Parson to Persons:

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

February 2003
Parson to Persons: Drinking, Drugs, & Teens

This past week’s edition of The Duxbury Clipper was the first I can remember in some time that did not have many letters or other articles dealing with the drugs/alcohol and related discipline issues at the high school. I hope that this doesn’t mean that folks are no longer concerned; perhaps, just weary of the subject.

I recently have heard a couple of comments that it was kind of surprising that "the clergy" had not spoken out on these issues. I can’t speak for my fellow clergy, but I know that I haven’t been too vocal because I have had mixed feelings, and often found myself agreeing with both "sides," particularly related to the discipline part of this complex issue.

But I guess it is time to be counted, though I think some of The Clipper writers were more eloquent than I will be. First, let me state unequivocally that I do not think it is at all appropriate for minors to be drinking or doing non-prescription drugs. These are illegal and often harmful, by lessening inhibitions they can lead to other high risk sexual behavior, and they have led in the past and, sadly, in the present to devastating driving accidents. The penalties associated with getting caught – this is much more complicated. Perpetrators for sure must be punished, and more than a slap on the wrist, but perhaps there needs to be more flexibility in the allotting of the penalties – and perhaps different penalties for different kinds of infractions. Love, including "tough love," should always be the abiding principle in dealing with one another.

Having said all this, and still supportive of the notion that teens (as is true for all of us) must be held responsible for their behaviors, yet I think there is another major component in this mix that also must be factored in, namely the adults in our community. I have heard of too many cases where our teens have gotten alcohol, either directly or indirectly, from their own homes or from their own parents. Probably more than we realize, older young adults who are of legal age purchase illegal substances and sell them to minors. Parents go away on vacations, leaving teens at home, unsupervised. The attitude "Oh, my child would never do that" is prevalent.

In checking with the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Committee, I found that less than 30% of families of high school age youth have enrolled in the SafeHomes Program. This has been heavily promoted for the last two years, and I am wondering why closer to 100% have not signed up. Are agreeing not to allow unsupervised parties in one’s home, not to serve or allow consumption of alcohol by underage youth, not to allow illegal drugs, and to provide safe storage for firearms or other potentially hazardous items – are these such radical ideas? I think not.

None of us are naïve enough to believe that if the majority of parents of high school youth were wholeheartedly part of SafeHomes that this would solve these problems in our community. No one action will guarantee results. But I’ll bet it would make a bigger difference than it does now.

These are difficult times we live in, for sure. It is not easy being a parent of teenagers – I know, I’ve been there (and now I have teenage grandchildren!). But we in the church need to strongly affirm to all our parents throughout the community – "you are not alone." We need to be supportive of one another, and one way would be by enrolling in Safe Homes. We need to be supportive of the proposed Teen Center. I’d be happy to engage in any conversation around any of these subjects. I’m surely no expert, but am willing to listen to your concerns.

God bless our families, all the families of our communities, as they strive to do the best they can for their children. And God bless our youth, all the youth and children of our communities, that they may grow in wisdom and strength, knowing that they are loved.

Shalom,

Ken

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Faithworks Is On the Way

A faith extravaganza is coming to our area, specifically in Hanover, on Saturday, May 3^rd. Our Mass. Conference UCC is planning a day of mission projects, faith development, workshops for all ages, presentations by John Thomas (President of the UCC) and Nancy Taylor (President of our Mass. Conference), and an outstanding worship service with a massed choir and hopefully 1000 people. More details will be coming soon. "Comma One! Comma All! God is Still Speaking" on Saturday, May 3^rd. Save the date.

