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

Weekly Updates 03.07.2025

Tomorrow Morning

• Guys, we hope you can join our Men’s Breakfast with John Williams tomorrow, March 8th, at 9am. John will share his personal story, and lead our group through a meaningful discussion. Enter through the gate on Union St. Text “bacon” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP, or just come on over to the Fellowship Hall!

Sunday (Don’t forget Daylight Saving Time!)

• Cry. Laugh. Smash. Scream. Pray. Hug! Starting this Sunday at 9am, join Jon Rinkus, ordained chaplain, for a Lenten Sunday School class called “Embodied Grief.” Learn how to move through grief or support someone going through the grief process with multiple practices. Class will run for six weeks, Sundays in the Parlor. Text “lent” to 626.727.9498 to sign up.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Luke 12:22-34. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• The De-Escalation Team is invited to stay for lunch this Sunday, March 9th, in the Southside Room. We are thankful for this group and look forward to a continued time of training.

• For those not on the De-Escalation Team, join our SPARKY! Group (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all!) at Prime Pizza after worship this Sunday. No need to RSVP or tell the restaurant you’re with FBCP. Just show up, order, look for Kevin, and eat!

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

Upcoming Events

• Don’t miss our Oaxaca missions trip informational meeting next Sunday, March 16th, after service in the Southside Room. This year’s trip has construction and children’s ministry opportunities along with the usual medical clinics. Please text “oaxaca” to 626.727.9498 if you are interested, or contact Nori Ochi or the church office with questions. We hope you can join us!

• Hospitality and Prayer Teams, we want to thank you for your faithful volunteer service at an appreciation dinner! Join us for a time of fellowship at the Powell Home on Friday, March 21st, at 6:30pm. We are so grateful for the community you nurture at FBCP, and we’d definitely be less without these teams!

• Join us for a Memorial to honor Mark Norwood on Thursday, March 20th, at 10am in the Chapel. Mark was a longtime member of FBCP, endured many medical complications from bladder cancer the last several months, and was loved by many of you. Thank you to those who cared for Mark and gave him a sense of family and God’s love through this community. The Sanctuary will not be the same without his presence.

• Join us in the FBCP Chapel on Friday, March 28th, at 7pm for the second screening in a series of six films about the Palestine-Israel conflict. The series of monthly films is put on by the Clergy Community Coalition, the Center for Restorative Justice, and Brehm Film of Fuller Seminary. FBCP is hosting this month's film, and it is entitled, The Stones Cry Out: Voices of the Palestinian Christians. This event will have a Bake Sale starting at 6:30pm that will benefit Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Please text "bake" to 626.727.9498 if you are able to contribute baked goods to the sale, and please register here for the free movie screening: bit.ly/palestinefilmseries

• Save the Date for our beloved Community Dinners!  Groups of folks will gather in host homes around the city on Friday, April 4th. To sign up, text “dinner” to 626.727.9498. These dinners are a wonderful time to share a meal, and it is a great way to get to know other church members better. Don’t wait to sign up. We hope you can participate whether you are new or seasoned!

Baptism

• Baptism is one of our core sacraments, and Easter Sunday provides the next opportunity for those who are ready to declare “Jesus is Lord,” and take this next step in their faith. Text “baptism” to 626.727.9498 if you’re interested, and a pastor will follow up with you.

Home Blessing

• If you are a member of FBCP and have recently moved or relocated, let us know about your move so that we might 1) update our records, and 2) come bless your home—the pastors will be stopping by homes over the next month or two to say a blessing for new dwelling spaces.

Local Opportunities

• Wildfire cleanup projects continue around the city as folks get access to their properties. Folks who need help can submit a request here. If you’re up for volunteering, text “volunteer” to 626.727.9498, and we’ll let you know when projects come up.

Regular-ish Happenings

• Lenten Sunday School | Sundays at 9am, 3/9 - 4/13

• Yarn Crafts Group | 3/9 after worship | Parlor

Six Weeks at a Glance

3/8 - Men’s Breakfast
3/9 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
3/9 - Daylight Saving Time
3/9 - De-Escalation Team Meeting
3/9 - Meet-up at Prime Pizza
3/16 - Oaxaca Info Lunch
3/21 - Hospitality/Prayer Team Dinner
3/28 - Palestine/Israel Film Screening
3/29 - Women’s Brunch
3/30 - Prayer for Global Servants
4/4 - Community Dinners
4/13 - Palm Sunday
4/20 - Easter Sunday

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families | 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

Weekly Updates 02.28.2025

Sunday

• Join us for worship in the Sanctuary at 10:30am as we partake in communion together (note: crackers are gluten free)! Our scripture this week is Luke 9:28-36. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Please note that because this will be the first Sunday of the month, our kids five years old and up will join us in the Sanctuary for service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• Our FBCPride Group meets this Sunday after worship in the Southside Room. This quarter, we are going to check in with one another with our amazing therapist friends and members who will guide the time. The LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies 16+ are welcome, and you can read more about the group here.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is canned soup/chili/stew.

