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January 30, 2008
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. We conclude our Epiphany reflections this week on "sharing our light with the world" with these thoughts from Betty Rudolph:
I've always believed that consistently offering small kindnesses to others on a daily basis is one way to let your light shine. If we each regularly ignited another individual through a small kindness, whether a friend or stranger, insider or outsider, they might be more open to practicing kindness with another, and eventually many candles can be lit.
I believe my light shines most when I can tap into my creative energy. I have made commitments in 2008 to increase my opportunities to practice creativity, including beginning a writing practice, taking some voice lessons, and participating in a storytelling workshop. I hope through these practices to find my authentic voice, to open my heart to greater self expression, and to receive spirit gifts of unexpected light this year. Whatever shape this light forms, I hope to share it simply and authentically with others.
To read other Epiphany stories, see http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/epiphanystories.html
2. This Sunday, February 3, is "Transfiguration Sunday," and marks the transition between the season of Epiphany and the season of Lent. This week in worship we will ordain and install our recently elected church officers, Jeff Francisco, Pat Goeldner, and Anne Womeldorf.
3. We have two Adult Education classes this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Hearing is Believing: Rediscovering Our Oral Traditions
Led by Gerry Hendershot will conclude this week.
A new class will begin Sunday that will continue through Lent:
The Sacred Art of Fasting
Led by Margee Iddings and Doris Hendershot
Upstairs in the Youth Education Room
Fasting, along with prayer and almsgiving, is a traditional Christian spiritual practice long associated with the season of Lent. What would it mean to revive this ancient practice for contemporary Christians, especially in a Protestant context? Drawing on the work of Father Thomas Ryan, Doris and Margee will lead a discussion where those who attend are invited to experiment with different approaches to fasting during the Lenten season, and then to share their experiences with one another during the Sunday morning class. Father Ryan writes, "Fasting as a religious act increases our sensitivity to that mystery always and everywhere present to us... It is an invitation to awareness, a call to compassion for the needy, a cry of distress, a song of joy. It is a discipline of self-restraint, a ritual of purification, and a sanctuary for offerings of atonement. It is a wellspring for the spiritually dry, a compass for the spiritually lost, and inner nourishment for the spiritually hungry."
4. The season of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Good Friday, begins next week, with several special opportunities for worship, reflection, and spiritual formation:
Ash Wednesday Service, 7 p.m. February 6
A service of song and meditation in the style of Taizé, including celebration of the Lord's Supper and the imposition of ashes, (a sign of our mortality and dependence upon God).
Beginning February 11:
Monday Night Lenten Series: Encountering Choices, Finding Identity
A five-week series meeting each week from 6:30-8:45 p.m.,
Led by Margee Iddings, Ashley Goff, and Jeff Krehbiel
Throughout Lent, the five week period that begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Holy Week, we will focus on gospel encounters with Jesus that shaped his identity-- and also, in the process, led him to the cross. For our Monday night series, we will focus on Jesus' encounter with women in the Gospels. We will explore how each encounter shaped Jesus' ministry. What choices did he face, and what choices did he make? How did those choices move him toward the cross? What do these encounters teach us about what it means for us to be Jesus' followers?
We will begin each week with a soup and bread supper, followed by a time of worship, Bible study, and reflection on the encounters that have shaped our own lives, the choices we face, and the risks we are called to take as Jesus' disciples. Participants will be invited each week to practice a "discipline of risk-taking." Even if you cannot attend each week, you are encouraged to attend as many weeks as you are able.
Sunday Morning Adult Education in Lent:
In addition to The Sacred Art of Fasting (see above), we will offer a second Adult Class beginning February 10:
Between Cross and Resurrection: A Theology of Holy Saturday
Led by Jeff Krehbiel, Downstairs in the Bird Room
Where was God on the day in between? For Jesus’ first followers, Saturday was the day after the world came to an end on the cross of Good Friday, with Easter Sunday not yet even a thought on the horizon. After Easter day, the early Christians confessed that God was in Christ incarnate. What then does it mean for us to confess, with them, that God was with Jesus in the grave? What are the implications of such a dramatic and difficult assertion? What does it mean for us to make such a confession in a world that is more closely acquainted with the loss of Good Friday and the hopelessness of Easter Saturday than with the new life of Easter? How does that shape what it means for us to be disciples of the one crucified and risen? Drawing on the work of the late theologian Alan E. Lewis, we will explore a contemporary theology of the cross by paying close attention to the “three day story” at the heart of the Christian faith.
