Listen to the Warning

As we continue our Lenten journey, Jesus calls us not just to listen, but to heed his words—even when they challenge us. This Sunday, we hear a warning, not meant to instill fear, but to awaken us to transformation.

In Luke 13:1-9, 31-35, Jesus pushes against the assumption that suffering is punishment for sin. Instead, he calls us to examine our own lives, our own fruit. The parable of the fig tree reminds us that while God is patient, time is not unlimited. We are called to bear fruit, not just exist.

So, I ask myself and each of you:

👉 What needs to change in your life?

👉 Where is God calling you to grow?

👉 Are you listening—or waiting for the “right time”?

The time to listen, to act, to grow is now.

Join us this Sunday, March 16, as we reflect together and step into this season of intentional transformation.

📍 In-Person & Online at 11 AM PT

🎵 Featuring music from Crowder, Common Hymnal, and more

📖 Scripture: Luke 13:1-9, 31-35 (CEB)

🔗 If you haven’t yet, take a moment to connect:

• Can’t join us this Sunday in person? Watch the live stream here

• Give & support Sacred Place

I look forward to gathering with you—to listen, to reflect, and to embrace the transformation Jesus calls us to.

Grace and peace to you!
Pastor Matthew

P.S. You can text Bryan and me anytime at (909) 506-2400. It comes to both of our phones.

Conversations and Community Building

During Lent, how do you find yourself engaging with the Spirit? Many people hold the tradition of the 40 day fast—giving up something that has the potential to be a distraction in order to focus more time and attention on spiritual things. Do you hold this practice? Though I don’t have anything that I am giving up for Lent, I think it's important to ask myself what things in my life are distractions and how are they taking my energy away from what I find important or Sacred.

Family Dinner

This month, our Family Dinner will be on March 26, 2025. join us at 5:30 PM at the Mission Center for a casual evening of food and conversation. We have no agenda, but I'd like to chat about the things that we consider Sacred, and they’re important to us.

Next week, I’ll share what's on the menu. We want this to become a recurring event where we can gather and chat about life, check in, and better understand how we can support each other. These events are casual. If you would like to join us, please email me and let me know you're coming (so we're sure we can prepare enough food).

Loving our Neighbors

News From the UCC

If you're interested in learning what’s going on with the United Church of Christ in nationally, you can find all kinds of information on their website by clicking here.

Los Angeles LGBTQ Center

The LA LGBTQ Center has released a survey and are asking for responses until the end of April. The survey seeks to understand the health needs of queer women. This survey is for; “folks who are 18 years of age or older: Womxn, BIPOC (black, indigenous & people of color), Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Queer, Trans identified folks, Non-Binary folks and anyone who has experienced girlhood or womxnhood.” If you fit within the demographic mentioned, please consider taking a minute to complete the survey. Or, if you know someone who might want to participate, please forward them the link. You can access the survey by clicking https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7959756/LosAngeles

Riverside Interfaith Council 

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about non-christian faiths, the Riverside Interfaith Council is seeking to build a community of people who's diverse faiths and spiritual practices can come together and focus more on the things that unite us than on our differences. March 20th the RIC will be holding a Faith Chat via Zoom It will be a conversation members of the Riversidee Baha'i Community. These chats usually last about an hour and are followed by a general meeting to discuss what the council is doing. Scan the QR code or go to the website listed above for more.

—Bryan Jones
Community Outreach