Sunday's Message
Dr. Joe Watkins
From the Ashes:
The Triumphal Contradiction
John 12:12-19
Eaton Fire Response
PazNaz is working to respond to the the Eaton fire that has deeply impacted our neighborhood. If you need help, here are some of the resources that are available right now:
- Contact Us – If you need help, please call the church office at 626.351.9631 or via email at info@paznaz.org. PazNaz has received numerous requests for assistance and is determining the best way to respond as more requests come in. But donations of all kinds are already being received and PazNaz leadership will work to connect you with the resources you need.
- Helping Hands - If you or someone you know needs food assistance, Helping Hands Ministries distributes food through the LA Food Bank on Wednesdays, 9:00 am - noon. Volunteers are already preparing for an increase in families seeking aid. If you need help, please come.
- Disaster Processing Group - As part of the Common Table classes, Pastor Brad Strawn is leading a group that will help those impacted by the fires process their experience. See inside the worship folder for more details.
If you would like to help those who have been affected by the fires, consider one of these options.
- Fire Relief Fund - PazNaz has set up an Eaton Fire Relief Fund that will be used to assist those who have been affected by the fire. You may give online at paz.nz/give or place your donation in the offering plates. Be sure to mark your donations, “Eaton Fire Relief Fund.”
- Helping Hands - Volunteers are needed for Helping hands on Tuesdays, Wednesdays. Helping Hands provides food to more than 700 families weekly and that number is expected to increase significantly in light of the fires. For more information, please contact Jim Yang at jwyang57@gmail.com.
- Donations - The most effective way to give in a crisis situation is to give monetarily. By pooling resources, PazNaz can more easily respond to different needs as they arise. However, PazNaz is currently accepting donations gift cards. No other items are being accepted at this time.
Other avenues of support and ways to help are in the works. Look for more information here and in the weekly email update as these opportunities become available.
Practices
For Children
- Nursery and Preschool care for children birth through 5 years old is located in Arms Hall. Check-in begins at 9:15 am.
- Children’s Church for children grades kindergarten through sixth grade is located in Lower Sanctuary 102. Check-in begins at 9:15 am.
- Please ask a greeter if you need directions. Children’s Sunday school will follow at 11:00 am.
For Guests
- If you complete a Connect Card by clicking this link, we will make a $10 gift in your name to one of three faith-based social service organizations. By sharing your contact information with us, we’ll be able to keep you up to date on what’s happening at PazNaz.
Life at PazNaz
Stations of the Cross Tues. - Fri., April 15 - 18, 4:00 - 7:00 pm, in Gilmore Hall
Traditionally observed during Holy Week, the Stations of the Cross provide a contemplative, intimate journey with Jesus on his way to the cross. This self-guided, interactive experience is designed for all ages. While some will take more or less time, please allow at least 45 minutes to visit and experience all twelve Stations of the Cross. The stations will also be open until 9:00 pm following the Good Friday service.
Good Friday Service Friday, April 18, 6:30 pm, in Lee Chapel
During this somber service, we remember the death of Jesus through song, scripture, and reflection, light and darkness, sorrow and hope. The Stations of the Cross will be open before and after the service.
EasterFest Saturday, April 19, 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
The whole family is invited to EasterFest on Saturday, April 19, 10:30 am - 2:00 pm. This day of family fun features an In-N-Out truck, laser tag, petting zoo, puppet show, jumpers, Easter story time, games, a Jerusalem marketplace, stations of the cross, and more! Meal tickets for the In-N-Out truck are on sale on Sundays in the welcome center. The double-double meal is $10, the cheeseburger meal is $9, and the hamburger meal is $8. All meals include chips and water bottle. The In-N-Out truck will depart at 1:00 pm.
Easter Sunday Services Sunday, April 20, 7:00 am & 10:00 am
Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in two distinct services:
• A service outdoors near the “tomb” (Upper East Parking Lot) at 7:00 am.
• A grand festival service in the Sanctuary at 10:00 am.
Lilies for Easter
Easter lilies will add their beauty and fragrance to our worship spaces on Easter Sunday morning and are available for pre-order in honor or memory of a loved one for $15. Please contact Melody Bundy by Monday, April 14, at mbundy@paznaz.org or 626.351.2425 to place your order.
Easter Offering
Prayerfully consider an extra offering on Easter Sunday, April 20, during the morning services. This offering goes to the World Evangelism Fund and assists missionaries and national workers who reach those who don’t know Jesus.
