12.14.2022 PBPC Family Bulletin

PBPC Family,

Every year during Advent, I experience a tension between the Christian and cultural celebrations of Christmas. In Christ, we receive the gift of God's presence in the baby Jesus. Culture emphasizes buying things for others. In Christ, joy is found in God's movement towards us, that God will overcome any barrier that stands between us. The cultural narrative of joy is rooted in the opening of presents, getting that "thing" we wanted, or in family time together. In Christ's birth, those you would least expect welcome him - dirty, stinky shepherds, and foreigners, outsiders. The cultural expectation is that you spend time with your family, which can sometimes leave those without immediate family isolated and alone.

I don't write these things to say that the cultural celebration of Christmas is somehow wrong or bad. Rather, these tensions heighten for me my need for Jesus. I feel the pull between my current reality and the future in-breaking of God's kingdom. I need to remind myself that, more important than "getting things right" during the Christmas season, is staying alert and attentive for Christ's coming. For me, paying attention to contrasts between historic Christian celebrations of Christmas and cultural practices keeps me alert and attentive.

What keeps you alert and attentive to Christ's coming this season? How do you avoid letting Christmas become another "same old, same old" time of year?

As we continue to wait for Christ's final coming, may God sustain us, keeping us attentive and alert.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Calvin

"God is Like a Big Rig Truck"

Isaiah 7:9-16

Pastor Calvin Sodestrom

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Lectionary Readings for December 18

Cub Scout Pack Charter Organization Rep

For over 50 years, Park Blvd Pres Church has sponsored Boy Scouts Cub Pack 271.  We would like to continue sponsoring a pack and need a new Charter Organization Representative (COR) that is a member of the church.  As COR, you would officially represent the PBPC on the pack leadership team which includes the pack leader and pack committee chair.

The leadership team meets 4 times a year.  Also, you would be responsible for required communication between the pack and the church, mainly around finances.  Due to COVID-19, there is not an operating  pack however several parents have reached out to the church to restart the pack.  The parents cannot restart Pack 271 without a COR in place.  Please contact Rory Brown at 510.205.4921 or roryebrown@gmail.com to apply and/or ask questions.

Bibles for City Team

City Team is in need of Bibles for men, women, and children, in their programs. If you have Bibles to donate, please reach out to Calvin at pastor@pbpc.org to coordinate drop off and delivery.

Food Pantry - December 14

Our next food pantry is scheduled for today, December 14 from 5-6pm. Please note the time change - we've moved it an hour earlier because of the shortening daylight. Please arrive at 4:30pm to help set up. If you'd like to help, you can register HERE.

Christmas Eve and Day Services

We will gather for worship on Christmas Eve (12/24) at 4pm and Christmas Day (12/25) at 10am. Bring a friend! If you are going to be in town for our Christmas Eve service and are willing to help in the service (reading Scripture), please contact Pastor Calvin at pastor@pbpc.org.

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