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June 25, 2008
Pentecost: The Work of the Spirit
1. This Sunday in worship we will baptize Kendall Leong Venegas, the daughter of Joanne and Amir. Come and join us for this special occasion!
2. We continue this week asking members and friends of our community to share where they discern the work of the Spirit in the world around us. Where is the Spirit opening your eyes to see the world in a new way? Where is the Spirit calling you in the world? These are the questions for the season of Pentecost.
Today our reflection is from church member Barb Sherrill:
How does the Holy Spirit work with in anyone, and are the challenges we face the work of the Holy Spirit? I thought of this many times this week. Looking at my calendar I thought I had an easy week, but computer failure, stopped up drains, an acquaintance dying unexpectedly, preparing for another trip, all make you wonder, why me?
Then you take a deep breath, relax and remember all the wonderful experiences you have had. Traveling to countries few others have, remembering the conversations you had with the locals. In Tripoli, Libya an elder lady came up to two of us in the Bazaar, after making sure she wasn't near anyone, wanted to know what we thought of her leader. We said we knew very little because our press corps doesn't cover Libya, but what do you think of ours. She just sighted and said we both had leaders that don't know the little folks. Meanwhile college students would come up to you, and when they realized we really were Americans, want to touch us to make sure we were real, because we were in their country and Americans are afraid to travel.
These are just a few of the wonderful and some not so wonderful experiences I have had by allowing myself to be open to new adventures and experiences. Everything happens for a reason, why? I feel it is the Holy Spirit at work, guiding me, even when I try to ignore it and do something else.
Look for this and other stories of the "Spirit at Work" on our website:
http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/pentecoststories.html
3. This is a busy weekend, with many opportunities to feed your soul, and reach out to the world:
Ward 2 Churches in the Washington Interfaith Network will be doing "Get Out the Vote" work on Saturday, June 28, in support of WIN's "Neighborhoods First" agenda. Training will be at Church of the Pilgrims at 9:15 a.m., followed by walking the neighborhood. No previous experience necessary! This is a great way to connect with our neighbors around our values. If you would like to participate, or need more information, send me or Jean Stewart a note.
Virginia Theological Seminary is holding its Small Church Religious Arts Festival at from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, which will feature John Bell, the music leader from the Iona Community in Scotland, the composer and collector of many of the short songs we have been using in worship. In addition, there will be displays of arts and crafts from local churches, and music and storytelling throughout the day - even a moon bounce for children! Box lunches will be sold for $5 and free snacks will be available. There is no admission cost to attend - just come and spend the day on the beautiful VTS campus!
The Homeless Street Soccer USA Cup is being held right here in Washington, DC from Thursday, June 26 to Sunday, June 29. There will be teams from all over the country vying for the championship. The National Coalition for the Homeless is organizing this event and they need your help. There are many volunteer opportunities on all four days including helping the teams check-in, meal and refreshment servers, ball boys and girls, (a great opportunity for a youth group), cleanup and there is a special need for transportation. Teams from California, Texas and Minnesota will need transportation to and from the airport and all the teams will need transportation to RFK stadium to watch a professional soccer game. If you would like to help, contact Megan Hustings at the National Coalition for the Homeless: mhustings@nationalhomeless.org
The Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International has several events this week to honor "Anti-Torture Month," including a screening of TASSC's DVD: "Breaking the Silence," Thursday, June 26th 7PM-9PM, at the E Street Cinema; a lecture on THE GEOGRAPHY OF TORTURE, Friday, June 27th1 :30-4:00pm, Columbus School of Law, Catholic University Campus, Room 307; and a 24-Hour Vigil at LAFAYETTE Park, June 28, 7AM to June 29, 7AM to support survivors of torture, and speak out against the unspeakable. See http://www.tassc.org/ <http://www.tassc.org/> for more details.
4. This week the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is in session. This biennial gathering is the church's highest governing body, made up of commissioners from each of the 173 Presbyteries around the country. A perennial issue at the GA are debates about GLBT ordination. Yesterday, the committee reviewing such matters recommended a change in the church's constitution, supporting an overture that our Session endorsed before National Capital Presbytery. This is the first step in a very long process, and so it is much to early to get our hopes up yet. Nevertheless, this is very good news. You can read more about this at: http://www.pcusa.org/ga218/news/ga08069.htm. The full General Assembly will vote on the matter later in the week.
