Hope all of you have had as restful and renewing a summer as I have had. Sabbatical and vacation have been wonderful, and as I write this, I am 2/3 done with a month to go. I have been busy pursuing educational opportunities and getting in some much needed rest and relaxation as well. Princeton was stimulating as usual, with Bible studies on Paul and the Gospel of Mark, and lectures and convocations on topics such as "Practicing Faith when the Well Runs Dry", "Building Up a Missionary Local Church," and "Worship Issues in a Changing Church." Books I’ve read (so far) include "In Search of the Church," "Church Next: Quantum Changes in How We Do Ministry," two Thomas Bandy books on transforming the church, and a book on building vital and faithful worship.

I’ve also gotten in a fair amount of bike riding, a bit of kayaking, some hiking, a bit of time on the beach, a Red Sox game, lots of cross-word puzzles, and some good quality time with family from the west coast and with family closer to home. Have worshipped in a number of settings, "supervised" the construction project going on at our home in Harwich, and enjoyed the freedom attendant with Cape Cod living (don’t care much for the hoards of tourists, but that goes with the territory).

As you read this I will be coming back to Duxbury and getting ready to resume our ministry together, and I am looking forward to this. As usual it will be a busy fall, with the usual activities and programs. I will be back in the pulpit on Rally Sunday, 9/8 (our first 10:00 service). There will be a staff meeting at the Parsonage on the morning of Sept. 10^th, and I understand that the Duxbury Interfaith Council is planning a community service of remembrance for 9/11. Because I’m not sure of the timing of that service, I will be delaying the start of both Wednesday Bible Study groups until the following week, 9/18 at 10:00 AM and 7:30 PM. We will be studying the Book of Genesis, and this promises to be an interesting and inspiring program. All are welcome – no previous Bible study experience necessary.

I look forward to seeing all of our church family again, and hearing from you how your summer has gone. We will continue together in ministry with God’s grace directing our way, filled with hope and joy for the new beginnings that await us.

Shalom, Ken

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Every Sunday you’ve probably noticed the beautiful flowers that grace our altar and narthex reflecting the generosity of our congregation and the dedication and hard work of the members of our flower committee. Some of you may not be aware that often these flowers are donated by members of the congregation to celebrate someone special or something meaningful in their lives.

Flowers can be donated to celebrate a loved one’s birthday, anniversary, graduation, baptism, wedding or other special event. They can also be donated in honor or memory of a loved one or friend. The Flower Committee is responsible for purchasing, arranging, and acknowledging in the bulletin all donations. All you need to do to participate is to contact the church office, sign up on the master flower calendar outside the vestry, or contact the committee chair, Shirley Dunphy @ 781-837-5655. Someone from the flower committee will then contact you and arrange for the details of your donation: who or what it is in honor of, the types and colors of flowers you prefer, etc.

Once your date is arranged the final step is to drop off or mail your donation to the church office – made out to The Pilgrim Church and designated "For the Flower Committee". Donation amounts are completely at your discretion and are confidential. However, if you would like, you may ask the flower arranger the approximate cost of the arrangement you have requested as a donation guideline. The flower arrangers for September are Maddie Merrifield and Ruth Whitcomb.

Thank you, The Flower Committee

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For many of us, September is the true beginning of the new year. School starts, vacations are over and the new season for our church begins. Most of us have benefited from the summer renewal and are anxious to return to routine. It is always a happy time for me when our Senior Choir returns and we swap stories of the events of the past summer and begin to learn some of the music planned for the coming season. Rehearsals begin on September 5th in preparation for our return to Sunday Worship on September 8^th. I am looking forward to seeing all of you.

