Come As You Are!
Sunday Schedule: 10:30 AM
Worship
11:45 AM
Coffee Hour
Location:
500 Broadway East
Seattle, WA 98102 Mailing
Address:
509 10th Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98102
206-322-0487
All Pilgrims' Call
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.
- All Pilgrims'
By-Laws |
|
|
|
 "We are a community of progressive, diverse Christians which gathers on Capitol Hill for spiritual formation that compels us to action."
- All Pilgrims Christian Church, 2009
Is The Spirit Moving Among Us?
 Everyone please plan to attend our next New Beginnings Action Inquiry Rally on Sunday, November 15th after worship, and prepare to see how our practice of discernment is bearing fruit. Current Action Inquiry teams will report on their activity, and new ideas will be shared. Expect at least two new Action Inquiry ideas, and be ready to get excited! We believe the Spirit is at work in our midst, and we are listening and acting as a faithful congregation. Is there something disturbing you? A burr under your saddle, as it were? Maybe the Spirit is nudging you toward action. The New Beginnings committee encourages you to prayerfully consider what nascent ideas might be forming, and as they do, bring them to the Action Inquiry Rally on the 15th. Ideas which fit our Action Inquiry model are achievable, recoverable actions, aligned with our Purpose statement and focused on living out our progressive understanding of the Gospel. You don't have to have a detailed plan, nor does voicing an idea automatically volunteer you to do all the work of seeing it through! We need your raw ideas, and we need to find out if they capture the imagination of at least a few other members. The best ideas are those that can be implemented by a few volunteers in a defined timeline. If you want some help sorting your ideas, please talk with Pastor Nina, or with any member of the New Beginnings Team, any time. The New Beginnings Committee is: Pastor Nina
Kathleen Hosfeld
Vince Larkin
Eric Liljegren - Chair Ray Nutter
Linda Purdy
Rod Purdy |
|
Be Prepared
 A recent e-mail broadcast from the DOC General Office advised congregations to "be prepared". This particular letter was in regards to prevention of H1N1, or commonly called "swine flu". The letter gave tips on preventing the spread of the virus in church settings and gave suggestions for reducing contact during the passing of the peace and communion.
All Pilgrims has taken some preventative steps towards maintaining healthy worship. We have placed hand sanitizer around the building located at entrances, the kitchen, the fellowship hall and the nursery. We have added hand sanitizing stations for those coming forward for communion and asked all communion servers to first sanitize their hands. We have also modeled staying home when you are sick. Just two weeks ago, I missed worship because I had the flu (not the swine flu luckily). Our congregation carried on and still experienced a spiritually feeding service despite having no sermon to listen to.
All Pilgrims is also taking other steps to "be prepared" outside the realm of viruses. Our November election is in just a few days as I write this article. Referendum 71 has a significant impact on our community in continuing domestic partnership rights that have already been legalized in the state of Washington. All Pilgrims has supported the "Approve Referendum 71" campaign by hanging posters in major areas, including bulletin inserts on how you can be involved and hosting a weekend of film viewings and  discussion on homosexuality and the Bible and how scripture has been misused to discriminate against the LGBT community. We are also offering a Bible Study series on the subject starting in a few weeks (see this article for more information). We must continue to "be prepared" in raising awareness to social justice issues around LGBT rights and God's love for ALL people. All Pilgrims is also working on being prepared for our next phase of ministry. We have been shaping our new vision and beginning to move our ministry in new ways. Energy is building and new relevant and spirit-filled ideas are surfacing. However, to better "be prepared", we need your participation, your input, your spirit inspired ideas and your prayers. Please join us at our upcoming New Beginnings Event, join in with others that are raising ideas that excite you and be a part of our next phase of ministry. We are the church we want to be. Are you prepared for it to be awe inspiring? With Spirit that is alive, Pastor Nina |
|
Pastoral Search Update
The Search Committee continues to move ahead in leading the church's search for a long-term pastor. When the invitation to apply was sent to ministers last month, there was an overwhelming response.
Seventy-seven ministers from the DOC and UCC denominations sent profiles (resumes)! The committee has just completed a process of reviewing and evaluating all the applicants. ("Did you hear the cheering?" - Ed)
The next step is contacting by phone, those the committee thinks are best suited for the All Pilgrim's pulpit and ministry. Having completed that task, it will be necessary to contact people who were named as references by the candidates. Finalist(s) will be identified, then invited to meet in person with the committee. This continues until the few remaining steps can be taken leading to a recommendation of a candidate for congregational approval. |
|
Life Skills for Progressive Christians Workshops Continue
 With three of our series of workshops completed, All Pilgrims continues its Life Skills for Progressive Christians series in November with:
Diversity and Conflict
Sunday, Nov 8 - 12:30 to 2:30 PM
Distinguish between positive and negative conflict and how to bring the spirit of Christ to both.
