Weekly Updates 10.07.2022

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan during these last weeks of the early fall heat.

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am! 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 all-church potluck in lieu of our regular youth gathering. 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 potluck lunch after service on Sunday! Just so none of us overloads on yummy baked goods, we’d like to ask based on your last name, if you’re able, to bring a main dish (A-J), a side/salad (K-R), or a dessert (S-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here. Potlucks are a special time here at FBCP, so we hope you can make it for some fantastic food and fellowship.

• Thanks to everyone who signed up to help with our potluck set up beforehand and clean up afterward!

• The Friends In Deed Food Pantry item for this Sunday is peanut butter and/or jelly/jam.

Future Happenings & Other News

• As mentioned in this past Sunday’s service, there are some great resources we want to suggest if you want to dive more into Proverbs 31.

  • A tribute to Rachel Held Evans by a close friend and former pastor.

  • One of the early treatments of Proverbs 31 by Rachel Held Evans. 

  • This article is more loosely connected, but it’s from one of the best places on the internet!

• We will have our Basics Class after worship service on Sunday, October 16th, at 12:30 pm in the Southside room for those who are interested in learning more about our church and/or becoming a member. Pastors John Jay and Chip will go over our history as an American Baptist church and what it means to be part of the FBCP community. Lunch will be provided. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

• Join us for the next couples class on Sunday, October 23rd, at 5 pm in the chapel. Text “couples” to 626.727.9498 to sign up. If you plan to attend and need childcare, please email Pastor Lindsay.

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

FBCP Families | 10.01.2022

Hi Friends,

As we prepare for a service for Joel today at 1 pm in the sanctuary, I'm grateful for the ways our community continues to hold grief and  walk together in times of both sorrow and joy. If you are able, I hope you can join us as we remember this dearly loved and special member of our congregation. There will be a fellowship meal in the gym immediately following the service. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and love for John, Nathaniel, and Leonidas. May we be a place where they feel held and sense God's deep love.

SUNDAY

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:55 AM for those whose parents are attending a Sunday School class. 

Our kids five to ten years old will join their families in the sanctuary for worship. We love their presence in our sanctuary and the chance to be together to share in communion this Sunday. You might want to have some discussion this week about how your kids are experiencing church and our worship service. It's a great time to let them ask questions, too!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Did you know anyone who was part of leading worship today? If so, who?

• What do you know about our time of offering? Ask a parent or grandparent to tell you more about our church's practice of giving.

• When did you feel most connected to God this week?

YOUTH

We will have our regular youth gathering this week after worship. The youth can gather in the front pews and then we will head up to our room together for lunch and discussion. We hope to see all of our youth there!

Have a wonderful Saturday!

With love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 09.30.2022

Tomorrow

Goodbye for Now: Joel Wilsey’s Funeral and Worship Service

All are welcome to attend this service tomorrow as we honor the life of Joseph “Joel” Wilsey at 1 pm in the sanctuary. We hope you join us as we remember this dearly loved and special member of our congregation. There will be a fellowship meal in the gym immediately following the service.

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am as we partake in communion together! 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 worship and for our regular youth gathering and lunch afterward. 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 for this Sunday is rice (5 lb bag or smaller).

Future Happenings

• It’s time for potluck again on Sunday, October 9th! Just so none of us overloads on yummy baked goods, we’d like to ask based on your last name, if you’re able, to bring a main dish (A-J), a side/salad (K-R), or a dessert (S-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here. Potlucks are a special time here at FBCP, so we hope you’ll join us that day for some fantastic food and fellowship.

• Our potlucks are great fun, but they are a lot of work, too! We need your help to fill a few slots we still have for help with set up beforehand on October 9th. This is a one-time commitment and an easy way to serve here, so if you have an hour to give, then we are looking for you! You can sign up in the lobby space on Sunday.

• We will be having our Basics Class after worship service on Sunday, October 16th, at 12:30 pm in the Southside room for those who are interested in learning more about our church and/or becoming a member. Pastors John Jay and Chip will go over our history as an American Baptist church and what it means to be part of the FBCP community. Lunch will be provided. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

Community News

• We want to take a moment to celebrate our very own Astyn Turrentine, who recently recorded with Omar Apollo for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. Check out the concert here to enjoy some music wherever you are!

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

Weekly Updates 09.23.2022

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am! 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 worship. 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.

• Fall Sunday School classes started this past Sunday, but you are welcome to join any of the classes at 9 am on Sunday morning if you’d still like to participate. Contact Chip if you have any questions and/or plan to attend and need childcare.

• John Jay will be co-leading the next couples class with Rich and Kris Laski on Sunday at 5 pm in the chapel. Text “couples” to 626.727.9498 to sign up. If you plan to attend and need childcare, please email Pastor Lindsay.

• The Friends In Deed Food Pantry item for this Sunday is canned tuna/chicken.

Future Happenings

• Goodbye for Now: Joel Wilsey’s Funeral and Worship Service

  All are welcome to attend this service as we honor the life of Joseph “Joel” Wilsey on Saturday, October 1st, at 1 pm in the sanctuary. We hope you join us as we remember this dearly loved and special member of our congregation. There will be a fellowship meal in the gym immediately following the service.

• Thank you for your continued prayers and support for John Sanchez and his sons Nathaniel and Leonidas. One of the additional ways you can care for them in this season of grief is to provide a meal in the coming weeks. There are still a few open slots left if you’d like to support them in this way. You can sign up to drop off a meal or have food delivered using this link. It's a calling and a privilege to walk with them as their church family, so thank you for loving them well.

