loss to be with others in a similar season. Reach out to Jon Rinkus if you are interested in joining this group. Jon is a trained Hospital Chaplain through Fuller and provides a rich space for folks to process grief.

• Stay for our All-Church potluck on Sunday, September 21st, after worship in the Gym. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a dessert (last name A-G), main dish (H-R), or a salad or side dish (S-Z) of about 8-10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. If you’re free to help set up or clean up, please let Pastor Chip know you’re in for the Volunteer Squad. Thanks!

• We are planning a night of fun for kids so parents can enjoy an evening out (also known as "Parent Night Out"). You can drop off and pick up your child anytime between 6-9pm on Friday, September 26th. We'll serve snacks and provide activities for your kids, while you eat dinner, shop, or take a nap! You can register your kid(s) with this link.

• Parents of kids ages 0-10: Join Pastor Andrew for a Vision Casting session on Saturday, September 27th, from 10am-12pm. Our volunteers have gone through this training (we could use 10 more volunteers; email Pastor Andrew if you are interested!), and Andrew would love to share the same hopes and dreams for the year with parents. RSVP via the Evite link he sent you in his weekly email.

De-Escalation Team

Thanks to the folks who serve on our De-escalation Team, a team focused on caring for the needs of folks who might walk in off the streets needing help. Pastor John Jay shared last week that being in an urban setting, FBCP gets regular visitors with varying levels of physical and mental needs. We want to have a few volunteers trained and available to talk with folks who might need help calming down or talking to someone, while the pastors are busy during the service. Text the word "calm" to 626.727.9498 if you enjoy this line of work and Gaby will be in touch with you regarding the next training.  

Beloved Member

Robin C. Campbell, a beloved member of First Baptist Church of Pasadena, died on September 6th, 2025, due to complications from Leukemia. A short blurb in a Friday email will not be sufficient to honor all that Robin brought into the world and our church, so we will be sharing a bit more in the coming days. Even though he spent his later years in Utah with his wife Marion, they frequently returned to Pasadena and joined us in worship (especially during Advent for our Candlelight Carol Service). We are honored to host his memorial service on November 29th, 2025, details forthcoming. Please keep Marion and their children in your prayers as they mourn this loss and remember well the love they all shared.

Pasadena

Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

9/13 - Women’s Ice Cream Social
9/13 - Pasadena Pilgrimage with The Center
9/20 - Clothing Swap
9/21 - Fall Sunday School Begins
9/21 - Oaxaca Bake Sale I
9/21 - Grief Group
9/21 - All-Church Potluck
9/26 - Parent Night Out
9/27 - Parent Meeting with Andrew
9/28 - Oaxaca Bake Sale II
10/5 - Family Park Hangout
10/11-10/18 - Oaxaca Missions Trip
10/19 - Basics Lunch
10/25 - Men’s Breakfast

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 09.05.2025

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Join us for worship at 10:30am as we gather and partake in communion together (note: crackers are gluten free)! We will be starting a new series this week based on Richard Rohr’s book Breathing Under Water. Each week corresponds to a different topic and scripture, and this week’s focus is on Powerlessness. Our scripture this week is 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. 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 LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies are invited to join us this Sunday for our FBCPride Potluck lunch in the Southside Room after worship. Bring a dish to share and learn ways to support our queer community locally and across the nation. Email FBCPride leaders (Pastor Chip and friends) with any questions. Hope you can join us!

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

Fall Sunday School

Join us for seven weeks starting September 21st on Sundays from 9-10am! Classes include: Theology of Hospitality: Gifts of Food and Presence taught by Kathy Oliver, Cindie Ekstrand, and friends, Theology of Song taught by Riley Taylor, and Theology of Resistance and Resilience: Building the Beloved Community taught by John Williams and Nancy Stiles. We hope you can join us! Click here to read more about our classes and sign up! We hope you can join us!

Coming Up

• Folks ages 55+, join us for our next potluck lunch on Wednesday, September 10th, at 12:30pm in Room 228 (it’s air-conditioned!). It’s always a fun time together, and we look forward to the fellowship. Email Pastor Chip with any questions.

• Register now to attend a pilgrimage of Pasadena with The Center on Saturday, September 13th, from 8:30am - 4:30pm. This immersive excursion invites participants to examine the City of Pasadena's rich and complex racial history. Along the way, we will visit historically significant sites and engage with local historians, storytellers, and organizers who bring the past to life. Together, we will examine how the city's history has shaped its present and explore the enduring impact of its racial dynamics.

• Women are invited to enjoy ice cream and fellowship at the Laski Home on Saturday, September 13th, at 2pm. Bring a pint of your favorite ice cream and enjoy fellowship on the Laski’s back patio. Text “scoop” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP, and Rebekah will be in touch with you with details.

• Join us after worship next Sunday, September 14th, in the Parlor 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.

• Also on Sunday, September 14th, our Yarn Crafts Group returns! Join these crafty folks for knitting or crocheting projects (or any crafty project you’d like to bring). All ages and genders are welcome to attend whether you have experience or not! You can bring your own materials or Whitney will provide yarn and needles to get started. Email Whitney for details.

• On Mondays starting September 15th, Pastor John Jay will begin hosting a weekly study and discussion on the upcoming sermon text and theme. We will gather in the Parlor from 12pm-1pm for a wild time of interpretation, imagination, theological training, storytelling, and general merriment. Pastor John Jay will lead the discussions (in collaboration with Riley). No prep is required to join the fun. Bring a printed Bible if you have one (we have extras), a pen and notebook, and all the curiosity you can muster. There is no need to RSVP for this group, just show up as you are able. Can't wait to study together! Email Pastor John Jay with questions.

Clothing Swap

On Saturday, September 20th, at 11am in the Parlor, you are invited to bring your unwanted clothes and accessories (and a snack to share) and enjoy searching for new treasures to take home! See flyer below and contact Rebekah with questions.

Also in September

• Stay for our All-Church potluck on Sunday, September 21st, after worship in the Gym. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a dessert (last name A-G), main dish (H-R), or a salad or side dish (S-Z) of about 8-10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. If you’re free to help set up or clean up, please let Pastor Chip know you’re in for the Volunteer Squad. Thanks!

• We are planning a night of fun for kids so parents can enjoy an evening out (also known as "Parent Night Out"). You can drop off and pick up your child anytime between 6-9pm on Friday, September 26th. We'll serve snacks and provide activities for your kids, while you eat dinner, shop, or take a nap! You can register your kid(s) with this link.

• Parents of kids ages 0-10: Join Pastor Andrew for a Vision Casting session on Saturday, September 27th (new date), from 10am-12pm. Our volunteers have gone through this training (we could use 10 more volunteers; email Pastor Andrew if you are interested!), and Andrew would love to share the same hopes and dreams for the year with parents. RSVP via the Evite link he sent you in his weekly email.

Pasadena

Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

9/07 - FBCPride Potluck Lunch
9/10 - 55+ Potluck Lunch
9/13 - Women’s Ice Cream Social
9/13 - Pasadena Pilgrimage with The Center
9/20 - Clothing Swap
9/21 - Fall Sunday School Begins
9/21 - Oaxaca Bake Sale I
9/21 - All-Church Potluck
9/26 - Parent Night Out
9/27 - Parent Meeting with Andrew
9/28 - Oaxaca Bake Sale II
10/5 - Family Park Hangout
10/11-10/18 - Oaxaca Missions Trip
10/19 - 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.

