Pastor Larry recently announced his retirement. All are invited to his retirement Luncheon following the Sunday Worship Service on May 31, 2026.

A LETTER FROM PARISH ASSOCIATE LARRY BALLENGER

Dear Journey friends,

It has been my privilege to be associated with Arcadia Presbyterian/Community/Journey Church since 1971.

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From that time Judy and I have been worshippers, choir member, accompanist, youth director, adult ed teacher, associate pastor, interim pastor, and, since 2023, parish associate. I was ordained into the PCUSA by this congregation in 1977. We have maintained friendships and supportive connections with members, friends, worshipers, students, parents, and brothers and sisters of this community through the years. Our lives have been enriched by the nearly half-century of relationship with this beloved congregation.

Now the time has come for me to submit my notice of intent to try retirement one more time, and conclude my role as parish associate. By church policy, the parish associate yearly contract requires a thirty-day notice of termination by either party. I would respectfully request that my termination date be May 31, 2026.

Judy and I are both grateful for pretty good health as we approach our 89^th birthdays, thanks be to God. I have some congestive heart stuff, and this most recent blood clot episode is concerning, but causing me no distress, and seems to have caught the attention of the docs. A hip replacement and cancer surgery are more than five years behind me and seem to be OK. We are weary at the end of the day, but then, we are doing a lot of stuff. Mostly, it is because our bodies and our minds seem to be ticking along relatively well that we feel the importance of making the next years as fulfilling and as purposeful as we can. We have three adult kids and spouses and five grandchildren to enjoy and live with as fully as we can for the next decade or so, as the Lord gives us grace to do so. 

I have allowed myself to be a part of a few boards and committees in the last few years, and I continue to be part of some musical groups, a couple of community bands, in Burbank and Covina, and Canterbury Choir. Those are fun, but they do require rehearsal and performance time. At times, I feel as though I am short-changing my involvement in one commitment (like Journey events and worship) because I have something I am obligated to at that same time. That is concerning, but I thank you for your patience.

I will always keep Journey church and its ministries and people in my heart. I am sure that others can be found who can continue the work of pastoral care and visitation. Senior Luncheons, Changing Seasons, Stephen Ministry and Deacons are under the direction of excellent leadership teams. The congregation is in good hands. No one is irreplaceable. God calls all of us into Kingdom work!

Thank you for the joy of ministry together

Larry Ballenger

Parish Associate for Pastoral Care