Yes, I finally did see the movie. Last month, I attempted to give a critique of the movie from the many articles I had read about it, since as I indicated, I really did not want to subject myself to the violence, blood, and gore first-hand. Interestingly, I received many positive comments from folks who had read my column, and also a few negative ones. It was the latter comments that gave me some pause, and I decided in fairness, I really did need to see the film. So, I did, and I’m glad I did.

Let me begin by stating that I found "The Passion…" to be a very powerful movie, and I can certainly understand how some people have been profoundly and deeply affected. It certainly emphasized the extent of Christ’s sacrifice for us, and the terrible price he paid. The music, special effects, cinematography, and acting were all very well done. The flashbacks to Jesus’ earlier life (e.g., as a child, with the woman caught in adultery, at the last supper) were moving and very effective.

The violence, blood, and gore that I had been concerned about were all there in living Technicolor, and in my opinion were over-done. The anti-Semitism that I had read about was not as apparent as I had thought it would be, but it was subtly there, in my opinion. I felt that the Roman governor, Pilate, was treated more sympathetically than he deserved. His wife, Claudia, almost comes off as a heroine. There is quite a bit in the movie that is not in the Bible, or is taken out of context, and that’s okay because it is a movie, and artistic license is to be expected. There is a lot that comes from the Roman Catholic faith tradition (e.g., the stations of the cross, the big role of Mary) and that too is alright, since Mel Gibson as I understand is part of a very conservative (pre-Vatican II) church.

I need to correct a misperception in my first article. If I came across as being anti-Catholic that was definitely not my intent. I only wished to point out some distinctions I perceive between the way Catholics and Protestants understand their faith. I have the highest regard for Catholics and Catholic theology, and I apologize if I unintentionally offended anyone from that faith background.

Bottom line: "The Passion …" can be a powerful faith experience. It can be a catalyst to enhancing one’s own faith. If it gets people talking about the Bible, about Jesus, about Christianity – bravo! I still have some reservations about the violence. I wish there had been more of the rest of Jesus’ life, and I wish the treatment of the resurrection had been amplified more. But that was not Mr. Gibson’s intent. So be it.

Each of us will get out of the movie what we will, depending on who we are, our background and experiences, and where we are on our faith journey. Our different perceptions are okay, and each is legitimate. I always welcome your comments. Blessings in this joyous Eastertide.

Shalom,

Ken

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May is a particularly special month for several of our youngest members of Pilgrim Church, because it marks the completion of their confirmation period and their entry into full church membership. This year, we are blessed to have 24 young people who are committed to further developing their Christian faith, as well as many more parents, clergy and staff members, and mentors who are equally committed to teaching and helping the confirmands throughout each and every step of the confirmation process. The Stewardship Committee commends the commitment, diligence, and faith exhibited by all of these people, and invites all of our Pilgrim Church members to similarly renew their commitment to our Christian faith and church family. Although the confirmation process itself lasts for only a few months, today’s group of confirmands (as well as their adult supporters) have benefited from many years of Pilgrim Church’s Christian education, music, outreach, and alternative worship services. These various programs and activities enrich all of our lives, and the Stewardship Committee is grateful to each of you – our fellow stewards – for your continued commitment to Pilgrim Church!

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The easiest way to get your items for the bulletin and newsletter in is by submitting them by e-mail, to the church office @ secretaryofpilgrimchurch@hotmail.com. The deadline for the June newsletter is Saturday, May 15^th. Call (781-934-6591) if you have any questions. Thank you - Cathy Doughty, Pilgrim Church Secretary

Looking for guidance with your financial and estate planning?. The Endowment Committee will host an investment seminar titled "Financial Goals and Estate Planning" on Saturday morning, May 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the vestry (enjoy a continental breakfast starting at 8:30 a.m.). Jim Pye, Sandy Kennedy, Gwynne Zisko, and Charles Zisko are talented professionals (and also church members) who will address key points to consider when creating or updating your investment plans.

