Newsletter CoP, Oct. 31, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Oct. 31, 2021, 23rd 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!

And so we move into our high(er) holy days of the Church year this coming Sunday. This Sunday, Oct. 31, is All Hallow’s Eve and Reformation Sunday, followed by All Hallow’s Day or All Saints’ Day. It is said that theologian Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the nearby castle's church door in Wittenberg, Germany, on the evening of All Hallow’s Eve, 1517, in order that the most people possible would see his doctrine on the church door the next morning. With these Theses, he lit the flame of the Protestant Reformation. No green for vestments on this day. Red is the color for Reformation Sunday, because red is worn for the sign of the Holy Spirit, which was and is moving in the Church. This is followed by All Hallow’s or All Saints’ Day on Monday, Nov.1, 2021, which we will celebrate on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021.

This Sunday’s focus passage is Mark 12: 28-34. To sum it up, Jesus was asked by a Jewish Scribe about which commandment was the first of all commandments from the Decalogue, the Ten Commandments. Jesus answered that the two most important commandments are, one, to love the Lord your God with all your body, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. All the rest of the laws fall under these two major commandments. This is nothing new, of course. These commandments are foundational to Torah. However, no one else put the two ancient commandments together in the way that Jesus did, giving it a new twist, if you will. Core to both commandments is love. And by love, Jesus means an agape love. A sacrificial love. And this sacrificial, agape, love is well-practiced by Jesus, who shows us how to practice this love, right where we are, daily, 24/7. In other words, to love is the way of life for all Christians. It isn't merely a philosophy or theology or "outlook on life," per se, but a practice, involving our mind, body and spirit, learned in and part of our community of faith/the body of Christ. Join us, on this All Hallow’s Eve and Reformation Sunday, as we discuss the application of agape love in our lives and world today, 24/7. 

**

It is that time in the Church year that, along with all the special holy days, there is also our need to ask people to consider in what ways you can support our ministry with one another and the world in which we live through our time, our service, our gifts, and our financial support. Please consider how you can support us, the Community of Pilgrims, in 2022. We will be sending out pledge forms in the coming weeks, and ask that you return them to Bill Kinsey, our Treasurer, by Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. Thank you for considering this request.

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Events!

Oct. 31, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! All Hallow’s Eve and Reformation Sunday.

Nov. 7, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! All Saints’ Day to be celebrated.

Nov. 14, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Nov. 21, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! Pledge Sunday! Reign of Christ Sunday.

Nov. 28, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! First Sunday of Advent.

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Prayers of Celebration and Concern

We prayer to the Lord: 

· The people in Haiti including the missionaries being held for ransom, the 13,000 refugees that were sent back to Haiti, victims of the earthquake and widespread COVID and for leadership after the assassination of their President.

· Traveling mercies for Karen returning home from a visit with Chris.

· Two friends in Montana and California, both fighting terminal illnesses, and for all friends who are suffering.

· Continued prayers for brother Gary who is becoming more debilitated by Parkinson's symptoms.  

· Thanksgiving for the vaccine now available for children 5-11 and prayers that it come quickly for younger children.

· Zeta who is now able to be at home recovering and Roberta was able to visit her last week.

· Understanding for refugees worldwide.

· 98-year-old friend who is near death and thanksgiving for the good care from the family.

· Hannah in Scotland recently committed to six months of involuntary care.

· Abby, a registered nurse in CA who cares for COVID patients and she lost her father to COVID.

· Family and friends of John Shuck  who died last week due to complications from COVID.

· Our climate and good cooperation and outcomes from the UN Climate Summit in Glasgow next week.

· Congress to act on global climate change and the right to vote bills.

· Celebrations for upcoming birthdays for Scott and daughter Edie, turning three.

· Celebrations for art and being able to attend the Portland Art Museum in person.

“God, in your love, attend our prayers…”

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Poem

All Saints, by Malcolm Guite

Though Satan breaks our dark glass into shards

Each shard still shines with Christ’s reflected light,

It glances from the eyes, kindles the words

Of all his unknown saints. The dark is bright

With quiet lives and steady lights undimmed,

The witness of the ones we shunned and shamed.

Plain in our sight and far beyond our seeing

He weaves them with us in the web of being

They stand beside us even as we grieve,

The lone and left behind whom no one claimed,

Unnumbered multitudes, he lifts above

The shadow of the gibbet and the grave,

To triumph where all saints are known and named;

The gathered glories of His wounded love.

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Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, CoP, Oct. 24, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Oct. 24, 2021, 22nd 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!

Prayers for rain are being answered! As we all know, we Oregonians and our friends in CA and WA, are all in severe drought conditions. As I paddled this morning on the Willamette River, in the rain, I smiled because I knew this is good for our part of the world. Amid thoughts and concerns of the “new normal” in weather patterns, it appears that our members from NM to VA, CA to NY, WA and OR, are living in “normal” patterns of weather. Amen.

