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

October 6, 2023

Dear Pali Pres,

As I shared in one of my blogs from August, Pali Pres is partnering with Brentwood Presbyterian Church (BPC) to take part in a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Time has certainly flown because that trip is this weekend! As you read this blog, I am making my way to the California/Mexico border to take part in constructing homes for less fortunate families through Amor ministries. I am joined by two PPPC church members—Correne Gichuru and Charlie Ellis. We will stay in San Diego overnight on Friday (tonight) before meeting up with 26 participants from BPC in the wee hours of Saturday morning. Together we will cross into Mexico and get right to work! In a matter of just three days, our two churches will team up to construct a shelter for family in the Tijuana area and, in the process, will also grow personally and spiritually.

Having participated in multiple mission experiences over the years (in South Africa, the Philippines, the Appalachia Mountains of West Virginia, to name a few), I am truly excited to see what God will do through this trip. If it is anything like my previous experiences, our time in Tijuana will be just as rewarding for us as it will be for the family we are building a home for. The Holy Spirit has a wonderful way of blessing those who give of themselves in the name of Christ. As Jesus says in Luke 6:38, “Give and it shall be given to you” or “Give and you shall receive.” It’s remarkable how true this is! When we genuinely give of ourselves—be it on a mission trip or through simple, every day acts of kindness—we so often receive many blessings in return. There is a real feeling of joy, gratitude, and contentment in our heart when we give out of compassion and goodwill.

As you hold me, Correne, Charlie, and all the folks from BPC in your prayers this weekend, I also encourage you to think of ways God is calling you to serve. The Lord gives each of us opportunities, every day, to give of ourselves in the name of Christ and receive immeasurable blessings in return.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Matt

Embodying Resilience

We shared a wonderful morning of learning and discovery this past Saturday, as our church joined together with Fuller Seminary to present a seminar on how we can daily keep our bodies and souls healthy and resilient. If you are interested in seeing the PowerPoint slideshow that was shared by Dr. Cynthia Erickson, Dean of the School of Psychology and her doctoral student, Lauren Van Vranken, please click this link.

Trunk Or Treat Volunteers Needed

Trunk Or Treat Anyone?

The neighborhood favorite returns this fall to Pali Pres!

Contact Lucy Garcia if you would like to participate by decorating your trunk and giving out treats at this special event on October 29. lucy@palipres.org

It’s Nominating Season at Pali Pres!

The work of the Pali Pres Nominating Committee is underway, as we seek to discern those whom God is calling to serve our congregation as a Deacon, Elder, or member of the 2024 Nominating Committee. Your input is vital to our prayers and work. Beginning today, you will find a Nomination Form in this newsletter, in the church office, and in the narthex. Utilize this form to nominate one or more persons to any of these leadership roles or, should you feel an inner call to serve our congregation yourself, we truly welcome self-nominations. Copies of the job responsibilities of each of these positions will also be available in the church office and in the narthex. If you are not ready to be an officer but have an interest in serving on any of the committees of the church or just learning more about them, you will be able to indicate that as well.

If you have any questions, please contact any member of the Nominating Committee or email us at nominating@palipres.org.

Cynthia Block, co-chair, Tom Keene, co-chair, Courtney Caverly, Linda Grant, Tove Hoch, Jerry Kaczorowski, Dean St. Clair  

Scan or click the QR code below to access the survey!

It’s not too late to reserve your spot for Supper Club on Sunset! You will not want to miss this special evening of delicious food (courtesy of caterer to the stars, KayC Johnson), wonderful company, and amazing LIVE music – all for a great cause. Auction highlights include: 3-night stay at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, your very own reserved parking spot on Pali Pres campus, small dining experience with Pastor Matt and Mary and Pastor Grace and Charlie and so much MORE. You won’t want to miss out on signing up for our many popular “Hosted Party” events – attendees get first pick.

Make sure to reserve your spot today!

RSVP HERE

PAY HERE

Download your Auction Item Donation Form HERE

Download your Hosted Party Donation Form HERE

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 Linda Grant & Lore Meline for last week's refreshments! This week's goodies are brought to us by Cynthia Block & Lynn Anderson!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

This week’s flowers are brought to us by Nina and David Kidd, in loving memory of Dorothy & Milton Kidd and Emily & Alfred Menzies.

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

What is your greatest fear? Let’s explore together on Sunday our divine call to live outside of our comfort zones! Hope to see you there!

Give to Pali Pres

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

Save the Dates

Sat, Oct 7 - Mon, Oct 9: Mission Trip to Tijuana

Sun, Oct 8: Deacons Meeting, after worship

Sun, Oct 8: Sunday Funday, after worship

Sat, Oct 14: Fallderol Fundraising Auction, 5:30pm

Tue, Oct 17: Session Meeting

Sun, Oct 29: Trunk or Treat

The fear of others lays a snare, but one who trusts in the LORD is secure.

-Proverbs 29: 25