Newsletter CoP, March 14, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, March 14, 2021, Fourth Sunday in Lent, 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. 

_____

Dear Lenten Pilgrims, 

Like many worship services, I thought I’d begin this newsletter with the announcements. First, set your clocks forward by one hour this Sunday, March 14. “Spring forward” is the old adage, and in autumn, “Fall backwards.” Second, there are eight days until Spring in the northern hemisphere, and we all can’t wait! Third there are only three more Sundays (March 14, 21, and 28) until Palm Sunday, and four Sundays until Easter. Time flies!

This Sunday’s focus Scripture will be John 3:14-21, in which there is a very famous verse: John 3: 16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son…” and you can probably figure out the rest of the verse in your head without my having to type it out in this email. It is hard to go to almost any sporting event in the US without seeing “John 3:16” popping up on a sign somewhere in a stadium or arena. The verse is found in a longer discussion between Jesus and the Pharisee named Nicodemus. And the focus of this Scripture verse has to do with love. God’s love to be exact. For us. For us all. How big is that love? This is what Martin Luther King, Jr., said about this love in a church in Montgomery, AL, at Dexter Ave. Baptist Church in 1954: “God’s love has breadth…It is a big love; it’s a broad love…God’s love is too big to be limited to a particular race. It is too big to be wrapped in a particularistic garment. It is too great to be encompassed by any single nation. God is a universal God.” Join us this Sunday as we focus on how broad, how wide, how high and how deep this love of God is for all of creation.  

** Remember: our Lenten service project is providing parts of a breakfast program for Human Solution’s Gresham Emergency Women’s Shelter. Items are to be dropped off at Kathy’s house on April 3, and she will deliver the items on April 4.

· Cold cereals & granola

· Instant oatmeal

· Jams and peanut butter

· Granola bars

· Dried fruits and nuts

· Ground coffee & creamer

** It still isn’t too late to send in a pledge form 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!

_____

Events!

March 14, Fourth Sunday in Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

March 21, Fifth Sunday in Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

March 28, Palm Sunday, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

April 4, EASTER! 8:30 am! Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Michael and others in his church grieving the loss of four of their members this past week and a half.

· Brett's friend Don Frueh in Astoria who died this morning unexpectedly of liver disease.

· Roberta's friend Angela, her husband Levy, and daughter Emily after learning that Angela has a tumor outside of her brain and they are waiting to determine the best course of treatment.

· Thanksgiving for COVID vaccines.

· Those who have died and suffered the effects of COVID.

· Thanksgiving for the efficacy of masks meaning fewer cases of the flu are being reported.

· Scientists and the work they do.

· The mural art in downtown Portland.

· Cities such as Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., to be able to return to life soon, knowing that they will all be different. 

· Other parts of the world such as Syria and Yemen who only know fighting.

· The Abraham Peace Accords to be successful in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

· Brett’s former student, Marty Cauley, who is dying of cancer;

· Brett’s friend, Jimmy Creech, whose wife died of ovarian cancer;

· Richard Rodriguez’s healing.

... and new job prospects for Brett.

_____

Poem

Jesus Considers Pronouns, by Padraig O’Tuama

The way He has never worked for you,

She neither. The way They sounds

Plural, and that’s just how you like it.

The way Them makes you feel

Like you belong. The way Their

Can be possessed and you’ve never

Felt like anything you owned would

Fit. The way you like conjugating

Your selves in the first, and the second

And the many. The Way we are Legion

Makes sense in a way like nothing else

Make sense. The way you breathe now

That your plurals are made more personal.

The way you are the singular and the slew.

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, Community of Pilgrims, Feb. 21, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, February 21, 2021, First Sunday of Lent, 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. 

_____

Dear Pilgrims of Lent,

As I write this newsletter introduction, many who receive this email have or are dealing with icy, snowy, “wintry mix.” Some people and families are still struggling living a “normal” life without electricity. I am reminded, when reading this week’s Scripture passage (next paragraph), in which Jesus is sent into the “wilderness,” “wilderness” is not necessarily desert, but can also be the frozen tundra around our suburban, rural, or urban homes. We especially remember our friends and family members in Texas these days.