This week’s Scripture focus is Mark 10:46-52. It is otherwise known as the story of Bartimaeus, who is blind. But this is no ordinary tale of healing. This is a story of discipleship and calling. As all the commentary writers point out: even though Bartimaeus is physically blind, he can “see” Jesus for who Jesus really is in his earthly ministry. For example, Bartimaeus “sees” and knows of Jesus’ lineage: “Son of David,” he shouts to Jesus. How did Bartimaeus know that? Furthermore, Bartimaeus not only receives his sight, but he “sees” and hears that he is called to be a disciple of Jesus, following Jesus and the disciples as Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem, where Jesus will be killed. Finally, many commentary writers call this a story of true “calling” as Jesus literally and figuratively calls Bartimaeus to his side, and heals him. Join us this Sunday as we consider not only Bartimaeus’ calling, but our calling as well. After all, we’ve all received a calling from Christ’s Spirit in our lives, right? What is your calling in life? And how has it been confirmed and affirmed by our community of faith?

**

It is that time in the Church year that, along with all the special holy days, there is also our need to ask people to consider in what ways you can support our ministry with one another and the world in which we live through our time, our service, our gifts, and our financial support. Please consider how you can support us, the Community of Pilgrims, in 2022. We will be sending out pledge forms in the coming week, and ask that you return them to Bill Kinsey, our Treasurer, by Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. Thank you for considering this request.

_____

Events!

Oct. 24, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Oct. 31, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! Happy Halloween!

Nov. 7, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! All Saints’ Day to be celebrated

Nov. 14, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

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Prayers of Celebration and Concern

·  Celebrations for leaves and our beautiful fall colors.

· Thanks for being able to sit outside for this evening's gathering.

· Thanks for the COVID vaccine and Merck's coming out with a COVID-19 pill. 

· Opening the hearts and minds of those who oppose the vaccine.

· Safe travels for Karen as she travels to see Chris in New York.

· Family and friends of Marcia Ferguson who passed away a week ago of colon cancer.

· Successful outcome to Linda's second cataract surgery on Tuesday.

· Peace and reconciliation in our city after a group of anarchists caused substantial damage to businesses and government buildings in downtown Portland on Tuesday night.  

· Paula, Carol's sister whose cancer has returned and she is in hospice.  She has two boys.

· Kathy Kelly who has breast cancer.

· Concerns for our world including new weapon testing in China and North Korea, increased military drills by China against Taiwan,  and the bombings of Shia mosques in Afghanistan.

· Justice in this country as the investigation into the January 6th insurrection opens.

· All people with mental illness, especially as we come out of the pandemic.

· Brett as he participates (on Zoom) in the 2021 Convocation of the North American Lutheran Church this next week. 

· Christian's mother and sister Iva and Yarrow, both suffering from breast cancer.

· Control over the escalating violence in Portland.

· The Christian missionaries who have been kidnapped in Haiti.

* Climate change.

“God, in your love, attend our prayers…”

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Poem

Autumn, by John Clare

The thistledown's flying, though the winds are all still, 

On the green grass now lying, now mounting the hill, 

The spring from the fountain now boils like a pot; 

Through stones past the counting it bubbles red-hot. 

The ground parched and cracked is like overbaked bread, 

The greensward all wracked is, bents dried up and dead. 

The fallow fields glitter like water indeed, 

And gossamers twitter, flung from weed unto weed. 

Hill-tops like hot iron glitter bright in the sun, 

And the rivers we're eying burn to gold as they run; 

Burning hot is the ground, liquid gold is the air; 

Whoever looks round sees Eternity there. 

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Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, CoP, Oct. 17, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Oct. 17, 2021, 21st 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!

A friend recently texted me, “Surviving the week and the onslaught of the glorious Grey?” Yes, the grey clouds of October have descended upon our part of the country, as if on cue, with much-needed rain from time to time, day to day. And it is a good thing, too. Our state and part of the world is in a “total” drought condition. Along with the beauty of the tree leaves changing color, we are thankful for the rain.

Our Scriptural focus this week is going to be on the end of the book of Job. Job has been the focus of the Revised Common Lectionary’s Hebrew Scripture. In the first 37  chapters of Job, we understand that there was a wager between God and the Adversary as to the true faithfulness of this solitary human being, Job. Everything, including the proverbial kitchen sink, was thrown at Job, which would make any of us question the existence of God. In Chapter 38, God speaks up, and addresses not only Job, but us as well. Mind you: God does not address Job’s situation (which was dire, having lost family and property, left with three clueless friends), nor Job’s questions about justice, nor Job’s distressful suffering. Instead, God re-sets, and re-orients Job as to who God is: God is God, ergo, Job is not God, or the center of the story of creation. God takes Job on a whirlwind tour of the universe, beginning with earth’s creation, the birth of the Sea, along with a tour of “where the wild things really are,” including chaotic monsters, Behemoth and Leviathan. While it would’ve been nice for God to apologize for all of Job’s stress-filled life, with God comforting Job, instead, in the words of the late William Safire, “It’s as if God appears in a tie-dyed t-shirt emblazoned with the words, ‘Because I’m God, That’s Why!” Join us this Sunday for a discussion of Job and God.