^{"Never place a period where God has placed a comma." Gracie Allen.
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Sunday, February 16^th will be our next HYMN SING SUNDAY ! For those of you who haven’t been to one, instead of a sermon, we will be singing many hymns picked primarily by you, the members of the congregation! Start thinking about the hymns you might like to sing and plan on attending this special service. This will be an All in Church worship service.
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SATURDAY EVENING WORSHIP
Please be sure to join us in on Feb 8th for a special service planned by our Confirmation class, and also on February 22 when our theme is "Poets and Prophets". If you haven't ever tried Saturday night, consider inviting a friend or neighbor. The atmosphere is casual but the worship is serious. See you soon!
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From the Board of Christian Outreach…
We are pleased to announce that $1400 was collected on Christmas Eve for The Christmas Fund, formerly Veterans of the Cross. We appreciate your assisting those who serve the church in their times of need.

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Save the Date! The Board of Christian Outreach would like everyone to know that this year the Outreach Sunday Worship Service & Luncheon is scheduled for March 30^th. Please mark your calendars to attend this special event. Look for more details in the March Pilgrim’s Progress!
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PILGRIM WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
PWF Board Meeting
All are welcome! Please join us @ 9:15 AM on Thursday, February 6^th for coffee, goodies and fellowship. Board members, if you can’t attend, please call Deb Bowen at (781) 934-9489.
Koinonia
In the New Testament the word Koinonia was used to describe small groups in the church that gathered to form life-sharing communities where a maximum of trust and support was given to it’s participants. This is the goal of the Koinonia Circle, which meets once a month in a group member’s home. Through sharing and support, strength and personal growth is given to each other. Koinonia is open to any woman who would like to participate. The next meeting will be February 10^th at Lynn DeHart’s home. Call Lynn (837-3668) if you would like more information.

PWF Luncheon "Pilgrim Volunteers" – February 13th
The Women’s Fellowship will hold its next luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 13th beginning at 10:30 AM. The program is called "Pilgrim Volunteers" and will feature ladies of our congregation discussing their volunteer efforts and organizations as diverse as South Shore Headstart, The Plymouth Philharmonic, Reading for the Blind, and many other worthwhile programs. Come and hear about the many good works the women of Pilgrim Church participate in and stay for a delicious luncheon afterwards! The price is $6, sign up on the bulletin boards located around the church if you’d like to attend. For additional information, call Lorrie Hall @ (781) 934-7321.
Women in Stitches
Women in stitches will be meeting Monday, February 24^th @ 7:30 PM in the parlor. Please join us for an evening of fellowship, fun, productivity (or not – it’s up to you!), and the most interesting conversation around! We welcome knitters, menders, needlepointers, rug hookers, etc. to our group – it’s a lot of fun – please join us. Call Tracy Drew @ 934-6591 if you have questions.

Bookworms
Bookworms will meet Tuesday, February 25th @ 1:30 PM in the library. The book for this month is The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. Newcomers are welcome to attend!

Save the Date - Ladies Night Out - March 19th at Expressions
Join us for our 2nd annual Ladies Night Out at Expressions "paint your own" pottery studio, Wednesday, March 19th, from 7- 10 PM. The cost is $10 per person plus the cost of the pottery piece you select to paint. Sign up on the bulletin boards around the church if you’d like to attend. Call Tracy Drew (934-6591) for more info.
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The flower arrangers for this month are
Maddie Merrifield & Nancy Day
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Thank you to all the young women of the new Senior Youth Choir for their beautiful music at Christmas time. You were awesome and the whole church is talking about your heavenly sound. We will get together again on March 2, right after church. The long hiatus is due to midterms and the confirmation service. In the meantime, if you are a confirmand and would like to perform during the Confirmation service, please let me know ASAP so I can organize the music for that service. Thanks again for all your dedication in December, and I look forward to working with you all soon.
Debby Jewell (781)934-9696.
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From the Music Director, Cathy Morrison
Who are they? Here are some clues: You see most of them every Sunday from 9 to 11:30 AM. The faces and some of the names are familiar. They are here every Thursday night for two hours of hard work, fellowship, fun and great music. This group warmly welcomes newcomers and are very supportive of all who join them. Have you guessed? They are the wonderful people in the Senior Choir. Thank you to all for your loyalty, talent and good humor!

