Dear friends in Christ,

This Sunday we will be talking about refugeeism in the Bible, Jesus’ experience as a refugee, and God’s promise and instructions around refugees and immigrants. There has been so much legislation and vitriol around immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in recent months that it warrants discussion from the pulpit. How are Christians called to respond? How did the ancient prophets respond? You may be surprised at what scripture says.

This past Sunday Rev. Lisa shared her own experience and thoughts on the Kaiser Mental Health Worker’s strike and specifically the hunger strike that took place at our church a few weeks ago. The eleven workers who stayed at our church during the hunger strike left some lovely thank you notes for all the support that the church showed them. You can view them here. [Giselle, can you please put in links to the pictures of the thank you notes and photo that you used in the Mission Moment last week?]

SAVE THE DATE

Opportunities for youth

Sunday, May 4 at 12:30 PM – The Youth will be shopping for our Sack Lunch. Our goal is to make and distribute 1000 sack lunches this year. If your youth would like to participate, the please let Pastor Tracy or Tere know by Sunday morning.

Opportunities for service

Sunday, May 11 – We will be assembling sack lunches for our Sack Lunch Program immediately following worship.

Coffee Hour Hosts are always needed, please see Marlene to confirm open Sundays or to sign up. As of right now, we still need Hosts for May 11 and every Sunday in June.

Opportunities for spiritual growth

Monday, May 5 at 6 PM – Bible Study meets every Monday in the Fellowship Hall, or join us on Zoom.

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

Saturday, May 3 at 1 PM [TIME CHANGE] – Labyrinth Walk as part of World Labyrinth Day. We will be walking the Providence St. John’s Medical Center Labyrinth in Burbank. We will be carpooling from the church at 12 N [TIME CHANGE!] If you would like to carpool, please text Pastor Tracy at 323-793-9059 so we can watch for you. Please bring a sack lunch or snacks to share – we will be having a late picnic lunch after we walk the labyrinth.

May 17, 2025, 10 AM – 4 PM – Hues in Harmony Day with YAY Foundation. Through a full day of interactive workshops, insightful conversations, and grounding activities, we’ll explore wellness in all its forms — spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial. This is more than just a wellness event — it’s a space for reflection, growth, and deep community care. Hues in Harmony YAY Day is designed to uplift queer voices and experiences, creating space for us to connect, recharge, and thrive — together. Whether you’re looking to build community, tap into your resilience, or simply pause and breathe, this day is for you. Come as you are. Leave feeling more whole. Registration is required, but there is no fee to join. Lunch will be provided. REGISTER HERE

Opportunities for fellowship

Saturday, May 10 – Knitting Ministry and Potluck Brunch from 9 AM – 12 N in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your own projects or help us make hats for our Sack Lunch Program. All materials provided, all levels welcome.

Sunday, May 11 – May birthdays and anniversaries blessings during worship.

May 30 – June 1 – WeHo Pride. UPDATE: Our application for a booth at WeHo Pride this year was denied. However, we will still be celebrating Pride the entire month of June with special sermons, music, and reflections. Please see Upcoming Sermons below for a preview.

Upcoming Sermons

May 4 –God’s promise to refugees throughout history and today

May 11 – What does Paul say about women preaching in the church? Not what you’ve been told.

May 25 –What authority does scripture have, why do we believe it, and why are folks so divided about it?

June 1 – PRIDE Sunday – What does Jesus say about the LGBTQ+ community? A lot, actually.

June 15 – PRIDE month – Why was Sodom and Gomorrah really destroyed? You may be surprised.

June 22 – PRIDE month – What does the Bible really say about sex and marriage and how does that apply to our country’s legislation today?

June 29 – PRIDE month –  What can the story of Esther teach us about anti-immigrant legislation and deportations today and about standing up to homophobia?

July 13 – Does the Bible really say that homosexuals don’t get to go to heaven? Actually, it doesn’t.

September 7 – Trans folk in the Bible. Yes, they are there. Yes, it is all good.