2.7.2023 PBPC Family Bulletin
PBPC Family,
At the annual meeting two weeks ago, Session named one of our priorities for this year is to deepen our understanding and practice of prayer as a congregation. To that end, I will use this weekly newsletter with thoughts, quotes, articles, and any other resources to help us live a more prayerful life.
This morning on my drive into work, I was listening to first hand accounts of those who have survived the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. It was heart wrenching to hear stories of people who have lost friends and family. It was also powerful to hear how these same people are doing all they can (in harshly cold conditions) to rescue others. Hearing these first hand accounts helps me to pray with specificity and deepens my compassion for those impacted. I invite you to pray with me for those impacted by the earthquakes, those working to rescue people from the rubble, and those who are providing aid and resources to people in crisis.
Here's a link to the podcast. If you would like to give in support of the rescue and aid efforts, the PC(USA) has a disaster assistance fund. You can make a donation HERE. If you don't know what to pray, here is a beautiful Liturgy for a National Tragedy by Doug McKelvey
On a personal note: I will be away on study leave February 13-16 and then on vacation February 17-21. If there's a pastoral emergency, please contact Amber at amber@pbpc.org.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Calvin
"Jesus Ups the Ante"
Matthew 5:21-26
Pastor Calvin Sodestrom
Lectionary Readings for February 12
Food Pantry - February 8
Our next food pantry is scheduled for today, February 8 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.
Worship Director Office Clean Out
Plans are in motion to clean out the Worship Director's office and convert it into rentable office space. Here are a few items on our to-do list.
- If there is anything in the office that you would like to keep, please come lay claim to it by February 21.
- We will be paring down and moving our mailboxes. If you would like to continue to have a mailbox, please email Amber at amber@pbpc.org
- Help us out! If you'd like to help us clean and sort items, contact Amber at the above email and she will be coordinating work days.
Ash Wednesday - February 22
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 22 at 7pm. We will have an Ash Wednesday service to begin our observance of the lenten season.
Lenten Activities
During Lent, we will have opportunities for deepened study, ecumenical fellowship and practicing spiritual disciplines.
- Lenten Book Study - We will read Hope: A User's Manual by MaryAnn McKibben Dana. Time and location still TBD. If you'd like to purchase the book in preparation, you can use the link above or pick up a copy at church.
- Churches Have Left Their Buildings: Each Wednesday in March from 7-8pm, we will gather with other churches for a time of prayer, education, fellowship, and food. More information to come.