Upcoming Events

• Join us for a special worship service on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, at 6pm in the Chapel. The service includes a time of intercessory prayer, confession and absolution, and it will conclude with the imposition of ashes. Childcare for children four years old and younger will be provided; please let Pastor Lindsay know if you plan to bring young children so that she can ensure enough workers for that evening.

• Thanks to all who have been supporting local restaurants with our SPARKY! Group (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all!). This week, folks can meetup after Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, March 5th, at The Gastropub at 7:30pm. Then, meet up at Prime Pizza after worship on Sunday, March 9th. No need to RSVP or tell the restaurant you’re with FBCP. Just show up, order, and eat! You’ll likely run into a familiar face and support our local neighbors all at once. Thanks!

• A heads up for the guys. Our rescheduled Men’s Breakfast with John Williams from The Center for Restorative Justice is next Saturday, March 8th, at 9am. Join the party! Enter through the gate on Union St. Text “bacon” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Cry. Laugh. Smash. Scream. Pray. Hug! Starting a week from Sunday, join Jon Rinkus, ordained chaplain, for a Lenten Sunday School class on embodied grief. Learn how to move through grief or support someone going through the grief process with multiple practices. Class will run from March 9th thru April 13th, Sundays at 9am in the Parlor. Text “lent” to 626.727.9498 to sign up.

• Thanks to our De-Escalation Team for being present each Sunday in worship and helpful in communicating with those who might need support. Gaby will continue training the team after worship on Sunday, March 9th, and we invite team members to stay for lunch in the Southside Room. Text “calm” to 626.727.9498 if you would like to join the group, or email the office with any questions.

• Don’t miss our Oaxaca missions trip informational meeting on Sunday, March 16th, after service in the Southside Room. This year’s trip has construction and children’s ministry opportunities along with the usual medical clinics. Please text “oaxaca” to 626.727.9498 if you are interested, or contact Nori Ochi or the church office with questions. We hope you can join us!

• Hospitality and Prayer Teams, we want to thank you for your faithful volunteer service at an appreciation dinner! Join us for a time of fellowship at the Powell Home on Friday, March 21st, at 6:30pm. We are so grateful for the community you nurture at FBCP, and we’d definitely be less without these teams!

Projects!

• Wildfire cleanup projects continue around the city as folks get access to their properties. Folks who need help can submit a request here.

Regular-ish Happenings

• Winter Sunday School | Sundays at 9am thru 3/2

• Lenten Sunday School | Sundays at 9am, 3/9 - 4/13

• Yarn Crafts Group | 3/9 after worship | Parlor

Six Weeks at a Glance

3/2 - Winter Sunday School Ends
3/2 - FBCPride Lunch
3/5 - Ash Wednesday Service
3/5 - Meet-up at The Gastropub
3/8 - Men’s Breakfast
3/9 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
3/9 - Daylight Saving Time
3/9 - De-Escalation Team Meeting
3/9 - Meet-up at Prime Pizza
3/16 - Oaxaca Info Lunch
3/21 - Hospitality/Prayer Team Dinner
3/28 - Palestine/Israel Film Screening
3/29 - Women’s Brunch
4/4 - Community Dinners
4/13 - Palm Sunday

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families | 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

Weekly Updates 02.21.2025

Tonight

• Join FBCP and other local churches for a Palestine/Israel Film Screening series. Tonight’s movie, "Occupation 101: Voices of the Silenced Majority,” will be held at Pasadena Foursquare Church. The series is sponsored by the Clergy Community Coalition, the Center for Restorative Justice, and Brehm Film of Fuller Seminary. Please RSVP here for this free screening.

Tomorrow

Thanks to all who have been supporting local restaurants with our SPARKY! Group (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all!). Here’s the upcoming lineup of restaurants:

• Saturday, February 22nd - Burrito Express @1pm

• Wednesday, February 26th - Bevel Coffee @8am

• Monday, March 3rd - Fair Oaks Burger @5pm

No need to RSVP or tell the restaurant you’re with FBCP. Just show up, order, and eat! You’ll likely run into a familiar face and support our local neighbors in the same meal. Thanks!

Sunday

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Luke 6:27-38. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer. Our youth are invited to join the congregation at the all-church Fat Potluck in lieu of their regular gathering.

• Stay after worship for our annual Mardi Gras potluck this Sunday, February 23rd, in the Gym. This potluck kicks off the Lenten season and is one of our favorite times as a community. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a side or salad (A-H), a dessert (I-N), or main dish (O-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. Thanks to our Volunteer Squad: (9:30am) Azalea, Caleb, Esther, Steven; (11:00am) Charlie, Jensen, Nicole, Tina, Troi; (1:30pm) Chris M, Cindie, Engry, Judy, Mary W and Michael S!

