La Jolla Presbyterian Church Sermons

What does kindness look like when it interrupts our plans, comforts a stranger, or asks us to slow down for someone in need? This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Sheri Perenon will share a message titled "Unexpected Kindness," reflecting on Luke 10:33–37 and the story of the Good Samaritan. In this passage, Jesus paints a picture of mercy that crosses social boundaries and challenges us to see one another differently. It’s an invitation to live with present, practical, and willing compassion. Join us as we reflect on how this kind of kindness shapes the way we move through the world and care for others.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

Patience is not passive; its enduring strength grows over time as we learn to trust God in every season. Rev. Dr. Dave Rohde continues our series with a message titled Keep Going, focusing on the fruit of the Spirit: Patience. In 2 Timothy 3:10–4:2, Paul points to a life shaped by perseverance, faithfulness, and a willingness to keep going - even as he faces persecution himself. It’s a reminder that patience is not simply waiting, but staying grounded in God’s truth and calling. Join us this Sunday as we reflect on this kind of steady endurance and how it shapes our relationships, deepens our faith, and guides how we move through life.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

Is peace something we wait for, or something we live into? This Sunday, Rev. Scott Mitchell continues our “Keeping in Step with the Spirit” series with a message titled “The Seven Wonders of Christ’s Peace,” based on Ephesians 4:1-7 & 4:11-13. In this passage, Paul calls us to live lives marked by humility, patience, and unity; grounded in the peace that comes from Christ. It’s a picture of peace that isn’t passive or fragile, but active and resilient, holding us together even in the midst of life’s challenges. Join us as we explore what it means to pursue this kind of peace and live it out in our relationships and community.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

“For Joy,” as we explore the fruit of the Spirit: Joy. In Luke 2:10, we hear the announcement of “good news of great joy…for all people,” and in John 15:1–11, Jesus invites us to remain in Him, like branches in the vine, so that His joy may be in us and our joy may be complete. This is a joy formed in relationship with Christ - steady, sustaining, and present in every season! Join us as we consider how this joy meets us and carries us through everyday life.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Love is at the heart of the Gospel, revealed in how we see and care for one another. This Sunday, Rev. Noel Musicha and Rev. Jeremiah Lester, co-pastors of Ebenezer Church, will share a message titled “Mind the Margins,” as we reflect on the first fruit of the Spirit: Love. In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus points us toward a way of life that notices and responds to those often overlooked. It’s an invitation to consider how love takes shape in our everyday lives, especially in the quiet, ordinary moments. Join us as we reflect together on what it means to live out the love of Christ! We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

What does it look like to truly change? This Sunday, we begin a new sermon series, “Keeping in Step with the Spirit,” exploring the Fruit of the Spirit and the kind of life God is growing in us. Rev. Dr. Mike McClenahan, retired pastor from Solana Beach Presbyterian Church, kicks off the series with a message titled “The Journey of Transformation.” In Galatians 5, Paul contrasts life led by our own desires with a life shaped by the Spirit. This passage invites us into an ongoing journey—not of self-improvement, but of transformation—as God forms love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control within us. Join us as we begin this series and consider what it means to walk closely with the Spirit and become people who reflect the character of Christ.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. La Jolla Pres holds a CCLI License to live stream and archive all musical material.Growth Group Questions: https://ljpres.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Growth-Group-Questions-4.12.26.pdf

What if everything really could change? This Easter Sunday Pastor Paul proclaims the good news with a message titled “It’s A New Day!” based on Matthew 28:1–10. In this powerful moment, the women arrive at the tomb expecting death—but instead encounter the risen Jesus and the beginning of something entirely new. Easter reminds us that the resurrection isn’t just an event in the past - it’s the turning point for all of us. Fear gives way to joy, despair to hope, and endings to new beginnings. Join us as we celebrate the victory of Christ and the promise that because He is risen, it truly is a new day.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. La Jolla Pres holds a CCLI License to live stream and archive all musical material.

