February 2012
By Tim Dally I was reminded of a line of thought in a novel called Gilead I read a few years ago - it was the idea of being able to see transfiguration everywhere because of the presence and power of God. In the novel it was way to think and imagine about the kingdom of God. As I write this from Chicago at the Mid Winter gathering for the Evangelical Covenant Church, I was wondering what it would be like to see like this and if it is possible for not only a person but a community to see like this. I wonder if we might be able to think of this as a practical theology as we try to see the way God is at work among us and in our world. Seeing with the eyes of the kingdom. Seeing things as disciples who have picked up their crosses, become new creations, love one another, putting the kingdom agenda of the Great Commission and Great Commandment first in our lives and in the lives of our community. As we approach the Annual Meeting this weekend, I think a lot of churches transform into a different type of community when our lives are reduced to a preoccupation with the business of the church. At the meeting we will discuss that financial and organizational aspect, but it should not be devoid of practical theology. I imagine a lot of churches might be tempted to see or look at things as less than they are, like this is only about some numbers and nominations. In reality the numbers and the nominations, the business of the church, should be all about the presence and power of God. The numbers and nominations represent commitment, reflection, sacrifice, giftedness, transformation, growth, and change. I would like to believe that everything thing about the gathering would honor God. Yes, that is what I said about a business meeting. Lets all attempt to do more than business as usual as we gather to consider such things as if this is a part of the kingdom work of God. First Annual Meeting I ever attended in a Covenant church was a dogfight. The Holy Spirit was absent. People were behaving very badly. God was not honored. The unholy trinity of Me, Myself, and I reigned (thank you Eugene Peterson for that phrase). It was embarrassing, pathetic, sad, loud, petty, selfrighteous and was far removed from a description of transfiguration...more like Armageddon and evil has the edge. It is my hope that we walk into the meeting thinking of God and his presence and power, and the kingdom agenda that we exist for. We are not a big box store, we are not a quick deal with a drive through, we are not a vending machine, we are not driven by a remote control in our hands, we are not irrelevant, we are not alone, we are not an accident, we are not a country club...we are a church...we are his church...we are his church with a stated vision that honors God. We exist and as his church will prevail. Our business and budget help us serve His purposes. Our shared servant hood and our effort to focus on God's plans keep us aimed in the right direction. Your commitment matters. Every prayer you pray, every dollar you share, every minute you serve matters. We have a lot of God things to celebrate along with our commitments and affirmations as members. The good news is more than the fact that our attendance and offerings are going up. This Sunday, in addition to business, we celebrate what God is up to here at Pasadena Covenant. We will look back and we will look forward and maybe we will see things like the kingdom of God. As the lead pastor of Pasadena Covenant Church, thank you for living the vision. I am looking forward to this next year. I can imagine all kinds of possibilities when we put God and his agenda first.
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good fellowship. For further information contact Marilyn Hanks (626) 791-3782.
Companions in Christ
Our adult Companions in Christ small group meets at 9:00 am Sundays for Bible study, prayer,
and fellowship in the room located upstairs off the west side of the balcony. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, contact Jennifer Mawhorter (909) 621-2389 or jmawhorter@pomona.edu.
Life Together
Life Together will be reading a book on prayer, The Jesus Creed; Loving God, Loving Others, by Scott McKnight. We meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am in the Corner house. We welcome visitors and look forward to all that God will stir up in us this new year! If you have any questions, please contact Anita Sorenson at anitasor@pacbell.net.
COME CELEBRATE
The Family of Elmer and Allene Fredrickson would like to invite you to an Open House Celebration in recognition of their 90th birthdays. The open house will be Sat., March 10th between the hours of 1:00 and 4:00 at the home of John and Tammy Fredrickson, at 1865 Midwick Drive, Altadena (cross street: Allen Avenue). If you will be coming, please RSVP by March 5th by email: epollock10@gmail.com, or by phone: (626) 797-2610. No gifts, please.
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The next Koinonia Prayer and Praise potluck will be on Sunday, February 12th, at 6pm at the new home of Art and Dorothy Patzia Please contact Dorothy to coordinate your potluck item.