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Events!

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! Happy Halloween!

Nov. 7, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! All Saints’ Day to be celebrated

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Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Kate's son Travis who is struggling with COVID pneumonia.

· Christian's mother Iva and sister Yarrow both struggling with breast cancer.

· Thanksgiving that Patty's mother is doing well.

· Thanksgiving for fewer hospitalizations.

· Other parts of the world which do not have the vaccine yet.

· An end to the increasing gun violence in Portland.

· Continued prayers for Hannah (18, in Glasgow). Her psychotic condition remains unstable and her family is very concerned. Grace and mercy for Hannah and for her family.

· Friend Marlene whose husband is battling cancer.

· Mike House who is suffering from cardiac problems. 

· The family of Janet Holbrooke who died of cancer after only three weeks from diagnosis. She leaves a husband and twins in high school. 

· Thanksgiving that we have Brett as our pastor.

· The increasing number of victims of accidental drug overdose. 

· Calm in international politics, particularly in the increasing tension between China and Taiwan.

· The instability along our southern border.

· Those caught in sex trafficking.

· The large number of migrants and refugees who want to flee Libya, a main transit point for people seeking to reach Europe.

· The thousands of Haitian migrants coming into the US.

· Our Administration and Congress.

· Brett's daughter and son-in-law celebrating their anniversary and thanksgiving for granddaughter Edie who is turning three.

· Celebrations for Kate's son who married the love of his life yesterday.

· Violence and death by an apparent terrorist in Norway.

· Strife in Lebanon with continued civil war and their electricity grid down.

· For a world free from any threat of nuclear-weapons.

· Thankful for Merck’s COVID 19 pill, and the miracle of science with vaccinations, while praying for a miracle that those who have not received a vaccination in this country wake up soon, and those in the rest of the world get the vaccine without any further delay.

“God, in your love, attend our prayers…”

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Poem

Mrs. God, by Connie Wanek

Mrs. God 

Someone had to do the dirty work,

spading the garden, moving mountains,

keeping the darkness out of the light,

and she took every imperfection personally.

Mr. Big Ideas, sure,

but someone had to run the numbers.

Then talk about babies: he never imagined

so many.

That was part of his charm, of course,

his frank amazement at consequences.

The pretty songs he gave the finches:

those spoke to his

innocence, his ability to regard

every moment as fresh. 

“Let’s give them

free will and see what happens.”

he said, ever the optimist.

____

Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, CoP, Oct. 10, 2021

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.

____

Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, CoP, Oct. 3, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Oct. 3, 2021, Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, World Communion Sunday, Gathering and Devotion and Communion 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!

The first Sunday in October, October 3, 2021, is designated as World Communion Sunday, which celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our brothers, sisters, and siblings around the world.  The Apostle Paul tells us that we are to “discern the body” when we partake of Holy Communion, mindful that we note our relationship to all our brothers and sisters and siblings in Christ in the celebration. 

For this Sunday, the focus Scripture is going to be Galatians 3:23-29. In this letter and passage, Paul is addressing a largely Gentile audience who are getting confused and caught up in replaying the rules and rituals of Judaism as necessary to inclusion in and among God’s covenant people. Paul reminds them, the Galatians, that they received the Spirit by believing the proclamation about Christ crucified and not by doing works of law (3:1-5). Paul quickly reminds them that Christ has come, and the rite of entry into God’s people is baptism, available to all people: “As many of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”(3:27). Being baptized, we are all clothed with Christ, wrapped up in Christ, filled with Christ's Spirit, incorporated into Christ and Christ’s body so that Christ becomes and is our primary identity marker. And what does that mean for us, especially on this World Communion Sunday? The differences between us, which we know by the social labels we inherit or take upon ourselves, become secondary to our primary identity as Christ’s beloved community. Paul declares, in a quite radical move, that the power of the three categories that mattered most in the ancient world—ethnicity, socio-economic status, and gender—are no longer the primary way we identify with one another in our world, which are also boundary markers. They don’t necessarily disappear, of course, but Paul declares that in Christ, “there is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female,” meaning these categories are irrelevant in the greater, risen, mysterious, yet real body of Christ. For one to be baptized into Christ means being clothed with Christ, and finding one’s primary identity in Christ. Paul doesn’t stop there, nor do we: “And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham (and Sarah’s) offspring, heirs, according to the promise. All of us Christians, around the world, belong to Christ, sharing fully and equally in the inheritance of God’s promise and the call to live as God’s people and heirs.  Join us this Sunday as we celebrate our world communion with other Christians around the world.

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Events!

Oct. 3, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! Celebrating World Communion! Holy Communion to be shared.

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!

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Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Improved health for Randy dealing with kidney and prostate issues.