What does it look like to stay rooted when life feels uncertain? This Sunday, Pastor Paul is looking at Jeremiah 17:5–8. In this passage, we’re given a vivid picture of two lives—one like a shrub in the desert, and the other like a tree planted by water, steady and fruitful even in times of drought. As we move through Lent, this message invites us to consider where we are placing our trust. True resilience isn’t about strength on our own, but about being deeply rooted in God’s presence. We reflect on what it means to remain grounded, nourished, and faithful—no matter the season.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. La Jolla Pres holds a CCLI License to live stream and archive all musical material.

Are we meant to follow Jesus on our own? In Galatians 6, Paul reminds us that the Christian life was never intended to be lived in isolation. Instead, we are called to carry one another’s burdens, restore one another gently, and encourage each other to keep doing good. This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham will preach a message titled “We Need Each Other.” Together we’ll explore how a faithful community supports, strengthens, and restores one another as we walk through life. Paul’s words challenge us to see faith not as a solo journey, but as a shared calling—where compassion, humility, and generosity help the whole community grow stronger.Sermon Questions:Is there a place in your life where you are trying to go it alone and what can you do about that?Who has “held up your arms” in the past, and is there someone whom God might be calling you to help “hold up” this week?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

When was the last time you made space for quiet reflection? Pastor Paul Cunningham will be preaching this week on “Make Time for Reflection,” focusing on Luke 5:12–16, where Jesus heals a man with leprosy and then withdraws to solitary places to pray. Even amid growing crowds and increasing demands, Jesus intentionally stepped away to spend time with the Father. This passage reminds us that reflection and prayer are not interruptions to work; they are essential to it! In moments of stillness, we are invited to pause, bring our lives before God, and realign our hearts with His presence. As we consider the rhythm Jesus modeled, we are encouraged to ask: Where might God be inviting us to slow down and make time for reflection?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. La Jolla Pres holds a CCLI License to live stream and archive all musical material.

Lament is the honest expression of grief before God, bringing our sorrow and questions into His presence. Rather than ignoring suffering or rushing past it, Scripture invites us to name what hurts and trust that God meets us there. In this week’s message, “Lament,” Pastor Paul Cunningham reflects on John 11:17–36, where Jesus meets Mary and Martha in their mourning after the death of Lazarus. As He stands at the tomb and weeps, we see the heart of Christ, not distant, but fully present in human sorrow. Before resurrection comes tears. Before hope breaks through, grief is acknowledged. Through this passage, we are reminded that lament is not a lack of faith, but a faithful response to loss. Join us for worship this Sunday!Sermon Questions: Is there some pain or sorrow you have buried that needs to be brought before God so that He can comfort you?Who sat with you during a difficult time, and is there someone in your life who you need to sit with during their own season of mourning?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

God does not promise us easy lives, and Scripture reminds us that suffering is often part of the journey of faith. During Lent, we slow down to acknowledge both our weakness and our need for God’s strength. In this week’s message, “Life Is Fragile,” Pastor Paul Cunningham reflects on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, where the Apostle Paul speaks of his weakness and the grace that sustains him. We are reminded that God’s power is made perfect in weakness and that even in our limitations, Christ’s strength is enough! Join us for worship this Sunday.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

Shadows are part of every life. Grief leaves a mark, aging reminds us how fragile we are, and some days feel heavier than others. The season of Lent invites us to slow down, reflect honestly on these realities, and remember that we do not walk through them alone. In our new Lent series, Shadows and Daybreak, we explore how God meets us in life’s shadowed places with presence, community, and hope! In this week’s message, “Shadowlands,” Pastor Paul Cunningham reflects on Mark 8:22–33, where Jesus heals a blind man  and then teaches His disciples about what it means to see and follow Him. As Peter struggles to understand Jesus’ path, we’re reminded that faith often unfolds gradually, moving from limited understanding toward deeper trust, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. Join us this Sunday as we worship and journey through Lent together.Sermon Questions: 1. Who would you say Jesus is?2. Do you need to ask Jesus to help you see something more clearly?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

Hospitality has always been a mark of faithful Christian living, showing the love of Christ through generosity and care for others. In 3 John 1–8, we see how hospitality strengthens the church and supports God’s work, as believers open their lives and homes for the sake of the Gospel. In this week's message, “Hospitality Is Key,” Pastor Chad Fransen invites us to consider how simple acts of welcome can have a lasting spiritual impact. Join us as we reflect on how living generously and supporting one another help God’s love flourish with those around us. We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

