FBCP Families | 04.01.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Yay—we are so excited for our kids to join us in worship and singing tomorrow for our Palm Sunday service! They have been practicing with Cynthia each week, and Pastor Mary and I can verify that your kids are great singing worshippers. As a reminder, we need kids above nursery age here at 9:30 AM this Sunday to practice and get set for the morning. We'll have some pastries and coffee for parents at that time so you can hang out together in the courtyard. It's going to be such a fun morning!

To help your kids practice at home (and to have a family dance party), here are links to both songs:

Easter

As we prepare to enter Holy Week, we also look ahead to Easter with great anticipation. We hope your family can join us for our potluck brunch at 10 AM Easter morning and worship at 11 AM. Don't forget to bring flowers from your neighborhood or home to help us decorate the cross! We'll also have a craft table and an egg hunt for kids during the brunch hour. Childcare will be available for nursery-age children starting at 10:50 AM.

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.  

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!). Any kids who are coming early with parents attending a Sunday School class can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. 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:

• What part of worship was most memorable for you this week?

• What is the "call to worship"? What helps you feel ready for worship?

YOUTH

We are excited to have our youth gathering after worship this week after taking last week off. Parents can pick up their kids at the park gate on Union Street at 1:30 PM. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 03.31.2023

Sunday

• Join us for the last Lenten Sunday School class, this Sunday, April 2nd, from 9-10 a.m. We have enjoyed the opportunity to study the last words of Jesus with a curriculum written by John Kelly. Check out the full content here. See you in the Parlor!

• Join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30 am as we partake in communion together on Palm Sunday! 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 and help the choir sing and wave palms! 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.

• Join our Yarn Craft Group after worship in the Parlor this Sunday, April 2nd, for knitting, crocheting, and beyond. Bring your own lunch, and text "yarn" to 626.727.9498 if you’re new.

• Our Easy-Going Basketball Group continues this Sunday, April 2nd, at 7 p.m. in the Gym. Headed by Jason C, this team is for everyone who loves the game but isn’t fresh off the college bench. Email Misterjchen@gmail.com if you have questions.

• Audio is back! This week Pastors Lindsay and John Jay collaborated on a scored reading of this week’s scripture, Matthew 21:1-11. Click here to listen to the reading in preparation for Sunday.

• This week, the Friends In Deed food pantry item is canned soup/chili.

Next Week is Holy Week!

• Maundy Thursday | April 6

  This will be an intimate service that includes a reflective time of prayer, communion and footwashing. Service will be held in the Chapel at 6 p.m. Childcare will be provided for nursery-age children.

• Good Friday | April 7

  This special service in the Chapel will serve as an invitation to listen to scored scripture and our wonderful FBCP Choir, and to remember Christ’s crucifixion and His death on the cross. Childcare will be provided for nursery-age children.

• Flowers for the Easter Cross | April 9

  Help us decorate the cross on Easter with greenery from all over our city! Snip and bring in some flowers when you come for brunch at 10 a.m. on April 9th.

• Easter Sunday Brunch + Service | April 9

  We will celebrate Easter Sunday on April 9th beginning with a potluck brunch and mariachi band at 10 am in the courtyard!  Based on your last name, if you’re able, we’re asking you to bring about 10 servings of something savory (A-L) or sweet/fruit (M-Z) to eat and share with your friends here. Worship service will be immediately afterward at 11 a.m. with the children joining us for service to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Nursery care will be provided for ages four and under. We hope you can join us for both!

Parking

• Our garage on Holly St. recently changed management companies, as you may have noticed. A few people have had trouble scanning their validated tickets. Please see this PDF file and this video for instructions to make sure you scan successfully.

Weekly + Biweekly Happenings

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Yarn Crafts Group | Biweekly at 12 p.m. | Sunday in the Parlor

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | Sunday in the Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

4/2 - Palm Sunday
4/2 - Lenten Sunday School Ends
4/6 - Maundy Thursday Service
4/7 - Good Friday Service
4/9 - Easter Sunday | Brunch & Service
4/16 - Public Theology Meeting
4/23 - Spring Sunday School Begins
4/23 - FBCPride Meeting
4/30 - Prayer Circle for Global Servants
5/5 - Community Dinners
5/7 - Basics Class
5/14 - Mother’s Day

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 | 03.25.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

The past weeks have brought news of both joys and sorrows in our community. We have felt the full spectrum of experience and emotions, and we have felt called to remain present to all of it. I wanted you to know some of the ways our kids and youth have been invited to share love with their church family recently. They have written notes of congratulations to members with new children and grandchildren, words of comfort to those grieving a loved one, and letters of support for those who are sick and facing long roads to recovery. We have shared with them what it means to come alongside their church family in all seasons of life, and they have done so with kindness and love. Pastor Mary and I are thankful that our kids and youth are part of the church at large; their willingness to bless and love others is a precious gift. We hope you’ll find time to ask them about these small but important acts of love and to encourage them, too. Thanks for creating a community where we know each other well and offer our presence no matter how young or old we are. 

Palm Sunday Plans

We are so excited for our kids to join us in worship and singing on Sunday, April 2, for our Palm Sunday service! They have been practicing with Cynthia each week, and Pastor Mary and I can verify that your kids are great singing worshippers. Because they will be joining the adult choir and processing in with palm branches at the start of the service, we need them here at 9:30 AM that Sunday to practice and get set for the morning. We'll have some pastries and coffee for parents at that time so you can hang out together. It's going to be such a fun morning! To help your kids practice at home (and to have a family dance party), here are links to both songs:

Hosanna (Blessed is He)

Every Praise

Thanks for helping our church to worship as an intergenerational community. We are so excited to worship with them and to begin Holy Week as a church family!

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.  

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 in the front pews. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. We are excited to have time for snack, Holy Week activities, and singing with Cynthia in preparation for Palm Sunday! 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What is Holy Week?

• What will we remember on Palm Sunday?

YOUTH

Please note that this week our youth will be off for some time to be with families. We will resume our weekly Sunday gathering next week! 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 03.24.2023

Sunday

• Join us for the second to last Lenten Sunday School class, Sunday, March 26th, from 9-10 a.m. This will be a wonderful chance to study the last words of Jesus. Check out last week’s content here. See you in the Parlor!

• Join us at 10:30 a.m. for worship in the sanctuary! 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 regular youth time of lunch and fellowship after service will be postponed until next Sunday, April 2nd. 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.

• This week, the Friends In Deed food pantry item is Buyer’s Choice.

Next Week

• Join our Yarn Craft Group after worship in the Parlor next Sunday, April 2nd, for knitting, crocheting, and beyond. Bring your own lunch, and text "yarn" to 626.727.9498 if you’re new.