• It’s time for potluck again on Sunday, October 9th! Just so none of us overloads on yummy baked goods, we’d like to ask based on your last name, if you’re able, to bring a main dish (A-J), a side/salad (K-R), or a dessert (S-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here. Potlucks are a special time here at FBCP, so we hope you’ll join us that day for some fantastic food and fellowship.

• Our potlucks are great fun, but they are a lot of work, too! We need your help to fill a few slots to help with set up beforehand and to clean up afterward on October 9th. This is a one-time commitment and an easy way to serve here, so if you have an hour to give, then we are looking for you! You can sign up in the lobby space on 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

FBCP Families | 09.23.2022

Hi Friends,

Chip and I are headed up to Big Bear with our youth for a retreat this weekend, so we would welcome your prayers for a great weekend connecting with God and one another. I sure will miss you on Sunday, but I'm so thankful for Pastor Mary and the team of volunteers who will be leading our kids and for those taking care of our little ones in the nursery. Thanks to all who make our kids feel safe and loved so that we can keep growing and learning together!

As a reminder, we have set up this meal train for John Sanchez and his family in the coming weeks. Meals are one tangible way to show some love and care for them right now. We appreciate your ongoing prayers and presence as the dust settles and they navigate a new normal in the midst of grief. You are also invited to attend a service for Joel on Saturday, October 1st, at 1 pm in the sanctuary. We hope you join us as we remember this dearly loved and special member of our congregation. There will be a fellowship meal in the gym immediately following the service.

Marriage Class

John Jay will be co-leading the next couples class with Rich and Kris Laski on Sunday, September 25th, at 5 pm in the chapel. Text “couples” to 626.727.9498 to sign up. If you plan to attend and need childcare, please email me before Sunday.

Sunday

KIDS

Please check your kids in with the iPad near the Connections Desk in the lobby as you enter. Someone will be there to help you navigate our online system if that is new to you. It will print out a name tag for your child and a parent tag that matches. Online check-ins are one more way we keep our kids safe. Thanks!

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:55 AM for those whose parents are attending a Sunday School class. 

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship, and then they will be dismissed with their leaders. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:55 AM. This week we will explore the ways God has brought us together to be the body of Christ. You might consider asking the following questions the next time you share a meal or family time together.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What does it mean that, as people who follow Jesus, we are one body?

• How has God made you different? How can those differences add to the body of Christ (or your church family) in really special and important ways?

YOUTH

We will not have our regular youth gathering this Sunday. We plan to return from our retreat in the afternoon, and parents will receive a text update when we head down the mountain. We'll be back on for our regular youth gathering next week.

Have a wonderful weekend!

With love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 09.16.2022

Tomorrow

Beach day is tomorrow, September 17th, from 3-8 pm at Bolsa Chica Beach! If you are interested in going but did not sign up and/or have any questions, email Chip.

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am for a special teaching with Lindsay and Melanie Baggao! 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 worship and for our regular youth gathering and lunch afterward. 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.

• Melanie Baggao is one of the global servants we support who serves in Lebanon. We are excited to have her share in worship this Sunday and to hear what God has been teaching her! You are invited to join Melanie for lunch and discussion after worship to get to know her better and learn more about her work in Lebanon. You can RSVP with this link or text the word "Mel" to (626) 727-9498.

• Fall Sunday School classes will start this Sunday, and classes will end on Sunday, November 13th. Classes will meet from 9-10 am before service, and childcare will be available so parents can attend, too. We’ll be offering the following three classes:

  • God, the Loving Parent | Led by Iris Chen

  • Spiritual Values in Literature | Led by Rene Scheys

  • Exploring the Enneagram | Led by Natalee and Jason Ellis

  You can read more about each class and sign up online here.

• We are excited to be launching FBCP's new LGBTQ pride group on Sunday night from 5-6:30 pm in the Southside Room! The group is open for ages 18+, and all allies, parents, and the queer Christian community are welcome. A light dinner will be provided. Email pride@fbcpasadena.com for more information or visit the group’s website here.

• The Friends In Deed Food Pantry item for this Sunday is cereal.

Future Happenings & Other News

• The funeral service for beloved member Joseph “Joel” Wilsey will be on Saturday, October 1st, at 1 pm in the sanctuary. There will be a fellowship meal in the gym immediately following the service. All are welcome, and we hope you join us for this service as we honor a dearly loved and special member of our congregation.

• Thank you for your continued prayers and support for John Sanchez and his sons Nathaniel and Leonidas. One of the additional ways you can care for them in this season of grief is to provide a meal in the coming weeks. You can sign up to drop off a meal or have food delivered using this link. It's a calling and a privilege to walk with them as their church family, so thank you for loving them well.

• Our youth are heading up to Big Bear next weekend for a retreat, and we are looking for anyone who has a van or SUV they are willing to let us use. We will leave church on Friday afternoon and return Sunday afternoon. If you have a vehicle you don't mind sharing for this event, please email Pastor Lindsay.

• John Jay will be co-leading the next couples class with Rich and Kris Laski on Sunday, September 25th, at 5 pm in the chapel. Text “couples” to 626.727.9498 to sign up. If you plan to attend and need childcare, please email Pastor Lindsay.

• Community dinners will be Friday, September 30th. There are still a few spots remaining, so don’t miss this great opportunity to get to know others in our church in an intimate and relaxed setting outside of Sunday mornings. Text “dinner” to 626.727.9498 or stop by the Connections Desk on Sunday to sign up.

