Winter Solstice
Dear Pali Pres,
As you may already know, tomorrow is the winter solstice here in the Northern Hemisphere, when the northern part of the Earth reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. As a result, it is the day we have the least amount of light. In other words, tomorrow will be the shortest day and longest night of the year! Here in LA, our day will only be nine hours and fifty-three minutes long (and four seconds, to be exact).
Also known as the “hibernal solstice,” the winter solstice has been important to countless cultures around the world for thousands of years, influencing everything from calendars to communal rituals to holidays. Some churches even hold a “Longest Night” worship service to name and acknowledge the darkness we each experience in life, but also to affirm our hope in the coming Christ Child, the Light of the World.
In my internet browsing this week, I came across a reflection on the winter solstice by author Brigit Anna McNeill. It really made me think and look inward. I share it here in my blog in the hopes that it will do the same for you as we approach the longest night of the year.
“The winter solstice time is no longer celebrated as it once was, with the understanding that this is a period of descent and rest, of going within our homes, within ourselves and taking in all that we have been through, all that has passed in this full year which is coming to a close… like nature and the animal kingdom around us, this time of hibernation is so necessary for our tired limbs, our burdened minds.
Our modern culture teaches avoidance at a max at this time; alcohol, lights, shopping, overworking, over spending, comfort food and consumerism…And yet the natural tug to go inwards as nearly all creatures are doing is strong and the weather so bitter that people are left feeling that winter is hard, because for those of us without burning fires and big festive families, it can be lonely and isolating. Whereas in actual fact winter is kind, she points us in her quiet soft way towards our inner self, towards this annual time of peace and reflection…
Winter takes away the distractions, the buzz, and presents us with the perfect time to rest and withdraw into a womb like love, bringing fire & light to our hearth…And then, just around the corner the new year will begin again, and like a seed planted deep in the earth, we will all rise with renewed energy once again to dance in the sunlight.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt
Hopes & Prayers of Christmas
Dear Pali Pres,
This past week I was enjoying a lovely morning walk in my neighborhood, which is up in the Highlands. If you aren’t familiar with the Highlands, it is a nice residential area here in the Palisades with plenty of nature, beautiful views, and hills…lots and lots of steep hills. Anyway, while walking (I had already done the uphill part of my loop, and was heading downhill back towards home) I passed a dad walking uphill in the opposite direction. But he wasn’t just walking…he was pushing a double stroller with two young children in it, and a dog was on a leash tied to the stroller. The cute little girls were decked-out, from head to toe, in Christmas clothes: elf hats, Santa sweaters, green and red leggings, etc. They had huge smiles on their faces and were as happy as can be! The dad, on the other hand, looked anything but. He was struggling mightily up that hill, pushing that heavy double stroller with all his strength. He looked miserable. I felt kind of bad for the guy, but also knew his situation would soon improve. Eventually he’d reach the top of that hill or get to his house and take a rest.
As I finished my walk, I thought about what a meaningful visual that was: this loving parent pushing his children, all excited about Christmas, uphill and struggling every minute of it. It made me remember that for some people this time of year is not so easy. Everyone around them may be happy about Christmas, but for some this season presents them with a mighty struggle. Perhaps it is because they miss a loved one who is no longer around, or because they are lonely, or because they suffer from depression, or because they feel weighed down by the pain, injustice, and worries of our world. For many people, making it through this time of year feels like an uphill battle.
I hope we will all keep this in mind as we continue through Advent. Let us keep in our hearts and prayers those we know who may not be so hopeful or joyful this season, and for good reason. What can we do to possibly help them feel supported and loved? Likewise, if you are feeling more like that dad than those kids I passed on my walk, I hope you will feel the freedom this Christmas to express your sincere feelings to God, including your pain, grief, or anxiety. Celebrating Christmas is not a “one-size-fits-all” experience. God is big enough and loving enough to receive ALL our heartfelt prayers and hopes and needs this Christmas, whatever they may be, and will tend to them with tenderness and grace.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
Mary
Dear Beloveds,
This past Monday night, I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive premier screening of the new movie, Mary, which tells the story of the mother of Jesus. I had no idea it would be the event it turned out to be, but it was the full Hollywood experience, with a real red carpet, paparazzi, a cocktail reception, and all the trimmings!