Jane Arkema, Marlene Biffar, Frank Blackington, Anne Briggs, Ginny Burbine, Terri Clark, Diane Conley, Mason Cooke, Carol Cybulska, Lynn DeHart, Bob Engel, David Fiske, Lee Fiske, Sue Franzosa , Lorrie Hall, Greg Hunter, Debby Jewell, Maridel Johnson, Steve Johnson, Ken Landall, Flora Logie, Sharon McKinley, Ron Schultz, John Stanton, Xiaolan Summer, Carol Warrington, Cindy Wilson

Love,
Cathy
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Update on Chancel Layout Proposal
Over the past several months, the organ committee has studied the space available in the chancel area of our sanctuary. This study resulted in a proposal to relocate the choir across the center of the chancel, and to move the front railing out two feet. The proposal, along with the committee’s rationale for the change, was posted on the church’s web site and was presented to the congregation on January 12.

At the January 12 informational meeting, and in the week that followed, we heard mixed comments regarding these changes. While some in the congregation liked the proposal, and others did not have a strong opinion, there were a significant number of members who felt the changes would negatively affect the current visual impact of the chancel. Many people appreciate the simplicity of the current design, with its focus on the communion table, flowers and cross.
Given this mixed reaction, the committee has decided to set aside the plans for enlarging the chancel and changing the configuration of the choir seating. The choir will remain seated on the right side as they are today, and the console will be placed behind the pulpit. As we mentioned in our presentations, all elements will be moveable so this configuration can be modified for special events, such as concerts, as needed.
We appreciate the input we received throughout this process, as we sought the best possible solution for the future of our growing church community. We also greatly appreciate the support our congregation has given for the purchase of the new pipe organ. Over the coming months, we will work with our architect to select a contractor for the project, with the continued goal of installing the organ by fall of 2003. If you have any questions or comments, please let any of us know.
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Registration for Summer and Fall '03 programs is now open to the public. There are options for tuition assistance through State grants, State vouchers, and the Duxbury Community Partnership Council. For more information, feel free to contact the Director at Pilgrim Child Care & Preschool (PCCP), 781-934-8145 ext. 1#. Happy Valentines Day to everyone in the Congregation! With Hope, Peace, and Love from the many little angels at PCCP!

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Pilgrim Church Youth Ministry
KIDS KLUB - Sunday, February 2nd, 4-5:30 PM. Meet in the vestry for games. Bring a Valentine's snack to share.

JYF - Sunday, February 9th, 4-5:30 Meet in the vestry for games. Bring a Valentine's snack to share.

Sunday, February 23rd, Trip to Boston 3-8 PM. We will take the T from Braintree. Watch for a postcard for details.
CONFIRMATION
Our Luke Study is completed this month! Please prepare by reading the following chapters ahead of time: Sunday, February 9th, 11:20 am Chapters 20-21, and Sunday, February 23rd, 11:20 am Chapters 22-24.
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To ALL the Members of the Congregation!
The Confirmation Class are planning TWO worship services in February taking place on Saturday, February 8^th @ 5 PM and Sunday, February 9^th @ 10 AM.

Please join them – They have worked very hard!
On a personal note by the time you read this I will have completed a two week Winterim Class and a two- day intensive Candidate Assessment Program. This Pilgrim Association requirement is offered at the Center for Career Development and Ministry in Dedham. This spring I will attend school on Thursdays,taking the second semester of Systematic Theology and an elective in my Worship and Theological Arts renewal area, Making Theater: Practice, Risk and Transformation. Should be an interesting semester, as I will be challenged to use both sides of my brain in one day! Thank you all for your continued interest and support as I attempt 6 more credits.
Peggy
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Reminder to All Parents
Please fill out a Pilgrim Church School Registration for all of your children who attend Church School. Forms are available in each classroom and in the Vestry. Thank you.

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Call to Children of the Church! Time to Regroup for Spring Music and Join (or Rejoin) the Pilgrim Church Junior Choir!
Come Make a Joyful Noise!

