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

August 16, 2024

Dear Pali Pres,

As many of you know, I was recently in Atlanta taking part in a workshop related to my Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program.  It was an important time for me to plan out my final project, which I hope to complete sometime in 2025.  I’m a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I began my DMin studies way back in 2017!  Not to make excuses, but a few things have happened in my life and in the world over the past seven years that have slowed my progress (you know, like a world-wide pandemic, having a second child, being called to a new church, selling a home and buying a home, etc.)  What was originally supposed to take 3-4 years to complete will now take closer to 8 years.  Yikes!

Reflecting on my life’s journey since 2017 has made me realize, once again, how so much of life is timing.  My plans for completing my DMin degree changed dramatically due to the normal (and abnormal) circumstances that make up life.  Some of these circumstances were well beyond my control (like the COVID-19 outbreak), while other circumstances were within my control but forced me to pick and choose how to prioritize my life (like giving more time and attention to my family when Luke was born in 2018).  

Planning, prioritizing, and working towards our goals is always a balance.  I believe God wants us to “press on towards the goal” that he has set before us (as Paul writes in Philippians 3:14), while at the same time remembering that our ways are not always God’s ways (Isaiah 55:8) and that it is God who sets the timing of all things (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  I’m still learning, as I suspect we all are, how to fully embrace and navigate this balance between “pressing on” with my plans while also “letting go” of my need to control how and when things get done.  It seems that with prayer, advice from people we trust, and plenty of practice this process of balancing gets a bit easier (though never truly easy).

May God grant all of us wisdom and patience in the ongoing balancing act that is life!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matt

Thank You to All our VBS Volunteers!

Enjoy some special moments from Vacation Bible School 2024! (Click Here)

Please save the date for the Pali Pres Church-Wide Estate Sale on Saturday, August 24th! The doors open at 8:30am!

Donations will be accepted on the following dates and times:

Sunday, 8/18: 9am - 1pm

Monday 8/19 - Friday 8/23: 10am - 4pm (except for Wednesday 8/21 until 6pm)

Welcome donations: home decor, tableware, small furnishings, seasonal decorations, clothing, gently used linens, gently used shoes, children’s items, toys, puzzles, books and outdoor/gardening equipment.

Unwelcome donations: large furniture, AV/electronics, VHS/DVDs and alcohol.

If you have any questions, please contact Catherine Nadel, Nancy Gillette, Lyla Corrales or Stephanie Hubsch.

Are you curious about the history and ministries of Pali Pres? Are you interested in learning more about our Presbyterian tradition and beliefs? If so, please join us for our Inquirers Class on Sunday, September 8th. The class will be led by Pastor Matt and Pastor Grace and held in two parts: from 8:45am-9:45am, then after church from 11:15am-12:45pm. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. The following Sunday, September 15th, those who feel led to join as new members will be welcomed during worship. Contact Pastor Matt (mhardin@palipres.org) for more information and to RSVP.

Will Saunders Out of the Office

Our Operations Manager, Will Saunders, will continue to be on leave for the next 1-2 weeks.  In his absence, for inquiries related to the church office or operations please contact Pastor Matt or Pastor Grace. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

The church office will be closed today, August 16, but volunteers will be in the office each day next week from 9am to 12pm.

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 Lynette Shishido & Shelley Wagner for last week's refreshments! This week’s goodies are brought to us by Margi & Dean St. Clair.

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!

— Pali Pres Summer Sermon Series —

Exploring the Parables of Jesus

Join us each Sunday as we delve into Jesus’ parables, discovering anew the powerful impact they are meant to have on our everyday lives.

Join us this Sunday as we explore the parable of the widow and unjust judge (Luke 18) and its lessons to us on prayer, justice, and hope.

Give to Pali Pres

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

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

-Isaiah 40:31