Miss You
A Monthly Publication of All Pilgrims Christian ChurchJune, 2010
Seattle, WA
A Summer of Vision 
I like the idea of having a backyard that is an enjoyable, inviting space.  That's not an outlandish notion.  I don't know that I've ever heard someone say that he/she prefers a horrid mess of a yard that is completely unappealing.  The thought of having a nice yard, whatever that may mean to a person, typically isn't going to inspire a debate or argument.  It's like suggesting that I'd like food that tastes good or shoes that fit.  So, yes, I make that claim; a backyard that is an enjoyable and inviting space.  It just so happens that I moved to a houseMiss You with a backyard that is not that.  When we moved in, poor drainage kept the ground swampy for most of the year, the weeds had come to be impressively tenacious and resilient, and the beds were no longer beds.  I would occasionally stand at a window, looking at the yard, and proclaim to myself, "I wish that yard was nicer."  Then, I'd turn and go about my life.
 
I did regular maintenance, mowing, a little weeding, and so on, but nothing that would bring the change I wished to see.  The maintenance became more of a chore as time went on because it felt as if I was doing what I had to do to keep it from being worse.  This is very different from my feeling as if my effort was bringing improvement.  For eighteen months, even though I really did want things to be different, I didn't make any significant headway. Because it was important to me, and I had a growing sense of discontent, I took the effort to review what I was experiencing in my feeling "stuck."  A few things stood out.  
  •  One, I didn't know where to begin.  There was so much to do.  It didn't seem like anything I did would really make a difference. Consequently, I felt overwhelmed and found myself avoiding taking any steps.  
  • Two, when I wanted to start somewhere, there appeared deeper needs that were less inspiring, like digging up draining pipe and replacing it.  
  • Three, it occurred to me, I didn't know what I wanted, so I found it hard to commit to any creative idea in a way that I'd be willing to move my resources including money, time and energy, in that direction.  
  • And, four, I didn't know all I'd need to in order to accomplish all I wanted to accomplish.  So, I did my chore of mowing on a regular basis and got out of there.
 
Today, after a nearly a year of work, I have a backyard that looks very different.  It may not win awards, but, to me, it's much closer to being a place I enjoy being.  I have dug up and replaced plastic drain pipe, hauled 16 pick-up truck loads of top soil and bark, trimmed trees, planted trees, bushes, flowers and a garden, and even built a small patio. 
 
So, what changed for me to take action?  I knew staring at the yard as is wasn't enough.  I also knew that I'd do well to have an idea of what I might want it to look like.  I needed to imagine what it would be like and focus on that mental picure.  It's like vividly thinking about how good a cookie would be, then finding myself at the cookie jar.  My yard-to-be was to be attractive and delicious before I even picked up a shovel.  So, I imagined thicker grass, fewer weeds, beds with the bushes and flowers I might want, etc.  But, more than that, I saw my family enjoying being there in the day and evening.  It felt great to "see" my kids playing and my wife relaxing in the sunshine even though it was still a swampy, weed infested mess.  And, that's what did it.  It wasn't the dissatisfaction, the strategy, or the will power to make it different that I needed, it was the vision of what was meaningful to my heart and mind - people I love, enjoying the yard.  That's what inspired the following design, the work, the finding resources, and my research to gather information and knowledge.  The simple picture of my smiling wife and kids, laughing and playing, sitting and relaxing in the yard is the vision I still hold, today, as I am happy to continue the work.
 
When I think of vision, I think if an image of what is wanted coupled with compelling emotion.  It feels great to be going on vacation even before we get there.  Good marketers will have a person seeing the beach, feeling the sand, hearing the ocean, for instance, before they ever buy a plane ticket because that is what increases the likelihood of someone taking action to purchase a ticket.  Vision for a church is not a strategic plan or a defining statement of belief.  It is not a set of characteristics or values.  Our vision is of God, rising as our heartsong.  It may move through our deep faith experiences as it casts a future image of who we are and where we're going.  The image and words may be simple and concise, but it calls to us as a point of alignment.
 
For me, in my yard example, vision compelled me to move to have and execute a strategy (drain first, then beds, etc.), clarify and align to values (grass for play and dog, garden for kids to work and learn, patio for Lynn to relax in the summer), and act in alignment of these to draw the vision into the present (dig, haul, plant, etc.). 
 
A vision held by people and a community of faith can inspire creativity, a release of energy, and expanded search to find a way and make it so.  It orients people, with all their diverse gifts and beliefs and interests, to a common "North Star" as they energetically pull together. 
 