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

Upcoming Events

• A week from this Sunday, on March 2nd, the LGBTQ+ community and allies are invited to join us after worship in the Southside Room. This quarter, we are going to check in with one another with our amazing therapist friends and members who will guide the time. The LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies 16+ are welcome, and you can read more about the group here.

• Join us for a special worship service on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, at 6pm in the Chapel. The service includes a time of intercessory prayer, confession and absolution, and it will conclude with the imposition of ashes. Childcare for children four years old and younger will be provided; please let Pastor Lindsay know if you plan to bring young children so that she can ensure enough workers for that evening.

• Cry. Laugh. Smash. Scream. Pray. Hug! Starting in two weeks, join Jon Rinkus, ordained chaplain, for a Lenten Sunday School class on embodied grief. Learn how to move through grief or support someone going through the grief process with multiple practices. Class will run from March 9th thru April 13th, Sundays at 9am in the Parlor. Text “lent” to 626.727.9498 to sign up.

• Thanks to our De-Escalation Team for being present each Sunday in worship and helpful in communicating with those who might need support. Gaby will continue training the team after worship on Sunday, March 9th, and we invite team members to stay for lunch in the Southside Room. Text “calm” to 626.727.9498 if you would like to join the group, or email the office with any questions.

The Church Organized for Work

• Don’t miss our Oaxaca missions trip informational meeting on Sunday, March 16th, after service in the Southside Room. This year’s trip has construction and children’s ministry opportunities along with the usual medical clinics. Please text “oaxaca” to 626.727.9498 if you are interested, or contact Nori Ochi or the church office with questions. We hope you can join us!

• Wildfire cleanup projects continue around the city as folks get access to their properties. Folks who need help can submit a request here. Also, check out our community digital bulletin board, which has unique ways our church family is offering help to one another. We love the love!

Regular-ish Happenings

• Winter Sunday School | Sundays at 9am thru 3/2

• Yarn Crafts Group | 3/9 after worship | Parlor

Six Weeks at a Glance

2/22 - Meet-up at Burrito Express
2/23 - All-Church Fat Potluck
2/26 - Meet-up at Bevel Coffee
3/2 - Winter Sunday School Ends
3/2 - FBCPride Lunch
3/3 - Meet-up at Fair Oaks Burger
3/5 - Ash Wednesday Service
3/8 - Men’s Breakfast
3/9 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
3/9 - Daylight Saving Time
3/9 - De-Escalation Team Meeting
3/16 - Oaxaca Info Lunch
3/21 - Hospitality/Prayer Team Dinner
3/28 - Palestine/Israel Film Screening
3/29 - Women’s Brunch
4/4 - Community Dinners

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

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

Weekly Updates 02.14.2025

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day from FBCP ❤️

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Tomorrow

Thank you to all who supported Altadena’s King’s Breakfast & Burgers last week! It was a great group of folks and our SPARKY! group is off to a great start. Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all! Here’s the lineup of the next restaurants:

• Saturday, February 15th - Perry's Joint @1pm

• Saturday, February 22nd - Burrito Express @1pm

• Tuesday, February 25th - Bevel Coffee @8am

• Monday, March 3rd - Fair Oaks Burger @5pm

Sunday

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Luke 4:31-44. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer. Our youth are invited to join the congregation in celebrating Pastor Mary after worship in lieu of their regular gathering.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is baking supplies (small bags of flour, sugar, oil, etc).

Upcoming Events

• All are invited to celebrate Pastor Mary this Sunday, February 16th, after worship in the Gym. We hope you can be there to let Pastor Mary know what she has meant to you as she transitions out of her official role on staff. FBCP will provide pizza and cupcakes. We invite you to write a message at home or at the event, take a photo with our Polaroid camera, paste items in a scrapbook, and greet her in a receiving line.

• Born out of the Pastor's Pod of the Clergy Community Coalition, local faith leaders are coming together to host a Palestine/Israel Film Screening series from February to June. This five-film series will offer local Christians across denominations an opportunity to grow together in understanding, prayer, and action in response to the deep suffering and injustices experienced by people in the Holy Land. We especially want to understand the history of what led up to both the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, and the retaliation of Israel over the last year, and learn how we can respond as Christians. Join us on Friday, February 21st, at 7pm for a screening of "Occupation 101: Voices of the Silenced Majority.” This screening will be held at Pasadena Foursquare Church. The series is sponsored by the Clergy Community Coalition, the Center for Restorative Justice, and Brehm Film of Fuller Seminary, and is hosted by different Pasadena churches. Please RSVP here for this free screening.

