For example, our average weekly worship attendance (excluding the lower months of July and August) for the past few years has been in the low 230?s, higher than in the earlier years. The addition of the Saturday service during September through May has certainly contributed to this rise.

What is concerning me (and I might add, also the Deacons) is that for the past few months attendance numbers have been declining ? not dramatically, but noticeably. Though the Deacons do a weekly count, we do not keep a record of who is here and who isn?t. Unfortunately, not everyone signs the "friendship pads," and their purpose is not to keep tabs on folks anyway. I do check the sheets each Sunday after worship, to see who I didn?t literally "see" and to see who needs to get visitor letters.

So, even though we?re not taking attendance, it?s obvious that not as many folks are coming to church. I know that it is a different world today than even a few years ago. Sports conflicts are becoming more and more of an issue on Sundays; malls are open earlier; people have other activities to do on Sunday mornings than worship; time pressures on families, especially, are becoming greater and greater.

I don?t want to lay a guilt trip on anyone, yet it is my responsibility to help nurture the spiritual welfare of our congregation, and that?s hard to do when so many are staying away from worship on a regular basis. When we all joined the church we all spoke words of commitment, among which was a promise to share "regularly in the worship of God." I guess "regularly" can be interpreted in more than one way, but I think it might be more than once a month or less. I?m particularly concerned that I don?t see all the leaders of the church on a "regular" basis in worship. I?m concerned that many new members seem to become invisible after they join. I?m concerned that many parents of post-confirmands seem to vanish after their years of bringing their children to church are formally over.

The worship of God through Jesus Christ is the most important activity that Christians participate in. Many of you tell me that you don?t feel "right" if you miss worship, and those comments warm my heart. But, in our consumer-driven society it is tempting to think that we come to church only to satisfy these feelings, when actually our primary purpose should be to worship and praise and thank God for what God has given to us in our life. Good feelings, spiritual highs, intellectual stimulation, hearing a challenging sermon, fellowship, listening to the lovely music ? while all important ? are secondary to worshiping God.

We are the kind of church that does not threaten the fires of Hell for those who do not attend regularly, and we try hard not to make those who have to miss occasionally feel guilty. But I?d like to challenge those of you who may have "gotten out of the habit" of worshiping regularly to try it again. I?d like to challenge you over the summer, now upon us, to come more often ? the hour, starting on June 19^th, is at 9:00, so you can get out and do more with the beautiful summer days we?ll have ? and in case you?ve forgotten, the sanctuary is now refreshingly air conditioned. I?d like to challenge you to continue these good habits into the fall (our highest attendance season, by the way) and beyond.

I believe in a loving, forgiving God, who wants nothing more from us than for us to be faithful in worship and in following in the ways of Jesus. So, if you?ve been away, come on back. The rest of us will welcome you back with open arms. I promise we will smile at you, and I guarantee, God will smile also.

Shalom,

Ken

P.S. Don?t forget the All-Church picnic on Church School Sunday, June 12^th after worship!

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STOO FAC

Did you know that electricity for the church costs over $1000 a month?

Did you know our outreach program serves two AA groups, an ALANON group, an Over Eaters Anonymous Group, and a respite program for families with children who are mentally disabled?

On June 2^nd, PWF will be having our Annual Meeting/Luncheon of old and new board members. The general meeting will take place from 10:30 ? 11:30 AM, and from 11:30 ? Noon our out-going group members will be meeting with the new group members, and then all will enjoy a delicious lunch and friendship time from 12-1 PM. The meeting/luncheon will be at Debby Jewell?s home at 58 King Caesar Rd., Duxbury. If you are unable to attend, please call Debby @ 781/934-9696.

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& Lynn DeHart

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From the Outreach Committee... Some people may believe homeless shelters are in need of food donations during the holiday season. While this is true, there is also an on-going need for food donations throughout the year! Outreach would like to encourage you to help us support the Plymouth Coalition for the Homeless by donating non-perishible food items. You can drop off your donation(s) in the baskets located at the side entrance to the church. Thank you for your support!

As we wind down the season anticipating wonderful summer days, the choir is meeting on Sunday mornings early to prepare the music for worship. Attendance has been excellent and enthusiasm is high. June 5th will be the last Sunday for the Senior Choir until September. The Junior Choir and Teen Choir will sing on June 12th, Church School Sunday and then adjourn for the summer. The Pilgrim Ringers will not meet until September.

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It has been a wonderful year for the music program at our church this past year with fifty-plus volunteers providing music for our Saturday and Sunday worship services. Grateful thanks and appreciation to all who participate, directors and choirs alike.

The Senior Choir will enjoy an "end of year" party on June 5^th at 5:00 P.M.. Anne Briggs has generously offered her home on Bay Road for this event. We look forward to seeing present and past members of the choir at this fun evening.

Have a wonderful summer, everyone!

Cathy

PCCP continues to accept applications for the summer Preschool Programs as well as all Fall programs (infant, toddler, and preschool). For a tour and more information please contact us at 781. 934.8145 extension 1# ______________________________________________________

Remember: Items for the bulletin and newsletter can be submitted by e-mail to the church office @ pilgrimchurchsecretary@pilgrimchurchofduxbury.org. Deadline for bulletin items is by 9 AM Thursday morning and for the July/August combined Newsletter by Wednesday the 15th of June. Questions? Call the church office @ 934-6591.

JYF*JYF- will hold our last gathering before the summer break on Duxbury Beach on Saturday June 11th at 6:00 - 9:00pm. We encourage both students, and their family and friends to join us. Activities will include volleyball, wiffle ball, a fire and smores. JYF will provide a grilling fire with hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. We will meet in the parking lot to the right of the guard shack at the beach and then go to the first cross over. Please contact Sarah Beattie to confirm your attendance by Thursday June 9th -781-934-2646, sbeattie@adelphia.net."

The Pilgrim Women's golf group is starting their season. Golf will be at 10:00 on Tuesdays (rain day on Thursday) at North Hill Golf course. All ladies - all levels of golf - are invited to join in. We invite you to come out and enjoy a wonderful season of golf with us. Please call Freja Wagner at (781) 585-6717 for further information.
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Prayers of Healing ? Larry Anderson ? Connie Milligan ? Helen DeWolf ? Julian Lizza ? Marston Piercy ? Ian Entrot ? Scott Robinson

For the family and friends of Richard MacLaren, John MacLaren?s father.

For the family and friends of Mildred Lahey, Allen Lahey?s mother.

For the baptisms of Riley Williamson, daughter of Jill and Eric Widdop and Andrew Bruce, son of Amy and Robert Burns and grandchildren of Norm and Janyce Williamson.

For the baptism of Thomas Cameron, son of Staci and Glen Silverberg and grandchild of Elise and Tom Gardner.

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