So, let’s jump into this passage from Mark 1:9-15. We have already covered parts of this reading earlier in December during Advent, and later in January during Epiphany, especially the passage around Jesus’ baptism. But the passage about Jesus immediately being sent into the wilderness is the new part of our reading, and is usually the first reading of Lent, whether it is coming from Gospel writers Mark, Matthew or Luke.  In Mark, it is quite stark: first, Jesus is going to engage the adversary for over forty days. Eventually, Jesus “wins” the intense competition and struggle between him and the adversary. Second, Jesus is not alone in this wild work. He is alongside “wild beasts” like Maurice Sendak’s creatures from Where the Wild Things Are “land,” and comforted by angels. Jesus enjoys the protection by both wild beasts and angels. Finally there is the end of the forty days, in which Jesus announces that the “kingdom” or realm of God, of love, is dawning. A new era and a new state of affairs is now present in the person of Jesus. Jesus isn’t taking people off to a faraway land. Jesus tells those who listen to him that God is bringing new realities into place. Jesus actually demonstrates what the realm of God is all about with his deeds and words. For us, we can draw comfort, in our times of wilderness wanderings—whether it is the actual recent snowy enclosure, or metaphorically the time where our loved ones are no longer with us, or the loss of a supportive community—that we are not alone. God is with us. Christ is with us. Spirit is with us. And for that, we are thankful. Join us this Sunday as we discuss the wilderness wanderings of Jesus and our lives.

** Our Lenten service will be to provide parts of a breakfast program with Human Solution’s Gresham Emergency Women’s Shelter. More about this is to come.

** It still isn’t too late to send in a pledge form 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!

_____

Events!

Feb. 21, First Sunday of Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 28, Second Sunday of Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

March 7, Third Sunday of Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

March 14, Fourth Sunday of Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Linda's brother who has had both vaccinations.

· Thanksgiving that Brett has settled with his brother on matters pertaining to their late Mother's estate.

· Both Brett and The United Methodist Conference as his position with the Conference will be ending and he will be making a transition.

· Celebrations that the film "We Are Called To Love One Another" was awarded second place among educational films in an international competition and that it will be seen by more people than could have been predicted.  

· Marge Stockwell to get her first vaccine on Tuesday. .

· Thanksgiving for Alan Watts' presentation "The Spectrum of Love" and that we are never too old to keep learning.

· Gratitude for the past two days of conversations that Linda has been able to share with friends from her Rose Festival Court days. They shared a very special time in their lives and they are still in touch.

· The gift of gratitude.  

· Ken Henry who will donate his bone marrow to his brother Dan who is very ill.

· Empathy, that we are able to understand and accept others.

· The message that in order to receive light we must be able to look into the darkness.

_____

Poem

Stones into Bread, Malcolm Guite

The Fountain thirsts, the Bread is hungry here.

The Light is dark, the Word without a voice.

When darkness speaks it seems so light and clear.

Now He must dare, with us, to make a choice.

In a distended belly’s cruel curve

He feels the famine of the ones who lose

He starves for those whom we have forced to starve.

He chooses now for those who cannot choose.

He is the staff and sustenance of life.

He lives for all from one Sustaining Word.

His love still breaks and pierces like a knife.

The stony ground of hearts that never shared,

God gives through Him what Satan never could;

The broken bread that is our only food.

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, Community of Pilgrims, Feb. 14, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, February 14, 2021, Transfiguration Sunday, 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. 

_____

Dear Pilgrims of Transfiguration,

The holy and secular holidays are upon us! It is Black History Month! It is Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, 2021. Today is Presidents’ Day in Washington, DC (Feb. 12, 2021). And the season of Epiphany is ending this Sunday with Transfiguration Sunday. This will be followed by Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, so feel free to have pancakes for dinner that evening as we clean out the pantry of sweet and savory things in preparation for Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17, 2021), and the beginning of our pilgrimage of Lent. Before we know it, it will be spring! So many days! And so little time to celebrate or remember a holy or secular holiday, but, heck, what a wonderful way to spend a pandemic.

This Sunday’s Gospel reading is Mark 9:2-9, which we know as the story of Transfiguration. It is a strange scene, even for the Gospels. There is Peter, James and John, with Jesus, on the top of what is now known as Mt. Tabor. Suddenly, without explanation, Jesus’ clothes became “dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them.” As Presbyterian writer Frederick Buechner writes, there was Jesus, who they had “tramped many a dusty mile with, whose mother and brothers they knew, the one they’d seen as hungry, tired, footsore as the rest of them. But it was also the Messiah, the Christ, in his glory. It was the holiness of the man shining through his humanness, his face so afire with it they were almost blinded.” Buechner then reminds us that we experience such moments of transfiguration in the world today, like “the face of a man walking his child in the park, of a woman picking peas in the garden, of sometimes even the unlikeliest person listening to a concert…or standing barefoot in the sand watching the waves roll in… Every once and so often, something so touching, so incandescent, so alive transfigures the human face that it is almost beyond bearing” (from Wishful Thinking). Join us this Sunday as we explore other moments of change, sacrifice, and transformed lives.

** Our Lenten service will be to provide parts of a breakfast program with Human Solution’s Gresham Emergency Women’s Shelter. More about this is to come.

** It still isn’t too late to send in a pledge form 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!

_____

Events!

