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Spirituality and Worship

 

January 25, 2007

Pilgrims on the Journey:

1. This Sunday, February 4, in worship we are washed and fed, as we gather at the font to celebrate the Baptism of Ryan Goff-Glennon and at the table to celebrate The Lord's Supper.

2. Two new Adult Education Classes begin this month, both meeting at 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings
   Starting This Week in the Bird Room,
        continuing through February 18:
       Low Wage Work in the United States:
           Led by Shelly Ver Ploeg


How does immigration affect native-born workers’  wages?  What other public policies are geared towards low-wage  workers?  In this three class series, we’ll explore these questions and  others surrounding the state of low-wage workers in the United  States.
   Starting Next Week, February 11,
    in the Upstairs Education Room,
    and continuing through February 25th:
        Forgiveness: A Wrestling Match
            Led by Ashley Goff

What is forgiveness? What does it mean to ask for forgiveness or  be forgiven? What do biblical stories have to say about what forgiveness  means?  Through biblical stories, God-talk, stories of betrayal and  rejection, and group sharing, we will explore these questions and begin to  name what forgiveness means to us and how this theological concept is part of  the fabric of our lives.
3. Tonight, Wednesday January 31st at 7 p.m., you are invited to join Ashley, Rob and me as we plan worship for the season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on February 21st. No particular exptertise is required-- just come with an open spirit and a creative mind, as we look at the Lenten texts together and shape the worship services in response. Let me know if you would like to join us, and I will send you a copy of the texts.
4. Theology on Tap concludes next Tuesday, February 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Brickskeller across the street from the church, focusing on Biblical images of the future. Planned with young adults in mind, all ages are invited. Even if you have missed the previous three weeks, and are invited to join us for this final week. We will meet in the downstairs back room for dinner, followed by the Bible study. Parking is available at the church.
5. Last week I shared some links to on-line resources for spiritual development. Here are two more.

The first is "inward/outward," a ministry of The Church of the Savior here in Washington, DC, reflecting the two basic movements of the spiritual life: the journey inward of personal spiritual development and the journey outward toward the world. You can receive a daily email from their website at http://www.inwardoutward.org/?page_id=21
The second was forwarded to me by Carol Huls, the type of site that you want to tell your friends about. What would the world look like if it was made up of only 100 people?
http://www.miniature-earth.com/
6. Remember that the Darfur Interfaith Network sponsors a vigil each Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Come to the Embassy, (just north of 22nd Street on Massachusetts Avenue). In addition, DIF is sponsoring a workshop on Tuesday February 13 for congregations that wish to be more involved, especially in organizing their own vigil day. This is something we hope to pursue at Church of the Pilgrims, perhaps in partnership with other Presbyterian Churches. If you might be interested in helping organize this, send me a note.
7. Finallly, I am attaching the 2007 Buffet Schedule from Nancy Daugherty. Each month a different "cluster" is responsible for proving our buffet lunch following worship on the first Sunday (except for this month, when buffet will be February 11, to coincide with our Annual Meeting). All church members should have been assigned a cluster. New comers and friends of the church can also be assigned to a cluster (a geographic division of our church roles). If you would like to have your name added, send me a note.
8. Upcoming Events:
  • Sunday, February 11: Reception of  New Members during worship, Buffet Lunch and the Annual Meeting of the  Congregation followship worship.
  • Sunday, February 18:  The  Baptism of Phoebe Noonan.
  • Wednesday, February 21: Ash  Wednesday Taize Service, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, February 25: The First  Sunday in Lent.
  • Mondays, February 26-March 26:  Our Annual Lenten Series, meeting each Monday 6:30-8:45, with a soup &  bread supper. This year's focus: "Clay Jar Apostles."

