A Monster Calls
Dear Beloveds,
I rarely read fictional books—I am much more captivated by non-fiction readings, but if I see a movie and find out that it was based on a book, then I will try to find the original story to read it. To this end, I am currently reading a children’s book by Patrick Ness called A Monster Calls. This book was recently made into a movie starring Liam Neeson (one of my favorite actors) and is a stirring exploration of loss and grief. The story revolves around a young boy named Conor, who is struggling with the impending death of his beloved mother from cancer.
Conor deals with the deep pain and fear he is experiencing by creating in his mind—or is it real??—a monster that is in the shape of a great yew tree that grows in his home’s yard. The monster tells him that he has come to tell Conor three stories, which will in turn tell him the truth about a recurring nightmare that he is having.
I won’t spoil the book and the movie for you, but it is a poignant tale of someone who is trying to process deep sadness, fear, and grief; something that all of us have had to grapple with in our lives as well. It is a story about the human condition and the emotions that we are faced with in all our lives.
I love this story for so many reasons; I think it is deeply theological, as it helps us to confront death and suffering, and how we respond to these things of life. It highlights stories like Job, Hannah, and even Jesus, as we learn to embrace everything in life—the good and the scary things alike.
In the end, Conor is able to reach a truth, and it sets him free. We can understand that when we can accept truth in our lives, we achieve the same freedom. We hear these words from John 8, “then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…” Accepting difficult truths in our lives is hard—and will always be. But God can teach us through these truths to be stronger, wiser, and more resilient people who rely on God whenever we pass through painful times.
I highly recommend this book and movie—as I said, it is a children’s book and a fun entertaining movie, but underneath, they both deal with the realities of life, giving us invaluable insight about the nature of suffering, the power of accepting truth, and the deep need to rely on one another.
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
Center Down
Dear Pali Pres,
As many of you know, I recently returned from a two-week vacation in Canada. It was such a gift to “get away” from the normal routine here in LA and give our boys an opportunity to not only spend time with their Canadian relatives, but also to see a different (and very beautiful) part of the world.
Our trip this year included a week on Vancouver Island. We visited dear friends who relocated from Japan to Vancouver Island a few years ago. The week was spent in the rural beauty on the east coast of the island, passing our days immersed in the breathtaking nature that surrounded us. Each day was filled with hikes in the forest, walks along the coastline, skipping stones in the water, spotting wildlife (so many deer!), building campfires, roasting hotdogs and marshmallows, and simply enjoying a slower pace of life. It was so relaxing and refreshing!
In reflecting on my trip, I was reminded of something I recently read by theologian Howard Thurman. Thurman writes about making time to “center down” in life. I find it to be an important reminder of the need for all of us to center ourselves on a regular basis, finding time to appreciate the gift of life and acknowledge the presence of God in our every day. I hope it speaks to you and leads you to make time to “center down.”
How good it is to center down! To sit quietly and see one’s self pass by!
The streets of our minds seethe with endless traffic; Our spirits resound with clashings, with noisy silences, While something deep within hungers and thirsts for the still moment and the resting lull.…
The questions persist: what are we doing with our lives?—what are the motives that order our days?
What is the end of our doings? Where are we trying to go?… Over and over the questions beat in upon the waiting moment. As we listen, floating up through all the jangling echoes of our turbulence, there is a sound of another kind—A deeper note which only the stillness of the heart makes clear.
It moves directly to the core of our being. Our questions are answered, Our spirits refreshed, and we move back into the traffic of our daily round With the peace of the Eternal in our step.
How good it is to center down!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
Keep Trying
Dear Beloveds,
Charlie, my wonderful groom of over 30 years, is always sending me interesting and new things to read; articles he reads in the newspaper, journals, poems, and books; I am always delighted to learn new things with him and because of him. I wanted to share the latest tidbit that he shared with me; perhaps you have already heard of what I will share. It was an article in the New York Times about the graduation speech that Roger Federer gave to this year’s graduating class for Dartmouth College. As the article states, there are many unremarkable graduation speeches, even those given by some remarkable people; I have heard my share!