On a related note, if you were not here to hear it in person, Ashley's sermon last Sunday on our inclusive welcome to all people is now up on our website: http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/sermons.html
5. Listening for the Spirit at Work:
Do you have a good study Bible? If not, a new one is available that I highly recommend: The Discipleship Study Bible, based on the New Revised Standard Version translation of the Bible, includes notes and commentary by some of the best Biblical scholars around. It is available from Amazon for only $26.37 (usual retail $39.95!).
We will continue to have the Labyrinth available in the Bird Room for meditative reflection before worship. If you have never walked the Labyrinth, it is an ancient spiritual practice of walking circuits-- a spiral pathway-- to the center of labyrinth, and then back out, allowing for prayer and reflection on the journey of life. (See http://www.lessonsforliving.com/labyrinth.htm <http://www.lessonsforliving.com/labyrinth.htm> ).
5. Church member Shera Jenne has a special request: "My sister Sonya Collins is returning to the States in July after a 2nd year spent living in Brazil, and she will be looking for work as an interpreter/translator in New York, Atlanta, or perhaps DC. She has Bachelors and Masters degrees, is fluent in Portuguese, has an extensive resume of translations and has been teaching Portuguese and English at universities for years. In addition to her language skills, she has an insider's knowledge of Brazilian culture and people. If anyone has any leads for my sister, they would be greatly appreciated! (Plus, with any luck I can convince her to live in DC near me!) You can email me at Shera@Shera.TV <mailto:Shera@Shera.TV> or, Sonya can be reached at sonya.collins@gmail.com."
6: Prayers Concerns: Our hearts go out to our Parish Associate Charles "Van" Van Gorder, whose mother died last weekend. The Memorial Service was on Monday. Please keep Van and his brother in your prayers. Van writes:
Almighty God, the giver of life, called his servant, Margaret Maurine Smith Van Gorder (my mother) home today. For several months cancer has afflicted her. She has been at the Mary Evans in Ellwood City where she expired peacefully in her sleep. Throughout her illness, she endured remarkably little pain, even as communication became less possible. Earlier this month she enjoyed her 89th birthday. Then two weeks ago, there was a notable change in her condition. We are sad, but we do not mourn as those who have not hope. Before the foundations of the earth were set, God’s love called and surrounded her, so when she was born and through all her life, she lived in that light, and now she lives with her Lord.
Van's home address is: 2939 Van Ness Street NW, #1206, WDC 20008
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>
June18, 2008
1. We continue this week asking members and friends of our community to share where they discern the work of the Spirit in the world around us. Where is the Spirit opening your eyes to see the world in a new way? Where is the Spirit calling you in the world? These are the questions for the season of Pentecost.
Today our reflection is from church member Steve Coxe:
I struggle to carry “Sunday” into the rest of the week. I believe my faith is relevant only if it is lived out in my day to day life, with everyday companions and contacts. Yet I have a co-worker with whom I have routinely been at odds. Our conversations have always seemed to be an effort to win or control--from both sides. There came a day when I walked into one of these situations and opened up--asked for Spirit to be present, to encompass us as we talked, so we could somehow ease out of the “must win” state.
I was astonished to experience exactly that happening. Our conversation was more exploratory, without the usual eruptions of anger. We saw things more through each other’s eyes and began working more as a team.
I would have liked for this “solution” to be permanent. Alas I find I still have to work on the relationship daily. I need to ask for Spirit’s quiet whisper again and again.
Look for this and other stories of the "Spirit at Work" on our website:
http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/pentecoststories.html
2. Friday Club for this month has been cancelled. The next Friday Club will be in September.
3. Ward 2 Churches in the Washington Interfaith Network will be doing "Get Out the Vote" work on Saturday, June 28, in support of WIN's "Neighborhoods First" agenda. Training will be at Church of the Pilgrims at 9:15 a.m., followed by walking the neighborhood. No previous experience necessary! This is a great way to connect with our neighbors around our values. If you would like to participate, or need more information, send me a note.
4. Listening for the Spirit:
- Jean Stewart, working with Parish Associate Margee Iddings, is convening a new Covenant Group to focus on different modes of prayer, meeting the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the church. The first meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, June 24th. If you would be interested in being part of this group, contact Jean at jean.stewart@rcn.com <mailto:jean.stewart@rcn.com> .