In the busyness of life, juggling responsibilities, relationships, and the constant pull of what feels urgent, it can be easy to lose our sense of balance and direction. We often find ourselves rushing from one thing to the next, trying to hold everything together faithfully, yet feeling stretched thin and distracted from what matters most. In 2 John 1–9, John reminds us that walking in truth is the rhythm that anchors us. God’s commands are not burdensome, but an invitation to live with purpose and peace, loving one another and remaining in Christ. As we reflect on “Finding The Balance,” Pastor Paul Cunningham will guide us to consider how abiding in God’s truth helps us realign ourselves when life feels overwhelming and draws us back to what is eternal. Join us this Sunday!Sermon Questions:1. How do you “add value” in your area of influence?2. Have you “drifted” off the path of truth and love and if so, how can you get back on the path?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

In a world full of uncertainty, where do we find lasting assurance and hope? In 1 John 5:6–15, we’re reminded that eternal life is not something we earn or guess at, but a gift God has already given through His Son. John writes so that we may know we have eternal life, rooted in God’s faithfulness and love. Pastor Paul Cunningham will lead us as we reflect on “Eternal Life,” and are invited to rest in the confidence of God’s promise and live each day in His life-giving grace.Sermon Questions:When you hear the words “eternal life” what do you think about and why?How does John’s reminder that you have eternal life right now impact your prayer life? Do you tend to pray “from a place of victory?”We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Where does love begin? According to 1 John 4, love doesn’t start with us - it starts with God. This passage reminds us that God is the source and definition of love, and that His love is most clearly revealed through Jesus Christ. When we receive that love deeply, it transforms how we live and how we love others. This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham will preach a message titled “Love Begins With God,” calling us to live rooted in God's love—freely given, fear-breaking, and meant to overflow into every part of our lives.Sermon Questions:1. Where in your life do you need to be more loving and understanding?2. How could you make some time this week to simply “rest” in God’s goodness and grace?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us.” In 1 John 3:1-10, we’re invited to pause and take in God’s love, that we are called children of God. This identity shapes how we live, how we love, and how we see ourselves in light of who Christ is. God’s love doesn’t leave us where we are; it transforms us from the inside out, calling us to live differently in the world. Pastor Paul Cunningham will share this week’s message, “Children of God,” encouraging us to live with confidence, trust, and faithfulness as we grow into who He says we are. We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

What does it mean to have someone stand with us when we fall short? In 1 John 2:1–6, we’re reminded that Jesus is our Advocate, walking with us, speaking up for us, and calling us to live as He lived. This passage reassures us that grace isn’t meant to leave us unchanged, but invites us to grow in love and live with purpose. Pastor Paul Cunningham will share this week’s message, Our Advocate, encouraging us to reflect on Christ’s presence and guidance in our everyday lives. As we stay close to Him, we’re shaped into people who reflect His love. Join us as we explore what it looks like to follow Jesus with trust and faith.Sermon Questions:1. How does the image of Jesus as “your Advocate” impact the way you live out your faith?2. Is there an area of your life where you feel like you need to experience the true healing and cleansing of Jesus?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

As we begin a new year, we also begin a new sermon series exploring the letters of John—practical, pastoral writings that speak to a church learning how to walk in truth and love. This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham opens the series with a message titled “Falling Short.” In 1 John 1:1–10, we’re reminded that while we all fall short, we are not without hope. John invites us to walk in the light—not pretending we’re perfect, but honestly acknowledging our need for grace. It’s in this humility that we find forgiveness, healing, and the assurance that God is faithful. Start the year by centering your heart on what matters most: walking in the light and living in truth.Sermon Questions:Is there a place in your life where you are resisting God?What would you like God to help you with this year?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