Weekly Updates 08.29.2025

Saturday

Choir members, enjoy your retreat tomorrow! Email Pastor Leslie with any questions and click here to access the registration link. The choir will resume singing in worship service this Sunday, August 31st, and resume Wednesday rehearsals next Wednesday, September 3rd at 7pm. 🎶

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• A reminder to small group leaders to attend the last Small Group Leader Training this Sunday from 9-10am in the Parlor (note different room).

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is 2 Kings 17:1-23. 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 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 cereal.

Announcing Sunday School Classes!

Join us for seven weeks, Sundays 9-10am from September 21st to November 2nd. Classes include: Theology of Hospitality: Gifts of Food and Presence taught by Kathy Oliver, Cindie Ekstrand, and friends, Theology of Song taught by Riley Taylor, and Theology of Resistance and Resilience: Building the Beloved Community taught by John Williams and Nancy Stiles. We hope you can join us! Click here to read more about our classes and sign up! We hope you can join us!

Small Group Last call

So many of you who have opted into small groups this year (yay!), and thank you to our wonderful leaders who are opening their homes and hearts to host. Text “small” to 626.727.9498 if you’re interested in joining a group (no need to text if you’d like to stay in the same group as last year), and Pastor Lindsay will be in touch this week as space allows. Email Pastor Lindsay with questions.

Coming Up

• The LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies are invited to join us on Sunday, September 7th, for our FBCPride Potluck lunch in the Southside Room after worship. Bring a dish to share and a learn ways to support our queer community locally and across the nation. An update on leadership update this year: Jonathan will continue to help out after his husband Edwin recovers from knee surgery (pray for his surgery on 9/3!). Joining our leadership is Mikayla Baum! Mikayla spoke at our last meeting about her faith journey and scripture. Her wife Elle is awesome, too, and together they helped out with gratitudes recently. Pastor Chip and Sally will be helping again on the staff side. Email FBCPride leaders with any questions. Hope you can join us!

• Folks ages 55+, join us for our next potluck lunch on Wednesday, September 10th, at 12:30pm in the Southside Room. It’s always a fun time together, and we look forward to the fellowship. Email Pastor Chip with any questions.

• Register now to attend a pilgrimage of Pasadena with The Center on Saturday, September 13th, from 8:30am - 4:30pm. This immersive excursion invites participants to examine the City of Pasadena's rich and complex racial history. Along the way, we will visit historically significant sites and engage with local historians, storytellers, and organizers who bring the past to life. Together, we will examine how the city's history has shaped its present and explore the enduring impact of its racial dynamics.

• Women are invited to enjoy ice cream and fellowship at the Laski Home on Saturday, September 13th, at 2pm. Bring a pint of your favorite ice cream and enjoy fellowship on the Laski’s back patio. Text “scoop” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP and Rebekah will be in touch with you with details.

• Parents of kids ages 0-10: Join Pastor Andrew for a Vision Casting session on Saturday, September 20th, from 10am-12pm. Our volunteers have gone through this training (we could use 10 more volunteers; email Pastor Andrew if you are interested!), and Andrew would love to share the same hopes and dreams for the year with YOU, parents. RSVP via the Evite link he sent you in his weekly email.

Clothing Swap

On Saturday, September 20th, at 11am in the Parlor, you are invited to bring your unwanted clothes and accessories (and a snack to share) and enjoy searching for new treasures to take home! See flyer below and contact Rebekah with questions.

Pasadena

Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

8/30 - Choir Half-Day Retreat
8/31 - Small Group Leader Training III
9/01 - Labor Day | Office Closed
9/07 - FBCPride Potluck Lunch
9/10 - 55+ Potluck Lunch
9/13 - Women’s Ice Cream Social
9/13 - Pasadena Pilgrimage with The Center
9/20 - Parent Meeting with Andrew
9/20 - Women’s Clothing Swap
9/21 - Fall Sunday School Begins
9/21 - Oaxaca Bake Sale I
9/21 - All-Church Potluck
9/26 - Parent Night Out
9/28 - Oaxaca Bake Sale II
10/5 - Family Park Hangout
10/11-10/18 - Oaxaca Missions Trip

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 08.22.2025

Saturday

Kid Ministry Volunteers! Pastor Andrew is excited to see you tomorrow, August 23rd, from 10am-12pm. Email Andrew if you have questions or are interested in joining this great team.

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• A reminder to small group leaders to please attend the second Small Group Leader Training this Sunday from 9-10am in the Southside Room (final week is August 31st).

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is 2 Kings 7:3-9. 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. 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.

• We invite everyone to celebrate the official ordination of Tyler Berkeley Brewington-Mathis at a special service this Sunday, August 24th, at 2pm in the Sanctuary. This step of ministerial accomplishment is indeed an event to be celebrated and acknowledged together as a community. Join us for popsicles in the Narthex afterwards.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is pasta and pasta sauce.

Small Groups

We are excited to continue small groups this fall. Text “small” to 626.727.9498 if you’re interested in joining a group (no need to text if you’d like to stay in the same group as last year), and we will follow up with more information as we launch in September. These groups will create opportunities for growth and formation as an extension of our larger communal practices. Email Pastor Lindsay with questions.

Coming Up

• Calling everyone who loves to sing! The FBCP  Choir Half-Day Retreat is around the corner on Labor Day weekend! Join Pastor Leslie on  Saturday, August 30th, as we will gather at Atherton at 9am for a time of reflection and rehearsal. We will have coffee and snacks in the morning and we will conclude our time together with lunch at noon. If you’re interested, please text “choir” to 626.727.9498 or click here to access the registration link. The choir will resume singing in worship service on Sunday, August 31st, and resume Wednesday rehearsals starting September 3rd at 7pm. Email Pastor Leslie with any questions.

• The LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies are invited to join us on Sunday, September 7th, for our FBCPride Potluck lunch in the Southside Room after worship. Bring a dish to share and a learn ways to support our queer community locally and across the nation. Email pride@fbcpasadena.com with any questions. Hope you can join us!

• Folks ages 55+, join us for our next potluck lunch on Wednesday, September 10th, at 12:30pm in the Southside Room. It’s always a fun time together, and we look forward to the fellowship. Email Pastor Chip with any questions.

• Register now to attend a pilgrimage of Pasadena with The Center on Saturday, September 13th, from 8:30am - 4:30pm. This immersive excursion invites participants to examine the City of Pasadena's rich and complex racial history. Along the way, we will visit historically significant sites and engage with local historians, storytellers, and organizers who bring the past to life. Together, we will examine how the city's history has shaped its present and explore the enduring impact of its racial dynamics.

