eNews for Thursday, September 8
My Bailiwick
Dear Pilgrims,
As this new church year officially begins this Sunday, I feel a certain level of both excitement and worry. Is everything ready? Will children be present to join Julie and Clyde Johnson for Sunday School? Will we get people to sign up to do some occasional baking and/or serving for special receptions? Has the right person seen our posting for Director of Faith Formation Ministries?
And then there are the more cosmic questions—has church permanently fallen off personal radars during the pandemic? Is a progressive faith still a valued foundation for hope? Can we bring joy, courage, and dedication into more lives?
And personal anxieties&mdasdh;do I have anything of consequence left to say? Does my gray hair make me easily dismissed? Do I give off a “been there, done that” arrogance? Does my low-level but constant anger over injustice turn people off? Am I too pious? Not devout enough?
I sat in our empty sanctuary for a time today, thinking about these questions. As I looked around that gorgeous room, I wondered about all the people who have come here over the years, all who have prayed, sung hymns, handed out bulletins, bread, and grape juice, taught children, made announcements, listened to scripture and sermons. We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses! My worry subsided, at least for a while. Peace washed over me. I thought of several lines from the lovely old hymn “Abide With Me” (Henry F. Lyte, 1847, and William H. Monk, 1861).
I need thy presence every passing hour;
what but thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
And I felt better. I hope I see you Sunday.
Love,
Carla
CHUM News
Fall Education Series Begins Today!
The Stepping On Up fall community education series starts September 8, covering a total of six topics over the course of three months. Join us for one or all of the series.
For people new to Stepping On Up and the issue of homelessness in Duluth, there will be a 5:00 pm introduction, with the official program beginning at 5:30. Today's session will be at Lakeside Presbyterian Church (4430 McCulloch St, Duluth).
The trainer for September 8 is LeAnn Littlewolf, co-executive director of the American Indian Community Housing Organization and member of the Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag (Leech Lake) Band of Ojibwe. Trauma is a common experience among many people, and especially those experiencing poverty and homelessness. LeAnn will help us better understand the effects of both personal and historical trauma and what is required for individuals and communities to be resilient in the face of past and present trauma.
This is only the beginning of a dynamic community series! Please spread the word. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.
If you can't make it in person, you can join live remotely online. Click below to register, and after registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Visit steppingonupduluth.org for more information on the education series.
Hospitality Volunteers Wanted
We're looking for volunteers to be on call to either bake treats or serve food and beverages at funeral receptions and other church events. If you'd like to be on the list of people who can help out, get in touch with the office or talk to Jenny Ballew after worship this Sunday.
Looking for Greeters
The Membership and Growth Ministry Committee is lining up greeters for Sunday mornings. Welcoming members and visitors is an important part of our ministry at Pilgrim. If you are willing to greet, please contact Cynthia Fochs or sign up on the sheet in Salter Hall.
Also, as the church year gears up, please remember to wear your name tags and be welcoming to visitors during the coffee and conversation time after the service.
Meal Train for Katie Hanlon
Calling all cooks! Make a meal to support the Hanlon family as Katie recovers from donating her kidney.
On September 14, Katie Hanlon will be donating her kidney on behalf of a friend. We are trying to set up meals to support the Hanlons for two weeks following the surgery. There are still dates available. Please sign up using this meal train link or contact Patrick in the office at (218) 724-8503 and he will sign you up.
Pilgrim Book Club
Pilgrim Women’s Book Club will be via Zoom on Monday, September 12, at 4:00 pm. Our book choice for the month is Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan. The Library Journal’s starred review says, “Callahan crafts a masterpiece that details the friendship and ultimate romance between the real Davidman and Lewis [that’s C. S. Lewis] … Callahan’s writing is riveting and her characters spring to life.” Because this is a Book Club in a Bag, there are multiple copies available. Stop in the church office to sign out a copy. Then, please join us for a lively discussion on September 12 at 4:00 pm. See you there!
Sunday Worship at Pilgrim
Join us Sunday at 10:00 am for Sunday Worship at Pilgrim, in person or online. You can view the service on Pilgrim's YouTube channel.
You can download a Bulletin here.
This Sunday's scripture reading:
- Psalm 14
- Luke 15:1-10
In case you missed it, you can view last Sunday's worship service on YouTube.
Attendance: 34
YouTube views: 26
Celebrations
Congratulations to Chandler Swift, former organist at Pilgrim, on his marriage to Katherine Trahan on September 3!
Show Us Your Walks
A path by the Minnesota River, in Bloomington
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!
What Patrick's Listening To
A fun one. Here's Adrienne Warren singing "I'm Simply Filled with Jazz" from Shuffle Along.