• You’re invited to our annual Mardi Gras potluck on Sunday, February 23rd, after worship in the Gym. This potluck kicks off the Lenten season and is one of our favorite times as a community. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a side or salad (A-H), a dessert (I-N), or main dish (O-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. We can use your help with setup and cleanup—see the Volunteer Squad poster in the Lobby to join the team!

• Our next FBCPride Group potluck lunch is happening on Sunday, March 2nd, after worship in the Southside Room. The LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies 16+ are welcome, and you can read more about the group here.

• Thanks to our De-Escalation Team for being present each Sunday in worship and helpful in communicating with those who might need support. Gaby will continue training the team after worship on Sunday, March 9th, and we invite team members to stay for lunch in the Southside Room. Text “calm” to 626.727.9498 if you would like to join the group, or email the office with any questions.

• Join us for a special worship service on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, at 6pm in the Chapel. The service includes a time of intercessory prayer, confession and absolution, and it will conclude with the imposition of ashes. Childcare for children four years old and younger will be provided; please let Pastor Lindsay know if you plan to bring young children so that she can ensure enough workers for that evening.

• Our Lenten Sunday School session will begin Sunday, March 9th, from 9-10am before worship in the Parlor. The class will run for six weeks and conclude on Palm Sunday, April 13th.

The Church Organized for Work

• You are invited to an Oaxaca missions trip informational meeting on Sunday, March 16th, after service in the Southside Room. This year's trip will have construction opportunities and a children's ministry along with the usual medical clinics. This year's trip will have construction and children’s ministry opportunities along with the usual medical clinics.  Please text “oaxaca” to 626.727.9498 if you are interested, or contact Nori Ochi or the church office with questions. We hope you can join us!

• Wildfire cleanup projects continue around the city. To stay informed about the latest opportunities, text “volunteer” to 626.727.9498, and the Recovery Team will let you know what’s happening next. You can submit a request here if you need help cleaning up inside or outside your home due to the wildfires. Also, check out our community digital bulletin board, which has unique ways our church family is offering help to one another. We love the love!

Regular-ish Happenings

• Winter Sunday School | Sundays at 9am thru 3/2

• Yarn Crafts Group | 3/9 after worship | Parlor

Six Weeks at a Glance

2/15 - Meet-up at Perry’s Joint
2/16 - Celebration Honoring Pastor Mary
2/21 - Palestine/Israel Film Screening
2/22 - Meet-up at Burrito Express
2/23 - All-Church Fat Potluck
2/25 - Meet-up at Bevel Coffee
3/2 - Winter Sunday School Ends
3/2 - FBCPride Lunch
3/3 - Meet-up at Fair Oaks Burger
3/5 - Ash Wednesday Service
3/8 - Men’s Breakfast
3/9 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
3/9 - Daylight Saving Time
3/9 - De-Escalation Team Meeting
3/16 - Oaxaca Info Lunch
3/21 - Hospitality/Prayer Team Dinner
3/23 - Basics Lunch

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

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

Weekly Updates 02.07.2025

Tomorrow

• Calling many hands to make light work tomorrow, February 8th, at our All Church Cleaning Day! There are a few areas of the church that could use a wipe down after the fires, and we would love your help. We’ll start at 10am in the Southside Room (enter through the glass doors on Union St) and continue until about 2pm if you can. Lunch included. Hope to see you!

Sunday

• Jump into our Winter Sunday School this Sunday, February 9th, at 9am in the Parlor! This topic, “Resiliency in Trauma,” taught by Susan Reedy, LMFT, teaches life skills for processing any kind of stressors. Click here to sign up. Coffee, pastries and childcare will be provided.

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Luke 3:21-22, 4:1-13. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

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

Introducing SPARKY! (Support Pasadena and Altadena Restaurants with Kevin, Y’all!)

Many of you, like the staff, have been shopping locally when possible to support the Altadena businesses. Our friend Kevin thought it would be great to have an organized way to support restaurants that have been affected by the fires. You are invited to join him if you can! Text “lunch” to 626.727.9498 to join the text thread. Here’s the first couple of dates (alternating Sundays and Saturdays):

• Sunday, February 9, 1pm - King’s Breakfast and Burgers (2057 N Los Robles Ave #14, Pasadena 91104)

• Saturday, February 15, 1pm - Perry’s Joint (2051 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena 91103)

Upcoming Events

• All are invited to celebrate Pastor Mary next Sunday, February 16th, after worship in the Park. We hope you can be there to let Pastor Mary know what she has meant to you as she transitions out of her official role on staff. FBCP will provide pizza and cupcakes. Bring a blanket to sit in the park (weather-permitting), and everyone is invited to write a message in a scrapbook, take a photo, and greet her in a receiving line.