• Our Easy-Going Basketball Group continues next Sunday, April 2nd, at 7 p.m. in the Gym. Headed by Jason C, this team is for everyone who loves the game but isn’t fresh off the college bench. Email Misterjchen@gmail.com if you have questions.

Parking

• Our garage on Holly St. recently changed management companies, as you may have noticed. A few people have had trouble scanning their validated tickets. Please see this PDF file and this video for instructions to make sure you scan successfully.

Holy Week Services

• Palm Sunday | April 2

  Our regular worship service at 10:30 a.m. will include our children singing with the choir and waving palms as they invite us into Holy Week!

• Maundy Thursday | April 6

  This will be an intimate service that includes a reflective time of prayer, communion and footwashing. Service will be held in the Chapel at 6 p.m. Childcare will be provided for nursery-age children.

• Good Friday | April 7

  This special service in the Chapel will serve as an invitation to listen to scored scripture and our wonderful FBCP Choir, and to remember Christ’s crucifixion and His death on the cross. Childcare will be provided for nursery-age children.

• Flowers for the Easter Cross | April 9

  Help us decorate the cross on Easter with greenery from all over our city! Snip and bring in some flowers when you come for brunch at 10 a.m. on April 9th.

• Easter Sunday Brunch + Service | April 9

  We will celebrate Easter Sunday on April 9th beginning with a potluck brunch and mariachi band at 10 am in the courtyard!  Based on your last name, if you’re able, we’re asking you to bring about 10 servings of something savory (A-L) or sweet/fruit (M-Z) to eat and share with your friends here. Worship service will be immediately afterward at 11 a.m. with the children joining us for service to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Nursery care will be provided for ages four and under. We hope you can join us for both!

Weekly + Biweekly Happenings

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Yarn Crafts Group | Biweekly at 12 p.m. | April 2nd in the Parlor

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | April 2nd in the Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

4/2 - Palm Sunday
4/2 - Lenten Sunday School Ends
4/6 - Maundy Thursday Service
4/7 - Good Friday Service
4/9 - Easter Sunday | Brunch & Service
4/16 - Public Theology Meeting
4/23 - Spring Sunday School Begins
4/23 - FBCPride Meeting
5/5 - Community Dinners
5/7 - Basics Class

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 03.17.2023

Tomorrow

• Join us in honoring the life of Elena Hill at a memorial service tomorrow, March 18th, at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a lunch reception in the Gym. You are all invited, and we are grateful for her contributions big and small (did you know we have an ice maker because of Elena?). We will always treasure her joyous spirit and the practice of hospitality that she nurtured in this space. We hope to see you tomorrow.

• Tomorrow evening from 5-9 p.m., several students from Azusa Pacific University’s School of Music are hosting GRLBASH, an all-girls music festival meant to highlight female artists in the APU community. The event will feature several songwriters (including our very own Halle Martin) as well as vendors selling coffee, snacks, jewelry, and clothing. Halle’s set is at 8:00pm! The event will be held at Seven Palms on APU’s east campus (Parking Lot D). 

Sunday

• The curriculum author himself, John Kelly, will be teaching this week’s Lenten Sunday School class, Sunday from 9-10 a.m. This will be a wonderful chance to study the last words of Jesus and ask questions to the curriculum writer. Check out last week’s content here. See you in the Parlor!

• Join us at 10:30 a.m. for worship in the sanctuary! 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 our Yarn Craft Group after worship in the Parlor for knitting, crocheting, and beyond. Bring your own lunch, and text "yarn" to 626.727.9498 if you’re new.

• On Sunday from 5:00-6:30 p.m., Kevin will be sharing his life story at our FBCPride Meeting. Please join us in hearing how LGBTQ history in America and Canada was shifting gradually over the decades as Kevin helped to advocate for queer rights. Pastor John Jay will also speak on behalf of Kevin as his neighbor, friend and pastor. We invite the LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies 16+ to this time of learning, community and fellowship. Text “pride” to 626.727.9498 if you’re new, and we’d love to have you!

• Our Easy-Going Basketball Group continues this Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Gym. Headed by Jason C, this team is for everyone who loves the game but isn’t fresh off the college bench. Email Misterjchen@gmail.com if you have questions.

• This week, the Friends In Deed food pantry item is pasta and pasta sauce.

Save the Date for Holy Week Services

• Maundy Thursday Service will be an intimate service on April 6th that includes a reflective time of prayer, communion and footwashing. Service will be held in the Chapel at 6 p.m. Childcare will be provided for nursery-age children.

• Our Good Friday Service will take place on Friday, April 7th at 6 p.m. in the Chapel, and it will serve as an invitation to listen to scored scripture and our wonderful FBCP Choir, and to remember Christ’s crucifixion and His death on the cross. Childcare will be provided for nursery-age children.

• Easter Potluck Brunch & Service—Join us at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 9th, for a potluck brunch before worship service! Come celebrate Christ’s resurrection as we eat delicious food and enjoy music from a mariachi band. We will have a craft table open for kids during the brunch. Based on your last name, if you’re able, we’re asking you to bring about 10 servings of something savory (A-L) or sweet/fruit (M-Z) to eat and share with friends here. Please note that Easter Service will be at 11 am following the brunch.

• Flowers for the Easter Cross—Help us decorate the cross on Easter Sunday with greenery from all over our city! Snip and bring some flowers from your yard or a neighbor’s yard (with permission!) to place on the cross that will be outside in the courtyard area during Easter Brunch. The decorated cross will be carried into the sanctuary right before Easter Service begins at 11 am.

An Invitation to Help Offset Food Costs

A lot of amazing gatherings are happening at our church, which means extra chances to eat together! We have had a practice of providing the food at these gatherings, but some of you might want to help offset those costs as ministries keep expanding.

So we are starting an optional food donation option ($8 suggested) for meals at events such as Public Theology, FBCPride, etc. Feel free to donate ahead through this link, or bring cash to future events if you want to help offset these costs for yummy food. We’ll also have a QR code available at future events for easy online giving. This is an optional practice of generosity and not required to attend, so please do not let this hamper your attendance at anything meaningful.

And thanks!

An Update on Turkey

Our global partners Rich and Laura Freeman work with pastors in Turkey, and many of you gave to their nonprofit last month, which sent aid directly to some of the Turkish ministers they support who are on the front lines in the earthquake areas offering food, warm clothing, clean water, and hygiene centers for showers and laundry. Click on this link to read updated details about the relief efforts.

