“No matter who you are, no matter where you are, you are welcome here!”

April 12, 2024

Dear Pali Pres,

I must admit that I kind of got caught up in the solar eclipse “buzz” this past week. Not as much as many people, but I found the entire event rather cool and interesting to think about. The eclipse reminded me (and hopefully all of us) of how united we are as human beings on this one home we all share. It also reminded me that there are cosmic forces at play in this universe that are far beyond my control and understanding. Realizing, once again, how small my life is compared to all that is taking place out in the cosmos is pretty humbling, and yet comforting. The Creator of all the universe also created me; the one who set the stars, moon, and sun in the sky (and the One we are to thank for these amazing eclipses) also tends to me and cares about my little life. Amazing stuff, really.

On a somewhat related note, today is the anniversary of Galileo’s trial before the Roman Inquisition (which had been established by the Pope to regulate church doctrine). It was 1633 and the famous Italian astronomer was being judged for supporting the heretical idea that the Earth revolves around the sun, rather than the other way around. After agreeing to formally recant, Galileo was sentenced to house arrest and died at home eight years later. However, what Galileo said in his defense is worth remembering—he insisted that scientific research and Christian faith are entirely compatible, and that the study of the universe could actually encourage one’s faith and the proper interpretation of scripture. Legend has it that immediately after he recanted, as he rose from kneeling before his examiners, Galileo defiantly muttered, e pur, si movie (“even so, it does move”), referring to the Earth.

I hope you will find your faith comforted and encouraged by the amazing scientific phenomena that happen all around us, be they every 20 years or every 20 seconds!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Matt

Deacon Sunday at Pali Pres

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate our Deacons and learn more about their ministry. We will hear about how our Deacons have recently reimagined some of their ministries to better meet the changing needs of our congregation. Deacons will also be assisting in worship and a special offering benefiting our Deacon Fund will be taken up during worship (donations may also be made through our website).

An Exciting Update to Share!

Our Children’s and Family Ministry is happy to report that they’ve collected an additional $150 for our Change for Change campaign, bringing the grand total to $951! We are so proud of the Sunday School program and the children’s enthusiasm as we continue to help the needy among us!

Pali Pres Prodigals: Super Mario!

Pali Pres Prodigals: 13

Westwood United “Fighting” Methodists: 6

Last Monday’s interfaith softball game was a blow-for-blow bout not seen since the Ali-Frazier fight of 1971! With four lead changes over six innings, the visiting Pali Pres Prodigals found themselves up by two at the top of the 7th against arguably the best team in the league. Knowing they had one last chance to tack on some runs, the Prodigals approached their next at-bats with laser focus and determination, and suddenly found the bases loaded with “Super” Mario Martini (Pali Pres Preschool dad) at the plate. One swing later, the bases were empty, and the reverberation of a Grand Slam cascaded over West LA. Brimming with confidence after Mario’s mighty wallop, the Prodigals dispatched the following batters, three up, three down, and would remain undefeated.

The stars seem to be aligning for your church softball team this season! Come on out to the ballgame, get some fresh air, and cheer on the Pali Pres Prodigals as they soldier through what is turning out to be a historic season!

Monday April 15, 7:15pm, Field Four

Pali Pres Prodigals vs Adat Shalom Chaverim

Cheviot Hills Rec Center - 2551 Motor Ave

Never allow the circumstances of your life to become an excuse. People will allow you to do it. But I believe we have a personal obligation to make the most of the abilities we have.

- Jim Abbott

Join us for our Livestream Worship!

Join at 9:50am on Sunday Morning to enjoy the prelude, with worship beginning at 10am.

Sunday Refreshments

Bringing refreshments on Sunday mornings to share with our church is a loving and very important ministry. Thank you to all of you who have been doing this so faithfully. Please contact Refreshment Coordinator Jan Gong to sign up to serve.

Thank you to Dianne Jerome & Beverly Keese for last week's refreshments! This week's goodies are brought to us by our Deacons!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

This week’s flowers are in honor of our Deacons.

We invite all of our church members and friends to provide donations for flowers to adorn our sanctuary, along with a special dedication of your choosing. The cost is $75 per week.

Please contact Will Saunders and the church will order flowers from a local florist to be placed in the chancel on Sunday morning.

Our Deacons will distribute the flowers to one of our members/friends after the service.

Thank you for helping make our sanctuary even more beautiful!

Sunday Sermon Teaser

Please join us as we honor and thank our amazing deacons for their life-giving and sacrificial service to our church! We hope to see everyone there!

Give to Pali Pres

Don't forget, you can easily give your tithes and offerings through our website!

Save the Dates

Sunday, April 14th: Deacon Sunday

Tuesday, April 16th: Session Meeting

Saturday, April 20th: Preschool Lu’au Fundraiser

Sunday, April 21st: Kids sing-along in church

Sunday, May 5th: Ladies’ Tea

Sunday, May 19th: Inquirer’s Class

They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

-1 Timothy 3: 9-10