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

September 8, 2023

Dear Beloveds,

I want to share with you something wonderful that happened this past Sunday. A small group of us—Pastor Matt and his family, Ms. Lucy and her son Andrew, the Nicks, the Iancconnes and myself—went across town to visit Immanuel Presbyterian Church, in the heart of Los Angeles. This church holds a special place in my heart in that this was the church in which I grew up. I was baptized, confirmed, spent all my childhood and youth there, and Charlie and I were married there! My father served for many years at Immanuel, not only as an elder, but also as the sound engineer on every Sunday morning. His special ministry was making sure that the pastor had a fresh glass of water at the pulpit each Sunday morning for their sermon. I had tears in my eyes as we toured the church campus and when I was back in her grand, beautiful sanctuary.

What was truly special was the reason why we went: Immanuel is hosting two families who escaped their countries, Honduras and Venezuela, as asylum seekers, and they are being hosted and cared for by Immanuel until they can get on their feet and start their new lives. They were asylum seekers and have been interviewed and cleared by ICE and Border Patrol. They were political refugees, fleeing violent situations and went through proper channels to receive help here in the States. They have been so grateful for the love and help that has been shown them.

With our session’s blessing, we took over a simple but tasty lunch of fried chicken (a la Ralph’s market!) and broke bread together with these families, Pastor Andy Schwiebert, and Elder Debbie of Immanuel as they shared their stories of survival and their journey to Los Angeles. We were amazed at their bravery, tenacity, and hope in what God was doing for them, and we witnessed their strong faith that God will continue to work miracles in their lives.

We were so grateful for the time that we had together, to learn and to pray for these families, and especially to pray for Immanuel Presbyterian as they so faithfully live out their calling as a Matthew 25 church— a church that has committed to helping others in living out the scripture where Jesus says, “what you have done for the least of these, you have done for ME.”

With great love for you,

Pastor Grace

You’re invited to Supper Club on Sunset, our annual Pali Pres fundraiser! The festivities will take place Saturday, October 14 at 5:30pm in Janes Hall where guests will be transported back to the golden days of the Rainbow Room and Copacabana, enjoying drinks, dinner, and live music all while taking part in our silent and live auctions. Want to help? We are looking for donations such vacation home stays, restaurant/retail gift certificates, themed gift baskets (food or game-night, be creative!). One of Pali Pres’ most popular auction items – hosted parties where volunteers host a game/move night or themed dinner. Stop by the Supper Club on Sunset information table after church to RSVP, pick up a donation form, or for more information!

RSVP HERE

PAY HERE

Download your Auction Item Donation Form HERE

Download your Hosted Party Donation Form HERE

A Message from Music Director, Dr. Pierre Tang

Dear Pali Pres Family,

I hope you have been enjoying a summer full of blessings! The Pali Pres chancel choir returns this Sunday! If you would like to join us, please contact me at pierre@palipres.org. Being in the choir is a wonderful way to serve the church, glorify God, and enjoy good fellowship.

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 and volunteer singers and they can be great resources for you.

In Christ,

Pierre

Maui Disaster Relief

A big “thank you” to everyone who so generously gave to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) fund to support those recovering from recent wildfires in Hawaii. As a church we raised nearly $4,000, which will be sent directly to PDA to provide both immediate and long-term aid. Let us all continue to keep the people of Hawaii in our prayers.

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 Margi & Dean St. Clair for last week's refreshments! This week's goodies are brought to us by Lillie Singh!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

This week’s flowers are brought to us by Sharon & George Browning, with prayers for peace in our world and hearts!

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

Have you ever taken a close look at our church’s mission statement? Do you know in what we believe? Join us on Sunday so we can learn together! 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

Sun, Sept 10: New Members Class, Before & After Worship

Sun, Sept 17: Fall Kickoff, After Worship

Sun, Sept 24: Estate Planning Seminar, 11:30am

Sat, Sept 30: Adult Education, “Embodying Resilience: How Our Bodies Help us Thrive”, 9am

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

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

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

-Proverbs 14:23