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

October 11, 2024

Dear Pali Pres,

You are reading this blog on Friday, October 11, but I am writing it on the morning of Monday, October 7, the first anniversary of the attacks on Israel. The horrors of what took place one year ago—along with the subsequent conflicts between Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran and the many innocent lives lost and impacted by these conflicts—are almost too painful to adequately and appropriately capture in words.

When the events of October 7, 2023, unfolded I was on a mission trip in Tijuana, Mexico with other members of our church and Brentwood Presbyterian Church. We were in the middle of constructing a home for a single mother and her two sons through AMOR Ministries. Our entire focus—mind, body, and soul—was on getting that home completed and dedicating it to that needy family. None of us had much time (or energy) to check our phones or read about world events. Even so, news of some type of attack on Israel had reached us at our somewhat remote work site. However, none of us knew at the time how serious the attack was. It was not until days later, when I had time to read the news and watch video footage, that I began to wrap my mind and heart around all that happened. In a sense, I feel like I am still playing catch-up one year later… I’m still trying to understand how such atrocities could be committed and am still processing the emotional, political, and humanitarian ramifications.

The ongoing politics of this topic are complicated and, for many, very emotional. I don’t want to wade into those waters. I simply want to share with you my deep sadness, confusion, and anger over the events of last October 7 and all the death, hate, and pain that has transpired since then. Perhaps I should say more, but I just don’t have the right words. Part of me simply wants to conclude this blog with a fitting verse from Lamentations or Job. But in my reflection today, I came across a poem by Rabbi James Goodman entitled “We Heal with Mercy.” And while I believe it was written before the attack on October 7, I can’t help but find some comfort in its verses—both in what Rabbi Goodman is able to articulate and what he is not. I share it with you along with my continued prayers for understanding and peace.

Pastor Matt

The Passing of Linda Grant

It is with a sad heart that we share the news that our long-time member, Linda Grant, passed away at her home on Tuesday, October 8th. Linda was a faithful Deacon and a beloved friend to many in our church. Her death is an enormous loss to our congregation.

Please hold Linda’s family and friends in your prayers as they grieve her passing. A memorial and reception will be held at Pali Pres on Sunday, October 20th at 2pm.

Hurricane Relief

Our hearts are heavy in the aftermath of the two major hurricanes and the devastation they have caused in Florida and other states in the Southeastern U.S. Hundreds of people have been killed and injured, entire communities have been torn apart, and damages are estimated to be in billions of dollars. Those impacted are in dire need of our prayers and support.

Pali Pres is collecting funds to go to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) to help with relief efforts. PDA is working with local presbyteries and agencies to get aid to those who need it most. If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please send a check to the church office with “PDA” in the memo line or give online through our church website.

Your gifts and prayers truly make a difference!

Interested Parties Meeting

We're hosting the Youth Ministry Interested Parties Meeting Part 2 on Sunday, October 13 in the Youth Room right after church. Whether you've been involved from the start or are just curious to learn more, everyone is welcome to join us and get involved in our growing Youth Ministry.

Now Hiring—Sunday School Teachers!

Pali Pres is looking for Sunday School Teachers to work with our growing Children and Pre-teen Programs (two hours on Sunday mornings, with the opportunity to work more hours on special event days). This PAID position is meant to offer opportunities for growth as the group grows. We want our youngsters to have biblically based instruction, teaching them the love of Christ and the wonder of God’s universe!

If you’re interested, or know someone who might be, please contact Lucy Garcia, Director of Children & Family Ministries.

Meet our New Tenor Section Leader - Alex Miller

Alex is a tenor originally hailing from Chicago. He began his classical music studies in high school at Butler University with Steven Richards, a founding member of Chanticleer. College brought him to Mountview Academy of the Arts in London, England, where he received a BA in music and theater. Upon moving to Los Angeles he appeared in several commercials and TV shows including Desperate Housewives, Scare Tactics, Victorious and Pushing Daisies. A veteran of the choral scene in LA for 20 years, he has been a section leader and guest singer at numerous churches throughout the city.

Welcome to the Pali Pres family, Alex!

The Search Has Begun!

The search for the next Pali Pres Preschool (PPP) Director has begun. We are grateful and fortunate to have the interim leadership of Lynda Park, who previously served as the school's Assistant Director, and our teachers who lovingly care for our children.

The charge for the search committee is "to find and recommend a candidate for PPP director who will lead PPPC's preschool ministry, working to meet the educational, enrichment, and care needs of our community families." The committee members are:

Cynthia Block; Preschool Elder and National Board Certified teacher/educator; Sharon Browning; Management/leadership consultant. Expertise in strategic planning and organizational change. Caroline Nick; Children and Family Ministries Elder, parent of former PPP student, and active community member. Vidda Brough; Educator/teacher, school principal, Personnel Committee member, and long time church member; Pastor Matt; Head of Staff and parent of two former PPP student.

The committee will be meeting regularly and your prayers are appreciated for the right person to respond to our call. Any Search Committee member can be reached at directorsearch@palipres.org and welcomes your feedback and recommendations for qualified candidates.

We will be meeting in the Pali Pres parking lot at 7 PM to carpool.

Please RSVP to Lucy Garcia so we know how many are in your party. Register HERE

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 Sunday, October 27th.

The Pastor’s Garden

Thank you to Jerry & Joan Kaczorowski and Nina & David Kidd for completely reimagining and refurbishing the garden area behind Pastor Matt’s office! Not only is it beautiful, but now Pastor Matt can actually utilize his rear door!

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 Cynthia Block & Lynn Anderson for last week's refreshments! This week’s goodies are brought to us by Jan Gong!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

Thank you to Pastor Grace for last week’s bouquet! 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

For the past couple weeks we have been talking about the church universal and what it means to belong to the body of Christ. Please join us this Sunday as we continue to explore the meaning of community.

Give to Pali Pres

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

Upcoming Children & Youth Events

Fri, Oct 18th: Bowling Night  - 7 PM to 10 PM - Bowlero in Mar Vista. Youth will meet up with Middle School and High School students from churches in the Pacific Presbytery to have a night of bowling, snacks, and fun. ($25 per student includes, a ticket to bowl, arcade card, and snacks.)

Sun, Oct 20th: Preteens Starbucks Sunday

Sun, Oct 27th: Breakfast and Bible Study - 10 AM Pali Pres, Little Chapel.

Sun, Oct 27th: Trunk or Treat - 2 PM - Volunteer Opportunity: Decorate the Youth Room and help host this yearly tradition at Pali Pres.

Sun, Nov 10th: Community Service Opportunity - Right after Worship Service - Youth will help serve our community at a destination to be determined.

Sun, Nov 17th: Preteens Starbucks Sunday

Sun, Nov 24th: Breakfast and Bible Study -10AM Pali Pres, Little Chapel.

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. 

Save the Dates

Sun, Oct 13th: Youth Interested Parties Meeting (after worship)

Tue, Oct 15th: Session Meeting

Sun, Oct 20th: Linda Grant Memorial and Reception

Sat, Nov 2nd - Tue, Nov 5th: US/CA General Election at Pali Pres (voting equipment will be occupying Janes Hall between Oct 29th and Nov 9th)

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built.”

-Luke 6: 46-48