An average of 25 people have attended each of these workshops so far, with the Council getting a preview of the most recent workshop at its September retreat. Past workshops have addressed the things that stop people and groups from making the changes that they truly desire, the "drama triangle" and effective communication techniques.
Exercises to apply what we are learning in the workshop are great times to get to know members of APCC. Yummy treats are also provided for your enjoyment during the workshop and following.
After a couple of meetings on Monday nights, the next workshop will be on a Sunday. So, please make a note and if you need childcare in order to attend, please notify Kathleen Hosfeld, Hosfeld@hosfeldartists.com by the Friday before the workshop. Below you will find links to PDFs of the three workshops as well as the two handouts from the last session.
|
|
People Happenings
APCC Welcomes
Caretaker Greg Lewis
Have you been seeing a new face around APCC? Well, please give our Caretaker, Greg Lewis, a big welcome! Greg joins us after several years of being the Live-in Building Specialist with Plymouth Housing Group in Seattle. He has great experience in working with fix-it repair people and doing odds and ends jobs.
When Greg isn't working part-time looking after the building and grounds at APCC, he is working at the Meredith Mathews YMCA leading martial arts and group exercise classes as well as offering personal training. Greg teaches Karate to students aged six and up, up, and up. He is also CPR, First Aid and AED certified.
Greg is also no stranger to churches. While growing up, his dad preached at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. He knows his way around the Bible and the inside of churches.
Please welcome Greg to APCC as you see him!
Welcoming New Members!
On Sunday, October 25th, APCC welcomed seven new members. Some of these new members have been worshipping with us for awhile, others just a few months. We welcome them warmly and celebrate them making a commitment to All Pilgrims as their home congregation. We also celebrate being able to share our faith journeys with each of these new members and growing together as a faith community as we provide support to them. Blessings and welcome new members!
David Belcher
Linda Gasparovic & Paul Binneboese
Stephan Gerhardt
Howard Hoxsie
John Sabol & Paul McDevitt
Many of these new members will be sharing some of their stories in worship as to why All Pilgrims is important to them. Would you be willing to share your story too? If so, please contact Pastor Nina through our Church Office.
All-Church Baby Shower
for Ryan & Heather's Coming Baby Girl
Heather and Ryan Dye, our Minister of Music, are expecting a baby girl in early December! Everyone is invited to a baby shower on Sunday, November 22nd after worship to celebrate this upcoming birth with them and help supply them with girl items to welcome Baby Dye the 2nd.
The shower will be a pot-luck with dishes from around the world, so please bring a dish from your native land (or a favorite land). The dish can be an entrée, a dessert, an appetizer, whatever. We're also encouraged, if we wish, to write a few words describing the dish -- is it a family favorite? Is it something seasonal used at special times of the year? Is it normally eaten at dinner or breakfast? etc. etc. - Your description can be set next to your dish for people to read.
Gifts in celebration of the upcoming birth of their second child are welcome! There will be a money tree to contribute towards (anything from $1 to $20 bills welcome). Additionally, if you wish, you can gift Heather and Ryan with gift cards to Target or Babies R Us stores for them to fill in their needs.
As always, don't worry if you don't bring food or a baby shower gift. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration! Welcome Baby Girl Dye! |
Groups, Committees & Events
 "Spaghetti Feed" To Benefit RVP This coming Sunday, Nov 1st, right after church, there may be a lot of noisy (and messy) slurping going on in Stuart Hall as we all get together to consume spaghetti (plus salad, garlic bread and dessert). This is the second annual spaghetti feed to benefit RVP, the Rabuor Village Partners' work in western Kenya. Our church has supported this mission from its very beginning and the RVP board of directors has always included members from APCC. Dave Anstine is currently a member of the board.
There is no "fee" for the event although a nominal $5 has been suggested. You are invited whether or not you can afford the $5. Everyone is also encouraged to be generous in making a donation to support the work of the Rabuor Village Project (schools, HIV-AIDS education, economic development etc.) Last year the spaghetti dinner raised over $500 for RVP. "We hope to do even better this year," Anstine says. Dave will show a 12-minute video before lunch is served to help us get a more complete picture of the vital work going on in Rabuor. Thanks goes to the Red Cluster whose members will do the lion's share of necessary cooking and set-up for the spaghetti feed.
