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

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

FBCP Families | 06.21.2025

Beloved Families,

This past week it was a beautiful gift to see our kids, youth, and adults learning and playing together at camp. A huge thanks to Ada, Asher, Caleb, Chip, Cindie, Esther, Jean, Jessica, John Jay, Judah, Kathy, Kimi, Leslie, Lindsay, Lulu, Michael M, Moop, Noah, Nolan, Rebekah, Roman, Riley, Ruthie, Sally, Sebastian, Shawn, Sofia, Warren, and Will! You all did such an amazing job showing up for our kids and extending the love of Jesus to them in magical everyday moments. Our theme was Lock In, and we studied the ways that Jesus was attuned to God, himself, creation, and the marginalized. May we continue to lock in on the way Jesus led with love, clarity, strength, and wisdom, that we would be empowered to walk that path, too.

Summer Transitions

It is a blessing to watch our kids grow and learn over time, and we cherish moments of transition in the life of our ministry. We are excited to help them enter new spaces and to meet more of our Family Ministry team as they move up. We know these moves can be exciting for some kids and a bit intimidating for others. All of those feelings are normal, and we are here to shepherd them as they continue to grow. To help these changes go as smoothly as possible, we have some opportunities for our rising kindergarteners and sixth graders to get to know the leaders and kids before Promotion Sunday on August 17. If you haven't had a chance to update your child's grade level for next year, you can do so here.

RISING KINDERS

Our rising kindergarteners are invited to preview the elementary class on June 29 and July 27. On those Sundays, Pastor Andrew will stop by the nursery on the way up to the elementary class and invite any kindergarteners who want to join for that preview day. Then on August 10, parents can come with their kindergarteners to tour the classrooms before worship. On August 17, they will have their official first day in the elementary level. More information will come before each of those dates, but you can mark your calendars now!

RISING YOUTH

Our youth gather each Sunday after worship for lunch, fellowship, and formation. Our rising sixth graders are invited to join our youth for preview days on June 29 and July 27. Pastor Andrew will accompany any rising youth on those days to help with the transition. Throughout the summer, rising youth are welcome to continue joining the kids class if they like and to try out the youth gatherings if they want. On August 17, any rising sixth graders will make the official move from the kids class to the youth group. Pastor Lindsay will share more information about a summer youth retreat they are invited to attend and the girls/guys youth groups that will start back up in the fall. 

We hope these preview days will help orient our kids and youth to their new spaces and groups. Please feel free to reach out with any questions in the meantime. We are so excited to see our kids and youth continue to grow and learn!

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 Love as part of the summer series on the Fruit of the Spirit. This week the kids will look at how to cultivate Joy.

Follow-Up Questions for the Table at Home

• What do we mean when we talk about the Fruit of the Spirit?

• What brings you joy? How do you feel joy in your body?

YOUTH

This Sunday we will have our regular youth gathering with lunch for all youth who are able to join us. They can be picked up at 1:30 PM in the park as usual. We are praying for a safe trip home for all the boys traveling with Jensen and Riley this weekend!

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, who is tutoring this summer before heading off to college!

FBCP Families | 06.14.2025

Beloved Families,

I know many of you are attending protests around the city today, and I pray you feel encouraged by these gatherings and the power of nonviolent resistance. Last week some of us were able to attend a vigil hosted by LA Voice and other local partners. Our own Zach Hoover offered a powerful word about maintaining our spiritual practices so that we can show up deeply grounded in love. It is a gift to be a community where we can engage in rhythms of prayer, fellowship, and contemplative practices so that we can engage in work with stamina and clarity. Tomorrow morning you are invited to enter a space of prayer in our Chapel at 9AM before our worship service. You are welcome to pray individually or with others—whatever your soul needs in this moment. If you missed any of our updates on ways to help in the coming days, you can check out an update from Pastor John Jay and information about upcoming local action here.

I am with  my dad this weekend and grateful for the chance to thank him in person for his generous and sacrificial love in my life. I will miss seeing you tomorrow, but I pray it is a powerful time of worship together. Much love to all the father figures in our community; thank you for the love and presence you offer as a witness to God's love in our midst. 

