Dear Pilgrims of Christmastide Wonder,
Greetings on December 28, 2020, the Fourth Day of Christmastide! According to the song, “12 Days of Christmas,” so-called "true loves" either gave to one's self or to one another today four calling birds, with an apartment or home filled already with three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.
The Gospel reading for this day, Monday, December 28, 2020, during Christmastide is Matthew 2:13-18, “The Escape to Egypt.” Joseph is told in a dream to take the baby and Mary to Egypt, the first pilgrimage that Jesus goes on, because King Herod was going to be searching for Jesus, in hopes of killing him. All the 2-year-old boys, and younger, were to be killed in Bethlehem and vicinity. What this passage reminds us of, as does the reading for Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12, the arrival of the Magi), is that Matthew’s Gospel is telling us the story of two kings: Herod and Jesus. One king is hungry for power, hungry for money and fame, violent and divisive, in which the King wants to be feared, to be served, more than to be loved and serve others. Herod is a narcissistic ruler. The other king in this story is Jesus, who is a baby, dependent upon his parents for their protection. Jesus’ “kingship” displays humility and care, service and devotion, peace and love, and of course grace under pressure at all times. The question for us, today, is: which “king” will we follow? Join us this Sunday via Zoom as we celebrate Epiphany (a few days early), and discuss who we will follow on this, our collective earthly, daily pilgrimage of faith!
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Again: Thank you, ALL, for the generosity of heart shown to those at the Gresham Women’s Shelter, part of Human Solutions! I know that they appreciated such wonderful gifts! You are all amazing people, and a fabulous community of faith.
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There is still time to give to The Community of Pilgrims in terms of what people have pledged for 2020. You can either send a check to the Community of Pilgrims c/o Brett Webb-Mitchell, 9460 SW Martha St., Tigard, OR 97224, or go to the www.communityofpilgrims.com, and go to the “Take Action” page and give on our website. During Christmastide 2020, consider how much you would like to pledge—in terms of time, talent, service, and financial support—to the Community of Pilgrims and to the healing of this world. Many thanks!
Likewise, in a separate email I sent out a pledge form for everyone to download and fill out for 2021. As all of you know, we have been supported in large part by the generous gifts of the PCUSA 1001 New Worshiping Communities and the Presbytery of the Cascades New Ministries Team funds since we began in 2017. We are one of the rare new communities of faith ventures that have been granted funds from the Seed Grants, Investment Grants, and Growth Grants! At the end of 2021, we will be dependent upon the financial gifts, time, service, and talents of the membership of the Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, with possible help from other non-profits. Thank you for considering your gift in support of the Community of Pilgrims in 2021!
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Events!
Jan. 3, 2021, 4 pm, Epiphany (well, we will celebrate it, though Epiphany is on Jan. 6); Gather, devotion and Zoom.
Jan. 10, 4 pm, Baptism of Jesus, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.
Jan. 17, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.
Jan. 24, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.
Jan. 31, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.
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Prayers of Celebration and Concern
· Being able to gather together, even via Zoom.
· Our family and friends with whom we are not able to gather together.
· Peace, safety, and good health for Lorinda's sister Val dealing with her unstable family.
· Everyone in this country, Europe, and all over the world to be safe and healthy.
· Kathy's sister Jan who is in recovery from stage 1 breast cancer surgery and radiation and now in physical therapy and feeling hopeful.
· The one million people who have taken the vaccine.
· A better attitude to stay committed to health and safety, looking for calmness in May.
· Thanksgiving for Karen's family that they continue to be careful and remain safe and healthy.
· That which is bigger than ourselves such as the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn.
· The luminaries for Christmas out in yards on Portland streets.
· World peace.
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Poem
Christmastide, Emily Pauline Johnson
I may not go to-night to Bethlehem,
Nor follow star-directed ways, nor tread
The paths wherein the shepherds walked, that led
To Christ, and peace, and God's good will to men.
I may not hear the Herald Angel's song
Peal through the Oriental skies, nor see
The wonder of that Heavenly company
Announce the King the world had waited long.
The manger throne I may not kneel before,
Or see how man to God is reconciled,
Through pure St. Mary's purer, holier child;
The human Christ these eyes may not adore.
I may not carry frankincense and myrrh
With adoration to the Holy One;
Nor gold have I to give the Perfect Son,
To be with those wise kings a worshipper.
Not mine the joy that Heaven sent to them,
For ages since Time swung and locked his gates,
But I may kneel without--the star still waits
To guide me on to holy Bethlehem.
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Buen Camino!
Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.