7.26.2022 PBPC Family Bulletin
PBPC Family
Chapter 5: The Church's Mission (from Sailboat Church)
All churches, whether large or small, "has a part to play in God's work for the sake of the world." With that in mind, it is important for each individual church to "discern how God wants to partner with it and then work with God to carry out that call." It's both that simple and that difficult.
In this chapter, the author provides a few avenues for congregations to consider as they prayerfully discern God's call.
- Proclaim the Good News. "Church is the place where good news is preserved, celebrated, taught, preached, and broadcast to all the world."
- Demonstrate God's Reign. "An important part of the purpose of the church is to be a place where people can experience something of God's reign in the world right now. Our way of life demonstrates God's intention for humanity and for the future of the world."
- Invite People into Relationship with God. "Jesus came to invite all people into a new way of being with God. It is the unique function of the church to point to Jesus Christ as the savior of the world and invite people into relationship with him."
- Engage in Loving Service. "Jesus spent much of his time caring for the needs of others. Faithful disciples of Jesus will not ignore the needs of people around them."
- Offer Prophetic Witness. "As prophets of old sought to speak the word of God to the evils of their day, so is God's church today called to speak God's word to the evils that confront us."
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 am currently away on vacation, this time with Kenzie and Elliana :)! We will be gone through July 28. If you have a pastoral emergency, please call Ginnie Daniel at 925.330.7451.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Calvin
"Jesus and the Successful Hedge Fund Manager"
Luke 12:13-21
Pastor Calvin Sodestrom
Lectionary Readings for July 31
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!