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

FBCP Families | 01.25.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Last Sunday our kids were invited to contribute to wildfire relief, and it was a beautiful gift to see their generosity in both spirit and action. Thank you for being a congregation that is so responsive and generous in all circumstances. As we dedicated Rusty Mae last week, it was a reminder of our invitation to belong to one another deeply—and how very special and vital that is. I am so grateful for your families and for the kids and volunteers who filled our building with joy this past week. A huge shout out to Ruthie, Cindie, Arielle, Tilli, Nori, and Warren for making childcare possible. What a dream team we have! I am filled to overflowing with gratitude, and I look forward to gathering tomorrow for worship, hugs, and a deepening of our belonging. 

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 importance of asking for help and offering help.

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 lean into the practice of prayer for families who have been most impacted by the fires and other losses in recent weeks. Our kids have such tender hearts and unique ways of intuiting God's Spirit, so I know this will be a powerful morning of prayer.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Who are you praying for this week, and how are you praying for them?

• What are some ways we can pray as we go about our day when we can't be silent or bow our heads?

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. I am so eager to spend this time with our youth as we look ahead to our retreat next weekend!

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Families | 01.18.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

I am so excited to hug you tomorrow! You and your kids remain in our prayers as you continue to navigate new norms and temporary plans. Pastor Mary and I are here to pray with and for you, so please let us know if you want a call or to meet for coffee. This past week it was so wonderful to know we had kids and caregivers in the building for some moments of play, joy, and connection. A huge thanks to Engry, Barbie, Cindie, Ruthie, Tilli, Warren, Mady, Michael, and Nori for being willing to create a safe and loving space for our kids!

An Opportunity for Kids to Give 

Because the kids will be exploring Epiphany this week, Pastor Mary and I would like to invite our kids to join in giving gifts tomorrow. If your child would like, they can bring some money to donate toward the wildfire relief funds to church. It can be any amount—no amount is too small! Coins are welcome. We hope they learn that any gift given in love is also a gift for Jesus.

Childcare Needs this Week

We are trying to coordinate some childcare offerings again this week, so we would like to get a sense of your needs. If childcare would be helpful this week, can you let me know what days and blocks of time might be most useful to you? We are coordinating with our caregivers in hopes that we can offer a time that will work for as many as possible.

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 asking for help and offering help.

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 spend time exploring Epiphany and what it means to offer gifts just like the magi. We are excited for them to get back to their regular rhythm with their leaders!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What are some of the best gifts you have received?

• What kind of gifts (both tangible and intangible) have you seen offered in response to the fires?

YOUTH

This week we are back 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. Looking forward to getting back to our regular Sunday rhythm with youth!

Prayers for moments of peace, grounding, and connection.

Love you fiercely,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 01.04.2025

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Happy New Year to each of you! I am in North Carolina visiting Gavin's family, so I will miss being with you tomorrow but know it will be a meaningful time of worship for all. The teaching time will focus on renewing our commitments to one another as a church, and that feels like a powerful way to begin this new year together. I am grateful to be rooted in a community with you and look forward to how we will be formed as a church in 2025. This practice of renewing commitments is one you could do in your own home and with the input of your whole household. What are the ways your family wants to honor God, one another, and your growth as a unit? Keeping it simple is key. May you be blessed in whatever way your family is able to bring intention into this new season.

SUNDAY

KIDS

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 begin to explore the story of Epiphany, when the wise men show up.

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 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 (and youth!). There will be snacks out, too. It will be a beautiful morning including communion as we worship together.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What is one simple prayer practice your family might want to try this year together?

• As you think back on 2024, talk as a family about where you noticed God's presence or faithfulness. Take some time to review the year together and invite the Spirit to reveal anything that might encourage or inspire your family in the new year.

YOUTH

This week our youth are invited to help take down the greens! This is an annual tradition where our youth and other congregants get to work and have fun together. Lunch will be provided, and we hope they will stay for this intergenerational time of fellowship. Thanks for helping!

