PazNaz Update | August 25, 2026
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Rev. Aaron Gregory
“Unrequited Love”
Ephesians 3
Quotes from Service
“Live rooted in His love, surrendered to His Spirit, ready for God to do more.”
“That is what Paul’s prayer is all about. Essentially, it is a prayer that the young Christians may discover the heart of what it means to be Christian. It means knowing God as the all-loving, all-powerful father; it means putting down roots into that love- or, changing the picture, having that love as the rock-solid foundation for every aspect of one’s life. It means having that love turn into a well-directed and effective energy in one’s personal life. And it means the deep powerful knowledge and loving into which the Christian is invited to enter; or – to put the same thing another way – the knowing and loving which should enter into the Christian. Paul, quite clearly, knows all this in his own experience. He longs that those who have come to put their faith in Jesus should know it too.”
Challenge for the Week
This week, spend 10 minutes each day praying Ephesians 3:16–21 over yourself and one other person.
All Church Events
We are having a week of prayer this week through Friday, from 6:30-7:30 pm each evening in the Lee Chapel. As we begin a new season together, we invite you to set aside this time to seek God through prayer, worship, and quiet reflection. Whether you can attend one evening or all five, everyone is welcome as we come together to pray for our homes, our church, and our community. Daily prayer topics are found below- feel free to download them and pray through them for the rest of the week!
Rhythms of the Church
These include any single or recurring event from one of our ministries at PazNaz.
Common Table is a time where we come together to share a meal and/or partake in community classes. We will be starting back up on September 2, so be sure to join us!
Dinner is served on Wednesdays, 5:00–6:15 PM.
$7 with a reservation by Tuesday at 4:30 pm | $9 after Tuesday or at the door.
First-time guests (who don’t currently attend PazNaz) eat free with a reservation by Tuesday afternoon.
How to reserve:
Reserve on Sunday at the Welcome Center
Call the church office at (626)351-9631
Click this button to reserve and pay online (Note: Be sure to show your confirmation at the check-in table)
Common Table Classes Fall 2026
Book Group: The Book of Love, by Richard Beck
Led by Dr. Brad Strawn | The Pepper Tree, Ramirez Room
If you would like to learn and discuss how to read the Bible well, join Pastor Brad as he walks through the book "The Book of Love." The author offers a bold and compassionate reimagining of how we read the Bible. Drawing from personal experience, theological insight, and psychological depth, Beck challenges the fear-based, legalistic interpretations that have long dominated many Christian traditions and invites us to approach Scripture through the lens of love--God's love for humanity and our call to love one another. If you would like to join this group, please register and purchase a book as soon as you can.
Resident Aliens Living in a Foreign Culture: At Home with Jesus – Out of Sync with the World
Led by Dr. Walker Railey | Reed Hall, 248
This class will focus on how Christ uses us as disciples to live faithfully and forcefully in a hostile and secular culture: serving as Christians, sharing the virtues of the Kingdom of God. Informed by the writings of Karl Barth, Stanley Hauerwas, John Howard Yoder, General Superintendent Scott Daniels, and Methodist Bishop Wil Willimon, this class will focus on the biblical, ethical, theological and practical realities of Christianity 101.
Grief Support Group
Led by Pastor Darwin Ng | Reed Hall, 247
The PazNaz Grief Support Group provides a safe space with support, care, and teaching as you journey through grief.
Oasis (Special Needs and Disabilities)
Led by Gretchen Moss | Reed Hall, 246
For teens and adults with special needs, Oasis Bible Study is a night of fun and fellowship! Contact Gretchen Moss at gretchenmoss66@gmail.com.
Wednesday Prayer
Led by Mike Eggehorn | Lee Chapel
Gather for prayer for PazNaz and other concerns.
At the Table - Women of Faith
Led by Kimberly Marsh and Marlene Moncada | Gilmore Hall, South
Join our women’s book study, Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Who We Are in Christ. Together, we will dive into biblical truth, silence the lies of insecurity and build a deep, supportive community that is rooted in Christ. Your true identity changes everything. Come grab a seat at the table!
Widows’ Breakfast
Our Widows' Breakfast is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, encouragement, and connection. Join us on Friday, August 28, at 9:00 am at Panera Bread for a relaxed morning of conversation and community. The invitation is open for all— we would love to see you there! For further information, contact Kathy Symons at (626)437-8114.
Address: 3521 East Foothill Blvd, Pasadena
Widowers’ Gathering
Join us for a time of fellowship and connection at our Widowers’ Gathering on Saturday, September 5, at 5:00 pm at Denny’s Diner. This gathering is an opportunity to share a meal, enjoy meaningful conversation, and spend time together in community. Call Dick Matlock at 818-482-5825 for questions and RSVP.
Address: 1060 E Huntington Dr, Duarte, CA
PazNaz Women Craft Day
You are invited to a craft day with PazNaz Women on Saturday, September 5, from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm in Gilmore Hall. To register, visit the Welcome Center on Sunday— the cost is $10 per person. Childcare is provided with advance registration for children ages 3-7. We would love to see you there!