But this particular speech seems to have struck a collective chord in so many people with both its wisdom and veracity. I will quote the article who, in turn, quotes Federer:
“In the 1,536 singles matches I played in my career, I won almost 80 percent of those matches. Now, I have a question for all of you. What percentage of the points do you think I won in those matches?” (The answer was only 54 percent.) “In other words, even top ranked tennis players win barely more than half of the points they play.’” He went on to say, “Even top ranked tennis players win barely more than half of the points they play. The truth is, whatever game you play in life, sometimes you’re going to lose. A point, a match, a season, a job.”
I loved that wisdom! It resounded with me so heartily, and I can understand why it brought so much hope to so many people. We all pass through difficult seasons in our lives--you may be in one right now. How comforting to know that we do not need to just simply survive, but we can come out on top AND be better, victorious people-- even with losing half the time!
I hope that Federer’s words brought you as much hope and encouragement as they did for me. As Charlie reflected as we were discussing the article, it is a beautiful and reassuring reinforcement that truly, sometimes we win and sometimes we lose; but the key is to keep trying.
This is the same hope that God asks us to have in our lives and in our perspectives; to know that there will be good days and bad days, but that God will always and eternally be walking with us, through thick and thin, through all the wins and the loses, through good and bad days. And God is the God of hope.
So, on the days that we lose, I pray that we can remember to embrace both Federer’s math and wisdom- and remember that God is with us in all our wins and loses!
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
Our Nation's Diversity: A Gift from God to be Embraced
Dear Beloveds,
I found an interesting article that I wanted to share with you in light of July 4th. As we just celebrated this special national holiday, I hope that we can all take a moment to reflect on the blessing of living in this great country and the freedoms that it has given us.
Having recently gone to Korea for my study week, I felt a strange longing to come back to the states where there was a beautiful diversity rather than a daily homogeneity that I experienced while I was there.
This particular article to which I am referring was written by the Rev. Adam Taylor, who was ordained by the American Baptist Church and most recently led the Faith Initiative at the World Bank Group.
He reminds his readers that God created all humans in “God’s own divine image (Genesis 1:27), which precludes any categorical differences in people’s inherent worth or value.” Rev. Taylor went to Emory University for his undergrad education and then Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and he quotes Emory’s School of Theology’s Statement of Faith:
“‘Our faith calls us to understand diversity as a gift from God, equity as a moral imperative, and inclusion and belonging as the fruits of the Spirit.’ Our nation’s growing diversity is indeed a gift to be embraced rather than feared or denied. May we, with the Holy Spirit’s help, create more equitable organizations and foster cultures of true belonging and thriving.”
As a person of color, I appreciate these words as well, as I was born and raised in this great nation of ours and appreciate deeply its recognition that God sees us all as family, as brothers and sisters, all equal together in God’s love and loving presence.
I hope you had a gratitude-filled holiday, and hope that it can also be a time of reflection and thankfulness for all that God has given us and with what God had entrusted us.
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
Willie Mays: Using the Gifts God Gave Us
Dear Pali Pres,
Last week the world lost one of the greatest—if not THE greatest—baseball players of all time. Willie Mays died at the age of 93 after living a long and full life as the “Say Hey Kid.”
Mays’ list of accomplishments as a Hall of Fame baseball player is unmatched. He was a two-time MVP (1954 and 1965), a 24-time All-Star (he won the All-Star Game MVP in 1963 and 1968) and won 12 Gold Glove Awards in center field. He led the league in home runs four times and stolen bases four times. He had a career .302 batting average and 660 home runs (6th all-time) and played in four World Series. In the 1954 World Series he made “The Catch” which is widely considered the greatest defensive play in baseball history. AND he did all of this while missing nearly two full seasons in the prime of his career while serving in the military.
As one of the first African-American superstars in baseball, Mays broke down racial barriers and inspired generations of young people to pursue their dreams. Mays will always be remembered for how he embodied the values of hard work, perseverance, and humility.
As I reflect on the amazing life and career of Willie Mays, I am reminded of a story I once heard about Mays when he was a very young player. Well before he was a household name, Mays struggled to find his own approach to the game of baseball. He was a huge admirer of the great New York Yankee, Joe DiMaggio. Mayes studied everything about DiMaggio’s game…his stance at the place, his swing of the bat, his running style on the base paths, everything. In fact, Mays imitated DiMaggio so much that he wasn’t letting his own talent take over. The results were far from Hall of Fame caliber. Mays’ DiMaggio-inspired approach just wasn’t working.