5. Sunday, February 10, in addition to being the First Sunday of Lent, is also the date for our Annual Meeting of the Congregation. This will take place following our buffet lunch in the Fellowship Hall. All members and friends of the congregation are invited to participate. Reports from the Session will be shared, along with a presentation of the 2008 Budget. In addition, at-large members of the Officer Nominating Committee will be elected.
6. This Friday, Cheryl and I will host a gathering at the manse for Pilgrims Under 40 (But Who's Counting?), 7:30 p.m. 4324 Van Ness Street NW. Bring a dish to share. RSVP to me if you would like to come and have not let me know already.
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>
January 22, 2008
(this week's update is from Rev. Ashley Goff)
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. We continue our Epiphany reflections this week on "sharing our light with the world" with this expression of Thanksgiving from Tari Gregory:
On January 3, 2008, I began a new page in my life. January 2 was my last day at the office. I have worked for 33 years at the Voice of America and that was my only full time job ever.
Before the retirement, I had lots of ideas of what I was going to do, but now all of those ideas are gone. I haven't the faintest idea of what I want to do. I know I want to be useful for God, but how? I don't know.
I think what I need to do is pray. I believe in the power of prayers. It has worked for me in the past. I get answers for my prayers. Usually the answers are slow in coming, but once, I experienced a very quick answer to my prayer, almost instantly.
It happened in May 1998. I remember it because President Suharto of Indonesia resigned that day. I just don't remember the exact date. It was hard to imagine that he would ever resign. I had planned to bring a group of Pilgrims to Indonesia that summer. However, it was hard for me to decide to go ahead with the plan because Indonesia was in turmoil. Some of the folks that had said would go started to wonder too.
One Thursday evening, as I was driving home from a choir rehearsal, my mind was occupied with the plan. It bothered me so much, I gave up. I blurted it out loud, 'Oh God, what am I going to do?' The radio was tuned to WGMS that rarely carried news except for every hour, on the hour. It was not on top of the hour yet, but suddenly came a short news bulletin saying that the president of Indonesia has resigned. The announcer repeated the breaking news and I knew that God listened to my prayer and that the time was right for me to know the answer. That summer, a group of eight Pilgrims went to Indonesia.
Not all my prayers get quick answers like that and now, praying seems to be the only thing for me to do. I have to be patient. Because of my experience with prayer, I plan on sharing my light with the world through prayer. Prayer is my foundation and will be the way for me to see how I can be useful for God. God's answer will come and everything will fall into place according to God's will.
To read other Epiphany stories, see http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/epiphanystories.html
2. Our two Adult Education classes continue this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Please see the special note below regarding Gerry's class:
Hearing is Believing: Rediscovering Our Oral Traditions
January 13, 20, 27, February 3, in the Bird Room.
Led by Gerry Hendershot
Scripture began as oral tradition˜story telling. Around a camp fire, at A table in the home, or during worship at Synagogue, the Word began as the spoken word. People heard--and then they believed. In this series we will listen to and view biblical story-tellers such as Mark Twain and Bill Cosby, and tell our own stories of life, love, and loss. Resources include YouTube, This American Life, Studio 360, and other NPR programs. This Sunday's class will include a bible story told by Jean Stewart, a poetry reading by Betty Rudolph, and a story from his life told by Zach Wilks. (R-rated for violence, sex˜and life.).
To hear an audio invitation from Gerry, go to http://churchofthepilgrims.org/Pilgrimspromo.mp3
3. The choir will hold a winter retreat on Saturday January 26, from 8:45 until noon. If you are thinking about joining the choir, this would be an excellent way to hit the ground running! Send a note to Rob Passow rob.passow@verizon.net .
4. Pastoral Concerns:
- I preached this past Sunday on my relationship with John Mack, former pastor of First Congregational UCC here in D.C. John died last week from complications of pulmonary edema and drug resistant pneumonia that came to life in a post-retirement trek in Nepal with his wife, Barbara Gerlach. John was one of the founding leaders of the Washington Interfaith Network, the Downtown Cluster of Congregations, and a pioneer in church-related ministry to the homeless. He served at First Congregational for more than 25 years. A Memorial Service will be at Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, 4704 13th St. NW 20011 at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 26. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Congregational UCC designated for the Community Chorus or the Dinner Program for Homeless Women <http://www.dphw.org/> , 309 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011. Note: Diana Bruce is chair of the board for the Dinner Program for Homeless Women, an outreach program that has given shape to the faith of First Congregational and Diana.