• You’re invited to our annual Mardi Gras potluck on Sunday, February 23rd, after worship in the Gym. This potluck kicks off the Lenten season and is one of our favorite times as a community. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a side or salad (A-H), a dessert (I-N), or main dish (O-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. We can use your help with setup and cleanup—see the Volunteer Squad poster in the Lobby to join the team!

• Our next FBCPride Group potluck lunch is happening on Sunday, March 2nd, after worship in the Southside Room. The LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies 16+ are welcome, and you can read more about the group here.

• Thanks to our De-Escalation Team for being present each Sunday in worship and helpful in communicating with those who might need attention. Gaby will continue training the team after worship on Sunday, March 9th, and we invite team members to stay for lunch in the Southside Room. Text “calm” to 626.727.9498 if you would like to join the group, or email the office with any questions.

• Join us for a special worship service on Ash Wednesday, March 5th, at 6pm in the Chapel. The service includes a time of intercessory prayer, confession and absolution, and it will conclude with the imposition of ashes. Childcare for children four years old and younger will be provided; please let Pastor Lindsay know if you plan to bring young children so that she can ensure enough workers for that evening.

• Our Lenten Sunday School session will begin Sunday, March 9th, from 9-10am before worship in the Parlor. The class will run for six weeks and conclude on Palm Sunday, April 13th.

Wildfire Projects

• Wildfire cleanup projects continue around the city. To stay informed about the latest opportunities, text “volunteer” to 626.727.9498, and the Recovery Team will let you know what’s happening next. You can submit a request here if you need help cleaning up inside or outside your home due to the wildfires. Also, check out our community digital bulletin board, which has unique ways our church family is offering help to one another. We love the love!

Regular-ish Happenings

• Winter Sunday School | Sundays at 9am thru 3/2

• Yarn Crafts Group | 2/9 after worship | Parlor

Six Weeks at a Glance

Stay tuned, as some events are still being rescheduled after the fires:

2/9 - Meet-up at King’s Restaurant
2/15 - Meet-up at Perry’s Joint
2/16 - Celebration Honoring Pastor Mary
2/23 - All-Church Fat Potluck
3/2 - Winter Sunday School Ends
3/2 - FBCPride Lunch
3/5 - Ash Wednesday Service
3/8 - Men’s Breakfast
3/9 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
3/9 - Daylight Savings Time
3/9 - De-Escalation Team Meeting
3/21 - 55+ Group Meeting
3/23 - Basics Lunch

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

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

Weekly Updates 01.31.2025

Today

• Pray for our youth and adult volunteers as they head to Big Bear Mountains this evening. Their retreat theme this round is resiliency and practices for wholeness in the midst of suffering and communal trauma. Pastor Lindsay has some fun and meaningful activities planned around this theme. Thanks to Bri, Jensen, Michael, Nicole, and Tina (the kitchen mom!) for helping lead this special time.

Winter Sunday School

• Winter Sunday School starts this Sunday, February 2nd, at 9am for five weeks! This new topic, “Resiliency in Trauma,” taught by Susan Reedy, LMFT, will teach life skills for processing any kind of trauma. Click here to sign up. Coffee, pastries and childcare will be provided.

Sunday

• Our Winter Sunday School class will be held in the Parlor from 9-10am.

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30am as we partake in communion together (note: crackers are gluten free)! Our scripture this week is Luke 3:1-17. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Please note that because this will be the first Sunday of the month, our kids five years old and up will join us in the Sanctuary for service. Our youth will not have their regular lunch regular gathering this week due to the retreat. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• Join us for our Basics Class + Lunch for Newer Folks this Sunday, February 2nd, after worship in the Southside Room. Pastor John Jay loves a chance to get to know new faces and see what questions you might have about FBCP. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• The Friends In Deed food pantry item this week is buyer’s choice.

Wildfire Updates

• Catch up on Pastor John Jay’s daily updates from the week here.

• Wildfire cleanup projects continue around the city. To stay informed about the latest opportunities, text “volunteer” to 626.727.9498, and the Recovery Team will let you know what’s happening next. You can submit a request here if you need help cleaning up inside or outside your home due to the wildfires. Also, check out our community digital bulletin board, which has unique ways our church family is offering help to one another. We love the love!

Upcoming Events

• As many of you have expressed in pastoral prayers and concerns, the policy changes of the current administration are having real effects on many in our community and those we serve. Join American Baptist Home Missions Society for this upcoming Justice Dialogue on Wednesday, February 5th, from 10:00-11:30am by signing up via this link. Learn about immigration rights and how to care for one another during this changing time.

• Calling many hands to make light work on Saturday, February 8th, at our All Church Cleaning Day! We loved the help a few weeks ago, and there are a few more areas of the church that could use a wipe down by volunteers. We’ll start at 10am, serve you lunch, and continue until about 2pm (it’s fine if you leave earlier). Thanks for considering! Please text “FBCP” to 626.727.9498 for this specific project.

