Newsletter, Community of Pilgrims, Dec. 30, 2018

THIS SUNDAY: Dec. 30, 2018, 10 am-12 noon, 3531 SW 57th Ave., Portland, OR 97221 (Moholt's home). Questions? Contact Pastor Brett Webb-Mitchell (919) 444-9111; brettwebbmitchell@gmail.com

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Happy Christmastide, Community of Pilgrims members, family, and friends,

What a joyous time we had together on the Fourth Sunday of Advent/Christmas Eve gathering and worship! Following the Reverse Advent food gathering project, we brought together enough items for 10 boxes of food, with two boxes going to families of people from the deaf community, and the rest of the boxes going to the Women’s Shelter-Human Solutions. This is the note we received from Lisa Frack of the Women’s Shelter: “Great to meet you this evening at the Gresham Women’s Shelter. THANK YOU and the Community of Pilgrims Presbyterian Fellowship for the generous and helpful donation of food. Love the concept of reverse advent :-) ‘Tis the Season! We would love to connect you with more opportunities to volunteer and partner with Human Solutions when/if you are ready. We are doing exciting work in the community and partners are a key piece. Happy Holidays!” Well done, Community of Pilgrims! Thank you for your generosity and thinking of others in this time of gift-giving. Our celebration of Christmastide continues this Sunday morning, Dec. 30, 2018, at Lorinda and Ray Moholt’s home for a beautiful time together over breakfast and the Lord’s Supper! Join us from 10 am to 12 noon at 3531 SW 57th Ave., Portland, OR 97221. Email me if you have any questions or want to bring something for our brunch together. Happy Christmastide, all! And thank you!

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Events!


Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, 10:00 am, Breakfast and Worship, Moholt’s home (see above for address);

Sunday, Jan. 6, 2018, Epiphany! 4-6 pm Gathering and Worship will be at the home of Arlena Barnes and Bill Kinsey, 1828 SW Terrace Dr., Portland, OR 97201.

Sunday, Jan. 13, 2018, Baptism of the Lord Sunday, Rose City Park Presby. Church;

Sunday, Jan. 20, 2018, Gathering and Worship, Rose City Park Presby. Church;

Sunday, Jan. 27, 2018, Pastor Brett preaching at 1st Presbyterian Church, Salem;

Sunday, Jan. 27, 2018, Gathering and Worship, Rose City Park Presby. Church.

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Requests


* It isn’t too late to Pledge! Attached you will find a Pledge Form. Feel free to bring it with you this Sunday!

* Regarding the t-shirts: Please pick up your t-shirt this Sunday, and bring cash or a check made out to Community of Pilgrims, in the amount of $8 for adult M, L, and XL, and youth; and $12 for adult 2XL. Thank you!

* We also have plenty of beautiful leather bracelets for each member of the community! Pick one up this Sunday!

* In the coming months, Pastor Chris and I will be quoting from and referencing sections from the book, Wisdom Distilled from the Daily by Joan Chittister, a Benedictine monk, who, in this book, focuses on the nature of living life in an intentional Christian community, which is our aim as Community of Pilgrims. We can either order books for those interested and sending in a request for so-many copies, or feel free to order it or buy it from your favorite book distributor. Wisdom Distilled from the Daily, Joan Chittister, San Francisco: Harper One.

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Poem


“From Waiting to Wonder” by Daniel Berrigan


(This is an incredibly powerful prayer/poem to read and reflect upon in these trying times)


It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss—

This is true: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.


It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction:

This is true: I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.


It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word…

This is true: For unto us a child is born, and unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world—

This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.


It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the church, before we can be peacemakers.

This is true: I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young shall see visions, and your old shall dream dreams.


It is not true that our hopes for the liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity, of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history—

This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.


So let us move from Advent to Christmas with hope,

even hope against hope.

Let us see visions of love and peace and justice.

Let us affirm with humility, with faith, with courage:

Jesus Christ—the Life of the world.


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Buen Camino!

Pastors Brett & Chris

Rev. Dr. Brett Webb-Mitchell (919) 444-9111; brettwebbmitchell@gmail.com Rev. Chris Dungan (503) 724-7060; chrisdungan1@msn.com