June 19, 2007
Updates and Invitations: The Sabbatical Version
Throughout the sabbatical period, we will be hearing stories in worship and in our Updates and Invitations from Pilgrims based on our sabbatical themes of “connections and clarity.” Each Pilgrim “storyteller” was given a reflection exercise to help name and articulate a story of connection and clarity from their experiences at church. This story of connection and clarity comes from Pat Goeldner. .
We learn so much from telling stories and I have really enjoyed those in print in the Updates and in person during worship. Many stories surfaced as I look back on the 30 plus years I have been part of the Pilgrims faith community. One of my favorites is related to this wonderful child we confirmed this past Sunday.
On Holy Thursday, in 1974, I met a really neat lady at Turtle Park up on Van Ness Street.
She was there with her young child and I with two pre-schoolers. She guessed- rightly so- that Jonathan was adopted and told me that they were in the process of adopting a baby from Korea. We really connected and exchanged first names – Pat and Alice - but did not share last names or phone numbers which we later said we both regretted thinking our paths might not cross again. But Providence intervened.
At the Holy Thursday Service at Pilgrims, I was there as we were by then members and there was Alice! We both said at about the same time “what are you doing here?” not a very hospitable question but said out of happy surprise.
As one would say, the rest is history. William arrived from Korea to be a Gigax and many years later became Marinique’s Dad. Last Sunday we all read Martinique’s statement of faith. A member said to me after the service –“didn’t she just capture what we are about here?” I would agree. She affirmed our connection to God and Jesus and to each other as we live out the Gospel message. It has been a joy to be connected to the Gigaxes these many years as we have raised our families in this very special faith community. And we are so delighted to have Martinique as our newest confirmed member.
Sabbatical Updates:
- Where is Jeff? Jeff and Kelsey are currently at IONA <http://www.iona.org.uk/> in Scotland. Next week, Jeff and Kelsey will be traveling through the countryside of Scotland and finding all the Harry Potter “haunts.”
- Jeff’s a Blogger! Check out Jeff’s Sabbatical Blog <http://www.jeffkrehbiel.blogspot.com/>
June 24th: Rev. Margee Iddings (Ashley in PA officiating Shannon Smythe’s wedding)
July 1st: Ashley
July 8th: Louise Green, All Souls UU
July 15th: Jeff back in the pulpit.
Connections at Pilgrims
The Confirmation of Martinique Elsa Duran Gigax
What a morning!
Thanks to Gerry Hendershot for capturing the moment during Martinique’s confirmation in worship. There is a litany thanksgiving since it takes a village to confirm one Pilgrim: Mary Ester and Pat Goeldner for their mentor relationship with Martinique; Session and others who were present during our Adult Ed hour to examine Martinique and ask thoughtful questions; Carol Huls for getting those yummy donuts <http://www.fracturedprune.com/> we passed during the peace; Gerry Hendershot (again) for connecting us with the Dixie Chicks <http://www.dixiechicks.com/> in worship.
Christian Education--9:30-10:30 in the Bird Room
· June 24th: Connection and Clarity with Rev. Margee Iddings, our guest preacher for worship. As Gerry Hendershot and Anne Womeldorf put it---the gatherings with our guest preachers have been some of the best moments for them during our sabbatical period. Come and connect with Margee before we enter into a time of worship together.
· July 1st: NO Adult Education. Fourth of July weekend.
· July 8th: Connection and Clarity with Rev. Louise Green, our guest preacher for worship.
Darfur Vigil, June 24th, at the Sudanese Embassy. Members of Washington Hebrew Congregation <http://www.whctemple.org/> and Metropolitan AME <http://www.metropolitanamec.org/> will gather in our Fellowship Hall around 1pm on Sunday to walk up to the Sudanese Embassy for a peaceful vigil. The dictionary defines “vigil” as an act or period of watching or surveillance. Join us in this moment of watching and witnessing to the horrors of those living in Darfur. We will walk to the Sudanese Embassy with those from Washington Hebrew and Metropolitan AME around 1:30pm.
Vacation Bible School: June 19, 20 and 21st. It is that time of the year again for Vacation Bible School for our little Pilgrims. This year I will be using a Mennonite <http://www.mennoniteusa.org/> curriculum entitled, Be Bold! God is with You! The curriculum focuses on stories in the Bible that build courage and strength in the midst of fear and the unknown. Adrienne Tilton is co-teaching with me this year.
Weddings: Amir Venegas and Joanne Leong were married at Pilgrims this past Saturday evening. Amir and Joanne have been worshipping with us since the fall. Shannon Smythe and Michael Fleischman will be married in an interfaith ceremony in Shannon’s hometown, Watsontown, PA <http://www.watsontownpa.com/> , on June 23rd. I am honored to officiate both, including co-officiating with a local D.C. rabbi for Shannon and Mike’s ceremony.
Wheelchair Request: Pilgrims is in need of a gently used wheelchair to increase Penny Sandora’s mobility and independence on Sunday mornings. Please let me know if you know of a way we can get an inexpensive or donated wheelchair.
Belated Father’s Day Blessing: Betty Rudolph received the note below from Anayda Diaz, the Cuban woman who came to visit Pilgrims and New York Avenue Presbyterian Church last summer (courtesy of a grant from the Peacemaking Committee). Anayda also attended the U.S. Presbyterian Women's meeting in Louisville last July with other women from the National Capital Presbytery.
To all the fathers of Church of the Pilgrims:
The women of the Havana Presbytery want to express our appreciation for all of the fathers in being good examples and educating their sons and grandsons in the gift of LOVE that Jesus has given us.
We ask that the Lord provide you with many blessings and ask that you receive all of our affection and best wishes. Please extend this greeting to all of our brothers in the congregation.
Peace and Love,
Presbyterian Women
Presbytery of Havana
Request for Photos: Jonathan Mertz is looking for photographs from last years Fine Arts and Crafts Festival. If you have any photos that can be emailed, please email Jonathan: kstodc@earthlink.net
Prayer Requests:
Prayers for Greta, Jonathan, and Jeannette Pike. Prayers for Jeannette Pike as doctors tell Greta that Jeannette is nearing the end of her lifetime. Jeannette is currently in an assisted living center in Connecticut, living with Picks disease. Prayers for Greta and Jonathan as they enter into what looks like the final months with their mom.
Peace,
Ashley
Sabbatical 2007 Pastor's Updates
February 2007 Pastor's Updates
December 2006 Pastor's Updates
November 2006 Pastor's Updates
September 2006 Pastor's Updates