Weekly + Biweekly Happenings

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Yarn Crafts Group | Biweekly at 12 p.m. | March 19th in the Parlor

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | March 19th in the Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

3/19 - FBCPride Meeting
4/2 - Palm Sunday
4/2 - Lenten Sunday School Ends
4/6 - Maundy Thursday Service
4/7 - Good Friday Service
4/9 - Easter Sunday | Brunch & Service
4/16 - Public Theology Meeting
4/23 - FBCPride Meeting
5/5 - Community Dinners
5/7 - Basics Class

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 | 03.11.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

I am looking forward to worshiping with you tomorrow! I wanted to share this Lent devotional for families in case you are looking for some practices and discussion questions for your family to use during this season. It also has some coloring pages if your family would enjoy having some Lent-themed pages for your crayons and markers. We are grateful that you are part of our church family and that we can move through this season with you. I pray we would be transformed in the small moments of our daily lives as we make the journey to Easter.

Tamales

Did you order tamales and need to pick them up or pay for them? Here’s a link to pay ($30/dozen or $3.50ea), and they are waiting for you labeled with your name in the downstairs kitchen freezer…yum! We also have some handy heating instructions with a note drawn by our youth. Pick them up on Sunday, or arrange a time with the office to come during the week. We hope you enjoy!

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.  

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. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. We are excited to have time for snack, activities, and singing with Cynthia in preparation for Palm Sunday! 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• How have you been encouraged this week? Let's thank God together for that!

• Who can we lift  up in prayer this week? How could we do that each day as a family?

YOUTH

We are excited to have our youth gathering after worship this week! Parents can pick up their kids at the park gate on Union Street at 1:30 PM. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 03.10.2023

Sunday

• It’s time to Spring Forward this Sunday morning! Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed tomorrow night.

• Lenten Sunday School is in full swing on Sundays from 9-10 a.m. thru April 2nd. We invite you to study the last words of Jesus using curriculum written by our dear friend John Kelly. Check out last week’s content here. See you in the Parlor!

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

• Our next Public Theology meeting is this Sunday, March 12th, after service. This month, we are creating space for intentional vision setting for what we want the work to look like within the walls of FBCP and outside (aka we’ll have post-it notes ready for ideas). We value all voices, and we hope you can join us for lunch in the Southside Room. Text “local” to 626.727.9498 if you’re new to the group, and lunch will be provided. Email Pastor Lindsay if you have any food restrictions, please.

• Our immersive Romans 8 audio scripture this week speaks of the groans of the in-between times. It’s worth lending an ear to Pastor John Jay’s audio reflection if you missed the Thursday text.

• Did you order tamales and need to pick them up or pay for them? Here’s a link to pay ($30/dozen or $3.50ea), and they are waiting for you labeled with your name in the downstairs kitchen freezer..yum! Pick them up on Sunday, or arrange a time with the office to come during the week. We hope you enjoy!

• This week, the Friends In Deed food pantry item is small bags of flour and sugar.

Next Week

• Please join us in honoring the life of Elena Hill at a memorial service on Saturday, March 18th at 10:30 a.m., followed by a lunch reception in the Gym. You are all invited, and we are grateful for her contributions big and small (did you know we have an ice maker because of Elena?). We will always treasure the joyous spirit and special spark that Elena carried with her while she served so many others in this space. We hope to see you on the 18th.

• Join our Yarn Craft Group next Sunday, March 19th, in the Parlor for knitting, crocheting, and beyond. If you have materials, bring them with you! If not, let us know and we'll bring yarn, needles, and crochet hooks. Text "yarn" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Next Sunday, March 19th from 5:00-6:30 p.m., Kevin will be sharing his life story at our FBCPride Meeting. Please join us in hearing how LGBTQ history in America and Canada was shifting gradually over the decades as Kevin helped to advocate for queer rights. Pastor John Jay will also speak on behalf on Kevin as his neighbor, friend and pastor. We invite the LGBTQ+ community, parents and allies 16+ to this time of learning, community and fellowship. Text “pride” to 626.727.9498 if you’re new.

• Our Easy-Going Basketball Group meets next Sunday, March 19th, at 7pm in the Gym. Headed by Jason C, this team is for everyone who loves the game but isn’t fresh off the college bench. Email Misterjchen@gmail.com if you have questions.

Save the Date for Holy Week Services

• Maundy Thursday Service will be an intimate service on April 6th that includes communion and footwashing. Service will be held in the Chapel at 6pm. Childcare will be provided for nursery-age children.

• Good Friday Service will be on April 7th at 6pm as we remember Christ’s crucifixion and death. Pastors John Jay and Leslie, as well as the FBCP Choir, will lead our time together. Childcare will be provided for nursery-age children.

• Easter Potluck Brunch & Service—Join us at 10 am on Easter Sunday, April 9th, for a potluck brunch before worship service! Come celebrate Christ’s resurrection as we eat delicious food and enjoy music from a mariachi band. We will have a craft table open for kids during the brunch. Based on your last name, if you’re able, we’re asking you to bring about 10 servings of something savory (A-L) or sweet/fruit (M-Z) to eat and share with friends here. Please note that Easter Service will be at 11 am following the brunch.

• Flowers for the Easter Cross—Help us decorate the cross on Easter Sunday with greenery from all over our city! Snip and bring some flowers from your yard or a neighbor’s yard (with permission!) to place on the cross that will be outside in the courtyard area during Easter Brunch. The decorated cross will be carried into the sanctuary right before Easter Service begins at 11 am.

Random

• Thank you to Michael Mann for taking our new staff photos! Check out out lovely quirky staff who love God and love serving YOU.

Weekly + Biweekly Happenings

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Yarn Crafts Group | Biweekly at 12 p.m. | March 19th in the Chapel

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | March 19th in the Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

3/12 - Public Theology Meeting
3/18 - Elena Hill’s Memorial Service
3/19 - FBCPride Meeting
4/2 - Palm Sunday
4/2 - Lenten Sunday School Ends
4/6 - Maundy Thursday Service
4/7 - Good Friday Service
4/9 - Easter Sunday | Brunch & Service
4/16 - Public Theology Meeting
4/23 - FBCPride 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

FBCP Families | 03.04.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Last weekend on the youth retreat, we spent a lot of time exploring our theme of belonging. We journaled about how God has created us and what makes it hard for us to show up fully, to trust that we can belong just as we are. Jensen invited us to consider how courage and community are required for true belonging. Michael helped us analyze the pieces of our identity and the perceptions we have about people. We wrote cards for folks in our church community who are grieving, battling illness, or celebrating an important milestone—because they belong to us, and we want to share in their hurt and their joy. We ate meals cooked by members of our congregation who believe that our youth belong to them. Chip led us through a closing activity where youth affirmed one another with specific examples from the weekend. And we watched as youth who are new to the group settled into their own sense of belonging. It was a full and beautiful weekend that reminded me just how rare and vital it is to show up with enough vulnerability to let yourself  truly belong. Thanks to all who made the weekend possible, whether through prayers, food, leadership, loaned vans, or purchased tamales. The storm might have kept us out of Big Bear, but it certainly didn't keep us from having the retreat our youth needed (who knew Temecula would be the perfect place for us?!). Thanks be to God.