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 12.28.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Merry Christmas! That greeting has come to mean more each year as we gather and retell the story of Jesus' birth. It was really special to share in communion, singing, and candle lighting on Christmas Eve with you. I am so thankful that you are the community where my own children are learning these traditions and embodied practices. I hope you can join us this Sunday as we hold the story a little longer and read the stories in scripture of the days following Christ's birth. May the imagination of Christ fill our hearts as we labor with a God who is always making all things new.

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the Christmas story as we reflect on the wonder that Jesus is born. 

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for worship as is our tradition the Sunday after Christmas. Please note that next week will also be an all-church Sunday for kids above nursery age since it is the first Sunday of the month. We are excited to worship with them tomorrow, including a chance to play some fun instruments with our final song. We'll have snacks and coloring sheets for them in the lobby. What a beautiful morning it will be!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What do you find most amazing or challenging about the birth of Christ?

• What adults in your life bless you and help you learn about God?

YOUTH

We are on for our regular youth gathering this Sunday! We'll have lunch and finish at 1:30 PM as usual. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 12.21.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

We had a blast with our youth last night at our annual Christmas party! It has been such a gift to see our youth deepen their relationships and enjoy their time together. I have witnessed a deepening of friendships across our younger kids, too, and it continues to be a blessing to see our younger members shaping our community. Some of our kids and youth feel comfortable sharing their gratitudes in service. Others love helping behind the scenes with set up and slides. Some of them are part of our rotation of Pastor Leslie's worship team. We are dreaming up more ways for our kids, youth, and adults to connect and learn, and we pray that we would notice all the explicit and subtle ways that we are being mutually formed by one another. Thank you for your willingness to make a space where children are seen, heard, and valued. 

Parents, I know many of you have felt the rush of this season and the extra busy schedules. I pray that you experience rest, joy, play, and whatever your family most needs in the next couple of weeks. May you feel the invitation to breathe deeply and to enjoy quiet moments when they come. Let us know how we can come alongside you in any other prayer requests. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! 

All-Church Sundays

Please note that December 29 and January 5 will be all-church worship services, so kids above nursery age will join us in the sanctuary. This is our yearly rhythm after Christmas, and we are glad to bring in the new year with our communal worship practices. We will have snacks for kids ready in the lobby on those Sundays, and we hope to see you all then!

Youth Retreat

Our winter retreat will take place January 31-February 2. Please register your youth here so we can get an accurate count for lodging and planning purposes. More details to come! Please let me know if you need help to cover the cost; we never want that to keep any youth from participating. 

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the Christmas story as we move through the fourth week of Advent.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. They will have a beautiful time together lighting the fourth advent candle and reflecting on Jesus' love. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• How are hope, peace, joy, and love dependent on one another?

• How have you seen love change a situation in your life? 

YOUTH

We are on for our regular youth gathering this Sunday! We'll have lunch and finish at 1:30 PM as usual. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 12.14.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

I am so thankful for our kids, youth, and adults who led in worship and storytelling at the carol service last weekend! It was a rich and beautiful time with candlelight and the voices of our community. Thank you for all the hard work, intention, and fullness you brought to the evening. That service always deepens my love for the story of Christ's birth, and I pray we continue to ponder and worship together this season. You are a gift! 

Youth Christmas Party

Friday, December 20, is our annual Youth Christmas Party! Parents, keep an eye out for an email with more details about time and location. Please note that we will do a white elephant gift exchange, so please bring a wrapped gift ranging $10-$20. If you need help to make that happen, just let me know! We want everyone to be able to participate and enjoy. 

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the Christmas story as we move through the third week of Advent.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. They will have a beautiful time together celebrating the carol service and telling the story of Christmas together. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Does joy mean we have to feel "happy" all the time?

• Where can you cultivate joy even in the midst of something sad or difficult?