• Preparations for Advent are underway, and you are invited to participate! We are assembling an Advent Handbell Choir for the Candlelight Carol Service. We are looking for 8-11 people to participate. It will involve weekly rehearsals beginning Monday, October 3rd, at 7 pm, dress rehearsal on December 10th, and the performance on December 11th. You do not need prior handbell experience to participate, though some basic music knowledge will be helpful. Email Pastor Leslie to sign up.

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

FBCP Families | 09.16.2022

Hi Friends,

I hope this finds you enjoying a break from the heat. I wanted to be sure you knew about our all-church beach day tomorrow in case you and your families are able to join us for any part of it. I will be there with my kids and would love to play at the beach with y'all! Read on for details so you can join the fun.

Many of you have been asking how you can support John Sanchez and his family as they continue to grieve Joel. We have set up this meal train for the coming weeks, and that is one tangible way to show some love and care for them right now. We also appreciate your ongoing prayers and presence as they navigate a new normal in the midst of grief. We will keep you updated on the upcoming service for Joel if you would like to attend. Thanks for being a community who loves and cares for others well. I know John is grateful for the support from all of you.

All-Church Beach Day!

Join us for a beach day tomorrow, September 17th, from 3-8 pm at Bolsa Chica Beach for games, hanging out, s’mores, and more! This is a family-friendly event and all are invited.  A group will be carpooling from the church. Click here for more information.

Youth Retreat | September 23-25

We are excited to get away with our youth for a time of fun and connection up on the mountain! All current youth are invited to attend this overnight experience in Big Bear. We have a large cabin rented and activities planned to deepen our relationships and listen to God. We can't wait to spend more time with our youth in the great outdoors! You can register your youth here. If you need financial assistance please let me know. Parents, keep an eye out for a separate email with a special request we have for you in preparation for our retreat. 

Handbells (Youth are invited!)

Pastor Leslie is assembling a group to play handbells at our Candlelight Carol Service in December, and our youth are welcome to join. She is looking for 8-11 people to participate. It will involve weekly rehearsals beginning Monday, October 3rd, at 7 pm, dress rehearsal on December 10th, and the performance on December 11th. You do not need prior handbell experience to participate, though some basic music knowledge will be helpful. Email Pastor Leslie to sign your youth up.

Sunday

KIDS

Please check your kids in with the iPad near the Connections Desk in the lobby as you enter. Someone will be there to help you navigate our online system if that is new to you. It will print out a name tag for your child and a parent tag that matches. Online check-ins are one more way we keep our kids safe. Thanks!

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:55 AM for those whose parents are attending a Sunday School class and 10:15 AM for the regular worship hour.

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship, and they can sit with Pastor Mary and me or their families. After the children’s dismissal, they can follow their leaders to their classrooms. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:55 AM. This week we will continue to explore the ways God has brought us together as a church family, with an emphasis on getting to know each other more deeply. You might consider asking the following questions the next time you share a meal or family time together.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What is one thing you have learned recently about another kid in your church family?

• When has someone made you feel known and understood? How can we make others feel the same?

YOUTH

The youth will gather for our usual time of lunch and discussion after worship. We'll gather in the lobby after service ends, and you can pick your youth up at the park entrance on Union Street. 

Have a wonderful Saturday!

With love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

FBCP Families | 09.10.2022

Hi Friends,

I'm looking forward to being  with you tomorrow for worship, the book reading, and the LA Voice event. It's going to be a full and fun Sunday! Today there are lots of reminders about upcoming events, so read on for all the details and let me know if you have any questions. We have missed you and are excited to be back with our church family!

Book Reading

You’re invited to join us for a special book reading after worship this Sunday! Our own Bri Johnson-Rinkus wrote a children’s book, and Corrie Alvaro illustrated it. They are excited to share this special story about finding our true worth. We’ll serve a light lunch and then gather in the chapel for the reading and book signing. We'll have some copies of the book for our families with kids, and there will be additional copies available for purchase and to be signed by Bri and Corrie. It’s a story for all ages, and we hope you can join us for this family event with our congregation!

LA Voice Event

(Youth are invited, too!)

FBCP will host LA Voice and partner congregations in the sanctuary this Sunday at 4 pm for LA Voice’s Season of Action Rally related to their city-wide listening campaign and strategic planning for the year. This service is open to all, and youth are invited to attend as well. We expect youth from other churches in the area to be in attendance, and we are eager to explore ways that our youth and adults can come together in some of the work LA Voice has identified as the most critical for the thriving of all people in our region. FBC recently decided to officially partner with LA Voice as part of our local missions strategy, so this is a great opportunity for you to see the unique way LA Voice functions in collaboration with partner congregations and communities. Doors open at 3:30 pm.

All-Church Beach Day!

Join us for a beach day on Saturday, September 17th, from 3-8 pm at Bolsa Chica Beach for games, hanging out, s’mores, and more! This is a family-friendly event and all are invited.  A group will be carpooling from the church. Click here for more information and/or to sign up. You can also sign up on Sunday at the Connections Desk in the lobby.

Handbells

(Youth are invited!)

Pastor Leslie is assembling a group to play handbells at our Candlelight Carol Service in December, and our youth are welcome to join. She is looking for 8-11 people to participate. It will involve weekly rehearsals beginning Monday, October 3rd, at 7 pm, dress rehearsal on December 10th, and the performance on December 11th. You do not need prior handbell experience to participate, though some basic music knowledge will be helpful. Email Pastor Leslie to sign your youth up.