As we come to the final Sunday of the year, we take time to reflect on all that God has done and look ahead with hope! Continuing our Songs of Christmas series, this week’s message is titled “One More Song,” with a focus on Luke 2:22–38. In this passage, we encounter Simeon and Anna, two faithful witnesses who recognize God’s promise fulfilled in the child Jesus and respond with praise. Their songs remind us that even at the close of a season, God is still at work, fulfilling His promises and bringing light to those who wait. This moment invites us to pause, listen, and offer our own song of faith as the year comes to a close. Pastor Paul Cunningham will lead us as we worship together, closing the year with gratitude and anticipation for the new life God continues to bring.Sermon Questions: 1. Where did you find yourself waiting this past year and what did God teach you or show you during that time?2. If Jesus—not a place or program—is where God’s presence is most fully known, how does that impact the way you worship, serve others, and live out your everyday faith?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Welcome to Our Festive Family Christmas Eve Celebration! Get ready for a joyful, energetic service where we dive into the wonders of Christmas through Matthew 1:18-25, Deuteronomy 7:7-8, Mark 10:51-52, and John 1:14. Sing along with us as we belt out festive carols and unwrap the miraculous story of Christ’s birth and His incredible plan for us all. This service is designed to be fun and engaging for families—perfect for sharing the magic and meaning of the season.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Hope rises in Advent as we remember that God draws near to His people. In this third week of the season, we continue our Songs of Christmas series by turning to “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” a hymn of longing that echoes throughout Scripture. This ancient prayer reflects the yearning of God’s people for rescue, and the presence of their promised Savior. Our focus Scripture, Luke 1:46–55, offers Mary’s song, a powerful declaration of God’s faithfulness to lift the lowly and bring salvation to His people. Her voice reminds us that God is already at work, even in the waiting, bringing hope to a world in need. As we journey deeper into Advent, we are invited to join Mary’s song, trusting that God comes close, keeps, and brings light where darkness once stood. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Paul Cunningham leads us!We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

Joy is at the center of the Christmas story, which bursts into the world with the arrival of Jesus. As we celebrate the second week of Advent and continue our series Songs of Christmas, we look at the carol “Joy to the World” and the words of Psalm 98, where creation is invited to rejoice because the Lord has come to make all things right! This carol proclaims not only the birth of Christ long ago, but the continuous work of His Kingdom in our lives today, a joy that transforms hearts and restores hope. This Sunday is also a special time in our church family as we give thanks for 120 years of ministry and worship here at La Jolla Presbyterian. As we celebrate God’s past faithfulness and look ahead in hope, we remember that Christ continues to be our strength and song. Join us as Pastor Paul Cunningham leads us, celebrating the joy that Christ brings to the world and to His Church, generation after generation.Sermon Questions: 1. Is there a place where I need to choose joy even though my circumstances have not changed - and what steps could I take toward choosing joy?2. What is a practical way you could express God’s joy or hope to someone else this week?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

As the festive season begins, we enter a time when the Church prepares its heart to celebrate the arrival of Jesus. During Advent, our new series, Songs of Christmas, invites us to reflect on songs that point us toward the coming of Christ. Throughout Scripture, both creation itself and God’s people lift their voices in praise for the good thing He is doing by sending His Son into the world to bring peace and good news.This week, we will focus on the carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” alongside Psalm 96, which calls all creation to sing a new song to the Lord. Together, they remind us that Jesus’ birth is more than a moment in history; it is the joyful announcement of God’s salvation, as heaven and earth join in praise. As we begin this season of Advent, we’re invited to slow down and allow these songs to reorient our hearts. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Paul Cunningham shares a message that helps us enter Advent with expectation and renewed worship! Sermon Questions1. Are you living on your toes or on your heels?2. What would it look like to sing with a little more passion, joy and emotion this Advent season?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

As we move toward Thanksgiving, we’re invited to pause and consider how gratitude shapes our lives in lasting ways. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Paul calls believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, a simple invitation. These words point us to a posture of the heart that isn’t dependent on perfection or ideal circumstances, but on the faithful presence of God. This week, Pastor Sheri Perenon will bring a message titled “The Transforming Power of Gratitude.” As we reflect on this passage together, we are reminded that gratitude is far more than a seasonal sentiment; it is a spiritual practice that reorients our perspective and opens us to God’s joy and peace. When we choose gratitude daily, whether in abundance or challenge, we begin to see God’s hand at work in ways we might have otherwise missed. Join us as we explore how cultivating a heart of gratitude can renew our faith and lead us into this season with more awareness of God’s goodness.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