- Margee Iddings, was welcomed back to National Capital Presbytery at its meeting today. Margee has now officially transferred her membership from Baltimore Presbytery to NCP. This is the first step toward accepting the invitation from our Session to serve as our Parish Associate. You can read Margee's Statement of Faith by going to the Presbytery's website and downloading the "Packet Material." This is worth a read! http://www.thepresbytery.org/AroundNCP/PresbyteryMeetings/PresbyteryMeetingInformation/tabid/16245/Default.aspx
5. Ashley will be away this Sunday, January 27th, for a reunion with her college suitemates in Tampa, Florida. Jeff will be leading worship.
Peace,
Rev. Ashley Goff
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, D.C
www.churchofthepilgrims.org
www.thepilgrimage.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>
There are many things for which I am thankful for a very rewarding 2007. First off, the Church came into my life, and there
January 16, 2008
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. We continue our Epiphany reflections this week on "sharing our light with the world" with this expression of Thanksgiving from Amir Venegas:
There are many things for which I am thankful for a very rewarding 2007. First off, the Church came into my life, and there have been a wealth of experiences and friendship. Philanthropy has returned to me after a rather long hiatus. There’s something about getting together to clean up a park or cook food at a community kitchen that recharges the body and spirit. Additionally I married Joanne in the summer. Although I didn’t think my spirits could get any higher, they did. We found out in the fall that we are expecting our first child and now I feel like the cliché “It’s a whole new ballgame” applies to my life.
As 2008 starts, my terrific wife set up a date at the new Shakespeare Theater Company Sidney Harman Hall. The Persian-themed play started in Farsi “There was one; there was none…” the Persian equivalent to “Once upon a time…” It really took me back to being a little kid in DC and hearing a great aunt start with this same beginning. The play centered around two life lessons: be thankful for what you have and share your good fortunes with others. The play really struck home with lessons that I was taught as a child.
I’m thrilled with finding the Church, marrying Joanne and being further made new as I prepare to bring a new life into the world. I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach the same lessons I learned as a child to the child I will soon have, for the path my life has taken and for the foundation that will support me moving forward. I cannot wait to start the storytelling with my child, “Once upon a time . . .”
To read other Epiphany stories, see http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/epiphanystories.html
2. Our two Adult Education classes continue this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
Please see the special note below regarding Gerry's class:
Hearing is Believing: Rediscovering Our Oral Traditions
January 13, 20, 27, February 3, in the Bird Room.
Led by Gerry Hendershot
Scripture began as oral tradition—story telling. Around a camp fire, at A table in the home, or during worship at Synagogue, the Word began as the spoken word. People heard--and then they believed. In this series we will listen to and view biblical story-tellers such as Mark Twain and Bill Cosby, and tell our own stories of life, love, and loss. Resources include YouTube, This American Life, Studio 360, and other NPR programs. (R-rated for violence, sex—and life.).
Note: In one of the audio clips Gerry plans to use this week, a woman talks about being sexually abused by her father and the effect that had on her body image and moral outlook. Another audio clip describes the modus operandi of a man who was convicted of raping and killing 54 woman sex workers. The class explores several biblical understandings of the meaning of good and evil. It begins with a telling of the story of The Good Samaritan by Pat Goeldner.
To hear an audio invitation from Gerry, go to http://churchofthepilgrims.org/Pilgrimspromo.mp3
Sharing Our Light with the World: Setting New Year Intentions.
January 13th and 20th in the Upstairs Education Room.
Led by Ashley Goff.
How will your light shine this year? What do you want your intentions or priorities to be this year? How can we enhance and grow how we are living in God’s way? How can we step into the new year with a sense of purpose and vision? In this two week class, we will set our "intentions" for the new year by reflecting on 2007 and envisioning 2008.
3. The choir will hold a winter retreat on Saturday January 26, from 8:45 until noon. If you are thinking about joining the choir, this would be an excellent way to hit the ground running! Send a note to Rob Passow rob.passow@verizon.net .
