Dear Walkers, Movers and Shakers, Radical Pilgrims of the Pilgrim God, and Family members,
During this week, we recognize that Jesus, the Pilgrim God, has entered Jerusalem, honoring the Passover of God's people. Tonight, on this Maundy Thursday, we begin what is known in Latin as the Triduum, the three days that take us through the supper Jesus had with all his disciples, to his death on the cross, finally taking us to Easter wonder. During this time, my "things to do" list is now "lists", as I juggle (somewhat successfully) the work of serving both our new Presbyterian fellowship, as well as the work with LGBTQ+ issues and people of faith in the OR-ID United Methodist Church conference church. I don't know about you, but I am needing to be reminded that, at the end of the day, and at the end of the Triduum, this verse which we will read tonight from John's Gospel, where Jesus says, "For I have set you an example that you also should do as I have done to you," keeps me grounded and hopeful. To love, to serve, to work with, to be in solidarity with, to walk along with, to cry with, to laugh with...just like Jesus did with those surrounding him in those ancient days, we are called to do the same, today, with the Spirit of Christ in us all.
Blessed Triduum to one and all. Shall we move on?
***
Our schedule is rather quirky and wonderful, significant and solemn:
* March 29, 2018: Meet at Liz Mitchell's home, 7 pm, 9460 SW Martha St., Tigard, OR, 97224, for Maundy Thursday.
* March 30, 2018, Meet at Portland Art Museum 6 pm, Gift Shop entrance, bring $5 if not a member of Portland Art Museum to see their display, Common Ground. I shared the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in an earlier email. Print those words out and bring it with you as we consider his words on Good Friday and look carefully into the eyes of those who live in camps of refugees. Dinner afterwards at the McMenniman's Pub near Portland State University for follow-up discussion.
* April 1, 2018, 9 am, Sarah and Tims' home, 7544 SW 90th Pl, Portland, OR, at 9 am. Breakfast casserole provided; bring hot cross buns and fruit to celebrate this day!
***
Prayer Concerns and Celebrations:
Traveling mercies for Kathy, Tom and Lee, David Tower, Moholt's, Nina, and all those traveling for spring break.
Continued prayers for Blake, Lorinda's sister. She has moved into her new home.
For Dick Gilkey as he nears death. For Alida who is in a good place and ready to say good by, and for David who has been to visit Dick.
For Evan, Rick's oldest son, who lives on the streets.
For Bruce, Chuck and Ginny's son, who was in the hospital with liver damage that he may stop drinking.
For yesterday's great turn out for the March For Our Lives, that the gun epidemic may be ending.
Continued prayers for the people in Yemen and Syria that their lives matter and peace may be possible.
Thanksgiving for Rose City Park Presbyterian and for Colonial Heights Presbyterian for allowing us to use their space for our gatherings.
Thanksgiving for Nina's efforts in organizing our community projects for Valentine's Day and for Easter.
For Human Solutions whose roof failed and for all shelters and non-profits that help homeless people.
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Maundy Thursday, by Malcolm Guite
Here is the source of every sacrament,
The all-transforming presence of the Lord,
Replenishing our every element
Remaking us in his creative Word.
For here the earth herself gives bread and wine,
The air delights to bear his Spirit’s speech,
The fire dances where the candles shine,
The waters cleanse us with His gentle touch.
And here He shows the full extent of love
To us whose love is always incomplete,
In vain we search the heavens high above,
The God of love is kneeling at our feet.
Though we betray Him, though it is the night.
He meets us here and loves us into light.
***
Buen Camino on this week of a Holy Pilgrimage,
Pastors Brett & Chris