SUNDAY

KIDS

Please check your kids in with the iPad near the Connections Desk in the lobby as you enter. Someone will be there to help you navigate our online system if that is new to you. It will print out a name tag for your child and a parent tag that matches. Online check-ins are one more way we keep our kids safe. Thanks!

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 10:15 AM. 

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship, and then they will be dismissed with their leaders. This week we will continue to explore the ways God has brought us together as a church family with all of our differences and unique gifts. Our kids will get to share more about who they are individually as we celebrate our belonging and connectedness as a group, too. You might consider asking the following questions the next time you share a meal or family time together.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What are ways we can make people feel like they belong at church?

• What makes a church community different from other groups we belong to?

YOUTH

This week the youth are invited to attend the book reading after worship in lieu of our regular gathering. We hope they can join us for this fun and meaningful event as a church family! We'll be back on for our regular youth gathering next Sunday.

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Much love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 09.09.2022

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am! 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. This week in lieu of our regular youth gathering, they are invited to the lunch and book reading after service. 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.

• You’re invited to join us for a special book reading after worship on Sunday. Our own Brianna Johnson-Rinkus wrote a children’s book, and Corrie Alvaro illustrated it. They are excited to share this special story about finding our true worth. We’ll serve a light lunch and then gather in the chapel for the reading and book signing. Text “book” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• FBCP will host LA Voice and partner congregations in the sanctuary on Sunday at 4 pm for LA Voice’s Season of Action Rally related to their city-wide listening campaign and strategic planning for the year. This service is open to all, and we would love to see FBC folks there to learn and support the work LA Voice has identified as the most critical for the thriving of all people in our region. FBC recently decided to officially partner with LA Voice as part of our local missions strategy, so this is a great opportunity for you to see the unique way LA Voice functions in collaboration with partner congregations and communities. Doors open at 3:30 pm.

• The Friends In Deed Food Pantry item for this Sunday is granola bars or other single-serving snacks.

Future Happenings

• Come and join our Noon Thursday Bible Study in the parlor as we resume meeting together on Thursday, September 15th.

• Join us for a beach day on Saturday, September 17th, from 3-8 pm at Bolsa Chica Beach for games, hanging out, s’mores, and more! A group will be carpooling from the church. Click here for more information and/or to sign up. You can also sign up on Sunday at the Connections Desk in the lobby.

• Fall Sunday School classes will be starting on Sunday, September 18th, and classes will end on Sunday, November 13th. Classes will meet from 9-10 am before service, and childcare will be available so parents can attend, too. We’ll be offering the following three classes:

  • God, the Loving Parent | Led by Iris Chen

  • Spiritual Values in Literature | Led by Rene Scheys

  • Exploring the Enneagram | Led by Natalee and Jason Ellis

  You can read more about each class and sign up online here. We will also have sign-ups at the Connections Desk in the church lobby.

• We are excited to be launching FBCP's new LGBTQ pride group on Sunday, September 18th, from 5-6:30 pm in the Southside Room! The group is open for ages 18+, and all allies, parents, and the queer Christian community are welcome. A light dinner will be provided. Email pride@fbcpasadena.com for more information or visit the group’s website here.

• Community dinners will be Friday, September 30th. This is a great opportunity to get to know others in our church in an intimate and relaxed setting outside of Sunday mornings. We will begin taking sign ups this Sunday, September 11th, in the lobby or you can text “dinner” to 626.727.9498.

• John Jay will be leading the next couples class on Sunday, September 25th, at 5 pm in the chapel. Text “couples” to 626.727.9498 to sign up. If you plan to attend and need childcare, please email Pastor Lindsay.

• Preparations for Advent are underway, and you are invited to participate! We are assembling an Advent Handbell Choir for the Candlelight Carol Service. We are looking for 8-11 people to participate. It will involve weekly rehearsals beginning Monday, October 3rd, at 7 pm, dress rehearsal on December 10th, and the performance on December 11th. You do not need prior handbell experience to participate, though some basic music knowledge will be helpful. Email Pastor Leslie to sign up.

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

FBCP Families | 09.03.2022

Hi Friends,

I am in North Carolina visiting Gavin's family this week, and we are grateful for the chance to spend time at the beach with cousins, grandparents, and great grandparents. We sure will miss worship with you tomorrow, though! The other night as we said bedtime prayers, I asked Brody what he wanted to thank God for. He said, "Everything…and church!" For a boy who usually wants to thank God for trucks, it was a precious reminder of the impact y'all have already had on our little guy. Thank you for being a community of which we are constantly grateful to be a part. 

Brody's love for church reminded me of our family dedication a few weeks back. We made promises to love and care for John, Joel, Nathaniel and Leonidas, knowing that the coming days would require our presence and support. By now you should have received an update from John Jay that Joel died Friday afternoon. It is our calling and a privilege to walk with this family as they  grieve Joel in the days, months, and years to come. Joel's absence will surely be felt in our congregation, particularly his love for Jesus and his deep sense of gratitude for simple, everyday gifts. We will let you know the details for his service, and thank you in advance for your love, prayers, and care for John and the boys.

Book Reading

You’re invited to join us for a special book reading after worship on September 11th. Our own Bri Johnson-Rinkus wrote a children’s book, and Corrie Alvaro illustrated it. They are excited to share this special story about finding our true worth. We’ll serve a light lunch and then gather in the chapel for the reading and book signing. We'll have some copies of the book for our families with kids, and there will be additional copies available for purchase and to be signed by Bri and Corrie. It’s a story for all ages, and we hope you can join us for this family event with our congregation!

