Note from Lisa – Where I am
In the past month, I’ve enjoyed worshiping and leading worship at several churches. I have also attended the Celebrations of the Resurrection for two retired pastors. On June 8, Knox Presbyterian Church celebrated the life and resurrection of the Rev. Dr. Margurite L. Shuster. The service was a beautiful tribute to her pastoral work at Knox and Arcadia Presbyterian and her work as a Professor of Preaching and Theology at Fuller Seminary. Her theological writings and graceful mentoring impacted many pastors. We take heart in her resurrection and look forward to the day when we all will meet again.
On June 14, I preached at San Marino Community Church for those church members who did not go on the all-church retreat. The music was spectacular, the congregation was warm and friendly, and it was a good mix of members from both worship services. It was a joy to spend time with church members in worship.
On June 21, I was with the congregation of Occidental United Presbyterian Church. Leading worship on that day was Connor Cippola, a candidate from the San Fernando Presbytery. His sermon focused on the Road to Emmaus and the final part where Jesus breaks bread with the two disciples. I appreciated how he pointed out that we need a savior; we cannot save ourselves. Joining the congregation for coffee hour was a delight as we shared coffee and donuts.
On June 28, I joined the congregation at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee, WI. The soon-to-be installed co-pastors focused on Revelation 22:1-5. Their dialogue sermon reminded all of us how the tree of life has leaves that are for the healing of the nations, the theme of the 227th General Assembly. What a beautiful church, with gracious hosts. The new President of Louisville Seminary, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Pomerville, reminded us that we need to look at different ways of being church together. It was exciting to see that the church was holding a conversation with a legendary Pasadena/Los Angeles Pasadena/Los Angeles legendary author, Olivia Butler. I hope that we can sing the new hymn written for GA together at our upcoming meetings.
During the week of June 27 through July 2, I was refreshed and revived by the preaching and worship at General Assembly – I will write more about GA in the coming weeks.
On Jul 5, I joined Iglesia de La Comunidad in Highland Park for worship. Their pastor, Ermer Valverde, introduced their pastor emeritus, who gave a sermon on the importance of faith in Jesus. We shared communion and were lifted in song.
Jul 11 was a day to celebrate the resurrection of The Rev. Dr. Franklin Jung Woo at Monte Vista Grove Homes. Franklin Woo lived a little over 100 years on earth, and we celebrated his eternity in heaven. It was a beautiful tribute to a man who focused his ministry on sharing the Gospel in China. What a joy it was to be in the packed Marwick Hall with his friends and family honoring God and remembering faithful service.
Finally, on Jul 12, my husband Chris and I joined Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana Emmanuel. They are celebrating 105 years of faithful service to God. Pastor Jorge Gomez focused on the variety of ways that parables are interpreted, and especially how Jesus tells his disciples that it is the state of our hearts that allows us to receive the word of God and bear fruit. My husband and I were brought to tears when, during the prayers of the people, we were asked to pray for the family of a man who was taken into detention by ICE. He has been a faithful member of the community for over 33 years, and now his family is suffering because he is not working and because they do not know where he is. The hurt and pain in our communities is great.
Please continue sending pictures of your sanctuary and people to the Presbytery office to help us make our new webpage more vibrant.