Every Wednesday & 1 or 2 Sundays monthly we offer the opportunity for children ages 6-12 to give to their church, sing, ring and play instruments, build listening and following skills, and praise God with religious and gospel singing. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 4:15-5:30 PM (except school vacations) and we feature: snack before rehearsals; voice production; intonation, rhythm and beat; rounds, anthems, and choral responses; chimes, harps, drums and xylophones. Experienced 5^th and 6^th graders are involved as Director Assistants as well. We sing in church one or two Sundays a month from 9 - 11 AM. No previous experience necessary. Registration forms are available in the church office or just join us on Wednesday! For more information call 781-582-0505 or e-mail voxreed.ruth@verizon.net
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PARISH POST

Prayers of Healing: Jonathan Houghton - Larry Anderson - Edna Duncan - Stan Merry - Grace Poellmitz - Jean Robinson.

Prayers of Joy
For the wonderful group of 34 new members joining our fellowship this month.

For the birth of Katherine Davies, daughter of Kim and Andy Wiemeyer.
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ANIMAL SHELTER BENEFIT
"A Cause for Paws", a benefit hosted by the Friends of the Duxbury Animal Shelter, will be held on Sunday, February 9 from 4-7 p.m. at the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society's Nathaniel Winsor, Jr. House at 479 Washington Street in Snug Harbor. This event will help raise funds to build a much-needed new animal shelter for Duxbury. Please help our four-footed friends by participating in the festivities, which will include music, food, drink and a silent auction with many exciting items including a Martha's Vineyard vacation home for a weekend, a framed portrait of your pet by Betsey Borden, an original Lilly Cleveland watercolor, a handyman for a day, a photo session with Suzanne Domenici Walker, and much more.
Tickets are available at Westwind's Bookshop, Bennett's General Store and Coldwell Banker on Depot Street in Hall's Corner for a $30 donation (100% of which will go toward building the new animal shelter. Checks should be made payable to Town of Duxbury/Animal Shelter). You may also purchase tickets by calling Linda Allen, 934-5495. For more information, please contact Nancy Day by phone, 934-6422 or by e-mail at duxburyanimals@yahoo.com. (Tickets will also be available at the door, space permitting).

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PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
The Deadline for articles for the March Pilgrim’s Progress is Friday, February 14^th. Please e-mail your articles (as attachments) to Tracy Drew in the church office at tdrew75@hotmail.com. Articles may also be mailed or dropped off during office hours. Questions? Call Tracy @ 934-6591.

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Following are a poem by Jan Harney and reflection by Carolyn Walsh that were part of our New Year’s Eve service. We thought those of you who did not attend might also enjoy these gifts shared with us by two members of our congregation...

