THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, May 9, 2021, Sixth Sunday of Easter, Gather and Devotion on Zoom. 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 Chosen, Beloved Pilgrims in Christ,
This talk about grapes, vines, and branches in John’s gospel is so fitting for this season of spring growth. Every day we all walk out of our respective homes, abodes, apartments, and townhouses, and there seems to be some kind of new blossom busting wide open, and the smell of wisteria and other blossoming trees and flowers…intoxicating. A feast for eyes and nose, alike! (with apology to those who suffer from allergies) Enjoy!
The Scripture focus this week is John 15:9-17. As I implied in the sermon/message last week, the “fruit” of the vine is love. And this “love” message—the command to love one another—is carried on in John 13:34,35; 15:12, 17; Rom. 12;10; 1 Thess. 3:12; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11, 12; and 2 John 5. It seems that “love one another” is a core practice and habit of the heart of Christian people. But there is also a very interesting line that I'd like us to discuss: "You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name" (John 15:16). Commentary writer Meda Stamper wrote: “Jesus does the choosing and appointing. And for those of us who wish to abide in Jesus’ love, this is surely good news, that we do not carve out a position as Jesus’ branch-friend and that our abundance does not depend on us; we might not even be able to imagine precisely what it will look like since we aren’t the ones doing the pruning and can only see our part of the vine. We merely choose to abide in the love that has drawn us in, and then we blossom.” This understanding, that God first chooses us, has been a core tenet of Reformed theology. We didn't choose God in Christ first. First, we are chosen, destined, or pre-destined to be part of God’s vineyard. Indeed, before John Calvin, there was the Gospel writer John. Join us this Sunday as we discuss this thing called “love” and being chosen by Jesus.
** Kathy Fukuyama is working with SnowCap on a special summer project that The Community of Pilgrims can participate in as a community of faith. We will deliver our clothes’ bags to Kathy before 12 noon on May 28, 2021! Thank you, all, in advance!
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Events!
May 9, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.
May 16, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.
May 23, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.
May 30, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.
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Prayers of Celebration and Concern
· Celebrations for today when many Christians observe Orthodox Easter.
· Celebrations that Richard Donald's surgery to remove his kidney went smoothly and he may not need chemo.
· Kate's arm to heal properly.
· Continued momentum in closing Brett's mother's estate and transfer ownership of her house.
· This country where over 30% of the population has been fully vaccinated and may that percentage increase.
· People in India and Brazil where COVID is surging.
· Oregon residents to practice prevention measures as the UK variant of COVID is present in our state.
· Celebrations for springtime and flowers.
· Marg Stockwell to be able to move into a home where she can get help.
· The City of Portland, which is challenged by homelessness, COVID, trash, property damage, and more.
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Poem
From Meister Eckhart’s Book of the Heart…
Don’t thank God
For loving you.
God could do no other.
Don’t thank God
For a soul that’s noble.
It simply is.
Thank God for
This pulsing divine life
And pray God to throb it.
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Buen Camino!
Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.