Finally, one of his coaches pulled him aside and told him, in no uncertain terms, “Stop trying to be like DiMaggio or like anybody else. Be yourself. God has given you great ability." Mays took his coach’s advice and the rest, well, is history.
As much as I admire the great Willie Mays and model my church softball game after him (yes this is a joke—feel free to laugh), I am reminded of his coach’s wise advice. God has made each of us just as we are, with gifts and talents to offer this world in our own unique way. We need not try to be anyone else (not that we can anyway), but simply are called to be ourselves—fully ourselves—and offer that gift to God and this world trusting it will be a blessing to others.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
John Wesley
Dear Pali Pres,
This past week (June 17, to be exact) marked the birthday of one of the great pillars of the world-wide Christian church, John Wesley. Wesley was born in England in 1703 and is considered the founder of the Methodist denomination. As Presbyterians, our “founding father” would be John Calvin. However, the enormous impact John Wesley had on the universal church is worthy of admiration and thanks from us all.
Wesley was a lifelong Anglican whose vision was to form small groups for Bible study and regular prayer within the Anglican church. To that end, Wesley spent much of his time traveling on horseback through the rural areas of England, Ireland, and Scotland. All along the way, he would preach, hold prayer meetings, and lead Bible studies. Wesley’s impassioned efforts resulted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ spreading like wildfire!
Before long, missionaries in the new “Methodist” movement brought John Wesley’s approach to the North American colonies. By the 1850s, the new Methodist denomination was the largest denomination in the US. It was hugely popular among those on the American frontier, as well as among both enslaved and free African Americans.
Today, the United Methodist Church is collection of approximately 10 million members in Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States. And to think, it all began with one dedicated preacher who rode the English countryside on horseback some 300 years ago! It truly is amazing how those mustard seeds can grow!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
PS—one more interesting fact: the term “Methodist” was originally derisive and was used by some of Wesley’s classmates at Oxford because of his strict and methodical style of study, prayer, and fasting.
Summer Sermon Series: Exploring the Parables of Jesus
Dear Pali Pres,
It sure feels like we finally turned the corner into “summer” here in the Palisades. I know…technically summer doesn’t begin until June 20th. But with the weather turning nicer recently and school letting out this past week (both LAUSD and our church preschool) it feels like we have entered a new season around here.
Additionally, this past Sunday was our wonderful Music Appreciation Sunday, during which we celebrated God’s gift of music and the amazing talents of our Chancel Choir and Contemporary Music Band. Our choir will now take a break through Labor Day, though we will continue to be led in worship each Sunday by our soloists and our full band.
In the spirit of the new season we have entered into, Pastor Grace and I have planned a Summer Sermon Series entitled, “Exploring the Parables of Jesus.” Beginning this coming Sunday and going through the end of August, we will explore a new parable each week with an emphasis on the parable’s theological and practical impact. One of the resources I will use in my sermon preparation is Tom Long’s excellent new book, Proclaiming the Parables: Preaching and Teaching the Kingdom of God. To borrow from the book’s description, “Long sees parables not merely as creative figures of speech but as GPS devices taking hearers to those places where the event of God is happening all around us.”
I very much look forward to unpacking several of Jesus’ parables this summer in fresh and creative ways, with an aim for us to further understand how “the event of God” (as Long puts it, which I love!) is happening in our world and in our everyday lives.
I do hope to see you in church—as your summer vacation plans allow, of course—as we delve into Jesus’ timeless parables together!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt
Music Appreciation Sunday
Dear Pali Pres,
I am very much looking forward to this coming Sunday, which is Music Appreciation Sunday. Setting aside a special Sunday once a year to delight in the gift of music (and delight in the gifts of our Chancel Choir and Contemporary Music Band) is a tradition we began last year here at Pali Pres. As you may recall, the 2023 theme was “Make a Joyful Noise” (from Psalm 100) and was a wonderful worship service in celebration God’s gifts of joy and gladness.
