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

November 1, 2024

Dear Pali Pres,

Today, the first day of November, is celebrated as “All Saints’ Day,” which means that this coming Sunday at our church is “All Saints’ Sunday.” Each year we set aside a special day to honor those who have died in the faith—the “saints” who have lived among us and taught us, through their lives, what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ. Together we will give thanks to God for the gift of those we have loved and lost, even as we still miss them and mourn their passing.

I know I will be calling to mind those in our church family who have recently died, such as Marti Sadowski, Linda Grant and Margaret Biles. I will also be holding in my heart my grandparents, my uncle Steve, and my good friend from Japan, Paul, who have all gone home to be with the Lord. There is something special about remembering—together in community—those who have died knowing that the Spirit holds us all together always, even if those we love are not physically present with us.

I encourage you to come to worship on Sunday with an open and tender heart as we celebrate All Saints’ Sunday. Our time together will be less about grieving (though that is certainly appropriate!) and more about giving thanks for those who have gone before us and reflecting on the lessons they taught us. As well, we will pray for God to make us even stronger in our faith so we can continue the great tradition set by the “saints” who have gone before us.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matt

Election Eve Worship Service: Monday, Nov 4 at 7pm

“No politics, just prayer.” That is the theme of this special worship service here at Pali Pres on the eve of Election Day. Through hymns, prayers, scripture lessons, and communion, we will remind ourselves that our identities are not rooted in political affiliations, but in our everlasting covenant with God. Together we will reaffirm our unity in Christ, whatever the election results may be. Regardless of where you stand politically, you are welcome to come and gather with other people of faith as we pray for God to guide and sustain our nation and all those who will be elected.

US/CA General Election at Pali Pres

Pali Pres is a polling location for this year’s general election.

Voting equipment is occupying Janes Hall from Tuesday, October 29th to Saturday, November 9th. Janes Hall is unavailable, with the exception of the restrooms, preschool office and kitchen.

Please be prepared for an unusual influx of traffic.

We thank you for your cooperation and patience as we graciously open our church to the important needs of our community.

* Please do not confuse Pali Pres with your assigned polling location listed in your personal voting materials.

The Passing of Margaret Biles

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Biles on October 30. She died peacefully while at home at the age of 100. Margaret and her husband John were longtime and faithful members of Pali Pres. As per her wishes, Margaret's family will be holding a memorial service for her at her Colorado ranch. Please keep her family in your prayers. Condolences may be sent to 400 Surfview Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. We give thanks that Margaret has run her race and is Home with God.

Parents, You're Gonna Want to Read This!

Pali Pres, in collaboration with Brentwood Pres, invites you to take part in "Parents Night Out" on Saturday, November 9th, from 5-8pm. Drop off your kids for a few hours while they are entertained and you have a night off to go on a date or do some early holiday planning! The location is Brentwood Presbyterian Church (12000 San Vicente Blvd) and the suggested donation is $20 per child. Scholarships are available. RSVP with Lucy Garcia by November 5th.

Youth-led Service Day at The People Concern

We have a few ADULT spots left for this student-led service project being held on November 10th from 11am to 1pm. Join us as we serve and share a meal with our neighbors in Santa Monica. A big “thank you” to our church’s Mission & Outreach Committee for providing $500 in support of this great event! Contact Lucy Garcia if you would like to join us or would like more information.

Trunk or Treat was SPOOKTACULAR!

Thank you to all of our Trunk or Treat Volunteers and Pali Pres Staff for making this Pali Pres tradition the best party in town!

Click HERE for more pictures from this fun day.

“Fall Back” This Sunday!

Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, November 3. Don’t forget to set your clocks BACK one hour before you go to bed this Saturday night!

Sip & Socialize: Temporary Date Change

The Senior Ladies Tea & Faith Fellowship will see a temporary date change in November. Instead of meeting on the second Tuesday (Nov 12th), it will be held on the third Tuesday (Nov 19th) at 1pm. Margaret Keene will be hosting as we move forward and continue this ministry which was created by Linda Grant.

Deacons of the Month

For the month of November, our Deacons of the Month are Joanna Darvish, Joan Kaczorowski and Janice Larson.

Our Deacon Board will be rotating duties each month, and if any need arises during a particular month, the Deacons of the Month will be attending to the needs of our church family.

Please feel free to contact Pastor Grace with any questions!

Join us for our Livestream Worship!

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

Our apologies for last week’s technical difficulties. Our IT staff is working diligently to resolve the issue. For this reason, last week’s service is not viewable.

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 Lore Meline & Joan Kaczorowski for last week's refreshments! This week’s goodies are brought to us by Michelle Oliver!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

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

This Sunday we will reflect on the saints in our lives, those who have died and have left a lasting and positive mark on our lives. Be sure to join us!

Give to Pali Pres

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

Upcoming Children & Youth Events

Sat, Nov 9th: Parents Night Out, 5pm-8pm

Sun, Nov 10th: Community Service Opportunity - Right after Worship Service - Youth will help serve lunch at The People Concern, 11am-1pm

Sun, Nov 24th: Middle & High School Breakfast & Bible Study 10AM Pali Pres, Little Chapel

Sun, Dec 1st: Kids Christmas Sing Along in Worship

Sun, Dec 8th: Las Posadas - Volunteer Opportunity: Sign up to be part of this wonderful Christmas pageant in either the production or the planning and executing of the festivities. More details to come 

The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

-Psalm 33: 10-12