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All Pilgrims Christian Church |
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Come As You Are!
All Are Welcome!
Sunday Schedule:
10:30 am
Worship
11:45 am
Coffee Hour
Location:
500 Broadway East
Seattle, WA 98102
Mailing Address:
509 10th Ave East
Seattle, WA 98102
206-322-0487
Visit us Online!
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All Pilgrims' Call |
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Hearkening to Christ's example, we confirm this to be our call:
To be a center of hope,
A community of joy and gladness,
A family of high compassion,
And a home for healing and growth.
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The Vine
Monthly Newsletter of
All Pilgrims Christian Church - Seattle, WA
March, 2009
Jeremy Matheis - Editor
Norm Wells - Features Editor
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New Beginnings Update
Following a month of prayerful reflection on the needs of the world and our role in service, All Pilgrims will convene again on March 1 to conclude a series of three congregational discernment events.
In January we met to inventory our spiritual gifts, and the strengths we would like to carry into our future together. In February we reflected on where we see God at work in our lives, and inquired into what's going on around us that draws us toward it.
Our homework over the month of February has been to notice what people outside the walls of our church are working on that we want to be a part of. We have been asked to imagine All Pilgrims in action working towards serving those people and noticing our own reaction to what we imagine. Are we inspired? Do we feel tired, overwhelmed?
 On March 1, we will gather for an event called "Giving Voice to Vision" and begin describing what we are discovering together. We will be creating a draft purpose statement (a simple phrase that captures a sense of why we are called together as a church) and guiding principles (some choices about how we want to be together).
To do this, we will have another Quaker-style circle to name what has come up for people over the last month as they have prayed and reflected on APCC in action. Then we will consider some of the roles of the Protestant church in the recent past as well as in our time, using that to examine our unique role in God's movement to bring the kingdom of heaven ever nearer.
From this, our consultant John Forman will lead us in crafting a purpose statement. This statement is meant to be sufficiently clear that we can be inspired to act. At the same time we'll also be sufficiently open to interpretation to invite conversations about what it means over time for each of us and for All Pilgrims as a whole. Following this we will develop a list of guiding principles, which are statements of how we want to be together as we live into our purpose. Because these guidelines are meant to assist our learning they will not be "rules and regulations" but rather flexible and open to renewal over time.
At the conclusion of this session, we will have created draft language that will next be submitted by the New Beginnings committee to the Council. We will create time and opportunity for comment and additional reflection on this language. When the Council determines the language is ready, it will be presented to the congregation for affirmation.
Please Join Us (And Do Your Homework)
There are two essential ways to participate for anyone who feels drawn. The first is to come to the meeting. All are welcomed and invited to the March 1 event. Because this session builds on the previous two Discernment Reflection events, we ask that if you have not been at the earlier two, please get yourself caught up. You can do this by reading the blog which holds summaries of the previous two conversations. Please also do the homework that was assigned on February 1, using the instructions provided on this handout.
If you can't make the event or have chosen not to come, there's another equally essential way for you to contribute. Because we are listening for the still, small voice of God, prayer is absolutely crucial. We trust the Spirit to speak through whomever is drawn to be physically present, but the more these people are held in prayer, the more receptive they can be. You are praying on behalf of All Pilgrims just as those who are physically present will be listening and speaking on behalf of All Pilgrims.
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Farewell from Rev. Greg Turk
 Lent is a beautiful season of the year. Although it may appear somewhat odd, or uninviting, in our "do-it-yourself," minute rice world, it is a time that may bring great clarity to us. Historically, anthropologists, sociologists, or some form of "ologists" suggest that the height of buildings in cities and towns display societal values. It used to be, for instance, in medieval towns and cities of Europe that church steeples were higher than all other buildings. Travel in time and across the Atlantic and the newer form of democracy and governance held such a place that capitol buildings were made to stand taller than any other in the cities where they're built. Continue the march onward in time, looking around our city centers of today, and we see the tallest buildings are often those of commerce - This may make us tremble a bit, given the financial tsunami we're in.
