Pali Pres News & Notes͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ 
Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church

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

December 20, 2024

Dear Pali Pres,

As you may already know, tomorrow is the winter solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere, when the northern part of the Earth reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. As a result, it is the day we have the least amount of light. In other words, tomorrow will be the shortest day and longest night of the year! Here in LA, our day will only be nine hours and fifty-three minutes long (and four seconds, to be exact).

Also known as the “hibernal solstice,” the winter solstice has been important to countless cultures around the world for thousands of years, influencing everything from calendars to communal rituals to holidays. Some churches even hold a “Longest Night” worship service to name and acknowledge the darkness we each experience in life, but also to affirm our hope in the coming Christ Child, the Light of the World.

In my internet browsing this week, I came across a reflection on the winter solstice by author Brigit Anna McNeill. It really made me think and look inward. I share it here in my blog in the hopes that it will do the same for you as we approach the longest night of the year.

“The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves and taking in all that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close… like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.

Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, over spending, comfort food and consumerism…And yet the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong and the weather so bitter that people are left feeling that winter is hard, because for those of us without burning fires and big festive families, it can be lonely and isolating. Whereas in actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection…

Winter takes away the distractions, the buzz, and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb like love, bringing fire & light to our hearth…And then, just around the corner the new year will begin again, and like a seed planted deep in the earth, we will all rise with renewed energy once again to dance in the sunlight.”

Grace and peace,

Pastor Matt

 
 
 

Join us for Christmas Caroling!

Sunday, December 22, 11:30am - 2:15pm

If you enjoy singing Christmas carols, come sing with us at the assisted living facility, Atria, after church on December 22nd. All are welcome, including children. Pierre Tang, our Director of Music, will lead our practice session beforehand.

After worship and socializing on the patio on the 22nd, we'll meet in the Library for lunch and practice before walking over as a group to sing at 1:30pm. We'll be back to the church around 2:15pm.

Dress is casual, Christmas attire. For more information contact mail@palipres.org.

Women’s Cookie Exchange Recap

Thank you to all the women who came this past Monday night for an evening of Christmas cheer and ministry for our church. 

Hundreds and hundreds of cookies were prepared and distributed to our church community and staff to celebrate God’s love and compassion.

A big thanks to Joani Kaczorowski, Erika Frazier and Nina Kidd for bringing this evening to life!

 

The Aragon Family: “In celebration of the Pali Pres Prodigals softball team for an undefeated season!”

Sylvia & Jon Boyd: “For my daughters, Lorna & Leslie, who take such good care of me.”

Ruth Curran (2): “In memory of David Curran.” and “In memory of Kenneth Weber.”

Michelle DeRosa: “For Sylvia, Lorna & Leslie, in memory of Jon Boyd, with love from Michelle & Mark.”

The Draper Family: “With Joy for Christmas.”

Correne Gichuru: “In memory of my father, Alexander Gichuru.”

Nancy Gillette: “In memory of Fredrik, Skip, Dad, Johan and Tim. In celebration of mom’s 100th birthday and of the birth of my first granddaughter, Quincy.”

Jan Gong: “Merry Christmas to our church family!”

Justin & Stormy Gorence: “In memory of Albert and Terese Gorence, parents of Justin and grandparents of Stormy.”

The Hardin Family (2): “From Pastor Matt, Mary, Joshua & Luke, with love for our church family this Christmas.” and “From Pastor Matt, in loving memory of my dear friend, David Voss.”

The Claude-Harvey Family (3): “For Flora & Claude Harvey.” and “For Glyn & Lynn Surber.” and “For Thomas Lynn Surber.”

Frank & Tove Hoch (3): “In loving memory of Tove’s brother, Richard McPherson Blue.” and “In loving memory of Richard A. Livermore.” and “In loving memory of our parents, Harry & Geraldine Hoch and Richard & Mary Blue.”

Laura Iannaccone: “For Alek & Max Iannaccone.”