The movie stars Anthony Hopkins as King Herod, and two young Israeli newcomer actors who portrayed Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus. This film tells the story of the birth of Jesus through the lens of Mary, a young teenager.
I must say, I am usually skeptical about Hollywood’s religious narratives, even though I grew up with Charlton Heston’s Ten Commandments and Ben Hur as two of my favorites. I have always felt that there is so much embellishment in these movies that true Biblical accuracy suffers. The most recent series, The Chosen has proven to be a wonderful telling of the story of Jesus, but I still approach most productions with a healthy amount of wariness and skepticism.
Mary did not disappoint. Although it was steeped at times with the usual Hollywood embellishments and flair, this amazing film offers a beautiful window into the profound and mysterious role of Mary and how Jesus came into our world. The movie took some grand liberties at times, but it gave me an invitation to take a moment to reflect on Mary’s incredible experience. This was a young woman who answered an amazing call to serve in a place where she could have easily been outcast and ostracized for listening to God’s voice in her life. It also made me realize what a great man Joseph was to stand by her, unwavering in his own conviction and faith.
I found it especially poignant to watch this movie in the beginning of our Advent season this year, and have a new-found respect for Mary and all that she went through as a young woman in the ancient Middle East. The fact remains that Mary, as so many others involved in this story, had enough faith to bring this miracle to fruition. I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to be reminded of Jesus in this way; I can’t say that it was a life-changing experience, but I came away deeply moved and affected by what I saw that night.
As the producer of the movie said before the screening, it is a story of love, courage, and faith, all things that we so desperately need in our world today. I encourage everyone to take a couple hours out of your Advent season and see this movie. It comes out on Netflix today! Even the greatest skeptic may feel a little tingle of faith in their toes.
As we pass through this season, I invite you all to make room in your hearts for Jesus and this great mystery of love—not just as an event that occurred in history, but something that is real for us today. How can we bear witness to Jesus in our lives this season?
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, Pali Pres!
I pray this blog reaches each of you enjoying a day off with your family and friends, indulging in some tasty leftovers, finding some excellent Black Friday deals (if that’s your thing), and most of all, feeling thankful for your many blessings.
As I spend this Thanksgiving Holiday with my wife, children, and extended family, I think of all the “big” things I am thankful for, such as my loved ones, my good health, and my faith. I also pause to think about the “small” things that are blessings in my life that I often overlook, like the big, beautiful palm trees outside my office window, the taste of fresh strawberries, and the comfort of a soft blanket on a cold night.
In the spirit of giving thanks for all God has given us—big and small—I share with you the poem below written by Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Anne Sexton. Through it I hope you too will take notice of all the “small” blessings in your life that you often forget to thank God for.
There is joy in all: in the hair I brush each morning, in the Cannon towel, newly washed, that I rub my body with each morning, in the chapel of eggs I cook each morning, in the outcry from the kettle that heats my coffee each morning, in the spoon and the chair that cry “hello there, Anne” each morning, in the godhead of the table that I set my silver, plate, cup upon each morning.
All this is God, right here in my pea-green house each morning and I mean, though often forget, to give thanks, to faint down by the kitchen table in a prayer of rejoicing as the holy birds at the kitchen window peck into their marriage of seeds. So while I think of it, let me paint a thank-you on my palm for this God, this laughter of the morning, lest it go unspoken. The Joy that isn’t shared, I’ve heard, dies young.
With gratitude for all of you,
Pastor Matt
The Simple Truth of the Advent Season
Dear Pali Pres,
As you peruse this week’s newsletter, you will likely notice an overwhelming truth: the Advent Season is upon us! I know, I know… technically Advent does not start this year until December 1st. However, there are already so many events and opportunities planned to share with the church! I do hope you will take the time to notice all that is taking place at Pali Pres over the coming four weeks as we prepare ourselves for Christmas and the birth of the Christ Child.