At All Pilgrims, this is a great summer to be a "Summer of Vision."  A summer to prayerfully seek, receive, clarify and communicate God's vision for us.  June 13, following worship, all are invited to join in taking the first step.  It is important that all see and know themselves as an important part of this endeavor.  (If you happen to be thinking, "That's not for me."  "I'm too new." "Even the thought of it makes me nervous." That's ok, it's for you.)  Beyond June 13 we will prayerfully seek vision in worship, then gather again as a congregation on July 11, following worship.  The hope is that by then our hearts will, indeed, be singing the same song of what the future holds for us.  And, together we will see the "yard" we'll build with God.
Rave Reviews from Our Neighbors
 

Linda Gasparovic

, one of the gardening leaders in the First Impressions team, has noted something quite extraordinary: often when the team is working outside in the church yard there are neighbors who stop by and make observations.

 

Linda says, "Some just made comments about loving to see people care for the garden, planting the flowers, cleaning up Yard Workthe property, etc.  One of the family members working at LaCocina told me 'I saw you out working in the garden!'"

 

Here are some other examples she recalls:

 

"A man with a camera was thrilled when he found the gates open and could come inside and take photos.  He said he valued the 'green space' on Broadway.

 

"A woman in the neighborhood talked about how much she enjoys our perennial garden on the south side... she acknowledged it's overgrown, but it's so comforting to see the holly hocks, peonies, and all the blossoms from the past blooming in the different seasons as she walks by on her way home.

 

"A man who lives across the street said our gardening 'improves his life!' (direct quote!).  He says everything we do is visible from his apartment, and thus creates the environment in which he lives.

 

"Another member of the First Impressions team heard a woman who stopped and told her, 'this is the best I have seen the church look in all the years she's lived on Capitol Hill!'"

 

Linda observes, "When I work out in the church yard I connect with people, even if only a brief 'hello' or making eye contact. By meeting people on their terms, by coming out to where they are, we become accessible, and, hopefully inviting."

 

She further remarks that for every one comment someone actually makes, there probably are ten more people having the same thoughts who don't speak up.

Pride Update
 
The Pride Committee needs volunteers to help out on the weekend of June 26/27.  Volunteers are needed to be present at the church on Saturday, June 26, passing out water and cookies and answering questions.  There will also be a multi-churchMiss You worship service at 2 pm in our Sanctuary.  An ecumenical choir will rehearse earlier in the day and sing for the service.
 
All Pilgrims will then march in the parade on Sunday, June 27, with other area churches.
  You may sign-up by emailing Michael Small  or Paul McDevitt, or by using the sign-up sheet in Stuart Hall. 
 
 
 

The Spiritual Pathways of Same Sex Love

July 21 - 25, 2010

Hollyhock, Cortes Island, B.C., Canada

 

There is a longing for deeper relationship with spirituality. Individuals in same sex relationship and the GLBT communities have unique roles, pathways and desires for soulful connections. In this dynamic and interactive workshop explore:

 

* Questions of who have you been,who are you now, and who are you becoming in the integration of your sexuality and your spiritual path.

* Causes of separation and wounding around sexuality and spirituality.

* The various roles and archetypes of GLBT including the walker between worlds, keepers of beauty, the ones who go ahead, outsiders, and caregivers to name a few.

* The heart connections, pathways and practices to reconnect the separation of ones sexual identity and soul identity.

* The importance of community andcommunity building.

* The development of new visions and maps for the integration of sexuality and spirituality.

 

These and many other topics will be explored and enhanced through story telling, meditations, spiritual practices from different traditions, artwork, song, play, humour and dance. 

 

This workshop is designed for members of the GLBT communities, people in same sex relationships, individuals who are interested in same sex relationships and spirituality, and friends and families of these communities who desire a greater understanding and appreciation of same sex love and spirituality.

 

Workshop Leaders:

Bruce Sandy, M.P.A., PCC, CPCC, is a teacher, spiritual guide, coach, relationship and team facilitator, and writer.

 

Victor Wiebe, B.A., BEd, is a teacher, spiritual guide, counsellor, a hospice trainer and facilitator, and tender of gardens.

 

Nancy Monson, M.A., M.B.A.,CPCC, is a teacher, spiritual guide, coach, relationship  and team facilitator.

