Summer Spiritual Formation Fun - 7/13 and 7/23

Summer Spiritual Formation Fun!

Join us this summer for Summer Spiritual Formation Fun! Pilgrim’s seminary intern Sam will be leading two sessions this summer for members and friends of Pilgrims and Western as a part of his integrative project for his seminary internship class. These will be opportunities for us to have some fun and fellowship time with one another, as well as engaging in art and play as forms of spiritual practices. Dates, times, and descriptions of each session are listed below.

July 13th 12:30-1:30pm – Creating in Community

           Join us after worship in the Bird room at Church of the Pilgrims for a time to create something with one another that will be used in worship later this summer. Prior experience in arts and crafts is not necessary for participating in this session! People of all skillsets are invited to come and have fun as we create something new in community with one another.

July 23rd 6:00-7:00pm – Popsicles and Play

           Wishing you could be at summer camp right about now? Then join us on Wednesday evening, July 23 in the Bird room at Church of the Pilgrims, for a time to engage in some summer fun games with one another (and we’ll have summer fun snacks too!). We’ll be playing games that people of all ages and skillsets can participate in so all are invited to come as we learn more about ourselves, each other, and our communities through play!  

Both sessions are open to anyone from elementary school age through adults of any age! (Younger participants however may need a parent or guardian to assist them with the July 13th craft session – please reach out to Sam if you have any questions).  

In order to ensure we have the necessary amount of supplies, please email Sam and let him know that you’re coming: sam.smith@churchofthepilgrims.org

I look forward to seeing you at one or both of these Summer Spiritual Formation Fun sessions! – Sam 

July Issues Among Us - 7/12

Take a ride with the Anacostia Riverkeepers and learn all about the river, environmental threats to the river, and solutions currently in progress. We’ll meet at the Anacostia Boat Ramp on Saturday 7/12 at 12:30pm. There is some paperwork to complete in advance, so you really do need to RSVP for this one. Please email Erin and let her know to reserve a space for you on the boat!

Prayers and Public Witness (Updated 6/26)

We know that when we turn on the news every day there are new orders, new policies, new situations for people of faith to grapple with. We're going to try and share a few resources and updates, as we can. And as actions are identified, we’ll share them here as well. And of course, we’re going to pray together, a whole lot. Come for worship on Sundays at 11am, in person or online. We’ll pray.

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The PC(USA) Office of Public Witness urges our leaders to craft a federal budget that reflects justice, compassion, and care for the most vulnerable among us. A balanced budget must not come at the expense of those already struggling.

Let us continue to advocate for policies rooted in equity and dignity, following Christ’s call to love our neighbors and seek the common good.

Write or Call Congress Now: https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/PCUSA/home

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Join Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) and a coalition of our partners as we make our voices heard and encourage the DC Council to restore funding for trees, rivers, youth education programs in DC schools & more!

Date: Monday, June 16th

Time: 8am

Location: John Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Wear green

Register here: https://actionnetwork.org/.../green-budget-day-of-action...

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DC Joy Day

Join your neighbors on June 14th for a local celebration of community in Anacostia Park from 12-5pm.

On Saturday, June 14 while we've heard there might be some other event planned in DC that might gain some attention, instead Free DC invites everyone in the city to join a community celebration with food, music, performances, and more. Invite your friends, bring a cooler, and come kick it with people who choose freedom over fear. Click here for details.

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.Free DC Campaign Orientations

Free DC is a movement led by the people of the District of Columbia to win dignity for our communities and exert our right to self-determination. For too long, the people of DC have been prevented from fully governing ourselves in ways that are deeply and fundamentally unjust. We are no longer willing to accept this and building the cultural and political power it will take to win.

You can learn more about this movement, how we are organizing, and get involved by attending a campaign orientation meeting, offered both in person and online. Click here for upcoming orientation events.

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DC Emancipation Day Event - Wednesday, April 16th at 6pm

 “DC Emancipation Day Speak Out: Standing Together to Fight the Power,” a performance and panel discussion on protecting Home Rule, saving federal jobs and services, and investing in local DC communities.

Doors open at 5:30 PM for food, conversation, and community. The program will begin at 6:00 PM.

NOTE: There will be a required bag check for any bags larger than a small purse. Guests are encouraged to bring fewer items.