YOUTH

We are back on for our regular youth gathering this Sunday! We'll have lunch and finish at 1:30 PM as usual. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 12.07.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

This morning we had a dress rehearsal for the Carol Service, and it was such a gift to see our community working together in worship and storytelling. I am so thankful we get to revisit the story of Christ's birth each year and see it in new ways. I hope to see you all tomorrow night for this longheld tradition that connects us with years past as we sense God's movement in the world to make all things new. 

Carol Service

4 Year Olds & Kindergarteners

Please bring your child to the nursery when you arrive for the service that evening. We  will have childcare for the service, and your child will play until it's time for them to get into costume. After they process into the sanctuary for the nativity, they will remain standing up on the chancel for one song. They will remain there as Pastor John Jay gives some closing remarks before one final song (Go Tell It on the Mountain) and the benediction. Then it's over, and you can reunite with your child! 

Please note: Kindergarteners will sing "Joy to the World" (lyrics here—the kids sing the parts in bold) and "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here). Our 4 Year Olds are NOT required to learn and sing the songs.

Kids (Grades 1st-5th) and Youth

Please bring your child to the chapel by 5:45PM on Sunday so they can grab a snack and gather to sit together for the first part of the Carol Service. We will be in charge of them until the service ends. Please pick your child up in the Chapel right after the service so they can return their costumes. Then you can all enjoy the cookie reception!

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the Christmas story as we move through the second week of Advent.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What does peace look like when you imagine it?

• Where do you see a need for God's peace? How can we be peacemakers?

YOUTH

Please note that we will NOT have our regular youth gathering this Sunday so that everyone has a chance to go home before coming back for the carol service that evening. We will be back on for our regular youth gathering next Sunday!

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 11.30.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

The first Sunday of Advent is upon us, and that means multiple opportunities to gather and engage with the rituals of this liturgical season. I am reminded of the importance of telling the story of Jesus' birth each year as we grapple with the consequences of sin that feel so pervasive—fractured relationships, materialism, poverty, oppression, war, genocide, injustice on every level. The season of Advent invites us to name the suffering in our world, and then it challenges us to hold all of that in light of a God who is neither far nor distant but rather incarnate, right here with us. In Christ we find the light that sparks Hope, Peace, and Joy from the source of Love itself. I am so thankful that we get to move through Advent together and reorient ourselves around the child in a manger. May we be changed by that love this season. I hope to see you tomorrow for worship!

Carol Service

Practice at Home 

Please play these songs for them at home when you can so they can get the lyrics set to memory. You can encourage your child to practice using these listening tracks. Kids in grades 1st-12th will sing "O Come All Ye Faithful" (lyrics here). Kids in K-12th grade will be singing "Joy to the World" (lyrics here—the kids sing the parts in bold) and "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here).

Saturday, December 7th: Dress Rehearsal 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM

The kids will get fitted for their costumes for the Carol service, practice singing in the sanctuary, and run through the live nativity. We will provide some snacks! Please bring your child to the Chapel for drop off and pick up.

Sunday, December 8th: Candlelight Carol Service - 5:30 PM

Kids will sing one song in their regular clothing (this is a chance to wear their favorite Christmas outfit!), and then they will change into their nativity costume. Please bring your child to the chapel at 5:30 PM so that we can run through the songs one more time and get kids into place before the service starts at 6:00 PM. We will provide some snacks, too!

Parents of Kindergarteners

Your children are invited to sing and participate in the nativity toward the end of the carol service. They can begin the evening in the nursery. When it is time for them to get into their costumes, we will come and get them from the nursery. It would be a huge help if you could play "Joy to the World" and "Go Tell It On the Mountain" at home since they won't be able to read all the lyrics during the performance.

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will begin to explore the Christmas story as we begin Advent.

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 a fun survey to fill out during worship along with some snacks. It will be a beautiful morning together as a church family, and we welcome the presence of our kids in worship. 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What does hope mean?

• Advent is about waiting and paying attention. How can waiting be good for us even though it is hard?

• What is your favorite part about the Advent season? 