Women in the Word
On Tuesdays in Gilmore Hall at 9:15 am, April 8 - May 27, Women in the Word presents Luke in the Land: Walking with Jesus in His First-Century World by Kristi McLelland. Through this study, we will travel through the Gospel of Luke to see where the stories of the Bible took place and how Jesus brought His Kingdom to earth for everybody. Childcare is provided and Zoom options are available. For more information contact Darlene G. Weaver at darleneGweaver@gmail.com.
Pickle Ball
La Fuente Ministries invites everyone to play pickle ball in the Gym on Tuesdays, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Come join the fun.
Easter Invitations
If you live in the greater Pasadena area, you are encouraged to pick up an Easter yard sign from the Welcome Center today. These signs will help people in your neighborhood know about PazNaz EasterFest and Easter worship services. Postcards with Easter service information are also available to pick up and pass out.
Annual Meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend the PazNaz Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 27, in the Sanctuary. This year’s annual meeting will be blended into the English Worship Service at 9:30 am. The meeting will include ministry reports, the annual financial report for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, and the report of the Senior Pastor. Please be a part of this important event in the life of the church.
Farewell Luncheon for Pastor Joe and Joan Watkins
You are cordially invited to join the family and friends of Joe and Joan Watkins for a luncheon in celebration of Pastor Joe’s retirement at noon on Sunday, April 27, in Gilmore Hall. The event is free and all are welcome to participate in honoring Pastor Joe’s 45+ years of ministry. Cards and envelopes will be available on the Patio that day for anyone who would like to write a note of congratulations or gratitude. If you are able to help underwrite the cost of the luncheon or assist with preparations or clean-up, please contact Melody Bundy at mbundy@paznaz.org or 626.351.2425. Let’s celebrate Pastor Joe and Joan!
Places to Serve
Please consider serving on one of these teams.
Cart Drivers - Drivers are needed to help people with limited mobility get from the parking lot to the Sanctuary. Please contact Pastor Darwin Ng at dng@paznaz.org for more information.
Church in the Park - Volunteers are needed to help the Church In The Park ministry team with food preparation, distribution, and clean-up. People of all ages are welcome to get involved. To get connected with this ministry please contact Godwin Shen (godwinsh@gmail.com) or Vanessa Hadikusumah (gpiggy@gmail.com).
Communion Stewards - Please consider joining the team of communion stewards who help prepare the elements for communion on the first Sunday of every month. For more information or to volunteer, contact Melody Bundy at mbundy@paznaz.org or 626.351.2425.
Handy Help – If you enjoy wielding a paintbrush, drill, or hammer, please consider joining the “Any Day Crew” to help with minor maintenance and repair tasks around the PazNaz campus. Please contact Melody Bundy at mbundy@paznaz.org or 626.351.2425 to learn how you can put your ingenuity to work for PazNaz.
Helping Hands - Join the helping hands team on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays. The Tuesday team prepares donations for distribution by the Wednesday team. To sign up or more information, please contact Jim Yang at jwyang57@gmail.com
Media Team - If you are interested in volunteering as part of the Media Team, please contact Steve Vredenburgh at svredenburgh@paznaz.org. No experience needed, come as you are.
Welcome Team - A team of people is needed in order to make sure everyone feels welcome on Sunday mornings. Contact Melody Bundy at mbundy@paznaz.org for more information or to sign up as a volunteer.
This Week at PazNaz
Simply Prayer
Sam Bowers
Vance Bowers
Armando Castaneda
Colton Cerin
Carl Divens
Cody Divens
Grace Durazo
George Eastis
Lilia Echeverria
Vivian Fithian
Joyce Forsee
Fabian Gavilanes
Alex Gopala
Jerry Hargrave
Arnitra Harris
John Hansen
Cheryl Howe
Donna Howe
Jeff Howe
Bob Keefer
Anita Lim
Pat Lindgren
Sara Lopez
Robert Machulla
Ann Miranda
Laura Miranda
Davion Olgtree
Angela Quiroz
Al Rivera
Annie Sakamoto
Doug Sakamoto
Debbie Semnanian-Archer
James Siebels
Helen Spencer
Grace Stock
Berta Street
Ginny Tirado
Jerry Todd
Carol Wagstaff
Becky White
Marti Wilson
Larry Wilson
Jim Yang
Debbi Young
peace in the Middle East, Sudan, Armenia, Ukraine, Haiti, Taiwan
In Memoriam
- Roger Bowman, our former District Superintendent, passed away at age 93. His memorial service will be at PazNaz on Saturday, May 31, at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary with a reception to follow.
- Craig Young, father of Ashley Young.