Register now to join the celebration and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow at Metropolitan AME Church starting at 5:30 PM.

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Prayer Vigil for Kilmar and His Family

Monday, April 14 from 10:45 am to 11:45 am, as Salvadoran President Bukele visits the White House, we will gather for a vigil co-sponsored by CAN, CASA, and the UCC. Together, we will call on both governments to act with justice and compassion and respect due process—not only toward Mr. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, but toward all migrants at risk of being detained in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison.

Thanks to your powerful solidarity over the past two weeks, we have made important strides toward Kilmar’s safe return. Your presence is needed now more than ever.

Please join us Monday to lift up a public witness for justice. 

Location Instructions:

Meet at Lafayette Park, at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and where 16th Street would be if it continued through the park.

*If the park is closed due to a security lockdown, we'll meet at the corner of 16th Street and H Street NW instead.

Bring signs demanding Kilmar’s return, calling for due process, and insisting on human rights for all in the United States.

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The Collective of Queer Christian Leaders is gathering on April 14th at 10am ET for a Rally at the U.S. Capitol!

We are at a pivotal moment in history—a moment that calls us to rise, resist, and proclaim our righteous rage and holy hope in the face of relentless attacks on LGBTQ+ lives. From the surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to the erasure of our history and the targeting of trans youth, we are witnessing a coordinated effort to strip away our dignity, safety, and rights. But we refuse to be silent.

We invite all LGBTQ+ communities, people of faith, allies, and advocates to stand with us. If you are unable to join in-person, we encourage you to share this with your networks in the Greater DC area.

Register here for event updates: https://ow.ly/MtRI50Vl0mg


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4/13/25

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) condemns bombing of Al-Ahli Hospital and demands Protection for the Christian Community and all in Gaza

On this blessed day of Palm Sunday, Christians around the world gather to worship and commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem during one of the most sacred times of year as Holy Week begins.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) condemns in the strongest possible terms the bombing of Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Al-Ahli is an Anglican institution and one of the oldest, continuously operating hospitals in Gaza. It is Gaza’s only Christian hospital and its only cancer treatment center. The bombing of the Anglican Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is a violation of the sacredness of life and it is especially abhorrent during this sacred time for Christians.

The deliberate targeting of a medical facility is a clear violation of international law—a war crime and a crime against humanity.

Read the full statement here.

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Sensitive Locations, Sacred Spaces Prayer Vigil - 4/3 at 6:30pm

Join us for an interfaith prayer vigil on the eve of the first hearing of our historic our historic lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security's rescission of the sensitive locations memo. The vigil will take place on Thursday, April 3rd, at 6:30pm at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC. Together, we will gather in solidarity, lifting prayers for justice, compassion, and the protection of immigrant communities. All are welcome to stand with us in this moment of faith and resolve.

RSVP to attend here and invite others to join!

Thursday, April 3rd
6:30pm
National City Christian Church
5 Thomas Circle NW WDC 20005

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PC(USA) joins religious freedom lawsuit challenging ICE enforcement actions in churches

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Trans Day of Visibility Rally - 3/31 at 2:30pm

Join us March 31st for a faith community meetup ahead of the Trans Day of Visibility rally!

The Interfaith Alliance and partners will gather as an interfaith community at 2:30 pm in the United Methodist Building for initial speeches before joining our partners on the National Mall between 3rd & 4th Street at 4pm for the rally.

Because it is our moral obligation to join in solidarity with our trans siblings and rebuke attacks on their very right to exist!

Click here for details and to RSVP.

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Contact Congress to Protect the DC Budget - Thursday 3/27 at 10am

(Or make phone calls anytime this week!)

The House is back in session and we want to make sure the #DCLocalFundsAct is one of their top priorities. Join us on Tuesday and/or Thursday this week to visit Members of the House and make sure they know what this bill is, why it matters, and how much support it has. Sign up to join us on either day at freedcproject.org/house.

Not able to join us for visits? Get a call script and phone numbers for our priority members at that same link above. We're working to call every single Member of the House this week before Friday and you can help us make it happen.

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National Capital Presbytery is hosting bi-monthly zoom gatherings, In Times Such as Now. The series is intended to provide valued time for information sharing and colleague-to-colleague care. 

The first Thursday of each month will be Listen and Pray with facilitation guided through scripture and prayer. The third Thursday of the month will be Listen and Learn sessions featuring real time updates and chances to share resources.  

The Listen and Learn series is in partnership with Listen and Pray. The next zoom gathering will be with Listen and Pray on April 3 with NCP Clergy Care Team.  

The schedule is as follows, always 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm with this zoom link: 
Listen and Pray: 4/3; 5/1; 6/5 

Listen and Learn: 3/20; 4/17; 5/15; 6/19 

https://thepresbytery.zoom.us/j/83480642468?pwd=L4xDuESCY23YG8oHYOWEcDwdQCULTf.1

Meeting ID: 834 8064 2468

Passcode: 091764

If you have any questions, reach out to Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe tspuhlermccabe@thepresbytery.org 

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Come take a walk with us on Sunday 2/9 at 1pm (Meeting at Western Pres) and we’ll pray while we walk. Come and join a Mid-Week Morning Zoom Prayer Moment on Wednesday 2/12 at 7:30am (email Erin for zoom meeting info) and we’ll pray a lot. Let’s pray and take action together.

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Presbyterian Church (USA)'s Office of Public Witness Signs Letter Urging Congress to work to preserve USAID.

Stated Clerk and Executive Director joins other national faith leaders in public support of sanctuary movement

Action Alert

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Washington Office has issued an Action Alert regarding Project 2025. The implementation of Project 2025 presents dangerous measures that harm the nation’s well-being. Its proposals align with several executive orders on numerous issues. Presbyterians, and all people of faith, must respond with an onslaught of pushback to ensure our voices are heard in Congress, the administration, and among the members of the President’s cabinet and staff.

Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q035jWFf0

A Day of Prayer and Action for Immigrant Families with CAN

Participate in an in-person action to support immigrant families facing violence and the threat of mass deportations. The event is being organized by the Congregation Action Network (CAN) in partnership with Faith in Action and will be held at St. Mark's (Capitol Hill) Episcopal Church (301 A Street, SE) in Washington on Tuesday, February 11 at 10:30 AM.

You can register for the in-person event here.

Prominent faith leaders from many traditions, including Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, will lead an interfaith Day of Prayer and Action in Support of Immigrant Families. Its purpose is to lift up immigrant families in prayer and show public support from faith leaders for the need to protect families and communities from being torn apart by mass deportations. 

The 90-minute action will consist of 3 parts:

• a public dialogue between undocumented immigrants (or their family members) who are cherished members of our communities and faith leaders, with faith leaders listening and responding, from a pastoral and th here eological frame, to the stories shared by immigrants who are at risk. A message of welcome and solidarity to counter their demonization in so many outlets these days.

• an interfaith prayer service

• a call to action for faith communities

Some statements released by PC(USA) and partner agencies on recent executive orders:

Church World Service: Statement on Executive Actions Targeting Refugees

Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ equity lambasts a Trump executive order

More Light Presbyterian's Statement in response to Donald Trump's executive orders attacking gender diversity

Repeal of key immigration policy holds weighty implications for churches, including PC(USA) congregations

PC(USA) Advocacy Committee issues statement supporting Bishop Budde

General Assembly Committee on Representation has issued a statement on recent fear-based provocations about Diversity and Inclusion:

Open Table Cook Out! 7/6

It’s time for our annual Open Table Cookout Celebration! Stay after worship on Sunday, July 6th and let’s share in a feast together. Please bring a side dish to share. Hope to see you there!

Discerning, Discussing, and Dreaming - Summer Convos

We've been getting to know each other. We've enjoyed worshiping together. We shared burgers and dogs and Cheetos together. We kinda like each other. So, now what?

Things have gone so well over these past few months of Western and Pilgrims getting to know one another as we discern if we would be called to ministry together in some way. The next step is to discuss, wonder, and dream together about what what that ministry might be. To do that, we will spend the summer sharing in a series of one-on-one conversations.

This Sunday (6/15) during worship, and for a short time after worship, Pastor Erin will introduce the One-on-One Conversation plan. One-on-One conversations are a tool used frequently in community organizing to help build relationships and power, to help neighbors understand self-interests and passions, to help grow movements and connections. We are thinking that the One-on-Ones between Western and Pilgrims will help us get to know and discern God's call for our mission, in this moment, and together.

Over the summer, all Westerners and Pilgrims will be invited to participate in three intentional One-on-One conversations with a member from the other congregation (that's just one each month). This Sunday, Erin will provide some training and lots more details on how these conversations go and we'll practice briefly. Then you'll have one person per month to chat with. You can meet after one of our shared worship services, or find a time to meet on your own. Together, you'll dig deep into core values and passions, sense of call and dreams for mission. After these conversations, in the fall, there will be opportunities to provide feedback, to discuss what we heard from our conversation partners, and from the Spirit, along the way.

To pair with this practice, we've planned a Summer Worship Series exploring God's call in scripture. Maybe some themes will overlap. Maybe some ideas will spark. Maybe some new friends will be found.

Come and be a part of the conversation. See you Sunday at Pilgrims!

June Issues Among Us - 6/24

Harmonies of Liberty Concert and Salon Conversation

with Andrew Lee

An Evening of Music, Dialogue, and Community

Tuesday, June 24
West End Neighborhood Library

5:45 PM – Pre-concert Discussion

6:15 PM – Performance

Let's go together and join the Washington Conservatory of Music, American Purpose, and the DC Public Library for Harmonies of Liberty — an inspiring evening that blends stirring chamber music with powerful conversation.

This salon-style program features an ensemble performance of string works by Mozart, Florence Price, Duke Ellington, Antonín Dvořák, and James Weldon Johnson, celebrating the rich tapestry of musical voices that continue to shape our cultural identity.

Guiding the evening is  Andrew Lee, Executive Director of WCM, who will lead a pre-concert discussion that invites reflection on the universal human themes carried through classical and contemporary works. His insights will illuminate the enduring resonance of these composers’ legacies in today’s American narrative.

 Come for the music. Stay for the dialogue. Leave inspired.

Please RSVP to Erin if you plan to attend.

Click here to learn more about our Issues Among Us Series.

Summer Worship Schedule

As we continue exploring a ministry relationship with our friends at Western Presbyterian Church, we hope you’ll join us for some shared worship services this summer. Here’s the schedule:

Summer Worship Schedule

June 1 - Worship at Pilgrims - let's kick off Pride Month!

June 8 - Worship at Western - Pentecost, Pride, and a Picnic!

June 15 - Worship at Pilgrims with Western - Summer Conversations Kick-Off

June 22 - Worship at Pilgrims

June 29 - Worship at Pilgrims

July 6 - Worship at Pilgrims with Western- Open Table Annual Picnic

July 13 - Worship at Pilgrims

July 20 - Worship at Western - More Conversations after Worship

July 27 - Worship at Pilgrims with Western

August 3 - Worship at Pilgrims

August 10 - Worship at Pilgrims

August 17 - Worship at Western

August 24 - Worship at Pilgrims with Western - More Conversations after Worship

August 31 - Worship at Pilgrims

September 7 - Worship at Western - Big Fall Celebration

Celebrate World Pride with Pilgrims!

The whole world is gathering in DC for World Pride. There are so many ways for you to get involved.

• Western Pres is hosting a Pride Concert on Saturday, May 31 at 4:30pm (see details below).

• The Dupont Business District is hosting 20 panels of the original AIDS Quilt this weekend, May 31- June 1, right outside the church, at Shevchenko Park. If it rains, they'll move the quilts inside the church. Make sure you come by to see them! Click here for details.

• We’ll be kicking off Pride month with a special worship service at Pilgrims on Sunday, June 1st at 11am.

• World Pride Interfaith Worship Service will be on June 3rd at 7pm at All Souls Unitarian Church. Details here.

• The Pride Parade will be on Saturday, June 7th. Come march with us!

Click here for more details and sign up for events with Presbyterians at Pride.

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Celebrate Pride with Action!

The Advocacy Committee on LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is proud to be a signer of the 2025 World Pride Call to Action from the Lavender Interfaith Collective. Rooted in Reformed theology and a commitment to justice, ACQ+E works to affirm the full dignity of LGBTQIA+ people in the life of the church and the world. This call to action reflects the values the ACQ+E holds dear: liberation, joy, solidarity, and sacred worth across all identities. ACQ+E stands with faith leaders, advocates, and communities around the globe in calling for a future where every person can thrive. Read the full Call to Action here:

https://lincollective.org/wp-2025-call-to-action?utm_content=334098825&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-22627435207