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

September 27, 2024

Dear Pali Pres,

With all the partisanship we hear about in Washington D.C. these days, I thought I would highlight in my blog this week an example of bipartisanship among our elected officials. Exactly 63 years ago this week—September 22nd to be exact—Congress overwhelmingly voted in favor of establishing the Peace Corps. Earlier in the year, President Kennedy signed an executive order to start the new agency, but it wasn’t until the House of Representatives voted 288-97 in favor of it that the Peace Corps was formally authorized.

At first, the idea of establishing a Peace Corps faced stiff challenges and a successful vote was far from certain. However, Republican Representative Marguerite Stitt Church (Illinois 13th District) made a compelling speech before the House which persuaded many to support the bill. She said, in part, “Here is something which is aimed right, which is American, which is sacrificial — and which above all can somehow carry at the human level, to the people of the world, what they need to know; what it is to be free; what it is to have a next step and be able to take it; what it is to have something to look forward to, in an increase of human dignity and confidence.”

Since its inception, more than 240,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps and served in 142 countries. Volunteers are tasked with “development assistance” in lesser developed nations, with projects focused on health, education, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community service. To this day, the Peace Corps shows what is possible when effort, resources, and willing hearts and minds come together for a common good. As JFK once said, “Every young American who participates in the Peace Corps—who works in a foreign land—will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace.”

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matt

Congregational Meeting

THIS Sunday, Sept. 29th

The Annual Meeting of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church congregation will be held this Sunday, September 29, 2024, immediately following the 10:00am worship service. During the meeting we will hear a report from the Finance Committee to include the 2024-2025 church budget. The Terms of Call for Pastor Matt and Pastor Grace will also be presented and voted on. All PPPC members and friends are encouraged to attend (only members can vote, however).

Youth Breakfast & Bible Study

THIS Sunday, Sept. 29th

Get ready for an exciting start to the school year with our exclusive monthly event for Middle School and High School Students! Join us on the last Sunday of September, October, and November for a special time of spiritual bonding and reading scripture in the Chapel. Our first gathering is this Sunday, the 29th! Youth will enjoy delicious Noah’s Bagels breakfast sandwiches and their favorite Starbucks drink. This session will kick off right after the "Passing of the Peace" in the worship service. Save the dates and let us know if your student will be attending. Your continued love and support mean so much!

Lucy Garcia, Director of Children and Family Ministries

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

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.

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 Amy Berggreen for last week's refreshments! This week’s goodies are brought to us by Lyla Corrales!

Sunday Sanctuary Flowers

Thank you to Lillie Singh for last week’s bouquet! This week’s sanctuary flowers are the gift of Pastor Grace, in celebration of her daughter’s wedding! 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

Join us this Sunday as we hear Jesus’ response to the question “Who is the greatest?” We will also hold our annual meeting of the congregation this Sunday. Be sure to come and take part!

Give to Pali Pres

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

Upcoming Children & Youth Events

Sun, Sept 29th: Breakfast and Bible Study - 10 AM Pali Pres, Little Chapel.

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, Sept 29th: Congregational Meeting

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)

Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken.

- Micah 4:4