On that note, I’d also like to encourage everyone to take a deep breath (go ahead and do so now…it’s ok to stop reading my blog for a second!) and ready our hearts and minds for all the busyness that will make up this season. As grand and special as Christmas is, and as glad as I am that we have such a variety of Advent offerings (focused on study, service, worship, and fellowship), I also recognize that there is such a thing as “too much” when it comes to our calendars this time of year. As Isaac Newton once said, “Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.” So, while I want us all to enjoy and take advantage of the multiplicity of activities and events taking place at Pali Pres this Advent, I do not want us to overlook the truth, which is simple and of primary importance: God became flesh through Jesus Christ.
May all that we do over these coming weeks (and for many of us, that will be a lot!) never cause us to lose sight of the simple truth of this season. Let us all ready our hearts and minds (and take another deep breath) as we prepare ourselves, once again, for the coming Christ Child.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt
St. Augustine of Hippo
Dear Pali Pres,
“You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
The above quotation is just one of many beautiful, powerful reflections from St. Augustine of Hippo. Widely considered the most influential theologian in the history of Christianity (outside of the biblical writers, of course), Augustine was born this week—November 13th to be exact—in 354 in North Africa. Augustine wrote more than 90 books in his lifetime, including Confessions, which is one of the first autobiographies in all of literature.
The theological principle that God’s grace alone, and not human effort, is the root cause of salvation originated with Augustine. His writings continue to have an enormous impact on the universal church, especially in the areas of sin, grace, and forgiveness.
As we celebrate Augustine’s birthday and his great contributions, I thought I’d share some other wonderful thoughts of his. Enjoy!
“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”
“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”
“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”
“Charity is no substitute for justice withheld.”
And perhaps one of my favorites:
“O Lord, help me to be pure, but not yet.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt
Post-Election ‘Tea for the Soul’
Dear Beloveds,
I write this the day after the elections, and we have a new president. Let’s name the elephant in the room—some folks’ prayers were answered, and some were not. This week, there are some across our nation who are rejoicing, and some who are disheartened.
Our Spiritual Care Department at Cedars Sinai (where I serve as a chaplain) offers something that is called Tea for the Soul, where all the chaplains come on each of the floors of the hospital and the various departments, and offer a hot cup of tea, open arms, and listening ears for anyone who might need to share what weighs heavily on their hearts. I want to encourage everyone to a time of processing and prayer for whatever we feel, whether joy or sorrow, and to give ourselves some “tea for the soul.”
It is very easy to be swept up by emotions and worry about the tensions and the division we see in our nation. But it is during times such as these that we hold tight to our faith. On Monday night, our church gathered for a very meaningful prayer service acknowledging that we are a praying people, a people of faith, a people who identify as children of God first before anything else, and right now, after our elections, it is all the more important for us to hold firmly on to this.
I would like to share with you what I prayed out loud that evening; it went something like this:
“Loving God, as our nation chooses its leaders, we come before you with humble hearts, and we seek Your wisdom, guidance, and we seek peace. As we prepare to cast our votes, and wait for those who are also casting them, we deeply acknowledge the weight of this moment. We acknowledge our hopes and fears. We ask for strength to approach the coming days, and we ask for open hearts and calm spirits. We ask for compassion for one another. Help us not to be overwhelmed by our fears and anxiousness. We ask that hope endures above all things….”
May God bless us all this week, and may we all love one another, that the world may know we belong to God. May we remember that God holds us all, and we have been called to love each other in our differences, to care for one another, to pursue peace and justice, and to be part of a beloved and loving community.
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
The Saints Amongst Us
Dear Pali Pres,
Today, the first day of November, is celebrated as “All Saints’ Day,” which means that this coming Sunday at our church is “All Saints’ Sunday.” Each year we set aside a special day to honor those who have died in the faith—the “saints” who have lived among us and taught us, through their lives, what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ. Together we will give thanks to God for the gift of those we have loved and lost, even as we still miss them and mourn their passing.
I know I will be calling to mind those in our church family who have recently died, such as Marti Sadowski, Linda Grant and Margaret Biles. I will also be holding in my heart my grandparents, my uncle Steve, and my good friend from Japan, Paul, who have all gone home to be with the Lord. There is something special about remembering—together in community—those who have died knowing that the Spirit holds us all together always, even if those we love are not physically present with us.