In this week’s reading from Ephesians 5:15–20, Paul encourages believers to live with wisdom and intention, to make the most of every opportunity and be filled with the Spirit! In a world full of distractions, his words remind us that faith is not accidental; it’s intentional. This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring the message, “Ordinary Time.” As we move through the routines of daily life, we’re called to live with gratitude and discernment, and to find holiness not only in great moments but in the ordinary ones too. Join us as we reflect on how God’s Spirit shapes our everyday choices, helping us live fully and faithfully in each moment we’re given.Sermon Questions: Where am I being called to “make the most of the time” that is in front of meWhat is an “ordinary” five loaves and two fish gift you can offer to Jesus this week?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

The passage from Micah challenges us to know what God really wants from us. Have you ever wondered what it looks like to live a life that pleases Him? In Micah 6:1–8, the prophet calls God’s people to return to what matters most — acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with their God.This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring the message, “Try These Three Things.” In a world that often measures success by status or achievement, this passage reminds us that God’s desire is not about perfection but faithfulness. Simple yet profound words, they still speak powerfully today, shaping how we live out our faith in daily life. Join us as we reflect on how these timeless truths can form our hearts and draw us closer to God’s purpose for us.Sermon Questions1. What is one thing you could do this week to help you “walk” at God’s pace and not your own?2. What is breaking your heart right now, and how might God be asking you to respond?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate

Even in seasons of weakness, God’s power is at work - shaping, refining, and revealing His beauty through our brokenness. In 2 Corinthians 4:7–18, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we carry this treasure of God’s light in fragile jars of clay, showing that the power comes from Him, not from us. Though we may be “hard pressed on every side,” we are never abandoned. Through suffering and struggle, the life of Jesus is revealed in us, even in our frailty. Pastor Paul Cunningham will share this week’s message, “Beauty in the Brokenness.” God’s forming work often happens in the places we least expect. What feels fragile to us becomes the very space where His glory shines brightest. Join us as we discover how God’s grace strengthens and gives purpose to the broken pieces of our story.Sermon Questions:1. Has there been a time in your own faith journey where you have seen God’s beauty emerge from something that was broken? How has that impacted who you are today?2. How can you fix your eyes on Jesus and not lose heart when things appear dark or uncertain…or…is there someone in your life who is walking through a dark or uncertain time and could benefit from you coming alongside them?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Have you ever thought about what it means to have an ongoing conversation with God? In Ephesians 1:15-23, the Apostle Paul prays that believers would grow in wisdom and revelation, knowing God more and understanding the hope to which He has called them! Pastor Paul Cunningham will share this week’s message, “Continuing the Conversation with God,”. God desires to shape us not only through His Word but through the rhythm of prayer, forming hearts that are attentive, thankful, and rooted in His presence. Our relationship with God grows when prayer becomes a daily exchange, shaping how we see Him, ourselves, and the world around us. Join us as we reflect on how prayer forms and transforms us into people who live with clarity and faith! Sermon Questions: 1.Is there someone, or some situation, you could intentionally pray for every day this week?2. Where are you in the “current” in your own prayer life? Is there a way you could go deeper?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

In a world of distractions, it’s easy to glance at God’s Word and move on, but true transformation comes when we let His truth take root in our lives. In James 1:19-25, we are reminded that hearing the Word is not enough;  it’s in doing that our faith becomes alive! As we continue our FORMED series, Pastor Chad Fransen will share this week’s message, “More Than a Glance.” God’s desire isn’t for fleeting attention but for hearts shaped by His truth and character. When we engage with His Word, transformation takes place, faith moves beyond hearing to living. Join us as we reflect on what it means to embody God’s Word in daily life.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