4. Pastoral Concerns:
We join the members of First Congregational UCC (Ashley's home church) in grieving the death and celebrating the life of their former pastor, John Mack, who died yesterday, following complications from pulmonary edema that began while trekking in retirement with his wife, Barbara Gerlach, who served with him at First Congregational as co-pastor. John was one of the founding leaders of the Washington Interfaith Network, the Downtown Cluster of Congregations, and a pioneer in church-related ministry to the homeless. He served at First Congregational for more than 25 years. A Memorial Service will be at Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ, 4704 13th St. NW 20011 at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 26. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Congregational UCC designated for the Community Chorus or the Dinner Program for Homeless Women, 309 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011.
Melissa Rosenblatt asks prayers for the family of her friend Kim Bailey, who also lost their father somewhat unexpectedly yesterday. Her brother, Chris, is taking it especially her hard. Her father's name is Howard Jones.
Church member Maria Jaramillo Niel, who has been living in North Carolina while her husband serves in the military, asks prayers for her family and her husband Ron who has been deployed to Afghanistan for five months.
Our regular worship, adult education and retreat leader, Margee Iddings, will petition National Capital Presbytery at its meeting next Tuesday, January 22, to transfer her membership from Baltimore Presbytery. This is the first step toward accepting the invitation from our Session to serve as our Parish Associate. The meeting, at Vienna Presbyterian Church, begins at 10 a.m. Margee is on the docket at 10:15 a.m. You can read Margee's Statement of Faith by going to the Presbytery's website and downloading the "Packet Material" http://www.thepresbytery.org/AroundNCP/PresbyteryMeetings/PresbyteryMeetingInformation/tabid/16245/Default.aspx
In a separate matter, the Presbytery will also take up a resolution endorsed by our Session to overture next summer's General Assembly to remove section G-6.0106b from our church constitution, which bans GLBT people from serving as church officers.
5. I will be away next week on Continuing Education, meeting in Atlanta with a group of former Columbia Seminary classmates for a week of self-directed study. Ashley will lead worship this Sunday.
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>
January 9, 2008
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. We began the season of Epiphany with a bang Sunday, thanks to the folks from "Cluster D" who provided a wonderful meal following worship, including festive table decorations (thanks Jeffrey Fox) and dialogue questions (thanks Stacy Perval).
This Sunday will also be special as we celebrate the baptism of Skanda Cartwright Deo Blank, son of Jonah and Nina Blank.
On Sunday also heard our first "Epiphany story" in worship from newcomer Gihani Perara. Today we hear from expatriate Pilgrim Michael Oswalt (now concluding his studies as Duke Law and Divinity Schools), who tells a story of Epiphany and Light:
“I’ve decided to get baptized.” Those were not words I had ever expected to come from Matt’s mouth. A friend since college and a roommate afterwards, I knew Matt as the picture of irreverence, always ready with a sarcastic retort or cynical prediction that invariably sprung from a kernel of wit that would both make you chuckle and appreciate his obvious creativity and intelligence. But his personality could be biting. And he drank. A lot.
“Drunk” Matt was even more fun than “Sober” Matt, and he knew it. The intensity of his drinking increased after college, and a series of drinking-related mishaps had recently caused him to enter AA. We had kept up with each other through most of this time on about a bi-monthly basis, so I knew about AA and encouraged him to participate. I was confident AA could change him for the better. What I hadn’t expected was that, as his friend, it would also change me.
Indeed, Matt didn’t just inform me that AA had awoken him to the Higher Power that he now knew was always there, he also had a question. “Would you present me during the baptism service?” he asked. “If you agree,” he continued, “it would also mean you would serve as my Christian mentor.” I readily accepted. Then he said something that has stuck closely with me over the past year: “I want what you have.” I was humbled, but also stung. It was painful for me to realize I wasn’t exactly sure what he meant.
Since then it has felt more like Matt has been unwittingly mentoring me. Attending his baptism was a sacrifice—it occurred smack in the middle of my spring semester finals. I went and returned to the most peaceful finals period I have ever experienced. Since that time, week-by-week I gain further appreciation for his new habits. He prays three times a day, five minutes at a time, no matter what else is going on in his life. He attends yoga. He spent a weekend at a monastery. He spent a week of his precious (and limited) vacation time in New Orleans helping to rebuild. Just six months earlier that same free time would have been spent in New York or Las Vegas drinking.
