THIS SUNDAY: Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Nov. 1, 2020, Proper 26, and Zoom; Contact Pastor Brett Webb-Mitchell (919) 444-9111; brettwebbmitchell@gmail.com and visit www.communityofpilgrims.com.
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Dear Everyday Pilgrims and the Great Cloud of Witnesses!
October 31 falls on a Saturday this year (2020)! Happy All Hallows' Eve! That means that Nov. 1 is All Saints’ Day! “Saints” is a powerful name or label to call someone, anyone. When celebrating All Saints’ Day, I like to think of the “great cloud of witnesses,” from Hebrews 12:1. Actually, Hebrews 11 gives us a clue: these are the people who preceded us in this pilgrimage of faith, like Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Ruth, Jacob, Deborah, Paul and Mary (you can choose which one), and the like, along with those who have died in the previous year in our lives, who are our forebears, who had faith to guide and direct them, and now are part of those who are “home” with God. This “cloud of witness” is a figurative representation, and it means that we ought to act as if they were in sight, encouraging us on the same pilgrimage of faith that we are on, inspired by some of their godly examples that they set during their lives at times. That the cloud is referred to as “great” indicates that millions of believers have gone before us, each bearing witness to the life and pilgrimage of faith that we now live. Let us bring the names of those who have passed since last year's All Saints' Day with us this Sunday, and say a special prayer and light a candle.
The Gospel reading for All Saints’ Day is Matthew 5:1-12, what is known as the Beatitudes. How appropriate for us to focus on this Scripture in light of the pandemic-clad world in which we live. This is one of those Scripture passages that remind us of the “upside down” realm of God we are called to live in and live out daily. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (5:4-9). These characteristics of living the “Jesus life” are contrary to so much of what the world around us is talking about and holding up as “successful” in the eyes of the world. So, what is this what those we call saints get? Do they or did they live out this kind of "saintly" life? And how do we, saints among us this day, live out these characteristics of the “upside down” realm of Godly love? Join us this Sunday as we explore these characteristics in our daily lives today, on All Saints’ Day.
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Just a quick FYI: during Advent 2020, we would like everyone to consider what you would like to pledge for the upcoming year in terms of time, talent, and financial gifts in supporting the Community of Pilgrims in particular, and the PCUSA in general. We also want to invite you to consider completing your pledged amounts soon, before the end of 202. Many thanks for considering this invitation.
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We will also celebrate Holy Communion/the Lord's Supper this Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. Bring a piece of bread and a small glass or cup of wine or grape juice.
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Events!
Oct. 29: Black Lives Matter, White Privilege, and Ministry, sponsored by Presbytery of the Cascades, moderated by Pastor Brett, Zoom, 7-8:30 pm.
Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, Gather and Devotion and Zoom!
Nov. 6-7, Stated Presbytery meeting, virtually, on Zoom!
Nov. 8, Gather and Devotion and Zoom!
Nov. 15, Gather and Devotion and Zoom!
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Prayers of Celebration and Concern
· The upcoming conversation on BLM, white Privilege, and Ministry this Thursday evening.
· The film "Call to Love One Another".
· Continued funding for Brett's work from the Collins Foundation.
· Lorinda's friend Connie in Montana who has lost her brother and two cousins. There will be a funeral tomorrow.
· This country going forward into our election and following the election, may cooler heads prevail and there be a peaceful transfer of power.
· Chuck's son in law who is dying and his wife Debbie.
· Those sleeping outside tonight in freezing temperatures
· Roberta's friend Angela who has stage four cancer and is getting sicker.
· Saint Andrews and East Woods getting ready to try in-person gatherings, prayers that people be safe.
· Liz's legacy of sewing and quilting materials live on.
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Poem
For Those Who Walked With Us, Jan Richardson
For those
Who walked with us,
This is a prayer.
For those
Who have gone ahead,
This is a blessing.
For those
Who touched and tended us,
Who lingered with us
While they lived,
This is a thanksgiving.
For those
Who journey still with us
In the shadows of awareness,
In the crevices of memory,
In the landscape of our dreams,
This is a benediction.
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Buen Camino!
Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.