Glendale Church of the Brethren

On Sunday, April 23, 2017 Pastor Randy Short accepted the call to become the new Pastor of Glendale Church of the Brethren.  Pastor Randy  and  his wife Kathie sold their home in Michigan, packed up their 26 foot trailer and headed west to sunny California, along with their daughter, Bailey and chocolate Lab, Maddie.  We suspect that part of their travels involved singing “California Here We Come! ” at the top of their lungs, but we have no solid evidence…  Now, what we do know with confidence is that our entire congregation is very excited to welcome Pastor Randy and his family.  We hope that Pastor Randy and Kathie will be happy in their new home, that they and our congregation will flourish and grow under his leadership and spiritual guidance. Welcome Pastor Randy, Kathie, Bailey and Maddie Short!

COME JOIN US for Pastor Randy’s first official Service as Head Pastor of Glendale Church of the Brethren

Breakfast at 9:15 am and Service begins 10: 45 am.  We will have a luncheon following our Service.  All are welcome! 

Sunday, April 2 is Friendship Sunday at the Glendale Church of the Brethren.  We’re inviting everyone to join us for breakfast beginning at 9:00 am, Bible Study at 10:00 am, Worship at 10:45 and lunch following worship.  Please join us as we are always looking to make new friends.

On Sunday, March 5 the Glendale Church of the Brethren will join other faith communities in Glendale on the annual CROP Walk.  Glendale will be one of 1000 communities nationwide who are joining together in interfaith CROP Hunger Walks around the theme “Ending hunger one step at a time.”  Many of the Walkers will be wearing  t-shirts proclaiming their solidarity with the millions of neighbors around the world who have to walk to live — as well as with the millions served by local food pantries, food banks and meal sites here in the U.S.  These local ministries share in the funds raised by CROP Hunger Walks.

From combating droughts in Nicaragua to providing agricultural training in Indonesia to stocking shelves in hundreds of food pantries across the United States, CROP Hunger Walks are fighting hunger.  Twenty five percent of the funds raised will be used to fight hunger in Glendale.  

For more information and to donate to this worthy effort please go to http://www.crophungerwalk.org/glendaleca

There’s been a lot in the news lately about allowing refugees and other underprivileged people into our country.  It turns out that Jesus actually had something to say about this.  Join us Sunday for worship at 10:45 when we consider a parable that he told about a wealthy man and a beggar.   Turns out there’s a surprising twist in the story.  Of course that’s always the case is when Jesus tells a story.

Join us before worship when we’ll be serving breakfast in our fellowship hall at 9:00 and then continue our study of the gospel of Matthew in the Fireside Room beginning at 9:45

At the Glendale Church of the Brethren we are very fortunate to have an extremely talented young musician join us on the second and fifth Sundays of the month.  His name is Ryan Macilak and not only is he a talented vocalist and pianist, but he is also a gifted song writer, recently having had his first song published.  On Sunday morning Ryan will be at our church at 9:45 to rehearse the songs and hymns that will be used in our 10:45 worship service, anyone who enjoys singing is invited to join Ryan at that time.  Stop by our fellowship hall beforehand (anytime after 9:00) and enjoy some breakfast and fellowship as well.

Also at that time we will continue our study of the Gospel of Matthew in the Fireside Room.  At 10:45 our worship service begins in the sanctuary.  Pastor Mike will begin a preaching series on the stories that Jesus told.

For more information contact the church at myglendalechurch@gmail.com or 626-590-4186

Breakfast will be served in our fellowship hall beginning around 9:00.  Our worship service will begin at 10:45 with a focus on the Church of the Brethren value on peace.  Glendale members Jim and Karen LeFever will share the morning message.

What kind of church shall we be?

A Facebook post got me to thinking about this question.  Alan Hirsch, a leader in the Missional Church movement, asked “If the church is not being formed around the person and teachings of Jesus, what other forces are shaping it?”

There were a lot of responses, mostly of the cynical nature deriding churches for following worldly pursuits like individualism, nationalism, entertainment, politics and greed.  But a couple of people tried to offer what they believed to be legitimate answers to Hirsch’s question, such as the teachings of the Apostle Paul or that the conditions of the society (especially locally).

As someone who grew up, was baptized and ordained in the Church of the Brethren I have to first say that I believe the answer should be “nothing”.  However, the real answer might be: “perceptions about Jesus”.  I guess what I’m trying to say is that too many people have ideas about the teachings and person of Jesus that are derived from something other than the whole life and entirety of the teachings of Jesus.   As a result we have churches proclaiming a gospel of prosperity, a gospel of sin management, a gospel of exceptionalism, a feel good gospel and probably several others that I can’t think of.

So, what kind of church shall we be?

This week (January 15) I’ll begin a preaching series asking that question and I welcome input and questions as I proceed.  Please join us!

The following is the schedule for this coming Sunday, January 15:

9:00 – Breakfast – Everyone is invited to join in a time of food and fellowship as our own Chef Scott prepares a delicious  breakfast.

9:45 – Bible Study in the Fireside Room – We are presently studying the Gospel of Matthew and will be looking at the story of Jesus facing temptations in the wilderness following his baptism.

10:45 – Worship – This week’s theme is “What Kind of Church Shall we Be?”  Our scripture for the morning is Matthew 3:1-17 and we will be comparing the ways of John the Baptist and the way of Jesus.

Glendale Church of the Brethren is a loving community committed to continuing the work of Jesus, Peacefully, Simply and Together.  Please join us.

Glendale Church of the Brethren

Continuing the work of Jesus – Peacefully, Simply, and Together

In recent years this small but dedicated congregation had fallen on difficult times. However, through the faith of the people, the support of the Pacific Southwest District, and God’s Spirit a rebirth was taking place.  Led by Pastor John Jackson the congregation began to grow in numbers, commitment and in spirit. As Pastor John was preparing for worship on Sunday, November 8, 2015, John suffered a heart attack and God called him home.  But John’s love for people didn’t die that day and this small group of people, trying to be Jesus’ disciples, carries on his legacy of loving one another and all with whom they come in contact with.

Our congregation worships in a wonderful sanctuary that represents the best of the “1960s” architecture with a soaring ceiling that brings in wonderful natural light that floods the sanctuary. However this worship space feels wonderfully intimate. The sanctuary is being restored to its former glory, but more importantly the people are being renewed and strengthened in their faith

We are looking for visionary, progressive individuals who wish to be on the “ground floor” of this congregational restart. The opportunities for serving Christ at Glendale are boundless. If you have been searching for a wonderful Christian community where you can serve Christ and find your own unique ministry – then you have found your home. Welcome!