YOUTH

Our youth will join our congregation for our annual hanging of the greens this week! We'll serve them lunch with the rest of the church and are so grateful they can join this time of working together and preparing for Christmas.

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 11.23.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

We had a blast with our kids last night at our Parents Night Out! A huge thank you to Cindie and Tina for preparing such a delicious feast for us, and more huge thanks to Engry, Warren, Michael, Krista, and Roman for all their help to make the evening possible. What a fun night for all generations! 

Speaking of all generations, I came across this article and felt a lot of resonance with how we nurture intergenerational worship leadership. Our kids, youth, and adults create such beautiful moments of worship for our community. On that note, we are making final preparations for our Carol Service, so please fill out this form to let us know whether or not your child(ren) plans to participate. We can't wait to have them join us in leading worship at this special service!

Carol Service Details

Practice at Home 

Please play these songs for them at home when you can so they can get the lyrics set to memory. You can encourage your child to practice using these listening tracks. Kids in grades 1st-12th will sing "O Come All Ye Faithful" (lyrics here). Kids in K-12th grade will be singing "Joy to the World" (lyrics here—the kids sing the parts in bold) and "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here).

Saturday, December 7th: Dress Rehearsal 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM

The kids will get fitted for their costumes for the Carol service, practice singing in the sanctuary, and run through the live nativity. We will provide some snacks! Please bring your child to the Chapel for drop off and pick up.

Sunday, December 8th: Candlelight Carol Service - 5:30 PM

Kids will sing one song in their regular clothing (this is a chance to wear their favorite Christmas outfit!), and then they will change into their nativity costume. Please bring your child to the chapel at 5:30 PM so that we can run through the songs one more time and get kids into place before the service starts at 6:00 PM. We will provide some snacks, too!

Parents of Kindergarteners

Your children are invited to sing and participate in the nativity toward the end of the carol service. They can begin the evening in the nursery. When it is time for them to get into their costumes, we will come and get them from the nursery. It would be a huge help if you could play "Joy to the World" and "Go Tell It On the Mountain" at home since they won't be able to read all the lyrics during the performance.

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore friendship and how to welcome new friends using a storybook and Bible stories.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• How are gratitude and kindness connected?

• Brainstorm ways you can express gratitude besides simply saying "Thank you!"

YOUTH

Our youth are on for our regularly scheduled gathering this week with lunch included. We'll wrap up at 1:30 as usual and meet parents at the church park for pick up. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 11.16.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

As we get closer to the Advent season, we wanted to share some details about the upcoming Candlelight Carol Service. Please fill out this form to let us know whether or not your child(ren) plans to participate. We can't wait to have them join us in leading worship at this special service!

• Practice at Home | Please play these songs for them at home when you can so they can get the lyrics set to memory. You can encourage your child to practice using these listening tracks. Kids in grades 1st-12th will sing "O Come All Ye Faithful" (lyrics here). Kids in K-12th grade will be singing "Joy to the World" (lyrics here—the kids sing the parts in bold) and "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here).

• Saturday, December 7th: Dress Rehearsal 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM | The kids will get fitted for their costumes for the Carol service, practice singing in the sanctuary, and run through the live nativity. We will provide some snacks! Please bring your child to the Chapel for drop off and pick up.

• Sunday, December 8th: Candlelight Carol Service - 5:30 PM | Kids will sing one song in their regular clothing (this is a chance to wear their favorite Christmas outfit!), and then they will change into their nativity costume. Please bring your child to the chapel at 5:30 PM so that we can run through the songs one more time and get kids into place before the service starts at 6:00 PM. We will provide some snacks, too!

• Parents of Kindergarteners | Your children are invited to sing and participate in the nativity toward the end of the carol service. They can begin the evening in the nursery. When it is time for them to get into their costumes, we will come and get them from the nursery. It would be a huge help if you could play "Joy to the World" and "Go Tell It On the Mountain" at home since they won't be able to read all the lyrics during the performance.
  