FOR TOMORROW...TODAY IS GONE – Jan Harney

As we look back to yesteryear
With heavy hearts my friends,
We know there beams a light
That never, ever ends,
God...forever our beacon of light
Imbedding deep within our souls,
SERENITY, COURAGE and WISDOM
To help us reach our goals,
As this new year begins;
The PRESENT...is ours to hold,
The PAST...is deep in shadow,
The FUTURE...will unfold.
We all should be aware
Of the PRESENT...that's today,
A blessing that's given us
If we'll just pave the way;
Realize every day we wake
Is ours from dawn to dawn,
A gift we should use wisely
For tomorrow...today is gone.
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Reflect Before You Resolve - Carolyn Walsh
This time of year represents the celebration of our belief in the power of light. It is humankind’s universal triumph as we see the days start to lengthen towards growth – life – and springtime’s wonderful joys.
As Christians, the season takes on a special sweetness when we reflect that our Christ brought our spiritual light and salvation. Born as humbly and helpless as we all are; he stands by to help each one of us carry our burdens through our journey of life. Having seen the darkness in everyone’s soul, the light of Christianity and rebirth into a better way of living is the greatest Christmas present ever.
But, light needs to reflect and I suggest to you, that despite my Yankee nature, this is not the time to act on resolutions. Contrarian that I am, I believe that here, in the quiet time of the year, we need to take time to reflect upon ourselves. Let’s see how well we are growing in our Christian Light. Are we paying attention to the opportunities to spread compassion into our neighbor’s lives as well as our own stretched and tattered selves?
Let’s all try to use these weeks before the Lenten time to take a deep breath – go on, take one, and see what God is doing in our Winter Garden. Reflect on the GOOD things you’ve accomplished. Take pride and joy in those acts because you are a light of this world. You are worthy of God’s love and stand in God’s love. Not because I say so, but because He said so. Breathe and think during this time of reflection and inner renewal of how you can be the best creative you there is.
This is very hard for me to do, so, of course, I challenge all of you to place yourself firmly in the passenger seat of your life. With God driving, you won’t run out of gas, there’s no need for self recriminations, and there is time to work on being your best self, because you’re not in charge, God is.
Let’s all reflect on our dreams, breathe light and love into your own self, be proud of the spirit that grows more deeply in love with our true and devoted God. Let’s give ourselves freedom to heal the inner hurts. Spring is coming and we have a good chance to be part of the recreation of the abundance of light and of life. What brings light into your life? Dwell on it quietly and sincerely using prayer, meditation, singing, running, walking, or reading to bring you closer to the essential joy and goodness of who you are. Like the roots that grow quietly in the darkness, refreshing and renewing itself, we too can be ready to bloom when it’s time.
Aren’t we going to have a wonderful New Year? I wish you the happiest one ever.
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FEBRUARY 2003 CALENDAR

Feb. 1^st10:30 AM Nominating Committee Meeting
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Feb. 2^nd Boy Scout Sunday

9:00 AM Church School Teachers Meeting/Communion – Parlor
10:00 AM Worship/Communion
Children’s Worship Service
11:15 AM Confirmation Preparation
4:00 PM Kids Klub Valentine Party
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Feb. 4^th 7:00 AM Seekers
7:30 PM Deacons
7:30 PM Outreach
7:30 PM Music
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Feb. 5^th 10:00 AM Bible Study
12:30 PM Bridge
4:15 PM Junior Choir
7:00 PM Pilgrim Ringers
7:30 PM Bible Study
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Feb. 6^th 9:15 AM PWF Board
7:00 PM Stewardship
7:30 PM Senior Choir
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Feb. 8^th 9:00 AM Confirmation Preparation
5:00 PM Worship Service led by the Confirmands

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Feb. 9^th 10:00 AM Worship Service led by the Confirmands

11:20 Luke Study
4:00 JYF Valentine Party
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Feb. 10^th 1:00 Pilgrim Investors
7:00 PM Koinonia @ Lynn DeHart’s
7:30 PM PCCP
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Feb. 11^th 7:00 AM Seekers
7:30 PM Trustees
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Feb. 12^th 10:00 AM Bible Study
7:00 PM Pilgrim Ringers
7:30 PM Bible Study
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Feb. 13^th10:30 Pilgrim Women’s Fellowship Luncheon and Program
No Senior Choir!
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Feb. 14^th HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

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Feb. 16^th 10:00 AM Worship – HYMN SING SUNDAY - All in Church
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Feb. 17^th 7:15 PM Christian Education
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Feb. 18^th 7:00 AM Seekers
7:30 PM Church Council
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Feb. 19^th 10:00 AM Bible Study
7:00 PM Pilgrim Ringers
7:30 PM Bible Study
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Feb. 20^th 7:30 PM Senior Choir
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Feb. 22^nd 5:00 PM Worship Service
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Feb. 23^rd 10:00 AM Worship Service
11:20 AM Luke Study
3:00 PM JYF Boston Trip
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Feb. 24^th7:30 PM Women in Stitches
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Feb. 25^th 7:00 AM Seekers

1:30 PM Bookworms
7:30 PM Strategic Planning
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Feb. 26^th 10:00 AM Bible Study

12:30 e.Vestors

4:15 PM Jr. Choir

7:00 PM Pilgrim Ringers
7:30 PM Bible Study

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Feb. 27^th Senior Choir

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