- If helping with the Get Out the Vote Work on June 28 is not your cup of tea, consider attending the Small Church Religious Arts Festival at Virginia Theological Seminary from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which will feature John Bell, the music leader from the Iona Community in Scotland, the composer and collector of many of the short songs we have been using in worship. In addition, there will be displays of arts and crafts from local churches, and music and storytelling throughout the day - even a moon bounce for children! Box lunches will be sold for $5 and free snacks will be available. There is no admission cost to attend - just come and spend the day on the beautiful VTS campus!
- We will continue to have the Labyrinth available in the Bird Room for meditative reflection before worship. If you have never walked the Labyrinth, it is an ancient spiritual practice of walking circuits-- a spiral pathway-- to the center of labyrinth, and then back out, allowing for prayer and reflection on the journey of life. (See http://www.lessonsforliving.com/labyrinth.htm <http://www.lessonsforliving.com/labyrinth.htm> ).
5. Shameless Commercial Promotion: Arena Stage sent me free tickets to the opening night of The Mystery of Irma Vep, I suppose in the hopes that I would promote the show within our large congregation, who would then by lots and lots of tickets. In the perhaps vain hope that they might send me more free tickets in the future, here is my review: Written by Charles Ludlam, Irma Vep is something of a cross between Mel Brooks and Charles Busch, a broad comedic send-up of Victorian Melodrama, with two actors-- Brad Oscar and J. Fred Shiffman-- portraying all the characters, including Lady Enid and Miss Jane Twisden. The frequent quick costume changes is major source of the comedy, as the promoters put it, "a gender bending tour-de-farce." Playing in Crystal City while Arena builds its new theater in SW. We enjoyed it!
6. Temporary Housing Opportunity: Expatriate Pilgrim Tish Lowe is looking for a six-month tenant for her lovely little house in Cleveland Park (3419 30th Street NW), available mid-July through the end of the year. Anyone interested should contact Conrad Bennett, EJF Real Estate Services, Tel. 202.756.4005 or via email using Conrad@ejfrealestate.com <mailto:Conrad@ejfrealestate.com> .
7: Prayers Concerns:
- Please continue to keep the mothers of Holly Dalton and Joanne Leong in your prayers, as they each go through cancer treatment.
- Jackie Smith's brother, Russell, continues in hospice care at Ingleside.
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>
June 11, 2008
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. We continue this week asking members and friends of our community to share where they discern the work of the Spirit in the world around us. Where is the Spirit opening your eyes to see the world in a new way? Where is the Spirit calling you in the world? These are the questions for the season of Pentecost.
Today our Pilgrimage Manger Matt Boote reflects on his recent "Urban Plunge" experience with the National Coalition for the Homeless, in which he spent 48 hours living on the streets:
I was tired and lonely. I was frustrated and extremely defensive. My own smell was starting to make me feel a little queasy as I sat in the hellishly hot heat sweating under three layers of clothes. I felt useless and extremely humbled. To other people I was either completely invisible or so visible that they made a concerted effort to avoid me. Experiencing this vulnerability and exposure was downright exhausting. I was homeless. And it had only been twenty-eight hours.
I was so alone that I was forced to come face to face with my rawest and most visceral emotions and reactions. Completely stripped of all familiarity, I felt like I was treading water, accomplishing nothing. But the funny thing about the Spirit at work, for me at least, is that when it does its greatest work in or through me, I never know it until much later. The frustrating thing is that without fail this work ends us muddying the picture for me, leaving me more confused and lost than when I started. Ultimately, this is what I find so beautiful about the Spirit at work; it forces me to integrate new ideas, people, problems or insights into my life even when I don’t understand them.
Since my brief experience on the streets of D.C., I have been drawn to this passage from The Bhagavad-Gita: “To action alone hast thou a right and never at all to its fruit; let not the fruits of action be thy motive; neither let there be in thee any attachment to inaction.” I come from a world where the achieved outcome of an event or effort is sacred. The Spirit reminds me to get down and dirty just for the sake of it, to take joy in the process and embrace the risk associated with trying new things. Ironically, it is at times like this, like my May 30th – June 1st, that I find the outcome most impactful (even if I still can’t make any sense of it). And I know that the Spirit was with me.