I encourage you to come to worship on Sunday with an open and tender heart as we celebrate All Saints’ Sunday. Our time together will be less about grieving (though that is certainly appropriate!) and more about giving thanks for those who have gone before us and reflecting on the lessons they taught us. As well, we will pray for God to make us even stronger in our faith so we can continue the great tradition set by the “saints” who have gone before us.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
Reflections on Halloween…
Dear Pali Pres,
I’ve been thinking a fair bit about Halloween recently. It’s been hard not to, honestly. With all the decked-out homes around the neighborhood, the overflowing candy aisles at the grocery store, and so many Halloween themed commercials on TV, it’s kind of hard to ignore. Plus, last week was the Halloween Festival at my boys’ elementary school and this Sunday is our church’s Trunk or Treat. On top of all of that, my youngest son, Luke, has been wearing his costume around the house for the past two weeks. Needless to say, I’ve already had a fair dose of Halloween (which I heard recently is now the second most popular holiday in North America, behind only Christmas).
While I primarily enjoy Halloween for the simple things it offers—seeing little children dressed up in cute costumes, carving pumpkins with my kids, stealing the best candies from their trick-or-treat haul after they go to bed, etc.—I’m also learning to appreciate other aspects of this holiday. If just for one night, Halloween gives us such a good example of community: families and friends gathering in the spirit of playfulness and mischief, neighbors literally opening their doors in a show of hospitality, and local communities coming together in such an intergenerational, inclusive way simply for the purpose of having some plain old fun. There really is no other day quite like it.
I know Halloween is not for everyone. But beyond the reasons we might grumble about Halloween—beyond all the processed sugar and way too gory decorations, costumes, and movies (some do go way too far)—there are some real blessings to this holiday.
I hope we will all keep this in mind this coming week, and also come be a part of our Trunk or Treat this Sunday as we celebrate the spirit of community together.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
The Covenant of Marriage
Dear Beloveds,
Just a few weeks ago, Charlie and I travelled to upstate New York to celebrate our daughter Hannah’s wedding. It was a wonderful event, and as it was our first child to get married, you can imagine what an emotion-filled time it was for our entire extended family. As a pastor, I have officiated countless wedding ceremonies, but there are truly few moments that are more profound than witnessing the covenant of marriage when it is your own child standing at the altar.
The journey to our daughter’s wedding day overflowed with gratitude and deep reflection every step of the way. This was a time for all of us to celebrate the love between Hannah and Paul, but it was also a marker for us to reflect on family, community, and the divine mystery of marriage itself.
As Paul and Hannah prepared for their wedding, the time leading up to that special day was a constant reminder of how God calls us into community and how God designs us to give and receive support, and how that is to be woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.
Something that Charlie said at our LA reception struck me deeply; he asked Paul and Hannah to direct their energies into remembering that they are now building a new nuclear family themselves; all at once, while I agreed wholeheartedly with him, a selfish panic rose over me as I realized that our daughter would now be building a community of her own, starting a new path with Paul, and I couldn’t help but wonder if we would be left behind. It was a lot on which to meditate!
The wedding day arrived, and it was truly a day filled with joy and gladness as we embraced every moment of the occasion. I felt privileged to stand between my child and her husband not only as a parent, but as a pastor who could help officiate and bless this most sacred moment in time.
All of our families also played crucial roles in the celebration. Each person was asked, and was honored to contribute in their own way—whether through the preparations, the artwork that was done, prayers, and being wholly and completely present with open and loving hearts.
This wedding was not just a ceremony, but a reminder to all of us that it is a covenant that both our extended families made to support this new family that was formed. It was truly a time to experience the beauty of God’s provision, love, and a reminder that no matter the season of life, we have the opportunity to witness God’s love and grace that is at work among us all the time.
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
World Communion Sunday
Dear Beloveds,
This Sunday, we celebrate a very important event for the church universal - World Communion Sunday! In recent years at our church, we have emphasized this beautiful tradition; this is truly a special day that is celebrated during worship around the world on the first Sunday of every October.