If you still need to pick up your tamales, we have them for you! Just email me to let me know when you want to pick them up. Payment can be made with cash or check, and we have some important heating instructions to make sure you take with you.

Read and Play Saturdays

Lakeshore is hosting free events every Saturday this month. They read a different children’s story each month and activities related to the themes of the book. You can check out each Saturday's theme and more details here. Happy reading and playing!

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.  

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!). Any kids who are coming early with parents attending a Sunday School class  can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. 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:

• Who in our church usually sits near you if you sit in the same general area during worship?

• If you could lead part of worship, what would you want to help with?

• Why do you think singing is an important part of our worship service?

YOUTH

We are excited to have our regular youth gathering after worship this week! Parents can pick up their kids at the park gate on Union Street at 1:30 PM. 

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

With deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 03.03.2023

Tomorrow

• Join us tomorrow for our Women’s Brunch at 10 a.m. in the Southside Room. It will be a time to share a delicious meal and the chance to get to know some awe­some ladies. All women and girls are welcome, and feel free to bring a friend who could use an encouraging time of food and fel­lowship. Email lindsay@fbcpasadena.com or text “brunch” to 626.727.9498 to register.

• Did you catch our Thursday text of this week’s audio? Click to listen to the Romans 8 scripture recording, read by Pastor Chip and underscored by Pastor John Jay in preparation for Sunday worship.

Sunday

• Lenten Sunday School is in full swing on Sundays from 9-10 a.m. through April 2nd. We invite you to study the last words of Jesus using curriculum written by our dear friend John Kelly. You can access the curriculum here. See you in the Parlor!

• 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.

• Join us Sunday after worship service for a 20-minute prayer circle for our global partners to pray for Mel Baggao (Lebanon) and Kit Ripley (Thailand). We will meet in the Chapel.

• Join our Yarn Crafts Group this Sunday in the Parlor for knitting, crocheting, and beyond. If you have materials, bring them with you! If not, let us know and we'll bring yarn, needles, and crochet hooks. Text "yarn" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

• Our Easy-Going Basketball Group meets this Sunday at 7pm in the Gym. Headed by Jason C, this team is for everyone who loves the game but isn’t fresh off the college bench. Email Misterjchen@gmail.com if you have questions.

• This week, the Friends In Deed food pantry item is cereal.

Next Week

• Our next Public Theology meeting is next Sunday, March 12th, after service. We will continue to study the cycle of organizing and the value of intentional one-on-one conversations. We value all voices, and we hope you can join us for lunch in the Southside Room. Text “local” to 626.727.9498 if you’re new to the group, and lunch will be provided.

Weekly + Biweekly Happenings

• Lenten Sunday School | Sunday mornings thru 4/2 | 9:00 a.m. | Parlor

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Yarn Crafts Group | Biweekly at 12 p.m. | March 5th in the Chapel

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | March 5th in the Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

3/4 - Women’s Brunch
3/5 - Prayer for Global Servants
3/12 - Public Theology Meeting
3/18 - Elena Hill’s Memorial Service
3/19 - FBCPride Meeting
4/2 - Palm Sunday
4/2 - Lenten Sunday School Ends
4/6 - Maundy Thursday Service
4/7 - Good Friday Service
4/9 - Easter Sunday | Brunch & Service
4/16 - Public Theology 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

FBCP Families | 02.25.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

I am writing to you from Temecula, which wound up being the location for our youth retreat this weekend. We are so thankful we could find another option when the roads became unsafe up to Big Bear, and our youth are having a great time already. Our theme this week is belonging, a core value at FBCP (and really just part of how God has wired us). Thank you to all who have provided meals, snacks, prayers, and tamale support because you feel a sense of belonging to our youth. I know they will feel loved and held by the larger FBCP community after this weekend, and that is quite a gift for all of us.

Speaking of tamales, if you weren't able to pick yours up, we have them in the freezer waiting for you! Just email me to set up a time to get them. Thanks to all for your support of our youth—we are so thankful for your generosity!

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.  

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 in the front pews. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. This week we will continue to spend time spreading love to members in our community who are celebrating a joyous milestone and those who are experiencing grief and loss. We look forward to inviting our kids to use their creativity and compassion to share some blessings with others in our church family.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• We believe that we belong to one another at FBCP. What does the word “belong” mean to you?

• As a family, decide one thing you might do this week to care for someone in our congregation who is hurting right now (all the people we discussed on Sunday together). You might consider praying for them at bedtime, sending a card, or doing something that will help you remember to pray and encourage them. 

YOUTH

Our youth will be back Sunday afternoon from the retreat. We'll be on for our regular youth gathering after worship next Sunday. Thanks for keeping them in prayer!

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

With gratitude and deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 02.24.2023

Today

• Pray for our twelve youth and five adult leaders heading to a youth retreat this weekend! Thank you to those who helped them raise money by buying tamales, and for those who sponsored meals for their retreat. We appreciate your generosity!

• This week we shared a text of Pastor John Jay’s live score from our Ash Wednesday service. Scripture recordings return next week; click here to listen to the music that settled us in to a time of reflection during Pastor Lindsay’s words on Wednesday.

Sunday

• Lenten Sunday School starts this Sunday from 9-10 a.m. We invite you to study the last words of Jesus using curriculum written by our dear friend John Kelly. See you in the parlor!

• Join us at 10:30 a.m. for worship in the sanctuary! 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 on a retreat this weekend, so we will not have our usual fellowship time 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 monthly FBCPride Group will meet this Sunday, February 26th, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Southside Room. We will have our first female speaker share her story on growing as a Christian while also reconciling her LGBT identity with her faith. We will also get to hear what her experience has been like with family and church through the last several years. We would like to invite the LGBTQ community 16+, parents and allies alike. Text “pride” to 626.727.9498 to sign up if you’re new!

• Our global partners Rich and Laura Freeman sent this update in response to your giving toward relief efforts in Turkey:

  Dear First Pasadena family,

  Thank you for standing with your brothers and sisters in Turkey during this devastating period of earthquakes. Here is an update from Pastor Demokan and his team in Turkey. They are doing remarkable relief work on a "shoestring budget." Pastor Lindsay and Pastor John Jay have met Demokan, and your monthly gifts go to his relief work throughout the country.