Feb. 14, Transfiguration Sunday, and Valentine’s Day, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday, 12 noon to 1:00 pm, on Zoom

Feb. 21, First Sunday of Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 28, Second Sunday of Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Continued healing for Brett's friend writer Richard Rodriguez and thanks that he is feeling somewhat better.

· Karen's daughters Emily and Katie who recently lost a coworker and a friend to suicide and for all who struggle in these times of isolation.

· Linda's Mukilteo children's next-door neighbors whose husband died this past week and his wife Diane needs prayers.

· Celebrations for Ray and Lorinda's daughter, son, and their children that all are presently in good shape and that is not always the case.

· Healing for Chuck who feels anxious in these tough times.

· That those feeling stress can make friends with their anxiety and have hope, not for a cure but to find courage inside themselves.

· Thanksgiving that Roberta's nephew Sam has found a good job at a solid company with income and benefits.

· Roberta's friend who lost a baby at 20 weeks of pregnancy.

· Thanksgiving for people that care and make the effort to help, sometimes in unexpected places, such as the notary who pointed out to Bill his expired driver's license.

· Vaccines that the number being administered will be greater than the number of deaths, in this country and the world.

· Yemen and Syria torn apart by war

· Relief for the homeless this winter night and answers to the riddle of homelessness in Portland, California, Charlottesville, and everywhere. 

_____

Poem

Dazzling: A Blessing for Transfiguration Sunday, by Jan Richardson

Believe me, I know

How tempting it is

To remain inside this blessing,

To linger where everything

Is dazzling

And clear.

We could build walls

Around this blessing,

Put a roof over it.

We could bring in 

A table, chairs,

Have the most amazing meals.

We could make a home.

We could stay.

But this blessing

Is built for leaving.

This blessing

Is made for coming down

The mountain.

This blessing wants to be in motion

To travel with you

As you return

To level ground.

It will seem strange 

How quiet this blessing becomes

When it returns to earth.

It is not shy.

It is not afraid.

It simply knows

How to bide its time,

To watch and wait,

To discern and pray

Until the moment comes

When it will reveal 

Everything it knows,

When it will shine forth with all it has seen,

When it will dazzle

With the unforgettable light

You have carried

All this way.

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, Community of Pilgrims, Feb. 7, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, February 7, 2021, Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, 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. 

_____

Dear Friday Pilgrims,

            Welcome, February! The week began with opening celebrations around Black History month remembrances. Then there was Groundhog Day on Feb. 2nd, reminding us there are more weeks of winter left until we come to Spring. We all continue to stay safe, practice 6 feet of distance between other folk, wash hands, and pray that COVID infection and death rates go down, praying for those who have died or are infected, and that the vaccine numbers go up. And this weekend, in the Portland, OR area, it is the Portland Winter Light Festival: https://www.travelportland.com/events/portland-winter-light-festival. You’re welcome. Happy Friday!

            There is a lot that is going on in this short passage from Mark 1:29-39, and I am still trying to figure out which part of the story I would like to focus on for this coming Sunday. Because of COVID 19, I’m drawn to this first “miracle of healing” story. Here's the situation: Having just performed a miracle in a synagogue, a place in which men are only welcomed, Jesus goes into a house, a private place for women. The house belongs to Simon. Mark does not give a name to the woman. All we know is that the woman is Simon’s mother-in-law, in bed, with a fever. Jesus takes her by the hand and lifts her up, and immediately she is healed. And immediately she did what was common in the Mediterranean culture in terms of hospitality: she served those who were in the house, not only with food, but in general, as women did in those days. This is also a story of Jesus knowing he needed, and finding, his deserted place in order to re-energize the spiritual aspect of his life. Finally, this is also a story about “celebrity syndrome,” in which the “whole village” turned out to be healed by Jesus. But Mark makes it clear that many, but not all, were healed. There were limits. Join us this Sunday as we continue to explore the multifaceted aspects of Jesus’ life!

** Our Lenten service will be to provide parts of a breakfast program with Human Solution’s Gresham Emergency Women’s Shelter. More about this is to come.

** It still isn’t too late to send in a pledge form 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!

_____

Events!

Feb. 7, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 14, Transfiguration Sunday, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday, 12 noon to 1:00 pm, on Zoom

Feb. 21, First Sunday of Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 28, Second Sunday of Lent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Birthday celebrations for Bill, Lorinda, Mary, and Luke.

· The vaccine and prayers people will get it fast enough but recognize it will take some time.

· Dayna's new adopted dog.

· Syria and Yemen where heavy rains have flooded refugee camps.

· Imprisoned opposition leader Alexey Navalny and the thousands detained during Russian anti-Kremlin protests. 

· Our democracy that we pay attention to evil and confront it with compassion not hate.

· Chuck's new cat Sara who helps his old mind.