Parents Night Out

We are planning a night of fun for kids so parents can enjoy an evening out (also known as "Parents Night Out"). You can drop off and pick up your child anytime between 5:30-8:30 PM on Friday, November 22nd, and then head out to do whatever your heart desires! We'll serve dinner and provide activities for your kids. You can register your kid(s) with this link.

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will explore friendship and how to welcome new friends using a storybook and Bible stories.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Think about the past week. What different emotions did you experience? How do you think God wants to respond to you and all you are feeling?

• When did God feel closest to you this week? 

YOUTH

Our youth are on for our regularly scheduled gathering this week with lunch included. We'll wrap up at 1:30 as usual and meet parents at the church park for pick up. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 11.02.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

I hope you had a fun Halloween! Every year I share this brief theology of Halloween, and every year I am reminded of how beautiful it is to see neighbors opening their homes to share treats as people of all ages walk together and share kind greetings. As we took our kids up and down decorated streets, I was struck by how much goodwill was in the air. What a lovely glimpse of neighborliness that is possible!

Tomorrow we have the opportunity for our kids, youth, and adults to lead us in singing. We value these intergenerational collaborations with singing, so thanks to our parents for bringing your kids and youth at 9:30 AM tomorrow for our final rehearsal. We have begun practicing "Waymaker" with our kids, and you can also encourage them to sing at home in the coming weeks. Here is a lyric sheet, and here is a recording they can play at home to practice as well. You can bring your kids to the lobby, and then parents are invited to hang out and enjoy pastries before worship starts. 

Kids & Youth Christmas Choir Collaboration

It is also time for us to begin practicing our songs for the annual Candlelight Carol Service on December 8. Mark your calendars for that Sunday evening! Our kids and youth are invited to sing and be part of our nativity as is our tradition. Last week we began working on "O Come All Ye Faithful" (lyrics here). We'll also be singing "Joy to the World" (lyrics here—the kids sing the parts in bold). Their final song will be "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here).  Please mark your calendars for December 7 from 10AM-12PM  for our dress rehearsal.

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will explore the ways that God is our Good Shepherd.

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 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 (and youth!). It will be a beautiful morning together as a church family, and we welcome the presence of our kids in worship. 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What are some ways you can be a good neighbor in your neighborhood?

• Why is singing an important part of our worship?

YOUTH

Our youth are on for our regularly scheduled gathering this week with lunch included. We'll wrap up at 1:30 as usual and meet parents at the church park for pick up. Parents, keep an eye out for an email about upcoming youth events.

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 10.26.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Thanks for all those who came out for our all-church Game Night last Saturday! We had a great turnout with folks of all ages participating. Our youth spent some time debriefing the event so that they can host again in the future and make it even better. We look forward to more chances for intergenerational play!

Speaking of intergenerational work, our team that went to Oaxaca included people of various ages. I am so impressed, thankful, and excited to see our kids, youth, and adults sharing in learning and growth together. God is so big, and it takes all of us to discover and reflect God's goodness and work in the world back to one another. They have clearly been changed by the people who welcomed them with incredible hospitality, and there is much learning for all of us in that exchange. You can read all the updates and check out the photos here. A special thanks to the Ochi family for sharing their relationships in Oaxaca with us! It is clearly a special place, indeed. 

Kids and Youth Choir Collaboration

On Sunday, November 3, our kids and youth are invited to join our adult choir to lead a time of singing in worship. We have begun practicing "Waymaker" with our kids, and you can also encourage them to sing at home in the coming weeks. Here is a lyric sheet, and here is a recording they can play at home to practice as well. We'll ask them to arrive at 9:30 AM that morning for a final rehearsal, so please mark your calendars! 

It is also time for us to begin practicing our songs for the annual Candlelight Carol Service on December 8. Mark your calendars for that Sunday evening! Our kids and youth are invited to sing and be part of our nativity as is our tradition. Last week we began working on "O Come All Ye Faithful" (lyrics here). We'll also be singing "Joy to the World" (lyrics here—the kids sing the parts in bold). Their final song will be "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here). 