· Christian's sister Yarrow who is dying from cancer and for their mother Iva who at 97 years old lives with cancer but is in stable health. 

· Thanksgiving for Patty's mother's improved health.

· Thanksgiving that Zeta has been able to move into her daughter's house.

· An end of gun violence in Portland and in our country.

· The Stanfield and Faulkner families after Carol's sister Paula's recent cancer diagnosis.

· Friend Dana whose son passed away after a drug overdose and the family had to let him go.

· Thanksgiving that COVID vaccines are going up.

· States such as Alaska where the Delta variant is out of control.

· Thanksgiving that Hannah has been transferred to a psychiatric hospital and prayers she can get help there.

· All the dead and missing persons in the intense 10 year old civil war in Syria.

· Our democracy and can we save it.

· Guidance in Germany where Merkel is ending her tenure and appreciation for her leadership.

· Refugees seeking relief from terrible situations.

· Brett's new church, Portsmouth Trinity Lutheran. 

“God, in your love, attend our prayers…”

_____

Poem

Table Blessing, by Jan Richardson

To your table

You bid us come.

You have set the places

You have poured the wine,

And there is always room,

You say, 

For one more.

And so we come.

From the streets

And from the alleys

We come.

From the deserts

And from the hills

We come.

From the ravages of poverty

And from the palaces of privilege

We come.

Running,

Limping,

Carried,

We come.

We are bloodied with our wars,

We are wearied with our wounds,

We carry our dead within us,

And we reckon with their ghosts.

We hold the seeds of healing,

We dream of a new creation,

We know the things

That make for peace,

And we struggle to give them wings.

And yet, to your table

We come.

Hungering for your bread,

We come.

Thirsting for your wine,

We come, 

Singing your song

In every language,

Speaking your name

In every tongue,

In conflict and in communion,

In discord and in desire,

We come, 

O God of Wisdom,

We come.

____

Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, CoP, Sept. 26, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Sept. 26, 2021, Eighteenth 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!

It is hard to believe that we have reached the last Sunday in September. For me, this was one very quick moving month. It was one of those months that flew by. Next week, we will settle into the beginning of October, which also hastens the beginning of a busy church season, with All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day and the Realm of Christ Sunday in November, followed by the first Sunday of Advent on Nov. 28.

This Sunday the focus is on the last part of the Letter of James 5:13-20. In this passage, James exhorts communities of faith to engage in expressions of community life that seek to reflect the radical love, the radical hospitality, of God. James clearly envisions that our communities of faith are something wildly out of sync with the compartmentalized ways of worldly wisdom. James understands that intentional communities of faith, like ours, are formed in the image of God, and James is rigorous in supplying a theological warrant for the practices and politics of a Christian community like ours. In point of fact, James only mentions Christ twice, referring to God far more often. God is the driving force for the moral action being recommended. This portion of his letter begins with explicit directions: “Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them anointing them with oil in the name of God” (vv. 13-14). Lots of moral absolutes in this passage, with plenty of "shoulds."  Indeed, how does the community of faith express its radicalness? It is formed in the image of God reflecting God’s speech. In a world in which people share an insipid, “Thoughts and prayers!” as we take in the news of a tragedy in someone’s life, James emboldens us to pray more actively, without hesitation, taking our thoughts and prayers directly to the Most High God, and asking God to take it all into God’s consideration as God’s Spirit watches over our daily lives. Join us this Sunday as we consider the ways that our community of faith reflects the radicalness of James’ message to the world in which we reflect a form of God-shaped humanity which flourishes against the grain of the universe in our world today. 

_____

Events!

Sept. 26, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Oct. 3, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom! Celebrating World Communion!

Oct. 10, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Oct. 17, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

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Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· Celebrations for the start of Community of Pilgrims' fifth year.

· The children in our lives.

· Hunter and her 5 1/2-year-old daughter Victoria both just diagnosed with COVID.

· Yarrow and Iva Halstead, both living with breast cancer.

· Patty Turpin and her mother.

· Zeta who is facing more surgery.

· Thanksgiving for those who have gotten vaccinated.

· The families of those who have died from COVID.

· Birthday celebrations for Lorinda and Ray's daughter Melissa.

· Caring treatment to immigrants trying to come to the US.

· Americans and Christians still in Afghanistan.

· Safe travel back to London for Parker.

· An end to gun violence in Portland neighborhoods.

· Help for all the homeless in Portland and Seattle.

· Protection for the giant sequoias threatened by the wildfires burning in California.

· Strength and safety for firefighters.

· A safe home for Marge Stockwell when she is able to leave the rehab facility in Gresham.

· Roxanne Meuswen who died of COVID. She helped Karen and Ron in adopting Emily.

· Katy as she moves into her sorority house and for Emily who loves high school.

 “God, in your love, attend our prayers…”

_____

Poem

Autumn Day, by Rainer Maria Rilke

Autumn Day 

Lord: it is time. The summer was great. 

