Neighborhood Church of Palos Verdes

05/25/2026

The Church Office is closed May 25th in observance of Memorial Day.

Here is a Memorial Day prayer from Rev. John Gundlach (former UCC Minister for Military Chaplains):

Gracious God, on this Memorial Day weekend, we remember and give thanks for those who have given their lives in the service of our country. When the need was greatest, they stepped forward and did their duty to defend the freedoms that we enjoy, and to win the same for others. O God, you yourself have taught us that no love is greater than that which gives itself for another. These honored dead gave the most precious gift they had, life itself, for loved ones and neighbors, for comrades and country – and for us. Help us to honor their memory by caring for the family members they have left behind, by ensuring that their wounded comrades are properly cared for, by being watchful caretakers of the freedoms for which they gave their lives, and by demanding that no other young men and women follow them to a soldier’s grave unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just. Holy One, help us to remember that freedom is not free. There are times when its cost is, indeed, dear. Never let us forget those who paid so terrible a price to ensure that freedom would be our legacy. Though their names may fade with the passing of generations, may we never forget what they have done. Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice, O God, help us to be worthy. Amen.

05/14/2026

Peace and greetings to you from the Pastor's Office!

Today-May 14th- is celebrated as Ascension Day in many parts of the Body of Christ. Acts relates that Jesus appeared among his disciples for 40 days after his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Ascension Day ends that period and marks the return of Jesus into Heaven.

This is how the story is told in Acts 1:1-11: 1 In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 While staying[with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

The Ascension has been a popular inspiration for artwork, poetry, and song over the centuries. Beyond the awe and wonder, I believe that it resonates with so many because it marks the start of the world we live in today: Christ has risen, ascended, and we are in the "now but not quite yet" before his return. How are we to live? How are we to practice our faith? Do we spend too much time "looking up toward heaven" and not enough time in our larger community?

Here is a prayer from The Episcopalian Church for this day: Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Scott

05/10/2026

💐 Today, we honor all the ways mothering shows up in our lives. Happy Mother’s Day to moms, grandmoms, mother figures, those wishing to be moms, those who have lost moms or children, and those navigating complex relationships. We celebrate, grieve, support, and love together—holding space for every story.

04/22/2026

Today is Earth Day. Started in 1970, the holiday is celebrated to create support for environmental protection and care. Creation care is an essential part of our faith practice in the UCC.

Here is a prayer for Earth Day: Gracious God, open our eyes that we may see the abundance of your creative love in all that
surrounds and sustains us. Enable us to become people of hope and life, who plant the seeds of your earthly garden for the benefit of all. Help us to be gardeners and caregivers for the earth that is home for all life. Fill us with your gentle love, that we may walk tenderly on the earth, cooperating with your intention of abundant love and life. Amen.

-Pastor Scott

04/08/2026

Each week, the Global Ministries Board of the UCC highlights and asks for prayers for one of our global mission partners. This week we are asked to pray for our partners in the Lesotho Evangelical Church. Click on the link to learn more about their work.
-Pastor Scott

Lectionary Selection:  John 20:19-31 Prayers for Lesotho Gracious and risen Lord,You came to your fearful disciples and spoke the words of peace: “Peace be with you.” We come before you today with the same longing for your peace. Breathe your … Read more

04/06/2026

The Church Office is closed today (April 6th) in observance of Easter Monday. Thank you.
-Pastor Scott

04/01/2026

Our Holy Week Continues after a wonderful Palm Sunday.

Thursday, April 2nd: Maundy Thursday service starts at 7 PM in the Sanctuary. Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum or commandment. John relays the story of Jesus giving his followers a new commandment: to love one another as he loves us. This is also the first celebration of Communion and we will share in the bread and cup that evening.

Friday, April 03: Good Friday begins at 7 PM in the Sanctuary. It is a service of Tenebrae which is the Latin word for darkness. We will remember the Crucifixion by reading John, singing, and praying. As we move through our time together, the worship space will become progressively darker until all light is gone.

Sunday, April 05: Holy Week concludes with Easter Sunday. The tomb is empty! He is risen! He is risen indeed! TNC will have two services that day: our Sunrise Service starting at 6:30 AM followed by a Community Breakfast or our traditional Easter Service starting at 10:00.

Sunday, April 05 after the 10am service: Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Sunday will be a fun(day) Sunday at The Neighborhood Church!

Please come and join us Sunday, April 5th at the 10:00 o'clock service.

Infants and toddlers will be in Dennis Smith Hall, preschool and up will be in the Fellowship Hall for a variety of fun Easter crafts, music and games.

As soon as the church service is over, please pick up your child and proceed directly to the Labyrinth across from the pond. Once there, we will ask the children to gather 12 eggs and return them at the designated table to receive a goody bag. The Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 11:15am. Cookies, water, juice, coffee and tea will be served.

Come join the fun and hop along with the Easter Bunny to take pictures.

03/23/2026

Yesterday, The Neighborhood Church of Palos Verdes Estates celebrated 100 years of faith, community, and service.

From its first gathering in 1926 to the vibrant church community it is today, this milestone honors the generations who helped shape Neighborhood Church with vision, devotion, and love for their neighbors. Our new blog post shares more of that story, along with historic photos from the journey.

100 Years of The Neighborhood Church of Palso Verdes Estates, United Church of Christ

03/20/2026

This Sunday is the Fifth Sunday in Lent. Join Pastor Scott at The Neighborhood Church, United Church of Christ, at 10am for service. Can't make it in person? We stream services each week. youtube.com/. All are welcome.

03/06/2026

Join Pastor Scott for the 3rd Sunday in Lent. This week's message: 'I Am Not'

Sunday at 10am at The Neighborhood Church of PVE (UCC)