  Many blessings,

  Rich Freeman

  If you would still like to join us in generosity towards this urgent need, go to our website and select the drop-down menu labeled “Turkey Relief Efforts,” and we will make sure any donations will go to help in the earthquake relief efforts. Thank you for your prayers for Turkey and the surrounding regions, including refugees and those who have been displaced.

• This week, the Friends In Deed food pantry item is canned chicken or tuna.

Next Week

• All women and girls are invited to our Women’s Brunch on Saturday, March 4th, at 10 a.m. in the Southside Room. It will be a time to share a delicious meal and hear a story of faith. Text “brunch” to 626.727.9498 to sign up. Email Pastor Lindsay if you have any questions.

• Join us on March 5th after worship service for a 20-minute prayer circle for our global partners to pray for Mel Baggao (Lebanon) and Kit Ripley (Thailand). We will meet in the chapel.

• Our Yarn Crafts Group, led by Whitney and Justine, will continue to meet every other Sunday after worship. Their next meeting will be March 5th in the parlor, and there will be fellowship, fun, and charity projects created by knitting, crocheting, and beyond. If you have materials, bring them with you! If not, let us know and we'll bring yarn, needles, and crochet hooks. Text "yarn" to 626.727.9498 to RSVP.

Weekly + Biweekly Happenings

• Lenten Sunday School | Sunday mornings thru 4/2 | 9:00 a.m. | Parlor

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Yarn Crafts Group | Biweekly at 12 p.m. | March 5th in the Chapel

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | March 5th in the Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

2/24-2/26 - Winter Youth Retreat
2/26 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
2/26 - FBCPride Meeting
3/4 - Women’s Brunch
3/5 - Prayer for Global Servants
3/12 - Public Theology Meeting
3/18 - Elena Hill’s Memorial Service
3/19 - FBCPride Meeting
4/2 - Palm Sunday
4/2 - Lenten Sunday School Ends
4/6 - Maundy Thursday Service
4/7 - Good Friday Service
4/9 - Easter Sunday | Brunch & Service

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 with Kids | 02.17.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

I am so pumped for our potluck this Sunday! Potlucks are one of my favorite ways to hang out as a church family, and it's always a joy to see people of all generations share a meal and get to know one another. I hope you and your families can stay and experience all the delicious food and wonderful people. Y'all are such a gift!

In case you missed the Friday email, Pasadena is hosting its 41st annual  Black History Parade and Festival today from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This year’s theme is “Celebrating our Excellence—The Legacy of Councilmember John J. Kennedy.” You can find out the parade route and other information—including a children's zone and live music—here.

And finally, don't forget that you can pick up your tamales on Sunday at the potluck! We'll have instructions for heating so you can enjoy them at home. Thanks for supporting our youth so generously. We are so thankful for all your orders and are looking forward to our retreat next weekend. 

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.  

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. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. This week we will spend some time spreading love to members in our community who are celebrating a joyous milestone and those who are experiencing grief and loss. We look forward to inviting our kids to use their creativity and compassion to share some blessings with others in our church family.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Think about a time when someone helped you celebrate a joyous time in your life. What was it like to have their support and celebration?

• Think about a time when someone gave you encouragement and love during a difficult time. What did they do that helped you?

• How can we love others in both joyful and difficult times? Do you know anyone who could use some kindness this week?

YOUTH

Our youth are invited to join us for the potluck after service this week, so we hope they will stay and hang out with their church family. Next Sunday we will be off on our retreat adventure! 

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

With gratitude and deep affection for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 02.17.2023

Saturday

• Pasadena is hosting the 41th annual Black History Parade and Festival from 10am-4pm, and we hope you consider joining this special event. This year’s entries will highlight the theme “Celebrating our Excellence—The Legacy of Councilmember John J. Kennedy.” See link for route details.

• In preparation for Sunday’s worship, we encourage you to listen to Pastor John Jay’s scripture recording of Romans 6.

Sunday

• Winter Sunday School concludes this Sunday with its last class from 9-10 a.m. We invite you to the Lenten Sunday School six-week series starting next Sunday at the same morning hour.

• Join us at 10:30 a.m. for worship in the sanctuary! 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 this Sunday for one of our favorite traditions, the Mardi Gras Potluck. Potlucks are a special time for us to come together as church family and meet a new friend or say hi to a dear one. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a side or salad (A-I), dessert (J-N), or main dish (O-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. Thank you for your generosity!

• Our global partners Rich and Laura Freeman work with pastors in Turkey, and their nonprofit is sending aid directly to some of the Turkish ministers they support who are already on the front lines in the earthquake areas offering food, warm clothing, clean water, and hygiene centers for showers and laundry. If you would like to join us in generosity towards this urgent need, go to our website and select the drop-down menu labeled “Turkey Relief Efforts,” and we will make sure any donations will go to help in the earthquake relief efforts. If you have been looking for a way to send some financial support for relief in Turkey, this is a trusted way to do that with one of our church partners. Thank you for your prayers for Turkey and the surrounding regions, including refugees and those who have been displaced.

• This week, the Friends In Deed Food Pantry item is vegetable or fruit juice.

Next Week

• We know some of you have a heart for our young people but may not be able to serve directly in ministry to them. If you are looking for ways to spread some love to our youth and you enjoy cooking, then we would welcome a contribution from your kitchen to take up to Big Bear on our Youth Retreat February 24th-26th! We will also be bringing some bulk store-bought snacks and other food, so we don't expect you to feed us the whole trip. This is really a chance for some intergenerational kindness to be shared. Trust me when I say that food is one of their biggest love languages, and we will receive anything on this sign-up sheet as a great act of generosity.

• Join us for a special worship service on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel. The service includes a time of intercessory prayer, confession and absolution, and it will conclude with the imposition of ashes. Childcare is provided for children four years old and younger.

• Our Lenten Sunday School session will begin next Sunday, February 26th, from 9-10 a.m. We will study the last words of Jesus, a six-week series written by our friend John Kelly. We hope you can join us in the parlor and no RSVP is needed; however, if you need childcare please let Pastor Lindsay know.

• Our monthly FBCPride meeting will also be next Sunday, February 26th, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Southside Room. We will have our first female speaker share her story on growing as a Christian while also reconciling her LGBT identity with her faith. We will also get to hear what her experience has been like with family and church through the last several years. We would like to invite the LGBTQ community 16+, parents and allies alike. Text “pride” to 626.727.9498 to sign up if you’re new!

Two Weeks

• All women and girls are invited to our Women’s Brunch on Saturday, March 4th, at 10 a.m. It will be a time to share a delicious meal and hear a story of faith. Text “brunch” to 626.727.9498 to sign up. Email Pastor Lindsay if you have any questions.

• Join us on March 5 after worship service for a 20-minute prayer circle for our global partners to pray for Mel Baggao (Lebanon) and Kit Ripley (Thailand). We will meet in the parlor.