Summer Transitions

It is a blessing to watch our kids grow and learn over time, and we cherish moments of transition in the life of our ministry. We are excited to help them enter new spaces and to meet more of our Family Ministry team as they move up. We know these moves can be exciting for some kids and a bit intimidating for others. All of those feelings are normal, and we are here to shepherd them as they continue to grow. To help these changes go as smoothly as possible, we have some opportunities for our rising kindergarteners and sixth graders to get to know the leaders and kids before Promotion Sunday on August 17. If you haven't had a chance to update your child's grade level for next year, you can do so here.

RISING KINDERS

Our rising kindergarteners are invited to preview the elementary class on June 29 and July 27. On those Sundays, Pastor Andrew will stop by the nursery on the way up to the elementary class and invite any kindergarteners who want to join for that preview day. Then on August 10, parents can come with their kindergarteners to tour the classrooms before worship. On August 17, they will have their official first day in the elementary level. More information will come before each of those dates, but you can mark your calendars now!

RISING YOUTH

Our youth gather each Sunday after worship for lunch, fellowship, and formation. Our rising sixth graders are invited to join our youth for preview days on June 29 and July 27. Pastor Andrew will accompany any rising youth on those days to help with the transition. Throughout the summer, rising youth are welcome to continue joining the kids class if they like and to try out the youth gatherings if they want. On August 17, any rising sixth graders will make the official move from the kids class to the youth group. Pastor Lindsay will share more information about a summer youth retreat they are invited to attend and the girls/guys youth groups that will start back up in the fall. 

We hope these preview days will help orient our kids and youth to their new spaces and groups. Please feel free to reach out with any questions in the meantime. We are so excited to see our kids and youth continue to grow and learn!

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore how to help a friend who is hurting.

ELEMENTARY

Last Sunday Pastor Andrew began a new summer series on the Fruit of the Spirit. This week the kids will focus on Love as they take a look at the Parable of the Lost Sheep. 

Follow-Up Questions for the Table at Home

• What do we mean when we talk about the Fruit of the Spirit?

• What does love look like to you in everyday moments?

YOUTH

This Sunday we will not have our regular youth gathering so that families can spend time together on Father's Day. We will resume our youth lunch next Sunday.

Sending you much love. We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Andrew and Lindsay

FBCP Families | 06.07.2025

Beloved Families,

We are so excited for tomorrow! As a reminder, our elementary kids and youth will be joining our adult choir in singing during service. Tomorrow we are asking kids and youth to arrive at 9:30 AM for a final rehearsal with the choir. Parents, we'll have some churros and plantains from Amara in the courtyard so that you can enjoy some hangout time before worship. Kids can use these lyrics and this video to practice one more time at home. See you then!

Summer Transitions

It is a blessing to watch our kids grow and learn over time, and we cherish moments of transition in the life of our ministry. We are excited to help them enter new spaces and to meet more of our Family Ministry team as they move up. We know these moves can be exciting for some kids and a bit intimidating for others. All of those feelings are normal, and we are here to shepherd them as they continue to grow. To help these changes go as smoothly as possible, we have some opportunities for our rising kindergarteners and sixth graders to get to know the leaders and kids before Promotion Sunday on August 17. If you haven't had a chance to update your child's grade level for next year, you can do so here.

RISING KINDERS

Our rising kindergarteners are invited to preview the elementary class on June 29 and July 27. On those Sundays, Pastor Andrew will stop by the nursery on the way up to the elementary class and invite any kindergarteners who want to join for that preview day. Then on August 10, parents can come with their kindergarteners to tour the classrooms before worship. On August 17, they will have their official first day in the elementary level. More information will come before each of those dates, but you can mark your calendars now!

RISING YOUTH

Our youth gather each Sunday after worship for lunch, fellowship, and formation. Our rising sixth graders are invited to join our youth for preview days on June 29 and July 27. Pastor Andrew will accompany any rising youth on those days to help with the transition. Throughout the summer, rising youth are welcome to continue joining the kids class if they like and to try out the youth gatherings as well if they want. On August 17, any rising sixth graders will make the official move from the kids class to the youth group. Pastor Lindsay will share more information about a summer youth retreat they are invited to attend and the girls/guys youth groups that will start back up in the fall. 

