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February 25, 2009
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. I am sending out my Updates a day early this week to prepare you for the beginning of the season of Lent, which begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. Here is the schedule for the season: |
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Ash Wednesday Service, 7 p.m.
Prayers and songs from Taizé.
Imposition of Ashes, and Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Sunday Morning Adult Form
“The Resurrection and Human Redemption,” led by Jeff Krehbiel
9:30 a.m. March 1-29 in the Bird Room.
What is the meaning and significance of Jesus’ resurrection? How do we understand it?
How does saying “Jesus is raised” relate to our understanding of life and death, the
meaning of human existence, and “end” of history? Led in dialogue with conversation
partners Margee Iddings, Erin Sharp, and Charles “Van” Van Gorder,
we will examine our core beliefs about what we affirm on Easter Sunday.
Sunday Worship in Lent
Each Sunday in Lent, beginning this week, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper, with a particular focus during this Lenten season on our relationship to planet earth and the integrity of creation.
Sunday March 1st
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Following worship, we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a buffet lunch, and the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, when we will hear reports from the Session, including a presentation on the 2009 budget, and elect at-large members of the 2009 Office Nominating Committee. In addition, we will view a brief video about the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, which we will receive on Palm Sunday, and share around our tables about how the economic crisis is affecting our family and community, as part of WIN’s listening campaign. All members and friends of the congregation are encouraged to attend.
Monday Night Lenten Series:
Five weeks in March, beginning March 2
“Going Deeper... Experiments in Prayer and Community”
The entire congregation, members and friends alike, and encouraged to join together each Monday in Lent for a soup and bread supper, beginning at 6:30p.m., followed by time in small groups to share about our lives, reflect upon God’s call, and join together in prayer, concluding by 8:45. While you are not required to attend each week, we hope participants will attend at least three of the five weeks. Please sign up in advance with Jeff or Ashley so that we can make small group assignments.
2. Flowers for the Sanctuary: During Lent, instead of flowers, we will be ordering live plants to be placed on the communion table. As with the flowers, you may take the plant home, bring it to someone as a gift, or leave it for the next Sunday. The weekly flower contribution is $40. To sign, put your name on the "flower chart" in the narthex, speak with Helen Cope on Sunday morning, or contact church administrator Marcia Mapp mh.mapp@verizon.net
3. On-Line Resource for Lent: Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, on their website Spirituality & Practice, offer several “e-courses” during Lent, where for a modest fee, you receive an email each day during Lent, with a short reading and suggested practices. You can choose from three offerings, “The Cry of the Prophet,” with Sr. Joan Chittister; “Forgiveness—Growth in Love,” with contemplative outreach; and “Practicing Spirituality with Jesus.” See http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/
4. Prayer Concerns: Please keep the following in your thoughts and prayers:
- DeLania Hardy, who suffered a nasty fall, hit her head, and is in ICU for observation. Please also keep DeLania’s father in your prayers, who is suffering from a series of medical issues.
- Penny Sandora, who is in the Virginia Hospital Center, being treated for blood clots in her leg. She is in good spirits, and appreciates visitors.
- Jeff Francisco, who had a serious fire in his condominium over the weekend, and is temporarily dislocated.
- Hillary Walter’s brother Brent, and his wife, Debbie, who are undergoing IVF fertility treatment.
- Diana Bruce’s mother, Carmen, who is recuperating from a fall.
- Patricia Massey’s co-worker, Mike, who is having surgery.
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org
Addendum:
Pilgrims: I meant to include this in my Updates last week, but in the process of upgrading from Outlook Express to Outlook, it was lost somewhere in the process. I called and learned that it is not to late to make reservations. If you buy your ticket online (see below), it is $35 up to the day of the event. You can also just come that night, and pay $40 at the door.
The Dinner Program for Homeless Women was founded as an outreach of First Congregation Church (see the front page article in the Metro section of today’s Post.). Our own Diana Bruce is the current chair. This is a worthy event for a great organization. I hope you can come!
Addendum Feb 27:
Pilgrims:
Since I sent my first Update so early in the week, I thought I would send out a follow up note about Sunday morning and Monday night. I am excited about the Sunday morning adult class, that I will be leading in dialogue with our three distinguished pastor-scholars Margee, Erin, and Van:
Sunday Morning Adult Form
“The Resurrection and Human Redemption,” led by Jeff Krehbiel
9:30 a.m. March 1-29 in the Bird Room.
What is the meaning and significance of Jesus’ resurrection? How do we understand it?
How does saying “Jesus is raised” relate to our understanding of life and death, the meaning of human existence, and “end” of history? Led in dialogue with conversation partners Margee Iddings, Erin Sharp, and Charles “Van” Van Gorder, we will examine our core beliefs about what we affirm on Easter Sunday.