Pasadena

Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

8/23 - Family Ministry Training
8/23 - Youth Pool Hangout
8/24 - Small Group Leader Training II
8/24 - Tyler’s Ordination Service
8/30 - Choir Half-Day Retreat
8/31 - Small Group Leader Training III
9/01 - Labor Day | Office Closed
9/07 - FBCPride Potluck Lunch
9/10 - 55+ Potluck Lunch
9/13 - Women’s Ice Cream Social
9/13 - Pasadena Pilgrimage with The Center
9/20 - Women’s Clothing Swap
9/21 - Fall Sunday School Begins
9/21 - Oaxaca Bake Sale I
9/21 - All-Church Potluck
9/26 - Parent Night Out
9/28 - Oaxaca Bake Sale II
10/5 - Family Park Hangout

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 08.15.2025

Saturday

Family Ministry Volunteers! Pastor Andrew is excited to see you tomorrow, August 16, from 10am-12pm. Email Andrew if you have questions or are interested in joining this great team. If you can’t make this session, mark next Saturday, August 23rd, in your calendars. Thanks!

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Our Grief Group meets this Sunday, August 17th, at 9am in the Parlor. It is a space for anyone experiencing grief or loss to be with others in a similar season. Reach out to Jon Rinkus if it’s your first time. Jon is a trained Hospital Chaplain through Fuller and provides a rich space for folks to process grief. 

• A reminder to small group leaders to please attend the Small Group Leader Trainings this Sunday from 9-10am in the Southside Room (along with August 24th and 31st).

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Students and educators are invited to bring backpacks, briefcases, whistles or pencil cases to worship for a special blessing for the upcoming school year during service. Our scripture this week is 2 Kings 5:1-19. 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 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 buyer’s choice.

Tyler’s Ordination

We invite everyone to celebrate the official ordination of Tyler Brewington-Mathis at a special service on Sunday, August 24th, at 2pm in the Sanctuary. This step of ministerial accomplishment is indeed an event to be celebrated and acknowledged together as a community. Join us for popsicles in the courtyard afterwards.

Small Groups

We are excited to continue small groups this fall. Text “small” to 626.727.9498 if you’re interested in joining a group (no need to text if you’d like to stay in the same group as last year), and we will follow up with more information as we launch in September. These groups will create opportunities for growth and formation in the context of an intimate circle of belonging. Email Pastor Lindsay with questions.

Coming Up

• Calling everyone who loves to sing! The FBCP  Choir Half-Day Retreat is around the corner on Labor Day weekend! Join Pastor Leslie on  Saturday, August 30th, as we will gather at Atherton at 9am for a time of reflection and rehearsal. We will have coffee and snacks in the morning and will conclude our time together with lunch. If you’re interested, please text “choir” to 626.727.9498 or click here to access the registration link. The choir will resume singing in worship service on Sunday, August 31st, and resume Wednesday rehearsals starting September 3rd at 7pm. Email Pastor Leslie with any questions.

• The LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies are invited to join us on Sunday, September 7th, for our FBCPride Potluck lunch in the Southside Room after worship. Join us for fellowship and a presentation by Mikayla and Susan on current issues and ways to support our queer community locally and across the nation. Bring a pen for letter-writing and your phone! Email pride@fbcpasadena.com with any questions. Hope you can join us!

Art as Liturgy

This month we are rolling out new slides for our liturgy; you are invited to check out this page hear Corrie’s thoughts on designing it for you!

Pasadena

Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

8/15-8/16 - Youth Girls’ Hangout
8/15 - Dodger Game
8/16 - Family Ministry Training
8/17 - Small Group Leader Training I
8/17 - Grief Group
8/17 - Promotion Sunday + Student/Teacher Blessing
8/23 - Family Ministry Training
8/23 - Youth Pool Hangout
8/24 - Small Group Leader Training II
8/24 - Tyler’s Ordination Service
8/30 - Choir Half-Day Retreat
8/31 - Small Group Leader Training III
9/01 - Labor Day | Office Closed
9/07 - FBCPride Potluck Lunch
9/10 - 55+ Potluck Lunch (new date)
9/13 - Women’s Ice Cream Social
9/13 - Pasadena Pilgrimage with The Center
9/14 - Fall Sunday School Begins
9/21 - 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 | 08.09.2025

Beloved Families,

I know the next couple of weeks before school starts are going to be busy and full. This week I want to share one simple practice that might help your families slow down for a few moments in the midst of so much to do. Walking a labyrinth is an ancient and beautiful practice for reflection and journeying inward. It's nice when you can actually walk through one somewhere picturesque, but a finger labyrinth is a great alternative you can do right at home, individually or sitting together as a family. Here is a finger labyrinth you can print and then use with these instructions: 

Start with a deep breath to ground yourself.  Begin at the opening and trace your finger on the path towards the center of the labyrinth. As you do, tell God what you are thinking about. What worries are you carrying? What are you looking forward to? What is most on your mind? Ask or tell God whatever comes up. Take your time. When you reach the center of the labyrinth, pause and take a few deep breaths, releasing all your thoughts to God. Then, as you slowly trace your finger back to the beginning of the labyrinth, listen for God’s voice. It might be an encouragement, a word that you think of, a sensation in your body, a picture that pops into your mind, or something like that. Receive whatever God offers in the moment, even just a sense of peace or calm. End the practice with a simple prayer or a deep breath. Take time to debrief as a family if you like.

May you feel strengthened by whatever practice helps your family pause and reconnect with the God who sees and loves you fully.

Family Ministry Training 

Family Ministry volunteers are invited to attend one of two trainings (August 16 OR August 23, from 10am-12pm) for Pastor Andrew’s summer training and vision casting. He will be sharing the direction of ministry for this school year and the amazing part that you are invited to play in discipling our next generation. Email Pastor Andrew if you have questions or are interested in joining this great team, and current volunteers please RSVP through the Evite you received.

Promotion Sunday

Our kindergarteners and our sixth graders will make their official move up to their new groups on Sunday, August 17. Pastor Andrew and I are excited to welcome and support them in this transition. It is a joy to witness the growth and development of our kids over time, and we are thankful for all our leaders who nurture their sense of belonging each week.

Youth Pool Hangout

Our next youth pool hangout will be Saturday, August 23, from 12-3pm at the Powell's house. Lunch will be provided, and we will have games out as well. Once again we will have a lifeguard present to keep it safe and fun. I'll send out the house address that week, but let me know if your youth needs help with transportation. Thanks to the Powells for opening their home!

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 10:20 AM. This week our nursery kids will explore the story of Joseph and his brothers and the truth that we can say sorry to our family when we mess up.

ELEMENTARY

This week Pastor Andrew and the kids will look at faithfulness as another Fruit of the Spirit. This summer series has provided a rich time to look at all the traits the Spirit can work in us, and we are praying kids feel encouraged and empowered by them.

Follow-Up Questions for the Table at Home

• What does it mean that God is faithful?  

• When have you experienced someone's faithfulness to you? 

YOUTH

We have our regular youth gathering after worship this Sunday. Michael will be joining us this week, and lunch will be served as usual. Youth can be picked up at 1:30 PM on Union Street. I'm excited to be back with our youth!

Sending much love to all of you. We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Lindsay and Andrew

Weekly Updates 08.08.2025

Friday

Join our SPARKY! Group (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all!) tonight, August 8th, from 6-8pm at Cindy’s Restaurant, located at 1500 Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock.  No need to RSVP.  Just show up, order and eat to support this local business whose owners lost their home in the Eaton fire.