If you are new to our church and have never celebrated World Communion Sunday, I do hope that you can join us this Sunday. It captures a special moment in time when churches globally will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper together—what an amazing and profound event to share with Christians everywhere!
World Communion Sunday stands as a symbol for all of us to remember together that though there are so many things that may divide us, the love of Christ binds us together and makes us one. On this Sunday, we take the time to remember that though we come from different places, cultures and denominations, our shared faith and our trust in the living Christ transcends all these differences.
At our church on Sunday, we will have a bit of a different communion table set before us. The table will have breads from around the world; they will represent places of both poverty and richness, places of both peace and of suffering, places that speak different languages and experience contrasting cultures, and yet--- we all believe in the same risen Christ.
Whenever we come together in communion, and especially on this World Communion Sunday, we take hold of the hope that the world can have a vision of unity that is not just rooted in our human effort, but also in the saving grace of God’s love through Jesus. We celebrate God’s great mercy to us, and the Good News that calls us to love and serve one another.
Hope to see you on Sunday!
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
An Increase in Human Dignity and Confidence
Dear Pali Pres,
With all the partisanship we hear about in Washington D.C. these days, I thought I would highlight in my blog this week an example of bipartisanship among our elected officials. Exactly 63 years ago this week—September 22nd to be exact—Congress overwhelmingly voted in favor of establishing the Peace Corps. Earlier in the year, President Kennedy signed an executive order to start the new agency, but it wasn’t until the House of Representatives voted 288-97 in favor of it that the Peace Corps was formally authorized.
At first, the idea of establishing a Peace Corps faced stiff challenges and a successful vote was far from certain. However, Republican Representative Marguerite Stitt Church (Illinois 13th District) made a compelling speech before the House which persuaded many to support the bill. She said, in part, “Here is something which is aimed right, which is American, which is sacrificial — and which above all can somehow carry at the human level, to the people of the world, what they need to know; what it is to be free; what it is to have a next step and be able to take it; what it is to have something to look forward to, in an increase of human dignity and confidence.”
Since its inception, more than 240,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps and served in 142 countries. Volunteers are tasked with “development assistance” in lesser developed nations, with projects focused on health, education, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community service. To this day, the Peace Corps shows what is possible when effort, resources, and willing hearts and minds come together for a common good. As JFK once said, “Every young American who participates in the Peace Corps—who works in a foreign land—will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace.”
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
One With Each Other…
Dear Pali Pres,
Last Sunday was such a great day for our church! We not only came together in a spirit of fellowship and unity for our Fall Kickoff, but we also welcomed four new members into our Pali Pres family.
The reception of new members into a Presbyterian church involves a special worship liturgy. I have included a portion of that liturgy here in my blog as a reminder of what it means to be members of the church:
We are one with each other, sisters and brothers in the family of God. We rejoice in the gifts you bring to us. As you join with us in the worship and service of this congregation, it is fitting that together we reaffirm the covenant into which we were baptized, claiming again the promises of God which are ours in our baptism. Hear these words from Holy Scripture: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of the One who called you out of darkness into God’s marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
It’s so important to keep in mind that church membership is rooted in our identity as God’s people. It is through our baptisms that we are first brought into the household of God. Once this “original membership” is affirmed, we can then be received as members of a particular church. To put it another way, we have all been given an original identity as a member of God’s family (through our baptism). Then, we are each called to a specific church where we can live out the fruits of that identity in community with others.
This is a beautiful design for our life together as God’s people! Whether we remember our baptisms or not, we are still called to remember that our first identity—our original membership—is into God’s kingdom. With that foundation in place, we then live fully into our calling through the individual church. And it’s all a gift from God!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt
New Pali Pres Members (from left to right): Megan Price, Peter Rasmussen, Laurie Rasmussen, Michelle Oliver
Welcoming Our New Members!
