Worship with Western

We’ll be worshiping together with our friends at Western Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 4th at Western (2401 Virginia Ave NW). There will be no service at Pilgrims that morning, as we’ll all be down at Western for a service with communion and the Rev. Charles Van Gorder preaching.

There is a parking garage off the 24th St entrance. Western is located just a couple of blocks away from the Foggy Bottom Metro station.

Details on how to participate virtually are available at www.westernpresbyterian.org.

Holy Week Worship Services

Come be a part of all the special Holy Week services with Pilgrims and Western Presbyterian Church.

Palm Sunday will be at Western Presbyterian (2401 Virginia Ave NW). We’ll meet early at 10:15am for some coffee and snacks and to make protest posters for our Palm Procession. Then, we’ll gather around 10:45am at the entrance off 24th St to pray and sing and process around the building. Hopefully this all will have us in the sanctuary around 11am for worship together.

If you would like to participate in this service virtually, click here to register for the zoom link, or visit the Western Facebook page where the service is streamed live.
**Please note, there will be no worship service at 2201 P St on 4/13.

Maundy Thursday worship will be at Pilgrims at 7pm together with our Western Pres friends. We’ll share in our tradition of supper and storytelling. Bring some finger foods to share, as we will gather around tables to feast on scripture, song, and snacks.

Good Friday is a time when we hold open space in the sanctuary. Instead of a formal service, we’ll have a quiet space in the middle of the day where you can come and pray, or walk the labyrinth, or catch your breath. The sanctuary at Pilgrims will be open from 11am - 1pm.

Easter Sunday worship will be at Pilgrims at 11am. Come for special music and flowers and fellowship together.

Prayers and Public Witness (Updated 4/16)


We know that when we turn on the news every day there are new orders, new policies, new situations for people of faith to grapple with. We're going to try and share a few resources and updates, as we can. And as actions are identified, we’ll share them here as well. And of course, we’re going to pray together, a whole lot. Come for worship on Sundays at 11am, in person or online. We’ll pray.

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Join the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness and friends for Faithful Witness Wednesdays

Come on Wednesdays at 12 pm ET for our weekly gathering at the US Capitol for Faithful Witness Wednesday where we will stand together calling upon Congress to have moral courage in these days. You can participate in person or online. The livestream will be broadcast on YouTube @sojoaction and available post-event for viewing

Meetup - 11:30 AM EST: Join us outside the United Methodist Building at 100 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, D.C. and we’ll walk over together to the nearby vigil site.

Vigil – 12:00 PM: Senate East Front, Grassy Area 8 (Constitution Ave NE & First St NE) Washington, D.C.

Click here for details in advance of each week's Wednesday gathering.

Click here to see all the Faithful Witness Wednesday sponsoring organizations.

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The National Homelessness Law Center, National Coalition for the Homeless, The Way Home Campaign and many other organizations are supporting a DAY of ACTION on April 22, and Friendship Place is encouraging our supporters to go out and make your voices heard. Thousands of individuals and organizations around the country will be out participating in simultaneous rallies to protect the social safety net and demand Housing NOW!

Where: Ulysses S. Grant Memorial (between the Capitol Reflecting Pool and Capitol Building).

 When: Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 11am–2pm. 

You can find out more here: Housing NOW! National Day of Action - National Coalition for the Homeless

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Free DC Campaign Orientation - 4/23 6pm

The people of DC deserve dignity and respect — but that's not what Congress or this administration have given us.

Free DC is a new campaign setting out to build the power it will take to protect our communities and win lasting dignity for the people of DC.

If you want to learn more about this effort and how to get involved, Campaign Orientation is the place to start! Join us for this overview of what this effort is all about, our plan to win, and how you can be part of it.

This orientation is in person on April 23rd from 6pm-7:30pm at Woodridge Neighborhood Library• 1801 Hamlin St. NE, Washington, DC 20018.

More info available at www.freedcproject.org.

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DC Emancipation Day Event - Wednesday, April 16th at 6pm

 “DC Emancipation Day Speak Out: Standing Together to Fight the Power,” a performance and panel discussion on protecting Home Rule, saving federal jobs and services, and investing in local DC communities.

Doors open at 5:30 PM for food, conversation, and community. The program will begin at 6:00 PM.

NOTE: There will be a required bag check for any bags larger than a small purse. Guests are encouraged to bring fewer items.

Register now to join the celebration and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow at Metropolitan AME Church starting at 5:30 PM.

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Prayer Vigil for Kilmar and His Family

Monday, April 14 from 10:45 am to 11:45 am, as Salvadoran President Bukele visits the White House, we will gather for a vigil co-sponsored by CAN, CASA, and the UCC. Together, we will call on both governments to act with justice and compassion and respect due process—not only toward Mr. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, but toward all migrants at risk of being detained in El Salvador’s notorious CECOT prison.

Thanks to your powerful solidarity over the past two weeks, we have made important strides toward Kilmar’s safe return. Your presence is needed now more than ever.

Please join us Monday to lift up a public witness for justice. 