Lent is a season that invites us to journey from the recognition that we humans are incomplete when at it by ourselves -big, fancy banks and all - to the cross that symbolizes our funky, (self) destructive, power-over tendencies. In this journey, we're invited to explore, among other things, that which we've turned to for our meaning, for our security, for our salvation. The economy is clearly not worthy. In doing so, we are called to commit anew to God being our God and our being God's people.
I have been delighted to be with you, fellow pilgrims, as we've travelled together for these past few months. I have needed you. I thank you for being your wonderfully, not-so-normal, beautiful selves. I also say again, the world needs you! The world needs you to the degree it needs you to have such a compelling, exciting vision and mission that you run to it. That you find a way, invent a way, thirst for the way to live as a cascade of love and grace. Because, truth be told, there are many who are lost and empty, searching and broken, and, in this day and age, they don't even know where to begin. They don't even know that there is a journey, that there is a "way," that there are others to join. So, I encourage you to live boldly. Be vibrant. Stand out on this hill. And, stand ready and prepared as people come.
In times like these, ground trembling times, as many people's worldviews are being shaken, there is an openness to searching beyond the tall buildings and shiny accoutrements that are often suggested to make life the "real thing." Perhaps they're searching for meaning, for community, for purpose, and for a way to live anew.
As many come to be with you, love them to growing a relationship with God. In tangible, "we'll walk with you" from "A" to "Z" sort of ways. And, bless them that they may discover, way beyond even the thought of being a victim, that they are gifted, called, and empowered to serve others in their need. In doing so, that they are a gift, a powerful gift to this world, free and strong, healed and ALIVE. You are guides on this journey to new life and transformation. What you think is important, but it pales in comparison to how you faith, church, and love.
Fierce Love and Courage Compassion,
Greg
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People Happenings
 HOW DOES 3 MONTHS GO SO FAST?
It seems only recently that we learned of Pastor Nina's maternity leave and we interviewed Rev. Greg Turk to become our "interim interim" pastor for 3 ˝ months. Here we are - only a couple of weeks from the end of that period as Pastor Nina returns Tuesday, March 17.
Amazing things have been happening at All Pilgrims and the presence of Pastor Greg has been yet another example. His urban and diversity experience, his powerful messages, his adaptability and enthusiasm for the community and our New Beginnings program, and his humor have made him a key figure in our lives.
Thank you, Pastor Greg, for all your energy, support and guidance. We deeply appreciate our time together and wish you all the very best. We will always welcome your visits whenever possible.
Kathy Wells, Moderator
Jeff Woiton Moves to Caribbean Island
We have learned that APCC member, Jeff Woiton, has left Seattle and now manages a restaurant on the island of Utila, which is in the western Caribbean Sea between Honduras and Belize. The restaurant is called Cafe Mariposa and it is becoming known for its international cuisine and its unmatched view of sunsets from the balcony dining area.
In December, Jeff wrote: "It has been a pleasure to join with you all for worship and fellowship for so many years, and I felt honored to have been asked to lead the congregation as moderator." Recently he added these words about his new adventure, "It's my first foray into restaurant management, but after years of project management and people management plus the added blessing of hiring an excellent local crew, it's becoming a piece of cake. Yesterday I only worked 10 hours!"
Jeff and Wendy are now separated. Jeff tells us that he would be glad to assist anyone interested in a lovely and inexpensive place to vacation. He can be reached at jwoiton@gmail.com.
Former APCC Pastors Doing Well
Speaking of All Pilgrims' Pastors......
It was great to see former pastor Shayné Flowers a few Sundays ago when she returned to assist with our devotional labyrinth walk. At that time we learned Shayné plans to move to San Francisco this June. Her partner, Quynh Bui, has accepted a position at the University of California, San Francisco, as Assistant Clinical Professor beginning July 1st.
We've learned that Mark Travis was recently called as Pastor of the Mercer Island Congregational Church (UCC) where he had been serving as Interim Pastor. A friend of Kathy Dawson and member of the church told her, "we had our annual meeting ... and there was an overwhelmingly positive vote to call Mark as the settled pastor. A lot of factors played into this," she said, "like the energy he has brought to ... [our church]."
We are delighted to know that good things are happening to these much-loved church leaders.
You Are Invited to
Linda Purdy's Ordination
Everyone is invited to attend the ordination of Linda Purdy. This monumental event for Linda will be held the afternoon of Saturday, May 2nd right here at APCC. Linda will be ordained to the Call of Hospice Chaplain at Providence Hospice of Seattle.
More details to follow in the church bulletin and through the church email list.
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Groups, Committees & Events
Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Congregational Meetings
- March 22 & 29 - Congregational budget reviews for the new church year presented by the Finance Committee. Attend either date.
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April 19 - Annual congregational meeting for approval of (1) budget and (2) New Beginning's "Core Value Statement" and guiding principles.
- May (TBD) - Election of 2010 Officers
26 Nominated as Possible Search Committee Members!
This amazing number of nominations is a sign of our enthusiasm for both the quality of our All Pilgrims congregation and the New Beginnings process. As planned, a Task Force of 4 All Pilgrims' members (2 Council and 2 non-Council) met to select the committee members. Selection was based on the number of nominations and the diversity needed to represent the congregation.
The new search committee members are:
Dave Beck
JD Fugate
Ed Hauskin
Linda Jones
Vince Larkin
Sharon Long
Muriel Saunders
Norm Wells
The Chair will be determined by the committee. Meetings will start in March.
Seattle's "Three Amigos" at All Pilgrims March 22
Who are the Three Amigos? They are a trio of clergymen who are working to foster interfaith understanding, dialogue, and celebration. They are the Rev. Don Mackenzie, recently retired head of the ministerial staff at University UCC; Shaikh Jamal Rahman, Muslim Sufi minister at Interfaith Community Church and adjunct faculty member at Seattle University; and Rabbi Ted Falcon, founder and rabbi at Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue. Both Rabbi Ted and Shaikh Jamal have authored books about their faith. Pastor Don boasts the credit of being a member of Life's Other Side, a country music band. The three of them are now writing a book together. 
In this day when religious wars threaten and religious misunderstanding abounds, the Three Amigos have dedicated their ministries to educating Jews, Muslims, and Christians in our common values and the need for a deep spiritual connection with each other. The Amigos have collaborated in worship services within each other's congregations, given numerous talks and presentations, and hosted the Interfaith Talk Radio show on KKNW Alternative Talk Radio. In the course of their work they have become close friends, and their respective congregations have developed ties of love and friendship.
On Sunday, March 22 at 4:00 p.m., they will bring their message of peace, hope, and awareness to us through a forum sponsored by the Growing Our Church committee. The program will be open to the public. Mark your calendars and tell everyone you know to come!
Listening to God through Lent
Study Series Led by Linda Purdy
Lent began this week with Ash Wednesday. Every Wednesday through Lent, Linda Purdy will lead a series of studies looking at scripture to see the many ways people over the centuries have listened to the Spirit. Linda says, "We will also examine and practice some of the listening/discernment exercises we've learned through the New Beginnings process, plus try some new ones. The hope and focus is to learn ways to notice God's voice in our own lives." In case you're worried, she adds, "This discovery can surprise us and won't be as scary as one might think."
THANK YOU!
Thank You, Cake Walkers
What a lot of fun people had! Thanks to Michael Small and the Hospitality committee, along with the Indigo-Violet cluster, who organized a delightful spaghetti lunch & cakewalk after church on Feb. 15. About 50 people participated and about 12 of them took home donated winning cakes while raising nearly $400 for one of All Pilgrims' favorite missions: the Rabuor Village Project. Great job!
Thank You from the Children of Rabuor, Kenya
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UCC & DOC Church News
5 Same-sex Couples Married in Oregon UCC Church
The Rev. Pam Shepherd, Pastor of The First Congregational UCC in Ashland, Oregon, performed the marriage ceremonies on Jan. 10 uniting the couples even though Oregon does not recognize same-sex unions. She explains that the church decided to perform the ceremonies with its religious authority, and added, "the state of Oregon can worry about the civil side of the marriages." Many of us will applaud Pastor Shepherd's daring and principled decision. The action is perhaps symbolic, and without legal standing, but nonetheless an act that witnesses to the gospel of unconditional love that is not abridged, despite human laws.