 

Nancy, Bruce and Victor are certified in spiritual guidance and coaching and have specialized training and extensive experience in transpersonal and Jungian psychology.

 

Course cost:  $525.00 Cdn

 

Hollyhock is offering its best ever Spring Postcard Special. If you sign up for our workshop by May 29, 2010 then you get:

 

Hollyhock Spring Postcard Special

$200 off stays for 5 or more nights

$100 off stays of 3 or more nights

Book by May 29th

 

To register for this workshop call 800-933-6339 or go to www.hollyhock.ca For more information on the course contact Bruce Sandy at [email protected] or Nancy Monson at [email protected]or go to http://www.hollyhcok.ca/cms/index.cfm?Group_ID=4520  

Groups, Committees & Events
 
Community Lunch Auction
- A Review
 
On the warm Spring eve of May 8th, Community Lunch on Capitol Hill gathered with many of their supporters at All Pilgrims for their annual fundraising event.  Bluegrass music played as people mingled and bid on silent auction items.  Periodically, the music would stop and stories of homeless folks served in their need by this valuable organization were told. Throughout the week, Community Lunch and a host of volunteers create welcoming environments for hungry people to enjoy a meal.  We are delighted to have provided a welcoming environment to them for their fundraiser.  It was a wonderful success.  We pray for their continued success and look forward to expanding our relationship with them in service of those in need.
 
 
Spring Has Spring and So Have the Weeds
 
Join Pastor Greg and the First Impressions Team for a Workday - Fun, Food and Fantastic Gardening
 Sun. June 6 (1-4 pm) and/or Sat. June 12 (10 am -3 pm)
 
Have you walked along the south side of the church on Republican Street?  It has many beautiful plants but they are overwhelmed by weeds.  We are having 2 works days to continue our garden beautification.  Pastor Greg will be thereYardwork with his enthusiasm (and his truck).  This is a great opportunity to really help the church and get to know others on a more personal level.  New and old friends are invited.
 
We will be serving lunch on both days.  Everyone can help:
         Help garden  - experience not necessary
         Help with lunch if you are not inclined to this sort of work 
         Contribute a little something to the cost of the lunch.
 
So we can have adequate food and supplies, contact Kathy Wells (206-366-6654 or [email protected]).
 
 
All Pilgrims to Help Prevent Summer Hunger in June
 
As we did last year, All Pilgrims will collect food to feed children on summer break.  Why?  Because, when the final bell Miss Yourings out another school year, many kids in our community may be facing more than summer vacation.  With the loss of a subsidized school lunch, they may be facing hunger!
 
Look for a container in the narthex where you can drop your food donations during June.  Some of the food items that will be most welcome are: 
  • peanut butter
  • SPAM
  • canned Vienna Sausages
  • canned soup, fruit or vegetables
  • beef stew
  • 1 Qt envelopes of powdered milk
  • jars of baby food
 
Why not plan to add a few items to your next grocery list?  You will help ensure that these kids not only have a fun-filled summer, but one free of hunger, too.
 
 
Flute & Piano Benefit Recital
 
All Pilgrims will be hosting a flute recital as a benefit concert for Big Brothers/Big Sisters (
https://www.bbbsps.org) on Sunday, June 6th at 7:00 pm.
 
Britt East, flautist, will be performing along with local pianist Jeffrey Moidel.  Jeffrey has had a distinguished career as both pianist and composer, and is a beautiful musician.  They will be performing works by Copland, Hindemith, Martinu, Burton, and Barber.  These are all very standard pieces; cornerstones of 20th century flute repertoire. It will be about an hour's worth of music with no intermission. That means you'll still be home well in time to watch your DVR'd episodes of Glee, before bedtime!
 
All proceeds from this event will go directly to Big Brothers/Big Sisters; a wonderful organization that has become very near and dear to Britt's heart over the past year, when he became a big brother to a very sweet twelve year old boy.  BIg Brothers Big SistersThere is still a great need as hundreds of local children are waiting for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of their very own.  Find out how you can help on their website (above), or at the concert!
 
There is no ticketing for this event, but a suggested donation of $10 per person at the door.  Every dime goes to Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
 
This is a family friendly event, though none of the music is explicitly geared towards children.  But if you have budding young musicians in the family, this would be a great way to expose them to wonderful music and live performance.  This is a non-threatening arts event, even if you've never been to an arts music concert before!  The performers will walk the audience through everything, step-by-step, so you won't miss a beat!
People Happenings
 
Pastor Nina & Glenn to Share Illinois Pastorate

 

Pastor Nina, our recent Interim Pastor,called with the good news that she and husband Glenn have accepted a call to the First Christian Church of Canton, IL.  They will leave Edmonds (where Glenn concludes a 15-year ministry) at the end of July and assume Co-pastor duties in Mid-August.  The ministry of the 120-year-old church is a 1 � time position.  They will divide the full range of pastoral duties evenly, working � time each.  Nina says the church comprises a rich mix of people, a wide age range and many professions.  Their lively son, Gabriel, was enthusiastically received and the parents were assured they can count on at least 30 new babysitters.

 

Canton, a city of about 18,000 people, is located approximately 25 miles from Peoria.  Nina reports that it is a lovely small city Canton Mapwith a very good school system, library and parks.  They will live in the church's parsonage, a 2-story, 4-bedroom home located about 1 mile from the church.

 

Nina, Glenn and Gabe will take a leisurely drive cross country, stopping at Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills and a stopover in Cedar Rapids where Nina's father moved 3 years ago.  Based in Canton they will easily be able to visit her father, a mere 3 hours distance.  They also look forward to exploring Chicago, also only 3 hours away.

 

Pastor Nina wishes to thank All Pilgrims' members for their positive thoughts, prayers and well-wishes.  She assures us that they leave with prayers and best wishes for the future of All Pilgrims.

Wanna Go Camping?
 
Summer camp season is fast approaching!  Are you registered?
Here are the details:

Summer Camp Graphic

 Disciples of Christ
 
Camp Gwinwood   
Kids Camp           
     Entering grades 2 and 3
     July 7 - 10

Junior Camp
     Entering grades 4, 5 and 6
     July 6 - 10

Chi Rho Camp
     Entering grades 7, 8 and 9
     July 12 - 17

CYF Camp 
    Entering grades 10, 11, 12 and new Grads
     July 12 - 17 
    
Camp Zephyr   
Kids Camp
     Entering grades 2 and 3
     July 13 - 16
 
Junior Camp
    Entering grades 4, 5 and 6
Summer Campfire    July 13 - 17

Chi Rho Camp
     Entering grades 7, 8 and 9
     July 19 - 24
 
CYF Camp 
     Entering grades 10, 11, 12 and Grads 
     July 19 - 24
 
*For more information or to register, visit http://www.disciplesnw.org/whatshappening/summercamp.html
 
 
United Church of Christ
 
Pilgrim Firs
Work Camp
     May 28 to May 30
     
Young Adult Retreat
     June 25 7PM to  June 27 1PM

Senior High Camp
     Entering grade 10 to Grads
     July 11 4PM to July 17 10AM
 
Junior High Camp
     Entering grades 7, 8 & 9
     July 18 4PM to July 24 10AM
 
Summer Camp LakeIntermediate Camp
     Entering grades 5 & 6
     July 5 4PM to July 10 10AM
 
Kids Camp
     Entering grades 2,3 & 4
    
July 25 4PM to July 28 1PM
 
Family Camp at Pilgrim Firs
     August 29 4 PM to September 2 1PM
 
*For more information or to register, visit http://pncucc.org/index.php?nid=114166&s=au

All Pilgrims Christian Church

 

500 Broadway East 
Seattle, WA 98102
 
206-322-0487
[email protected]
In This Issue
Summer Vision
Rave Reviews
Pride Update
Groups & Events
People Happenings
Summer Camp Info
All Are Welcome!
 
Miss You 
Sunday Schedule: 
 10:30 AM
Worship
 
11:45 AM
Coffee Hour

 
Location:

500 Broadway East
Seattle, WA 98102
  

206-322-0487
[email protected]
 
 
Miss You
 
  
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
 
Quick Links
Lost and Found Bag Set to Disappear

 

Lost something? Maybe lost it at church?  Better check at the office by mid-June.  That is the deadline when Ray Nutter plans to take everything in the lost-and-found  bagLost n Found and donate it to charity.  There are lots of things filling up the bag - an Agatha Christie novel, a water bottle, a leather glove - just to name a few.  Take a look in the bag behind the office door, if interested.

Your Ministry Impact
 
From Capitol Hill to the ends of the earth, we extend ourselves to meet, love and care for people.
 
For example, through Disciples Week of Compassion & the UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing, we are helping with:
  •  Disaster response
  • Regufee assistance
  • Community development
  • Mission opportunities
 THANK YOU!! 
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