In the rush of life, slowing down can feel impossible, yet Scripture reminds us that God often works most powerfully when we wait on Him. In Exodus 14:5–14, as the Israelites faced the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army behind them, Moses urged, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Pastor Paul will bring this week’s message, “Slow Down,” as we continue our FORMED series. God shapes us not only in our actions but also in our stillness, teaching us to trust and rely on His strength rather than our own. His formation is ongoing, leading us deeper into His presence and His purposes. Join us as we reflect on how slowing down opens us to God’s transforming work in our lives! Sermon Questions:Where in your life do you need to be reminded that “God is with you and that God’s got this?”How can you make some “space” for God this week?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Have you ever paused to consider how God is forming you right now? Scripture tells us we were made in God’s image, yet His work of shaping us doesn’t stop at birth. God continually transforms us through His Spirit, drawing us closer to His likeness. This shaping often happens in both the ordinary rhythms of life and in the challenges that stretch our faith. Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring this week’s message, “We’re All Being Formed by Something,” from 2 Corinthians 3:1–6, 12–18 as we begin our new Fall series, FORMED. This series invites us to move from being called to understanding how God actively forms us day by day. In Christ, we are shaped not just for ourselves, but for His purposes, becoming a reflection of His glory to the world! Join us as we explore how God’s ongoing work of formation renews us and transforms us for His greater story.Sermon Questions:If someone read the “letter” of your life from this past week, what would they learn about you?What is shaping/forming your life right now? Where does Jesus fit into that?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

The Apostle Paul urges believers in Ephesians 4:1–6 to live “a life worthy of the calling” we have received, a calling rooted not in self-interest, but in unity, humility, and love. Faith is never meant to be lived in isolation; it is always a shared journey shaped by the Spirit who binds us together as one body. Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring this week’s message, “It’s Not Just About Me,” as part of our series CALLED. Through this passage, we are reminded that God’s call draws us beyond ourselves, inviting us to strengthen one another, bear with one another, and reflect Christ’s love in community. God’s call is always personal, but it is also communal. As we walk together in faith, He shapes us for His purposes, reminding us that His mission is bigger than any one of us. Join us as we reflect on how living out our call in unity draws us into God’s greater story.Sermon Questions: 1. How do you work on seeing others as “anointed, set apart, and made in the image of God?”2. Are people seeing the humility, love, and unity that Paul and Jesus talked about in your words and actions?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

Have you ever noticed how God’s call is not the same for everyone? In Acts 16:1–15, we see Paul called to continue his missionary journey, Timothy called into ministry as a young disciple, and Lydia called to open her heart and her home to the gospel. Each responded in different ways, yet together their obedience moved God’s mission forward! This week’s message, “We All Have Different Calls,” reminds us that God still calls people today, not with identical instructions, but with unique purposes shaped by our gifts and circumstances. Some are called to go, others to support, and still others to open doors of hospitality and generosity. Wherever He places us, His call is always personal, always purposeful, and always tied to His kingdom work. Join us as we reflect on God’s diverse callings and how He invites us to live faithfully in the places He has planted us.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Have you ever struggled to recognize God’s voice in the noise of daily life? This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “Learning to Listen” from John 10:22–30 as we continue our series CALLED. In this passage, Jesus reminds us that His sheep hear His voice, and He knows them by name. God’s Word reminds us that listening always comes before action. As we quiet our hearts to hear His voice, we are drawn into deeper trust and renewed faith, even when the next steps are uncertain. God’s call still comes to us today, shaping our hearts, renewing our faith, and reminding us that we belong to Him! Sermon Questions:1. What can you do this week to be a more “intentional listener” to the people around you and to God?2. What are you holding onto that you need to “let go of” and trust that God’s got you?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “When God Shows Up” from Isaiah 6:1–8 as we continue our series CALLED. In Isaiah’s vision, the Lord fills the temple with glory, and Isaiah is overwhelmed by God’s holiness yet renewed by His grace. Throughout Scripture, God’s presence transforms ordinary places into holy ground and ordinary people into willing servants. Isaiah’s “Here am I. Send me!” becomes a powerful reminder that when God shows up, He not only reveals His glory but also invites us to join His work. God’s call still comes to us today, shaping our lives, renewing our purpose, and sending us out with courage. Join us as we reflect on the life-changing power of God’s presence! Sermon Questions:1. How can you be more intentional this week about meeting with God?2. Is there a way you can help bring “hope” to someone this week?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