All-Church Beach Day!

Join us for a beach day on Saturday, September 17th, from 3-8 pm at Bolsa Chica Beach for games, hanging out, s’mores, and more! This is a family-friendly event and all are invited.  A group will be carpooling from the church. Click here for more information and/or to sign up. You can also sign up on Sunday at the Connections Desk in the lobby.

Handbells (Youth are invited!)

Pastor Leslie is assembling a group to play handbells at our Candlelight Carol Service in December, and our youth are welcome to join. She is looking for 8-11 people to participate. It will involve weekly rehearsals beginning Monday, October 3rd, at 7 pm, dress rehearsal on December 10th, and the performance on December 11th. You do not need prior handbell experience to participate, though some basic music knowledge will be helpful. Email Pastor Leslie to sign your youth up.

Sunday

KIDS

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Please note that this week we will not use the iPad to check in; you can sign your child in once you arrive at the nursery. Childcare will be open starting at 10:15 AM.

Our kids who are above nursery-age will join their families in the sanctuary for worship. We’ll have snacks Pastor Mary has packed that kids can grab on their way in to service. We love their presence in our sanctuary and the chance to be together to share in communion this Sunday. You might want to have some discussion this week about how your kids are experiencing church and our worship service. It's a great time to let them ask questions, too!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Why do you think we have lots of people participate in leading worship?

• What is something you are wondering about after being in worship today?

YOUTH

We will have our regular youth lunch gathering this Sunday. This week we are asking youth to meet in the sanctuary in the pews where many of our youth sit (towards the front). We'll get everyone together and then head up to the youth room as a group. We'll wrap up at 1:30 PM, and parents can text Chip this week when they are at Union Street or the front gate for pick up.

Have a wonderful weekend!

With love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 09.02.2022

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am as we partake in communion together! 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 worship and for our regular youth gathering and lunch afterward. 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 for this Sunday is hearty soup/chili.

Future Happenings

• We will be taking a break from our Thursday Noon Bible Study this coming Thursday, September 8th, and we will resume on Thursday, September 15th.

• You’re invited to join us for a special book reading after worship on Sunday, September 11th. Our own Brianna Johnson-Rinkus wrote a children’s book, and Corrie Alvaro illustrated it. They are excited to share this special story about finding our true worth. We’ll serve a light lunch and then gather in the chapel for the reading and book signing. Text “book” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• FBCP will host LA Voice and partner congregations in the sanctuary on Sunday, September 11th, at 4 pm for LA Voice’s Season of Action Rally related to their city-wide listening campaign and strategic planning for the year. This service is open to all, and we would love to see FBCP folks there to learn and support the work LA Voice has identified as the most critical for the thriving of all people in our region. We recently decided to officially partner with LA Voice as part of our local missions strategy, so this is a great opportunity for you to see the unique way LA Voice functions in collaboration with partner congregations and communities. Doors open at 3:30 pm.

• Join us for a beach day on Saturday, September 17th, from 3-8 pm at Bolsa Chica Beach for games, hanging out, s’mores, and more! A group will be carpooling from the church. Click here for more information and/or to sign up. You can also sign up on Sunday at the Connections Desk in the lobby.

• Fall Sunday School classes will be starting on Sunday, September 18th, and classes will end on Sunday, November 13th. Classes will meet from 9-10 am before service, and childcare will be available so parents can attend, too. We’ll be offering the following three classes:

  • God, the Loving Parent | Led by Iris Chen

  • Spiritual Values in Literature | Led by Rene Scheys

  • Exploring the Enneagram | Led by Natalee and Jason Ellis

  You can read more about each class and sign up online here. We will also have sign-ups at the Connections Desk in the church lobby this Sunday, September 4th.

• We are excited to be launching FBCP's new LGBTQ pride group on Sunday, September 18th, from 5-6:30 pm in the Southside Room! The group is open for ages 18+, and all allies, parents, and the queer Christian community are welcome. A light dinner will be provided. Email pride@fbcpasadena.com for more information or visit the group’s website here.

• Community dinners will be Friday, September 30th. This is a great opportunity to get to know others in our church in an intimate and relaxed setting outside of Sunday mornings. We will begin taking sign ups on Sunday, September 11th, so save the date!

• Preparations for Advent are underway, and you are invited to participate! We are assembling an Advent Handbell Choir for the Candlelight Carol Service. We are looking for 8-11 people to participate. It will involve weekly rehearsals beginning Monday, October 3rd, at 7 pm, dress rehearsal on December 10th, and the performance on December 11th. You do not need prior handbell experience to participate, though some basic music knowledge will be helpful. Email Pastor Leslie to sign up.

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

FBCP Families | 08.26.2022

Hi Friends,

Last week we had a beautiful time of sharing in service through a practice of lectio divina. If you were in worship, then I trust you, too, were moved by the Spirit as you participated and listened with your church family. I encourage you to try that practice at home with your kids. The simple process of reading scripture aloud, listening to what God might have to say, and then sharing with others can be such a powerful way to help tune our hearts to the voice of God. Let us know if you give it a try!

This Sunday is when we officially promote kids to new classrooms and teachers! Parents, if your child is moving to a new class, you will receive an email later today to make sure you know where to pick them up after service. All of our kids will join us at the start of worship and then they will be dismissed together for a fun morning of getting-to-know-you activities and our August birthday celebration. We are excited to keep learning and growing alongside our kids!