Joan Kaczorowski (2): “In memory of Winnie & Russell Buller.” and “In honor of Kenny & Ashley McGhee.”

Beverly Keese: “For Paul, we’re getting closer.”

Nina & Dave Kidd (2): “With joyful memories of Christmases with Dorothy & Milton Kidd and Emily & Alfred Menzies.”

Mike & Christy Lowe: “In loving memory of Uncle Tom & Aunt Sue Lowe.”

Lynn Mack-Costello: “In memory of Marilyn & Richard Mack.”

Lore Meline: “In loving memory of my husband, Ray, and my son, Tom.”

Pat & Bill Moran (2): “In loving memory of our parents, Boneva & Sam Whitney and Laura & John Moran.”

Geoff & Evelyn Moyer (4): “In thanksgiving for our grandchildren: Sullivan, Olivia, Clara & Jake.”

Catherine & Keith Nadel: “In memory of Frederick Fleig & Martin Nadel.”

Charles & Grace Park: “In honor of our parents.”

The Pfannkuche Family: “We celebrate the blessings of our family and our church family.”

Cameron Pfizenmaier (6): “In memory of Richard Pfizenmaier & Tony Harbott.”

The Price Family (4): “Dedicated to Mrs. Joan Webster on her 104th Christmas; Great Grandmother to Juliette, Elizabeth & Liam Price.” and “Dedicated to Grandpa Charles & Grandma Melissa Webster with love from the Price Clan.” and “Dedicated to Grandpa Frank & Grandma Katherine with love from their Grandchildren Juliette, Elizabeth & Liam.” and “Dedicated to Aunt Ali, Grandma Ann & Papa Francois with love from the Price family.”

Karen & John Prough: “Thank you Will, you are a blessing to our church.”

Laurie Rasmussen (2): “With gratitude - Laurie & Peter Rasmussen.”

Will Saunders: “In memory of Mary, Jeanne, Arlene & Brooks.”

Keith & Lynette Shishido (2): “In memory of our Grandparents.” and “In memory of Lawrence Klooster and Marge Shishido.”

Sarah Smick: “In memory of our grandparents, Rev. Frank & Terry Smick.”

Margi & Dean St. Clair: “From Margi & Dean, in gratitude for our children & grandchildren.”

Linda Thiele and Jessica, Conrad, Caroline & AJ Curry: “In loving memory of Christopher William Thiele.”

Don Tomajan: “In memory of my parents, Don K. Tomajan Jr. and Minnie Parichan Tomajan.”

Kristin Van Vlack: “In loving memory of Dale & Nancy Van Vlack.”

Esther Alva & David Vazquez: “In loving memory of our grandparents.” and “In gratitude for the wonderful friendship and life of Linda Grant.”

Shelley Wagner: “In memory of Shelton & Harvey and celebrating Mary!”

Bill Walker: “To Margaret Walker, amazing mom and grandma!”

Claire West Orr & Family: “In memory of Rev. Charles Orr.”

 

Sunday Sermon Teaser

We hope we will see you on Christmas Sunday, the Advent Sunday of love! 

Join us for our Livestream Worship!

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

 This Week’s Service 
 Last Week’s Service 

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 Jan Gong for last week's refreshments! This week’s goodies are brought to us by Dick & Jane Lopatt!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

This week’s bouquet is the gift of the Larsen family, with love and remembrance of Reverend Shelby Larsen. 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!

Give to Pali Pres

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

 GIVE HERE 

Save the Dates

Sun, Dec 22nd: Christmas Caroling at Atria

Tue, Dec 24th: Christmas Eve Worship Services (Family Friendly at 5pm; Traditional Service of Lessons and Carols at 9pm)

Christmas Day: Church Office Closed

Sun, Dec 29th: 10am Worship service in-person ONLY (livestream will not be available)

New Year’s Day: Church Office Closed

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

-Luke 2:14

Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church
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Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, 15821 W Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA, 90272, USA

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