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the story of David and Goliath.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. This week we will continue with our series on kindness, and we'll have time for some Halloween fun and Christmas singing practice—a full range of seasons! We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• How does kindness make you feel? Try to be as descriptive as possible. 

• What difference does it make that our God is kind?

YOUTH

Our youth are on for our regularly scheduled gathering this week. We'll be in the new youth room, which continues to get finishing touches. We'll wrap up at 1:30 as usual and meet parents at the church park for pick up. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 10.19.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

It's here! Tonight is the all-church Game Night from 5:00-7:30 pm. The youth have a variety of games for a variety of ages, and we will make sure you are well fed, too! You can enter through the glass doors on Union Street, but if you have any issues getting in the building, please text the church line at 626-727-9498. We'll be in various rooms on the second floor, and we'll have signs to help you find different games. See you soon!

Kids and Youth Choir Collaboration

On Sunday, November 3, our kids and youth are invited to join our adult choir to lead a time of singing in worship. We have begun practicing "Waymaker" with our kids, and you can also encourage them to sing at home in the coming weeks. Here is a lyric sheet, and here is a recording they can play at home to practice as well. We'll ask them to arrive at 9:30 AM that morning for a final rehearsal, so please mark your calendars! 

It is also time for us to begin practicing our songs for the annual Candlelight Carol Service on December 8. Mark your calendars for that Sunday evening! Our kids and youth are invited to sing and be part of our nativity as is our tradition. Last week we began working on "O Come All Ye Faithful" (lyrics here). We'll also be singing "Joy to the World" (lyrics here—the kids sing the parts in bold). Their final song will be "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here). 

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will explore the story of David and Goliath.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. This week we will continue with our series on kindness, and we'll have Nolan with us to play with all his fun gym stuff! Each week we will continue with singing rehearsal as well. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What are some ways someone showed you kindness this week?

• How does kindness help us form connections with others?

YOUTH

Our youth are on for our regularly scheduled gathering this week. We'll be in the new youth room, which continues to get finishing touches! We'll wrap up at 1:30 as usual and meet parents at the church park for pick up. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 10.12.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

We are now in the midst of a new series on kindness with our kids in grades K-5. At various times, we partner with Real Kids Real Faith to explore spiritual practices geared specifically for kids. These activities are open-ended and exploratory in nature, without any need for a "right" answer or predictable outcome. We are excited to keep opening up space for kids to think about kindness and its impact as they share their own wisdom and wonderings. You can check out the practices for kindness here, and you might check out the extra resources at the bottom of the page to adapt anything for use at home. Thank you for being a congregation who is kind beyond measure. We are so thankful to nurture the kindness that is in  your kids and to learn from them, too!

All-Church Game Night

The youth invite you to Game Night fun from 5:00-7:30 pm on Saturday, October 19th! They are planning a variety of games for a variety of ages, and we will make sure you are well fed, too! Text “game” to 626.727.9498 to join in the fun! Youth will be finalizing their plans this Sunday, and we'll need them to arrive early on the day of the event to help set up. I'll send more information to parents this week. Yay for youth creating spaces for play!

Kids and Youth Choir Collaboration

On Sunday, November 3, our kids and youth are invited to join our adult choir to lead a time of singing in worship. We have begun practicing with our kids, and you can also encourage them to sing at home in the coming weeks. Here is a lyric sheet, and here is a recording they can play at home to practice as well. We'll ask them to arrive at 9:30 AM that morning for a final rehearsal, so please mark your calendars! . 

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will explore the story of Naomi and Ruth. 

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. This week we will continue with our series on kindness, and we'll have time for singing and worship. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What is an example of how God has been a "way maker" in your life or someone you know?

• Why is it important to be kind? What does kindness "do" in the world?