Saturday

We invite anyone from the congregation to join us for a Celebration of Life for Cindy McAlister tomorrow, August 9th, from 10-11am at Silverlake Community Church. Cindy was a beloved woman in our community, a member of our FBCPride Group, and a dear friend to Jerry and others. We hope you can join us, and please reach out to Sally if you’d like to join a carpool from FBCP.

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is 2 Kings 2:1-25. 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. 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.

• We will have our Basics Class after worship service this Sunday, August 10th, at 12:30pm in the Parlor for those who are interested in learning more about our church and/or becoming a member. Pastors John Jay and Chip will go over our history as an American Baptist church. Lunch will be provided. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

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

FBCP Kid Volunteers

Family Ministry volunteers, Pastor Andrew is ready to start the new school year with lots of energy and vision! Please attend one of two trainings (August 16 OR August 23, from 10am-12pm). See Evite or text “andrew” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP. Email Andrew if you have questions or are interested in joining this great team.

Back to School Blessing

We want to invite all of our students and educators to bring your backpacks, briefcases, whistles or pencil cases to worship on Sunday, August 17th. We will share a special blessing for the upcoming school year during service and are grateful that we can mark these transitions together with words of love and encouragement. 

Tyler’s Ordination

We invite everyone to celebrate the official ordination of Tyler Brewington-Mathis at a special service on Sunday, August 24th, at 2pm. This step of ministerial accomplishment is indeed an event to be celebrated and acknowledged together as a community. Join us for popsicles in the courtyard afterwards.

Small Groups

We are excited to continue small groups this fall. Text “small” to 626.727.9498 if you’re interested in joining a group (no need to text if you’d like to stay in the same group as last year), and we will follow up with more information as we launch in September. These groups will create opportunities for growth and formation in the context of an intimate circle of belonging. A reminder to small group leaders to please attend the Small Group Leader Trainings from 9-10am on August 17, 24 and 31. Email Pastor Lindsay with questions.

Pasadena

Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

8/08 - SPARKY! Dinner at Cindy’s
8/09 - Cindy McAlister’s Celebration of Life
8/10 - Basics Lunch
8/11-8/12 - Staff Development | Office Closed
8/15-8/16 - Youth Girls’ Hangout
8/15 - Dodger Game
8/16 - Family Ministry Training
8/17 - Small Group Leader Training I
8/17 - Grief Group
8/17 - Promotion Sunday + Student/Teacher Blessing
8/23 - Family Ministry Training
8/23 - Youth Pool Hangout
8/24 - Small Group Leader Training II
8/24 - Tyler’s Ordination Service
8/30 - Choir Half-Day Retreat
8/31 - Small Group Leader Training III
9/01 - Labor Day | Office Closed
9/07 - FBCPride Potluck Lunch
9/10 - 55+ Potluck Lunch (new date)
9/13 - Women’s Ice Cream Social
9/13 - Pasadena Pilgrimage with The Center
9/14 - Fall Sunday School Begins
9/21 - 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.

Beloved Families,

We are praying for you as summer winds down and families gear up for the school year ahead. My family is in Tahoe this week visiting my parents, so I will miss being with you in worship tomorrow. I'm grateful for the time my kids get with their grandparents and that I can take this time to refresh at the lake. I know some of you are also taking the last trips of summer and spending time with loved ones. I always find it is meaningful to add small rituals for family gratitudes and reflection into those experiences. I pray you can soak it all up and return feeling ready and encouraged for the year ahead!

With summer coming to a close, Warren has finished his season on staff as an admin support. He stepped into this role knowing that it was going to be temporary to help the Kids Ministry through the transitional period. We are so grateful for him and wish him all the best in his next season. Pastor Andrew will take over scheduling for volunteers, so you can reach out to him for anything you need.

Promotion Sunday

Our kindergarteners and our sixth graders will make their official move up to their new groups on Sunday, August 17. Pastor Andrew and I are excited to welcome and support them in this transition. We will be reaching out next week with some details for the day. It is a joy to witness the growth and development of our kids over time, and we are thankful for all our leaders who nurture their sense of belonging each week.

Family Ministry Training

Family Ministry volunteers are invited to attend one of two trainings (August 16 OR August 23, from 10am-12pm) for Pastor Andrew’s summer training and vision casting. He will be sharing the direction of ministry for this school year and the amazing part that you are invited to play in discipling our next generation. Email Pastor Andrew if you have questions or are interested in joining this great team, and current volunteers please RSVP through the Evite you received.

Youth Pool Hangout

Our next youth pool hangout will be Saturday, August 23, from 12-3pm at the Powell's house. Lunch will be provided, and we will have games out as well. Once again we will have a lifeguard present to keep it safe and fun. I'll send out the house address that week, but let me know if your youth needs help with transportation. Thanks to the Powells!

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 10:20 AM. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore Jacob and Esau and how God loves and blesses us all.

ELEMENTARY

Last Sunday Pastor Andrew and the kids got to reflect on goodness as they continued to learn about the Fruit of the Spirit. This week they are invited to join us in the sanctuary for worship since it is the first Sunday of the month. We are so thankful for their presence in our community and welcome them in that space. Don't forget to pick up some snacks and a follow-along sheet from Pastor Andrew in the lobby as you walk in!

Follow-Up Questions for the Table at Home

• What did you notice in worship this week?  

• Who is someone you can pray for this week? 

YOUTH

We are back on for our regular youth gathering after worship. Pastor Riley and Jessica H. will be leading in my absence, and lunch will be served as usual. Youth can be picked up at 1:30 PM on Union Street.

Sending much love to all of you. We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Lindsay and Andrew

Weekly Updates 08.01.2025

Friday

Close out the summer with a movie, sponsored by our FBCPride Group! Join us tonight at 6pm in Room 211. All are invited to watch But I’m a Cheerleader, a romantic comedy about a cheerleader whose family sends her to an anti-gay conversion camp. Come with a sense of humor, and feel free to bring a snack and a friend. Pizza and popcorn provided. Text “movie” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Join us for worship at 10:30am as we welcome back John Jay from Sabbatical and partake in communion together (note: crackers are gluten free)! Our scripture this week is 1 Kings 21:1-29. 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 peanut butter and jelly.

• Special note this week: Urgent need at The Women’s Room at Friends In Deed! They’re running low on women’s underwear (all sizes) and shower robes—essentials that help their guests feel clean, comfortable, and cared for. You can bring items to church on Sunday or you can donate directly through their Amazon Wish List. Thank you for supporting the dignity of the women they serve.

Coming Up

• Our partners at LA Voice will be holding a Fire Recovery Action on Tuesday, August 5th, at 6pm in front of State Farm Insurance.  The aim is to hold insurance carriers accountable for making good on their obligations and to address issues of inequity in coverage and response after the Eaton fire. A flyer can be found on our FBCP Engagement page.

• Join the SPARKY! (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all!) Group on Friday, August 8, from 6-8pm at Cindy’s Restaurant, 1500 Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock.  Join Kevin for dinner–no need to RSVP or tell the restaurant you’re with FBCP.  Just show up, order, and eat to support this local business whose owners were affected by the Eaton fire.