Location Instructions:

Meet at Lafayette Park, at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and where 16th Street would be if it continued through the park.

*If the park is closed due to a security lockdown, we'll meet at the corner of 16th Street and H Street NW instead.

Bring signs demanding Kilmar’s return, calling for due process, and insisting on human rights for all in the United States.

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The Collective of Queer Christian Leaders is gathering on April 14th at 10am ET for a Rally at the U.S. Capitol!

We are at a pivotal moment in history—a moment that calls us to rise, resist, and proclaim our righteous rage and holy hope in the face of relentless attacks on LGBTQ+ lives. From the surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to the erasure of our history and the targeting of trans youth, we are witnessing a coordinated effort to strip away our dignity, safety, and rights. But we refuse to be silent.

We invite all LGBTQ+ communities, people of faith, allies, and advocates to stand with us. If you are unable to join in-person, we encourage you to share this with your networks in the Greater DC area.

Register here for event updates: https://ow.ly/MtRI50Vl0mg


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4/13/25

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) condemns bombing of Al-Ahli Hospital and demands Protection for the Christian Community and all in Gaza

On this blessed day of Palm Sunday, Christians around the world gather to worship and commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem during one of the most sacred times of year as Holy Week begins.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) condemns in the strongest possible terms the bombing of Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Al-Ahli is an Anglican institution and one of the oldest, continuously operating hospitals in Gaza. It is Gaza’s only Christian hospital and its only cancer treatment center. The bombing of the Anglican Al-Ahli Arab Hospital is a violation of the sacredness of life and it is especially abhorrent during this sacred time for Christians.

The deliberate targeting of a medical facility is a clear violation of international law—a war crime and a crime against humanity.

Read the full statement here.

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Sensitive Locations, Sacred Spaces Prayer Vigil - 4/3 at 6:30pm

Join us for an interfaith prayer vigil on the eve of the first hearing of our historic our historic lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security's rescission of the sensitive locations memo. The vigil will take place on Thursday, April 3rd, at 6:30pm at National City Christian Church in Washington, DC. Together, we will gather in solidarity, lifting prayers for justice, compassion, and the protection of immigrant communities. All are welcome to stand with us in this moment of faith and resolve.

RSVP to attend here and invite others to join!

Thursday, April 3rd
6:30pm
National City Christian Church
5 Thomas Circle NW WDC 20005




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PC(USA) joins religious freedom lawsuit challenging ICE enforcement actions in churches

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Trans Day of Visibility Rally - 3/31 at 2:30pm

Join us March 31st for a faith community meetup ahead of the Trans Day of Visibility rally!

The Interfaith Alliance and partners will gather as an interfaith community at 2:30 pm in the United Methodist Building for initial speeches before joining our partners on the National Mall between 3rd & 4th Street at 4pm for the rally.

Because it is our moral obligation to join in solidarity with our trans siblings and rebuke attacks on their very right to exist!

Click here for details and to RSVP.

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Contact Congress to Protect the DC Budget - Thursday 3/27 at 10am

(Or make phone calls anytime this week!)

The House is back in session and we want to make sure the #DCLocalFundsAct is one of their top priorities. Join us on Tuesday and/or Thursday this week to visit Members of the House and make sure they know what this bill is, why it matters, and how much support it has. Sign up to join us on either day at freedcproject.org/house.

Not able to join us for visits? Get a call script and phone numbers for our priority members at that same link above. We're working to call every single Member of the House this week before Friday and you can help us make it happen.

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National Capital Presbytery is hosting bi-monthly zoom gatherings, In Times Such as Now. The series is intended to provide valued time for information sharing and colleague-to-colleague care. 

The first Thursday of each month will be Listen and Pray with facilitation guided through scripture and prayer. The third Thursday of the month will be Listen and Learn sessions featuring real time updates and chances to share resources.  

The Listen and Learn series is in partnership with Listen and Pray. The next zoom gathering will be with Listen and Pray on April 3 with NCP Clergy Care Team.  

The schedule is as follows, always 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm with this zoom link: 
Listen and Pray: 4/3; 5/1; 6/5 

Listen and Learn: 3/20; 4/17; 5/15; 6/19 

https://thepresbytery.zoom.us/j/83480642468?pwd=L4xDuESCY23YG8oHYOWEcDwdQCULTf.1

Meeting ID: 834 8064 2468

Passcode: 091764

If you have any questions, reach out to Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe tspuhlermccabe@thepresbytery.org 

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Come take a walk with us on Sunday 2/9 at 1pm (Meeting at Western Pres) and we’ll pray while we walk. Come and join a Mid-Week Morning Zoom Prayer Moment on Wednesday 2/12 at 7:30am (email Erin for zoom meeting info) and we’ll pray a lot. Let’s pray and take action together.

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Presbyterian Church (USA)'s Office of Public Witness Signs Letter Urging Congress to work to preserve USAID.



