7.19.2022 PBPC Family Bulletin
PBPC Family,
Chapter 4: Our Boat, the Church
This chapter focused on the history and mystery of the church. To put it simply, "the church is a divine, even supernatural, community gathered by God to do God's work." It can often take great faith to see the church in this light, as sin and brokenness loom large. But the church does not exist because of us; it comes from Christ.
Jesus Christ is not only the author and perfecter of our faith, he also created the church. As Joan Gray writes, "Jesus gave birth to the church. He is the captain of our Sailboat. His cross is it's mast. He calls believers to live as sailors, setting sail by the Spirit and navigating the flow of God's will."
When we forget this truth, we fall short of our calling. We can slide into thinking our existence is "to serve the personal religious and social needs of [our] members." But "Scripture teaches us that the resources of Jesus, his Abba, and the Holy Spirit are available to us now as they were to the early church." Though we are separated by 2,000 years of history, there is no reason we cannot live with the same power, vibrancy, and faith as the early church!
As always, you are welcome to join our Adult Sunday School on Sundays at 9:30am in the Church Library or join via Zoom.
One final note. I will be away on vacation, this time with Kenzie and Elliana :)! We will be gone July 23-28. If you have a pastoral emergency, please call Ginnie Daniel at 925.330.7451.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Calvin
"Challenging God"
Genesis 18:20-32
Aeryn Johnson will be preaching. She is pursuing her M.Div through Fuller and is currently under care at First Pres Berkeley as an inquirer in the PC(USA).
Lectionary Readings for July 24
Love Offering for Carol Taylor Veilleux
Session has approved a Love Offering for Carol Taylor Veilleux to honor, celebrate, and thank her for 23 years of ministry at PBPC. If you would like to contribute, please write "Love Gift" in the memo line of a check or on a deposit envelope. You can drop it in the offering box at church or mail to Park Boulevard. Please do not write Carol's name on a check. All gifts must be received by July 31. Carol's last day in the office will be July 21. We will have a chance to celebrate Carol on Sunday August 7.
Pastor's Book Study
For the month of August, I want to invite any fellow theology nerds to discuss and wrestle with a book I've been reading - Awaiting the King: Reforming Public Theology by James K.A. Smith. It is an exploration of how Christians are to engage with public life and institutions, including political machinery. It leans into HOW we engage with the political rather than focusing on WHAT political beliefs we should hold. It is a dense, challenging read but I think there are ideas worth engaging. Our first meeting will be Monday, August 1 @ 7:30 via Zoom. If you'd like to join, please purchase the book and let me know you plan to participate!
National Night Out - August 2
National Night Out is an annual event meant to strengthen neighborhood unity and relationships. It is traditionally held on the first Tuesday of August, this year August 2. We've had some interest from the community and plan to host a block party. Mark your calendars and spread the word!