We hope these preview days will help orient our kids and youth to their new spaces and groups. Please feel free to reach out with any questions in the meantime. We are so excited to see our kids and youth continue to grow and learn!

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore how to help a friend who is hurting.

ELEMENTARY

Last Sunday Pastor Andrew preached on what is possible when we are truly seen by Jesus. It was a great time to reflect on how Jesus can help us use our gifts to bless others for the kingdom of God. This coming Sunday our kids will begin a new summer series on the Fruit of the Spirit.

Follow-Up Questions for the Table at Home

• What does it feel like to be truly seen and valued?

• How can you help others feel seen?

YOUTH

This Sunday our youth are invited to join us for our regular youth gathering after worship. We'll wrap up at 1:30 PM, and youth can be picked up on Union Street. 

Have a beautiful weekend! We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Andrew and Lindsay

FBCP Families | 05.31.2025

Beloved Families,

Summer is almost here! We are praying for our students, teachers, and parents as they finish up school years and prepare for some time of rest and refreshment. This Sunday we will be honoring our graduates of high school level and above during worship. It is a gift to mark these milestones of members in our community. We hope you can join us as we speak words of blessing and power over them while they reflect on their growth and look ahead to what is next. As we head into June, next week we will share more about the plan for our rising kindergartners and youth and their transition over the summer. It continues to be a blessing to mark time and growth of our young people, and we are excited to deepen our practices around honoring these transitions as they enter new stages of growth and development. 

Kids & Youth Singing in Service

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

Kids Camp 

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

Walk & Play L.A.

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

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will explore how to help a friend who is hurting.

ELEMENTARY

Last Sunday we focused on the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. We explored how when we focus on what others have, we can forget what we have.

This coming Sunday is Family Sunday, and Pastor Andrew will be preaching during service. We’d love to see all your awesome faces there! Don't forget to pick up a follow-along sheet and some snacks on your way into the sanctuary.

Discussion Question for the Table at Home

• What does it feel like to be left out?

• When has comparing yourself to someone made you forget your own gifts or blessings?

YOUTH

This Sunday our youth are invited to join us for our regular youth gathering after worship. Parents make sure to check your email for information about summer youth retreat dates. We are excited to plan some casual hangouts for youth over the summer, so stay tuned for more information! 

Have a beautiful weekend! We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Andrew and Lindsay

FBCP Families | 05.24.2025

Beloved Families,

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

Honoring Grads 

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

Kids & Youth Singing in Service

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

Kids Camp 

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

Walk & Play L.A.

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

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

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

ELEMENTARY

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

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

Discussion Question for the Table at Home

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

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

YOUTH

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

Have a beautiful weekend! We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Andrew and Lindsay

FBCP Families | 05.10.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

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

Kids Camp 

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

SUNDAY

EARLY CHILDHOOD

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

KIDS

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

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

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What is your special talent?

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

YOUTH

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

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

Have a beautiful weekend! We remain…

Less without you,

Pastors Lindsay and Andrew

FBCP Families | 04.19.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

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

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

Easter Sunday

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

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

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

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

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

Summer Happenings

Kids Camp Registration

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

Youth Summer Pilgrimage

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

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay and Pastor Andrew

FBCP Families | 04.12.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

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

Meet and Greet with Andrew

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

Kids Camp Registration

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

Youth Summer Pilgrimage

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

SUNDAY

KIDS

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

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

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

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

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

YOUTH

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

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

a word from riley

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

FBCP Families | 03.22.2015

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

This past week I attended an event hosted by my son's school for some of the school communities impacted by the fire. It featured Robert Evans and Michael Thompson, who are both psychologists, authors, and school consultants. Separately and together, they have helped many schools cope with tragedies and traumas. They shared some helpful observations and research on resiliency in times of communal trauma after spending some time with teachers and students. They emphasized that the ability to play is an important indicator that a child is okay, and they reminded us that resiliency is normative for children. Each Sunday when our kids and our youth gather, I love watching them play and laugh together. It is a testament to their resiliency and to the support of their community. I am also reminded that as adults, we could use a little play, too. I was able to spend an extended time at a park with my own kids this past week, and it felt so good to be in the sunshine and pretend to be on a ship with some new friends we met there. I pray that we can all make time for joy and movement with our families and to trust that there is deep resiliency flowing through our kids and this community.  May tomorrow be a time of worship, connection, and some play! 

Kids Camp Registration

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

Save the date—and note the date change!

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

Palm Sunday |  Kids and Youth Singing

We are so excited for our kids and youth to join our adult choir in leading us during worship on Sunday, April 13, in our Palm Sunday service! They will begin practicing this Sunday during our kids time, and they will continue to rehearse on Sunday for the coming weeks. Here are the lyrics, and here is a recording that you can use to help your kids practice at home. A huge thanks to Grace Goodman for leading the hand motions for the song this year!

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the ways God has given each of us unique gifts.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or sit with any of their leaders in the front pews. This week the kids will engage with the story of the Good Samaritan in some interactive and reflective activities. It will be a great opportunity to question whom we consider to be our neighbor (and which people we may not consider to be a neighbor!). It will be another meaningful morning of intergenerational learning and connecting! 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Whom do you consider to be your neighbor?

• Whom might you consider an enemy?

• How do you feel in response to God's command to love even those who feel like enemies?

YOUTH

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

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 03.15.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

I spend most of my driving time with my kids in the car. They love music, and we are always looking for fun new beats we can all enjoy together. I wanted to let you know a consistent favorite of ours—music made by our own Caleb Chen! He goes by DingusSauce on all the music platforms, and it is so fun to see the variety of sounds he experiments with. He's a real perfectionist, so each song is a carefully crafted offering. You can check him out on Apple Music or Spotify. His songs have super fun names, and each one is unique. If you see him on a Sunday, let him know if you are a fan. I love that our community has so many gifts that folks are willing to share. Thanks to Caleb, and I hope y'all enjoy!

Kids Camp Registration

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

Save the Date!

On Sunday, April 6, we invite all families with kids and our Family Ministry volunteers to join us for lunch and a chance to meet Andrew, our incoming Pastor of Children and Community Partnerships. You'll have a chance to hear more about his story while connecting with each other. We'll gather after worship for this time of connection as we give a warm welcome to Andrew!

Palm Sunday |  Kids and Youth Singing

We are so excited for our kids and youth to join our adult choir in leading us during worship on Sunday, April 13, in our Palm Sunday service! They will begin practicing this Sunday during our kids time, and they will continue to rehearse on Sunday for the coming weeks. Here are the lyrics, and here is a recording that you can use to help your kids practice at home. A huge thanks to Grace Goodman for leading the hand motions for the song this year!

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will explore the ways God has given each of us unique gifts.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or sit with any of their leaders in the front pews. This week the kids will engage with imaginative prayer and scripture reading while they contemplate the story of the prodigal son. It's the same scripture we will engage with in the preaching time, so we hope parents and kids can find time for wondering together as they ponder this story. 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• We might relate to all of the characters at different points in our lives. Which character do you feel most similar to right now? 

• When have you had a hard time knowing how to mend a relationship?

• When have you felt discounted or unnoticed? 

YOUTH

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

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 03.08.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

It was really powerful to gather with many of you for our Ash Wednesday service. I always have a deep appreciation for Lent and its invitation to slow down and consider what practices might help me attune to my grief and emotions more fully with God. I had the privilege of distributing ashes at Fuller's chapel service (thanks to our own Bailey Payne!), and they asked me to read this beautiful poem for blessing ashes. It felt resonant for a community like ours that has such intimate knowledge of fire and ash. I pray that you find ways to pause and make space for both grief and hope as we move through this season of Lent together with deep love and concern for our city, our nation, and the world. See you tomorrow as we worship a God who is with us in suffering; may we sense God's presence and nearness in new ways when we gather.

