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

October 4, 2024

Dear Beloveds,

This Sunday, we celebrate a very important event for the church universal - World Communion Sunday! In recent years at our church, we have emphasized this beautiful tradition; this is truly a special day that is celebrated during worship around the world on the first Sunday of every October.

If you are new to our church and have never celebrated World Communion Sunday, I do hope that you can join us this Sunday. It captures a special moment in time when churches globally will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper together—what an amazing and profound event to share with Christians everywhere!

World Communion Sunday stands as a symbol for all of us to remember together that though there are so many things that may divide us, the love of Christ binds us together and makes us one. On this Sunday, we take the time to remember that though we come from different places, cultures and denominations, our shared faith and our trust in the living Christ transcends all these differences.

At our church on Sunday, we will have a bit of a different communion table set before us. The table will have breads from around the world; they will represent places of both poverty and richness, places of both peace and of suffering, places that speak different languages and experience contrasting cultures, and yet--- we all believe in the same risen Christ.

Whenever we come together in communion, and especially on this World Communion Sunday, we take hold of the hope that the world can have a vision of unity that is not just rooted in our human effort, but also in the saving grace of God’s love through Jesus. We celebrate God’s great mercy to us, and the Good News that calls us to love and serve one another.

Hope to see you on Sunday!

With great love for you,

Pastor Grace

Hurricane Helene Relief

Our hearts are heavy in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and the devastation it caused throughout multiple 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 has pledged $3,000 to go to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) fund 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!

To learn more about PDA’s response to Hurricane Helene, check out this video.

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.

Youth Ministry Launch

We kicked off our Brunch and Bible Study Sundays on September 29 and it was a blast. Our next gatherings will take place on October 27 and November 24 in the Little Chapel. We can't wait to see everyone for some quality bonding time, delicious brunch, and engaging discussions about the Bible.

In addition, 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.

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

An Added Blessing

We welcome a new addition to our church family, with the birth of Brendan Kim’s and Jesselyn’s new baby! Little Emmalyn was born last week and she is happy and healthy.

The Kims thank everyone for the love and prayer, and they can’t wait to introduce her to everyone!

Marti Sadowski Memorial Reception

Please join us for a reception in honor of Marti Sadowski this Sunday, October 6th, in the small chapel at 11:30am as we celebrate and remember her life.

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 27th.

Deacons of the Month

For the month of October, our Deacons of the Month are Correne Gichuru, Lore Meline and Marie Anne Helgeson.

Our Deacon Board will be rotating duties each month, and if any need arises during a particular month, the Deacons of the Month will be attending to the needs of our church family.

Please feel free to contact Pastor Grace with any questions!

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 Lyla Corrales and Hanna Fairchild for last week's refreshments! This week’s goodies are brought to us by Cynthia Block & Lynn Anderson!

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

This coming Sunday is World Communion Sunday! We will join with Christians across the nation and around the world in celebrating the unity we have in Christ. All are welcome to worship with us!

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 6th: Sunday Funday; World Communion Sunday; Reception in memory of Marti Sadowski

Tue, Oct 8th: Ladies Faith and Fellowship Tea

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

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

-1 Corinthians 11:26