Love,

Cathy

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As an aftermath to my brother’s untimely death, an avalanche of love and support has come to me by cards, notes and sympathy from my wonderful church family. Until the death of Richard, I never understood how much cards and words mean to those suffering a loss. Whenever thoughts of this tragedy overcome me, I read your cards and find great comfort. I daily thank our good Lord for Pilgrim Church and all its caring members. You are loved and appreciated. Love, Cathy

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Thanks to the support of our congregation and the hard work of Austin Organ Company, our project is continuing to proceed. Here’s what’s happened recently:

1. Austin sent us an initial design of the console showing how the keyboard and controls will appear to the organist. We approved it and Austin has begun ordering many of the console parts.
2. Representatives from Austin visited the church in February to talk with our architect, Bill Lee, about the spaces for the mechanicals (like the wind chests). Following their visit, the architect created drawings for Austin. They have begun formulating the main wind chests and ordering the mechanisms to operate the chests. They assure us that the space we have is adequate.
3. Austin is now focused on the layout of the pipes in the spaces shown on the architect’s drawings. Once the layout has been finalized, the architect will create detailed construction drawings and we will be ready to solicit bids. The pipes for our organ are now being built in Austin’s pipe shop!
4. We are still planning to install the organ in the summer of 2003.

Things are also going well financially. We have contributions plus future pledges of close to $300,000. Thank you to all who have contributed and faithfully met your pledges. We welcome additional contributions any time……just indicate Organ Fund on your check! In May, the choir gave a concert which raised $3,700 for the organ fund. Thank you for supporting their efforts!\

As the final design progresses, we will be getting construction bids for the work on our church. Once we have these final numbers, we’ll know how much additional money we need to raise. Until then, we thank you for your support, and welcome any and all questions or comments.

Diane Conley, Organ Committee Chair

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The next meeting of Bookworms will be Tuesday, September 24^th @ 1:30 PM in the library. We will read The Heart of the Valley by Nigel Hinton. All are Welcome!

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Senior High Outreach is planning their annual trip to the Heifer Project Farm in Rutland, MA. The dates are Friday, 9/13 to Sunday, 9/15. Space is limited, so sign up right away, permission slips are available from Peggy Files. Cost is to be determined. Attention this year’s Confirmands! You can get credit towards your outreach work by participating in this trip! Call Peggy Files for more information (934-6591).

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This fall I will be taking three classes at Andover Newton Theological School and auditing a fourth. I will be on campus Tuesday and Thursday. My office hours at Pilgrim Church will be Monday and Wednesday 9-3. Chances are I will also be in the office many Fridays. You may call me at home with any questions but keep in mind I may not have all my resources available and I might have to get back to you. My email address is Peggyfiles@adelphia.net and I will check that frequently. I’m looking forward to another exciting year of ministry here at Pilgrim Church. Thank you for the opportunity to share in God’s work with you. On a personal note, I am very pleased and thrilled to say that the Student Association at Andover Newton has chosen a piece of my original artwork as the official t-shirt design for the 2002-2003 school year!

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Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 4:15-5:30 PM (except school vacations), and include a pre-rehearsal snack; voice production; intonation, rhythm & beat; rounds, anthems & choral responses; as well as chimes, harps, drums, & xylophones. We also have Director Assistants (experienced 5^th & 6^th graders). Performances are Sundays from 9:00-11:00 A.M (average 2 per month). We provide robes, rehearsal time, meditation with Rev. Landall, and worship. No previous experience is necessary. Pre-registration applications are available in the church office. Please call Ruth Reed at 582-0505 if you have any questions.

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The Christian Education Committee is offering High School Students and their parents a forum to study and discuss effective ways to address the challenges that young people will be facing. We will meet before church (9:00 am) starting in mid September. Of course we’ll have donuts! Together you can study and talk about the issues for that Sunday’s lesson. Then in a group we’ll share our thoughts and experiences that will illustrate how bible lessons are as relevant today as they were in Solomon’s time.

Students bring a parent, mentor, grandparent, aunt or uncle and join the discussion! Get some answers to questions you’d love to ask. Parents here is an opportunity for meaningful discussion with your teenager on issues you know they will face. Watch for details in the coming church bulletins or call Roger White @ 781-837-0656. Limited seating available so reserve your spot early!