eNews for Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Unpreventable
By Rev. Phiwa Langeni, Ambassador for Innovation & Engagement of the United Church of Christ
As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?”—Acts 8:36 (NRSV)
On the streets of Ferguson in 2014, I learned Assata Shakur’s words that became my personal and vocational commitments to eradicating the poisonous white supremacy that continuously seeps into every part of society:
“It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”
One night after the election two years later, I told a Ferguson friend about my despair imagining how life in America would change for me as a Black, queer, trans, immigrant person, among many others whose identities aren’t valued societally and/or politically.
My dear friend shared the wisdom he uncovered while studying Torah that tweaked the beginning of Shakur’s chant: “It is our duty to know that we are free!” He sensed my confusion before I could ask as he continued, “We have always been and are already free! The world may not recognize that yet, but it’s our duty to know that and then live like we believe it.”
The story of an unnamed eunuch who discovered freedom in the water on the side of the road reminds me of that life-changing night. Just as that roadside water created possibility for him to participate in a baptism that society couldn’t envision because of his Black, queer, and foreign self, what is to prevent so many of us from being baptized in God’s liberating love?
As I continue to witness since my friend’s reframing of our duty, the answer is “absolutely nothing” because…
Prayer
…we’re already free! Remind us—often—so we can live like it. Amen.
Seeking Worship Volunteers
We are on the lookout for volunteers to help with worship on Sundays:
- Lectors, who read scripture during the service
- Ushers, who take attendance and help folks find their seats
- People to give the Message for All Ages, which can be in-person or prerecorded
Get in touch with the office if you'd like to help out!
Calling for Artwork
Did you create any artwork in the year since the church building has been closed? Taken any special photographs? We'd love to feature your artwork in Salter Hall to greet us as we begin to return to the building. If you have something to share, please get in touch with the office.
Pilgrim Men's Group
The Men's Group is currently meeting via Zoom the first and third Tuesday each month. All men are invited. Please contact Denny Falk if you're interested in participating: dfalk@d.umn.edu or (218) 341‑5483.
Pilgrim Women's Book Club
Monday, May 10 | 4:00 pm
Our book in May will be another library book bag selection which means we will have extra copies to share. So stop in the church office, sign out a copy and then join our discussion.
The book is The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka. It’s “the story of a group of young women brought from Japan to San Francisco as ‘picture brides’ nearly a century ago.” “In eight unforgettable sections” this short book, only 129 pages, eloquently tells their extraordinary life stories.
Meeting ID: 856 8820 1294
Passcode: 260291
Polka Service Event
Saturday, May 8 | 10:00 am | 1401 Belknap St, Superior
From Helmi Harrington:
As owners of the beautiful former Hammond Ave Presbyterian Church and now Harrington ARTS Center, 1401 Belknap St., Superior, WI, we often have been asked to present a "Polka Service" (also known as "Polka Mass") in our acoustically ideal former-sanctuary . On Saturday, May 8, we will present the Norsk Hostfest ensemble in this 10:00 AM celebration of music and song, free of charge and open to the public. We are notifying area churches in the hopes that congregations will be interested in attending.
Doors open at 9:00 AM. Open seating. Please enter through the Hammond Ave. doors.
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 and Facebook page.
If you have an announcement that you would like read during a Sunday service, please get it to the office or directly to Pastor Judith by Monday each week.
Please send in your prayer requests to include in Sunday services. Send your prayer requests, joys, and concerns to Pastor Judith via email by Friday each week to be included. We will use only first names during the service in order to maintain confidentiality, and your prayer requests will be passed along to Marge Fraser and Pilgrim's Prayer Chain.
In case you missed it, you can view last Sunday's worship service on YouTube.
Attendance: 42
YouTube views: 29
Facebook reach: 60
Morning Coffee
Wednesdays | 10:00 am
Join Pastor Judith for your morning coffee! We'll have a time for checking in with each other, prayers, and perhaps a brief meditation. Grab the beverage of your choice and join us on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 497 627 641
Passcode: 926781
Show Us Your Walks
From Clyde Johnson, a photo of Lake Suprior on April 29, from the Lakewalk
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
Kate Baldwin sings "When Did I Fall in Love?" from Fiorello!, one of the most perfect musical theater songs ever.