Dear Pali Pres,
This past Sunday, Pastor Grace and I held an Inquirers Class for those in our church community who were curious about Pali Pres and our Presbyterian tradition. It was a meaningful time of learning, sharing and hearing people’s faith stories, and delving into the ministries and history of our church. We also spent considerable time discussing what it means to be a Presbyterian and reflecting together on the PCUSA Brief Statement of Faith (which I highly recommend to everyone—it’s an excellent articulation of our Presbyterian theology and tradition…and it’s short!). Last but not least, the class looked at the commitments and vows of being a member. We have (thanks be to God!) four people who will be joining our church this coming Sunday:
Michelle Oliver knows Pali Pres from her teenage years when she was involved in our youth group and her father was active in the Optimist Club (which continues to meet on our campus). Michelle is a graduate of Pepperdine University and has a background in real estate.
Megan Price is a third generation “PK” (pastor’s kid) and lives with her husband and three children (Liam-7, Elle-10, and Juliette-12) just up the street on El Medio Ave. Megan and her family moved to the Palisades in 2019, and she immediately became involved in our Preschool and Preschool Committee.
Peter and Laurie Rasmussen live in the Highlands and began attending Pali Pres last Christmas. Peter and Laurie are both retired and have two grown children who live in Colorado. They previously attended church in Westchester (both the Lutheran and Presbyterian churches) and enjoy traveling in their motorhome.
Let’s keep these soon-to-be new members our prayers and offer them a warm Pali Pres welcome on Sunday!
Pastor Matt
Back to School at Pali Pres!
Dear Pali Pres,
Our church campus was filled with energy and excitement this past week as our preschool began the 2024-2025 school year. There were a few tears (from both children and parents) the first few days, but otherwise everything went off without a hitch. With 57 children enrolled, a number of new teachers, an extended day program now going until 5pm (previously it was 3:30pm), and Lynda Park filling in as our Interim Director there is a lot happening!
I’m so grateful for our preschool and consider it a ministry to our community and local parents. As someone who had both children attend our preschool, I can say from experience that it is a true gift to the Palisades!
I hope you will join me in keeping our preschool, the students and parents, the teachers and Lynda, and the Preschool Committee in your prayers this coming year. It is no small task to care for little children and all our prayers and support make a difference!
Below is a prayer I recently discovered related to the start of a new school year. I know LAUSD has already been in session for a few weeks now, along with many other local schools and school districts. So let us keep all students, teachers, and administrators—those at Pali Pres Preschool and elsewhere—in our prayers. May the Lord provide them with joy and safety in their learning, play, and instruction.
The pitter-patter of nervous feet shuffling to classrooms:
Some in shiny new clothes, some in old ones too small;
Some with a box of 100 crayons, some with empty backpacks.
All are anxious, excited, scared and hopeful.
They yearn for friends, approval, good grades and time to play.
May all students be blessed with enough and know that they are enough.
Marking dates on the calendar, scratching supplies off the shopping list:
They hold little hands by the bus stop or wait in the carpool line;
They wave goodbye and watch their hearts scuttle through heavy doors.
Deep breaths to wade through the worries:
Will my child be safe? Will they be loved? Will they follow instructions?
May all parents find peace in you. Setting their fears aside, may they rest in the safety of your love.
Hanging fresh posters on the walls and cleaning out cubbies:
They review lesson plans and check the policy boxes,
memorizing new names and faces,
wondering who will delight and who will cause trouble.
They already feel tired, knowing the weight of the load and the weight of expectations.
May all educators be blessed with the right resources, finding nourishment and joy in their callings.
For our students, parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors, administrators and coaches – for all who feel the eagerness and anticipation of this season – may they be blessed with the gifts of your love, grace, peace and patience. May we bless our educational communities as we offer our support and service and uplift the power of learning for all. Amen.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Matt
[Prayer composed by Rev. Elizabeth H. Doolin; Associate Pastor at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines, North Carolina.]
Labor Day: A Day of Rest & Gratitude
Dear Church Family,
We are approaching Labor Day, which for many is a welcome three-day weekend filled with barbeques and family and friends gathering. But many of us may not remember that Labor Day was created to be a time that is set aside to honor and remember the incredible contributions of American workers and the labor movement, which fought for fair working conditions.
When we remember the reason why this day was created, we can focus on the wonderful dignity and value of hard work while juxtaposing the equally important need for rest and rejuvenation. As with all my reflections, I began to wonder what this could and should mean for us who call ourselves Christians; what additional value and meaning can we extract from a mindful thinking on this?
