When Darrell and I were asked to write something about why we support BPC, we didn’t have to dig too deep. BPC has been a large part of our lives since the mid-90’s, we became members in the mid 90’s, we were married at BPC by Charles Shields, Audrey was baptized in BPC by Dave, and both Darrell and I have been members of choir on and off for years. However, that is just a timeline because what makes BPC so special is the people and the unconditional love that they give not only to their members but anyone who walks through their door. 

Giving financially to an organization is one thing, unconditionally supporting one with time and treasure is another. BPC is more than a church, it is a community that walks the walk. BPC has embraced our family through and through, during easy times and hard ones. During the hard ones, they were by our side when we lost all of our parents within the last 8 years, and when our daughter had a major sports injury tearing her Achilles. It is in those times, when you are experiencing loss, that you really value your church family, the community and the lifting of the spirit that BPC offers. In addition, BPC’s grace doesn’t just stop at the Church’s walls it extends way beyond it. BPC has taught my daughter, Audrey, to give herself selflessly to others in the form of volunteering for the Westside Food Bank,The Giving Spirit and at VBS. She has learned from her Sunday School and Youth Group leaders what it means to have a village that guides her spiritually as she becomes an adult in this world but also always emphasizing love and empathy for others. BPC has shown that to Darrell and I too in the form of spiritual education, small groups and particularly in the past, the Young Mom’s group when I was a new parent.  We have seen the transformation that one person just reaching out and caring can do and this Church has so many of those who really do walk the walk. 

Finally, I also have seen it while ushering and being the New Member Elder. People walking in and being greeted, enjoying coffee on our patio or just being able to just sit quietly in the back. BPC accepts all regardless of where they are in their spiritual journey. That is what makes us so unique, you come as you are. I have found that a huge factor in why Darrell and I both give to BPC and will continue to do so. BPC doesn’t put strings on people, it doesn’t ask people to believe one way or another, it just asks you to come in the door and be here. BPC really feels like a church that embraces the spirit of Los Angeles and the Westside in general, it embraces the culture of being near the ocean and it embraces the quote below: 

“You’re not a wave; you’re a part of the ocean.”

— Mitch Albom

BPC-my Past, Present, and Future

My past-I don’t remember when BPC wasn’t a part of my life. My parents met and married here; my two sisters and I were baptized here. I remember sitting in church when I was little and during the offering trying to figure out how we would get the money to God. Did the church burn the offering to Him, and that’s how He got it?

My present—At age 29, I chose to become a member of BPC, which led to becoming a Deacon, Elder, Ministry Leader, and most importantly a member of my Mustard Seed Group. The School of Christian Learning, Spiritual Life Retreat, Women’s Retreats, and time spent in the kitchen with the Kitchen Angels continues to feed me. Now, I understand that the offering is not burnt, rather it is entrusted to the Church and is stewarded to feed His people in so many ways. I give financially and with my time because of how much this church has given me.

My future—BPC is my future. It is a future that has invested in me and in which I have invested over the years. I will continue to give because it is where my heart is. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

I am so grateful to be a part of the past, the present and the future of BPC.

--Kristin Didrickson

Beloved BPC:

I immediately thought of so many times where BPC has been priceless for me… which one should I pick to write about? Could I prioritize one over the other? My immediate answer was yes I can but no because each situation was different but priceless.

Suddenly, I realized my every experience was filled with compassion, understanding and true love from a member or members from my beloved church… they brought meals when I couldn’t cook due to my injuries, they brought books for me to read, flowers for me to enjoy—one of God’s many magnificent glories—and together they prayed with me that I recover from my accident…

The best medicine I received from my beloved church family was their unconditional, loving support that always washed over me as together we prayed to our beloved Lord. Many years have gone by, but what is steadfast is my love for my church family, priceless and beyond words… it is an abundance of priceless joy to worship the Lord within the church with people I dearly love!

My treasure, our treasure is knowing together we can worship God and in some small, hopefully large measure, always find the means to generously support our efforts in His name.

Humbly submitted but with an abundance of love and blessings,

Anne Bunney
A BPC member and child of God

When considering why I pledge to BPC, I approach it from a simple framework: if you have been fortunate enough to have resources, you have a duty to deploy them where they do good. To whom much is given, much is expected.

An active church requires real financial backing to function. From local community outreach to maintaining an open door for anyone in need, these initiatives depend entirely on members stepping up. It is our obligation as people with the means to give to ensure that those who cannot contribute financially are still fully supported and welcomed here.

I love the people I have met here at BPC and have always felt supported. The young adult group, in particular, has been through all the ups and downs of the last several years. At BPC, we are thoughtful, driven people who care about our neighbors, care about justice, and want to leave the world better than we found it. That is something I want to share with others in our community.

Pledging is the practical side of sharing this community with others. It is how we ensure this church has the operational strength to do its job effectively. It provides stability, funds concrete programs, and preserves a place of substance in our neighborhood. Making a pledge is a matter of fulfilling an obligation to the broader community, and I am glad to do my part.