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 + Biweekly Happenings

• Winter Sunday School Session | Last session this Sunday | 9:00 a.m. | Escribio Divino in Rm. 211 | The Passover & Crucifixion of Jesus in the Southside Room | Learning from MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail in Room 214

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Yarn Crafts Group | Biweekly at 12 p.m. | February 19th at the potluck

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | February 19th in the Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

2/19 - Winter Sunday School Ends
2/19 - Church Potluck/Tamale Pickup
2/20 - President’s Day—Office Closed
2/22 - Ash Wednesday Service
2/24-2/26 - Winter Youth Retreat
2/26 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
2/26 - FBCPride Meeting
3/4 - Women’s Brunch
3/5 - Prayer for Global Servants
3/12 - Public Theology Meeting
3/18 - Elena Hill’s Memorial Service
3/19 - FBCPride Meeting
4/2 - Palm Sunday
4/2 - Lenten Sunday School Ends

FBCP Families with Kids | 02.11.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Our youth worked hard making tamales today, and they are so excited to share them with you next Sunday! It was a fun day of intergenerational work and play as youth, younger siblings, and adults worked together to make something yummy. Cynthia's friend Felipe helped us again (this is his third year working with us!), and his family's recipe is always a gift to our community. Thanks to all the helping hands today and to our church family for supporting this youth fundraiser. If you ordered tamales, you can pay for them at our potluck next Sunday, February 19th, and take them home then, too. 

If you are looking for something fun (but free!) to do at home to celebrate your family this Valentine's Day, this is a great activity that you could do any time of the year. It's a heart treasure hunt with notes about why you love someone, and it's something you could do to encourage your family members or housemates. Enjoy!

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.  

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. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. This week we will learn about the ways we can love each other well as we celebrate Saint Valentine. We'll have some fun things for them to make, too!

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Who made you feel loved this week?

• We don't have to buy chocolates or gifts to prove we love each other, but it is fun to show our love in special ways. What is one thing you can do that doesn't cost money to show love to your family this week?

YOUTH

We are on for our regular  youth lunch this Sunday. We will gather in the front pews and then head to the youth room for lunch and discussion. You can pick your youth up in the church park at the Union Street gate at 1:30 PM. 

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

With much love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 02.10.2023

This Afternoon

• Pray for our ten brave skiers/snowboarders to have a safe drive up to Big Bear and fun on the slopes tomorrow. Thank you, Pastor Chip, for arranging this exciting trip!

• This week's scripture audio features backwards text and vocoder processing, representing the way in which Jesus undoes the curse of Adam. It’s worth a listen as we prepare for Sunday worship and soak in this week’s Romans 5:12-21 text.

Sunday

• We would like to invite any new folks to enjoy a cup of coffee and scone with Pastor John Jay from 9-10 a.m. this Sunday, February 12th, in his office (enter on Holly St.). Sign up by texting “coffee” to 626.727.9498. Come with any questions or comments, and get to know more about our church through this casual conversation.

• Join us at 10:30 a.m. for worship in the sanctuary! 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 this Sunday for our Public Theology meeting. We will continue to study the cycle of organizing and the value of intentional one-on-one conversations. We value all voices, and we hope you can join us for lunch in the Southside Room.

• Our global partners Rich and Laura Freeman work with pastors in Turkey, and their nonprofit is sending aid directly to some of the Turkish ministers they support who are already on the front lines in the earthquake areas offering food, warm clothing, clean water, and hygiene centers for showers and laundry. If you would like to join us in generosity towards this urgent need, go to our website and select the drop-down menu labeled “Turkey Relief Efforts,” and we will make sure any donations will go to help in the earthquake relief efforts. If you have been looking for a way to send some financial support for relief in Turkey, this is a trusted way to do that with one of our church partners. Thank you for your prayers for Turkey and the surrounding regions, including refugees and those who have been displaced.

• This week, the Friends In Deed Food Pantry item is peanut butter.

More Fun!

• Sunday, February 19th, kicks off the lenten season with our Mardi Gras potluck in the gym after service. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a side or salad (A-I), dessert (J-N), or main dish (O-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. We also need several volunteers to set-up and take-down the potluck, so please see the Volunteer Squad sign-up poster in the lobby.

• We know some of you have a heart for our young people but may not be able to serve directly in ministry to them. If you are looking for ways to spread some love to our youth and you enjoy cooking, then we would welcome a contribution from your kitchen to take up to Big Bear! We will also be bringing some bulk store-bought snacks and other food, so we don't expect you to feed us the whole trip. This is really a chance for some intergenerational kindness to be shared. Trust me when I say that food is one of their biggest love languages, and we will receive anything on this sign-up sheet as a great act of generosity.

• Join us for a special worship service on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, at 6:00 pm in the chapel. The service includes a time of intercessory prayer, confession and absolution, and it will conclude with the imposition of ashes. Childcare is provided for children four years old and younger.

• Our Lenten Sunday School session will begin Sunday, February 26th, from 9-10 a.m. before worship. We will study the last words of Jesus before his crucifixion. The class will run for six weeks and conclude on Palm Sunday, April 2nd.

• Our next monthly FBCPride meeting will be on Sunday, February 26th, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Southside Room. We will have our first female speaker share her story on growing as a Christian while also reconciling her LGBT identity with her faith, and what her experience has been like with family and church through the last several years. We would like to invite the LGBTQ community 16+, parents and allies alike. Text “pride” to 626.727.9498 to sign up if you’re new!

• Save the Date for our next Women’s Brunch at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 4th!

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 + Biweekly Happenings

• Winter Sunday School Session | Weekly thru 2/19 | 9:00 a.m. | Escribio Divino in Rm. 211 | The Passover & Crucifixion of Jesus in the Southside Room | Learning from MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail in Room 214

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | February 19th in the Gym

• Yarn Crafts Group | Biweekly at 12 p.m. | February 19th at the potluck

Six Weeks at a Glance

2/10-2/12 - Ski Trip to Big Bear
2/12 - Coffee with Pastor John Jay
2/12 - Public Theology Meeting
2/19 - Winter Sunday School Ends
2/19 - Church Potluck/Tamale Pickup
2/20 - President’s Day—Office Closed
2/22 - Ash Wednesday Service
2/24-2/26 - Winter Youth Retreat
2/26 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
2/26 - FBCPride Meeting
3/4 - Women’s Brunch
3/5 - Prayer for Global Servants
3/12 - Public Theology Meeting

FBCP Families | 02.04.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

I pray you experience rest, joy, and connection with your families this week. As I think about what Sabbath means for families with kids, those three things feel most resonant to my own household. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow and sharing in worship together as a way to access rest, joy, and connection with our larger church family. (And if you're looking to get out and about after worship, tomorrow is a Museums Free-For-All Day in Los Angeles, and there are lots of places that have kid-centered activities and events.) See you tomorrow for a full morning together! 