We speak every Sunday, and every Sunday I hang up the phone with the same thought: “Why can’t I do that?” Starting this Epiphany, I resolve to say I can. I can take fifteen minutes a day to pray. Why this particular goal? Because in Matt’s journey I see that consistent prayer is transformative in a way I had not expected. Of course it affects Matt. But through Matt, it has also affected me. His daily reflections breed a desire for more reflection, which he passes onto me. This might be in the form of an interaction with a homeless person or something as tangible as a book recommendation. Matt related how he has experimented with responding to requests for money from homeless men and women by asking if they would like to be prayed for. I’ve now tried it. Matt sent me a book on Buddhist prayer principles, Always We Begin Again, which I have used with a person in my life who is uncomfortable with prayer but not with meditation. Matt’s prayer-life, in other words, is slowly spreading.
Now I want what Matt has, and in turn I want to pass it along. This is the personal transformation I wish will happen in my life this year.
Do I think it’s possible? When Matt was baptized, the pastor—who was also baptizing four others that morning—mistakenly anointed Matt with the wrong name. She said “Mike.”
2. Adult Education classes resume this Sunday at 9:30 a.m., with two new classes:
Hearing is Believing: Rediscovering Our Oral Traditions
January 13, 20, 27, February 3, in the Bird Room.
Led by Gerry Hendershot
Scripture began as oral tradition—story telling. Around a camp fire, at A table in the home, or during worship at Synagogue, the Word began as the spoken word. People heard--and then they believed. In this series we will listen to and view biblical story-tellers such as Mark Twain and Bill Cosby, and tell our own stories of life, love, and loss. Resources include YouTube, This American Life, Studio 360, and other NPR programs. (R-rated for violence, sex—and life.).
To hear an audio invitation from Gerry, go to http://churchofthepilgrims.org/Pilgrimspromo.mp3
Sharing Our Light with the World: Setting New Year Intentions.
January 13th and 20th in the Upstairs Education Room.
Led by Ashley Goff.
How will your light shine this year? What do you want your intentions or priorities to be this year? How can we enhance and grow how we are living in God’s way? How can we step into the new year with a sense of purpose and vision? In this two week class, we will set our "intentions" for the new year by reflecting on 2007 and envisioning 2008.
3. Even if you are not a senior, you are invited to join us this week for Friday Club at noon in the Bird Room. Following lunch, we will view a DVD called "Exploring Costa Rica." Please RSVP to Pat Goeldner pgoeldner@iona.org.
4. Put Your Faith Into Action:
- There will be a Protest this Friday, January 11, six years after the first prisoners arrived at Guantanamo Bay prison, organized by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Amnesty International, and Witness Against Torture. The demonstration will take place on the National Mall at 12th street NW and Madison Dr. NW. Prominent speakers at 11 a.m. will be followed by a solemn prisoners' march to the Supreme Court. If you wish to participate in the prisoners' march, come a little early--around 10 a.m.--to get fitted for an orange jumpsuit. The prisoners' march will be powerful street theatre. More details at http://www.wrrcat.org/ <http://www.wrrcat.org/>
- The Presbyterian Vigil for Darfur will take place this Sunday, since the third Sunday falls on a holiday weekend. Gather at Pilgrims following coffee hour, and join other congregations for vigil at the Sudanese Embassy from 1 to 2 p.m.
- Ward Two Churches of the Washington Interfaith Network will have a meeting next Tuesday at 7 p.m. to continue work on a supportive housing strategy for downtown. Let me know if you would like to join us. Location TBD.
5. Pastoral Concerns: A reminder that the Memorial Service for Charlotte Floyd's sister, Nannie Evans, a Colonel (ret.) in the U. S. Army, has been scheduled at Arlington Cemetery for January 23, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at the Ft. Meyer Officer's Club. If you would like to join Charlotte and her family, please let her know by calling her on her cell phone: 703-475-8771.
6. A Night Out: Jeanne Mayer is organizing a group to see “Hexagon, Washington’s Only Original Political Satirical Musical Comedy Revue,” 2008 show, "STARS AND GRIPES FOREVER,” at the Duke Ellington Highschool for the Performing Arts. Friday night tickets are $30. They are considering two dates: February 29 or March 14. Please let her know if you would like to join them, which Friday date you prefer, and if you would like to meet for dinner beforehand (probably at Casbah Café on Wisconsin Ave. between R and S Streets) by Monday, January 14, by e-mail jmbotts@verizon.net or phone, (202) 363-5329
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>
January 3, 2008
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. Christmas may be over as far as our culture is concerned, but liturgically the season of Christmas does not end until the day of Epiphany, January 6 (the "twelfth day of Christmas") which we will mark this Sunday with a special service of worship and buffet lunch following (including a "King Cake," one of the staples of "Twelfth Night").
As we did in Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, we will continue to focus on the texts from the prophet Isaiah in the season of Epiphany, the four weeks following Christmas Day. If the four weeks of Advent were about waiting for the light, Epiphany (which from the Greek means "shine" or "appear") is about celebrating the light. The first lection, from Isaiah 60, captures the mood of the season: "Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you."
In keeping with this subtle shift, we will continue to share stories from Pilgrims in Epiphany, but will move from "Dreaming of a World Made New" to "Sharing Our Light with the World." (See the change in our graphic, left). Before we do, here is our final "Dream for a World Made New" for the Christmas season, from our Clerk of Session, Charles Briggs:
I am Dreaming of a World where our leaders do not believe that they have all of the answers. A World where leaders spend time listening to views other than their own. A world where decisions makers allow themselves to be guided by prayer and are open to many influences. A world of absolute certainty, with no doubts is a frightful place. I dream of World where there is room for doubt and merit in other points of view.
I am Dreaming of a World where Life is precious and people are not so willing and quick to take something we are powerless to give. A place where we seek to value and preserve all life.
I am Dreaming of a World where politics: local, national and global is no longer a blood sport of "got you", but a vocation men and women choose to make a difference in the lives of others. A calling no longer of us against them, but an institution where our World can be made better! A World Made New.
2. There will be no Adult Education classes this week, but two new classes will begin the following week:
Hearing is Believing: Rediscovering Our Oral Traditions
January 13, 20, 27, February 3, in the Bird Room.
Led by Gerry Hendershot
Scripture began as oral tradition—story telling. Around a camp fire, at A table in the home, or during worship at Synagogue, the Word began as the spoken word. People heard--and then they believed. In this series we will listen to and view biblical story-tellers such as Mark Twain and Bill Cosby, and tell our own stories of life, love, and loss. Resources include YouTube, This American Life, Studio 360, and other NPR programs. (R-rated for violence, sex—and life.). Here is the link to an audio invitation from Gerry.
Sharing Our Light with the World: Setting New Year Intentions.
January 13th and 20th in the Upstairs Education Room.
Led by Ashley Goff.
How will your light shine this year? What do you want your intentions or priorities to be this year? How can we enhance and grow how we are living in God’s way? How can we step into the new year with a sense of purpose and vision? In this two week class, we will set our "intentions" for the new year by reflecting on 2007 and envisioning 2008.
3. Pastoral Concerns:
- Kelly Jenkin's mother, Jo Clifford, who worshiped with us several times over the past year or so, passed away just before Christmas from pancreatic cancer. A memorial service will be held next Wednesday, January 9, 1:00 PM, at the Belvedere Hotel, 1 East Chase Street, Baltimore, Maryland, with a reception to follow. Kelly's email address is: KellyBDesign@aol.com
- If you were in worship last Sunday, you already heard that Jonathan Mertz is moving home to Kansas this weekend, at least temporarily, perhaps permanently, to help care for his aging parents, especially his mother, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease. The loss of Jonathan's leadership to our congregation is incalculable. We will miss you, Jonathan! You can send a note to Jonathan at kstodc@earthlink.net .
4. Staff changes: Our new Pilgrimage Program Manager, Matt Boote, started work today. You can send Matt a note of welcome at pilgrimage.manager@verizon.net . Welcome, Matt!
5. Start the Year Off Right: Is taking on new spiritual practices one of your New Year's resolutions? If so, this may help. Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, on their website "Spirituality & Practice," are offering four new 21-day "e-courses," Beating the Blahs, Dealing with Disappointment, Fear Busters, and Letting Go. You can sign up at http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>
December 2008 Pastor's Updates
November 2007 Pastor's Updates
October 2007 Pastor's Updates
September 2007 Pastor's Updates
August 2007 Pastor's Updates
July 2007 Pastor's Updates
Sabbatical 2007 Pastor's Updates
April 2007 Pastor's Updates
March 2007 Pastor's Updates
February 2007 Pastor's Updates
January 2007 Pastor's Updates
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
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April 2006 Pastor's Updates
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