Kids Camp Registration

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

Family Sunday Gems

Last Sunday our kids had the chance to ponder some themes of wonder in relation to the transfiguration as they filled out their follow-along sheet during worship. Arielle gathered some of their inspiring answers to the question, “Write or draw a time you experienced wonder or magic in an ordinary moment.” Check some out below!

• Me winning a track race last week

• Drawing with my dog

• Leading worship

• Reading

• One time I was really scared and stressed when I heard God and he calmed me down.

• I was in Las Vegas on a very tall Ferris Wheel.

• Whenever the sun shines and warms me up it feels like magic.

• It was like a shock when I met my best friend Miles.

SUNDAY

KIDS

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

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or sit with any of their leaders in the front pews. This week the kids will dig into the parable of the party in Luke 14:1-24. It's a thought-provoking lesson on what it means to be deemed "important" and those we are called to welcome with God's own hospitality. Arielle has some fun ways to engage with the story, and we hope it gets our kids wondering more about what it means for everyone to be important in the kingdom of God.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• When have you felt that you were important? When have you felt uninvited or unimportant?

• What does God say about what it means to be important?

• How could you make someone else feel welcomed or included this week?

YOUTH

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

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 03.01.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Last week our kids in K-5th grade explored the truth that God created them and calls them good, or" tov" in the original Hebrew. (Here's another resource to look at the meaning of tov!) They read parts of Genesis and then did some reflecting on how God has made them to reflect God's image. Our kids are still learning who they are and how God has made them to be in the world, and it is a privilege to be able to point out those unique qualities and gifts they have as they grow and become the fullest versions of themselves. One practice they did not have time to complete was a breath practice from The Book of Belonging. Arielle and I thought you might want to try it at home, so I am sharing it below. It might feel silly or awkward at first, but it can be a really powerful practice if you can lean into it with intention and an open mind (and heart!).

Breath Practice

Remembering the names God calls us: Close your eyes and take some deep belly breaths. Then put your hand over your heart like you're pressing on a name tag. Repeat these names: I am Loved; I am Treasured. I Belong with God; I am Honored; I am Good. I am Never Alone. I am Purposed. I am Protected. Notice how you feel as you try to receive those truths about yourself. If one part sparks some extra feeling or tenderness, maybe try saying that one a few more times. Return to this practice whenever you doubt your belovedness.

Palm Sunday |  Kids and Youth Singing

We are so excited for our kids to lead us in worship on Sunday, April 13, in our Palm Sunday service! They will begin practicing this Sunday during our kids time, and they will continue to rehearse on Sunday for the coming weeks. Here are the lyrics, and here is a recording that you can use to help your kids practice at home. A huge thanks to Grace Goodman for leading the hand motions for the song this year!

SUNDAY

KIDS

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

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for worship and communion since this is the first Sunday of the month. Make sure your child picks up snacks and a fun survey to fill out  during worship. Arielle and Warren will have that ready in the lobby as you enter. It will be a beautiful morning together with communion and the scripture telling of Jesus' transfiguration. We look forward to our time of worship with you!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Transfiguration is a big word! What happened in the Bible story describing the transfiguration of Jesus? What are you wondering after hearing that story? 

• What are some ways that we can experience the wonder of God in everyday moments?

YOUTH

This week we are on for our regular youth gathering after worship. Lunch is included, and youth can be picked up at 1:30 PM in the church park off Union Street. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 02.22.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

I am excited to share a spiritual practice that I had the gift to learn today. This morning I was able to attend the Black Contemplative Prayer Summit, a virtual summit where Black spiritual teachers and thought leaders facilitated powerful and enriching sessions on prayer and contemplative practices. One of the sessions led by Alfonso "Trey" Campbell included a simple but profound practice of lectio divina using one of Howard Thurman's poems, "I Will Sing a New Song." The poem was written in 1937 in the midst of national and global strife—a familiar descriptor for our own times. I thought I would share the practice here as one you could do with family or friends. 