Book Reading

You’re invited to join us for a special book reading after worship on September 11th. Our own Bri Johnson-Rinkus wrote a children’s book, and Corrie Alvaro illustrated it. They are excited to share this beautiful story about finding our true worth. We’ll serve a light lunch and then gather in the chapel for the reading and book signing. We'll have some copies of the book for our families with kids, and there will be additional copies available for purchase and to be signed by Bri and Corrie. It’s a story for all ages, and we hope you can join us for this family event with our congregation!

SUNDAY

KIDS

Please check in your precious kiddos with the iPad near the Connections Desk in the lobby as you enter. Someone will be there to help you navigate our online system if that is new to you. It will print out a name tag for your child and a parent tag that matches. Online check-ins are one more way we keep our kids safe and help our leaders do their job well, too. Thanks!

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 10:15 AM. 

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship, and then they will be dismissed with their leaders. This week as we welcome new kids to their classes, we will take time to explore the ways Jesus brought a diverse group of disciples together—just like God has brought us together as a church body! Our kids will get to share more about who they are individually as we celebrate our belonging and connectedness as a group, too. You might consider asking the following questions the next time you share a meal or family time together.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What are three words you would use to describe yourself?

• What are some of your biggest interests right now?

• What does it mean to belong to a church family? How can we feel more connected to our friends at church?

YOUTH

We will have our regular youth lunch gathering this Sunday. This week we are asking youth to meet in the sanctuary in the pews where many of our youth sit (towards the front). We'll get everyone together and then head up to the youth room as a group. We'll wrap up at 1:30 PM, and parents can text when they are at Union Street or the front gate for pick up.

Have a wonderful weekend!

With love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 08.26.2022

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am! 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 worship and for our regular youth gathering and lunch afterward. 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 for this Sunday is peanut butter.

Future Happenings

• Choir Retreat is almost here! On Saturday, September 3rd, at 9 am we will have a half-day retreat here at FBCP for a time of reflection and rehearsal. We will have coffee and snacks in the morning and will conclude our time together with lunch at noon. If you have never been involved in choir, now is the time to check things out. Wednesday rehearsals at 7 pm will resume on September 7th as well. For more information and to register, click here.

• You’re invited to join us for a special book reading after worship on Sunday, September 11th. Our own Bri Johnson-Rinkus wrote a children’s book, and Corrie Alvaro illustrated it. They are excited to share this special story about finding our true worth. We’ll serve a light lunch and then gather in the chapel for the reading and book signing. It’s a story for all ages, and we are so glad to share it with the congregation!

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

FBCP Families | 08.20.2022

Hi Friends,

I believe I shared this poem with you before, but I came across it this week and figured it was worth sharing again. It's called "Field Guide" by Tony Hoagland, and it brings a vivid scene in nature to life. Even though our kids camp was three weeks ago, my sense of wonder still feels heightened. I love the poem's reminder that "the good parts" are all around us all the time if we pay attention. Sunday morning will be another chance to experience the good parts of our community as we gather together for an ordinary and yet astonishing time of worship. I hope to see you there, and I pray you have your own dragonfly experience this weekend, too.

Pasadena Youth Coalition Event

Our next event with other youth groups from the Pasadena area will be Saturday, August 27, from  5:00-9:30 pm at PazNaz church campus. We'll have food, bonfires with s'mores, a movie, and water games. Please let me know if your youth can make it and whether or not you need help with transportation. We hope they can join us for a fun night together!

Promotion Sunday

Sunday, August 28th, is the week when some of our kids will be promoted to a new group and with new leaders! We will share more details with families next week, but we are excited to keep watching all of our kids grow and learn at each stage of life. You can join us in praying for a smooth transition for all of our families with kids as we start a new season in school and in the life of our church.

SUNDAY

KIDS

Please check in your precious kiddos with the iPad near the Connections Desk in the lobby as you enter. Someone will be there to help you navigate our online system if that is new to you. It will print out a name tag for your child and a parent tag that matches. Online check-ins are one more way we keep our kids safe and help our leaders do their job well, too. Thanks!

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 10:15 AM. 

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then they will be dismissed with their leaders. Please note that we will be in the park this week, so parents can pick their kids up there after worship. We will explore the ways we are wired for wonder, particularly how wonder leads to delight. You might consider asking the following questions the next time you share a meal or family time together.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• When has wonder led to pure delight for you?

• Why is delight good for us?

• What are some ways you could share delight with someone this week?

YOUTH

We will have our regular youth lunch gathering this Sunday. This week we are asking youth to meet in the sanctuary in the pews where many of your youth sit (towards the front). We'll get everyone together and then head up to the youth room as a group. We'll wrap up at 1:30 PM, and parents can text when they are at Union Street or the front gate for pick up.

Have a wonderful weekend!

With love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 08.19.2022

Tomorrow

• The memorial service for Hank Rave is tomorrow Saturday, August 20th, at 11 am in the chapel. There will be light refreshments afterwards in the breezeway and sanctuary lobby. All are welcome as we remember Hank, who was a beloved part of our FBCP family for many years. At the family’s request, any financial gifts given in lieu of flowers can be directed to FBCP’s Deacons Fund.

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Our current teaching focus is called HYMN STUDIES. You can listen to the tracks we made of songs in our series by clicking the button above (these hymn tracks will also be our homepage for a while)!

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am! 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 worship and for our regular youth gathering and lunch afterward. 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 for this Sunday is pasta and pasta sauce.

Future Happenings

• Choir Retreat is almost here! On Saturday, September 3rd, at 9 am we will have a half-day retreat here at FBCP for a time of reflection and rehearsal. We will have coffee and snacks in the morning and will conclude our time together with lunch at noon. If you have never been involved in choir, now is the time to check things out. Wednesday rehearsals at 7 pm will resume on September 7th as well. For more information and to register, click here.

