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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 Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98102
206-322-0487
office@allpilgrims.org
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 |
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Greetings from
Rev. Nina Merkle Nestlerode
- Interim Pastor
The winds are changing. Here in Seattle and here at All Pilgrims.
We just had our warmest January on record in Seattle. Mid-50's instead of mid-high 30's. Daffodils, tulips, camellias, and cherry trees are all budding and some beginning to actually blossom with Spring color. Do you remember snow in April two years ago? Do you remember snow, ice and freezing cold winds this time last year? It looks like the Seattle area is in for an early and extended Spring this year! Ahhh, the winds are changing.
When I came to All Pilgrims as the Intentional Interim Pastor, two years ago, it was during a cold snap. The chilly temperature and sweeping wind made an impression. All Pilgrims was in a different place. It's loved pastoral team had just left, leaving some shaken and uncertain as to the future of this congregation. Others were determined to celebrate the gifts of this community, the former pastors and to forge ahead, drawing on our collective wisdom, open to guidance and leaning heavily on the Holy Spirit.
Last year's winter just seemed to never end. We couldn't make Spring come sooner, although we all longed for warmer, clearer times. As a congregation, we sat in discernment around who we are, where we are called, as we yearned to move forward but knew it was not time.
This year, things are much warmer. The cold snap of winter lasted all of a few weeks. Signs of new life have been all around us, emerging into sight, hinting at an early and glorious Spring. In mid-December, a dear friend was visiting my family. This friend commented on the winter trees already beginning to show the earliest signs of buds. "They are telling us it's going to be a mild winter" she exclaimed. ... She was right!
All Pilgrims is also preparing for an early Spring, a welcome and extended celebration of new life! We are at the end stages of our pastoral search, moving closer to welcoming in a new era of pastoral leadership. New ideas are emerging, with energy, passion, and expertise; ideas that uncover and reveal more of our congregation's beauty and nature. We are really budding - leading to the eventual blossom of color that awaits All Pilgrims! Oh, the fruit from this Spirit has the potential to be so sweet!
I celebrate the shift of winds at All Pilgrims. I love that this is an ever warming center of Spirit, welcoming in newness! In time, I will give a heart-felt and grace-filled farewell to All Pilgrims. You are ready. The buds are coming forth. May your ideas and ministry continue to be warmed by God and may you nurture them and each other with the great Spirit moving within this congregation. May the delight of your enfolding future lift your souls in praise and lead you into a splendid new era.
God's blessings and peace,
Nina |
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Bread and Soup for Haiti,
...Plus Valentine's Day Cakes!
Wonderful, flavorful soup-Joumou, the Haitian national dish for celebrating their Independence Day and hard won liberation from slavery. Add hearty breads and a luscious variety of cakes. That's what's in store for our Valentines Day lunch, raising funds for disaster relief in Haiti.
We'll celebrate the culture, courage, and resilience of the Haitian people while raising funds to help with emergency needs and reconstruction as they recover from January's devastating earthquake. Invite your neighbors, bring your  friends, join in friendship and solidarity, and make a difference! All the supplies for the meal have been contributed, so every cent of your donation will go directly to the disaster response ministries of the United Church of Christ (One Great Hour of Sharing) and the Christian Church (Week of Compassion) for relief work in Haiti. We're suggesting $5 per person, but no one will be turned away and more is always welcome!
The entire community is welcome, so be sure you give your friends and family a personal invitation!
The soup will be served at 11:30 (after worship) on Feb. 14, in Stuart Hall. We'll have both vegan and chicken versions of the special squash soup (made without the scotch bonnet chili peppers, the hottest of all peppers, so we'll have hot sauces you can use to your taste). Dessert will be won in the cakewalk, so be sure folks from your table participate (ok, that part probably isn't a Haitian tradition, but it was already scheduled for Valentine's Day). An opportunity for good food, good fellowship and much needed help for those in desperate need. Don't miss it!!! |
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Pastoral Search Update
Pastoral Candidate to be Chosen Soon!