Lay your shadows onto the sundials 
and let loose the winds upon the fields.

Command the last fruits to be full, 
give them yet two more southern days, 
urge them to perfection, and chase 
the last sweetness into the heavy wine.

Who now has no house, builds no more. 
Who is now alone, will long remain so, 
will stay awake, read, write long letters 
and will wander restlessly here and there 
in the avenues, when the leaves drift. 

____

Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, Sept. 19, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Sept. 19, 2021, Seventeenth 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. 

_____

Dear Community of Pilgrims!

Thanks, one and all, for joining in the celebration of our 4-year anniversary of the Community of Pilgrims! We thoroughly enjoyed sharing our memorable stories with one another, and we have now stepped into year “4+.” Thank you, again and again, for your support, steadfastness and persistence, service, fellowship, education, love, gift of hospitality, and generosity of heart, mind, and body as we continue to love God and love neighbor on our pilgrimage of life.

The focus "Scripture" this week is Mark 9:30-37. I’m going to focus on this part, starting with vs. 33: “Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” What does that mean? I was just given this sermon illustration this morning as I ran to a nearby PCC market in Seattle to pick up a raspberry scone for mid-morning noshing. Next to my car, a mother was unbuckling her young daughter from her car seat in the mom’s station wagon. The mom was ever so careful to lift the girl carefully from the car seat, talking comforting words the entire time. I then saw two little braids bounding by the front of my car as the little girl cheerfully ran into the open, loving arms of the day care worker who worked at a nearby playschool. They squeezed each other tightly, and then the little girl skipped away to pre-school while the two women embraced and greeted one another with much affection for one another. Jesus was telling the disciples to be like the mom and the daycare worker with each other, eagerly and lovingly greeting one another with a genuine touch and sense of care. That’s what it means to be a “servant leader” and “great” in Christian communities of faith: by welcoming and living with each other with a sense of genuine affection, transparent, and with love, just as this child, mom, and caregiver showed me this morning. Join us this week as we talk about such servant leadership.

_____

Events!

Sept. 19, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Sept. 26, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Oct. 3, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Oct. 10, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· The Community of Pilgrims as we celebrate our fourth anniversary and for more anniversaries ahead.

· Tom Letts and his wife Joelle whose son died unexpectedly last Saturday.

· The thousands of veterans who have died since 9-11.

· Roberta's friend Zeta who has been hospitalized for months following an auto accident and prayers she will be able to leave the hospital in another week.

· Deborah's friend's daughter Hannah hospitalized in Scotland following attempted suicide. May she stabilize and be able to move to a psychiatric hospital. Prayers for all people suffering from eating disorders.

· Karen's daughter Katie who will move into a sorority house next weekend and for Emily who just started high school.

· Safe travels for Chris as she flies home to upstate New York tomorrow.

· Civility in our country's politics as we address so many issues.

· Thanksgiving for the hospitality our community has shared.

· Christian's mother and sister, Iva and Yarrow Halstead, both living with breast cancer.

· Patty Turpin's mother who is in the hospital with kidney failure.

· Good results  for Linda's upcoming cataract surgery.

· Linda's brother Gary who continues to suffer from Parkinson's Disease and thanksgiving that he and Linda were able to have a good visit recently.

· Thanksgiving that Chris is still part of the Community of Pilgrims 

· Celebrations for Dayna and Luke who got married September 4th. 

• Birthday celebrations for Chris Dungan this coming Tuesday (Happy birthday, Chris).

 “God, in your love, attend our prayers…”

_____

Poem

To the Light of September, by W. S. Merwin

 

When you are already here 

you appear to be only 

a name that tells of you 

whether you are present or not 

and for now it seems as though 

you are still summer 

still the high familiar 

endless summer 

yet with a glint 

of bronze in the chill mornings 

and the late yellow petals 

of the mullein fluttering 

on the stalks that lean 

over their broken 

shadows across the cracked ground 

but they all know 

that you have come 

the seed heads of the sage 

the whispering birds 

with nowhere to hide you 

to keep you for later 

you 

who fly with them 

you who are neither 

before nor after 

you who arrive 

with blue plums 

that have fallen through the night 

perfect in the dew.

____

Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, Community of Pilgrims, Sept. 12, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Sept. 12, 2021, Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Gathering and Devotion on Zoom this Sunday. 4th-Year Anniversary of The Community of Pilgrims! 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 Pilgrims!

Happy Four-Year Anniversary! Woohoo!

Good things come in four! For example, in the Wizard of Oz, there are four incredible characters: Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow. There were four Beatles. There are four suits of cards. There are four cardinal directions. There are four seasons. There’s the “Fantastic Four” fictional action figures.  And there are four Gospels in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John!

And The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship is celebrating four years together!

On Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, 4 pm, we will gather together on Zoom to celebrate our anniversary. We will be gathering via Zoom, thanks, in no part, to the presence of the Delta variant, which re-configures so much of the world in which we live. The Scripture focus will be Hebrews 13:1, 2: “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to pilgrims, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” And here’s a task for you to consider: Think of one powerful memory or meaningful way, or comedic way, that being part of this growing, evolving, ever changing community of faith has touched your life, the life of others around you, or the world in which we live. For example, I still remember the night we re-poured pounds of rice into smaller bags for families who needed food in Portland. Now, your turn. We will share these memories on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. We will share Communion on that day as well, and a toast afterwards with your favorite libation.

_____

Events!

Sept. 12, Celebrating the Fourth Anniversary of the Community of Pilgrims! 4 pm, Gather and Devotion and Holy Communion on Zoom! Huzzah!

Sept. 19, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Sept. 26, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Oct. 3, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

·      Prayers for the voting right bills before the US Congress;

·      Prayers for the girls, women, and families in Texas with the new anti-abortion law;

·      Prayers for the youth at Home Plate, especially following the death of one of its own, like to suicide. Prayers for Roxanne and her work there.

·      Prayers for Dayna and Luke, who are now “wife and husband.”

·      Prayers of thanksgiving and gratefulness for the 4 years of The Community of Pilgrims, and may there be many more. 

·      Prayers of thanksgiving for the new people who have joined the Community of Pilgrims, like Roxanne and Deborah, Winston, Michael, and others throughout our time together.

·      Prayers for people to use masks and get the vaccine, especially in the parts of the nation where there is a strong anti-mask and anti-vaccine sentiment. 

·      Prayers for Yarrow Halstead, Christian’s sister, and Christian’s mom, who both have cancer;

·      Prayers for Afghan refugees, both who got out of the country and those trying to get out;

·      Prayers for Haiti;

·      Prayers for this nation as we remember the events around the 20th anniversary of 9/11; 

·      Prayers for those parts of the country who have felt the weight of Hurricane Ida;

·      Prayers for those living with and dying from mental illness;

·      Prayers for those attending schools in this country with masks on, and prayers for school boards who are assaulted by non-mask wearing people;

·      Prayers for those fighting the forest fires in this country and abroad;

·      Prayers for those who are refugees in this world;

·      Prayers for Tom Letts and his wife, Joelle, at the news of the unexpected death of their son last week in Colorado;

“God, in your love, attend our prayers…” 

_____

Poem

Come Gather All, by Paul Berchtold

Come gather all, from great to least,
Come celebrate this special feast.
This is the day, by God's own choice,
Our church was born. Let us rejoice!

May God be praised! May God be blest!
May He find here His place of rest.
We honor those who built with care,
His throne on earth, this house of prayer.

May all who come, find truth and light,
Receive new hope of future bright.
God fill us with abundant grace.
May angels guard this holy place.

We thank you, Lord, for what you've done
Here in this place through your dear Son.
Abide with us, your Spirit show,
As rivers may your blessings flow.

____

Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, CoP, Sept. 5, 2021

Brett Webb-Mitchell <brettwebbmitchell@gmail.com>

8:49 AM (29 minutes ago)

to Katherine, Karen, Bill, me, bcc: Karen, bcc: hristine, bcc: Nina, bcc: Bill, bcc: Katherine, bcc: me, bcc: bcc:, bcc: cc:, bcc: Diana, bcc: Aric, bcc: Paul, bcc: jack, bcc: Mark, bcc: James, bcc: pastor, bcc: David, bcc: Chris, bcc: Courtney, bcc: kathrine, bcc: Sue, bcc: Brian, bcc: Sally, bcc: Earl, bcc: Laura, bcc: Matt, bcc: Kristin, bcc: Grace, bcc: Mary, bcc: susan, bcc: Luke, bcc: Cynthia, bcc: bcc:, bcc: Jo, bcc: Ric, bcc: Tom, bcc: Lee, bcc: Blackstone, bcc: Ben, bcc: David, bcc: Steve, bcc: Carl, bcc: Christian, bcc: Frank, bcc: John, bcc: Dean, bcc: Rebecca, bcc: Scott, bcc: lonalo63, bcc: Brian, bcc: Jim, bcc: Dayna, bcc: hidemaichann, bcc: Roberta, bcc: Marie, bcc: Kathy, bcc: Michael, bcc: Winston, bcc: Alan, bcc: alihildy, bcc: emperoroftroy, bcc: Beth, bcc: olbrantzsarah, bcc: tracyg0822, bcc: Jerelyn, bcc: Deborah, bcc: Roxanne, bcc: Clark

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Sept. 5, 2021, Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, No 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. 

_____

Dear Community of Pilgrims,

In the US, our Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. Thanks to the people who are the backbone of this nation, and whose labor makes it possible for us to live life more fully. The weather pattern has us “set” for still warm days in the coming weeks in most parts of the country. So, let us enjoy this weekend, and the days and weeks to come, flowers and all. And, again, thanks to those who make it possible for us to enjoy these days. 

As I write this newsletter, I’m about to get on a plan to Denver, then drive to Ft. Collins, Colorado, to be the officiant (minister) at the wedding of Dayna Jones and Luke Harris this weekend. Dayna and Luke have continued to be members of The Community of Pilgrims in NM! They chose 1 Cor. 13:1-13 as their Scriptural focus for their wedding. It is known widely as the “wedding text!” The last verse is practically an anthem of Christian weddings in the western world: “Faith, hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love” (v. 13). It is offered when all is truly well, and fellowship is working its greatest work: two lives, two families, are uniting in marriage. What is equally true about this passage is that it wasn’t intended to be a “wedding” Scripture by Paul. In the previous chapter, he described what it means to be the body of Christ, followed by this passage on love. Why did he write these things? Because the church in Corinth—the intended audience for this letter—was not acting like the body of Christ, let alone practicing love. Paul was writing them to remind the church that they are to, first, celebrate the diversity in the body of Christ. This was a non-negotiable matter. This is a call to action! Second, they were to practice love. This call to love was an intervention to instruct them on what had not yet fully come. It was meant to make people feel uncomfortable, yet affirmed in love. The point was to create cognitive dissonance. While aesthetically beautiful, this passage was meant to motivate people to practice a new action plan among the members that would secure the community’s survival and concord into the future. Finally, forget about spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues, prophecy, knowledge, miracles. Love is key. God’s love. Agape love. Service love. Self-giving love. Holy love. So, Community of Pilgrims, as you enjoy this Sunday’s “Holy Holiday,” please re-read 1 Cor. 13:1-13, and celebrate love, for love is key. 

** Reminder: On Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, 4 pm, we will gather together on Zoom to celebrate our anniversary. We will be gathering via Zoom, thanks, in no part, to the presence of the Delta variant, which re-configures so much of the world in which we live. So here’s a task for you to consider: Think of one powerful memory or meaningful way, or comedic way, that being part of this growing, evolving, ever changing community of faith has touched your life, the life of others around you, or the world in which we live. For example, I still remember the night we re-poured pounds of rice into smaller bags for families who needed food in Portland. Now, your turn. We will share these memories on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. We will share Communion on that day as well, and a toast afterwards with your favorite libation.

_____

Events!

Sept. 5, Holy Holiday! (Labor Day Weekend). No gathering. Read 1 Cor. 13:1-13.

Sept. 12, Celebrating the Fourth Anniversary of the Community of Pilgrims! 4 pm, Gather and Devotion and Holy Communion on Zoom! Huzzah!

Sept. 19, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Sept. 26, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

·      Prayers for the voting right bills before the US Congress;

·      Prayers for the girls, women, and families in Texas with the new anti-abortion law;

·      Prayers for the youth at Home Plate, especially following the death of one of its own, like to suicide. Prayers for Roxanne and her work there.

·      Prayers for Dayna and Luke as they marry this weekend, and for safe travels for all;

·      Prayers of thanksgiving for the 4 years of The Community of Pilgrims, and may there be many more. 

·      Prayers of rest during Labor Day weekend, remembering those who labor on;

·      Prayers of thanksgiving for the new people who have joined Community of Pilgrim, like Roxanne and Deborah, and for those unable to attend last Sunday’s Zoom gathering.

·      Prayers for sister and sister-in-law of Roxanne, who are visiting;

·      Prayers for people to use masks and get the vaccine, especially in the parts of the nation where there is a strong anti-mask and anti-vaccine sentiment. 

·      Prayers for Yarrow Halstead, Christian’s sister, who has cancer;

·      Prayers for the friends and family of the late-Brian Foster, who died of cancer;

·      Prayers for Afghan refugees, both who got out of the country and those trying to get out;

·      Prayers for Haiti;

·      Prayers for those parts of the country who have felt the weight of Hurricane Ida;

·      Prayers for the 13 military personnel who died in Afghan;

·      Prayers for those living with and dying from mental illness;

·      Prayers for those attending schools in this country with masks on;

·      Prayers for those fighting the forest fires;

“God, in your love, attend our prayers…”

_____

Poem

Blessing the Meets You in Love, by Jan Richardson

It is true that

Every blessing begins

With love

That whatever else

It might say

Love is always

Precisely its point.

But it should be noted

That this blessing has come today

Especially to tell you

It is crazy about you.

That is has been in love with you

Forever.

That is has never

Not wanted

To see your face,

To go through this world

In your company.

This blessing thought

It was high time 

It told you so,

Just to make sure

 You know.

If it has been shy

In saying this,

It has not been 

For any lack of

Wanting to.

It’s just that

This blessing

Knows the risk 

Of offering itself

In a way that

Will so alter you—

Not because it thinks 

You could stand

Some improving,

But because this is

Simply where

Loving leads.

This blessing knows 

How love undoes us,

Unhinges us,

Unhides us.

It knows

How loving

Can sometimes feel

Like dying.

But today

This blessing 

Has come to tell you

The secret

That sends it

To your door;

That it gives itself

Only to those

Willing to come alive;

That it vows itself

Only to those

Ready to be 

Born anew.

____

Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.

Newsletter, CoP, Aug. 29, 2021

THIS SUNDAY: The Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship, Aug. 29, 2021, Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, 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 Pilgrims,

Greetings from sunny and hot southern California. Christian and I planned on a few days of “reviving" our souls a bit before I dive into being pastor of the Community of Pilgrims and Portsmouth Trinity Lutheran Church in North Portland this September by doing one of the things I love most and give me space to contemplate and be rejuvenated: walking in well-manicured gardens, visiting sculpture parks, strolling through countless art museums, and listening to live symphonic music in the Hollywood Bowl. Los Angeles area has delivered, along with good food and some down time to simply vacate.

This Sunday’s focus is on a passage from James 1:17-27. We know that John Calvin wasn’t wild about James, because there is such a strong emphasis on faith-in-action with nary a word said about grace. Nevertheless, the main focus is simply this one verse: “(B)e doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (v. 22). We read these words in a day in which we watch, listen, hear, and absorb so much that it is hard to know where to begin to do something. Even while on a mini-vacation, I’m fully aware of what is going on in the world, no matter how much I may try to stop the news: Afghanistan refugee status amid death of US troops and Afghan citizens; evictions allowed to continue in COVID 19 pandemic; the rising number of COVID 19 infections throughout parts of the country, including southern and eastern OR; mask mandates; vaccine booster shots; spreading chasm between the “haves” and “have nots”, and the homeless crisis in Portland, along with spreading gun violence in our city’s streets. Yes, words of “hope,” “justice,” “peace,” and “love” are needed, as is action. This Sunday we will have a more or less a discussion of what does it mean for us to be “doers of the word (namely loving God and neighbor), and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. See you all on Zoom Sunday!

** Reminder: On Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, we will gather together on Zoom and maybe (just maybe) in person if you are living in the Portland area, to celebrate our anniversary. We will be gathering via Zoom, thanks, in no part, to the presence of the Delta variant, which re-configures so much of the world in which we live. So here’s a task for you to consider: Think of one powerful memory or meaningful way, or comedic way, that being part of this growing, evolving, ever changing community of faith has touched your life, the life of others around you, or the world in which we live. For example, I still remember the night we re-poured pounds of rice into smaller bags for family who needed food in Portland. Now, your turn. We will share these memories on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. We will share Communion on that day as well, and a toast afterwards with your favorite libation.

_____

Events!

Aug. 29, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

Sept. 5, Holy Holiday! (Labor Day Weekend)

Sept. 12, Celebrating the Fourth Anniversary of the Community of Pilgrims! 4 pm, Gather and Devotion and Holy Communion on Zoom! Huzzah!

Sept. 19, 4 pm, Gather and Devotion on Zoom!

____

Prayers of Celebration and Concern

· The people of Afghanistan, Haiti, and victims of Hurricane Henri threatening the Atlantic coast with heavy rain and flooding.

· People in COVID hot spots including Oregon.

· Doctors and nurses who are traumatized and burned out from treating COVID.

· Certain governors to wake up and fight COVID as infection, transmission, and hospitalization spike in their states.

· The overflow of families coming across our southern border.

· The unrest in the streets of Portland, Seattle, and other cities.

· All those traveling in the next couple of weeks.

· Luke and Dayna as they prepare for their wedding.

· Diana and Amy as they prepare for their wedding in ten days.

· Continued prayers for the youth at Home Plate.

· Roxanne's cousin who has lost her family and may she feel welcome in Roxanne's  home.

· Portsmouth Trinity Lutheran Church as it assesses and discerns where it wants to go.

· Continued prayers for Linda's brother Gary.

· The electoral process in the United States.

· Control over wildfires burning actively in California, the Northwest, and other states.

· Sam Scruggs who has been hospitalized with a stroke and for his family.

· Chris as she shows her sheep on Thursday afternoon.

· Roxanne's 36th wedding anniversary. 

· Safe travels for Brett and Christian to California.

· Yarrow Halstead, Christian’s sister, who has been recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.

· Those who US troops and Afghan citizens in Kabul, trying

“God, in your love, attend our prayers…”

_____

Poem

Peace, by Malcolm Guite

Not as the world gives, not the victor’s peace,

Not to be fought for, hard-won, or achieved,

Just grace and mercy, gratefully received:

An undeserved and unforeseen release,

As the cold chains of memory and wrath

Fall from our hearts before we are aware,

Their rusty locks all picked by patient prayer,

Till closed doors open, and we see a path

Descending from a source we cannot see;

A path that must be taken, hand in hand,

Only by those, forgiving and forgiven,

Who see their savior in their enemy.

So reach for me. We’ll cross our broken land,

And make each other bridges back to Heaven. 

____

Buen Camino! Pastors Brett & Karen Cornwell Fortlander.