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

FBCP Families | 08.13.2022

Hi Friends,

Two weeks ago at Kids Camp, we took a hike and looked for "wonder" (anything that sparked awe and wonder in us) on the trail. As we were walking, one of our campers came to the realization that "Everything is wonder if you look hard enough!" He is so right—God has given us so much to awaken the wonder inside us, and equally awesome is how the practice of wonder helps us grow in kindness, love, and joy. Even though kids camp is over, God is still teaching us all about the power of wonder and curiosity, and we hope you will lean into wonder, too!

We want to share with you a special gift that came out of camp. Pastor John Jay invited the campers to his office one of the days to experiment with the wonder of sound. The kids recorded various words and sounds with their own voices as well as beautiful handbells. John Jay did some magic with their recordings and paired them with Astyn singing, "I Want Jesus to Walk with Me." That song is significant to our campers because each day at camp they learned the motions for sign language to the song with Kevin. The final creation is a gift of sound that holds wonder and love as an intergenerational offering. We hope you enjoy listening to all the layers of sound! 

Pasadena Youth Coalition Event

Our next event with other youth groups from the Pasadena area will be Saturday, August 27, from  5:00-9:30 pm at PazNaz church campus. We'll have food, bonfires with s'mores, a movie, and water games. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, but save the afternoon and evening of that Saturday for this fun hangout!

SUNDAY

KIDS

Please check in your precious kiddos with the iPad near the Connections Desk in the lobby as you enter. Someone will be there to help you navigate our online system if that is new to you. It will print out a name tag for your child and a parent tag that matches. Online check-ins are one more way we keep our kids safe and help our leaders do their job well, too. Thanks!

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 10:15 AM. 

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then they will be dismissed with their leaders to their classrooms. They are welcome to sit with Pastor Mary and me or with their parents. This week we will explore the ways we are wired for wonder and experience some hands-on sensory stations together. You might consider asking the following questions the next time you share a meal or family time together.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What does wonder "do" for us—how does it help or change us?

• When have you experienced deep wonder and awe?

• How does wonder help us encounter God? 

YOUTH

We will have our regular youth lunch gathering this Sunday. Youth can meet in the lobby and then head up to the youth room together. We'll wrap up at 1:30 PM, and parents can text when they are at Union Street or the front gate for pick up.

Special thanks again to our youth for their awesome help during kids camp—y'all truly showed up and made such a wonderful difference for everyone at camp!

Have a wonderful weekend!

With love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 08.12.2022

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Our current teaching focus is called HYMN STUDIES. You can listen to the tracks we made of songs in our series by clicking the button above (these hymn tracks will also be our homepage for a while)!

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am as we witness the child dedication of Nathaniel and Leonidas Sanchez-Wilsey! 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 worship and for our regular youth gathering and lunch afterward. 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.

• This Sunday we are taking up a special offering called the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO). The RMMO acknowledges and shares our collective appreciation for the extraordinary commitment of those who serve God’s people. By participating in the RMMO, all congregants can celebrate the strength and perseverance of ministers, missionaries, and their widowed spouses by contributing to provide emergency assistance and “Thank You” checks. We are blessed to have many retired ministers and missionaries in our congregation, and their faithful service is a reminder of all those who have served in American Baptist churches. Through RMMO, we hope you are inspired to give to those who continue to transform and embody the spirit of Christ—and may we each be transformed by the opportunity to be generous in giving. To give, go here (select “RMMO” from the drop down menu).

• We will be having our Basics Class after worship service on Sunday at 12:30 pm in the Southside room for those who are interested in learning more about our church and/or becoming a member. Pastors John Jay and Chip will go over our history as an American Baptist church and what it means to be part of the FBCP community. Lunch will be provided. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

• The Friends In Deed Food Pantry item for this Sunday is fruit or vegetable juice.

Future Happenings

• The memorial service for Hank Rave will be next Saturday, August 20th, at 11 am in the chapel. There will be light refreshments afterwards in the breezeway and sanctuary lobby. All are welcome as we remember Hank, who was a beloved part of our FBCP family for many years. At the family’s request, any financial gifts given in lieu of flowers can be directed to FBCP’s Deacons Fund.

• Choir Retreat is almost here! On Saturday, September 3rd, at 9 am we will have a half-day retreat here at FBCP for a time of reflection and rehearsal. We will have coffee and snacks in the morning and will conclude our time together with lunch at noon. If you have never been involved in choir, now is the time to check things out. Wednesday rehearsals at 7 pm will resume on September 7th as well. For more information, contact Pastor Leslie.

Exciting Community News

All of you are such a quirky and amazing group of people. Some of you do some really cool work out in the larger culture that we want to highlight for our congregation to celebrate and learn from. This week Bunny and Ken deserve a special mention.

• Bunny was invited to preside at a wedding in Santa Barbara for her granddaughter and fiancé. Turns out the wedding was a big deal in the celebrity world, so a bridal magazine did a full write up. Check out the pictures of Bunny officiating with an epic view behind her and the couple. So proud of her! See Bunny’s feature here: Exclusive: Marielle Scott & Ryan Bergara’s Santa Barbara Wedding

• Ken Fong, whose podcast keeps him about as busy as when he was pastoring, has released an episode that features Hannah-Kalea Enriquez talking about Jo Koy’s new movie “Easter Sunday.” Listen to Ken’s episode here: Ep 380: Jo Koy, Lydia Gaston & Hannah-Kalea Enriquez - Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast

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

Weekly Updates 08.05.2022

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Our current teaching focus is called HYMN STUDIES. You can listen to the tracks we’ve made of songs in our series by clicking the button above (these hymn tracks will also be our homepage for a while)!