• We invite anyone from the congregation to join us for a Celebration of Life for Cindy Mcalister on Saturday, August 9th, from 10-11am at Silverlake Community Church. Cindy was a beloved woman in our community, a member of our FBCPride Group, and a dear friend to Jerry and others. We hope you can join us, and please reach out to Sally if you’d like to join a carpool from FBCP.

• We will have our Basics Class after worship service on Sunday, August 10th, at 12:30pm in the Southside Room for those who are interested in learning more about our church and/or becoming a member. Pastors John Jay and Chip will go over our history as an American Baptist church and what it means to be part of the FBCP community. Lunch will be provided. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

• There’s one ticket left for the Dodgers vs. Padres baseball game on Friday, August 15th. Tickets are $30. Email Pastor Chip if you would like the last spot. Play ball!

• Family Ministry volunteers are invited to attend one of two trainings (August 16 OR August 23, from 10am-12pm) for Pastor Andrew’s summer training and vision casting. Andrew will be sharing the direction of ministry for this school year and the amazing part that you are invited to play in discipling our next generation. Email Andrew if you have questions or are interested in joining this great team, and current volunteers please RSVP through the Evite you received.

Back to School Blessing

We want to invite all of our students and educators to bring your backpacks, briefcases, whistles or pencil cases to worship on Sunday, August 17th. We will share a special blessing for the upcoming school year during service and are grateful that we can mark these transitions together with words of love and encouragement. 

Tyler’s Ordination

We invite everyone to celebrate the official ordination of Tyler Brewington-Mathis at a special service on Sunday, August 24th, at 2pm. This step of ministerial accomplishment is indeed an event to be celebrated and acknowledged together as a community. Join us for popsicles in the courtyard afterwards.

Small Groups

We are excited to continue small groups this fall. Text “small” to 626.727.9498 if you’re interested in joining a group (no need to text if you’d like to stay in the same group as last year), and we will follow up with more information as we launch in September. These groups will create opportunities for growth and formation in the context of an intimate circle of belonging. A reminder to small group leaders to please attend the Small Group Leader Trainings from 9-10am on August 17, 24 and 31. Email Pastor Lindsay with questions.

Pasadena

Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

8/01 - FBCPride Movie Night
8/05 - LA Voice Fire Recovery Action
8/06-8/08 - Carpet Installation | Office Closed
8/08 - SPARKY! Dinner at Cindy’s
8/09 - Cindy McAlister’s Celebration of Life
8/10 - Basics Lunch
8/11-8/12 - Staff Development | Office Closed
8/15 - Dodger Game
8/16 - Family Ministry Training
8/17 - Small Group Leader Training I
8/17 - Promotion Sunday + Student/Teacher Blessing
8/22 - 55+ Crowd Event
8/23 - Family Ministry Training
8/23 - Youth Pool Hangout
8/24 - Small Group Leader Training II
8/24 - Tyler’s Ordination Service
8/30 - Choir Half-Day Retreat
8/31 - Small Group Leader Training III
9/01 - Labor Day | Office Closed

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.

Sabbatical Update

Dear church family, 

It has been about three weeks since this one month sabbatical began. As a reminder, First Baptist Church provides me a three-month sabbatical every seven years. For various reasons it made sense for me to take my sabbatical in my eighth year, however the fires in January caused the Board of Deacons and I to pivot slightly and split sabbatical into one month in July and two months in January/February of 2026. This meant I would not be gone too long at one time given the unknown of the fires and their aftermath. So here we are, rounding the corner on this first stint of sabbatical. 

Before I share some updates about my time, it might help to offer a primer on sabbatical more generally. Outside of the church and the academy, sabbatical is less familiar as a practice to many people. Taking its roots from the principles of sabbath, sabbatical is a time to regather the self, to feel the exhaustion that can lay hidden under busyness, and to tend any wounds that might have set in from the strange labor of spiritual leadership. It can be mistaken for a vacation, but I can assure you that my experience so far is vastly different from regular breaks I take throughout the year!

When folks asked me what I was anticipating about sabbatical, I jokingly said that I expected some sort of crash, a lot of emotions, and possibly some pain and grief. I can affirm that my experience has so far been challenging and unnerving. As John O’Donohue says in his blessing for one who is exhausted:

At first your thinking will darken

And sadness takes over like listless weather.

The flow of unwept tears will frighten you.

You have traveled too fast over false ground;

Now your soul has come to take you back.

In these weeks I am learning more about how much of my own humanity gets contained and constrained by the demands of my role as pastor. Don’t get me wrong, I love my vocation and feel deeply called to this work and our church specifically. But I have also had to acknowledge that my vocational identity can consume all other ways of being, and in the process of stepping back from my professional role for just a short season I have felt parts of myself that need tending, nourishment and repair. 

Speaking of my various identities, my family has had a front row seat to my sabbatical restlessness, while themselves still fully embedded in regular rhythms of life. After a few weeks of pacing around and being ornery for no obvious reason, Corrie and I decided I should get out of town and see my folks in TX for a hard reset. Blessed with an emotionally healthy set of parents (with a trained therapist for a father to boot!), I finally got underneath the disquiet and found better footing for the remainder of sabbatical. Hitting the sauna daily with my Dad and brother didn’t hurt either!

Let me share what I am learning. 

I have been integrating parts of myself that simply did not have space to heal when in the rush of work and crisis (fires, ICE raids, etc). Busyness can be a distraction when the soul needs to grow. Outside of my personal work, I have been able to get a larger perspective on our church in my sabbatical time. I will be returning with some renewed vision for our staff and our congregation. I like to say that when someone aligns one part of their life, the other parts tend to find their own alignment in response. Blessed with time and space to do my internal alignment and nourishment, I can feel my vocational clarity increasing and see the next steps for our church as we align with our core values and emerging opportunities. 

Lastly, I have found some space to grieve. First the fires and then the disappearing of neighbors in ICE raids, my heart was simply broken and needed to weep. I’m grateful I had the space to feel that fully and release those tears. That said, it wasn’t all grueling emotional work during sabbatical. I have also been climbing a ton, learning some new music tools and reading books just for the joy of it. 

I have missed you all immensely. My heart swells imagining those first Sundays back together with y’all. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your generosity. And thanks for the space to reflect. I am almost back, and as ready as ever!

Less without you (an understatement for sure),

(Pastor) John Jay

Judah, John Jay, Corrie and Ruthie Alvaro

FBCP Families | 07.26.2025

Beloved Families,

Last weekend at our youth retreat, we explored the theme of joy and connection. Our winter retreat had focused on expanding our capacity to hold suffering, so this retreat was a kind of companion to that. We asked questions about how joy and connection are related and what the difference is between happiness and joy. We named the hurts we are carrying and then wondered how we might honor suffering while also nurturing joy with one another. We spent one evening affirming the ways we see joy present in one another and the ways each person brings joy to others. It was a powerful time of sharing, so I offer that as a prompt for your own families as you gather around tables or take long car rides. What makes you light up and feel joy? When has joy been a companion to your suffering? What are ways we see you bringing joy to others? I am so thankful to Jensen, Michael M, and Tina for being part of the retreat and offering such profound love and care for our youth. We had a blast! May we continue to nurture joy and connection in all seasons. 