Tamales

We are so pumped to bring back a longstanding tradition of making and selling tamales as a youth retreat fundraiser, so get ready for this delicious chance to support our youth. Here is an order form and you can pick them up at our next all-church potluck after worship on February 19th. Our youth will make the tamales on Saturday, February 11th, from 11:00AM-3:30PM at the church. Lunch and snacks will be provided. 

Kids Camp Dates

Parents, just a reminder to mark your calendars for Kids Camp June 19-23. We are excited to reveal our new camp theme (shhh…not yet, though!) and to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family.

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.  

Our kids five to ten years old will join their families in the sanctuary for worship since this is a first Sunday of the month. We love their presence in our sanctuary and the chance to be together to share in communion and worship. Don't forget that Pastor Mary always has snacks and a fun survey for kids to fill out during worship. They can pick those up in the lobby on their way into the sanctuary. After a first Sunday, it's a great week to nurture some discussion at home about how your kids are experiencing church and what kinds of questions they are holding in wonder.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What moment stood out to you in worship this week?

• What does it mean that we call ourselves a "church family" and a "community" at FBCP?

YOUTH

We are on for our regular  youth lunch this Sunday. We will gather in the front pews and then head to the youth room for lunch and discussion. You can pick your youth up in the church park at the Union Street gate at 1:30 PM. 

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

With much love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 02.03.2023

Tonight

• Enjoy fellowship tonight at our Community Dinners around the city. Thank you to our seven host homes—Henson, Boctor-Winchell, Laski, Linscott, Loose, James and Ellis households. If you missed signing up for this dinner, keep an eye out for our next round in May.

• Did you catch our Thursday text of this week’s audio? Pastors Lindsay and John Jay created a whimsical musical collab of Romans 5:1-11, and it’s worth a listen as we prepare for Sunday worship.

Sunday

• Winter Sunday School continues from 9-10 a.m., before worship service, through February 19th. See details in the last section of this email if you would like a reminder of our fabulous classes.

• 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.

• 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).

• After service this Sunday, we invite you to join our mission trip planning meeting. A group plans to serve in Oaxaca, Mexico this October 23-27 with Adventures in Life Ministry.  All are welcome to join the meeting as we get to know one another and prepare for an incredible week of ministry. Contact Nori or Pastor Chip for more info. Lunch will be provided.

• Have you ordered your tamales? You can order tamales online here or by texting "tamale" to 626.727.9498. We will also have a paper sign-up at the Connections Desk on Sunday. You can pick your tamales up at our next all-church potluck after worship on February 19th. If you aren't able to pick them up then, you can email Pastor Lindsay to make other arrangements. Thank you for supporting our youth fundraiser!

• This week, the Friends In Deed Food Pantry item is pasta and pasta sauce.

Future Happenings

• We would like to invite any new folks to enjoy a cup of coffee with Pastor John Jay from 9-10 a.m. next Sunday, February 12th, in his office (enter on Holly St.). Sign up by texting “coffee” to 626.727.9498 (limited to the first eight people). Come with any questions or comments, and get to know more about our church through this casual conversation.

• Our next Public Theology meeting will be next Sunday, February 12th, after service. We will continue to study the cycle of organizing and the value of intentional one-on-one conversations. We value all voices, and we hope you can join us for lunch in the Southside Room.

• Sunday, February 19th, kicks off the lenten season with our Mardi Gras potluck in the gym after service. Based on your last name, if you’re able, please bring a side or salad (A-I), dessert (J-N), or main dish (O-Z) of about 10 servings to share with your friends here at FBCP. We also need several volunteers to set-up and take-down the potluck, so please see the Volunteer Squad sign-up poster in the lobby.

• Join us for a special worship service on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd, at 6:00 pm in the chapel. The service will conclude with the imposition of ashes. Childcare is provided for children four years old and younger.

• Our Lenten Sunday School session will begin Sunday, February 26th, from 9-10 a.m. before worship. The class will run for six weeks and conclude on Palm Sunday, April 2nd.

• Our next monthly FBCPride meeting will be on Sunday, February 26th, from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Southside Room. We will have our first female speaker share her story on growing as a Christian while also reconciling her LGBT identity with her faith, and what her experience has been like with family and church through the last several years. We would like to invite the LGBTQ community 16+, parents and allies alike. Text “pride” to 626.727.9498 to sign up if you’re new!

• Save the Date for our next Women’s Brunch on Saturday, March 4th!

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 + Biweekly Happenings

• Winter Sunday School Session | Weekly thru 2/19 | 9:00 a.m. | Escribio Divino in Rm. 211 | The Passover & Crucifixion of Jesus in the Southside Room | Learning from MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail in Room 214

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | February 5th in the Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

2/5 - Oaxaca Missions Meeting
2/10-2/12 - Ski Trip to Big Bear
2/12 - Coffee with Pastor John Jay
2/12 - Public Theology Meeting
2/19 - Winter Sunday School Ends
2/19 - Church Potluck/Tamale Pickup
2/20 - President’s Day—Office Closed
2/22 - Ash Wednesday Service
2/24-2/26 - Winter Youth Retreat
2/26 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
2/26 - FBCPride Meeting
3/4 - Women’s Brunch
3/5 - Prayer for Global Servants
3/12 - Public Theology Meeting

FBCP Families | 01.28.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Thanks for your patience with today’s email. The stomach bug went through my family this week, but we are grateful to finally be back to health today.

Last Sunday we gathered for worship right after receiving news about the shooting in Monterey Park, and this week has unfolded with more tragedy and pain in the headlines. I know depending on the age of your kids, you may have been navigating various conversations and feelings this week in your home on top of your own emotions and need to process. We are here to pray with you or to be a space to process, so let us know how we can come alongside you. I also wanted to share this resource from our own Zach Hoover, who received it from his son's school as a tool to help parents have conversations about violence with their kids.

This evening I am grateful for our church community and the ways we can hold lament and tragedy together with gratitude and love. I look forward to tomorrow's worship as a place to ground my own body in the love and peace of Christ as I worship alongside each of you. Today we had a training for nursery volunteer leaders, and it was an encouragement to my soul to be with a team of people willing to love our youngest kids and to tell them the story of God's love in the world. Thank you for being my church family and the church family for my kids. May we gather tomorrow and sense God's presence in each tender moment together.