Who has traveled with you, and who might God be calling you to walk alongside today? Ruth’s words to Naomi, “Where you go, I will go,” paint a beautiful picture of faithfulness and shared journey. What does it mean to walk with others through seasons of loss, change, or hope? This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “Travel With Others” from Ruth 1:6–18 as we continue our series CALLED. Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s call is rarely an isolated invitation. Instead, it often comes in the context of community, where companions walk together in trust and obedience. God uses these shared journeys to shape us, sustain us, and draw us into His greater story.Sermon Questions:1. What are you clinging to these days and how is it going? Is it bringing you the freedom “to run?”2. How intentional are you about traveling with others? Is there someone God has placed on your path?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Have you ever found yourself waiting for direction, longing for God to make the next step clear? This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “Waiting for Clarity,” based on Exodus 3:1–14, as we continue our series CALLED. In this passage, Moses meets God in the burning bush, uncertain of what lies ahead, yet reminded that God’s presence is enough: “I will be with you.”Throughout Scripture, God calls people to trust Him even in moments of uncertainty. Jesus, too, called His followers, often in the middle of confusion or doubt, to step forward in faith. God’s call rarely fits our timelines, but it always leads us into deeper trust, greater purpose, and a life woven into His greater story. Join us this week as we explore what it means to be CALLED, even when clarity comes slowly!Sermon Questions:1. Do you need to increase your level of curiosity?2. What situation in your life do you need to entrust to God so you can find rest? We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “That’s Not The Way I Planned It,” based on Genesis 12:1-9, kicking off our new series CALLED. Throughout the Old Testament, we see God reaching out, inviting people to step boldly into faith. Jesus continued this call, inviting even those far from God to follow Him. God’s call always points us toward a new way of living, one that’s deeper and more meaningful than anything we could plan on our own! As we respond to God’s invitation, our stories become woven into His large plan. Join us as we explore what it means to be CALLED and how God’s direction can lead us beyond our expectations.Sermon Questions:1. Has God been calling you to do something outside of your comfort zone? How have you been responding?2. Is there something in your life you are trusting or holding onto that you need to “let go of?”We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

This Sunday, Cynthia Blase shares a message titled “God’s Word is the Tether that Attaches Us to His Path of Restoration” drawing from Ephesians 2:1–10 and Jeremiah 36:1–36. In Ephesians, Paul reminds us that we are saved by grace and created for good works, while Jeremiah tells of God’s command to record His words so the people might turn back to Him. God’s Word is the tether that attaches us to His path of restoration - shaping, rooting, and renewing us even when it challenges or convicts. As we wrap up our Summer Combined Worship Services, may this message inspire us to treasure Scripture as life-giving truth that draws us closer to the heart of God.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham shares a message titled “Pull Up a Chair,” from Luke 15:20b–24, 31–32. As the Father embraces his returning son and calls for a feast, we’re offered a powerful image of God’s heart, one that not only forgives but celebrates! Grace in this story doesn’t end with restoration; it overflows into rejoicing. Through the Father’s words and actions, we’re reminded that the kingdom of God is a table where all are welcomed, not because of what they’ve done, but because of who they are to the Father. This invitation challenges us to consider how open our hearts are to those who return from far-off places - wounded, wandering, or weary. As our Summer Combined Worship Services continue, may this message encourage us to practice hospitality, walk in humility, and join in the joy of God’s mercy for all.Sermon Questions: 1. What sort of a “listener” are you?2. Who is an example to you of someone who “practices” hospitality and what can you learn from them?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

Have you ever felt stuck, even while doing everything right? This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham brings a message titled "Stuck at Home," focusing on Luke 15:25–30. In this often-overlooked part of the parable, we encounter the older brother: faithful, obedient, and yet filled with resentment. While he never physically left home, his heart had drifted far from the Father. His story reminds us that it's possible to be close to the things of God and still feel distant from His grace. This passage invites us to reflect on the quiet ways we can lose our way, through comparison, pride, or a hardened spirit, and how these things can keep us from fully stepping into the freedom of the Gospel. May this message draw us closer to the Father who welcomes all, both near and far.Sermon Questions: 1. When was the last time you “checked/monitored” your motives when it comes to your relationship with God?2. Is there resentment in your life that you need to let go of so you can experience the joy God wants you to have?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Pastor Paul Cunningham brings a message this Sunday titled “Get Me Out of Here,” focusing on Luke 15:1-2, 11-20. These opening verses introduce us to a familiar tension: Jesus is spending time with tax collectors and sinners, and the religious leaders don’t like it. But rather than distancing Himself from the broken and overlooked, Jesus draws near and welcomes the outsider. This passage invites us to reflect on our own posture. Are we more like the Pharisees, standing in judgment, or like Jesus, stepping into relationships with those on the margin? It challenges us to consider where we need rescue, not just from external situations, but from attitudes or assumptions that keep us from loving others. As we continue our Summer Combined Worship Services, may this message remind us that Christ is always reaching toward the lost and calling us to do the same! Sermon Questions:1. Ask someone about their story this week.2. Is there a place in your life where things feel “disordered” and need to be “reordered?”We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

