11.7.2023 PBPC Family Bulletin
PBPC Family,
We are nearing the end of the church calendar. The new church year, which begins with Advent, technically begins on December 3. This has the 4th Sunday of Advent landing on Christmas Eve, somewhat truncating this season. To give us a little more time to appreciate and receive the gifts of the Advent season, we will play fast and loose with the church calendar and begin Advent on November 26, the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
To help us prepare for Advent and the start of a new church year, here are a few resources and suggestions.
- If you'd like to read more about the meaning of Advent, I recommend this short book Advent: The Season of Hope by Tish Harrison Warren (the entire series is wonderful - short books on the different seasons of the church calendar). If you'd like a deeper dive, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ by Fleming Rutledge is a good resource.
- If you'd like some ideas for how to celebrate Advent and Christmas with children, Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas by Traci Smith is a great resource.
- Corpus Christi, the catholic church up the street from us, has invited us to join them for an Advent Wreath Making event on Sunday, December 3 from 9:00-9:45am. An Advent Wreath is a great way to observe Advent at home.
- Think about who you might want to invite to church or the other activities we'll have. We'll be doing an Advent Devotional on Tuesday nights, a Christmas Tree lighting on Wednesday December 6, and our Christmas Eve service. Who is someone you know that needs to hear the good news of Christ's coming to us?
I often hear the sentiment - I can't believe it's Christmas time already! Let us not be caught off guard by another Advent season but let us, even now, begin to prepare our hearts to receive Christ, our newborn King!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Calvin
"Stay Awake!"
Matthew 25:1-13
Calvin Sodestrom
Park Boulevard History Slideshow
Pastor Chris Coon sent along his slideshow from his presentation on PBPC's history. If you'd like to access it, HERE is a link to it.
Food Pantry - November 8
Our next food pantry is scheduled for November 8 from 5-6pm. Please arrive at 4:30pm to help set up. If you'd like to help, you can register HERE.
Operation Shoebox - November 12
It's that time of year again - Operation Shoebox. We have a goal of building 50 boxes, either in person or online. All information for our Shoebox collection can be found on our website at www.pbpc.org/shoebox. Physical boxes will be available for pick up on Sunday. If you have any questions, please contact Sue Grandt at 510.530.7039.
Church Work Day - November 18
Join us Saturday, November 18 from 9:00am - 2:00pm (ish) as we prepare a nursery for the babies arriving in the new year. We also have a few other projects to help tidy up the church. Lunch will be provided.
Hanging of the Greens - November 20 + 21
Help us transform the church for Advent and Christmas! Stop by the church on Monday and Tuesday - one lucky individual can place our Wise Men somewhere in our sanctuary as they journey to find the newborn King.
Harbor House Christmas Store - December 16
Harbor House is hosting their annual Christmas Store on December 16 and they need help with purchasing toys, shopping their Amazon Wish List, or serving at the Christmas Store. For more info, check out their website HERE.
PBPC Christmas Party - December 16
The holidays are fast approaching and Session just set the date for our Christmas Party - Saturday, December 16 from 6-8pm. Mark your calendars now - more information to come!