It's been over 9 months of near-weekly meetings, but the Pastoral Search Committee (PSC) is very close to selecting a nominee to become APCC's next long-term pastor. The committee has been following the guidelines of both the UCC and DOC denominations in the selection process, and has remained in close contact with both the Conference and Regional ministers.
After reviewing the profiles of over 70 applicants, the PSC reduced the search to six candidates. Then, over the past two months, the committee conducted 18 phone interviews, speaking with each of the 3 references supplied by the applicants. With 5 remaining, candidates were asked to provide a recorded sermon and each was interviewed by phone and asked identical questions.
There is now a short list of 4 applicants, and only a few steps remain to be taken. Appointments have already been scheduled with each of the four for in-person interviews here at the church. Barring unforeseen developments, this may well be the final step in identifying a single candidate. After negotiating terms, the committee will recommend him or her to the APCC Council for approval. Upon approval, the candidate will be presented to the congregation for its decision. If everything goes as planned, the congregation should soon be casting its vote to call our next long-term pastor! |
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People Happenings
New Church Directory Available
Updated church directories are finally available. Contact the Church Office to pick up your copy during regular business hours (Monday- Friday, 9 am - 4:30 pm) or one can be set aside for you to pick up on Sunday. Copies will also be available during the first 15 minutes of fellowship hour in Stuart Hall.
A Visit from an Old Friend
Jenn Wheeler is going to be in Seattle, Friday Feb 19 through Tuesday Feb 23, and plans on coming to service on Sunday, Feb 21. She would love to say "hi" and catch up with her old friends at APCC. |
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Groups, Committees & Events
Two Upcoming Film Screenings
Interfaith Film Feb. 5
The Interfaith Action Inquiry team will sponsor a screening of A History of God on Friday, February 5, at 7 pm,in the Chapel. The film, produced by the History Channel, is an adaptation of the book by the same title written by noted religion scholar Karen Armstrong. A History of God takes a  look at the countless ways humans have experienced God from the days before Abraham to today, with a special focus on the three great monotheistic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Interviews with scholars from all three faiths shed light on how these three religions have influenced each other through the ages. Come see the film and stay for a discussion afterwards. No admission charge.
Inlaws and Outlaws to be screened on Feb. 11
To celebrate Freedom to Marry Week, that leading up to Valentine's Day, All Pilgrims will host a screening of the award-winning documentary film Inlaws and Outlaws. The film asks, "What do you get when you fall in love?" and weaves together interviews and stories of people, both straight and gay, who find their own answers to the question with candor, humor, and heart. Seattle writer and filmmaker Drew Emery directed and co-produced Inlaws and Outlaws, which played to sold-out audiences at the 2005 Seattle International Film Festival and took home prizes from festivals in Palm Springs and Oklahoma City. Writing in Variety magazine, critic Ken Eisner wrote that Inlaws and Outlaws is "a timely examination of the nature of marriage, whether straight or gay." Seattle audiences may recognize some familiar settings.
Inlaws and Outlaws will be shown on Thursday, February 11, at 7 pm in the church Sanctuary. No admission charge.
Ash Wednesday Service
Come join us for this special evening service that ushers in the beginning of the Lenten Season in the Christian calendar. Ash Wednesday is an age old Christian ritual, where the people of God listen to scriptures  calling them into a reflective period in their faith journey and marking them with the sign of the cross. All Pilgrims will be holding this special service at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 17th in our Sanctuary. All are welcome!
Men's Breakfast - Program to Focus on AIDS
A speaker from Life Long AIDS Alliance will lead the discussion at the February Men's Breakfast, according to Michael Small, chair of APCC's Hospitality Committee. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 am on Sunday, February 21, in Stuart Hall. The Life Long AIDS Alliance is an organization that is committed to preventing the spread of HIV and provides practical support services to victims.
Michael is, himself, infected with the HIV virus and is a part of the support network. In this position, he is alarmed to see how the HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to grow, increasingly affecting younger people, women and heterosexuals. This is happening despite wide awareness of AIDS - 29 years since the first diagnosis - and great strides in HIV treatment and prevention.
Michael invites all men to come and bring guests. He would like our church to become knowledgeable about the epidemic and aware of resources to prevent and combat it.
Congregational Meeting:- Learning More About Community Lunch on Capitol Hill
On Sunday, February 28th, after Worship, we will host a discussion to talk about the possibility of All Pilgrims hosting a third weekly meal for the homeless on Capitol Hill. Come join us to learn more and get answers to your questions.
Community Lunch on Capitol Hill is a non-profit that organizes and staffs two weekly community meals, served at Central Lutheran Church on Tuesdays and Fridays. Currently, each meal feeds approximately 250 people. Community Lunch on Capitol Hill is looking at expanding to a third evening meal and has asked if All Pilgrims would be interested in being the site.
What would this require of All Pilgrims?
- Help with gathering volunteers to assist the staff in preparing and serving the meal.
- Providing our kitchen and fellowship hall.
- Heat and lights.
- Sharing some refrigerator and storage space.
- Providing welcoming hospitality.
...that's it! APCC could host 250 people weekly for a sit-down dinner that welcomes people from the streets into a safe, warm, caring atmosphere for a very filling hot meal.
Interested in this kind of ministry to our community? Join us for this informational meeting, open to the entire congregation, on Sunday, February 28th. Don't miss this chance for service.
MultiFaith Works AIDS CareTeam Training - Save the Date
Are you a compassionate person willing to come alongside victims of the HIV virus in a proven program that enhances, and may even extend their lives? MultiFaith Works, a Seattle organization APCC has supported for  many years, needs wonderful people like you to become a CareTeam member. A training session has been slated to equip you for this vital service.
The training takes place March 20th at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Avenue in Seattle. For an application, please contact MultiFaith Works, 206-324-2216, Ext 239, or through their website.
Climate Justice, a Lenten Resource
This year, the National Council of Churches, with help from clergy, activists and friends around the country, will be offering a Lenten Resource exploring Climate Justice and how it relates to each one of us in our daily lives and communities.
Each week, the series will explore a new issue, lifting up stories from around the globe and providing ways that you and your congregation can help address climate change in your own lives.
Here are the topics that will be covered during Lent:
- Climate change and Health
- Climate change and Economic
- Climate change and Development
 - Climate change and Disaster/Migration
- Climate change and Food Security
- Holy week reflections on climate justice
If you would like to receive these Lenten reflections and explorations on climate change please email Tyler at tedgar@nccecojustice.org with the subject "Lenten reflections" and your name will be added to the list.
Blessings,
The NCC Eco-Justice Team |
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News from Rabuor Village Project
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Thank You All Pilgrims!
Church of Mary Magdalene Thanks APCC
Dearest Friends of All Pilgrims:
Wow! Thank you for filling our Christmas season with love, warmth, grace and acceptance. Your gifts of toys and shoes were deeply valued and surely needed.
Your passion to put shoes on the feet of those who have none is being the hands of Jesus to us. I wish I could've packaged the squeals of delight, tears of joy and sighs of relief as moms, grannies and children selected gifts for each other. I know you would have been touched. Thank you for making it all possible!
Most importantly, thank you for reminding us we do not wander the streets alone. You love and care about us, and we are so grateful to you. Big hugs!
Marty & all your sisters at Mary Magdalene
Staff Thanks Congregation for Christmas "Love Offering"
From a very appreciative staff...
"Thanks for the holiday gift. I appreciate it!"
- Greg Lewis, Caretaker
"Thanks so much for the thoughtful love offering gift. It is a real pleasure serving this wonderful congregation on a weekly basis."
- Ryan Dye, Minister of Music "Thank you APCC for joining together to gift our staff as a show of love at Christmas. It is much appreciated and received with warm spirits. Personally from me: many thanks!"
- Nina Merkle Nestlerode, Interim Pastor
"What a tremendous outpouring of kindness and love from the people of All Pilgrims. It means a lot to feel your appreciation. Thank you so very much!"
- Jeremy Matheis, Office Administrator
"I appreciate the congregations generosity in their Christmas Love Offering. Hoping for a wonderful New Year for all!"
- Christina Forbes, Childcare Professional | |
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