eNews for Thursday, December 23
My Bailiwick
Dear Pilgrims,
The candles and the sanctuary are ready, bulletins prepared, poinsettias in place—soon we will worship together for Christmas Eve, either here at the church at 5:00 or at your homes. I know that the omicron variant is making everyone nervous—it is SO contagious. Our Moderator Julie Johnson and I have been talking about a few changes and reminders. Of course we need everyone to wear masks when you are in the church building. And we hope and expect that all who are eligible to be vaccinated actually are vaccinated. We’re going to reinstate a sign-in for when you come to worship. A table will be in the narthex area of the sanctuary for that purpose. Please let us know you are here in case we need to do contact tracing. Also, we are suspending after-worship treats and coffee. We want to visit with one another, but we need to keep our masks in place, so, until further notice, no food or drink after worship. We are doing everything we can think of to continue gathering in-person AND remain safe from infection!
A reminder—we are still collecting diapers, wipes, and ointment to give to the Lutheran Social Services Crisis Nursery. Thank you to all who have already donated.
Another reminder—CHUM is holding a vigil service of remembrance at noon tomorrow, Christmas Eve day, for those who have died unsheltered this past year here in Duluth. I hope you might consider joining us.
And a final reminder—if I don’t see you in person, let me tell you here that one of my deepest Christmas blessings this year is that I get to be your minister. It is a privilege, an honor, and a joy. Happy Christmas, dearest hearts!
Carla
Pilgrim Office Closed Next Week
The church office will be closed Monday, December 27, and will open as usual on Thursday, December 30.
Pilgrim Book Club
Monday, January 10 | 4:00 pm
This month Pilgrim Women's Book Club will be discussing The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. This book, set during the depression years, is based on a true story. It is about women in a rural town in Kentucky who defy the conventional role of women of the time and ride horseback to bring books to communities which have no access to libraries. This was a part of Eleanor Roosevelt’s project for traveling libraries in rural America.
Join us. Whether you are young or old, a member of Pilgrim or not, have read the book or not, you are welcome to join us.
Meeting ID: 856 8820 1294
Passcode: 260291
Christmas Family Toolkit Now Available
This week's Family Toolkit offers lots of wonderful Christmas activities, projects and a video conversation with Rev. Coqui Conkey, Klaas, Ted, Jayden, Jake and Leslea from Associated Church in Owatonna.
January 6 Day of Remembrance and Action
Duluth's League of Women Voters is organizing an event of Remembrance and Action on January 6, the day of Epiphany, at noon at Duluth City Hall, 411 W 1st St. Plan now to join other Duluthians to mark the one-year anniversary of the violent insurrection at our nation’s capitol, to remember those who were injured and those who died defending the capitol, and to commit to free and fair elections.
CHUM Christmas Eve Vigil
Join us at noon at the Duluth City Hall steps on Friday, December 24, to honor those who died this past year. We remember both those homeless who were sheltered and unsheltered, and the advocates that fought on their behalf. We will also honor the beloved pets who were loved by all at CHUM. We are glad to be able to bring this to you in person once again and ask that you join us and ask that you bring a donation for the unsheltered in Duluth.
Worship at Pilgrim
Join us Friday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am for Worship at Pilgrim, in person or online. You can view the service on Pilgrim's YouTube channel.
You can download a Christmas Eve Bulletin here, or Sunday's Bulletin here.
Christmas Eve's scripture readings:
- Isaiah 9:2-7
- Psalm 96
- Luke 2:1-20
- Matthew 2:1-12
- John 1:1-5, 14
This Sunday's scripture reading:
- Luke 2:22-40
In case you missed it, you can view last Sunday's worship service on YouTube.
Attendance: 94
YouTube views: 48
Show Us Your Walks
Miller Creek at dusk
We're lucky to live in a community with so much beauty and access to nature. Send Patrick your photos to share your walks with us in future emails! It's another way to stay connected in these troubled times.
What Patrick's Listening To
We lost the lovely Sally Ann Howes this week at 91. Here she is singing "Send in the Clowns" with the New York City Opera in 1990.