Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church
Midweek Update – May 8, 2019

In this issue:
• Reflections from Portugal
• Forgiveness
• Congregational Mtg May 19
• Bible Study
• Bonnie moving

PORTUGAL REFLECTIONS
I (Pastor Phil) had a lovely time in Portugal last week. The weather was perfect, Lisbon is gorgeous (see photo), and the Enneagram conference was excellent. Here are a few reflections from my time.
1. Sleeping overnight on an airplane falls somewhere between uncomfortable and impossible.
2. Navigating in a culture where the language and money and food and customs are all different from your own is disorienting and tiring, even when people around you are friendly and helpful. This gives me increased empathy for the immigrants and visitors to my culture.
3. I attended Enneagram seminars led by people from France and Portugal and Singapore and Mexico and the US and Brazil and Denmark. People from all over the world are hungry for and learning about transformation.
4. One of the most attended seminars was the one I helped lead about the Enneagram Prison Project (EPP). It was recorded and I will share the video when I get the link. Not only did EPP make many good connections for new international chapters, but I was reminded that we all want to be part of something that makes a difference in the world. We want good news that is good not only for us but for everyone, everywhere.
This was a fantastic trip and I am grateful for your help in making it possible and to Pastor Julie for taking care of our kids and leading worship. I learned and laughed and danced and got a little sunburned. That’s a pretty good week.

FORGIVENESS
From Julie: As we continue to explore forgiveness, I used this quote this past Sunday:
On the path of transformation, you will experience forgiveness, which entails letting go of old hurts and resentments and opening up space in your heart to be affected by people and events freshly. (Understanding the Enneagram, 373)
Forgiveness, then, is more than an "action" but is opening into an entirely new thought system, a system in which we are at-one with God. This, then, allows us to develop a new way of seeing. This sight does not come from our physical eyes, but through seeing with the Holy Spirit.
Our theme of forgiveness will continue at church this Sunday with a message from Pastor Phil.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING-MAY 19
On Sunday, May 19, after worship we will hold a short Congregational Meeting to elect Elders and Deacons to three-year terms. If you have any questions about being a church officer, please speak to any of our Elders or Pastors.

BIBLE STUDY
The Study that was scheduled for this coming Sunday has been cancelled. So our next Bible Study will be next Sunday evening, May 26, at 6:30pm at the church.

BONNIE MOVING
Bonnie Lonbaken is moving to a new apartment over the next week. If you are available at any point to help her move boxes, please contact her. Thank you! We will publish her new address when her move is complete.