9.20.2022 PBPC Family Bulletin
PBPC Family,
Today's reading for our 40 Days of Prayer is the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:17-44). It is a powerful story filled with pathos and drama. In reading it this morning, I was struck by verse 44;
"The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Unbind him, and let him go.'"
Jesus miraculously heals Lazarus. It is by his word, his power, his Spirit that Lazarus walks out of the tomb. This story would not exist were it not for the life giving power of Jesus. And yet, in this final verse, those gathered around are invited into the miracle. Jesus has raised Lazarus from the dead, but the community must remove the grave clothes. Lazarus breathes again, but is still bound. Those who witnessed the miraculous are invited away from mere spectating to become active participants. They are invited to get their hands dirty, to remove the strips of cloth still binding Lazarus' limbs.
On Sunday, we were invited to lament the things that break our hearts, and that break God's heart. As we lament, we bring these things to God, knowing that God is truly the only one who can bring healing, life, and resurrection. And just as Jesus, after miraculously healing Lazarus, invites others into the process, so too God invites us to remove others' graveclothes.
My prayer for us as a church is that God would do the healing work in our midst and our broader community that only God can do. And as God heals, that God would give us eyes to see those who are still bound in garments of death, and give our hands the strength to unbind and unwrap them to new life.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Calvin
"Planting Sequoia's"
Jeremiah 31:1-3a, 6-15
Pastor Calvin Sodestrom
Lectionary Readings for September 25
Kid's Corner
On Sunday, we introduced the children to their own special blessing (with hand motions). I encourage you to use this blessing with your kids or grandkids - to bless them before bed, before school, or at any other important moments. Children love repetition - the more they hear this blessing (or others), the more it will sink into their bones.
The love of God to fill you up. (crawl fingers up body from toes to head)
The grace of Jesus to surround you. (spread arms out wide)
The friendship of the Holy Spirit to give you a great big hug. (give yourself a great big hug)
Old Hymnals
In cleaning out the Choir Room, we discovered a variety of old hymnals published between 1880 and 1930. They are beautiful and we have no need for them (we'll keep a few for the library). Before we donate them, if you would like to browse through them and take some home, you may come by the church Monday-Thursday 9-2:30 or come on Sunday and I will put them out. If you have ideas of what we can do with them, feel free to email me at pastor@pbpc.org.
September 29 - E Waste Collection
Do you have E-Waste that needs to be recycled? PBPC has a few items for recycling and has scheduled a pick up for Thursday, September 29 at 9am. You can either drop off your items in the church office (before Sept 29) or in the church parking lot (on Sept 29 by 9am). CLICK HERE for a list of items accepted for recycling.
C.S. Lewis Class at Montclair Presbyterian Church
C.S. Lewis: Wisdom in Time of Crisis
Greg Cootsona, PhD
Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20
7:00 to 8:00 pm via Zoom
C. S. Lewis (1898–1963) remains one of today's most popular Christian authors almost sixty years after his death. One reason is that he guides us as readers through our struggles with his wise and winsome words. Why? Because he faced major crises in life (such as two world wars, the Great Depression, and the death of his wife) and found resolution and profound joy through his faith in Christ. In this three-week class, we will look at Lewis's writing and discover why he still speaks in the crises we face today.
Dr. Cootsona is an ordained Presbyterian minister and teaches religion, humanities and philosophy at California State University, Chico. He is the author of C. S. Lewis and the Crisis of a Christian. There is no charge for the class. To register for the class email allenMPC2020@gmail.com
Memorial Service for John Annee - Oct. 15 @ 10am
We will have a service of witness to the resurrection and celebration of life for John Annee on Saturday October 15 at 10am at Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow. Please mark your calendars and if you are able to help with the reception, send an email to me at pastor@pbpc.org
"Day of Discernment" - Saturday, November 12
Mark your calendars for Saturday November 12 (time frame TBD). Following our 40 Days of Prayer, we will have a day to collectively discern God's leading for our future. This will be an important step in