PBPC Announcements

PBPC Family, This Sunday, we will begin studying the Book of Samuel, which runs from 1 Samuel all the way to the first few chapters of 1 Kings. The Book of Samuel is split into multiple books in our Bible because it was too long to fit on scrolls. You could think of 1 Samuel as the first scroll of Samuel. Samuel is unlike any other ancient literature - it is filled with fascinating characters, stirring drama, violence, sex, political intrigue, and the birth of a nation. We will not read every verse on Sunday mornings so I encourage you to read through it over the summer. If you would like some resources to aid in your reading and study of the Book of Samuel, I recommend the following: The David Story by Robert Alter. Robert Alter is a preeminent Hebrew and OT scholar and provides both a wonderful translation and commentary on the text and background. Leap Over a Wall by Eugene Peterson. In this accessible commentary, Peterson explores the "earth spirituality" that is expres...

PBPC Family, As previously announced, this Sunday we will baptize Hazel + Jesse Sodestrom and Esther Caldwell. Following the service we will have a time of fellowship with coffee and light snacks. Baptism is one of the two sacraments we observe in the Reformed Tradition, the other being Communion. Since baptism is a once in a lifetime kind of sacrament, we do not practice it as often, which adds an air of significance and impact when we do. One of the invitations during the baptismal liturgy is for each of us to remember our own baptisms; to remember the day, if we can, but more importantly, to remember that God has claimed us as God's own possession in this world. Baptism is a sign that we belong to God and that God's grace is the foundation of our existence. As we prepare for worship this Sunday, I invite you to remember your baptism. Were you baptized as an infant? As a child or young adult? Can you remember people from the church in which you were baptized? Who has played a...

PBPC Family, As I said on Sunday during the worship service, early Saturday morning, an individual climbed into our Finance Office through an unlocked window. The individual broke into a locked desk drawer and stole checks we had received in the mail for deposit and $1500 cash. They also stole a block of blank checks. We were able to quickly put a freeze on our bank account and open a new checking account - a huge thanks to Roland W. and Sue G. for opening up our new account to ensure that no unauthorized checks were cashed. We also found out that it's been two weeks since we cleared out the offering box - praise God! If you have left a check in the offering box the last few Sundays, they were not stolen. If you have any questions on whether a check you mailed or gave to PBPC was taken, you can contact Ginnie Daniel . Years ago a friend of mine introduced me to the idea of a "Generosity Tax." When we are generous, open, and welcoming to others, most people will be recepti...

PBPC Family, What a gift it was to worship together on Sunday - it was a full day! We ordained Bryan Heath as our newest elder. He made a commitment to lead us with prayer, faithfulness, humility, and love. We in turn made a commitment to pray for him and to trust his servant leadership in our community. We enjoyed a wonderful potluck and played pickleball in the gym. I love seeing our community linger with one another and enjoy fellowship. And what a joy to make space for play with one another. Kenzie has been reading a book on play and how important it is for life in community. Playing with one another deepens our connections and infuses our collective life with joy. I hope we can find more ways to play as a congregation! Looking forward to worshipping with you all on Sunday! Grace and Peace, Pastor Calvin " Testimony" 1 John 5:9-13 Calvin Sodestrom Click here to join Zoom Lectionary Readings for May 7 Pledges Please check to make sure you are up to date on your pledges. Ou...