This year, we have selected “Songs of Peace” as our theme. As Pierre, Anthony, Pastor Grace, and I began planning for this Sunday a few months ago we immediately settled on this theme as a way for our church to speak to the conflict and division we see throughout our broken world right now. As people of faith and followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to pursue peace in our individual lives, pray for peace in our world, and promote peace in any way we can. Our vision in preparing this Music Appreciation Sunday was to help gather us together in unity for the sake of peace, which God so desires for this world. While this Sunday may not be as “celebratory” in nature as last year’s service, I trust it will be a deeply touching and meaningful time of worship and reflection.
I do you hope you will join us as our choir, section leaders, and band (along with a string quartet) lead us in a variety of selections designed to reinforce our commitment to peace. We will also celebrate the sacrament of Communion together and a special offering will be taken up in support of our music ministry (you may give online by clicking HERE.)
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt
Our Calling as Peacemakers
Dear Beloveds,
Two weeks ago, Charlie and I traveled to New York for our fourth and last child’s college graduation. This was truly a momentous event for our family, and we approached it with mixed feelings—it was truly a bittersweet but lovely moment in time for us.
The week was difficult as well: Columbia University made the decision to cancel their main graduation event due to the unrest on campus. We were grateful that Jubilee had a special reception for her major as the individual colleges still carried out their graduation ceremonies, and her ceremony was held at Radio City Music Hall. There was truly a great deal of excitement for our entire family.
Tensions were running very high, as they have been for everyone everywhere in the world with the horrible situation in the Middle East. We knew that the campus had been filled with daily student protests, and everyone was experiencing much anger and anguish in different ways. We were not quite sure what to expect from the graduation ceremony. It was a lovely event in many ways, but it was marked by continued student protests from both sides; students shouted angry sentiments for and against both Palestine and Israel throughout the entire ceremony. Some of the students were calling out for peace; it brought back many memories of my years at UC Berkeley, and it was a sobering reminder for us that in the midst of our celebration, so many people were suffering in the world.
The ongoing strife between Gaza and Israel highlights our human condition of brokenness and is quite possibly one of the most devastating conflicts in modern history, with countless lives that have been destroyed because of its relentless cycle of violence and loss. Of course there are numerous intricate geopolitical, religious, and historical grievances that have shaped this conflict, but the resulting conflict that unfolds daily is heartbreaking beyond measure. There has been profound and devastating pain and loss on both sides of this conflict.
So many people live daily in the shadow of violence, death, and deep grief. Watching the students at graduation made me realize even more that no matter our politics or beliefs, we must never lose our sense of compassion for one another and for those who have been affected. This conflict’s deep and searing complexity does not negate the plain and simple truth that innocent people on both sides are enduring immense and terrible suffering. Our shared humanity calls us to remember this.
As believers of the living God, we must recognize the worth of every single individual in this world, those who are in this horrific situation and in the many other places of the world, such as Ukraine or Myanmar-- those who are enduring unspeakable loss.
It almost seems so trite to say that we need to pray— for at times, prayer seems to be such a feeble response to what is happening, and it still can leave us with a sense of helplessness. It is also distressing and difficult to know how to address this grievous situation faithfully. But it is in prayer that we might be able to see a glimmer of hope, humanity, and it is through prayer that we can reaffirm our commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution even when we cannot see the way forward.
And yet, still, there does not seem to be anything I can say or feel that would help me understand how to see a way forward. Who am I to speak on this harrowing subject?
In a time when there seem to be no good answers, no sure answers, and no way forward, I am reminded that we need to hold tight onto authentic and genuine empathy, and to educate ourselves to gain a better understanding of the historical, political, and social contexts this conflict lies within. We must realize that we can all be united by the desire to prevent and stop any more bloodshed and death. We need to speak to people from both sides to better see what it is like to be in their shoes, to understand their anger, grief, and loss. We need to engage in constructive— not destructive-—dialogue with one another and to hold tight to our calling as peacemakers, as Jesus wants us to be. Despite our human condition and its limitations, we must keep hoping for peace.
I am learning every day; I am praying every day. As a student of Jesus, I want to ask myself how Jesus wants us to pursue justice. I hope I can be a better person through all this sadness and heartache to help heal the world.
