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

August 11, 2023

Dear Pali Pres Community,

I know it is a cliché, but as I reflect on this week of Vacation Bible School (VBS) I can’t help but think, “it takes a village.” With 35 children—ten of them just showing up without notice on Monday morning!—it took a village of Pali Pres volunteers and staff to pull off a fun and Spirit-filled week.

The theme was Hero Hotline based on Romans 14:9—"So let’s strive together for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up." Children played the role of heroes (complete with capes and masks, of course) who sprang into action and explored the ultimate Hero Handbook (the Bible) to discover how we can all follow the examples set by our biblical heroes. Through music, drama and storytelling, games, arts and crafts, and even snacks, they learned how to answer God’s call at church, at home, and every area of their lives.

The “village” that helped make all this happen was led by our wonderful Children and Family Ministries (CFM) Director, Lucy Garcia and the CFM Committee. Along with dozens of church members (too many to name here!), and friends of church members, and friends-of-friends of church members (!), we also had volunteers from our preschool including some awesome youth counselors who are children of our preschool teachers! Add to that list our own Will Saunders (in the starring role of Super Meer, the puppet) and Enrique Portillo and Dennis Moran and, as you can see, we truly had a small village helping out this past week!

I want to thank anyone who contributed in ANY way, including providing snacks, helping with tech/audio, assisting with crafts and games, and all the little things like photocopying and brewing coffee. It all made a difference! As the children learned, ALL of us are called to strive together for the things that bring peace and build each other up. I was so glad to witness that verse in action this week and am so happy for our children and Pali Pres family.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matt (also known as Ned, the Hero Hotline auditor sent over by corporate to “check” on things this week)

Thank you, VBS Volunteers!

We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all of our VBS volunteers, helpers and donors. VBS would not be possible with out you! We had an amazing week and we would like to share some of the special moments with you in the photos below.

-Lucy and the CFM Committee

See more VBS photos HERE

“Stories of Forgiveness and Hope”

Adult Ed Opportunity—August 20 after worship

Join us for a special presentation by guest speaker, Kevin Chaplin, on August 20th after worship. Kevin is visiting LA from South Africa, where he leads two non-profit organizations (the South African Ubuntu Foundation and the Amy Foundation) which help develop and empower young people from challenged and vulnerable communities. This presentation will offer an inspiring glimpse into what God is doing in South Africa through the power of prayer, faith, forgiveness. Please join us in Janes Hall starting at 11:30 to meet Kevin, hear his personal story of following God’s call on his life (after working for 26 years as a banker!), and learn more about the organizations he is a part of.

Fallderol is Coming!

Our annual church fundraiser, Fallderol, will be here before you know it. We are looking for volunteers to join the fun in planning and organizing! If you are willing to help, email Nancy Gillette or just come to the next planning meeting on Wednesday, August 23 @ 5:30p at Pali Pres. We’ll gather in the Library.

Event Co-chairs: Nancy Gillette, Staci Mitchel and Catherine Nadel

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 Pat & Bill Moran for last week's refreshments! This week's goodies are brought to us by Marie-Anne & Norm Helgeson!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

A BIG thank you to George & Sharon Browning for donating last week! This week’s flowers are brought to us by Pastor Matt & Mary, in celebration of Luke’s first day at elementary school and in prayer for all LAUSD students (and teachers!) who return to school on Monday!

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 at will@palipres.org 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 explore one of the more obscure passages from the Old Testament (2 Kings 6—Elisha and the Aramean attack) and one of the more well-known passages from the New testament (Luke 12—Jesus’ teachings on worry). What common message do they have for us and our walk with the Lord? Join us in worship as we learn together!

Give to Pali Pres

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

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others fall by what you eat.

-Romans 14: 19-20