· Close neighbors Shane and Liz who need help dealing with alcoholism.

· Healing, health, and wholeness for Richard Rodriguez.

_____

Poem

February Evening in New York, by Denise Levertov

 

As the stores close, a winter light

    opens air to iris blue,

    glint of frost through the smoke

    grains of mica, salt of the sidewalk.

As the buildings close, released autonomous   

    feet pattern the streets

    in hurry and stroll; balloon heads

    drift and dive above them; the bodies   

    aren't really there.

As the lights brighten, as the sky darkens,

    a woman with crooked heels says to another woman   

    while they step along at a fair pace,

    "You know, I'm telling you, what I love best   

    is life. I love life! Even if I ever get

    to be old and wheezy—or limp! You know?   

    Limping along?—I'd still ... " Out of hearing.   

To the multiple disordered tones

    of gears changing, a dance

    to the compass points, out, four-way river.   

    Prospect of sky

    wedged into avenues, left at the ends of streets,   

    west sky, east sky: more life tonight! A range   

    of open time at winter's outskirts.

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, CoP, Jan. 31, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, January 31, 2021, Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, 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. 

_____

Dear Pilgrims of the Way,

To those who live far away from the Portland area, or haven’t been here for a “snow storm,” we hold a creative tension with a sense of wonder and also dread that comes with snow. That’s what happened this past Tuesday. We experienced a mixture of awe and “darn it.” It was the same mixture of wonder and dread that I experienced when living in North Carolina, in which any snow meant the beginning of the great French toast festival, as all the supermarkets were wiped out of eggs, bread, and milk. Thankfully, we are now back to clouds and drizzle, with some spotting of the sun from time to time. Welcome, winter!

The focus passage this Sunday is Mark 1:21-28. Jesus enters a synagogue with the disciples, and he begins to teach. While there, he meets up with a man with an “unclean spirit,” who would not be silent. The man utters these words, “I know who you are, the Holy One of God,” revealing part of the nature or identity, which is why this passage is included in this season of Epiphany. Jesus heals this man, and everyone around Jesus was amazed and said, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! (my emphasis) He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him” (vv. 26, 27). What caught my attention in this reading, which will also be the focus this Sunday, is that line in which Jesus teaches as one with authority. It was an authority that was noticed by the unclean spirit in the man. And what is the genesis of this authority? Is it not God? 

The issue I will focus on this Sunday is authority. What is authority? What or who qualifies as “one with authority?” How do we understand the idea of something or someone being “authoritative?” I’ve always wondered about people’s understanding of Holy Scriptures as an “authoritative” text, and if it is authoritative outside of a community or only within a community. And how is this related, if at all, to authoritarianism, which has been part of our discussion as a nation in the past few years in terms of our nation’s politics. In the book Tyranny, by Tim Snyder, he begins with this line: “Most of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. In times like these, individual think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked. A citizen who adapts in this way is teaching power what it can do” (p. 17). So, a question: while Jesus was speaking as one with authority, did Jesus create an authoritarian community of believers? Or is it because we always have the freedom to choose, aka, free will, that we always have a choice, and are not caught in an authoritarian community, but a community of willing, called, participants who can always exercise free will? Join us this Sunday as we discuss the difference between one who speaks with authority and authoritarianism. 

**

One last time! It still isn’t too late to send in a pledge form 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!

** For our Lenten giving and offering, the focus will be on breakfast foods for Human Solution and the Women’s Emergency Shelter in Gresham! Stay tuned for more information.

_____

Events!

Jan. 31, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 7, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 14, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday, Gather, Devotion and Lectio Divina reading, 12 noon, on Zoom. Lent begins!

Feb. 21, Gather and Devotion on Zoom, First Sunday of Lent.

Feb. 28, Gather and Devotion on Zoom, Second Sunday of Lent.

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Lorinda's sister and brother-in-law who both got through COVID.

· All the people who have survived COVID.

· Katie's friends who have COVID and prayers for the entire University of Oregon.

· A smooth roll out of the vaccine.

· Adriane, Edie, and Scott who will move back to Ashville, N.C. in March. 

· Chuck and his 91st birthday this past week.

· Workers who have lost their jobs.

· Access to the vaccine in other parts of the world.

· Victims of the civil war in Yemen.

· Alexei Navalny and his wife imprisoned in Russia and all the protesters defying Putin and calling for Navalny's release from prison. 

· Celebrations that the inauguration went well and power was transferred smoothly.

· Our nation as we move forward.

· Norway where the government announced a return to shutdown status for Oslo and several other cities with schools and most businesses closed and events canceled until the end of January.