Interfaith Action Inquiry Group Plans Video Night
The Interfaith action inquiry group is planning a video night for sometime in November, and you are welcome to join us. We don't know yet exactly what we're going to be watching or where we'll be watching it, but we will gather to see a film that opens our eyes and our hearts to people who worship God in ways that are different from ours, but truthful to their own belief in the Divine. We haven't picked a date yet either, but we'll keep you informed as plans develop. We will need to know how many want to come, so if you are interested in attending, please contact David Paul or Kathy Dawson.
'O Antiphons' Celebrated at All Pilgrims for Advent
Mark your calendar now for a new event you won't want to miss. This year, to celebrate the beginning of the season of Advent, All Pilgrims will team up with the choir from Sandpoint UMC in singing the 'O Antiphons' in a special service on Sunday, November 29 at 4 pm in the Sanctuary. The Sandpoint choir is directed by Jeremy Matheis, our Office Administrator, whom also serves Sandpoint as Music Director.
The famous Advent Sunday service consists of seven lessons and carols. Each lesson/carol set is based on one of the 'O Antiphons', seven ancient Advent verses that each begin with the word "O". The word itself, "antiphon," is a Greek word meaning, "answering voice." The antiphon is a verse, which is usually taken from Scripture, and recited before or after a psalm or canticle.  The 'O Antiphons' are special. They are the distinguished titles applied to Christ (King, Ruler, Wisdom, etc). These titles are taken directly from the Old Testament. You are probably very familiar already with these 'O Antiphons', even though you might not realize it. We sing each of the 'O Antiphons' in the advent song, O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
The lesson/carol set begins with the reading of the Antiphon, followed by a lesson (reading of scripture) and hymn, carol or anthem including: Lo', How a Rose E'er Blooming; Lift Up Your Heads; Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus; Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending; People Look East and O come, O come Emmanuel. This is a very special Advent service which is now being performed in many places around the world. What a great way to begin the season of anticipating Christ's birth!
Here are the 'O Antiphons' that you can use for your personal reflection as we approach Christmas.
- O Wisdom From on High - 0 Lord, give me wisdom and teach me prudence in my life.
- O Adonai, Leader of Israel - Deliver me, Lord, with your outstretched arm.
- O Flower of Jesse - Root your love and goodness deep with me this day.
- O Key of David - Unlock the doors that keep me in darkness.
- O Radiant Dawn - Send your everlasting light to burn always within me.
- O King of the Nations - Heal what divides me from others and from you.
- O Emmanuel - Be with me Lord, dwell within me this day and always.
May the Christ Child be born again within us as we approach the seasons of Advent and Christmas!
Weekly Advent Prayer Services
Have you ever wanted to learn more about Advent? Do you need a break from the stress of the week and seek a time to become more centered? Join us for an evening Advent Prayer Service as we prepare for Christ's birth. There will be singing, prayer and silent meditation. The service is open to all people including those who do not attend APCC. Contact Justin Umbright or the Church Office with any questions.
Where:
The Chapel at All Pilgrims Christian Church.
When:
Every Tuesday starting November 24th - December 15th
6:30-7:30 PM
World AIDS Day Prayer Vigil
Join us in prayer on Tuesday, December 1st, World AIDS Day for all those who have or are suffering from HIV/AIDS here in our local community and around the world. All Pilgrims will be open as a quiet respite for prayers from Noon - 10:00 pm. All people are welcome, so please tell your friends and neighbors. The  prayer vigil is designed so that people can stop in on their lunch breaks, after the workday or before night shifts, or as part of their evening time. Meditative music, candles and reflection materials will be available. Please respect those in prayer by quietly entering or exiting the church.
May we honor those that have passed away from HIV/AIDS and its complications. May all those living with HIV/AIDS be strengthened by our prayers. May we be enlightened with further compassion and understanding and may we grow ever closer to a definitive cure accessible to all people.
If you would like to volunteer to help host this prayer vigil, please contact Pastor Nina through the Church Office.
Hanging of the Greens
Come join us for our annual Hanging of the Greens on Saturday, November 28th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. It has been our church's tradition to decorate the Sanctuary & Stuart hall for Advent and Christmas and we need your help! This is an all-church event - all are invited! There will also be a lunch break around Noon.
In the same breath a large group of people is needed to also help with putting away the greens after Epiphany on Saturday, January 9. On that day there will be a pot luck among the helpers to celebrate the occasion. Bring your favorite dish to share.