This week in our Summer Combined Worship Services, Abraham Musto, our Middle School Director, brings a message titled "Christian or Walking Corpse," looking at James 2:14–26. In this powerful passage, James challenges believers to examine whether their faith is more than just words. Faith, he says, without action, is dead, like a body without breath. Through this message, we are invited to consider how our lives reflect the Gospel not just in belief but in how we love, serve, and show up for others. May the teaching this Sunday stir in us a renewed desire to live a faith that is visible and alive in Christ! We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

This Sunday, we’re kicking off our Summer Combined Worship Services! Pastor Chad Fransen leads with a sermon titled “The Benefits of Sacrifice,” based on Mark 10:45. In this powerful verse, Jesus tells His disciples that He came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. As we begin this season together, we’ll reflect on what it means to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, whose life was shaped by self-giving love. This passage challenges us to see sacrifice not as something to resist, but as a way to grow closer to God and to others. Through humility, generosity, and service, we discover the surprising blessings of living with others in mind.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

What does a Spirit-filled church look like? Join us as we conclude our journey through Acts Chapter 2 with Pastor Paul Cunningham in a message titled “A Blueprint for the Church,” focusing on Acts 2:42–47. This scripture paints a picture of the early Christian community right after the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost. It shows us a church rooted in teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer characterized by generosity and daily transformation. This vision of the Spirit-filled church isn’t just a snapshot of the past; it’s a model for us as a church today. Come and be challenged to not only admire the early church but to be the church!Questions to consider: Is there an area of your life where you can work on being more devoted to God this week?Where can you “practice hospitality” this week?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate. 

What happens when the truth about Jesus cuts straight to the heart? This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham continues our journey through Acts with a sermon titled “What Shall We Do,” looking at Acts 2:29–41. In this passage, Peter boldly proclaims the resurrection of Christ, and the crowd is moved to ask the life-changing question: “What shall we do?”We’ll explore how the Holy Spirit stirred conviction then—and how He still does today. This moment in Scripture invites us to consider our own response to the Gospel and what it means to live lives shaped by repentance, grace, and the call to follow Jesus. Join us as we reflect on how God still transforms hearts and sends His people out with purpose.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Father's Day invites us to honor the men who lead with love, strength, and faith. As we celebrate fathers and father figures this weekend, we're reminded of the powerful legacy that comes from living a Spirit-led life. Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring a message titled "Let Me Explain" from Acts 2:14–28. After the arrival of the Holy Spirit, Peter stands and speaks, bringing clarity to confusion, courage to the early Church, and proclamation of the risen Christ. Through Peter's words, we see that the Spirit equips us to speak truth, live with conviction, and step forward with purpose. Join us as we worship together and open our hearts to the powerful movement of the Spirit in our lives.We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

This Sunday, we start our new series, Eyewitness: Part 2 – The Spirit Comes. The Church Begins., and Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring a message titled "Amazed and Perplexed." In Acts 2:1–13, we witness the Holy Spirit poured out on the disciples, fulfilling Jesus' promise and marking the birth of the Church. It's a powerful moment: people from every nation hear the wonders of God in their own languages, leaving the crowd both amazed and perplexed! As we begin this new series, we're invited to see how the Spirit is still moving—empowering the Church, breaking down barriers, and calling us into bold, Spirit-filled lives. Join us for worship and teaching as we open our hearts to the movement of His Spirit.Questions to consider:1. Where do you need to experience the power of the Holy Spirit’s restoring power? Are you praying for that?2. When was the last time you talked about your faith with someone? Is there someone near you who needs to know about “why” you follow Jesus?We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at [email protected] to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ.It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.