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

October 20, 2023

Dear Pali Pres,

It seems to be happening more and more frequently—finding myself at a loss for words in response to an unfolding, tragic event in our world. The October 7 attack on Israel took place while I was on a mission trip in Mexico with very limited access to world news. It was not until I returned home, late on October 9, that I was able to catch up on all the horrific news. My heart broke as I read articles, watched videos, and saw photos of the terrorist attack. I was overwhelmed with grief as I struggled to process the brutality, hatred, and loss of life.

The situation in Israel and Gaza has only continued to escalate, and hope for a peaceful end to this conflict seems lost. Like so many people, I am frustrated, confused, sad, and angry. I struggle with wanting to do something—to say something—that, in some small way, might help make sense of things.

One thing I am certain of is that as God’s people we are encouraged to pray and communicate to God our distress and solidarity with those who are experiencing unthinkable trauma and loss. I recently discovered a prayer by the editor and publisher of the Presbyterian Outlook, Teri McDowell Ott, that has spoken to me and has helped me share with God what is on my heart right now. I offer it to you, Pali Pres family, in hopes that it will also help you share what is in your heart with the Lord as we all continue to struggle with what we are seeing and hearing.

Eternal God,

You know our history of complicated conflicts, tense polarization, and situations so politicized that we are afraid to say or pray anything. Yet we know you grieve the violence of war and condemn acts of terrorism. We know you grieve the historical suffering of Jews and Palestinians. May our prayers for peace be uttered out loud for all to hear, our prayers for diplomacy, and for difficult, yet faithful conversation to resume.

God, we groan in grief over the news of this war in Israel and Gaza. Pave a path toward peace in this age-old, tragic conflict. Protect the innocent wherever bombs of destruction fall. Be with those who are captured and the families of those who are captured. Offer a way out for those who are trapped. Awaken us to our common humanity, our common human needs, no matter the walls we build.

Amen.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matt

Trunk or Treat 2023

Let’s make this year’s Trunk or Treat just as spooktacular as 2022! All are infrighted to participate!

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered thus far! We are still in need of more trunks!

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 is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and longtime church member, Mary Hagerth. We give thanks that she is in at peace and with God. Cards may be sent to:

664 Las Lomas Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Dear PPPC Family,

I hope you have been enjoying a summer full of blessings! The PPPC chancel choir has a fun line-up of music in the upcoming weeks, including a mix of classics and modern tunes. As we approach the Advent season, we would like to expand our roster of singers for several fun projects. If you would like to join us, please contact me. Being in the choir is a wonderful way to serve the church, glorify God, and enjoy good fellowship. We have weekly Wednesday evening rehearsals from 7:30 to 9:30, and we rehearse briefly at 9:15 before service begins on Sundays.

If you have prior training and experience, that would be great. If not, I would still love to meet with you and see if we can incorporate you in some service music and hymns during rehearsals, and potentially sing in the services! We have a lovely team of professional choral staff members and volunteer singers and they can be great resources for you in terms of vocal training and sheet music reading skills.

In Christ,

Dr. Pierre Tang, Director of Music

Fallderol’s "Supper Club on Sunset" Was a Big Success!

The Fallderol Planning Committee wants to thank everyone who attended last Saturday night's dinner and auction. Much fun and camaraderie was had by all. The 4-course dinner by Chef KayC was delicious, the adult beverages were delightful, the live piano and DJ music was perfect, and the incredible decor took us back to the old Supper Club days. The auction items were so enticing that 92% of attendees bid on and won items! Bill Walker emceed our Live Auction and entertained the crowd with his humor and wit. It was a Fallderol night to remember. The money raised was double what we expected, with a portion of the proceeds going to update Janes Hall's interior.

Four of the Auction Parties still have open spots for you to attend, and a few auction items are still available. You can purchase the items or sign up for the parties on the patio on Sundays after worship for the next couple of weeks.

Gratefully,

Catherine, Staci, Nancy, and the whole Fallderol Committee

Click HERE for more photos from this enchanted evening!

Preschool News

We had such a great turn out for our pancake breakfast on Friday the 13th! The teachers arrived bright and early and made sausages, flipped pancakes, cut oranges and prepared orange juice. The children and their families enjoyed one another's company even without Fire Station 69 being with us; we knew they were helping others in need. Each classroom received a generous donation from the parents to purchase items from their wish lists for the children. Thank you to all who attended!

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 Caroline Nick for last week's refreshments! This week's goodies are brought to us by Jan Gong!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

A BIG thank you to Margi & Dean St. Clair for donating last week! This week’s flowers are brought to us by Evelyn & Geoff Moyer, in celebration of their 17th wedding anniversary.

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 Pastor Matt will continue sharing his reflections on his recent mission trip to Tijuana, specifically looking at the role comfort plays in our lives as Christians. Be sure to join us!

Pledge Update

Year to Date Actuals: $257,711.57

Year to Date Budget: $250,779

Pali Pres relies on your consistent giving to meet our regularly scheduled expenses. Thank you to everyone who is able to give!

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

Save the Dates

Sun, Oct 29: Trunk or Treat

Sun, Nov 5: Stewardship Season begins

Mon, Nov 13: Church office closed for Veterans Day

Sun, Nov 12: Sunday Funday on the Big Yard

Sun, Nov 12: Deacons Meeting

Mon, Nov 20: Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship Service

Sun, Dec 3: Congregational Meeting

For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is Christ Jesus.

-Romans 3: 23-24