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On Amistad Sunday, March 7, the church welcomed Ms. Patti DeRosa to lead us in a workshop-style luncheon gathering for all ages. Patti helped us have a lively discussion amongst ourselves (over 50 people) about racism—what it is, where it is, and what we might do about it. Based on the interest generated, the Board of Christian Outreach is pursuing further conversation and education possibilities for the congregation. Peggy O’Neil Files, who is doing divinity-school work in the area of congregations’ educating themselves on racism, will be helping the Board develop and follow through some ideas.

Patti wrote a paper called "Facing the Fear: White Leaders, Diverse Communities, and Racism." She believes that white leaders and other white people—herself included--who want to "do the right thing" in a diverse community or world, have 6 basic tasks. I’ve summarized them here, using some of her words:

1. "Face our fears about dealing with racism." Rather than getting flustered, defensive, confused, or nervous when racism enters the picture, we can be honest about our feelings and then move from there to "authentic dialogue and racial justice."

2. "Expand our definition of racism." Racism is about more than "bigoted, hate-filled, violent people." It is about a whole system in which "the majority of our prominent business and political leaders are likely to be white, just like us." We may not be prejudiced ourselves as individuals, but "since our nation’s founding, regardless of our personal beliefs or actions, the system just works in our favor."

3. "Learn how to Listen." We need to learn "to listen, without judgment, when people of color share their stories and experiences." Too often we want to debate, dismiss, minimize, or talk about how colorblind we are. Truly trying to understand and trust someone else’s viewpoint can lead us to asking questions like "How can I make a difference?"

4."Educate ourselves." Sometimes we think we know all about racism, when in reality, we probably "know very little about what racism is and how it operates." We need to make ‘conscious and conscientious efforts to’ educate ourselves about each other’s cultures and histories."

5."Know that good intentions are not enough." "Intent does not equal impact." "If contact, or even love, alone meant justice, then sexism would have been long gone, because men and women have lots of loving and intimate contact, yet gender equity is still an illusive goal." "Good intentions, without committed and vigorous reflection, knowledge, and action, are major obstacles to racial justice."

6."Be courageous." "True courage is not acting without fear, but acting despite fear." "White people must re-learn most everything we thought we knew about racism; share, and relinquish, power and control; support, respect, and trust the leadership of people of color; and work to build alliances across difference. Our interdependent, multicultural future depends on it." This process can be long and painful, "but what a gift we receive, and can share with the world, when we courageously push forth."

April 6, 2004

Dear Friends at the Pilgrim Church UCC:

Greetings, grace and peace. On behalf of your 426 sister UCC congregations in Massachusetts, I would like to publicly thank your Pastoral Associate, The Rev. Beverly Duncan, for service on the Race and Justice Task Team and the Mission Partnership Committee, and your church member Peggy Files for service on the Race and Justice Task Team. I also want to thank you for lending Bev and Peggy to the work of the wider church. Their efforts on behalf of all the congregations of the Massachusetts Conference are a living embodiment of the covenant among us.

When you see Bev or Peggy, invite them to talk about their work with the wider church! I am sure they would be delighted to do so.

Together and as the United Church of Christ we seek to be a living answer to the prayer of Jesus, "that they may all be one."

Blessings,

Nancy Taylor

Minister and President

Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ

/S/ MARGE BISHOP, CLERK

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SATURDAY NIGHT FIVE!

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On Easter Sunday, all choirs were represented and all were enthusiastically received by our congregation. The new Austin organ was heard by many for the first time. Since Easter is a day of wondrous celebration, the organ was played with "all stops" pulled for the Prelude and our first hymn "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" Choirs and congregation outdid themselves with the glorious singing of this hymn. It was, indeed, a momentous and exciting Easter Sunday for me and for all those who worked so hard to make the installation of this organ possible. It is a milestone in the history or our church and will be so for many, many years to come.
We are now approaching the time of year when schedules are not so frantic in the music program. We welcome anyone who would like to participate in the summer music, either voice or instrumental, are very welcome. You need not be a member of the choirs to do so.

Please give this volunteer effort your consideration and let me know if you would like to be a part of the summer program. Please do call if you have questions.

Don’t forget - the PWF Annual Meeting will be in the Pilgrim Church Parlor May 6^th, at 9:30 AM. Coffee will be served beforehand, at 9:15. The

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