Clearly, work, according to the Bible, is much more than just a way to make a living or exist to pay our bills. All work is considered vocation, and a calling to be a partner with God in God’s creation and world. In the Garden of Eden, God asks Adam to work and to take care of the garden. So, even in its most basic form and function, work is connected to God’s great creation and the stewardship of it all.
And while work is essential to life, so is rest. Work has its value, but rest holds great value as well. The Ten Commandments tell us to remember the Sabbath and to keep it holy. So we see that God is teaching us through this commandment that just as work is valuable and important, so is the act of rest and a renewal of our spirits.
Our relationship with rest directly reflects on our relationship with God just as work does. When we work, we are partners with God, no matter where our work lies. When we rest, we recognize that God comes to our spirits and works in them at this time as well.
As with everything in life, we have to create a healthy balance between our work and leisure lives, and remember that God is found in both of them. So happy Labor Day, everyone! I hope you can have a day of rest and fun, but also a day of thankfulness for the gift of good hard work!
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
You Are Looking At A Minister
Dear Pali Pres,
While on my recent trip to Atlanta to attend a workshop, I visited a nearby United Methodist church (yes, pastors still go to church even when they are on leave…at least some of us do!). It was a wonderful worship service, featuring a beautiful musical solo on the flute and an engaging sermon about Jesus as the Great Physician (Luke 5: 31).
But I noticed something else at that Methodist church that touched me just as much as the music and the preaching. In the men’s room (and, I assume, the women’s room as well) was a small note taped to the mirror above the sink. While it was only 6 words long, and contained no flashy graphics or images, it was impossible to miss. It simply read: “You Are Looking At A Minister.”
What a great message and reminder! I loved seeing that note because it conveys a truth that we sometimes forget, namely that we are all ministers of Jesus Christ. Pastor Grace and I may be ones who’ve attended seminary and been ordained, but we are all given gifts of ministry to use in this world. The Apostle Paul refers to these gifts as “spiritual gifts” and says in 1 Cor. 12: 7 that “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” He then goes on to describe these gifts in detail, but his overall point should not be missed. We are, indeed, ALL ministers with something good and helpful to offer the world.
I encourage us all to keep this in mind (maybe even tape a little note on our bathroom mirror as a reminder!) so that we, together, can show forth God’s Spirit in ways that promote the common good.
Your fellow minister in Christ,
Pastor Matt
Pressing On and Learning to Let Go
Dear Pali Pres,
As many of you know, I was recently in Atlanta taking part in a workshop related to my Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program. It was an important time for me to plan out my final project, which I hope to complete sometime in 2025. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit this, but I began my DMin studies way back in 2017! Not to make excuses, but a few things have happened in my life and in the world over the past seven years that have slowed my progress (you know, like a world-wide pandemic, having a second child, being called to a new church, selling a home and buying a home, etc.) What was originally supposed to take 3-4 years to complete will now take closer to 8 years. Yikes!
Reflecting on my life’s journey since 2017 has made me realize, once again, how so much of life is timing. My plans for completing my DMin degree changed dramatically due to the normal (and abnormal) circumstances that make up life. Some of these circumstances were well beyond my control (like the COVID-19 outbreak), while other circumstances were within my control but forced me to pick and choose how to prioritize my life (like giving more time and attention to my family when Luke was born in 2018).
Planning, prioritizing, and working towards our goals is always a balance. I believe God wants us to “press on towards the goal” that he has set before us (as Paul writes in Philippians 3:14), while at the same time remembering that our ways are not always God’s ways (Isaiah 55:8) and that it is God who sets the timing of all things (Ecclesiastes 3:1). I’m still learning, as I suspect we all are, how to fully embrace and navigate this balance between “pressing on” with my plans while also “letting go” of my need to control how and when things get done. It seems that with prayer, advice from people we trust, and plenty of practice this process of balancing gets a bit easier (though never truly easy).
May God grant all of us wisdom and patience in the ongoing balancing act that is life!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
Camp Firelight: Staying Connected with God
Dear Pali Pres Community,
As we wrap up an amazing week of Vacation Bible School (VBS) here at Pali Pres, I can’t help but think of how awesome God is. With 38 children participating (even more than last year!) and DOZENS of volunteers, it was a fantastic week of fun, fellowship, and learning.