Second, I want to remind you that we are asking you to RSVP for our Monday night Lenten series. You can do so in one of three ways: in an email to me, on Facebook with Ashley, or in person this Sunday:
Monday Night Lenten Series:
Five weeks in March, beginning March 2
“Going Deeper... Experiments in Prayer and Community”
The entire congregation, members and friends alike, and encouraged to join together each Monday in Lent for a soup and bread supper, beginning at 6:30p.m., followed by time in small groups to share about our lives, reflect upon God’s call, and join together in prayer, concluding by 8:45. While you are not required to attend each week, we hope participants will attend at least three of the five weeks. Please sign up in advance with Jeff or Ashley so that we can make small group assignments.
I hope you can join us for both!
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org |
February 18, 2009
Pilgrims on the Journey:
- We conclude this week with our Epiphany "Stories of Light" on living out the light of Christ in our daily lives. Our final story is from Jeffrey Fox:
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I would like to share with you my first experience with a Pilgrimage day of service.
Like many others, I often heard about The Pilgrimage and its visitors during church services. I always thought it was a great experience for youth groups from rural areas, to experience the city life, homelessness, and the outreach programs associated with the less fortunate. I had been a member of Pilgrims over two years and thought I was familiar with all our programs and services. BOY WAS I WRONG!
The day started with greetings, prayer and song. The mood was very upbeat and we were all excited to get started on our project. Our group’s mission that day was to clean and clear an elderly person’s yard. It seemed like a pretty easy assignment with so many volunteers. As we started weeding and raking, we soon realize the real scope of this project. The property seemed to have been left unattended for quite some time. We had weeds with vines thicker then the tree trunks. As they day went on we started to see some super stars: Kevin and Matt refusing to give into to the massive roots, Nancy taking on the entire alleyway by herself, and others climbing the bushes and walls to cut the highest branches. Towards the end, the daughter of the resident came out to meet and thank us for our work.
One of the most rewarding parts of the morning for me was watching a number of cars and neighbors cheer us on throughout the day. It was great to see their reaction to a group of Christians helping out their neighbors. You could tell it warmed their hearts realizing kindness is still alive in our world today. I couldn’t help but think that perhaps one of them would then go do something kind for some else. Christians sometimes get a bad rap with some of the extreme conservative religious leaders out there. Being a Christian to me is not about what we say, but what we do. Our actions show our love for each other and the rest of the world.
We returned to the church for lunch. After lunch the real learning started for me. We heard from three previous and current homeless persons. The first told of how she was a working professional, but needed to return home to take care of family members. After many years and the death of her loved ones, she lost her home and ended up on the streets. It was very hard for her to get back into the work force having been out of it for so long. Could you imagine trying to get an office job without computer experience? The second speaker told of how he became seriously ill and did not have enough insurance to cover his bills. He too ended up on the streets as he struggled to get better and survive. We realized that things like these could happen to any of us. Homelessness was not something any of these people planned on or thought could ever happen to them.
The third gentleman who spoke, told us that the worst thing about being homeless is that you are made to feel as if you do not exist. People just ignore you, giving you a feeling of being all alone in the world. I believe people feel uncomfortable when they see or meet a homeless person. Even if they give them money they still do not look them in the eyes. I could not imagine what it would feel like to be in such a horrible place in life and not be able to feel human kindness. Since learning this I have made it a point to always acknowledge with my eyes even if I do not have anything to give. I always receive a warm, kind set of eyes looking back.
After reflecting on the day I realized that Pilgrims follows Jesus’ teachings on caring for others in many ways. First we feed and offer supplies for the homeless every Sunday afternoon in the church, taking care of their immediate needs. Next we make a stand through W.I.N. holding the local government leaders accountable for shelters and affordable housing, to assure a better future for the homeless. Finally, we offer education to hundreds of people like me who need to see the full scope of the problem. It is then difficult to watch our government find billions of dollars for war and Wall Street bail-outs while so many hungry sleep on the streets.
Now it is up to each of us to take a stand, find ways to help, and do the work our Lord and Savior expects of us.
You can read other Epiphany stories on our webpage: http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/epiphanystories.html
2. Our Two Adult Classes conclude this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.:
Food Deserts: Healthy Food Access Issues for Low Income and Vulnerable Populations
Led by Shelly Ver Ploeg, Downstairs in the Bird Room
The focus for week four: Putting our faith into practice.
Pilgrims Parents and Kids: Exploring the Labyrinth and Communion for Lent
Led by Ashley Goff, Kids’ Sunday School Room
During Lent, Pilgrims experiences communion each week in worship. The kids during Sunday school will walk the labyrinth each Sunday as part of their Sunday school experience. Come to this two week class for Pilgrim and kids of all ages to go more in depth about communion and the labyrinth.
3. This Monday, February 23rd, 7:30-9:30 will be the Washington Interfaith Network's Annual Meeting, at Beulah Baptist Church in NE DC. Carpools will leave the church parking lot at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to learn more about WIN and it's community organizing work in the city, this will be an excellent introduction. Let me know if you would like a ride.
4. Next week we begin the season of Lent:
- We will have an Ash Wednesday Service at 7 p.m., with songs from Taize, imposition of ashes, and Celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
- Sunday, March 1, is the First Sunday of Lent. It will also be the day of our Annual Meeting of the Congregation, held during buffet following worship.
- Monday, March 2, we will begin at five-week Lenten Series focused on prayer and community. We will begin with a soup & bread supper at 6:30 p.m. and conclude by 8:45. More information coming next week.
5. Flowers for the Sanctuary: Each Sunday in worship we have flowers in the sanctuary, often provided by a member or friend of the congregation in honor or memory of a friend or loved one, or to mark a special occasion or anniversary (or just simply "to the glory of God!"). Following worship, you may take the flowers home, bring them to a home-bound member, or leave them for the church office to enjoy. We are in need of folks to sign up for coming Sundays. The weekly flower contribution is $40. To sign, put your name on the "flower chart" in the narthex, speak with Helen Cope on Sunday morning, or contact church administrator Marcia Mapp mh.mapp@verizon.net
Special note for Lent: During Lent, instead of flowers, we will be ordering live plants to be placed on the communion table. As with the flowers, you may take the plant home, bring it to someone as a gift, or leave it for the next Sunday.
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org |
February 10, 2009
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. We continue this week with our Epiphany theme, "Letting Our Light Shine," sharing "Stories of Light" on living out the light of Christ in our daily lives. Today, our story is from newcomer Hillary Walters, who is now a graduate student at American University, and in a previous life served as Youth Directory at First Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon. |
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When I began my work as a Youth Director, one of my job expectations involved leading an annual mission trip for the Senor High youth group. I was unskilled at planning a mission trip, and majority of the students viewed the experience as a social event with a little service sprinkled on the side.
My first three mission trips proved trying: the youth acted less interested in serving others than in behaving like characters from the movie “Mean Girls.” I questioned my leadership skills, my ability to relate to youth, and the purpose of annual trips that failed to help youth connect with the concept of service.
At the start of my fourth year in youth ministry, I was determined to lead a successful mission trip. With the help of fantastic volunteers, I focused my energy on preparing a team that would truly embrace the essence of service as we prepared to travel to New Orleans to help with Hurricane Katrina relief. I organized a culture training on post-Katrina life in the Gulf, and I declared the night before our Silent Auction fundraiser a teambuilding sleepover.
After three years of frustrating experiences, the New Orleans experience embodied for me what it means to serve as God’s light. Our students astounded me by their maturity, sensitivity, and commitment to hard work. They focused not on themselves but on the tasks around them, and they brought immense joy and hope to the people whose homes we gutted. I proudly watched them march around in their Presbyterian Disaster Assistance t-shirts, knowing the experience not only formed them to care more about their communities, but to hold a sense of pride in being Presbyterian as well.
My mission trip experiences at First Presbyterian taught me that being the light can be challenging, exhausting, and frustrating. But I also learned that with patience and determination, we can fulfill what God calls us to do and experience service and justice the way our mission team did in New Orleans.
You can read other Epiphany stories on our webpage: http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/epiphanystories.html
2. Our Two Adult Classes continue this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.:
Aging, Spirituality and Creativity
Led by Margee Iddings, Upstairs in the Education Room
Concludes this week, with the focus on "intersections."
Food Deserts: Healthy Food Access Issues for Low Income and Vulnerable Populations
Led by Shelly Ver Ploeg, Downstairs in the Bird Room
The focus for week three: Policy Alternatives.
In addition, a new class will begin this Sunday, meeting for two weeks:
Pilgrims Parents and Kids: Exploring the Labyrinth and Communion for Lent
Led by Ashley Goff, Kids’ Sunday School Room
During Lent, Pilgrims experiences communion each week in worship. The kids during Sunday school will walk the labyrinth each Sunday as part of their Sunday school experience. Come to this two week class for Pilgrim and kids of all ages to go more in depth about communion and the labyrinth.
3. Putting our Faith into Action:
- This Sunday is the "Third Sunday" Vigil for Darfur at the Chinese Embassy. Presbyterian peacemakers, along with several Jewish congregations, gather from 1 to 2 at the Chinese Embassy, off Connecticut Avenue. Contact Mary Lib Pate for more information: pate38@boo.net or 202-966-0194.
- Monday, February 23rd, 7:30-9:30 will be the Washington Interfaith Network's Annual Meeting, at Beulah Baptist Church in NE DC. Carpools will leave the church parking lot at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to learn more about WIN and it's community organizing work in the city, this will be an excellent introduction. Let me know if you would like a ride.
4. Flowers for the Sanctuary: Each Sunday in worship we have flowers in the sanctuary, often provided by a member or friend of the congregation in honor or memory of a friend or loved one, or to mark a special occasion or anniversary (or just simply "to the glory of God!"). Following worship, you may take the flowers home, bring them to a home-bound member, or leave them for the church office to enjoy. We are in need of folks to sign up for coming Sundays. The weekly flower contribution is $40. To sign, put your name on the "flower chart" in the narthex, speak with Helen Cope on Sunday morning, or contact church administrator Marcia Mapp mh.mapp@verizon.net
Special note for Lent: During Lent, instead of flowers, we will be ordering live plants to be placed on the communion table. As with the flowers, you may take the plant home, bring it to someone as a gift, or leave it for the next Sunday.
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org |
February 3, 2009
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. I am writing this week from one of my alma maters, Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. One of the great privileges of Presbyterian ministry is that I am given two weeks each year of continuing education time. This week I am gathering with fellow Doctor of Ministry alumni for a week of self-directed study. We are spending time each day in informal dialogue with one of our former professors, Stan Saunders, focused on an issue close to his heart: The Bible, ecology, global warming, and Christian ritual. (Expect these themes to pop up at Pilgrims during Lent.) I will be back Sunday. |
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2. We continue this week with our Epiphany theme, "Letting Our Light Shine," sharing "Stories of Light" on living out the light of Christ in our daily lives. Today, our story is from Nancy Lee Head, remembering another large gathering on Mall. Her story is a bit long to include it all here, so I have attached it so you can read the whole thing, a wonderful mix of personal, congregational, and national history. Here is the first paragraph:
In light of the recent Inauguration and the many references to Martin Luther King, Jr. and his "I Have a Dream" speech, I am sharing as one of the major Epiphany experiences in my life, memories of how being present when that speech was delivered and experiencing the context that surrounded it, transformed not only my life, but, I believe, the witness of this congregation from that moment to this day... [read more in the attached document]
You can read other Epiphany stories on our webpage: http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/epiphanystories.html
3. Our Two Adult Classes continue this Sunday at 9:30 a.m.:
Aging, Spirituality and Creativity
Led by Margee Iddings, Upstairs in the Education Room
It is a fact … we are all aging!
We wonder if everyone ages in the same way.
We question the process and sometimes fight against it.
We want to find a way to be resilient in our own aging.
Two recent research studies give interesting information about the role of creativity in the aging process. In this class we will look at the results of these studies and explore the role that creativity plays in deepening our spiritual roots as we age. A vibrant spirituality is a worthy goal as we mature into the elder years. What can we as individuals and organizations do to encourage such vibrancy?
Week #2: Focus on Creativity and Spirituality
Food Deserts: Healthy Food Access Issues for Low Income and Vulnerable Populations
Led by Shelly Ver Ploeg, Downstairs in the Bird Room
Some studies suggest that geographical areas with limited access to full-service supermarkets, but with higher concentrations of fast-food restaurants have higher rates of overweight and obesity. Such areas are of concern because it is believed that the lack of healthy food alternatives may result in poor diets and subsequent diet-related health problems. Is the lack of access to healthy foods a problem in some areas of the U.S. or is the market simply responding to individual’s preferences for relatively cheap, convenient, tasty and often high-calorie/low-nutrient foods. Do some people have limited access to foods they need for healthy diets and if so, how extensive is the problem and what policy alternatives may be most effective in mitigating the problem of limited access? We will consider each of these questions in a 4-week session on what some have termed “food deserts”.
Session 2: Public health implications
4. 17th Annual Sing Out for Shelter (SOS) Concert, is this Saturday, February 7, 2009, 8:00 pm
Benefiting Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place, Christ House, and Metropolitan House.
Support homeless services in NW DC at a fun family night concert event, featuring A Capella groups Yale Whim ‘n Rhythm, the Augmented Eight, and Top of the Seventh. Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, 3401 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington DC. Tickets $10-$40, children under 12 free, available in advance or at the door. For information and tickets, please contact Pat Goeldner, who invites you to join her for dinner before the concert: pgoeldner@iona.org
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org
January 2009 Pastor's Updates
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