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
Memorial Day: Not Simply Another Day Off
Dear Pali Pres,
Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to spend one less day at the office and one more day with friends and family members, enjoying the warm (hopefully) spring weather. However, as we all know, this holiday weekend is about so much more than just extra time to relax and enjoy ourselves. Memorial Day is an important day for all of us to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice made by so many on our behalf.
Every Memorial Day weekend I say a little prayer of thanks for my grandfather, Hiram Hardin. Grandpa Hardin served his entire life in the U.S. Army, ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. I did not know my grandpa all that well (he passed away when I was very young), but I often think of him—especially on this holiday weekend—and feel a deep sense of gratitude and respect for him and all who served our nation.
While we continue to pray for that great day to come when God’s peace rules over earth as it does in heaven, that day when we as human beings have learned to live in harmony and no longer resort to violent conflict, we remain indebted to those who serve and pay the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. With that in mind, I share with all of you the following prayer for Memorial Day (written by Martha Langford at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago):
Sovereign God, you rule the nations. On this Memorial Day weekend, as we honor those who have answered our nation’s call, we remember the men and women of our military who have given that last full ounce of devotion. Comfort those who grieve for them. Guard those who still risk their lives in places across the face of the globe. Be with those who remain behind; ease their anxieties and calm their hearts. Grant our nation and all nations the strength of will to seek peace, so that one day we may plow up the battlefields and pound weapons of war into farm implements and building tools (Isaiah 2:4).
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt
What is Pentecost?
Dear Pali Pres,
This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, which comes from the Greek word for “fiftieth.” As many of you may already know, Pentecost is the fiftieth and last day of the Easter season. We recognize Pentecost as the time when Jesus gifted us the Holy Spirit (traditionally depicted as a dove) and the church was “born.” So, in a sense, Pentecost is a time to say, “Happy Birthday!”
Celebrating the birthday of the Christian church is an excellent opportunity for us all to reflect on what it means to be “the church” in general and specifically here at Pali Pres. By looking at accounts of the first Pentecost some 2000 years ago, we can tell that the church was designed from the very beginning to be a diverse community of Jesus followers, one that is commissioned and gifted with all the resources needed to do God’s work of love, service, and reconciliation in this world.
As you prepare for Sunday, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the gift of the church and the meaning of Pentecost. May we feel a renewed energy in serving as Jesus’ followers as we celebrate the birth of the church and all that it has been empowered to do in this world.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Matt
PS—Don’t forget to wear your RED this Sunday (the liturgical color for Pentecost)!
Reflecting on Mother's Day
Dear Pali Pres Family,
As we enter Mother’s Day Weekend, I reflect on the blessings of mothers and mother figures in our lives. Among the many gifts they bring us and our world, perhaps none are more important than how they teach us the ways of compassion. As the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer once said, “Compassion is the basis of morality.”
From our earliest moments of life, mothers serve as models for us of what it means to live with kindness, generosity, and love. I remain deeply grateful for my mother and my wife, who is a wonderful mother to my children. Through these extraordinary women, and all women who show forth compassion and love, God gifts us with examples to live by in our interactions with others.
I hope you will all join me in thanking God for those people in our lives that teach us compassion. Given the brokenness and needs of our world, learning and practicing the ways of compassion are more important than ever.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Matt
"Pay close attention, my child, to your father's wise words and never forget your mother's instructions. For their insight will bring you success, adorning you with grace-filled thoughts and giving you reins to guide your decisions." (Proverbs 1:8-9)
My Footprints on the Way of St. James
Dear Beloveds,
The accepted definition of a pilgrim is “one who journeys to a sacred place for religious reasons.” For six days last week, I was a pilgrim in every sense of the word. Words cannot begin to describe what I experienced, but I will make a meager attempt here, and I look forward to sharing what God showed me last week with you in my upcoming sermons.
I took a week of study leave to walk the Camino de Santiago, the way of St. James, and walked the last 100 kilometers to reach the great cathedral in Santiago. It is said that this location is one of the three most visited religious sites for Christians, the other two being Rome and Jerusalem. My traveling partner was one of my youth group students when I was a Youth Pastor over 30 years ago; she has grown up to be a wonderful, wise woman and one of my closest friends.