First, we began our session with a time to center and breathe while listening to "Blue in Green" by Miles Davis, which was really grounding. Then this excerpt of the poem was read over us:

I will sing a new song.
I must learn the new song for the new needs.
I must fashion new words born of all the new growth
of my life – of my mind – of my spirit.
I must prepare for new melodies that have never been mine before,
that all that is within me may lift my voice unto God.

The poem was read three times with space to pause and reflect after each reading. The invitation was to notice which words shimmered and resonated, and then sit with those prayerfully. You could have different family members or friends take turns reading the poem. Then make space to share what God prompted and where you might need a new song to sing in this season. For those in the session with me, the poem spoke to multiple layers of experience, from personal situations to global crises. I pray that you and your families feel encouraged by the song God gives you to sing, and may you lift your voice to God with all that is within you. See you tomorrow for worship as we come to lift our voices together! 

SUNDAY

KIDS

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

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or sit in the front pews with any of the leaders. This week Arielle and the volunteers will be exploring the foundational truth that they are made in God's image and they are tov (good). They are excited to learn and build relationships across generations!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What can you learn about God when you think about how everyone is made in God's image?

• How does it make you feel to know that God calls you good? What questions does that bring up for you?

YOUTH

This week our youth will be joining our all-church potluck. We will resume our regular youth gathering next week. We are excited to share in these events where our youth can fellowship with their larger church family.

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families 02.15.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

My youngest child, Emma Kate, has continued to cling more tightly to me as her way of processing all the feelings around the fire and the lack of routine last month. She has cried everyday at drop off (she used to not even say goodbye or look back!), but she always proclaims, "I had a great day!" when I pick her up. It has been a reminder of the extra patience, attunement, and compassion that we all need for one another and ourselves. One of the practices we have done regularly with the youth lately is to ask them to name what they need on a deeper level. Many of them are very tender from the suffering around them and overwhelmed by a desire to change things for the better. They have identified that they need things like strength, peace, balance, love, courage, hope, and release. Our younger kids do not always have language for their needs, so it shows up in tears at drop off. Our older kids can benefit a great deal from having permission to identify and name what they most need underneath all the obvious demands and tasks they have to do. That could be a practice you try as a family—an invitation to reflect and prayerfully name the deeper thing they need in the coming days. I pray that each of your families feels held in ways you can easily recognize this week, knowing it is okay to cling more tightly or shed some tears. Hope to see you tomorrow for worship!

Honoring Pastor Mary

All are invited to appreciate and honor Pastor Mary this Sunday after worship in the gym. We hope you can be there to let her know what she has meant to you as she transitions out of her official role on staff. FBCP will provide Prime pizza and cupcakes, and everyone is invited to write a message in a scrapbook, take a photo, and greet her in a receiving line. I hope you can join us!

SUNDAY

KIDS

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

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or sit with Pastor Mary and me in the front pews. This week the kids will have a fun interactive Bible story, yummy snacks, and good relational time together with Pastor Mary and each other.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Who in your life could use some extra encouragement and blessing, and how might you offer them some support?

• What are some small ways people have cared for you that made a big difference for your life?

YOUTH

This week our youth will be joining our special lunch to honor Pastor Mary. Next week is an all-church potluck, so we will resume our regular youth gatherings the week after that. We are excited to share in these events where our youth can fellowship with the church at large. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 02.08.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

As a parent and a pastor to families with kids, I am always curious about how our intergenerational relationships form us and shape our understanding of God. In my reading this week I came across some of Howard Thurman's words about children (you can listen to his reflection or read the transcript here). I thought I would share a highlight today, especially seeing how much our young people are feeling and processing all the tragic, scary, and chaotic news in their city, across our nation, and around the world. Thurman's insights into the importance of rootedness and authentic expressions of love felt resonant with the values we are always trying to live into more fully as a congregation. I appreciate how he articulates the truth that kids learn much more from our tone of voice and body language than the words we speak. There is great power in our honest and intentional interactions, for "if we love a child, and the child senses from our relationship with others that we love them, he will get a concept of love that all the subsequent hatred in the world will never be quite able to destroy." May we live from a place of love so that our children (and we!) can know its indestructible power and wield it with courage.