Youth Pool Hangout Tomorrow!

In lieu of our regular youth gathering, this Sunday we will head over to the Powell's house after church for a fun afternoon by the pool and wrap up at 3PM. Lunch will be provided, and youth can bring their swimsuits and towels to church with them that morning. We will have a lifeguard present to keep it safe and fun. Email me if you need me to send the address again.

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 10:20 AM. This week our nursery kids will explore Jacob and Esau and how God loves and honors differences. 

ELEMENTARY

Last Sunday the kids got to think about kindness, and they wrote some kind notes to pass on to Friends In Deed with the backpack supplies we collected. This week Pastor Andrew and the kids will explore Goodness as they continue to learn about the Fruit of the Spirit. 

Follow-Up Questions for the Table at Home

• What does it mean that God is good?

• When have you experienced or seen goodness in the world?

YOUTH

See you at the Powell's for lunch and swimming! We’ll be on for our regular youth gathering next week.

Sending much love to all of you. We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Lindsay and Andrew

Weekly Updates 07.25.2025

Friday

Thanks to our Community Dinner hosts Anya, Brian, Chris J, Jason E, Jenn Y, Jonathan, Kirk, Laski, Matt, Natalee, Sara, and Susan! Enjoy your dinners tonight around the city! If you missed the sign-up to attend this round, keep a lookout for another one this Fall.

Saturday

We could use a couple more people to help our Youth tomorrow at Friends In Deed from 9am-11:30am. We’ll be organizing school supplies to help get them ready for distribution to the families served by Friends In Deed. Breakfast burritos will be provided! Email Pastor Lindsay if you want to join us.

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is 1 Kings 19:1-18. 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. 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 youth are invited to a Pool Hangout this Sunday after worship at Dave & Kara’s house. This will take the place of the regular youth gathering, and lunch will be provided. Happy splashing! Email Pastor Lindsay with any questions.

• Join us after worship in the Parlor this Sunday 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.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is tomato pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and/or diced tomatoes.

• Special note this week: Urgent need at The Women’s Room at Friends In Deed! They’re running low on women’s underwear (all sizes) and shower robes—essentials that help their guests feel clean, comfortable, and cared for. You can bring items to church on Sunday or you can donate directly through their Amazon Wish List. Thank you for supporting the dignity of the women they serve.

Coming Up

• Close out the summer with a movie night with our FBCPride Group on Friday, August 1st, at 6pm! All are invited. We narrowed it down to a couple of great movie choices, and those who show up can vote on the final choice. Pizza will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack and a friend. Text “movie” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Our partners at LA Voice will be holding a Fire Recovery Action on Tuesday, August 5, in the evening.  The aim is to hold insurance carriers accountable for making good on their obligations, and to address issues of inequity in coverage and response after the Eaton fire. Additional information will be posted on the FBCP Engagement page as it becomes available.

• Our newest SPARKY Group outing on Friday, August 8, from 6-8pm at Cindy’s Restaurant, 1500 Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock.  Join Kevin for dinner–no need to RSVP or tell the restaurant you’re with FBCP.  Just show up, order, and eat to support this local business whose owners were affected by the Eaton fire.

• We invite anyone from the congregation to join us for a Celebration of Life for Cindy Mcalister on Saturday, August 9th, from 10-11am at Silverlake Community Church. Cindy was a beloved woman in our community, a member of our FBCPride Group, and a dear friend to Jerry and others. We hope you can join us, and please reach out to Sally if you’d like to join a carpool from FBCP.

• We will have our Basics Class after worship service on Sunday, August 10th, at 12:30pm in the Southside Room for those who are interested in learning more about our church and/or becoming a member. Pastors John Jay and Chip will go over our history as an American Baptist church and what it means to be part of the FBCP community. Lunch will be provided. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

• Save the Date for a Dodgers vs. Padres baseball game on Friday, August 15th. Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase tickets and read more about it. Email Pastor Chip with any questions. Play ball!

Pasadena

• Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

7/26 - Youth Backpack Sorting
7/27 - Prayer for Global Servants
7/27 - Youth Pool Hangout
8/01 - FBCPride Movie Night
8/05 - LA Voice Fire Recovery Action
8/08 - SPARKY! Dinner at Cindy’s
8/09 - Cindy’s Celebration of Life
8/10 - Basics Lunch
8/13-15 - Youth Girls Retreat
8/15 - Dodger Game
8/16 - Family Ministry Training (Elementary)
8/17 - Small Group Leader Training I
8/17 - Promotion Sunday + Student/Teacher Blessing
8/22 - 55+ Crowd Event
8/23 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)
8/24 - Small Group Leader Training II

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 07.18.2025

Friends In Deed Drive

Our Friends In Deed's Backpack + School Supply Drive ends this Sunday! If you are able, please consider bringing any of these items to the north side of the chancel this Sunday. The pastors will incorporate items into a blessing during service. Thank you for your generosity!

Saturday

• Join us tomorrow, July 19th, at 9am for our quarterly Men’s Breakfast in the Park off Union St. You won’t want to miss the meal or the time of fellowship together. Text “bacon” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP, or just walk on in!

• Thanks to all who have been supporting local restaurants as they recover from the wildfires with our SPARKY Group (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all!). Join Kevin for lunch at Fair Oaks Burger at 12pm tomorrow, July 19th. No need to RSVP or tell the restaurant you’re with FBCP. Just show up, order, and eat! You’ll likely run into a familiar face and support our local neighbors, too!

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Our Grief Group will meet this Sunday at 9am in the Parlor. It is a space for anyone experiencing grief or loss to be with others in a similar season. Reach out to Jon Rinkus if you have questions, or just walk right in. Jon is a trained Hospital Chaplain through Fuller and provides a rich space for folks to process grief. 

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is 1 Kings 18:20-40. 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 youth group will be at their summer retreat this Sunday (please keep them in your prayers). 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 peanut butter & jam.

Coming Up

• Community Dinners are happening around the city next Friday, July 25th! Thanks to everyone who signed up to host or attend. Hosts will be contacting attendees in the next few days to let you know their address and start time. Contact Pastor Chip if you have any questions, and text “dinner” to 626.727.9498 to join the waitlist!

• Our youth (grades 6-12) are invited to organize and pack all the donated backpack supplies at Friends In Deed on Saturday, July 26th, from 9am-11:30am. We'll have breakfast burritos as always, and it will be a great time serving together! This time of organizing school supplies helps get them ready for distribution to the families served by Friends In Deed. Email Pastor Lindsay with any questions.

• The youth are also invited to a Pool Hangout on Sunday, July 27th, after worship at Dave & Kara’s house. This will take the place of the regular youth gathering, and lunch will be provided. Happy splashing! Email Pastor Lindsay with any questions.

• Join us after worship in the Parlor on Sunday, July 27th, 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.

• Close out the summer with a movie night with our FBCPride Group on Friday, August 1st, at 6pm! All are invited. We narrowed it down to two movie choices, and those who show up can vote on the final choice. Pizza will be provided. Feel free to bring a snack and a friend. Text “movie” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• We invite anyone from the congregation to join us for a Celebration of Life for Cindy Mcalister on Saturday, August 9th, from 10-11am at Silverlake Community Church. Cindy was a beloved woman in our community, a member of our FBCPride Group, and a dear friend to Jerry and others. We hope you can join us, and please reach out to Sally if you’d like to join a carpool from FBCP.