The pilgrimage is a journey that challenges not only the body, but the soul, and I was so grateful to experience this meaningful and fulfilling adventure. The day started each morning with breakfast, and then a trek for hours until the day’s end, walking through the stunning landscape of Galacia, Spain. We did not encounter another sojourner on the path until the 4th day in; it was a beautiful and silent trek that led us through streams, rocks, and forest. The only sounds were the songs of birds.
Each step of the Camino is infused with the knowledge that so many have gone before, hoping for redemption or illumination; it was a time of deep prayer and meditation. Never have I felt so profoundly close to God and God’s creation as I have in this past week.
The physical challenges of the Camino are undeniable, as each day, one carries a backpack, walking sticks, facing the weather and all your thoughts, prayers, and emotions. But amidst the sheer exhaustion, there was a wonderful sense of liberation and peace that accompanied each day, as we relied on the simple markers in the road to lead the way. It was truly a remarkable opportunity to strip the worries and weight of everyday life away and to focus on just the next step on the path. We had two first days of blazing sun then the rest of the week was cold, rainy, and foggy, and every day brought a new and different challenge to face—but each step was a joy.
The Camino is truly a journey of self-discovery, connecting with God, and connecting with oneself. I could not help but be filled with awe and wonder about all the souls who travelled the same road before me.
Last week was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life; I was stretched mentally, physically, and spiritually-- and I am so grateful for it. I hope to go next year for my study week once again, and I hope that I will keep the lessons from the Camino in my heart every day.
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
The Best Shakespeare Quotes for Modern Life
Dear Pali Pres,
This past week was William Shakespeare’s birthday (we think). I say “we think” because no one really knows—the exact date of his birth was never recorded (most often it is celebrated on April 23). We do know that today, April 26, was the day of his baptism in 1564. We also know that Shakespeare died on April 23 (yes, the same day many consider to be his birthday) in 1616.
Even though Shakespeare lived over 400 years ago, his works continue to influence and inspire the world. I recently came across an article entitled, “Best Shakespeare Quotes for Modern Life,” which featured some classics, such as:
“This above all: to thine own self be true.” Hamlet
“The course of true love never did run smooth.” A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Hamlet
“Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them’’ Twelfth Night
“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.” As You Like It
Shakespeare also wove theology through his many works, including these gems worth remembering:
“God shall be my hope, my stay, my guide and lantern to my feet.” Henry V
And this commentary on mercy:
“The quality of mercy is not strain'd, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings; But mercy is above this sceptred sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings, It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God's When mercy seasons justice.” The Merchant of Venice
Just a bit of food for thought for all of us during this week we celebrate Shakespeare’s birth (we think)!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Matt
The Faithful Service of Our Deacons
Dear Beloveds,
This last Sunday, our church came together to recognize, thank, and pray for our deacons who serve so faithfully among us. I hope that you were able to join us in celebrating their ministry that is indeed the lifeblood of our church.
If you were in our worship service either in person or online, you would have heard Joanna Darvish and Vidda Brough explain some of the new caregiving that we will be doing in this year. This new caregiving includes a few aspects:
Going forward, we will always have three Deacons of the Month. Our deacons will be rotating their duties, and each month, there will be three specific deacons that will be called upon for things that arise in the church. If someone has a surgery, or an accident, or if we have a memorial service, these three deacons will be in charge of heading things up. You will be able to see who these deacons are in our newsletter and in our bulletins each week. This system will be replacing our “flocks” as we have had in the past.
In addition, we as a Deacon Board will always be checking in on folks who have recently undergone anything to make sure that their needs are being taken care of, that they feel supported, and they know that they are being prayed for and with. This check-in process is going to be more formalized than what it was in the past. Please do contact me if you would like a deacon to check in on you! It is important for us to be communicating our needs with one another.
Lastly, our deacons will continue their faithful service in heading up the planning and execution of our memorial service receptions when the needs arise. They will also continue their service in helping to set up our communion and do special deliveries and mailings. We meet monthly as deacons to make sure we are covering all bases.
As I mentioned on Sunday, you don't need to be a deacon to be able to help and serve in our church! We're excited to be reviving our Helping Hands Ministry, where people can help with providing meals and cookies when we have different needs arise. You can join this ministry at anytime! Please contact me if you would like to join.
