PHOOT: http://www.lakeave.org/ | The South Pasadenan | Philip Yancey to Speak at Pasadena Memorial Marking Eaton and Palisades Fire Anniversary
Best-selling Christian author and speaker Philip Yancey, multiple Gold Medallion Award winner and editor-at-large for Christianity Today, will be at Lake Avenue Church, Pasadena, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 7.30 pm to speak at a special community memorial service titled “Songs of Remembrance: A Service of Hope and Renewal.”
The event marks the first anniversary of the devastating Los Angeles fires that swept through the Eaton Canyon and Pacific Palisades regions, leaving deep scars on local neighborhoods and congregations. The 70-minute service will be led by Lake Avenue Church’s Chamber Orchestra and members of the Sanctuary Choir, featuring sacred hymns, choral anthems, and classical works that invite reflection, comfort, and renewed hope.
“This will be a meaningful opportunity to come together and find something redemptive in the midst of tragedy,” said Yancey. “Ironically, it’s often tragedy that brings people together.” Recognized as “Billy Graham’s favorite author,” Yancey has written numerous books addressing faith and suffering, including Where Is God When It Hurts? and Disappointment with God. He has previously spoken at national memorial events following tragedies such as Columbine and Sandy Hook, offering messages of grace and healing in times of pain.
PHOOT httpwwwlakeaveorg | The South Pasadenan | Philip Yancey to Speak at Pasadena Memorial Marking Eaton and Palisades Fire Anniversary
The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations are welcome to support the Lake Avenue Church Fire Relief Fund at www.Lakeave.org, which continues to assist victims through financial aid, legal and pastoral counseling, and property damage recovery services. The church is now entering the second phase of its rebuilding initiative, in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse.