Familia,

We are so grateful to have listened to the vision of John Williams and the team at The Center for Restorative Justice as we partner with them on an ongoing basis in the work of “creating, restoring and sustaining the dignity of all people.” We hope that you were both encouraged and challenged to listen to John and take a moment to visit their website to find all the educational and embodied opportunities to engage in the work of restorative justice. They are one of our community partners and it’s a joy to provide financial support as well as engagement in this new season of the center.

This upcoming Sunday we have the honor of welcoming one of our own to the pulpit for the first time! Salena Scott will be preaching on Matthew 6:26-30 and sharing her unique journey of discovering how caring for creation began to care for her disabled body in return; and why she thinks Jesus calls us all to commune with nature. Our grant and worship teams have curated a beautiful service to highlight Earth Day!

New Baby Abraham Leonel is Here!

Congratulations to proud parents Mindy and Elías Melgar, and siblings Amelie and Alex, on the birth of their new baby Abraham Leonel Melgar. He was born on 4/16 weighing 7 lbs 6 oz. If you would like to take them or send a meal, please visit this link to find out how to send love and comfort through food!

For the People LA – Day of Service

On May 4th, we are partnering with For the People LA to prepare and serve a special meal to our sisters and brothers who make their homes on Skid Row. We’ll spend most of the day in Sierra Madre cooking for the 100 people we hope to serve, and then, in late afternoon we’ll bring the food to 7th and Gladys where we’ll set up on the sidewalk and welcome folks to the table. Please sign up by filling in your info in this spreadsheet for as many shifts as you are able. You can choose to serve in 2-hour shifts or the whole day. It will be a great day of service with our familia! Email Maren with any questions at marenjo10@gmail.com.

Small Group Book Study

Last week, Meleca Consultado started facilitating an 8-week book study at 6:30 PM that meets on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at Sarah O and Sarah D’s home in Sunland. The group is open to anyone! Please join them as they discuss Efrem Smith and Dan Kreiss’s book Church for Everyone: Building Multi-Inclusive Community for Emerging Generations. You may find more info and sign up for this community group via our Church Center app.

We’re Hiring!

We’re officially pursuing a Director of Children and Youth Ministries! It’s a part-time role and you can read all about it here as well as apply for the job. We’re asking our familia to pass this along to anyone you might see fit to jump in the journey with us! We’re first keeping this application open to our own network within our familia until April 15th. After that point, we’ll consider opening the application process to more public-facing spaces and will close the application by April 30.

Familia, may the power of the resurrected Christ be in you and upon you for God is making all things new in this Eastertide!

gracia y paz,

Inés