_____

Poem

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, Community of Pilgrims, Jan. 17, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, January 17, 2021, Second Sunday after Epiphany, Gather and Devotion on Zoom. If you have any questions, or are interested in a conversation about The Community of Pilgrim or anything else in life, please feel free to contact Pastor Brett Webb-Mitchell (919) 444-9111; brettwebbmitchell@gmail.com and visit www.communityofpilgrims.com. 

_____

Dear Pilgrims of Increasing Light,

As I write this newsletter, sunlight is streaming through the windows of our home. It is expected to be 54 degrees outside today. Tuesday, northwestern Oregon experienced a rain storm that knocked out electricity, and caused many road slides throughout the area. There were wind gusts in Seattle that were strong enough to topple trees and wreak havoc with electricity. What a difference a few days make!

We are onto the second Sunday after Epiphany! The season of Epiphany is all about the opening of the spotlight on the nature of Jesus, God with us. Last week, we read of Jesus’ baptism, thanks to his relative, John, along with the divine breakthrough of the descending dove, which we identify as the Holy Spirit, and the voice of the Creator announcing that Jesus is God’s Son, “the Beloved,” with whom God is well pleased. This Sunday, we broaden the focus on Jesus, and consider the charismatic Jesus who is starting the important work of inviting people to follow him (John 1:43-51), and become his disciples. Philip eagerly welcomes the invitation from Jesus to follow him and join Andrew and Peter, and then turns around and invites his friend Nathanael. Nathanael’s response is, at first, both off-putting, straight-forward, and sarcastic: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Not offended by the snide comment, Philip simply says, “Come and see.” When seeing Nathanael come towards him, Jesus had already intuited and summed-up the direct, no holds barred nature of Nathanael while Nathanael simply sat under a fig tree earlier in the day, much to Nathanael's amazement: “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” All that Nathanael could respond with was a humble, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” And the rest, as they say, is history. Some of the things this story tells us is that, first, because of grace, all of us are invited to follow Jesus. In other words, we have all been chosen by God to follow Jesus. Second, grace makes it possible for us to accept the invitation to follow Jesus. And third, Jesus, knows us first, and knows us better than we know ourselves, which, in the long run, is probably a good thing, overall. Join us this Sunday as we discuss being a follower of Jesus, a "good thing" that came out of Nazareth, in this modern age, with all its joys and challenges.

**

This Monday, January 18, is Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday celebration as a nation. The Rev. Dr. Michael Barham (aka Michael) and I are asking folks from our respective congregations if they want to do a short, hour long, reading and reflection on the work of Martin Luther King, Jr., perhaps between 12-1 pm, Pacific coast time. We will talk about it this Sunday.

**

It still isn’t too late to send in a pledge form 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!

_____

Events!

Jan. 17, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Jan. 18, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday

Jan. 24, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Jan. 31, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Feb. 7, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Thanksgiving for Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock's wins in the Georgia Senate runoffs cementing Democrats' control of the Senate for the next two years.

· Thanksgiving that Linda's friend Marika has moved out of the hospital and is finishing up her quarantine time.

· Our nation where polarization and political violence are on the rise.

· Our messy democracy.

· Those who can continue to be a peaceful presence in our nation's capital.

· Peace and healing in Tigard where protesters gathered Thursday night after police fatally shot a man during a domestic violence call and the victim had been in a mental health crisis.

· Celebration for the life of Charlie Brown and his ministry to all of us.

· Our beloved Portland.

· Christians who are caught up on the wrong side of this moment in history.

· Safety and protection for our governors, President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, and all those who have been called to serve.

· The health and safety of those administering the COVID vaccine and those receiving it.

· Thanksgiving that Arnold Schwarzenegger is speaking out and condemning the attack on our Capitol. 

· Thanksgiving that Brett's son Parker in London has the COVID antibodies.

· Healing for Earl's granddaughter following removal of  her wisdom teeth.

· Gratitude for everyone on this call and that we all appear healthy and are surviving all this.

· Chuck's kids in Norway where the government has imposed emergency measures to try and stem the spread of the virus. 

_____

Poem

A Poem for Epiphany, by Coracle

O God,
who am I now?

Once, I was secure

in familiar territory
in my sense of belonging

unquestioning of 

the norms of my culture
the assumptions built into my language
the values shared by my society.

But now you have called me out and away from home
and I do not know where you are leading.
I am empty, unsure, uncomfortable.
I have only a beckoning star to follow.

Journeying God,
pitch your tent with mine
so that I may not become deterred
by hardship, strangeness, doubt.
Show me the movement I must make

toward a wealth not dependent on possessions
toward a wisdom not based on books
toward a strength not bolstered by might
toward a God not confined to heaven

but scandalously earthed, poor, unrecognized…

Help me find myself
as I walk in others’ shoes. 

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, Community of Pilgrims, Jan. 10, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, January 10, 2021, First Sunday after Epiphany, 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. 