I hope that you were able to partake in the incredible coffee hour reception that our deacons hosted for us! It was a cornucopia of bounty, and we want to give a special thanks to all of them for their incredible efforts, not just on Deacon Sunday, but year-round for their love and compassion for all of us.
Thank you, dear deacons, it has been a joy and honor to serve with you!
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
Even So, It Does Move...
Dear Pali Pres,
I must admit that I kind of got caught up in the solar eclipse “buzz” this past week. Not as much as many people, but I found the entire event rather cool and interesting to think about. The eclipse reminded me (and hopefully all of us) of how united we are as human beings on this one home we all share. It also reminded me that there are cosmic forces at play in this universe that are far beyond my control and understanding. Realizing, once again, how small my life is compared to all that is taking place out in the cosmos is pretty humbling, and yet comforting. The Creator of all the universe also created me; the one who set the stars, moon, and sun in the sky (and the One we are to thank for these amazing eclipses) also tends to me and cares about my little life. Amazing stuff, really.
On a somewhat related note, today is the anniversary of Galileo’s trial before the Roman Inquisition (which had been established by the Pope to regulate church doctrine). It was 1633 and the famous Italian astronomer was being judged for supporting the heretical idea that the Earth revolves around the sun, rather than the other way around. After agreeing to formally recant, Galileo was sentenced to house arrest and died at home eight years later. However, what Galileo said in his defense is worth remembering—he insisted that scientific research and Christian faith are entirely compatible, and that the study of the universe could actually encourage one’s faith and the proper interpretation of scripture. Legend has it that immediately after he recanted, as he rose from kneeling before his examiners, Galileo defiantly muttered, e pur, si movie (“even so, it does move”), referring to the Earth.
I hope you will find your faith comforted and encouraged by the amazing scientific phenomena that happen all around us, be they every 20 years or every 20 seconds!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt
Walking the Camino de Santiago
Dear Beloveds,
In a couple weeks, I will be embarking on my first study week for the year. For this week, I have prayerfully chosen to walk on the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James. This trek has been traveled by millions of pilgrims for more than a thousand years, and has multiple routes stretching across Europe, with each major route ending at the grand cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. (It is believed that the remains of Saint James are buried here.) The Camino has great historical, cultural, and theological meaning, but central to its purpose is the opportunity for spiritual awakening.
The Camino is meant to be a sacred walk for pilgrims who are seeking spiritual growth or reflection and renewal in their lives. It is not only a grueling physical journey, but it is also a journey of the soul that provides a unique opportunity for its pilgrims to reconnect or establish their faith, to deepen one's relationship with God, and to ask existential questions along the way. This trek has served as a spiritual catalyst for those who are seeking a deeper understanding of following God. As the walking journey is made, it allows its pilgrims to separate from the tasks, worries and duties of everyday life, and beckons them to immerse themselves in a time of deep reflection and discovery.
I must admit that I have not trained for this journey very well! I endeavor to walk the final 100 kilometers, which is about 62 miles in just 5 days, as I have one week of leave (average of 12 miles a day). I arrive in Spain and start the trek the very next morning, and will be packing a rain poncho, a sturdy hat, my knee brace, and not much more! I am packing very lightly and will wash and re-wear my clothes. The terrain is quite remote and rural, but exceedingly beautiful in places; in the evening, I will be spending the nights in hostels and monasteries along the way. Friends have told me to carry blister pads, chafing cream, and walking sticks to fend off aggressive wild dogs---it will certainly be an adventure! I am loading my phone with good music and podcasts to listen to along the way, but I look forward to long stretches of silence and extended times of prayer.
I am so thankful for this experience and look forward to how God will change my heart through this time of learning. I will be posting my adventure on Instagram, so please check out @maypeacebethejourney_revgrace to see how I do every day! Thank you in advance for your prayers; I look forward to sharing with you what I learned upon my return.
With great love for you,
Pastor Grace
What's Good about 'Good Friday'?
Dear Pali Pres,
Today, Good Friday, is the darkest of days for us as Christians—the day Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world. That is why we dare to call this day “good”—because of what the death of Jesus means for us and all the world. As Paul writes, “Through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:20). It is because of today that we have all been reconciled to God, and can live forgiven and peace-filled lives.