SUNDAY

KIDS

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

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or sit with Pastor Mary and me in the front pews. This week the kids will continue to find ways to support those who need prayer and love with some tangible ways to care for them. It has been such a blessing to learn from their own tender and empathic hearts.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Who in your life could use some extra encouragement and blessing, and how might you offer them some support?

• What are some small ways people have cared for you that made a big difference for your life?

YOUTH

This week we are on for our regular youth gathering after worship. Lunch is included, and youth can be picked up at 1:30 PM in the church park off Union Street. We are going to spend some time in the book of Luke in the coming weeks, and we will continue to explore the themes of resilience and blessing that we engaged with on the retreat. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 02.01.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

We are up in Big Bear with our youth this weekend, and it has been a really powerful time already. We are looking at what it means to hold pain in healthy ways and how to build our resiliency in the midst of suffering. They have been able to name some of the things they are carrying while also seeing the pain in their communities. We have deep gratitude for their empathic hearts, supportive friendships, and the trust they are leaning into. We can't wait to share more when we get back. Thank you for your prayerful support for this special time with them. We will miss you tomorrow but know it will be a beautiful time of worship!

SUNDAY

KIDS

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

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for worship and communion since this is the first Sunday of the month. Make sure your child picks up snacks and a fun survey to fill out  during worship. Pastor Mary will have that ready in the lobby, and it's always a favorite activity for our kids. It will be a beautiful morning together with communion, too. 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What stood out to you in worship today?

• What are simple ways we could worship during the week with our families or on our own?

YOUTH

This week our youth are on a retreat. We look forward to gathering after worship as usual next Sunday!

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Family Ministry Update

This letter is full of important updates, so buckle up! 

If you have been around our church for a while now, you have heard us talk about Family Ministries and Pastor Lindsay’s changing role on the staff. She has been in flux with her new role as Pastor of Formation and her previous role as Pastor of Families. Her new role gives her a broader leadership presence throughout the church community and focuses on the spiritual practices and programs that support our ongoing moral formation. This involves Sunday School, Small Groups, leadership training, youth, women's ministry, occasional retreats and one-off learning events, as well as more worship leadership and preaching. Behind the scenes we have also been reconfiguring the Family Ministries to better align with our growing church and staffing. 

Mary Winchell has been Lindsay’s right-hand helper as the Children's Pastor since 2018, working specifically with our kids from birth through fifth grade. In reorganizing the staffing, the Family Ministry plan has been to combine the roles into one new position. Mary has graciously extended her tenure while we looked at candidates for the new pastoral position to oversee children and families. More than once Mary has agreed to bridge the gap a little longer than originally planned, especially since The Fire. We want to honor the planned shifts in Family Ministry and give the church a chance to celebrate the time Mary has been part of our ministry team. In collaboration with Mary, we have landed on February 16, 2025, as her last Sunday on the staff, ending with a time of gratitude and storytelling after worship. We invite anyone touched by Mary’s ministry, especially our families and volunteers, to join us in the park after worship for food and fun to honor her service. You know Mary, and she is already praying about how to serve as a volunteer after her staff role ends. Her tenure has been marked by a reliable love for our kids and families, and that love is not conditioned by formal staff positions. 

In preparation for these changes, there are some other updates to our staffing planned in the interim. Warren Tang and Arielle Pittluck have joined forces with Pastor Lindsay as a team to help prepare Family Ministries for the future. Warren brings the logistical admin skills, and Arielle brings deep knowledge in best practices, processes, and theological values that Lindsay has built so things translate into the future. We are also actively searching for a full-time staff member to round out the team. More on that as we have news to share. 

We are grateful for the level of care and pastoral presence our families have experienced through our Family Ministries, including the love and flexibility that carried them through COVID and the growth in the years following. We have been blessed with new families who resonate with our values, and Mary has helped to cultivate a sense of belonging and welcome for all. That foundation is solid, and we are so thankful for all the groundwork that has been laid for this next season. Please join us in thanking Mary for all her hard work, love, and care. 

Less without you,

Pastor John Jay Alvaro