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

October 25, 2024

Dear Pali Pres,

I’ve been thinking a fair bit about Halloween recently. It’s been hard not to, honestly. With all the decked-out homes around the neighborhood, the overflowing candy aisles at the grocery store, and so many Halloween themed commercials on TV, it’s kind of hard to ignore. Plus, last week was the Halloween Festival at my boys’ elementary school and this Sunday is our church’s Trunk or Treat. On top of all of that, my youngest son, Luke, has been wearing his costume around the house for the past two weeks. Needless to say, I’ve already had a fair dose of Halloween (which I heard recently is now the second most popular holiday in North America, behind only Christmas).

While I primarily enjoy Halloween for the simple things it offers—seeing little children dressed up in cute costumes, carving pumpkins with my kids, stealing the best candies from their trick-or-treat haul after they go to bed, etc.—I’m also learning to appreciate other aspects of this holiday. If just for one night, Halloween gives us such a good example of community: families and friends gathering in the spirit of playfulness and mischief, neighbors literally opening their doors in a show of hospitality, and local communities coming together in such an intergenerational, inclusive way simply for the purpose of having some plain old fun. There really is no other day quite like it.

I know Halloween is not for everyone. But beyond the reasons we might grumble about Halloween—beyond all the processed sugar and way too gory decorations, costumes, and movies (some do go way too far)—there are some real blessings to this holiday.

I hope we will all keep this in mind this coming week, and also come be a part of our Trunk or Treat this Sunday as we celebrate the spirit of community together.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matt

Trunk or Treat, Anyone?

The neighborhood favorite returns to Pali Pres! Contact Lucy Garcia if you would like to participate by decorating your trunk and giving out treats at this special event this Sunday, October 27th.

Parents Night Out - Saturday, Nov 9th

This evening is hosted in partnership with Brentwood Presbyterian Church. Drop off the kiddos for a couple of hours for an evening of fun and games. $20 per child suggested donation. Scholarships are available. Contact: Ms. Lucy Garcia.

Election Eve Worship Service: Monday, Nov 4 at 7pm

“No politics, just prayer.” That is the theme of this special worship service here at Pali Pres on the eve of Election Day. Through hymns, prayers, scripture lessons, and communion, we will remind ourselves that our identities are not rooted in political affiliations, but in our everlasting covenant with God. Together we will reaffirm our unity in Christ, whatever the election results may be. Regardless of where you stand politically, you are welcome to come and gather with other people of faith as we pray for God to guide and sustain our nation and all those who will be elected.

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.

US/CA General Election at Pali Pres

Pali Pres is a polling location for this year’s general election.

Voting equipment is occupying Janes Hall from Tuesday, October 29th to Saturday, November 9th. Janes Hall is unavailable, with the exception of the restrooms, preschool office and kitchen.

Please be prepared for an unusual influx of traffic.

We thank you for your cooperation and patience as we graciously open our church to the important needs of our community.

* Please do not confuse Pali Pres with your assigned polling location listed in your personal voting materials.

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 Jubilee Park for last week's refreshments! This week’s goodies are brought to us by Lore Meline & Joan Kaczorowski!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

Thank you Evelyn & Geoff Moyer for last week’s flowers! This week’s bouquet is the gift of Margi & Dean St. Clair, in remembrance of Margi’s sister, Vicki Bandel. 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 Sunday we will explore a commandment that many of us might think is pretty easy to keep, but in fact might just be the hardest! We hope you’ll join us!

Give to Pali Pres

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

Upcoming Children & Youth Events

Sun, Oct 27th: Middle & High School Breakfast & Bible Study 10 AM Pali Pres, Little Chapel

Sun, Oct 27th: Trunk or Treat - 4 PM

Sat, Nov 9th: Parents Night Out

Sun, Nov 10th: Community Service Opportunity - Right after Worship Service - Youth will help serve lunch at The People Concern

Sun, Nov 24th: Middle & High School Breakfast & Bible Study 10AM Pali Pres, Little Chapel

Sun, Dec 1st: Kids Christmas Sing Along in Worship

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 

Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.”

-Mark 1: 23-27