The theme was Camp Firelight based on Psalm 56: 3—“Whenever I’m afraid, I put my trust in you.” Children played the role of campers who explored how Old and New Testament Bible figures trusted God, faced their fears, and went on to do great things in God’s name. Through music, drama and storytelling, games, arts and crafts, and even snacks, they learned ways to connect with and trust God. And best of all, they saw how they can do this not just at VBS or at church, but also at home and every area of their lives!
A special thanks to our Children and Family Ministries (CFM) Director, Lucy Garcia, our CFM Elder Caroline Nick (starring in the role of Lu, the firefly), Mary Fish (starring in the role of Sam, the camp counselor) and the entire CFM Committee. Along with church members (too many to name here), and friends of church members, we also had some awesome youth volunteers serve as counselors! It was truly a team effort.
I want to thank anyone who contributed in ANY way, including helping with registration, preparing snacks, assisting with tech/audio, leading games and crafts, and all the little things that maybe went unnoticed. It all made a difference! I was so glad to be a part of this amazing week and see our church guide our young people in the ways of God.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt (also known as Bull Dozer, the villainous parking lot mogul who intended to level the Camp Firelight forest to make a beautiful new parking lot…BUT had a change of heart after learning all about God at VBS, of course!)
Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
Dear Beloveds,
A couple weeks ago, I celebrated my 59th birthday—"59 and feelin’ fine!”—as I said all day! Thank you for all your good wishes and birthday greetings to me; they meant so much! One of my favorite gifts I received that day was a decadent box of See’s chocolate candies. This was a true treat, as I would never buy such a luxurious package like that for myself. As I predicted, since I had three of our children home for my birthday, that box did not last long in our house!
We had so much fun gathering around the iconic white container with the dainty brown paper tray cups that cradled each finely crafted piece of goodness, trying to guess what each delightful dense chunk held. Using the “map” that was included to help us, we took turns choosing and sharing each beautiful morsel together. Some pieces where hits, while others had less favorable reviews. I will always cherish the memories of seeing my adult kids and their pure joy in sharing this box of treats together. Later that evening, we attended the Hollywood Bowl and offered some sweets to share with our concert neighbors sitting nearby.
I could not help but remember the famous line from the movie Forrest Gump, when Forrest tells an unsuspecting stranger on a bus bench “My mama told me...life is like a box of chocolates.” Indeed, there is so much theology to be found in a box of chocolates!
One of the challenges of navigating a new box of chocolates (unless you are a true See’s connoisseur) is that without the “legend”, or little piece of paper with the photo descriptions, you are not really 100% sure of what you will bite into; even with it, you may still encounter some surprises. For me, that is part of the fun. You hope that you will get the nuts, or the caramel, or nougat that you desire, but you can’t be completely sure until you take that first bite and begin to chew. And, that first bite can be experienced with great joy—or with great disappointment. It's all in how you see and feel it—and how you respond to it.
I have been with acquaintances who have bitten into their yet unknown piece of chocolate and have been so dismayed with the result that they have spit it out--- a waste of good chocolate!—and I feel so sorry for them in that they could not joyfully experience the uniqueness and adventure of a new taste.
So it is with life—we never know what we are going to get—we don’t know what is around the corner. But we can take each new experience and either embrace it, or shudder from it—the choice is ours! To that end, another thing to ponder---what happens if we get a “bad” piece of chocolate, one after another, over and over again? That is another huge theological question that all of us have encountered—how do face life with our uphill battles, trials, and unpleasant experiences?
It may seem silly and banal to compare our human lives with a simple box of candy, but there is a wonderful theology that we can derive out of every experience in life—what will our hearts tell us to do and to be when we confront unexpected events? What can God teach us through these things, and how can we be grateful learners? How can we take each experience whether good or bad, and truly “taste” and take it all in? And what about the little “map” that is thoughtfully included in each box of See’s? Can we liken this to our Bible, waiting to help us navigate life with a little help? All these reflections from a charming, unassuming box of candy!
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace