eNews for Thursday, July 7
My Bailiwick
Dear Pilgrims,
The juxtaposition of these gorgeous, peaceful summer days with the news of mass shootings—314 so far in 2022—makes my head spin. Although there isn’t a universally accepted definition of a mass shooting, generally, it’s a single incident in which 4 or more people were shot, not including the shooter. This past July 4th was especially violent. I hardly ever consider whether I am safe from gun fire when I go to the grocery store or to watch a parade. But I think of the Supreme Court’s twisted protection of the 2nd amendment often, and I despair that we will ever turn this national gun addiction around. I also ponder the meaning of how often mass shooters are adolescent white boys. What’s that about? And how is it best addressed?
The current Supreme Court has made a number of recent decisions with which I vehemently disagree. I used to believe in the Supreme Court’s general wisdom and brave consideration of the constitution’s strengths and weaknesses—like making a Black man worth 3/5 of the worth of a white man (weakness), or providing equal protection under the law (strength). Now I see the repercussions of vengeful partisanship and I despair of the decisions to come.
It's tempting to ignore these things, to pretend that the decisions the court is making do not seriously and adversely impact our lives, and for these summer months, we probably all should do a little bit of that. It reminds me of the saying, "when you are overwhelmed, learn to rest, not quit."
I’m going to be resting for the next few weeks—away from you and on vacation. I’ve no big plans, except to reclaim my sewing room now that Joe has his own apartment. Warren and I might take in a Twins game, and maybe a Lynx game, as long as we’re in the vicinity. We’re going to do a little Minnesota exploring. Mostly, I’ll be resting, because I don’t believe my devotion to discipleship will allow me to quit caring about injustice, vile court decisions, and gun violence victims.
I hope I’ll see you this Sunday in worship—then again in August.
Love,
Carla
Pilgrim Book Club
Pilgrim Women’s Book Club will meet on Monday, July 11, 4:00 pm on Zoom. We’ll be discussing The Lives We Bury. Please join us.
Bring along your suggestions for books for us to read for the next six months. We have just about exhausted the list we had generated previously. Remember to check if the book is available in paperback and what the price might be. You might also look through the library’s offerings for Books in a Bag. That is such an easy way for us all to access the chosen book. There are hundreds of offerings and many, many we haven’t read. If you’ve forgotten how to find them on the library’s website, send me an email and I’ll get in touch with you and give you a few refresher hints. It’s easy once you know where to "click."
See you July 11.
Carol
Call for Food
Thanks to increased demand, inflation, and supply chain issues, the CHUM Food Shelf is in need of food and money to resupply. Please think of them in the weeks ahead. And please bring food for our own Blessing Box!
CHUM Parking Lot Concert
Big Wave Dave and the Ripples will perform at First United Methodist Church (the Coppertop) on Monday, July 18, at 6:30 pm. The "Room at the Table" food truck will also be there with a dinner menu starting at 5:30. The concert is free, but a free will offering will be taken for the CHUM food shelf.
Rhubarb Festival
A photo from Diane Desotelle
Stepping On Up Education Series
Join Loaves and Fishes at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Duluth for all or part of this education series to deepen community understanding of chronic homelessness, substance use disorder, trauma and mental health. This is an excellent opportunity for people who are looking to engage more deeply in the work of Stepping On Up as an advocate, volunteer or member of staff. Understanding these critical issues also helps us become stronger allies to friends, family members, coworkers and fellow congregants who may be struggling. Training is free and all are welcome.
Doors open at 5:00 pm and sessions begin promptly at 5:30. Two topic areas are covered per night with a break in between. Light snacks and refreshments provided.
July 12:
- First hand experiences of housing instability
- Mental Health First Aid
July 13:
- Tips for de-escalating conflict
- Harm Reduction and drug overdose prevention
July 14:
- Recognizing signs of trafficking and domestic violence
- Trauma informed care
Pre-registration encouraged at steppingonupduluth.org.
Staff Vacations
Carla will be on vacation July 11–31.
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:
- Luke 10:25-28
- Amos 7:7-17
In case you missed it, you can view last Sunday's worship service on YouTube.
Attendance: 42
YouTube views: 26
Show Us Your Walks
From Joan Setterlund, trail views from behind St. Scholastica
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
An old favorite came on Classical MPR last night: "The Day Is Done" by Stephen Paulus.