PBPC Announcements

PBPC Family, As we journey into Lent and spend time focusing on the cross, for those who would like to do an even deeper dive, here are two books I've been reading that have been incredibly helpful in my thinking and preaching. The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ by Fleming Rutledge.  It took Fleming Rutledge over 18 years to write this book. It is deeply thoughtful, meticulously researched, and is a comprehensive look at the power, importance, and meaning of the cross of Christ. Cruciformity: Paul's Narrative Spirituality of the Cross by Michael Gorman.  This book is not only the inspiration for our sermon series but also a thorough journey through Paul's writings and the way the cross shaped both his theological thinking and Christian living. Both these books are seminary level but well worth your time if you'd like to continue your own study. Looking forward to worshipping with you on Sunday! Grace and Peace, Pastor Calvin " The Cross of Fai...

PBPC Family, Today is the last day before the season of Lent, known as Pancake, Shrove, or Fat Tuesday. Three different names for the same day. Though they overlap, each has a unique history and connection to the beginning of Lent. Pancake Tuesday  - Traditionally, Christians have fasted from animal products during Lent. In an effort to put their eggs, milk, and butter to good use, families would make pancakes on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It was a way to prepare for Lenten fasting. Even if you are not refraining from animal products during Lent, I encourage you to make pancakes tonight as a way to prepare for Lent. Shrove Tuesday  - "Shrove" comes from the English word "shrive" which means to give absolution to someone's sins through the practice of confession. Shrove Tuesday is an invitation to take stock of your life, consider where you have fallen short of the glory of God, and confess those things. This confession is a way of preparing for Lent and c...

PBPC Family, This week, I'm taking some time away for study leave and preparing for Lent and Easter. Ashraf Jaraysa will join us in service on Sunday - it will be a gift to meet him and hear a bit of his story. Stick around after the service to see some of his olive wood wares for sale. Looking forward to worshipping with you on Sunday! Grace and Peace, Pastor Calvin " Listen To Him" Matthew 17:1-9 Calvin Sodestrom Pre-Service prayer in the Cafe from 9:30-9:45 Click here to join Livestream Lectionary Readings for February 15 Contemplative Prayer: Tuesdays from 12:30-1:00 No contemplative prayer this week - Calvin is on study leave. Food Pantry - February 11 Our next food pantry is Wednesday, February 11 from 5:00-6:00pm. Please arrive by 4:30pm to help pack bags. Palestinian Christian Ashraf Jaraysa Visiting - February 15 On February 15, Ashraf Jaraysa will visit PBPC and share his story and some of his olive wood products. Ashraf Jaraysa is a fourth-generation olive wood...

PBPC Family, On Sunday, we explored how the Lord's Prayer is saturated with Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray Scripture. As we learn to pray, Scripture gives us both the form, content, and shape for our prayers. It is also a faithful means by which we commune with God. I shared a quote from Martin Luther that provides a simple structure on how to pray Scripture. "I divide each [biblical] command into four parts, thereby fashioning a garland of four strands. That is I think of each commandment as first, instruction, which is really what it is intended to be, and consider what the Lord God demands of me so earnestly. Second, I turn it into a thanksgiving; third, a confession; and fourth, a prayer." Luther's framework can be summarized in 4 simple questions, which then shape one's prayer What does this passage teach me? How does this passage lead me to praise, awe, and thanksgiving of God? What does this passage reveal about my life th...