October 4th
news & updates | |
Opportunities to Experience & Express
the Transforming Love of Jesus
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This Sunday, What does it take to bring people together when so much seems to divide us? This Sunday, we look at Ephesians 2:11–22 and Paul’s powerful picture of Jesus as the one who breaks down the walls that separate us. Through Christ, those who were once divided are reconciled to God and to one another, creating what Paul calls “one new humanity.” Our prayer practice this week will focus on reconciliation, inviting us to consider where God may be calling us to seek healing, forgiveness, or restored relationships. And at Communion, we’ll be reminded that in Christ we are no longer strangers, but members of one family, brought together by His grace.
The sermon is titled, "A New Humanity"
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Watch Online Worship:
You can access the live streams Sunday morning at 9:00am and 10:15am live, or on-demand anytime:
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Music:
Traditional Worship
Chancel Choir
Prelude - Amazing Grace- Dale Wood
Introit - God Is Here- Ferguson
Opening Hymn - O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Anthem - Blessed Be the Name of the Lord - Dale Grotenhuis
Closing Hymn - Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound
Postlude - Toccata on "Azmon"- Jaebon Hwang
Contemporary Worship
Worship Band
Glorious Day
Your Love Never Fails
Run To The Father
Love Of God
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Understanding Youth Mental Health - This Sunday, Oct. 4th, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
After the second service, everyone is invited to SunHouse for an important conversation about supporting young people and their mental health. Our speaker, David Galvan is from Soul Shop, a national leader in equipping faith communities with practical tools for suicide prevention and mental health support. Whether you’re a student, parent, grandparent, teacher, mentor, volunteer, or simply someone who cares about young people, we hope you’ll join us.
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Adult Sunday School in the Gallery - October 4, 10:15AM
For the next session of Adult Sunday School, we’re moving downstairs to the Art Gallery for something a little different. Lori Mills will share her experience walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain and explore the meaning and importance of pilgrimage, surrounded by the paintings inspired by her journey. Join us for part two of this exciting class at 10:15am in the Gallery.
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Giving is more than a transaction—it’s a spiritual practice. At La Jolla Pres, we believe generosity deepens faith, fuels joy, and changes lives. Your gifts support God’s work in La Jolla, throughout San Diego, and around the world.
Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring pledge, your generosity makes ministry possible—and shapes your heart in the process.
La Jolla Presbyterian Church is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Giving online is secure and simple.
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We Want to Connect!
If you want to learn more about what we do at La Jolla Pres, you can subscribe to our newsletter or request more information with the Connect Card. or online at ljpres.org/connect.
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Finding a Home at LJPC - Sunday, October 18, 11:30AM-1:30PM | | | | Thinking about making La Jolla Pres your church home? Join us for Finding a Home at LJPC, our relaxed and welcoming new member class and lunch. It’s a chance to learn more about the church, meet others who are new, and explore what membership looks like at La Jolla Pres. To learn more or sign up, email Michelle Whitney at michellew@ljpres.org. | | | | |
Trunk or Treat - Wednesday, October 28, 5:30-7:00PM | | | | |
Our second annual Trunk or Treat is coming up, and we need your help making it a fun and welcoming evening for our neighborhood. We’re looking for volunteers to decorate a car and host a trunk, and we also need lots of candy for the hundreds of children we expect to welcome.
Sign up to host a trunk at LJPres.events, or bring bags of candy to the Church Office by October 26.
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Sing in the Christmas Concert – Rehearsals Begin October 10 | | | | |
Have you ever wanted to sing with the Chancel Choir? Here’s a wonderful opportunity to join them for our annual Christmas Concerts on Sunday, December 13. Sing alongside extraordinary soloists, a professional chamber orchestra, and harp as we share beautiful Christmas music, favorite carols, and the beloved tradition of Lessons and Carols.
Rehearsals for the Christmas program begin with a special Singing Saturday on October 10.
Experienced singers and those newer to choral singing are welcome. Come make music, serve the church, and be part of the fun and caring community of the Chancel Choir. Find rehearsal details and sign up at LJPres.events.
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Paradise and Brahms: Faith, Music, and Conversation - Friday, October 16, 5:00-7:00PM | | | | |
Join us for something new at La Jolla Pres. Dr. Keith Pedersen will lead an evening exploring “Faith and Paradise,” based on Luke 23:42-43, alongside Johannes Brahms’ powerful A German Requiem, shared on video. Together, we’ll consider themes of hope, comfort, mortality, and eternal life through Scripture, music, and thoughtful conversation.
Rev. Dr. Fred Bonkovsky will help set the context and guide the discussion. We’ll meet in LC3 from 5:00-7:00pm. Come enjoy an engaging evening of faith, music, and conversation. Please RSVP at LJPres.events.
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Men’s Clothing Drive for New Day Urban Ministries | | | | |
New Day Urban Ministries is currently in need of everyday men’s clothing and black tennis shoes for the people they serve. Clean, gently used shirts, pants, jackets, and other casual clothing can make a real and practical difference for someone working toward greater stability.
Donations can be placed in the white collection barrels in the Church Office or Life Center. Thank you for helping support New Day Urban Ministries and our neighbors in need.
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La Jolla Pres Preschool – Now Enrolling | | | | |
La Jolla Pres Preschool is now enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year. With programs for ages 2–5, flexible half-day and full-day options, and a nurturing environment where little hearts grow in love, learning, and faith, this is a wonderful place for children to learn and thrive. If you know a family looking for a preschool, invite them to learn more at ljprespreschool.org or call 858-729-5519.
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Adult Sunday Class
- Adult Sunday School 10:15 - 11:15am in the Gallery
Women
- Women’s Bible Study on Wednesday mornings from 9:15 - 10:45am in Fellowship Hall.
Men
- Friday AM Men’s Bible Study - from 7:30 - 8:30am in LC-1
Young Adults
Youth and Children Sunday School
- Nursery care (0-5 years) 9:00 in the Nursery
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Nursery/Preschool - (0-5 years) 10:15 in Nursery
- Elementary (K-5th) 10:15 upstairs in Room 22
- Middle and high school students begin the 10:15 service in worship and are dismissed at the start of the sermon for Sunday School.
Youth and Children Mid-week Programs
- Elementary Kids
- H.U.G.S. (PK-1st) Wednesdays, 3:30 - 4:30pm
- X-Zone (2nd-5th) Wednesdays 5 - 7pm
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Middle School - Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00pm in SunHouse
- High School - Mondays from 7 - 8:30pm in SunHouse
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Healing & Comfort: Mary D., Cherie S., Jackie P., Pat F., Melanie, Ryan G., Cindy T., David R., Elaine W., Kurt and Ev Guidance & Peace: Ramey L. Strength, Protection & Encouragement: For strong marriages in our community, For protection and encouragement of our children, For the burdens we bear, Geri & Joseph, Jean O. and the Srnka Family Praise & Gratitude: For answered prayers Jenny P.
For prayers, praise, or to be included on the prayer list, email: prayerdeacon@ljpres.org
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