PBPC Announcements

PBPC Family, This Sunday, October 30, is our Commitment Sunday. As I've been preparing for this worship service, and particularly, the sermon, I came across some words by G.K. Chesterton that are especially apt. In speaking of vows, or commitments, he notes that in his day and age (written around 1904) there was a revolt against vows of any kind. Of those revolting against vows, Chesterton writes, "They have invented a phrase, a phrase that is a black and white contradiction in two words - 'free-love' - as if a lover ever had been, or ever could be, free. It is the nature of love to bind itself..." Chesterton's words have animated me as I prepare for worship on Sunday. At times, "commitment" seems like a four letter word, one to be avoided if at all possible. Is it really wise to commit ourselves to something, or even worse, someone, when we don't know what the future holds? Love responds with a resounding yes, for love is stronger than any unkn...

PBPC Family, On Sunday, we launched this year's Stewardship Drive. If you were not at church on Sunday and did not receive a Commitment Card, a letter will arrive in your mail by the end of this week. If you don't receive something by then, please send an email to pastor@pbpc.org or accounting@pbpc.org . This year, we are adding a new component to our Stewardship Drive. On top of asking for financial pledges, we are also inviting you to commit to ways you would like to serve, either within or outside the walls of PBPC. There are numerous ways many of you are already serving and for that we are deeply grateful. This church would not exist without each of your gifts, talents, and time. We also know that some of you may like to serve in different capacities or would like to step into service for the first time. This section of the Commitment Card is an opportunity for you to share with us how you'd like to be more deeply involved at PBPC and God's ministry through us in...

PBPC Family, Yesterday we officially completed our 40 Days of Prayer. I pray that this has been a meaningful season of prayer, worship, and growing more into Christ-likeness. In the past, when I've finished a book or devotional, I often think, "What do I do now?" If you would like to continue practicing daily prayer but aren't sure what to do, here are a few resources (books, websites, podcasts, and apps) that might be helpful. Books Seeking God's Face - Simple structure for daily prayer. Can also be accessed via their website. The Divine Hours - Three book series with morning, noon, evening, and bedtime Scripture readings and prayers. Be Thou My Vision - Daily liturgies structured like a Sunday morning worship service. Every Moment Holy - Beautiful book with prayers for morning, noon, and evening as well as liturgies and prayers for various moments or occasions. The Daily Prayer Project - this is a quarterly publication with printed and digital booklets. Co...

PBPC Family, We are in the final stretch of our 40 Days of prayer. I do hope you will continue to set aside time each day for prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation, knowing that the goal of these practices is to deepen our connection to God. Honest confession; I've always had a bit of a love/hate relationship with devotions. When I have developed a rhythm for daily prayer, my awareness of God's presence is heightened. I feel more connected to God and it really is life giving. On the other hand, if I fail to stay disciplined in my times of prayer, I beat myself up. My faith begins to rise and fall with the practice of my devotions. When I am consistent in prayer, my faith is strong. When I sleep in more often than waking up to read Scripture, my faith is weak. Soon, my relationship with Jesus is entirely based on how well I'm practicing my quiet time. At this point, I'm no longer actually trusting in Jesus. My faith is in my faith (if that makes sense). May we rem...