4.12.2023 PBPC Family Bulletin

PBPC Family,

I don't know about you but I am still basking in the joy of our Easter Sunday worship. It was a gift to gather with you all, to join together as a body of believers and proclaim the earth shattering, life-changing, too-good-to-be-true truth that Jesus is risen! Death has been defeated! The grave has been swallowed up! Sin no longer has a hold on us or this world! Christ is risen! Alleluia!

The good news of Christ's resurrection is that it answers fundamental questions about this world and humanity. Is this life all there is? Is there more? Is death the end? Does God love and care for humanity? What do we make of the pain, suffering, and evil that persists? In his resurrection, Christ unequivocally answers these questions. There is more than just this life. Death is not the end. God's love is the first and final word for humanity. God will redeem, renew, and restore all things!

But Jesus' resurrection, while providing answers, also opens up a whole new set of questions. How then shall we live? What does this mean for our lives as individuals? As a community? As a world?

These, and more, are the questions the early disciples and apostles were wrestling through and asking. Many of the letters written by Paul, Peter, John, and others were written to help early church communities live in light of the resurrection of Jesus.

For the next 6 weeks, we will spend time in Sunday mornings in 1 Peter. I invite you to set aside some time this week (and the following weeks) to read through the letter in its entirety. I am hopeful that as we learn from Peter, we may get a glimpse into what it looks like to follow Jesus in his resurrection parade!

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Calvin

"Good News for Misfits"

1 Peter 1:1-9

Pastor Calvin Sodestrom

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Lectionary Readings for April 16

Easter Offering: Turkey Earthquake Relief
This Sunday is the last day to give to our Easter Offering, which goes towards relief resources for those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Please write "Easter Offering" on your check or deposit slip.

Food Pantry: April 12 from 5-6pm
Our next food pantry is scheduled for today, April 12 from 5-6pm. Please arrive at 4:30pm to help set up. If you'd like to help, you can register HERE.

Congregational Meeting: April 22 from 10-12pm
On Saturday April 22 from 10am-12pm, we will gather in the Church Cafe to finalize our congregational discernment in the process to call a permanent pastor. At our Day of Discernment in November, we clarified our identity and sense of direction. This meeting will focus on the type of pastoral leadership needed to lead PBPC. All are welcome.

New Members Class: April 23
On April 23 from 12-3pm we will have a class for anyone interested in becoming a member of PBPC. Lunch will be provided. If interested in attending, please email Pastor Calvin at pastor@pbpc.org.

Mary Nguyen Senior Recital - April 30
Mary Nguyen will have her Senior Recital on Sunday April 30 at 3:00pm at Oaktown Jazz (55 Washington Street, Oakland). Tickets are free and Mary is also raising funds for RIP Medical Debt - an organization that purchases and clears people's medical debt. If you'd like to donate to Mary's campaign, click HERE.

Genesis Study: April 30 @ 6pm
Join us for our next installment of the Genesis Study on Sunday April 30 at 6pm. We will meet in the Library like last time. If you'd like to receive questions and/or more information about the study, please email Kristina Kvalnes at kvalnesk.62@gmail.com.

GREETER SCHEDULE

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