Kids Camp Dates

Parents, just a reminder to mark your calendars for Kids Camp June 19-23. We are excited to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family. I know it's still January, but we have learned in years past that parents plan early for summer camps and trips, so we hope it's helpful to get the dates to you now. We can't wait for summer fun together!

Tamales

Thanks to all who have placed their orders to support our youth fundraiser! There is still time to order before February 8th, and we will have some to sell on the 19th on a first-come, first-served basis. Here is an order form, and you can pick them up at our next all-church potluck after worship on February 19th. Our youth will make the tamales on Saturday, February 11th, at the church. 

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.  

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. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. (If you need help finding the upstairs classrooms, just text Pastor Lindsay and we will help you find your way!) This week we will learn more about Jesus' journey and examine our own spiritual journey with a creative activity. We'll also explore what it means to be fishers of men. 

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• Who has been important in your own spiritual journey?

• What have been some memorable moments in your life when you felt God's presence or help?

• What does it mean to be fishers of people?

YOUTH

We are on for our regular  youth lunch this Sunday. We will gather in the front pews and then head to the youth room for lunch and discussion. You can pick your youth up in the church park at the Union Street gate at 1:30 PM. 

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

With much love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay

Weekly Updates 01.27.2023

Sunday

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

• Basics Class will take place immediately following worship service this Sunday, January 29th, 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. Text “basics” to 626.727.9498 to RSVP. Email Pastor Chip for more details and/or if you are attending and will need childcare.

• The tamale order form is here! Our Winter Youth Retreat will take place February 24-26. We are pumped to bring back a longstanding tradition of making and selling tamales as a youth retreat fundraiser, so get ready for this delicious chance to support our youth. You can order tamales online here or by texting "tamale" to 626.727.9498. We will also have a paper sign-up at the Connections Desk on Sunday. You can pick your tamales up at our next all-church potluck after worship on February 19th. If you aren't able to pick them up then, you can email Pastor Lindsay to make other arrangements.

• Grab some earphones and catch up on this week’s latest recordings.

• This week, the Friends In Deed Food Pantry item is soup/chili/stew.

Future Happenings

• Community Dinners are set for Friday, February 3. If you signed up, keep an eye out for an email from your host family this week regarding details like time and address. Email Pastor Chip if you have any questions or would like to participate in the next round in May.

• After service on February 5th, we will continue planning for our church mission trip to Oaxaca, Mexico this October 23-27 with Adventures in Life Ministry.  All are welcome to join the meeting as we begin establishing the team and set the schedule for the coming months to prepare for an incredible week of service and ministry. Contact Nori or Pastor Chip for more info. Lunch will be provided.

• Join us for a weekend of fun in the snow as we take a ski/boarding trip to Big Bear February 10-12. The cost is $250, and we have four spots left. Text "ski" to 626.727.9498 if you're interested, and secure your spot with a $50 deposit. Contact chip@fbcpasadena.com for more information.

• We would like to invite any new folks to enjoy a cup of coffee with Pastor John Jay from 9-10 a.m. on Sunday, February 12th, in his office (enter on Holly). Sign up by texting “coffee” to 626.727.9498 (limited to the first eight people). Come with any questions or comments, and get to know more about our church through this casual conversation.

• Save the date for a potluck lunch after service on Sunday, February 19. Potlucks are a special time here at FBCP, so we hope you can make it for some fantastic food and fellowship.

• Join us as we begin the Lenten season on Wednesday, February 22nd.  We will gather at 6:00 pm in the chapel for a worship service which will conclude with the imposition of ashes. Childcare is provided for children four years old and younger. Stay tuned for a Lenten Sunday School session beginning February 26th as well.

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 + Biweekly Happenings

• Winter Sunday School Session | Weekly thru 2/19 | 9:00 a.m. | Escribio Divino in Rm. 211 | The Passover & Crucifixion of Jesus in the Southside Room | Learning from MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail in Room 214

• Thursday Noon Bible Study | Weekly at 12 p.m. | Parlor

• Easy-Going Basketball | Biweekly at 7 p.m. | Next 2/5 in the Gym

Six Weeks at a Glance

1/29 - Basics Class
2/3 - Community Dinners
2/5 - Oaxaca Missions Meeting
2/10-2/12 - Ski Trip to Big Bear
2/12 - Coffee with Pastor John Jay
2/12 - Public Theology Meeting
2/19 - Winter Sunday School Ends
2/19 - Church Potluck/Tamale Pickup
2/22 - Ash Wednesday Service
2/24-2/26 - Winter Youth Retreat
2/26 - Lenten Sunday School Begins
2/26 - FBCPride Meeting
3/4 - Women’s Brunch
3/5 - Prayer for Global Servants
3/12 - Public Theology Meeting

FBCP Families | 01.21.2023

Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,

Last summer our theme for kids camp was based on a theology of wonder. We invited our kids to explore how we are wired for wonder and asked them to consider why God designed us with such a capacity. This week I came across an article with some fun food for thought on what research says about the importance of wonder. Among many things, wonder helps us get outside ourselves and "self-preoccupation" while also calming our nervous systems and turning down the noise of negative self-talk. Yay for wonder and thanks be to God for creating so many opportunities for wonder in the natural world and in our relationships with one another.

On that note, we are already making plans for camp this summer, so parents please mark your calendars for June 19-23. We are excited to reveal our new camp theme (shhh…not yet, though!) and to help our kids encounter God's love together with people from our church family. I know it's still January, but we have learned in years past that parents plan early for summer camps and trips, so we hope it's helpful to get the dates to you now. We can't wait for summer fun together!

In the meantime, it's clearly still winter, and that means that our youth winter retreat is coming up soon. We are also so pumped to bring back a longstanding tradition of making and selling tamales as a youth retreat fundraiser, so get ready for this delicious chance to support our youth. We will be sending out an order form next week, and you can pick them up at our next all-church potluck after worship on February 19th. Our youth will make the tamales on Saturday, February 11th, at the church. Parents, I'll send out more information on the retreat and our tamale-making day this week.

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.  

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. If they are coming early with parents who are in a Sunday School class, they can be dropped off upstairs at 8:50 AM. (If you need help finding the upstairs classrooms, just text Pastor Lindsay and we will help you find your way!) This week we will explore the story of John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism. It's a great week to talk about baptism as a family and to make room for questions and wonder about what God was revealing in this story of John and Jesus.

Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:

• What is baptism like in our church? 

• What do we believe about the sacrament of baptism, and why do we do it?

• Have you seen a baptism? What stood out to you?

YOUTH

We are on for our regular  youth lunch this Sunday. We will gather in the front pews and then head to the youth room for lunch and discussion. You can pick your youth up in the church park at the Union Street gate at 1:30 PM. 

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

With much love and gratitude for you,

Pastor Lindsay