Peace,
 
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>

 

 

 

January 25, 2007

Pilgrims on the Journey:

Happening this week:
1. This Sunday Gerry Hendershot concludes his Adult Ed class: "Nellie McKay, Walter Brueggemann, and Prophetic Imagination," 9:30 a.m. in the Bird Room.
2. Theology on Tap continues Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Brickskeller across the street from the church, focusing on Biblical images of the future. Planned with young adults in mind, all ages are invited. We will meet in the downstairs back room for dinner, followed by the Bible study. Parking is available at the church.
3. The Reformed Institute's annual convocation is this Saturday, January 27, 9:30 a.m. at National Presbyterian Church on Nebraska Avenue. The featured speaker will be Dr. Max Stackhouse, an ethicist from Princeton Seminary, discussing "Grace and Globalization---Beyond the View that It Is All Sinful." See http://www.reformedinstitute.org/news/20070127-convocation.html

4. Next week, Wednesday, January 31, at 7 p.m., you are invited to join Ashley, Rob and me as we plan worship for the season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on February 21st. No particular exptertise is required-- just come with an open spirit and a creative mind, as we look at the Lenten texts together and shape the worship services in response. Let me know if you would like to join us, and I will send you a copy of the texts.
5. Remember that the Darfur Interfaith Network sponsors a vigil each Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Come to the Embassy, (just north of 22nd Street on Massachusetts Avenue).
6. United for Peace & Justice, a national coalition of peace groups working to end the war in Iraq are holding a demonstration this weekend on the mall. To learn more, see http://www.unitedforpeace.org//index.php
7. From time to time I have shared with you various on-line resources for spiritual formation. Let me share with you again some of my favorites:

8. Please keep in your prayers:
  • Rob Passow & Howard Kurtz, who  continue to recover from their gall-bladder surgery.
  • Nancy Lee Head, making progress in rehab toward getting  back on her feet.
  • Carol Seppela, under hospice care, at home with her  family, Greg, Michael, and Daniel.
  • Sara Turner, Patrick Cox's daughter, suffering with  diverticulitis.
  • Diana Bruce's mother who is undergoing tests.

Peace,
 
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>

January 18, 2007

Pilgrims on the Journey:

1. There seems to be an outbreak of gall bladder disease among the choir! Not only did choir director Rob Passow have his gall bladder removed on Sunday, but choir member Howard Kurtz had the same surgery on Monday! Both Rob and Howard are recovering well, but don't expect to see either of them in the next couple of weeks. If you would like to send a note to Rob, who is now resting at home, you can email Rob's partner Patrick at  bpatrick.cox@verizon.net , who will pass them on to Rob. Or send a note to his home address: 805 North Howard Street, #123, Alexandria, VA 22304. I don't know if Howard is home from the hospital yet, but you can send a note to his home address is 2713 Franklin Court, Alexandria VA  22302.

2. Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. we continue our two Adult Education offerings: "Nellie McKay, Walter Brueggemann, and Prophetic Imagination," led by Gerry Hendershot in the Bird Room, and "New Year Intentions," led by Ashley Goff upstairs in the Youth Room.
3. Theology on Tap continues Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Brickskeller across the street from the church, focusing on Biblical images of the future. Planned with young adults in mind, all ages are invited. We will meet in the downstairs back room for dinner, followed by the Bible study. Parking is available at the church.
4. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 31, at 7 p.m., when you are invited to join Ashley, Rob and me as we plan worship for the season of Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on February 21st. No particular exptertise is required-- just come with an open spirit and a creative mind, as we look at the Lenten texts together and shape the worship services in response. Let me know if you would like to join us, and I will send you a copy of the texts.
5. There was a good turn out for the Darfur Vigil at the Sudanese Embassy last Monday. Remember that the Darfur Interfaith Network sponsors a vigil each Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. Come to the Embassy, (just north of 22nd Street on Massachusetts Avenue).
6. Other upcoming events:
The Reformed Institute will hold its annual convocation Saturday, January 27, 9:30 a.m. at National Presbyterian Church on Nebraska Avenue. The featured speaker will be Dr. Max Stackhouse, an ethicist from Princeton Seminary, discussing "Grace and Globalization---Beyond the View that It Is All Sinful." See http://www.reformedinstitute.org/news/20070127-convocation.html
The Reformed Institute will also hold an event February 3rd for Young Adults, titled "A Religion of Rules?" at St. Mark Presbyterian Church. See http://www.reformedinstitute.org/news/20070203Rules.html to register.