Stated Clerk and Executive Director joins other national faith leaders in public support of sanctuary movement



Action Alert

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Washington Office has issued an Action Alert regarding Project 2025. The implementation of Project 2025 presents dangerous measures that harm the nation’s well-being. Its proposals align with several executive orders on numerous issues. Presbyterians, and all people of faith, must respond with an onslaught of pushback to ensure our voices are heard in Congress, the administration, and among the members of the President’s cabinet and staff.

Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q035jWFf0



A Day of Prayer and Action for Immigrant Families with CAN

Participate in an in-person action to support immigrant families facing violence and the threat of mass deportations. The event is being organized by the Congregation Action Network (CAN) in partnership with Faith in Action and will be held at St. Mark's (Capitol Hill) Episcopal Church (301 A Street, SE) in Washington on Tuesday, February 11 at 10:30 AM.

You can register for the in-person event here.

Prominent faith leaders from many traditions, including Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, will lead an interfaith Day of Prayer and Action in Support of Immigrant Families. Its purpose is to lift up immigrant families in prayer and show public support from faith leaders for the need to protect families and communities from being torn apart by mass deportations. 


The 90-minute action will consist of 3 parts:

  • a public dialogue between undocumented immigrants (or their family members) who are cherished members of our communities and faith leaders, with faith leaders listening and responding, from a pastoral and th here eological frame, to the stories shared by immigrants who are at risk. A message of welcome and solidarity to counter their demonization in so many outlets these days.

  • an interfaith prayer service

  • a call to action for faith communities

Some statements released by PC(USA) and partner agencies on recent executive orders:

Church World Service: Statement on Executive Actions Targeting Refugees




Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ equity lambasts a Trump executive order




More Light Presbyterian's Statement in response to Donald Trump's executive orders attacking gender diversity



Repeal of key immigration policy holds weighty implications for churches, including PC(USA) congregations



PC(USA) Advocacy Committee issues statement supporting Bishop Budde




General Assembly Committee on Representation has issued a statement on recent fear-based provocations about Diversity and Inclusion:

Easter Flowers - Order Yours Today!

If you would like to order flowers this year to share in the sanctuary on Easter morning and to take home with you later, now is the time to make your easter order!

You can order lilies, hyacinths, and/or tulips, at $16 each.

Click here to make your payment online and in the memo line write the kind of flowers and if they are in honor or in memory of someone.

Or you can fill out this form and bring it to worship on Sunday with your check or cash.

Please submit your order and payment by April 6th.

Issues Among Us - March 29

We’re going to the Renwick!

On Saturday, March 29th at 2pm, meet at the Renwick Gallery (Pennsylvania and 17th, NW) to see their new exhibit “We Gather at the Edge: Contemporary Quilts by Black Women Artists.”

The artists featured in We Gather at the Edge honor the Black story quilt tradition with work that envisions a more just and connected world. The exhibition highlights SAAM’s recent acquisition of quilts from the collection of Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi and celebrates her legacy as the founder of the Women of Color Quilters Network. 

Click here to learn more about the exhibit.

Lent with Pilgrims and Western

This Lent, together with our friends at Western Presbyterian Church, we will be working our way through Jesus' parables in the Gospel of Luke each week. But here's the twist, we're going to put those parables in conversation with stories from our own time - from poetry, literature, art, our own lived experiences, or any other way we can imagine to tell and re-tell the story. The worship planning team would love to invite YOU to share. Sign up to be a liturgist on one of the Sundays during Lent and Erin will be glad to work with you to prepare a parable of your own to go with the lectionary-assigned parable of the day. Or, come to one of our scheduled Wednesday supper and discussion gatherings over at Western Pres (2401 Virginia Ave NW) where we'll really dig into the tales, as we dig into a fine meal, too!

Now is the time to start reading the parables, and imagining new ways to share them. Take a look at the assigned readings and consider how you might contribute this Lent! Erin would love to talk with you about it when she's back from Cuba!

Mar 9 - Luke 10:25-42 - Parable of the Good Samaritan

Mar 16 - Luke 13:1-9, 31-35 - parable of fig tree that bore no fruit

Mar 23 - Luke 15:1-32 Parables of lost sheep, coin, prodigal son.

Mar 30 - Luke 16:19-31 Parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

April 6 - Luke 18:31—19:10 Healing a blind man, meeting Zacchaeus. Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

Looking forward to spending an engaging Lent together this year.

Bruce Blanchard Memorial Service - 3/8 at 2pm

Pilgrims,

Mary Josie and the whole Blanchard family invite you to A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and a Celebration of the Life of Bruce Blanchard on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 2pm at Church of the Pilgrims. There will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall after the service. You can also watch the service online, using this link.

(Meeting ID: 821 9562 8218, Passcode: 838034)

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 7th from 4pm - 6:30pm at Joseph Gawler's Son's Funeral home, located at 5130 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20016.

Click here to read Bruce's obituary.

Please continue to hold all of Bruce's family and friends in your prayers.

 

Church of the Pilgrims is a congregation in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

We are also a member of More Light Presbyterians, welcoming the full participation of LGBTQ persons in the life and leadership of the congregation.