10.4.2022 PBPC Family Bulletin
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 remember this truth:
whether we prayed this morning or didn't,
whether we've kept up with these 40 days of prayer, or have done 6 in one day so we don't fall behind (me!),
whether we even participated in the 40 days of prayer or not,
Jesus is our goal. It is him we pursue!
Let us continue to remain connected to Jesus, knowing that in him we find truth, life, and a way into a bright new future.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Calvin
"In Oakland as it is in Heaven"
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Pastor Calvin Sodestrom
Lectionary Readings for October 6
Financial Statements
Financial statements were recently sent to all those who give via check, cash, Venmo, and Zelle. If you did not receive your financial statement, please email Ginnie at accounting@pbpc.org
C.S. Lewis Class @ 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
Food Pantry
Our next food pantry is scheduled for October 12 from 6-7pm. Please arrive at 5:30pm to help set up. If you'd like to help, you can register HERE.
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.
We are in need of light brunch finger foods (pastries, fruit, cookies, sandwiches) for the reception. If you are willing to provide a dish for a dozen people, please email Calvin at pastor@pbpc.org. All food donations must be dropped off at the church no later than Oct 15 at 9:00am
Choir
We are launching an ensemble choir at PBPC! The first offertory song will be sung on November 6. Please reach out to Mary (marynguyen51001@gmail.com) by October 23 if you'd like to participate.
Project Peace Day of Service - November 5
The next Day of Service is scheduled for November 5. Mark your calendars. I'll send the link for sign ups when they become available on their website.
"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 calling a pastor.