• The whole church is invited to celebrate Pastor Mary on Sunday, February 16th, after worship in the Park. FBCP will provide pizza and cupcakes—we hope you can be there to let Pastor Mary know what she has meant to you as she transitions out of her role in official ministry and stays on as a volunteer. Read Pastor John Jay’s letter here if you missed it in yesterday’s messages.

• You’re invited to our annual Mardi Gras potluck on Sunday, February 23rd, after worship in the Gym. This potluck kicks off the Lenten season and is one of our favorite times as a community. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a side or salad (A-H), a dessert (I-N), or main dish (O-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. We can use your help with setup and cleanup—see the Volunteer Squad poster in the Lobby to join the team!

• Thanks to our De-Escalation Team for being present each Sunday in worship and helpful in communicating with those who might need attention. Gaby will continue training the team after worship on Sunday, March 9th, and we invite team members to stay for lunch in the Southside Room. Text “calm” to 626.727.9498 if you would like to join the group, or email the office with any questions.

• Our next FBCPride Group potluck lunch is happening on Sunday, March 2nd, after worship in the Southside Room. The LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies 16+ are welcome, and you can read more about the group here.

Regular-ish Happenings

• Winter Sunday School | Starting 2/2 at 9am

• Yarn Crafts Group | Sun. 2/2 after worship | Parlor

Six Weeks at a Glance

Stay tuned, as some events are still being rescheduled after the fires:

2/2 - Winter Sunday School Begins
2/2 - Basics + Lunch for Newer Folks
2/5 - Justice Dialogue
2/8 - All-Church Cleanup Day
2/16 - Pizza in the Park for Mary
2/23 - All-Church Fat Potluck
3/2 - Winter Sunday School Ends
3/2 - FBCPride Lunch
3/5 - Ash Wednesday Service
3/9 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
3/9 - Daylight Savings Time
3/9 - De-Escalation Team Meeting

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

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

Weekly Updates 01.24.2025

Winter Sunday School Reboot

• Winter Sunday School starts on Sunday, February 2nd, at 9am for five weeks, and the sign-up is open! If you previously signed up, please sign up again; this is a new topic, shifted due to our city’s recent wildfires. Susan Reedy, LMFT, loves Jesus and is ready to teach this class about “Resiliency in Trauma.” This class will teach life skills for processing any kind of life stress or trauma. Click here to sign up. Coffee, pastries and childcare will be provided.

Sunday

• A reminder to Family Ministry Volunteers, please arrive to the church office in the education building during your scheduled slot between 9-10:30am for your live scan fingerprinting—thanks!

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Philippians 4:15-23. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• Join us after worship in the Parlor for thirty minutes of prayer for our American Baptist global servants. If you are interested in joining with this group, please email Judy ahead and she can send you info on the specific matters for which we will be praying.

Wildfire Updates

• Catch up on Pastor John Jay’s daily updates from the week here on our homepage.

Upcoming Events

• Happy Lunar New Year on Wednesday, January 29th! Check out these happenings around Pasadena and find a moment to celebrate!

• Pray for our youth and adult volunteers as they head to Big Bear Mountains next weekend. Their retreat theme this round is resiliency and practices for wholeness in the midst of suffering and communal trauma. Pastor Lindsay has some fun and meaningful activities planned around this theme. Thanks to Jensen, Bri, Michael, and Tina (the kitchen mom!) for helping lead this special time.

• Join us for our Basics Class + Lunch for Newer Folks on Sunday, February 2nd, after worship in the Southside Room. Pastor John Jay loves a chance to get to know new faces, hear your story, and see what questions you might have about FBCP. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Thanks to our De-Escalation Team for being present each Sunday in worship and helpful in communicating with those who might need attention. Gaby will continue training the team after worship on Sunday, February 9th, and we invite team members to stay for lunch in the Southside Room. Text “calm” to 626.727.9498 if you would like to join the group, or email the office with any questions.

• We invite families with kids to enjoy pizza and cupcakes after worship in the Park on Sunday, February 16th. We hope you can join us for fun and fellowship together!

The Church Organized for Work

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

• Wildfire cleanup projects were underway earlier this week, this afternoon, and more planned tomorrow. To stay informed about the latest opportunities, text “volunteer” to 626.727.9498, and the Recovery Team will let you know what’s happening next (Pastor Chip, Jensen, Taylor, Dave P, Matt C, and Sally). You can submit a request here if you need help cleaning up inside or outside your home due to the wildfires. Also, check out our new community digital bulletin board, which has unique ways our church family is offering help to one another. We love the love!