I do hope you will join us this evening at 7:00pm, in person or via live-stream, as we gather and reflect together on the meaning of this day. It is such a blessing to be partnering with our friends at Brentwood Presbyterian Church for this service; Pastor Dave and Pastor Lora will help lead tonight’s service and their congregation has been invited to join ours on this most holy day.
Whether you can join us for worship or not, I do encourage you to spend this day in prayer and reflection as we honor the loving sacrifice of our Lord. I share the following prayer with you as one that speaks to my heart this day:
Holy God, your Word, Jesus Christ, spoke peace to a sinful world and brought humanity the gift of reconciliation by the death he endured. Teach those who bear his name to follow the example he gave us. May your life-giving power at work in us turn hatred to love, conflict to peace, and sorrow into joy, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[adapted from a prayer by the PCUSA Office of Theology and Worship]
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
Palm Sunday & Holy Week
Dear Pali Pres,
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday, which begins the holiest week of the Christian year. We will start our worship service with a jubilant singing of All Glory, Laud, and Honor as we wave our palm branches during the refrain. It is a day of joy and celebration for Christians around the world as we remember Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem.
However, in the midst of our celebration we must also keep in mind the reason for Jesus’ trip—to be arrested, convicted, and then killed. That is why Palm Sunday is also known as “Passion Sunday.” Going back to the fourth century, the church has embraced the paradox of Palm/Passion Sunday, concentrating on both the glory and the passion of Jesus Christ.
It is an important tradition to keep observing, both in our church and in our personal walks of faith. To simply skip from the “Hosannas” of Palm Sunday to the “Hallelujahs” of Easter does a great disservice to Jesus Christ and his sacrificial gift to the world. We must be willing to embrace the full meaning of this most holy week by remembering the entire story of Jesus—his glory, his suffering and death, and his resurrection.
I hope you will join us here at Pali Pres as we journey through Holy Week together. This Sunday, in addition to morning worship, we will have a special concert by our chancel choir at 2pm, “Ride On, King Jesus!” Later in the week, on Maundy Thursday, we will gather at Brentwood Presbyterian Church at 7pm for a service of communion, reflection, and beautiful music. Then, on Good Friday we will host a special service in our sanctuary (7pm) focusing on the final hours of Jesus’ life through a dramatic reading from the Gospel of Matthew. I do hope you can attend one, if not all, of these services as we all prepare our hearts and souls for the glory of Easter Sunday.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Matt
Interior Freedom
Dear Pali Pres,
I recently came upon a powerful piece in Plough Magazine on the theme of repairing relationships. Given all that is going on in the world right now, and given how each of us carry within us a least a few regrets, burdens, and unhealed wounds, I found this article to be especially touching in how it articulated the restorative power of personal forgiveness. Within the article were writings on repair and reconciliation from spiritual authors including Teresa of Ávila and Desmond Tutu. However, it was an excerpt from the book Interior Freedom by theologian and priest Jacques Philippe that spoke to me the most. I share it with you now in hopes that Philippe’s words and message will speak to your heart too and help lead you closer to “interior freedom.”
There are times in every life when we find ourselves in situations of trial and difficulty, either affecting us or someone we love. We can do nothing. However much we turn things over and examine them from every angle, there is no solution. The feeling of being helpless and powerless is a painful trial, especially when it concerns someone close to us: to see someone we love in difficulties without being able to help is one of the bitterest sufferings there is.
Many parents experience it. When children are small, there is always a way of intervening, helping them. When children are older and no longer heed advice, it can be terrible for parents to see their sons or daughters turning to drugs or launching destructive love affairs. Much as the parents want to help, they cannot. At such times we should tell ourselves that even if we apparently have no way of intervening, we still, despite everything, can continue to believe, hope, and love. We can believe that God will not abandon our child and our prayer will bear fruit in due course. We can hope in the Lord’s faithfulness and power for everything. We can love by continuing to carry that person in our heart and prayer, forgiving them and forgiving the wrong done to them and expressing love in every way available to us, including trust, self-abandonment, and forgiveness. The more devoid of means our love is, the purer and greater it is. Even when externally there is nothing to be done, we still have inner freedom to continue to love. No circumstance, however tragic, can rob us of that. For us, this should be a liberating and consoling certainty amidst the trial of powerlessness.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Matt