Look for this and other stories of the "Spirit at Work" on our website:
http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/pentecoststories.html
2. This Sunday, June 15, is a busy day: Not only is it Father's Day, but also the date of the Capital Pride Festival (see below). In addition, the Peacemaking Committee of National Capital Presbytery, together with the Darfur Interfaith Network, is holding a Vigil for the People of Darfur in front of the Chinese Embassy (2300 Connecticut Avenue just south of the bridge; you can walk up from the church, or take the Woodley Park metro and walk down) from 1 to 2 PM. You are encouraged to wear green, make some noise, and bring a sign or banner encouraging China to pressure Sudan to end the Darfur genocide. (China's purchase of Sudan's oil is underwriting the continuing war in Darfur and other parts of Sudan.)
3. Capital Pride Events This Week:
- "Would Jesus Discriminate?" is the title of a special forum presented by the Human Rights Campaign tonight ( Wednesday, June 11), at 6:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Community Church, 474 Ridge Street NW, featuring a panel of religious leaders and scholars, including Randall Bailey, Cindi Love, Susan Newman, and Harry Knox.
- The Pride Parade is Saturday, June 14. We will gather with other More Light Presbyterians on the front steps of our Church at 5:30 p.m. If you've got a theme t-shirt (either MLP or Pilgrims), you are encouraged to wear that. If it's anything like previous years, the route is just a bit longer than a mile. We're looking for volunteers to be responsible for / carry our Church Banner. Please let Carol Huls (janey1168@yahoo.com <mailto:janey1168@yahoo.com> ) know if you are planning to attend (for general count purposes -- you can still come if you don't RSVP) and esp. if you are willing to handle the sign. The Bird Room "Dupont Pilgrims Gallery" will be open for viewing prior to the parade.
- The Capital Pride Festival is Sunday, June 15, from 10am to 6pm. We are sharing a double booth with MLP and Westminster Presbyterian Church, but will have brochures and handouts specific to Pilgrims. Let Carol Huls (janey1168@yahoo.com <mailto:janey1168@yahoo.com> ) know what time you can volunteer to help staff the booth. One hour shifts are great but any amount of time is appreciated. You don't need to be a member and this is not a "hard-sell" situation -- you just need to be able to chat about the church if someone engages you and answer questions like "Where is the Church?" (22nd and P near Dupont Circle).
5. Ward 2 Churches in the Washington Interfaith Network will be doing "Get Out the Vote" work on Saturday, June 28, in support of WIN's "Neighborhoods First" agenda. Training will be at Church of the Pilgrims at 9:15 a.m., followed by walking the neighborhood. No previous experience necessary! This is a great way to connect with our neighbors around our values. If you would like to participate, or need more information, send me a note.
6. Listening for the Spirit:
- We will continue to have the Labyrinth available in the Bird Room for meditative reflection before worship. If you have never walked the Labyrinth, it is an ancient spiritual practice of walking circuits-- a spiral pathway-- to the center of labyrinth, and then back out, allowing for prayer and reflection on the journey of life. (See http://www.lessonsforliving.com/labyrinth.htm ).
- The National Cathedral is the site of frequent events open to the public, many free or with a modest registration fee. Their Center for Prayer and Contemplation offers a variety of opportunities for prayer and reflection. See http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/worship/contemplation.shtml for their calendar of activities.
7: Prayers Concerns:
- Two of our new mothers, Holly Dalton, and Joanne Leong, in addition to caring for their newborns, are also caring for their own mothers as they go through cancer treatment. Holly's mother is in Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Joanne has traveled again to be with her mother in California. Please keep Holly, Joanne, and their families in your prayers.
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>
June 4, 2008
Pilgrims on the Journey:
1. We continue this week asking members and friends of our community to share where they discern the work of the Spirit in the world around us. Where is the Spirit opening your eyes to see the world in a new way? Where is the Spirit calling you in the world? These are the questions for the season of Pentecost.
Today Bill Moye offers the following reflection:
Karen Kinney. It was a gray, cool Sunday morning, and I was feeling kind of gloomy as I drove to church. Then, there was Karen Kinney delivering the morning message in her strong, clear voice, and that lifted my spirits considerably.
That has been my experience with the Holy Spirit in my life. No blinding Damascus moments, but many small gifts and frequent promptings to be patient and considerate even while striving to develop and carry out plans, and especially to be open to and understanding of others’ views and desires.
Those are some of the things I pray for every morning, something I started after the Session did a retreat with Margee Iddings out in Maryland some years ago – that the Spirit might provide some small epiphanies to put a little joy into life and that the Spirit might provide some discernment and perspective for the road ahead.
I cannot say that I have always heard, understood, or followed the promptings of the Spirit, but I am certainly grateful that the Spirit continues to provide both the joys and the opportunities.
Look for this and other stories of the "Spirit at Work" on our website:
http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org/pentecoststories.html
2. This Sunday, June 8, we will celebrate the Ordination and Installation of Carol Huls as "Elder for Hospitality and Evangelism." Carol was elected by the congregation by the congregation in April to fill the term left vacant by Jonathan Mertz' move back to Kansas. Since then she has been through officer training, and examination by the Session. Come support Carol on this momentous occasion.
3. Immediately following worship this Sunday, there will be a special meeting of the congregation to consider the sale of the garage behind the Bird Room. All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend.
4. Capital Pride Week Events: June 10-15:
- “History, Vision, Legacy” is the theme for this year’s Pride Week Interfaith Service, Tuesday, June 10th at 7:30 PM at Foundry United Methodist Church at 1500 16th Street NW (at P St.) The featured speaker will be Reverend Archene Turner. Music will be provided by the Jubilee Singers, a choral group from All Souls Unitarian Church.
- "Would Jesus Discriminate?" is the title of a special forum presented by the Human Rights Campaign on Wednesday, June 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Community Church, 474 Ridge Street NW, featuring a panel of religious leaders and scholars, including Randall Bailey, Cindi Love, Susan Newman, and Harry Knox.
- The Pride Parade is Saturday, June 14. We will gather with other More Light Presbyterians on the front steps of our Church at 5:30 p.m. If you've got a theme t-shirt (either MLP or Pilgrims), you are encouraged to wear that. If it's anything like previous years, the route is just a bit longer than a mile. We're looking for volunteers to be responsible for / carry our Church Banner. Please let Carol Huls (janey1168@yahoo.com <mailto:janey1168@yahoo.com> ) know if you are planning to attend (for general count purposes -- you can still come if you don't RSVP) and esp. if you are willing to handle the sign.
- The Capital Pride Festival is Sunday, June 15, from 10am to 6pm. We are sharing a double booth with MLP and Westminster Presbyterian Church, but will have brochures and handouts specific to Pilgrims. Let Carol Huls (janey1168@yahoo.com <mailto:janey1168@yahoo.com> ) know what time you can volunteer to help staff the booth. One hour shifts are great but any amount of time is appreciated. You don't need to be a member and this is not a "hard-sell" situation -- you just need to be able to chat about the church if someone engages you and answer questions like "Where is the Church?" (22nd and P near Dupont Circle).
5. There will be a Washington Interfaith Network "Action Team Meeting" Monday, June 9th, 7:30—9:00 PM, at Beulah Baptist Church, 5820 Dix Street, NE, 20019, to review specific action dates for WIN's 2008 Vote Neighborhoods First Council Election Strategy, update on WIN's FY 2009 Budget Victories, and WIN’s Vote Neighborhoods First Organizing. A car-pool will leave the church parking lot at 6:45 sharp! Contact Jeff.Krehbiel@verizon.net if you are able to attend.
6. Listening for the Spirit:
- We will continue to have the Labyrinth available in the Bird Room for meditative reflection before worship. If you have never walked the Labyrinth, it is an ancient spiritual practice of walking circuits-- a spiral pathway-- to the center of labyrinth, and then back out, allowing for prayer and reflection on the journey of life. (See http://www.lessonsforliving.com/labyrinth.htm ).
- "Spirituality & Practice," the website of Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat is a treasure-trove of resources on spiritual practices, include several "e-courses" on everything from Lectio Divina (an ancient way of reading scripture) to the Spirituality of Hindus and Suffis. This is a great way to add daily reflection to your schedule with something useful that comes to your in-box. See www.spiritualityandpractice.com <http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com>
7: Prayers Concerns:
- Please keep Jackie Smith's brother, Russell Smith, in your prayers. Russell, who is living in the health center at Ingleside, was admitted this week to hospice care.
Peace,
Jeff Krehbiel, Pastor
Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC
www.churchofthepilgrims.org <http://www.churchofthepilgrims.org>
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