THIS SUNDAY: Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Aug. 30, 2020, Proper 17, and Zoom; Contact Pastor Brett Webb-Mitchell (919) 444-9111; brettwebbmitchell@gmail.com and visit www.communityofpilgrims.com.
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Dear Pilgrims of Summer Bliss,
It is said that August is like the Sunday of summer. The sun now sets before 8 pm here in the Pacific NW. The mornings are cooler than they were a month ago. Yet there is ripe fruit and vegetables from our gardens to enjoy. In the Pacific NW there are black berries ready to be picked on the side of the road. Flowers and trees are still full of life. Taking a walk in the park, sitting on the grass, walking along a shoreline of the ocean or a river, eating a meal outside-- with social distancing and masks when needed--feeling the warmth of the sun on our face, our arms, our legs, are all to be savored as fall and winter approach. Let us enjoy this Sunday of summer months, this August, and with deep gratitude embrace the beauty of each day.
The reading this Sunday is about the relationship between Peter and Jesus, according to Matthew 16:21-28. Well, it is more about Peter, and how his relationship with Jesus gives us some breathing and wiggle space in terms of growing in faith. There are some moments in which Peter “got” the relationship with Jesus right, and other times he totally misses, much like us. For example, Peter, who started out as one who fishes for an occupation, was one of the first called by Jesus to “follow me.” We also know that Jesus gave him the name, Cephas, which translates to “the rock,” and that he could stop fishing for fish, and instead fish for people. In other words, he was called to be an evangelist. Peter got it right when Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” and Peter answered, “You’re the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:15-16). Correct! Peter was even given the keys to the realm of God (Matt. 16:17-19). Well-done! But after Jesus told the disciples that not everything was going to be a bed of roses in the upcoming portion of the pilgrimage of faith, and that he, Jesus, would be going to Jerusalem, to his death, Peter couldn’t handle this truth, saying, “God forbid, this should never happen,” even though Jesus knew it had to happen because that was part of his earthly pilgrimage. Jesus then openly rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan,” of all people (Matt. 16:21-28). After this, there were more starts and stops, obstacles and hurdles, in his relationship with Jesus. But in the end, grace prevailed, as it always does. One of the first people to see the risen Christ was none other than Peter. And in the end, before his ascension to God, Jesus gave Peter the future job of feeding the risen One’s lambs and sheep (John 21:9-19). Join us this Sunday as we also discover that, throughout our entire relationship with Brother Jesus, we are always saved by God’s grace, just like Brother Peter.
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We are providing a dinner meal for the Gresham Women’s Emergency Shelter on Friday, August 28, to be delivered at 5:30PM at The Chestnut Inn in Gresham.
Thank you, everyone, for coming together for our community.
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While we are not meeting in person, the Community of Pilgrims will still welcome your financial contribution. Please make a check out to Community of Pilgrims, and mail it to Brett Webb-Mitchell, 9460 SW Martha St., Tigard, OR 97224, or use the “Give Now” button on the Community of Pilgrims website, www.communityofpilgrims.com. Many thanks!
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One last time: There is one more chance to add to the stimulus check that was received by churches and fellowships in the Presbytery of the Cascades giving us $1,000 each to make a change in the world. We are joining up with the folks at Moreland Presbyterian Church, and with our combined stimulus checks, and other donations, we will support four groups: Street Roots, Emerge, Meals on Wheels, and Human Solutions! Let me, Brett, know if you would like to give to give more to this growing fund, and I will be sure that our funds are included. Currently, we have collected over $7,000! Send the check by Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020.
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Events!
Aug. 30, Gather and Devotion and Zoom!
Sept. 6, Gather and Devotion and Zoom!
Sept. 13, Gather and Devotion and Zoom and Join Us at Our Home! Celebrating 4-year anniversary of the Community of Pilgrims!
Sept. 20, Gather and Devotion and Zoom!
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Prayers of Celebration and Concern
· The family of Roger, friend of Christian, who recently died.
· Thanksgiving that Christian's brother and sister-in-law are recovering after 10 days of being sick with COVID.
· Tracy and her family who lost their mother and father recently.
· Barbara in North Carolina whose church has lost staff, her husband lost his job, and she has come down with singles.
· Lyn, Chuck's son-in-law who has cancer throughout his body.
· Well-being for Delphine who just moved into a memory care apartment.
· Shirley Tormey's sister who is dying from ALS and is in hospice.
· Kathy's sister Jan who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
· Thanksgiving that our country has reason for hope in our political system.
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Poem
When This is Over
By Laura Kelly Fanucci
When this is over,
may we never again
take for granted
A handshake with a stranger
Full shelves at the store
Conversations with neighbors
A crowded theater
Friday night out
The taste of communion
A routine checkup
The school rush each morning
Coffee with a friend
The stadium roaring
Each deep breath
A boring Tuesday
Life itself.
When this ends
may we find
that we have become
more like the people
we wanted to be
we were called to be
we hoped to be
and may we stay
that way — better
for each other
because of the worst.
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Buen Camino!
Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.