• Our local friends are also busy at work. Keep your eye on their websites to know how to help in other ways: CCC Resource Hub, The Center, LA Voice, Friends In Deed

Regular-ish Happenings

• Easy-Going Basketball is on! | Sun 1/26 at 7pm

• Winter Sunday School | Starting 2/2 at 9am

• Yarn Crafts Group | Sun. 2/2 after worship | Parlor

Six Weeks at a Glance

Stay tuned, as some events are still being rescheduled after the fires:

1/26 - Prayer for Global Servants
1/29 - Happy Lunar New Year
1/31-2/2 - Winter Youth Retreat
2/2 - Winter Sunday School Begins
2/2 - Basics + Lunch for Newer Folks
2/23 - All-Church Fat Potluck
3/2 - FBCPride Lunch
3/9 - De-Escalation Team Meeting

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

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

Weekly Updates 01.17.2025

Sunday

• Join us at 10:30am for worship in the Sanctuary! Our scripture this week is Philippians 4:10-13. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Our kids five years old and up can join us for the first part of worship and then will be dismissed to their classrooms with their leaders. They can sit with their parents or join us in the front rows at the start of service. Our youth are invited to join us for our regular lunch and fellowship after service. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the Sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

Revised Dates

• We are excited to start Winter Sunday School classes on Sunday, February 2nd, at 9am for five weeks. Stay tuned, as the class offerings are shifting to adapt to current events; we will let you know soon what is being offered. Coffee, pastries and childcare are provided.

• Basics Class is rescheduled to Sunday, February 2nd, and we would also like to invite any newer folks to this lunch after worship. Pastor John Jay always loves a chance to get to know new faces and hear more about your story and see what questions folks may have about FBCP. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498.

The Church Organized for Work

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

• Wildfire cleanup projects were underway earlier this week, this afternoon, and more planned tomorrow. To stay informed about the latest opportunities, text “volunteer” to 626.727.9498, and Taylor will let you know what’s happening next. You can submit a request here if you need help cleaning up inside or outside your home due to the wildfires. Also, check out our new community digital bulletin board, which has unique ways our church family is offering help to one another. We love the love!

• Our local friends are also busy at work. Keep your eye on their websites to know how to help in other ways: CCC Resource Hub, The Center, LA Voice, Friends In Deed

Regular-ish Happenings

• Yarn Crafts Group | Sun. 1/19 after worship | Parlor

• Winter Sunday School | Starting 2/2 at 9am

• Passive-Aggressive Pickleball | Stay tuned | Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

Stay tuned, as some events are still being rescheduled after the fires:

1/26 - Prayer for Global Servants
1/29 - Happy Lunar New Year
1/31-2/2 - Winter Youth Retreat
2/2 - Winter Sunday School Begins
2/2 - Basics Class
2/23 - All-Church Fat Potluck

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

FBCP Families | 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

Weekly Updates 01.03.2025

Sunday

• Join us for worship in the Sanctuary at 10:30am as we partake in communion together (note: crackers are gluten free)! Our scripture this week is Philippians 3:12-16. The nursery will be open as usual for our toddlers and babies. Please note that because this will be the first Sunday of the month, our kids five years old and up will join us in the Sanctuary for service. In lieu of our regular youth gathering, all youth can join the church in taking down the greens. The Prayer team will be available at the front of the sanctuary toward the end of the service to pray with those who would like to receive prayer.

• Join us after service this Sunday, January 5th, for the Taking Down of the Greens as we pack away our Christmas decorations and get our Sanctuary ready for the new year. First, we’ll have lunch together provided by the church (email Pastor Lindsay if you have dietary restrictions). Then, we’ll pack things away in labeled boxes in the tower room near the Lobby. We hope you can stay for this fun communal experience!

Winter Sunday School

Winter Sunday School classes start a week from Sunday (January 12th-February 23rd)! Click here to register for these special options! Let Pastor Lindsay know if you need childcare—thanks!

• “The Beloved Community: Building God’s Vision for Racial Justice” with John Williams and Nancy Stiles: This class explores a biblical approach to racial justice and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s concept of the Beloved Community. Participants will examine a scriptural framework for confronting racism and reflect on how their social location influences their views on racial justice. We will define individual, systemic, and internalized racism while discussing biblical perspectives on reconciliation, equity, and justice. Through honest dialogue and reflection, we aim to seek ways to embody Gospel values in our racially diverse world. Located in the Parlor.

• “Teachings of Jesus” with Jerry Brown: Jerry has extensive knowledge of the words of Jesus and themes throughout the gospels. He comes well-prepared each week with handouts and information ready for those eager to learn about Jesus' teachings and some of the core tenets of our faith. Located in the Southside Room.