Peace,
 
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>

January 11, 2007

Pilgrims on the Journey:

1. The New Year is now back up to full speed with Sunday school for children and adults resuming this week at 9:30 a.m. We will have two new Adult Classes:

  • "Nellie McKay, Walter Brueggemann,  and Prophetic Imagination," a three-week class led by Gerry  Hendershot.
Is  19-year-old singer-songwriter Nellie McKay a 21st C. prophet?  Does she have what 73-year-old Old  Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann calls “prophetic imagination?”  In this series we consider the meaning  of “prophet” and “prophecy” in our times by discussing the work of Brueggemann  and viewing video interviews, listening to the music, and studying the lyrics  of McKay, who writes “what does it matter if I change the world at  all?”
  • "New Year Intentions,"  a two-week class led by Ashley Goff.       

The New Year is traditionally a  time to set resolutions or goals. Goal making is a valuable tool; it involves  envisioning a future outcome in your world or in your behavior. One plans,  applies discipline, and works hard to achieve New Year goals.

Setting intentions is somewhat  different. Setting intentions is not oriented toward a future outcome but,  instead, it is a path or practice that is focused on how you are “being” in  the present moment. Intentions call your attention to the “now.” You set your  intentions based on what matters the most to you and make a commitment to  align your actions with your inner values. You live your intentions every  day.
 
 
This two week series will call us  to set New Year intentions and create ways, or actions, for keeping those  intentions alive. What values do we want to see blossom in our lives this  year? What values need our highest priority in 2007? Come to reflect on 2006  and to set your own personal intentions so you can live more fully in 2007.  
2.  A new round of Theology on Tap begins next Tuesday, January 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Brickskeller across the street from the church. This four-week series will focus on Biblical images of the future. Planned with young adults in mind, all ages are invited. We will meet in the downstairs back room for dinner, followed by the Bible study. Parking is available at the church.
3. Monday marks the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.  An appropriate way to mark the day would be to participate in one of two vigils taking place next week on Monday and Wednesday at the Sudanese embassy, calling for an end to the genocide in Darfur. Both vigils are from noon to 1 p.m.
4. Other events coming up:
 5. Prayer Concerns:
  • Please keep Carol Seppala and her  family in your prayers this week as Greg is away on business,  and Carol continues at home under hospice care.
  • Nancy Lee Head continues at the  Genesis Potomac Eldercare near Pentegon City, 1785 S. Hayes Street. She now  has a direct number (703-685-3012) though phone calls are difficult. She is  struggling this week with an infection in her left lung.
  • Prayers are with two of our Pilgrim friends this  week, Erin Malick and Kyrie Dragoo, who are joining a  Presbytery young adult mission trip to New Orleans, where they will be working  to rehab houses.
6. A Post Script. I wish I were in New Orleans this week too, to attend the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Associate Bienniel Meeting, where two of my closest friends, colleagues and mentors, George and Kathy Todd, are receiving a life-time service award. George, who first introduced me to church-based community organizing while I was a seminary student in Chicago, was director of Urban Ministry for the Presbyterian Church in the 1960's, and worked to bring Presbyterian mission dollars to support the work of Saul Alinski, the founder of the Industrial Areas Foundation, WIN's "parent organization." You can read about them and the award at
http://www.pcusa.org:80/pcnews/2006/06622.htm

Peace,
 
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>

January 4, 2007

Pilgrims on the Journey:

A new year is now upon us, coming as it always does with hope for a new beginning. I attended the swearing in today for Mayor Adrian Fenty and the new members of City Council. Expectations are exceedingly high-- something long-timers remember from the previous administrations that failed to live up to the hype. Nevertheless, I left feeling hopeful for our city in a way I have not in the past six years. Time will tell. And, of course, we will be involved in helping shape that future, as we have been in the past several years.
1. This Sunday is "The Baptism of the Lord" Sunday, almost always the first Sunday in January. Since it is the first of the month, we will celebrate the Lord's Supper, and follow our service of worship with our monthly Buffet Lunch in the Fellowship Hall. In addition, this Sunday we will ordain and install our new church officers-- Mitch Fulton, Calva Leondard, and Jonathan Mertz-- we begin their new term serving on the Session.
2. Also during Buffet this week, the Outreach Team, led by Betty Rudolph, will meet to discuss priorities for our mission for the the coming months. You are welcome to join them. They will discuss the allocation of our 2007 budget and talk about possibilties for the coming year including co-sponsorship of a Habitat for Humanity house and other areas of local mission.  Please contact Betty Rudolph at vstbeehive@verizon.net or (202) 625-2940 for more information.
3. The following Saturday, on January 13 from 9 AM to Noon, Rob will lead a Choir Retreat, startng in the choir room, and ending in the sanctuary. They will begin preparing both old and new music for the next few months of worship; and we will have some social time, too.  For anyone interested in joining the choir, this is a great time to get started. Coffee, tea and water will be provided, and everyone is encouraged to bring a snack to share. (try to get there around 8:45 so you can grab coffee and a snack before we get started).

4. Sunday school will not begin for another week, on January 14-- but here is a preview of what's coming:

  • “Nellie  McKay, Walter Brueggemann, and Prophetic Imagination," a three-week  class led by Gerry Hendershot.

  • Is  19-year-old singer-songwriter Nellie McKay a 21st C. prophet?  Does she have what 73-year-old Old  Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann calls “prophetic imagination?”  In this series we consider the meaning  of “prophet” and “prophecy” in our times by discussing the work of Brueggemann  and viewing video interviews, listening to the music, and studying the lyrics  of McKay, who writes “what does it matter if I change the world at  all?”
  • "New Year Intentions,"  a two-week class led by Ashley Goff.       The New Year is traditionally a  time to set resolutions or goals. Goal making is a valuable tool; it involves  envisioning a future outcome in your world or in your behavior. One plans,  applies discipline, and works hard to achieve New Year goals.

Setting intentions is somewhat  different. Setting intentions is not oriented toward a future outcome but,  instead, it is a path or practice that is focused on how you are “being” in  the present moment. Intentions call your attention to the “now.” You set your  intentions based on what matters the most to you and make a commitment to  align your actions with your inner values. You live your intentions every  day.
 
 
This two week series will call us  to set New Year intentions and create ways, or actions, for keeping those  intentions alive. What values do we want to see blossom in our lives this  year? What values need our highest priority in 2007? Come to reflect on 2006  and to set your own personal intentions so you can live more fully in 2007.  
5. Looking ahead, Sacred Circles, the National Cathedral's biennial spirituality event for women will occur February 16-17.  I apologize for not getting this note out in time to meet the early-bird registration deadline of December 31. They have a terrific line-up, including Roberta Bondi, who will give a keynote address and give a workshop, and Esther de Waal, among others. See   www.nationnalcathedral.org/sacredcircles <http://www.nationnalcathedral.org/sacredcircles>


Peace,
 
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>

 

December 2006 Pastor's Updates

November 2006 Pastor's Updates

October 2006 Pastor's Updates

September 2006 Pastor's Updates

August 2006 Pastor's Updates

July 2006 Pastor's Updates

June 2006 Pastor's Updates

May 2006 Pastor's Updates

April 2006 Pastor's Updates

 

 

 

 


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