THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Oct. 10, 2021, Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, Gathering and Devotion on Zoom this Sunday. If you have any questions, or are interested in a conversation, contact Pastor Brett Webb-Mitchell (919) 444-9111; brettwebbmitchell@gmail.com and visit www.communityofpilgrims.com.
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Dear Community of Pilgrims!
As I write this newsletter, I was just listening to the President restore certain parts of Utah to the status of “national park.” That means that these parks, which were once occupied primarily by the indigenous people of this country, will now be part of a federal system that will protect these lands for generations to come. Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine are restored to national park status. As President Biden said, “The truth is that national monuments and parks are part of the identity, our identity as a people. They are more than natural wonders, they’re the birthright we passed from generation to generation, a birthright of every American. Preserving them is the fulfillment of a promise to our children.” In other words, we inherited this land from our forbearers, and now pass it down to another generation. That’s how inheritance works. Nothing earned. Simply given.
In this week’s Scripture, the focus is Mark 10:17-31. It begins with this passage: “As he (Jesus) was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” His question begs for a deeper answer. What an anyone really do in order to inherit anything, whether it is something within a family, or a national park? Inheritance is more about belonging to a family, a nation, than earning something, and this explains what is going on later in this passage, in which Jesus asks the man to leave everything and follow him, a call to discipleship. Leaving everything and following Jesus, as Peter says the disciples have done, brings them into a new household, namely the household of God. This household of God is an incredibly rich present reality, but one that is marked with persecutuions. It is also a future reality characterized by fullness of life where first and last will no longer have any relevance. Join us this Sunday as we discuss discipleship as members of the body of Christ, and part of God’s household.
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Events!
Oct. 10, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!
Oct. 17, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!
Oct. 24, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!
Oct. 31, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!
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Prayers of Celebration and Concern
· Carol's sister Paula in the late stages of cancer and in hospice.
· Karen's oldest daughter Katie celebrating her 20th birthday.
· Continued prayers for Christian's mother Iva and sister Yarrow, both living with breast cancer.
· Thanksgiving that Patty Turpin's mom is doing fine.
· The 700,000 people who have died of COVID in the US, and for the thousands more who have died around the world.
· Thanksgiving for medical answers such as the Merk pill and the spray developed in Israel.
· Families who have members suffering with mental illness.
· Nephew who is feeling inadequate and is suffering from alcohol abuse.
· Counties not getting the vaccine fast enough.
· Migrants fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East hoping for a better life in Europe.
· Thanksgiving that Zeta is back in her own home.
· Thanksgiving that downtown Portland is starting to open up and may our new world be more equitable.
· Justice for the black and the LGBTQ+ communities in the growing polarization of values in Oregon communities such as Albany and Newberg. May all feel welcome and safe in our schools.
· Sustainable development and responsible use of our resources as we deal with climate change.
· Thanksgiving that Roxanne is able to return to her volunteer work at Home Place.
· Thanksgiving that the number of COVID outbreaks is dropping in our area.
“God, in your love, attend our prayers…”
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Poem
God is not what you think, by Meister Eckhart
Or even what you believe,
Because God is
A word unspoken,
A thought unthought,
A belief unbelieved.
So if you wish to know
This God, practice wonder,
Do what is good, and
Cultivate silence.
The rest will follow.
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Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.