• We will have our Basics Class after worship service on Sunday, August 10th, at 12:30pm in the Southside Room for those who are interested in learning more about our church and/or becoming a member. Pastors John Jay and Chip will go over our history as an American Baptist church and what it means to be part of the FBCP community. Lunch will be provided. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

• Save the Date for a Dodgers vs. Padres baseball game on Friday, August 15th. Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase tickets and read more about it. Email Pastor Chip with any questions. Play ball!

Pasadena

• Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

7/17-7/20 - Youth Retreat
7/19 - Men’s Breakfast
7/20 - Grief Group
7/25 - Community Dinners
7/26 - Youth Backpack Sorting
7/27 - Prayer for Global Servants
7/27 - Youth Pool Hangout
8/01 - FBCPride Movie Night
8/09 - Cindy’s Celebration of Life
8/10 - Basics Lunch
8/15 - Dodger Game
8/16 - Family Ministry Training (Elementary)
8/17 - Small Group Leader Training I
8/17 - Promotion Sunday + Student/Teacher Blessing
8/22 - 55+ Crowd Event
8/23 - Family Ministry Training (Early Childhood)
8/24 - Small Group Leader Training II

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 | 07.12.2025

Beloved Families,

I am eager to be with you in worship tomorrow. We have a youth choir from out of state who will be with us to share some songs in worship, and then our youth will get to spend time over lunch with them after service. I know they will experience the special warmth and kindness of our congregation, and their singing will be a gift in return. Thanks for being a community who welcomes new folks so well. I have missed you and can't wait to see you Sunday morning! 

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS

Youth Retreat | July 17-20

We are excited to spend time on retreat with the youth this coming week. You can still sign your youth up with this registration link, open to all current and rising youth. We will plan to depart from church at 2:00 PM on Thursday and return Sunday afternoon. We'll be staying in the Vista/Oceanside area. A packing list and more information will be sent to all registered youth.  As always, please do not let cost be a prohibiting factor; let me know if you want to talk about scholarship options.

Friends In Deed Backpack Sorting | Saturday, July 26

Per tradition, our youth are invited to organize and pack all the donated backpack supplies at Friends In Deed. (I believe this is our fourth or fifth year participating!) We'll meet at Friends In Deed on Saturday, July 26th, from 9am-11:30am. This helps get all the supplies ready for distribution to the families served by Friends In Deed. Breakfast burritos are included (also tradition!).  Please let me know if your youth can join us. 

Pool Hangout | Sunday, July 27
In lieu of our regular youth gathering, that Sunday we will head over to the Powell's house after church for a fun afternoon by the pool and wrap up at 3PM. Lunch will be provided, and youth can bring their swimsuits and towels to church with them that morning. I'll send out the address to parents directly. We will have a lifeguard present to keep it safe 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 10:20 AM. This week our nursery kids will explore how God cares for our families.

ELEMENTARY

Last Sunday we hope your kids were able to engage in worship in the sanctuary with their church family. As a follow up to Pastor Riley's sermon, you might ask your kids what their gifts are and how they might use them more powerfully for good. This week the kids will explore Patience as they continue to learn about the Fruit of the Spirit. 

Follow-Up Questions for the Table at Home

• When has being patient paid off?

• When have you needed someone to be patient with you?

YOUTH

This Sunday our youth are on for their regular gathering after worship, joined by our visiting youth choir. We'll have lunch and wrap up at 1:30 PM. It's going to be a great day of worship and fellowship with new friends!

Sending much love to all of you. We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Lindsay and Andrew

Weekly Updates 07.11.2025

Friends In Deed Drive

Our Friends In Deed's Backpack + School Supply Drive is in full swing! If you are able, please consider bringing any of these items to the Connections Desk on Sundays from now until July 20th. If you prefer to donate money, visit fbcpasadena.com/giving by July 13th, select “Friends In Deed” from the drop down menu, and Shawn will gladly shop for you.

Sunday

• Because our Sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is 1 Kings 12:1-24. 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 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 beans and rice.

Coming Up

• Our youth (kids 6th-12th grades) are invited to attend our summer youth retreat from July 17-20th in the Oceanside/Vista area. Register here and let Pastor Lindsay know if you have any questions!

• Join us on Saturday, July 19th, at 9am for our quarterly Men’s Breakfast in the Park off Union St. You won’t want to miss the meal or the time of fellowship together. Text “bacon” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Thanks to all who have been supporting local restaurants as they recover from the wildfires with our SPARKY Group (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all!). Join Kevin for lunch at Fair Oaks Burger at 12pm on Saturday, July 19th. No need to RSVP or tell the restaurant you’re with FBCP. Just show up, order, and eat! You’ll likely run into a familiar face and support our local neighbors, too!

• Our Grief Group will meet on Sunday, July 20th, at 9am in the Parlor. It is a space for anyone experiencing grief or loss to be with others in a similar season. Reach out to Jon Rinkus if you are interested in joining this group. Jon is a trained Hospital Chaplain through Fuller and provides a rich space for folks to process grief. 

• Community Dinners are happening around the city on Friday, July 25th! This is a favorite FBCP tradition and a chance to get to know a small group of folks around the table. Thank you to the hosts that volunteered their homes. To sign up to attend, please text “dinner” to 626.727.9498!

• Our youth (grades 6-12) are invited to organize and pack all the donated backpack supplies at Friends In Deed on Saturday, July 26th, from 9am-11:30am. This helps get all the supplies ready for distribution to the families served by Friends In Deed. Email Pastor Lindsay with any questions.

• The youth are also invited to a Pool Hangout on Sunday, July 27th, after worship at Dave & Kara’s house. This will take the place of the regular youth gathering, and lunch will be provided. Happy splashing! Email Pastor Lindsay with any questions.

• Join us after worship in the Parlor on Sunday, July 27th, 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.

• We invite anyone from the congregation to join us for a Celebration of Life for Cindy Mcalister on Saturday, August 9th, from 10-11am at Silverlake Community Church. Cindy was a beloved woman in our community and member of our FBCPride Group and friend to Jerry and others. We hope you can join us, and please reach out to Sally if you’d like to join a carpool from FBCP.

• Save the Date for a Dodgers vs. Padres baseball game on Friday, August 15th. Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase tickets and read more about it. Email Pastor Chip with any questions. Play ball!

Pasadena

• Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

Six Weeks at a Glance

7/17-7/20 - Youth Retreat
7/19 - Men’s Breakfast
7/20 - Grief Group
7/25 - Community Dinners
7/26 - Youth Backpack Sorting
7/27 - Prayer for Global Servants
7/27 - Youth Pool Hangout
8/01 - FBCPride Movie Night
8/09 - Cindy’s Celebration of Life
8/10 - Basics Lunch
8/15 - Dodger Game
8/16 - Family Ministry Training (Elementary)
8/17 - Small Group Leader Training I
8/17 - Promotion Sunday + Student/Teacher Blessing
8/22 - 55+ Crowd Event
8/23 - Family Ministry Training (Nursery)
8/24 - Small Group Leader Training II

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 | 07.05.2025

Beloved Families,

I am in North Carolina visiting Gavin's family this week, so I will miss being with you tomorrow for worship. I am looking forward to time at the beach. The ocean is always a place where I experience God in distinct ways, so I will be praying for you and our city while I am there. It is hard to be away in the midst of so much going on, but I am trying to remember God's insistence that we make rest part of our practice. The past few weeks have required deep presence and prayer with our neighbors, and our local clergy are considering the ways we can continue to show up without burning out. I feel that across our congregation for our families, too. With John Jay on sabbatical, we have a timely reminder of the rhythms of rest that we all need. I recently came across a resource from the creators of The Book of Belonging, which has some practical ways to consider sabbath practices as a family. I hope it has some helpful ideas or inspiration. However your family enjoys rest and play, I pray that you experience moments of true replenishment in the coming weeks of summer.

YOUTH POOL DAYS | NEW DATES

We are excited to announce two Youth Pool Hangouts at the lovely home of the Powells. Due to some scheduling changes, we please note the new dates:

Sunday, July 27 | 12-3PM
We'll head over to the Powell's house after church and wrap up at 3PM. Lunch will be provided, and youth can bring their swimsuits and towels to church with them that morning. 

Saturday, Aug 23 | 12-3pm
Lunch will be provided, and youth can come anytime during that window. 

I'll send their address to the youth parents directly as we get closer. Thanks so much to Kara and Dave for their amazing hospitality!

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 10:20 AM. This week our nursery kids will explore how God cares for our families.

ELEMENTARY

Last Sunday Pastor Andrew explored peace as part of the summer series on the Fruit of the Spirit. They got to ponder what peace looks like in the middle of storms and chaos. This week the kids get to stay in worship since it's the first Sunday of the month. Make sure they pick up a follow-along sheet and some snacks in the lobby from Pastor Andrew!

Follow-Up Questions for the Table at Home

• What part of worship caught your attention the most this week?

• What places make you feel most connected to God?

YOUTH

This Sunday our youth are on for their regular gathering after worship. Pastor Riley will be leading in my absence, and it's going to be a great day of worship and fellowship!

Sending much love to all of you. We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Lindsay and Andrew

Weekly Updates 07.03.2025

Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service in these coming summer weeks.

• Join us for worship at 10:30am as we partake in communion together (note: crackers are gluten free)! Our scripture this week is 1 Kings 10:1-13. 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.

• Each year the FBCP Foundation 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 this Sunday, July 6th.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is granola bars or other single-serve items.

Friends In Deed Drive

Our Friends In Deed's Backpack + School Supply Drive starts this Sunday! If you are able, please consider bringing any of these items to the Connections Desk on Sundays between July 6th and July 20th. If you prefer to donate money, visit fbcpasadena.com/giving by July 13th, select “Friends In Deed” from the drop down menu, and Shawn will shop for you.

Coming Up

• Keep an eye on our Community Engagement page for the latest ways to stay involved in supporting our neighbors.

• First Baptist will be hosting the Clergy Community Coalition this Wednesday, July 9th. It's an opportunity for us to give back to clergy and public servants who give tirelessly to the Pasadena community. Let Pastor Chip know if you're interested in helping setup for breakfast at 7am this Wednesday and/or clean up around 10:30am.

• Our youth (kids 6th-12th grades) are invited to attend our summer youth retreat from July 17-20th in the Oceanside/Vista area. Register here and let Pastor Lindsay know if you have any questions!

• Join us on Saturday, July 19th, at 9am for our quarterly Men’s Breakfast in the Park off Union St. You won’t want to miss the meal or the time of fellowship together. Text “bacon” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Our Grief Group will meet on Sunday, July 20th, at 9am in the Parlor. It is a space for anyone experiencing grief or loss to be with others in a similar season. Reach out to Jon Rinkus if you are interested in joining this group. Jon is a trained Hospital Chaplain through Fuller and provides a rich space for folks to process grief. 

• Community Dinners return on Friday, July 25th! This is a favorite FBCP tradition and a chance to sign up and be assigned to a dinner at a host’s home around the city and get to know about six other folks around the table. Thank you to the hosts that volunteered their homes last week. If you would like to host, please let Pastor Chip know. We could use a couple more. Signups to attend will start on July 11th.

Medical Expertise

We are looking to identify people in our congregation who have professional medical training and are willing to assist should a medical need arise on a Sunday. If you meet this criteria and would be willing to assist us on Sundays, will you please email Pastor Chip and let him know of your availability? Thanks for your consideration.

Volunteer Squad

Thanks to everyone who helped set up and take down last Sunday’s potluck lunch! Anica, Cindie, Dave, Gaby, Greta, Joshua, Kirk, Mary W, Michael S, and everyone who helped with the tables and chairs—we appreciate your helping hand!

Six Weeks at a Glance

7/06 - Friends In Deed Backpack Drive Begins
7/06 - Foundation Scholarship Deadline
7/09 - Host CCC Meeting
7/17-7/20 - Youth Retreat
7/19 - Men’s Breakfast
7/20 - Grief Group
7/25 - Community Dinners
7/26 - Youth Backpack Sorting
7/27 - Prayer for Global Servants
7/27 - Youth Pool Hangout
8/01 - FBCPride Movie Night
8/10 - Basics Lunch
8/15 - Dodger Game

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 | 06.28.2024

Beloved Families,

We are excited for our potluck tomorrow where we get to hang out and share a meal as a whole church family! In times when things feel so heavy around us, our communal practices of worshipping, being together, and breaking bread remain vital to our health as a community. I am incredibly thankful that you are the community where I can be replenished with God's hope, peace, and strength. I pray that you sense that encouragement tomorrow as we come together to worship a loving and powerful God. 

KINDER PREVIEW DAY

As a reminder, our rising kindergarteners are invited to preview the elementary class tomorrow. Pastor Andrew will stop by the nursery on the way up to the elementary class and invite any kindergarteners who want to join the elementary class for the day. This is optional, and any kids who decide to join can be picked up in the upstairs classroom after worship ends. Pastor Andrew will make sure they get home with their parents!

YOUTH POOL DAYS

We are excited to announce two Youth Pool Hangouts on July 13 and 27! We'll head over to the Powell's house after church and wrap up at 3PM. Lunch will be provided, and youth can bring their swim suits and towels to church with them that morning. I'll send their address to the youth parents directly as we get closer. Thanks so much to Kara and Dave for their amazing hospitality!

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 10:20 AM. This week our nursery kids will explore all the amazing things God created. 

ELEMENTARY

Last Sunday Pastor Andrew explored Joy as part of the summer series on the Fruit of the Spirit, complete with a tambourine! This week the kids will look at how to access the Peace of God by examining the way Jesus did that in challenging times.

Follow-Up Questions for the Table at Home

• What does peace look like to you?

• How does your body let you know when it needs peace?

YOUTH

This Sunday our youth are invited to join our all-church potluck. We will resume our regular youth gathering with lunch next Sunday.

Sending much love to all of you. We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Andrew and Lindsay

P.S. See the flyer below for more information about tutoring services offered by our own Judah Alvaro!