Nickelsville Forced to Leave Another
Sister-Church Property
"Nickelsville," the name given to the temporary homeless camps that have been set up on several church properties over the past year or two, is now vacating the parking lot of University United Church of Christ. Prior to moving to the UCC, it had been ordered to leave the parking lot of neighboring University Christian Church, another of our denominational colleagues.
The city's Dep't of Planning & Development threatened both churches with fines for a "land use code violation." According to "Real Change," Seattle's street newspaper, each camp serves about 100 homeless people who are able to keep their belongings and bundle up with friends, relatives, and even pets. Unlike other shelters with strict check in and checkout times, they are able to come and go anytime, a distinct advantage for those who work odd hours. The camps are very organized, with daily meetings, safety regulations, and a strict code of conduct enforced vigilantly by 24-hour volunteer security.
On two occasions members of All Pilgrims have delivered food left over from church events to the camp and, in one instance, the church purchased a tent needed by a camp resident. Our hearts go out to those who sleep out even during the coldest of winter nights, and we wish the residents and supporters well with their goal of finding a permanent location that could accommodate up to 1,000 people.
DVD On Disciples Identity & Belief Available
The DOC's Communication Ministries has produced a  new 10-minute DVD entitled, "A Movement for Wholeness." It can be used for a variety of purposes - basic information, discussion starter - whatever. If interested in borrowing it, please see Jeremy Matheis in the Church Office and he will sign it out to you for a two-week period.
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From Some of Our Neighbors...
....." Sometime within the past month, I started noticing bells drifting up to our house from Broadway. I just love them, both the ones marking time and the occasional song -- they make the city feel so much more alive. Thanks so much for providing them, and I hope it's not just a seasonal thing. Let us know what we can do to help support them." - Brad
....."I live a few blocks from your church and I just wanted to say thank you. I've really been enjoying the carols and other songs emanating from your bell tower. I don't remember if you've done it in other years, but it's definitely made this year's holiday season (and the neighborhood) quite festive." - Chrissy
....." The sound of the bells coming from the church tower is absolutely wonderful. It sounds almost European and gives the Broadway corridor and surrounding blocks somehow a sense of place. I have lived on The Hill for 15 years and always thought that it would be great if there were some church bells...somewhere...but until now, it was silent. I do hope that they will continue to chime 365 days of the year.
Thank you and blessings to you." - Dennis
....."Hi There - I am a neighborhood resident who has been enchanted with the chimes you have been sounding all day. Is this something that will continue? I absolutely adore the sound and think it's a beautiful addition to the neighborhood! Thanks." - Reid
.....and one more.....
Our Office Administrator Jeremy Matheis was on his way home for the day when he was stopped by a gentleman who was ecstatic about the bells and expressed his desire that they continue to ring all the time. Jeremy assured told him the carillon was new and that there is no intention to stop their ringing. |
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Upcoming Events
- Reconciling Encounters Workshop - A Critical Theological Examination of Sexual Orientation
- Spiritual Care Team Meeting - 9:30 AM, March 1
- Mission & Outreach Meeting - 11:45 AM, March 1
- New Beginnings Discernment: Giving Voice to Vision - 12:00 PM, March 1
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Stewardship Meeting - 7:15 PM, March 3
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Executive Committee Meeting - 12:30 PM, March 8
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Bryan Almond Voice Recital - 7:00 PM, March 14
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Finance Meeting - 7:15 PM, March 19
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Spiritual Care Team Meeting - 9:30 AM, March 22
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Building & Grounds Meeting - 7:00 PM, March 24
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In April's Edition of The Vine...
And much, much more........ | |
| All Pilgrims Christian Church
500 Broadway East
Seattle, WA 98102
206-322-0487
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