• “Doing Life with your Adult Children” with Rich and Kris Laski: Over the course of our lives, we will spend more time with our kids after they become adults than when they were children. This class will be structured around the Jim Burns book Doing Life With Your Adult Children - Keep Your Mouth Shut & The Welcome Mat Out. As parents of six adult children, we will be discussing relationship realities. This class is intended to spark meaningful discussions that will hopefully be helpful for any parent with adult children or any adult child with parents. Located in Room 214.

Coming Up

• Pastor John Jay and Corrie are leading an 8-week marriage class beginning Wednesday, January 8th, at 6:30pm. They will be working through the book Hold Me Tight. The class is currently full, but stay tuned for another round of classes in future months.

• Pastor Leslie welcomes new vocalists starting January 8th if you’re interested in joining the FBCP Choir musical fun. There is a special need for baritone/bass voices. Rehearsals happen on Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm. Email Pastor Leslie if you are available and interested.

• Join us on Saturday, January 11th, at 9am for our quarterly Men’s Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. John Williams, special guest and ministry partner from The Center for Restorative Justice, will share with our group, and you won’t want to miss! Text “bacon” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Help give the gift of life at our American Red Cross Blood Drive on Sunday, January 12th, in a mobile clinic parked on Holly St. from 9am-3pm. Schedule an appointment here: January 12th Blood Drive Sign-up (NOTE: Be sure to sign up for the one in Pasadena located at 75 N Marengo Ave). Thanks for considering this life-saving event!

• You’re invited to our Basics Lunch after worship on Sunday, January 12th, in the Southside Room. Whether you have been at FBCP for a short period or you would like to be baptized, become a member, or simply learn more about our church, our Basics Lunch covers all the main information about our denomination, history and an opportunity to ask a pastor any questions you may have. We hope that you can stay and get to know a few other folks. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Join us for our next Passive-Aggressive Pickleball Group practice at 7pm on Sunday, January 12th, in the Gym off Union St. Bring a sweater and water, and text “pickle” to 626.727.9498 if you haven’t already. Email Tim with questions. We have paddles and balls available to use.

• We invite the De-Escalation Team to lunch on Sunday, January 19th, after worship in the Southside Room. We’ll continue our discussion on how to best serve the pastors and church during Sunday morning worship. Let Gaby know if you’re part of the team but cannot make it.

The Church Organized for Work

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

• The Homeless Count is coming up! Pasadena Partnership coordinates resources to end homelessness in our community. Every January they do a headcount on the streets to plan for what they need more accurately, a critical step in securing funding. Anyone wishing to help can register here by this Sunday, January 5th so you can attend a zoom training on January 15th and be ready for the count on January 22-23. Select “yes” for the group option and write in “Chip Barabas” under team leader so we can be together as a group!

• Born out of the Pastor's Pod of the Clergy Community Coalition, local faith leaders are coming together to host a Palestine/Israel Film Screening series from January to June. This five-film series will offer local Christians across denominations an opportunity to grow together in understanding, prayer, and action in response to the deep suffering and injustices experienced by people in the Holy Land. We especially want to understand the history of what led up to both the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, and the retaliation of Israel over the last year, and learn how we can respond as Christians. FBCP is hosting the first month's film screening. Join us in the FBCP Chapel on January 17th at 7 PM for a screening of "The Stones Cry Out: Voices of the Palestinian Christians," followed by communal prayer and discussion. The series is sponsored by the Clergy Community Coalition, the Center for Restorative Justice, and Brehm Film of Fuller Seminary, and is hosted by different Pasadena churches. Register here: bit.ly/palestinefilmseries

Regular-ish Happenings

• Yarn Crafts Group | Sun. 1/5 after worship | Parlor

• Marriage Class | Wed. 1/8-2/26 at 6:30pm | John Jay’s Office

• Winter Sunday School | Sun. 1/12-2/23 at 9am

• Passive-Aggressive Pickleball | Sun. 1/12 at 7pm | Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

1/5 - Taking Down the Greens
1/5 - Sign-up Deadline for Homeless Count
1/11 - Men’s Breakfast
1/12 - Winter Sunday School Begins
1/12 - Mobile Blood Drive
1/12 - Basics Class
1/17 - Palestine/Israel Film Screening
1/19 - De-Escalation Team Lunch
1/24 - Community Dinners
1/26 - Prayer for Global Servants
1/26 - Lunch for Newer Folks
1/29 - Happy Lunar New Year
1/31-2/2 - Winter Youth Retreat
2/8 - Women’s Brunch
2/16 - FBCPride Group Lunch

Grace and peace to you as we head into the weekend. We can’t wait to worship with you in our sanctuary on Sunday!

Less without you,

The FBCP Community

P.S. First Baptist Church of Pasadena has weekly worship services on Sundays at 10:30am at 75 N. Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101. If you’re driving in, we invite you to park at 150 E Holly St and bring in your ticket to the lobby for validation. We are also a block away from the Memorial Park Station on the A Line. Contact the office with questions.

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