To volunteer, a sign up sheet for both dates will be available during our Fellowship Hour, or simply look for Michael Small, Stephan Gerhardt, or anyone else on the Hospitality committee. In addition, you can talk to Vince Larkin for information about being a part of our group of hands-on volunteers, the Angel Corp.
Help us prepare this house of God for the coming of the Christ child!
Poinsettias
The poinsettias will be sold again this year starting Dec. 6 and going through Dec.15. They may be purchased in memory or honor of someone special to you. We have the quality Canadian  Poinsettias, and in many different colors including red, white, pink, white glitter, burgundy, apricot (pink peppermint), Picasso(Monet), marble or ice crystal. Each plant only costs $7.00.
|
|
Thank You for Your Help and Support
Report from the Seattle CROP Hunger Walk
Two things that make me happy are feeding people, and taking a walk. The Seattle CROP Hunger Walk let me do both, and it was the pleasantest crop walk I've done. The afternoon of October 4 was clear and crisp, with a bit of wind. You could see Mount Baker from the walk route at Alki.
We walked to raise money for NW Harvest, local food banks and global programs to fight poverty. There were about 150 walkers, four from All Pilgrims. Although most of the walkers were from Christian congregations around Seattle, there were some Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Sufi participants. We had music. We had an office-seeking politician in attendance. It was good ministry and good fun.
The totals for this year's walk are not yet complete. We had some participants who walked other times and different routes. Some donations haven't been turned in yet. But it looks like we'll have raised about $10,000, about $1,000 from All Pilgrims. A quarter of this money will go to local food programs. The rest will go to international programs to feed, heal and help the poor. CROP walks raise about 30 million dollars annually to this end.
Many thanks to all who gave, who walked and helped organize the Seattle walk. Your support makes a difference around the world. If you couldn't take part this year, think about walking and feeding people next fall.
Ed Hausken
Report from Our Annual October Sock Drive
Thank you for your participation in the sock drive for Operation Night Watch. We collected over 106 pairs of socks. Thanks to your generosity, 106 homeless people will experience the pleasure of having warm, dry feet this winter. Inquiries about Operation Night Watch will be received at the following number 206-323-4359 or you can visit their homepage. Again thank you for making the sock drive a big success!
Blessings, Stephan Gerhardt |
|
Opportunities to Help
Make a Donation
with the Purchase of a Christmas Tree
Dunshee House, home of the Seattle AIDS Support Group which helps people deal with HIV/AIDS, addictions and other challenges, has two locations where your Christmas trees/greenery can be purchased any day beginning Nov. 27th, 9  am - 9 pm. Their main location is at Dunshee House itself on the corner of 17th and East Thomas Street. The other location is at 3820 Rainier Avenue South, in the Safeway parking lot. If you're willing, they would also be glad to have you volunteer to help with sales in 3-hour shifts.
Friend to Friend Harvest Basket
The annual Friend to Friend Volunteer fund raiser will take place during the coffee hours in Stuart Hall on November 8th and 15th. Buy one ticket for $1.00 or 6 tickets for $5.00. The money goes to the program director who sends out volunteer applications for 1 on 1 visitations with residents in Retirement, Assisted Living and Nursing Homes in the greater Seattle area. The drawing for the special basket will be November 15th.
For more information about Friend to Friend, visit their homepage.
Berlena Brock, West Seattle Chapter of Friend to Friend
Helping Our Neighbors in Need at Christmas
This year, on November 29th or December 6th, you will certainly notice this year's "giving tree" adorning our sanctuary. It's a part of Christmas decorating and symbolizes the true meaning of Christmas: helping others less fortunate than ourselves. Under the tree you'll spot a box. In it you might choose to give a gift of cash (or check) that will be forwarded to The Church of Mary Magdalene to replace the worn-out shoes and boots of homeless and formerly homeless women and their children.
An additional opportunity will be tree tags that identify gifts that children at Mary Magdalene or needy children at Lowell Elementary School in our own neighborhood would love to receive at Christmas. Each tag identifies a much-needed gift, and you can pick any tag(s) you wish. You'll then bring the gift and place it under the tree. They will be gathered and delivered - the true joy and spirit of Christmas! |
|
Out of Thanks We Are Giving
On Nov. 22 we will bring special offerings for the work of our larger church families; The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
Now, why would we do that?
We receive more than any of us know from both denominations. Education materials for all ages and seminaries to train pastors, support for new and transforming congregations (like our own New Beginnings process), advice and processes for calling interim and long-term pastors, summer camp and retreat experiences for folk from 7 to 97 and ministries at our doorsteps and around the world.
So, out of thanks, won't you join in giving? | |
|
|
|
