Everything happening at church this week…
It’s full-on July here, wow! This summer we are trying to get as much recreation and faith work done as our hearts are able. We hope you are able to experience our church this week - keep scrolling for what’s happening.
Last Sunday
You can listen to our service from last Sunday below. We host them on Soundcloud and you can reach into our archive to listen to any Sunday service you’d like by following that link.
This Sunday’s Livestream
This little window below will change to an audio stream on Sundays at 10:30am PST.
Announcements
(updated 7/20/2026)
Friends In Deed - The Friends In Deed food pantry item for this Sunday, July 26 is peanut butter/jam. Thank you for the canned chicken and tuna that came in on Sunday!
NOTE: The Manns are taking a well-deserved vacation and we could use some volunteers to help deliver donations to Friends In Deed. Please contact Pastor Chip to help with this crucial ministry.
Parking Challenge - Road work outside FBCP on Holly St. has ramped up significantly, affecting our approach to our parking garage. The entrance on Holly should always be accessible; it may need to be approached from one specific direction depending on the construction layout that day. Stay vigilant and give yourself a few extra minutes to deal with it.
It can be hot in the Sanctuary! - Reminder that the Sanctuary is not air-conditioned. As the summer heats up, remember to wear light clothing and grab a bottle of water from someone on hospitality. We also got some new fancy fans so you can make your own airflow!
Big Bear Youth Retreat - One of the highlights of summer is our Youth Retreat weekend to Big Bear and it’s only a few weeks away! We’re heading out Friday, 7/31- Sunday, 8/2. If you are a middle or high school student we would love for you to join us for a weekend of soul-building fun! The cost is $25 per camper. You can register HERE. Contact Pastor Chip for more registration details.
Music & Audio Team - Pastor Riley is looking for people to join the audio/visual team (the amazing folks in the sound booth) as well as for singers and musicians to lead in worship. Contact Pastor Riley to join the team.
Sabbatical - Pastor John Jay is preaching one more time before his sabbatical. This Sunday will close out the teachings on the Sermon on the Mount.
Sabbatical Update
Hey Church Fam,
Pastor John Jay here with an update on my upcoming sabbatical. As a bit of background, every seven years the Lead Pastor is urged to take three months away from normal pastoral duties for a sabbath rest and renewal. With the fires and staff changes of 2025, I worked with the Deacon Board to delay my full sabbatical so we could be thoughtful in our plans. We invite you to pray for our church, our staff, and for the Alvaro family during the time we are away. In August and September, I will step away from the normal rhythms of church work. During that time I will spend time with family, do some personal writing and projects, disappear into the woods, visit friends and family, and REST. I will return in the first part of October.
We have a great staff team who will keep the church on solid ground during this sabbatical. In addition we will be joined by Rev. Dr. Cheryl Henson who will act as Interim Lead Pastor during the sabbatical months. Cheryl is an accomplished American Baptist Pastor and leader, having led many churches through interim and sabbatical seasons, as well as trained pastors in the art of interim leadership. She will be the main preacher on Sundays, support the pastoral and admin staff, and lead the Monday Bible Study with Pastor Riley. She will bring a sermon series on “Joy” while she preaches, a perfect focus for our church at this time.
It is a gift to receive this time of sabbath. I want to invite each of you to consider how you will show up in this time. Below are some ways to contribute to the health of our church during this sabbatical…
Pray for me and my family. Shifting work rhythms can be jarring, so prayers that I can find a new rhythm in God’s time.
Pray for some of the personal vocational work I will explore during sabbatical. Writing, reading with no goal in mind, exploring new spiritual practices.
Pray for the staff team in my absence, that leadership and support would be natural and creative.
Pray for the Board as they continue forward into a busy season of church life while I am away.
Sign up to help in a new ministry area. I know that our Kid ministries would love to have some new volunteers to step up.
Reflect on your financial contributions during this time. We have been steadily stabilizing from the many changes we have experienced as a church. Now is a great time to renew a family commitment to generosity with your church community.
Thank you to the Board and staff for their encouragement that I fully embrace this sabbatical. I am excited to learn what can only be discovered when my life finds a different pace. And thank you to you for your support as well. We would be…
Less without you,
Pastor John Jay
Lagniappe (lil’ something extra)
Pastor John Jay is sharing an article from one of his favorite places on the internet, The Marginalian. The article shimmered in the background of his last teaching on the eye as the lamp of the body.
Pastor Greta has community events to share. See below.
