Building Updates
After weeks of waiting, we officially received word that The City of Sierra Madre has denied our use of Alverno Heights for church services. They said the school’s Conditional Use Permit does not align with our pursuit of being a church there. This was disheartening in many ways. But we have been praying fervently for favor and clarity. And though this is not the response we were hoping for, it is still a clear answer to our prayers.
So, what does this mean going forward?
After weeks of waiting, we officially received word that The City of Sierra Madre has denied our use of Alverno Heights for church services. They said the school’s Conditional Use Permit does not align with our pursuit of being a church there. This was disheartening in many ways. But we have been praying fervently for favor and clarity. And though this is not the response we were hoping for, it is still a clear answer to our prayers.
So, what does this mean going forward?
- Lisette and Kyle Fraser of House of Hope have graciously agreed to let us stay at their church in Azusa for three more Sundays (7/27, 8/3, 8/10). This will give us an opportunity to catch our breath and plan next steps.
- We are looking into renting Pasadena High School beginning 8/17. Our leadership team will begin planning all that entails as this will be a full set-up / tear down every week. But the big win is it will allow us to stay centrally located in Pasadena at our normal Sunday morning time.
- We will also start looking again for a more fitting long-term solution. For now, it seems PHS will serve us well in the interim. But our ultimate hope is still to find somewhere we can truly settle and set up as our own home.
Church, I still believe God has a special place for his beloved. Somebody out there’s got keys with our name on them! The keys will come! In the meantime, we’re gonna keep walking with our pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, trusting the Lord will lovingly lead his people to a home that will be for our good and His glory! And all God’s people said together: yes and amen!
THIS WEEK’S ANNOUNCEMENTS //
Welcome Pastor Jon to the Team!
As we shared this past Sunday, the Lord has led us to a pastor for our Kids’ Ministry: Pastor Jon Fong has officially joined the team! We could not be more excited for who Jon is and what he’ll bring to this beautiful ministry. Please take time to stop by on a Sunday and welcome Jon, his wife, Sandy, and their beautiful family into the fold. You can also send an encouraging email to Jon at jon@risecommunity.church
This Sunday
- Our Kids’ Ministry students will begin the service with their families this Sunday. But we will dismiss Early Childhood and Elementary Age students after worship to head upstairs and have their own special together! Nursery age kiddos will stay in service with their families.
- We will be having Youth (middle school + high school) this Sunday after service. They’ll have pizza together and some time to hang out and reconnect for a bit.
- We will be celebrating July birthdays after service with homemade cupcakes! Come by the picnic tables in the pergola and join in the joy with us!
Process Group
The Process Group will be gathering this Sunday after service upstairs in one of the Youth Rooms. This group focuses on healing together from Spiritual Abuse, Church Hurt, and grief in many other ways as well. All are welcome! Anyone can join at the link here.
Set-Up/Tear Down Team
As we find ourselves in a season of transition, the Set-Up and Tear-Down Committee is looking for volunteers to help transform our new spaces into places of worship and fellowship so that everyone who walks through our doors can receive the Word of God and worship together. Together, we can make a big difference, one chair and table at a time! If you’re interested, you can see Marqui after church or sign-up in the app.
Immigrant Relief Resources
We have created an Immigrant Relief Fund. You can give at the link here and all donations will be used to provide for immigrant neighbors in our community.
There are also consistent opportunities arising each day in our Churchwide Community thread in the Church Center app. You can join the group here and stay connected with how to be the church in practical and beautiful ways.
Also, we have good friends at The Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley. They are local and provide legal services to immigrants in need and will not turn anyone away for lack of ability to pay. You can connect with them at the link here.
Join the Care Team Ministry
We are a community rooted in compassion, service, and love, dedicated to being the hands and feet of Jesus in action. Whether it’s a meal delivered, a visit made, a prayer shared, or a heart simply listened to, our team steps in when someone needs care the most. Together, we create a family of support. Not just for those we serve, but for each other. If you have a heart to serve, we have a place for you. Let’s walk in love. Let’s care deeply. Let’s do it together. Join us today — and help us bring Christ’s love into every corner of our community.
Links
Prayer Requests
Care Ministry Request
Giving
Give via website
Give via text. Text the amount to 84321.
Give through the Church Center app
Also, remember to continue to write checks to GWR at this time.
Church Center App
Submit prayer and care requests, give, sign up for potlucks, join a group (serving teams and ministries), update your contact information and more.
* Use 91104 as the zip code to find our church *
We Rise Together,
Pastor Bobby
We Rise Together,
Pastor Bobby