Dear friends in Christ,

This Sunday we will be reading a passage from Acts about the Apostle Paul’s fall from grace and restoration. While we might be tempted to think of Paul as a “bad man” who received grace and then became a “good man,” it’s quite a bit more complicated than that. Paul was shaped by the political injustices of his time, and civil unrest – much like what we are seeing today. What made him act so unjustly and destructively and cruelly, and then what made him become a compassionate advocate for the gospel? Perhaps if we can get to the heart of these questions, we can make more informed decisions ourselves as we struggle with the injustice and unrest in our society today.

In Bible Study on Monday at 6 PM we will be studying the story of Judith and Holofernes from the book of Judith. In this story a woman uses subversion and cunning to save her people from a destructive warlord and tells us a lot about bravery and trust when in overwhelming circumstances.

We will look forward to seeing you there!

Many blessings,

Pastor Tracy

SAVE THE DATE

Opportunities for youth

Sunday, March 2 after worship, the children will be shopping for the SACK LUNCH PROGRAM.

Opportunities for service

Sunday, March 9 after worship, we will be assembling sack lunches and organizing lunches and clothing resources.[2025 Congregational #2 of 12:  Make 1000 Sack Lunches]

Saturday, March 8 from 9 AM to 12 N we will be KNITTING CAPS FOR THE HOMELESS at our Knitting Ministry and potluck brunch. Bring your own craft projects and join us!

NOW: The United Church of Christ has been marshalling many resources in response to the recent unjust executive orders. You can click here to learn more about the national response to countering racism, advocating for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, resisting Project 2025, and actively fostering justice and peace. We are not alone, and people across the country are working together.

Opportunities for spiritual growth

Monday, February 24 at 6 PM in the Fellowship Hall and via Zoom – Bible Study meets every Monday

Wednesday, February 26 at 7 PM via Zoom – Prayer Group meets online every Wednesday

Saturday, March 8 at 1 PM – Join us on a Labyrinth Walk at Glendale Forest Cemetery as part of an event organized by the LA Labyrinth Society. We will carpool from the church parking lot at 12:15 PM or you can meet us there. Bring a bottle of water and snacks to share after the walk. Free Public Labyrinth Walk Tickets, Sat, Mar 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite]

Opportunities for fellowship

Wednesday, March 5 at 6 PM – Ash Wednesday service with application of ashes, and pancake supper in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, March 9 during worship – blessing of March birthdays, anniversaries, and sobriety dates.

March 29, 2025 at 1 PM – Rev. Rachael Pryor will be installed as our new Conference Minister at Montebello United Church of Christ. All are welcome to participate and celebrate. Click here for more info.

Sunday, March 30 at 3 PM – Service of Installation of Rev. Tracy Kariya followed by reception here at the church. [2025 Congregational Goal #6 of 12: Pastor Tracy Installation]

The United Church of Christ has been marshalling many resources in response to the recent unjust executive orders. You can click here to learn more about the national response to countering racism, advocating for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, resisting Project 2025, and actively fostering justice and peace. We are not alone, and people across the country are working together.