2.10.2026 PBPC Family Bulletin
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
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 artisan from Beit Sahour, near Bethlehem. He is staying with Ginnie and David, who will host a gathering at their house in Moraga (email me for the address) on Saturday February 7 from 2:00-5:00pm - this will be an opportunity to get to know Ashraf and purchase some of his wares.
Ash Wednesday - February 18
Park Boulevard will not be hosting an Ash Wednesday service this year (it falls during President's Day Break and we'll be in the snow with the kids). If you would like to receive ashes or attend an Ash Wednesday service, the following local churches are hosting opportunities for worship.
- Tapestry Church hosts a morning service. 7:30am at 2744 E. 11th Street, Oakland.
- Oakland City Church offers the imposition of ashes at noon at their church (2735 Macarthur Blvd).
- New Hope Covenant Church has an evening service from 7:00-8:00pm at 1940 23rd Avenue. Please RSVP with the above link.
Fred James Memorial Service - February 21
Fred James, a longtime friend of PBPC, passed away on December 31, 2025. A service to remember and celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 2:00pm at Creekside Community Church (951 Macarthur Boulevard, San Leandro).
Lenten Book Study - Slow Theology
During Lent, we will read Slow Theology: Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World and will discuss during our sermon discussion time following Sunday service. You can pick up books in the Narthex ($15 each). Below is the reading and discussion schedule.
February 22 - Introduction + Chapter 1
March 1 - No Discussion - Potluck Sunday
March 8 - Chapters 2 + 3
March 15 - Chapter 4
March 22 - Chapter 5
March 29 - Chapter 6
April 5 - Easter Sunday
April 12 - No Group - Calvin Gone
April 19 - Chapters 7 + 8