_____

Dear Community of the Baptized One,

One of the things that I have learned from the Rule of St. Benedict and being part of a Benedictine community as a Benedictine oblate is the necessity of balance of life. For Benedictines, there is always the striving of balance in one’s daily life: Ora et labora, or prayer and work. In other words, balance life between prayer and work.  I have also read about this balance in the Christian life: Ora et labora et lectio, or prayer and work and study of Scripture. This balancing act is meant to help us keep perspective of life in us and around us. 

Why am I writing about Benedictines and balance? Well, for the last few days, I've been out of balance. I suspect I'm not the only one. I’ve been consuming too much of the news cycle, from the election in Georgia to yesterday’s riot and storming of this nation’s Capitol building. Many of us could not believe what we were hearing and seeing from Washington, DC. None of us could’ve imagined that we had gotten to this point in our national politics in which we would see and hear any crowd of US citizens openly attacking and hurting people and pillaging the Capitol building. Someone was trying to stop the historic practice of recording the vote of the people. Again, people were hurt. People died. It was evil.

Balance.

Then my unknown, unspoken need for balance or re-balance came about in preparation for this Sunday. I read the Gospel reading for the day, from Mark 1:4-11. It is Mark’s story of Jesus’ baptism. I was reminded instantly that we are not alone. We are part of a community greater than ourselves, and share a common good, namely, love. We are part of the body of Christ, which is a body, a gathering, that practices and strives to embody peace and love. It is because Jesus was called by God, “my Beloved,” and we are members of Christ’s body, that we are part of the Beloved community. We are part of Christ. This baptism didn’t take place in Jerusalem, the center of theological and political power, but north of Jerusalem, in the wilderness, at the north-most end of the Jordan river. It was here that there was another “epiphany” of sorts, in which God broke through the clouds and stirred up the waters:  “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan river. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:9-11).

For just a moment in the last 24 hours I needed to be reminded of who I am and whose I am, and who we are and whose we are. We are a community of pilgrims and followers of the Pilgrim God. While we are in this world, and care deeply about the politics of our community and nation, we need to be reminded from time to time of our primary community, and who and whose we are. As we are reminded in our baptism, "Within this covenant (between us and God), God gives us new life, strengthens us to resist evil, and nurtures us in love. Through this covenant, we choose whom we will serve, by turning from evil and turning to Jesus Christ" (My emphasis, Book of Common Worship, Westminster/John Knox Press, p. 409).

Join us this Sunday as we remember our baptism, reacquainting ourselves with the meaning of being baptized in this fractured time, in which the powers that are around us show their weakness and brittleness, and we re-learn the importance of being Christian community with one another, baptized, one and all.

Balance.

**

It still isn’t too late to send in a pledge form 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!

_____

Events!

Jan. 10, Baptism of Jesus Sunday, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Jan. 17, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Jan. 24, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

Jan. 31, Gather and Devotion on Zoom.

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Thanksgiving for the vaccine and prayers for a way to get it to people.

· Thanksgiving for the closing on the sale of Linda's brother Gary's condo, giving him one less thing to be concerned about because his health is concerning.

· A negative COVID test for Parker and thanksgiving that he has the antibodies.

· A negative COVID test for Scott.

· Thanksgiving that schools resume this week.

· Our beloved city that we can move forward.

· Democracy and this country

· The republic, the messy process it is but may we find a way through this together.

· Thanksgiving that we got through 2020 and for all the ways we grew as well.

_____

Poem

Epiphany on the Jordan, by Malcolm Guite

Beginning here we glimpse the Three-in-one;
The river runs, the clouds are torn apart,
The Father speaks, the Spirit and the Son
Reveal to us the single loving heart
That beats behind the being of all things
And calls and keeps and kindles us to light.
The dove descends, the spirit soars and sings
‘You are belovèd, you are my delight!’

In that quick light and life, as water spills
And streams around the Man like quickening rain,
The voice that made the universe reveals
The God in Man who makes it new again.
He calls us too, to step into that river
To die and rise and live and love forever.

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, Community of Pilgrims, Jan. 3, 2021

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!

**

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.

**

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!

_____

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.

____

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.

_____

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.

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, CoP, Dec. 24, 25, and 27, 2020

THIS THURSDAY: Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, December 24, 2020, Christmas Eve, and Zoom; Celebrating Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2020) and Christmastide (Dec. 27, 2020). 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. 

_____

Dear Pilgrims of Advent, 

As I write this newsletter column for this holiday season, it is the season of Advent for less than 24 more hours. In other words, it is the last day of Advent! Soon, it will be Christmas Eve day, then Christmas. The end of one season, and the beginning of another. As we started this pilgrimage some weeks ago, we entered a land and time of anticipation and anxiety. Advent is always a season of anticipation of the celebration of the Christ child. The anxiety came with the world caught in a pandemic, the likes of which none of us have seen or been part of before. Hopefully, with the Christmas decorations surrounding many of our communities, and our worship and gathering times focused on the celebration of many anniversaries in which we celebrate the coming of the Christ, we celebrate “anticipation” more than “anxiety,” knowing that God so loved the world, in its past and current conditions, that God in human flesh appeared among us. More to the point, God, in the form of Spirit, known in the body of Christ, celebrates with us in our celebrations of these seasons. For one more day, happy Advent.

In the next few days, there are several Scripture readings for us to navigate the first days of Christmastide. The first is Luke 2:1-14, in which Luke tells the story of the birth of Jesus, as well as the announcement of the angels heralding the birth to a scattered gathering of lonely shepherds in the field. This is a message of reaffirmation. After all, we know this story like the back of our hands, but it is good to reaffirm this old gem of a story we know “right well” as they say in the American South. This story is told on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, we can re-read parts of this story, as well as take in and focus on vv. 8-20, in which the shepherds actually make it to the place where Joseph and Mary are taking care of the child, telling the tired couple all they heard from the angels. On Sunday, December 27, we read the portion of the story that shows the Holy Family on a pilgrimage, going down the road (literally) to Jerusalem, to present the child to God and the people at the Holy Temple, while also offering a sacrifice. It was here in the Temple that elderly Simeon and Anna’s wish to see the birth of the Messiah has come to fruition (Luke 2:22-40). In these three stories, over these three days, we have, first, a story of reaffirmation: God has come to the people of Israel, now appearing in the flesh as a tiny baby. Second, this is a story of redemption, which is clearly what the shepherds came to celebrate with the good news of God’s grace-in-flesh born on that day. Third, this is a story of re-naming, in which the very titles and names tossed between Simeon and Anna about this one born in Bethlehem reveal the Holy heritage or lineage of this child, who is a fulfillment of the prophecies made long ago. On this Christmas day, with this gift, we remember that we are not saved by our words (prayers and sermons, and the like) or our many deeds (charitable, political and religious), but by grace, as exemplified in the birth, and thus gift, of the Christ child, God-with-us, for us, and for our salvation. Let us join our voices with the voices throughout the ages that celebrate this gift of wonder! Hallelujah! Amen!

**

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.

**

Thank you, all, for your contribution of time, talent, service, and financial gifts to us and to the wider PCUSA in 2020. As we draw to the end of the year 2020, 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 Advent 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!

_____

Events!

Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! Join us at 4 pm (Pacific Coast time) for a short time of reflecting on the meaning of Christmas! Bring your own drink!

Dec. 25, Christmas! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Dec. 27, Christmastide! A Holy Holiday! See you on Jan. 3, 2021

Jan. 3, 2021, Epiphany (well, we will celebrate it, though Epiphany is on Jan. 6); Gather, devotion and Zoom.

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Birthday celebrations for Chris's best friend Kathy and her ZOOM party tomorrow evening.

· Thanksgiving for the gifts to Human Solutions.

· Karen's friend David Weizmann who passed away from COVID and his two sons who survived him. His passing was expected but painful at this time when we cannot gather together.

· Brett's son-in-law Scott as he waits to learn if he has COVID after being exposed.

· The stimulus plan just passed by Congress.

· Support for small businesses so they can survive during the pandemic. 

· People without homes around the world.

· A smooth transition in administrations and making the best of the worst situation.

· Our mother earth which is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions in all parts of the world.

· The generosity of Chuck's family in Norway who is sending gifts to America as their Christmas present.

· All grand babies, new and old.

_____

Poem

Christmas Eve, by Christina Rossetti

CHRISTMAS hath a darkness

Brighter than the blazing noon,

Christmas hath a chillness

Warmer than the heat of June,

Christmas hath a beauty

Lovelier than the world can show:

For Christmas bringeth Jesus,

Brought for us so low.

Earth, strike up your music,

Birds that sing and bells that ring;

Heaven hath answering music

For all Angels soon to sing:

Earth, put on your whitest

Bridal robe of spotless snow:

For Christmas bringeth Jesus,

Brought for us so low.

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter,CoP, December 20, 2020

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, December 20, 2020, Fourth Sunday of Advent, and Zoom; Contact Pastor Brett Webb-Mitchell (919) 444-9111; brettwebbmitchell@gmail.com and visit www.communityofpilgrims.com. 

_____

Dear Pilgrims of Advent, 

I am writing this opening note on the eighth and last night of Hanukkah. The COVID 19 vaccine is now starting to spread out slowly in this country. Infections continue to go up in some parts of the nation, as do the number of those who have died, and falling in others. And so we pray for healing, health, and wholeness in the days and year to come, both here and abroad. Our Christmas will, like all the other holidays of our lives, be unique. Christmas lights and lit-up menorahs appear on the front lawns of houses in the neighborhoods. I’ve seen multiple 2-story inflated Mickey Mouse figures, menorahs, cows, hippos, penguins, polar bears, Santas, snowmen, and Christmas dragons…who knew! More Zoom gatherings and parties than I can count at this time are before me. We’ve adapted well to this COVID 19 time, and look forward to a post-COVID 19 world in 2021. 

This week’s Scripture focus is going to be 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16. This is kind of out of the usual readings from the Hebrew Scriptures for Advent and Christmas, and is nowhere to be found or echoed in the usual readings from Matthew and Luke birth narratives. As a theologian/pastor, this is the first time I’ve focused on this Scripture for an Advent homily. But as I read it I came to understand that it is an incredible pilgrim/pilgrimage passage, and speaks to the movement of God upon this earth, which God created in the first place. And God in Christ definitely moved upon the earth. In this passage a new king, namely David, had a new idea for God: housing! By that, I mean that David wants to build a fancy temple for God, as well as centralize the Jewish people in one place. Israel was moving from a loose confederation (remember the tribes of Israel) to a centralized government under King David. Up to that point, God moved with the people of Israel in an ark, sheltered in a tent. David’s idea had the “ok” from the prophet Nathan, but God had a talk with Nathan about this idea of making God so immobile. In verse 7, God reminds Nathan, the people, and us: “I go where you go. I am with you. No matter what happenstance or setting.” This promise, that God is with us, no matter the happenstance or setting is also the basic understanding and reason for celebrating Christmas: Emmanuel, the name given to Jesus in Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23, which, in Hebrew, means “God is with us.” Even today, in the person of the Holy Spirit, God is with us as members of the body of Christ. Join us this Sunday as we move along our Advent pilgrimage, closer to the celebration of the birth of Immanuel, God with us!

**

A reminder:

Our Holiday giving this year will, again, focus on Human Solutions. They serve 220 residents in 3 shelters, 3 meals each day, and the shelter's cook's pantry can use:

Cans of Veggies (corn, carrots, green beans

Crushed tomatoes

Chili

Canned fruit

Cream of chicken or mushroom soup

Chicken, vegetables, and beef broth or stock.

Also, warm winter gear is much needed by families in the emergency shelters and affordable housing communities, especially since they are meeting outside as much as possible. New or unused clothing is requested, including warm puffy coats, hats, scarves, gloves, pajamas, slippers, and warm socks, and there is often a need for large women's sizes.

Our holiday giving will start this Sunday, Nov. 29th, and run through all four weeks of Advent. We hope that each household can give a shopping bag full of canned goods and/or a shopping bag full of warm clothing. Please bring your donations to Kathy Fukuyama's house, 6221 SW Tower Way, Portland, OR 97221, 502-793-4758, by this Saturday, December 19th! We will deliver our holiday giving to the Gresham Women's Shelter on Sunday, December, 20!

**

Thank you, all, for your contribution of time, talent, service, and financial gifts to us and to the wider PCUSA in 2020. As we draw to the end of the year 2020, 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 Advent 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!

_____

Events!

Dec. 20, Fourth Sunday of Advent, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! Join us at 4 pm (Pacific Coast time) for a short time of reflecting on the meaning of Christmas!

Dec. 25, Christmas! 

Dec. 27, Christmastide! A Holy Holiday! See you on Jan. 3, 2021

Jan. 3, 2021, Epiphany (well, we will celebrate it, though Epiphany is on Jan. 6); Gather, devotion and Zoom.

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Celebration on the birth of Felix, new grandson for Diana and Roland.

· The successful sale of Linda's brother's condominium. 

· Thanksgiving for vaccines and prayers that they will be available to everyone.

· Progress towards peace in the Middle East in light of the new peace alliances.

· Continued prayers for peace and reconciliation in our divided country.

· Safe trip back to California on Wednesday for Michael.

· Thanksgiving for the miracles of ZOOM.

· Peace and hope for those who have lost their jobs and businesses.  

· Our mother earth.

_____

Poem

O Sapientia, by Malcolm Guite

I cannot think unless I have been thought,

Nor can I speak unless I have been spoken.

I cannot teach except as I am taught,

Or break the bread except as I am broken.

O Mind behind the mind through which I seek,

O Light within the light by which I see,

O Word beneath the words with which I speak,

O founding, unfound Wisdom, finding me,

O sounding Song whose depth is sounding me,

O Memory of time, reminding me,

My Ground of Being, always grounding me,

My Maker’s Bounding Line, defining me,

Come, hidden Wisdom, come with all you bring,

Come to me now, disguised as everything.

____

Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander