Stop! First things first…
Tomorrow evening is the Candlelight Carol Service! 77th time FBCP has presenting one of these, so that is a pretty big deal. 6pm tomorrow night. There will be so much fun and lovely stuff to share together, plus cookies afterwards for all who want to hang out and share some hugs and high fives. Okay, on to the rest of the news…
It is week #50. We need to talk about food…
This week I have been obsessed with a theology of feasting. Which means I have been not only eating some great food, but trying my best in real time to notice that I am eating some great food. Since I (along with most modern people) have the attention span of a Twinkie, this has been an important exercise. During Advent, we are focusing each week on one of the symbols/practices/traditions or the holiday season. We have talked about greenery and gifts. Next is feasting, and last is lights. Without spoiling the Sunday teaching, let’s just say that our practices of eating might be some of the most crucial but disordered ways we enact our belief. So grab a spoon, the biggest you can find, and take your seat at the table. The meal is about to be served. Speaking of meals, here are some places in Pasadena you can find amazing food kindly prepared…
Bhanu Indian Cuisine and Market
Sunday Worship (Boiler is still working)
This Sunday morning we will be exploring feasting and fasting, and I will rant about dieting. Scripture is Luke 15, the story of the Prodigal and that yummy fattened calf. So come hungry, spiritually speaking of course. Please eat breakfast before arriving, otherwise you will be distracted the entire time we talk about feasting.
Friends In Deed Christmas Gift Drive
Gifts were delivered to Friends in Deed this week. We will write up a separate post about the experience and share soon. Short version: y’all were beyond generous and FBCP gifts made up a third of all gifts Friends in Deed received from all partner organizations combined. Of course it is not a competition(!), this simply shows your generosity is overflowing expectations. So proud of FBCP.
Carol Candlelight Service
This is a can’t miss service. An invite your best friend service. Maybe even invite your best enemy service, because the joy might just make you friends in the end. Just make sure you are there. You can learn more about the event below. There will be many familiar moments and some fun surprises, too. Expect banjos and handbells, among other delights. Bring a friend, bring some cookies to share at the reception afterwards, and bring the joy! Sunday at 6pm (for those of you who don’t scroll to the bottom).
Practical Benedictions
During the month of December, we understand that financial pressures can mount. If you are experiencing financial vulnerability that is bringing you stress and worry, please reach out to our staff. We have a special fund that our Board of Deacons helps to manage for emergency community needs. To learn more or to share a need, please email our staff here.