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am as we partake in communion together! 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 worship and for our regular youth gathering and lunch afterward. 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.

• We want to invite all of our students and educators to bring your backpack, briefcase, folios, and pencil cases to worship on Sunday. We will be sharing a blessing for the upcoming school year during service.

• The Friends In Deed Food Pantry item for this Sunday is canned beans.

Future Happenings & Other News

• We will be having our Basics Class after worship service on Sunday, August 14th, at 12:30 pm in the Southside room for those who are interested in learning more about our church and/or becoming a member. Pastors John Jay and Chip will go over our history as an American Baptist church and what it means to be part of the FBCP community. Lunch will be provided. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

• The memorial service for Hank Rave will be Saturday, August 20th, at 11 am in the chapel. There will be light refreshments afterwards in the breezeway and sanctuary lobby. All are welcome as we remember Hank, who was a beloved part of our FBCP family for many years. At the family’s request, any financial gifts given in lieu of flowers can be directed to FBCP’s Deacons Fund.

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

FBCP Families | 07.30.2022

Hi Friends,

Monday is the start of our kids camp, and our theme this year is about cultivating our God-given sense of wonder. As we have been preparing for camp, both Mary and I have found God sparking our own sense of wonder in the world. Our community is known for its generosity and kindness, and we believe that wonder and curiosity help us become people who are generous, kind, and joyful. I invite you to ask God to ignite the wonder inside of you and to help your own sense of awe increase. We are, after all, wired for wonder and wonderfully made.

Campers, we are so excited to hang out, learn, and create as we deepen our relationships with one another. We hope that through all of our activities during the week, you will tap into your own sense of wonder and curiosity at all of God's creation. Yay!

FBCP Backpack Blessing

We want to invite all of our students and educators to bring your backpack, briefcase, folios, and pencil cases to worship next Sunday, August 7. We will have a special blessing for the upcoming school year during service, and we believe these special embodied practices are an important part of our communal life together. 

Pasadena Youth Coalition Event

Our next event with other youth groups from the Pasadena area will be Saturday, August 27, at PazNaz church campus. We'll have food, bonfires with s'mores, a movie, and water games. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, but save the afternoon and evening of that Saturday for this fun hangout!

SUNDAY

KIDS

Please check in your precious kiddos with the iPad near the Connections Desk in the lobby as you enter. Someone will be there to help you navigate our online system if that is new to you. It will print out a name tag for your child and a parent tag that matches. Online check-ins are one more way we keep our kids safe and help our leaders do their job well, too. Thanks!

Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 10:15 AM. 

Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for the start of worship and then they will be dismissed with their leaders to their classrooms. This week we will take time to review and deepen our understanding of love, peace, patience, and joy. You might consider asking the following questions the next time you share a meal or family time together.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What does "fruit of the Spirit" mean?

• When have you felt the Spirit help you to be more loving, peace-making, patient, or joyful?

• What do you still wonder about the fruit of the Spirit? How can we pray together about that?

YOUTH

We will have our regular youth lunch gathering this Sunday. Youth can meet in the lobby and then head up to the youth room together. We'll wrap up at 1:30 PM, and parents can text when they are at Union Street or the front gate for pick up.

Special thanks to our youth for all their hard work to help at Friends In Deed! It was awesome to have them serve and hang out together last Saturday with our local partner. I invite you to continue praying for all the families with kids as summer winds down.

Have a wonderful weekend!

With love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 07.29.2022

This Sunday

• Because our sanctuary does not have air conditioning, we encourage you to bring a water bottle and dress lightly on Sundays for worship service. Although there are hand fans throughout the sanctuary in the back of the pews, you may also want to bring your own hand fan as the summer heat continues.

• Our current teaching focus is called HYMN STUDIES. As we are able, we will be making listening tracks to go along with each week. Listen to the tracks we have so far by clicking the button above (these hymn tracks will also be our homepage for a while)!

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am! 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 worship and for our regular youth gathering and lunch afterward. 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 for this Sunday is peanut butter and/or jelly/jam.

Future Happenings & Other News

• We will not have noon Bible study this coming Thursday, August 4th. We will resume the study the following week on Thursday, August 11th.

• Kids Camp is next week from August 1st-5th from 9 am - 12 pm each day. All kids five years old and up are invited to attend. If your kids have other friends who want to get to know our church community, you are welcome to invite them, too. You can register your camper here.

• We want to invite all of our students and educators to bring your backpack, briefcase, folios, and pencil cases to worship next Sunday, August 7th. We will be sharing a blessing for the upcoming school year during service.

• We will be having our Basics Class after worship service on Sunday, August 14th, at 12:30 pm in the Southside room for those who are interested in learning more about our church and/or becoming a member. Pastors John Jay and Chip will go over our history as an American Baptist church and what it means to be part of the FBCP community. Lunch will be provided. Email Pastor Chip for more details.

• The memorial service for Hank Rave will be Saturday, August 20th, at 11 am in the chapel. There will be light refreshments afterwards in the breezeway and sanctuary lobby. All are welcome as we remember Hank who was a beloved part of our FBCP family for many years. At the family’s request, any financial gifts given in lieu of flowers can be directed to FBCP’s Deacons Fund.

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