YOUTH

Our youth are on for our regularly scheduled gathering this week. We'll be in the new youth room, which continues to get finishing touches! We'll wrap up at 1:30 as usual and meet parents at the church park for pick up. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 10.05.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

We have some special opportunities for intergenerational fun and worship. See below for more details about our all-church game night and a chance for youth and kids to sing together with our adult choir. It has been a gift to see our kids and adults connecting more and more, and our youth are especially excited to open up their space for games and fellowship. I pray that each time we gather, our sense of belonging and belovedness will increase and transform us. Thanks for all the ways you allow your  kids and youth to be part of this community. They are a gift. See you tomorrow!

All-Church Game Night

The youth invite you to Game Night fun from 5:00-7:30pm on Saturday, October 19th! They are planning a variety of games for a variety of ages, and we will make sure you are well fed, too! Text “game” to 626.727.9498 to join in the fun! Youth will be finalizing their plans this Sunday, and we'll need them to arrive early on the day of the event to help set up. I'll send more information to parents this week. Yay for youth creating spaces for play!

Kids and Youth Choir Collaboration

On Sunday, November 3, our kids and youth are invited to join our adult choir to lead a time of singing in worship. We have begun practicing with our kids, and you can also encourage them to sing at home in the coming weeks. Here is a lyric sheet, and here is a recording they can play at home to practice as well. We'll ask them to arrive at 9:30 AM that morning for a final rehearsal, so please mark your calendars! . 

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 10:20 AM to receive your amazing kids. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the story of Hannah and Samuel. 

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 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 (and youth!). It will be a beautiful morning together as a church family, and we welcome the presence of our kids in worship. 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Read some sections from Philippians as a family. What words seem to be repeated? Why are those important words for us?

• What are you wondering about after being in worship this week? 

YOUTH

Our youth are on for our regularly scheduled gathering led by Jensen this week. We'll be in the new youth room which continues to get finishing touches! We'll wrap up at 1:30 as usual and meet parents at the church park for pick up. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 09.28.2024

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

This is a fifth Sunday, so our youth are invited to serve on the hospitality team  if they want to. We are always blessed to have them lead and help cultivate a space of welcome and belonging for our community. Youth should arrive at 9:45 AM in the lobby to check in with Pastor Chip and get oriented for the day. Some of our Board members will be serving with our kids for the first time, and we are so grateful for their presence and the relationships they will form with our kids. Thanks be to God for all the love and connection that is possible on a Sunday!

Mark Your Calendars for Game Night!

Our youth are excited to host an all-church game night on Saturday, October 19. This will be open to all ages and a fun time for everyone to play and connect with each other. Stay tuned for more information, but save the date for now! 

Free Parent Webinars

Our own Grace Goodman will be part of a lineup of parent webinars being offered online at noon once a month on  select Fridays. Each session is led by an expert in the field and includes time for Q & A. Topics include supporting executive functioning, how assessments can help kids and teens, body esteem and mental health, and building social connections. You can sign up to join for free using this link. Thanks to Grace and all our mental health professionals for the work you do!

Kids and Youth Choir Collaboration

On Sunday, November 3, our kids and youth are invited to join our adult choir to lead a time of singing in worship. We have begun practicing with our kids, and you can also encourage them to sing at home in the coming weeks. Here is a lyric sheet, and here is a recording they can play at home to practice as well. We'll ask them to arrive at 9:30 AM that morning for a final rehearsal, so please mark your calendars! . 

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Our nursery staff will be ready at 8:50 AM to receive kids whose parents are in Sunday School. This week our nursery kids will continue  explore the story of Hannah and Samuel.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then will be dismissed to head to their classrooms together. They can begin service with their families or in the pews in the front with Pastor Mary and me. This week we are beginning a new series on kindness, and then we'll have a fun time outdoors led by Jessica Henson. We are so thankful for the intergenerational learning that happens in our family ministry spaces!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What acts of kindness did you do or receive this week?

• Who comes to mind when you think of kindness? What about that person makes them kind?

YOUTH

Our youth are on for our regularly scheduled gathering. We'll be in the new youth room which continues to get finishing touches! We'll wrap up at 1:30 as usual and meet parents at the church park for pick up. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay