Gathering and Worship, 4-6 pm, Rose City Park Presbyterian Church’s Chapel
1907 NE 45th Ave., Portland, OR 97213;
Contact Pastor Brett Webb-Mitchell, 919-444-9111; brettwebbmitchell@gmail.com
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Dear Refugees, Displaced Persons, Pathfinder, Pilgrim, Family Members, and Friends,
Welcome to a newly designed email newsletter! We are trying some new things with this newsletter, and invite your feedback, as we think of creative ways of sharing the ins and outs of life as a growing and changing Community of Pilgrim.
This week’s focus is Acts 2:1-21, a Scripture passage read on Pentecost! This is typically referred to as the “Birthday of the Church!” and the color of the day is red, so please wear something red this coming Sunday. And there is no doubt that Luke’s word-imagery, used in describing the presence of the Holy Spirit descending upon the masses, is incredible—then, and now. There are three parts of this holy fiasco: to begin, there is the “rush of a violent wind”. Next is the divided tongues, “as if fire,” with a tongue resting upon each person. Finally, there is the Spirit, causing each person to speak in a tongue or language, unlike their own. The question we will explore this week is simple: do we still believe God acts like this, blowing like a violent wind through closed doors and setting our heads on fire…a God who can change us, both individually and communally? Or is God tired and old, someone who listens to our prayer requests, but not able to change lives?
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Events!
Sat., May 19, 2018, 6-9 pm, Dinner at Tom Galey and Lee Ellis’ home for ASL Interpreters;
Sun., May 20, 2018, 10 am, Pentecost! Worship at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church, Pastor Brett preaching;
Sunday, May 20, 2018, 4-6 pm, Gathering and Worship of Community of Pilgrims with Tom Letts, our Church Coach, visiting. Pentecost! We are also going to witness and celebrate the baptism of Kathy Fukuyama! Wear something red!
Thursday, May 24, 2018, 7-9 pm, Steering Team Meeting, Kathy Fukuyama’s home.
Sunday, June 17, 2018, 11 am, Portland Pride March, details TBD; give Kathy Fukuyama your t-shirt size Sun., May 20, to order shirts!
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A Poem
Pentecost, by Malcolm Guite:
Today we feel the wind beneath our wings
Today the hidden fountain flows and plays
Today the church draws breath at last and sings
As every flame becomes a Tongue of praise.
This is the feast of fire, air, and water
Poured out and breathed and kindled into earth.
The earth herself awakens to her maker
And is translated out of death to birth.
The right words come today in their right order
And every word spells freedom and release
Today the gospel crosses every border
All tongues are loosened by the Prince of Peace
Today the lost are found in His translation.
Whose mother-tongue is Love, in every nation.
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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