PazNaz Youth FallNighter
PazNaz Youth is teaming up with New Naz to host a night of fun at Six Flags Friday-Saturday, September 25-26. Be sure to register by August 24 to secure a spot, click the button below. It’s going to be epic!
Gallery Doxa Art Show 2026
Calling all artists! PazNaz is pleased to issue a call for art for this year’s Gallery Doxa art show themed, “All Shall Be Well.” Please share the link Paz.nz/Well with artists and friends of the arts for information, exhibition guidelines, and the art show entry form. This year’s show will include divisions for children and youth, as well as adults. Artists of all ages from the greater Pasadena community are welcome to participate, so please help spread the word. For more information, please contact Melody Bundy at mbundy@paznaz.org or click the button below. The last day to register is September 4, and all artwork must be submitted by September 23.
PazNaz Care
Here you will find ways to pray, resources, serving, and giving opportunities.
Prayer List
Judy Barr, Kathy Blake, Sam Bowers, Vance Bowers, Byron Buttes, Armando Castaneda, Aubrey Castro, Carl Divens, Cody Divens, Norman Durazo, Jim Dusserre, George Eastis, Lilia Echeverria, Vivian Fithian, Joyce Forsee, Fabian Gavilanes, Letty Gochez, Joel Goodwin, Ares Gregory, Arnitra Harris, John Hansen, Sandy Hausner, Marvin Klassen, Suzanne Klassen, Anita Lim, Pat Lindgren, Sara Lopez, Robert Machulla, Laura Miranda, Trudi Mullen, Davion Olgtree, Jerry Port, Linda Preston, Steven Randall, Abby Regan, Al Rivera, Ken Rozelle, Annie Sakamoto, Doug Sakamoto, Stephen Salmons, Walter Seetal, James Siebels, Helen Spencer, Berta Street, Nan Tirado, Jerry Todd, Carol Wagstaff, Dan Whitaker, Larry Wilson, Victor Valencia, Kevin Young
Global
Haiti, Middle East, Nigeria, Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, Venezuela
Local
Wild fires along the west coast and Canada, Rebuilding of the Altadena Fountain of Life Church of the Nazarene
In Memoriam
Long time member Bill Slattery passed away on July 28 at home at age 92. His memorial service will take place on Saturday, September 19, at 1:30 pm in Lee Chapel with a reception to follow in Gilmore Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to PazNaz or Gideons International.
Opportunities for Prayer
Early Christians - PazNaz’s weekly prayer group, meets in person on Fridays at 7:00 am in Reed Hall, Room 247. Please contact Jakob Kanis at Jaapkanis@hotmail.com or (626)692-1751 for more information.
Sunday Morning Prayer - If you would like to spend time in prayer for our church and the greater Pasadena community, join with others in Reed Hall, Room 247, at 8:30 am on Sunday mornings. For more information please contact Isolina Gaus-Hoyt at medardagaus@gmail.com.
Helping Hands currently provides groceries to over 700 families each week and a team of faithful volunteers is needed to keep the distribution system running smoothly. If you are interested in serving, please contact Jim Yang at jwyang57@gmail.com or click the Serve Form button in the section below.
Distribution Team - Fill grocery bags, direct traffic, check in families, and load groceries into cars of community members as they drive by to pick up food.
When: Wednesdays from 8:00 am–12:00 pm
Where: PazNaz Helping Hands area
Warehouse Team – The Warehouse Team unloads food boxes from the truck, transports them to the warehouse, and then stores food in an organized manner.
When: Tuesdays from 8:30–11:30 am
Where: PazNaz Helping Hands area
Interested in Serving at Church?
We would love your help. If any of these areas interest you, click the button below to fill out the serve form.
Behind the Scenes – Are you handy with a hammer or have a skill in painting? You could serve in the “invisible spaces” of the church! Contact Melody Bundy at mbundy@paznaz.org for more information.
Cart Drivers - Drivers are needed to help people with limited mobility get from the parking lot to the Sanctuary. Please contact Pastor Darwin Ng at dng@paznaz.org for more information.
Church in the Park - Volunteers are urgently needed to help the Church In The Park ministry team with food preparation, distribution, and clean-up. People of all ages are welcome to get involved. For more information or to get connected with the ministry, please contact Godwin Shen at godwinsh@gmail.com or Vanessa Hadikusumah at gpiggy@gmail.com.
Media Team - Are you interested in volunteering as part of the Media Team? We need camera operators, photographers, and more. Contact Pastor Mateo Meares at mmeares@paznaz.orgfor more information.
Kitchen Help - If you enjoy cooking or serving food, please conciser serving on the Common Table kitchen crew on Wednesdays, 3:00-6:30 pm starting August 26.
Welcome Team - A team of people is needed to make sure everyone feels welcome on Sunday mornings. Contact Melody Bundy at mbundy@paznaz.org for more information.
Give to PazNaz
We are grateful for the continued faithfulness of those who support PazNaz with their tithes and offerings. If you would like to give to the church, you can do so using any of these five ways:
Place your offering in the offering plates that are passed during the 9:30 am Sunday morning worship service.
Give online at: paz.nz/give
Text a dollar amount to: 626-727-9631
Drop off your tithe at the church office: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Mail your check to: First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107