The Pasadena Covenant Mens Book Club will meet in the Corner House on Thursday, February 23, at 7:00 p.m. We will finish our discussion of Last Call: the Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent. Please contact Tom Andrews for more information thomasfandrews@yahoo.com or (626) 797-6190.
Tuesday, February 21st, Sarah Circle meets from 9:30 am - noon in Fireside. We welcome all women from all generations to join us for service projects, fellowship and refreshments. Sewing baby quilts continues. Vikki Randall has a Childrens Ministry project for us to assemble. We have a rolling start so come when you can. For information, contact Mary Barkman.
afternoons, and in evenings during the week. All child care workers must be at least 16 years of age, and undergo a background check. Starting pay is $10/hr. If youre interested in applying, contact Vikki Randall at vrandall@pasadenacovenant.org.
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Your gracious support is appreciated!
We need the following supplies:
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Mac & Cheese Spaghetti Sauce or Pasta Sauce Canned Beans Potatoes Canned Soup Bulk Rice Canned Meat Baby Pampers Oranges Cans of Fruit Canned Vegetables Rolls of Toilet Paper Fruit Juice Crackers Cereals
Peace and Justice Ministry Team will meet on Monday, February 13th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Santa Barbara Room. All are welcome to attend.
Canned Chili Bulk Dried Pinto Beans Onions Peanut Butter Jelly Snack Items Cooking Oil Spaghettios or Ravioli Cans of Tuna Canned Tomatoes Ramen Cup of Noodles Baby formula Baby wipes Feminine napkins
Current Household Needs for our Neighborhood families include: Toddler Car Seats, Booster Car Seats (for children 4years and older who weigh over 40 lbs), an alarm clock, living room couches, twin or full size mattresses, bun beads, and dinner tables and chairs. List is found on the church website. If you have these (or other items not listed) to donate, contact Mirsa Serrano at Serrano.mirsa@pusd.us or Kim Dorman at jckkdorman@sbcglobal.net
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Midweek Programs
FLOW (High School): Tuesdays, 7-9 pm G.O.A.T. (Middle School): Thursdays, 6-8 pm
Our midweek program for high school and middle school involves large community time, worship, and small groups. Join us this winter and spring as we dive into Faith in Action, a small group study designed to introduce students to holistic faith, focusing on topics such as racial reconciliation and economic stewardship. Our format includes small group night out, game nights, and dinners! Make sure your on the email list to receive the most up-to-date information!
Actors Needed!
We are looking for a couple of actors to provide short skits in our PCC Kids Ministry on Easter Sunday (April 8th). There will be two services that week - you may serve at either service or both. For more information, contact Vikki Randall at vrandall@pasadenacovenant.org.
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Pasadena Covenant Church 539 North Lake Avenue Pasadena, California, 91101-1217 Return Service Requested
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February 2012
1 Wednesday 2 Thursday 6:00 p.m. G.O.A.T. 3 Friday 6:00 p.m. Peace and Justice Prayer Focus 4 Saturday 5 Sunday - Communion & Annual Meeting 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. Brunch/Annual Mtg. 12:00 p.m. Catalyst Team Meeting 6 Monday 7:00 p.m. Trustee Meeting 7 Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Flow 7:00 p.m. College/Young Adult Bible Study 8 Wednesday 9 Thursday 6:00 p.m. G.O.A.T. 10 Friday All Day Student Ministries Staff Retreat 11 Saturday 12 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Classes for all ages 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Hospitality 6:00 p.m. Koinonia Prayer & Praise potluck 13 Monday 6:45 p.m. Peace and Justice Team Mtg. 14 Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Flow 15 Wednesday 16 Thursday 6:00 p.m. G.O.A.T. 17 Friday 18 Saturday 19 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Classes for all ages 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Hospitality 12:00 p.m. Student Ministries Parent Meeting 20 Monday Offices & Facilities Closed 21 Tuesday 9:30 a.m. Sarah Circle 7:00 p.m. Flow 22 Wednesday 23 Thursday 6:00 p.m. G.O.A.T. 7:00 p.m. Mens Book Club 24 Friday 7:00 p.m. Student Ministries 30 Hour Famine 25 Saturday 26 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Classes for all ages 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Hospitality time 27 Monday 7:30 p.m. Womens Book Club 28 Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Flow 29 Wednesday