It’s week #2
That lovely pause of post-Advent rest faded into the past as we all jumped back into the swing of things over here in our office. My desk is littered with sticky notes of to-do lists and new ideas. Our office also calendared through the summer (!), and we cannot wait to share some opportunities with you. One super secret sneak peak: we are putting together a brilliant immersive experience for Holy Week this year. Stay tuned…
Sunday Worship
There are phrases we carry around with us that speak to the core convictions of FBCP and the pastoral team. One of those is “Generosity is the engine of the universe.” So, for the next three weeks we are going to explore the depths of that phrase. This Sunday we will look at the connection between generosity and gratitude, working with the second letter to the church in Corinth. Worship is at 10:30am.
Homeless Count
(Registration for this opportunity has closed.) Pastor Gretchen is leading a team to help in the Pasadena Homeless Count at the end of this month. For all of the details, you can read this post that has more information. Please keep our group in prayer as we prepare to attune our vision to those often rendered invisible.
3 ways to deepen connections
You will notice in the EVENTS section below that there are three distinct opportunities to make some new connections with folks in our church community. Each of these happenings are geared toward a different need, and you might find one or all three compelling. First is our monthly second-Sunday Coffee with Pastor John Jay. This is coming up this Sunday at 9am. It’s small in size (6-10 people) and super chill. Sign up is closed for this month, but in February we will host another coffee.
The next Happening is our BASICS class, which is a deep dive into FBCP culture, history and future. This is after worship on January 19th at noon in the Southside Room, and lunch is provided. If you have been curious about membership, this is also the class that is needed to officially join our community in membership. You are welcome to take the class and not move toward membership, but you cannot become a member without the class. We want you to know what you are getting into!
Finally, we have our super exciting and yummy Community Dinners happening on January 31st. This event is already full! If you would like to be added to a wait list, email Corrie and she will keep you in the loop. This event is a great way to meet some new friends at the church and share a great meal in someone’s home. We have hand selected host homes known for their brilliant hospitality and cooking prowess. We will then thoughtfully place people throughout the various host homes. That’s it. Good food, good conversation and new friends. This is a great way to start off 2020.
A Letter to the Church in Pasadena
Last Sunday I shared a letter I wrote to our church community at the beginning of our next decade together. You can find the letter here.
Road Closures on Sunday, January 19th
The annual Pasadena Half Marathon & 5K at the Rose Bowl will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2020. Travel to and from the church may be impacted by the race course and the corresponding street closures. Please see the public access map for the course map that includes closure and re-opening details.
Memorial Service for Elwood Williams
This is from a note to the church from Elwood’s daughter:
Elwood Williams passed away in his home on December 22, 2019. He experienced a heart attack in May and since then had been working hard in his usual resilient and optimistic manner to recover as best he could. One of his daughters was with him as he passed. The Williams family acknowledges and thanks the First Baptist Church Community for the fellowship Dad enjoyed and participated in these past 50+ years. A memorial service for Elwood will be held at noon on January 25 at Douglass and Zook Mortuary, 600 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA, 91016.
