PBPC Announcements

PBPC Family, During our time of prayer on Sunday, Rory Brown mentioned that we have been in negotiations with a new tenant and asked for prayers. Things have been moving somewhat quickly and we want to keep the congregation informed of what's happening and invite you into the conversation. This Sunday, June 30 following the service (around 11:15), please join us in the Iona Room for lunch (to be provided - free of charge!) and a conversation about this potential new tenant. We will share Session's process in prayerfully discerning our future, who this new tenant is, and how this might impact PBPC, both upsides and challenges. In between now and then, I invite you to be praying for our church, for these lease negotiations, and for there to be a spirit of unity in our church with whatever happens.  As Pastor Larry preached on Sunday, my prayer is that we can hide behind Jesus in whatever comes - he is our champion, he is our hero, he is the one who fights our battles and we need ...

PBPC Family, For the last 50 years, the Lausanne Movement has brought together Christian leaders, pastors, theologians, and lay persons from around the globe to collaborate on sharing the gospel with unreached people groups and fully living out the Great Commission. The first gathering, convened by Billy Graham and held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1974 drafted a covenant that has been a guide for churches in their mission and outreach. In September, the Lausanne Movement will hold their 4th Congress in Incheon, South Korea. We recently found out that Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen, who we have been supporting the last few years through our Mission giving, will attend the Congress and is helping draft documents that will be ratified at the Congress. Grace was also recently interviewed and featured on the Lausanne Movement podcast. Check out her interview HERE . Grace and Michael will be visiting us on August 11, preaching, and providing some updates on what God has been doing in and through ...

PBPC Family, I am really enjoying reading and studying the book of Samuel with you all. We had a lively discussion on Sunday following the service, wrestling with how we are called to relate to governing bodies and political leaders and what it actually means for God to be our King. These are big questions and I don't expect us to answer them, but I'm glad we are asking them. On Sunday, we will take another big leap ahead and look at David's anointing. The lectionary completely passes over Saul to focus on David. I encourage you to read of Saul's kingship in 1 Samuel 9-15. He doesn't stop being king when David is anointed, but our text on Sunday is the beginning of the end for Saul. His story is tragic; Saul's life is marked by a consistent and abiding lack of insight, which leads to a descent into madness and fruitless grasping for power. There are lessons for us in the life of Saul, but we will have to leave those for another day and time. If you would like ex...

PBPC Family, This morning, I'm handing over this section to Asolia Zharmenova, who is giving us a recap of her last few classes at Fuller Seminary. Dear Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church, As I sit down to write this letter, I will be honest and say that I am slightly overwhelmed by the richness of new knowledge and perspectives I have gained through taking four courses at Fuller Theological Seminary. It's quite a challenge to think about how any and all of it connects, but it does! Sharing these reflections here helps solidify the thematic thread that has been woven over the past few months.  At this point in my seminary journey, I am especially curious to discover ways that the Church, as the place of hospitality, considers ways that those on the outside might be welcomed and embraced. Through taking Poverty, Wealth, and Economics in the Old Testament; Witness and Justice; Creation, Church, and Consummation; and Spiritual Formation Through the Art of the Psalms, I sense that...