PBPC Announcements

PBPC Family, Thank you to everyone who submitted their Commitment Cards on Sunday in worship or via mail. If you were unable to turn yours in, you can still mail to the church (4101 Park Blvd, Oakland, Ca 94602) or email to Ginnie Daniel at accounting@pbpc.org . Thank you again for your continued support and commitment to this church - it is a blessing to see God's faithfulness expressed through all of you. As mentioned on Sunday (and in previous emails), we will be celebrating All Saints' Day this Sunday in worship. Please bring a picture, book, or item that represents someone who has shaped your Christian life, whether a friend, family member, or even biblical character. There will be a time to share a bit about these individuals during service. It is also a communion and potluck Sunday. If joining for our potluck, consider bringing a dish that is a family recipe or one that you have received from others. As we remember in worship those saints who have shaped our faith, in ou...

PBPC Family, This Sunday is Commitment Sunday, an opportunity for us to celebrate God's covenant faithfulness to us and respond with commitments of our own. As part of the service, there will be time to bring forward our pledges of time, gifts, and finances as an act of worship. If you need a commitment card, there is a link below to download one. You can also email Ginnie Daniel at accounting@pbpc.org . If you have not yet received a commitment card, we will also have them available in worship on Sunday. I look forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday! Grace and Peace, Pastor Calvin "A Better Place" Exodus 20:13-17 Calvin Sodestrom Click here to join Zoom Lectionary Readings for October 29 Project Peace: Day of Service - October 28 from 9-12pm Project Peace is hosting another Day of Service all around the Bay Area on October 28 from 9-12pm. If you'd like to register for a location, you can do so  HERE . Commitment Sunday - October 29 Join us for worship on Octobe...

PBPC Family, This last Sunday, Chris Coon preached on the fifth commandment - honoring our father and mother. He noted that this commandment serves as a transition from the first four commandments, which focus on our relationship with God, to the final five, which focus on our relationships with our neighbors. This Sunday, we are going backwards from the fifth commandment to the fourth - remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.  I truly believe this oft overlooked and misunderstood commandment is a gift for us in our busy modern lives. When I was in seminary, one of my professors, Rob Muthiah, was passionate about the wisdom and practice of the Sabbath. He invited a handful of students over to his house one evening to show us how he and his family observed the Sabbath. He's since written a book about the Sabbath , which I haven't read, but given what I learned from him as a student, I would highly recommend. In the days leading up to Sunday, I invite you to read Exodus 20:8-11 an...

PBPC Family, On Sunday, we will announce and provide Commitment Cards for Commitment Sunday on October 29. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate our God who is unconditionally committed to us by the power of the Spirit through Jesus Christ our Lord. In joyful response to God's commitment, we will make commitments of service and our finances. When you stop and think about it, it is a bit strange that we make commitments for 2024. We don't know what the future will hold. We may have grand hopes that we can serve in the children's ministry, tutor a kid at Harbor House, or give away groceries at our monthly pantry. And without warning, our hopes can be dashed with a life changing diagnosis, loss of a loved one, or family crisis. We may plan to give a certain financial amount and without warning, lose our job and income. It may seem a bit reckless to make commitments like these. When we make these commitments, they are not binding. They are intentions, hopes of what we'...

PBPC Family, This Sunday, we will explore the 3rd commandment - You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God. Growing up, I was taught that this command applied to swearing. Thus, I never said, "Oh my God!" substituting it with "Oh my gosh!" To speak God's name when I was angry was to blaspheme God. To this day, I still cringe a little when I hear someone say, "Oh my God!" or worse, "Jesus Christ!" in a moment of anger or frustration. How was this commandment taught to you? How was it been explained? On Sunday, we're going to dive in and explore what God is saying here, for this commandment is about so much more than what we say when we are angry. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday! One final note: I will be out of town September 25 - October 5. I will be back in worship on October 8 and will be back in the office on October 9 and will respond to emails then. If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Amber a...