Pat started in the position, then known as Administrative Assistant, when the Rev. Steve Hussing was Senior Pastor. She and her two children, Bill and Carol, had lived in Duxbury for seven years, after the sudden death of Pat’s husband, John, in 1980, just after they came here. Only nine months after Pat started at the Church, Steve also died unexpectedly. For those of us not here at that time, it’s hard to imagine the trauma our congregation went through losing a beloved pastor so suddenly. Pat was the "glue" that held this congregation together during that incredibly difficult time. Her caring sensitivity to the needs of others and her no-nonsense way of getting things done, was the right combination that the church needed in that trying time. She also saw the church through two interim pastors, before my arrival in September of 1989.

Even before I had arrived, I knew that Pat was going to be an integral part of my ministry here, as she made Claudia and me feel welcome in our new town. Her vast knowledge of the church and its members, her insights into "church politics," and her obvious faith and love of God and of Pilgrim Church were and have been incredibly valuable to me as I’ve ministered among you these past 16 years. As the years have gone by, Pat has become an increasingly trusted and valued colleague. As the prime answer-person for literally any question about the church, and as many of us have lovingly said, the one who really "runs the church," Pat will, needless to say, be sorely missed by all of us in our congregation – and especially by me.

A part of Pat’s life that some of you may not know about was the devoted care she provided to her mother, Edna Duncan, who passed away a little over a year ago. Edna was able to live on her own at the elderly housing complex in the center of town (what Pat lovingly calls "Wrinkle Village") up until she died in her 94th year. Pat was dedicated to Edna’s well-being, and she (and all of us) misses Edna very much.

None of us can be too sad for what awaits Pat in Florida. She has purchased a condo in Naples, and will only be a couple of hours drive from her son and daughter-in-law and two grandsons and her daughter. She looks forward to golfing year round, playing grandma more often, and enjoying the balmy Florida weather and hopefully not too many hurricanes. She has promised to come back up North periodically to visit her many friends here.

I am pleased to announce that Cathy Doughty will be our new "Administrative Assistant" upon Pat’s departure. Cathy has been our Church Secretary and will continue these duties plus assuming all of Pat’s responsibilities except some of the financial parts, which will be picked up in another way.

Don’t forget our worship service on December 11th and the reception that will follow. It will be a time to honor a faithful employee of the church and good friend to many, Pat Wiedner, who will be entering into a well-deserved time of rest and relaxation. The words of Jesus keep coming to mind: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Indeed, indeed.

Shalom,

Ken

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Details were in the last newsletter and will be in a letter prospective members have already received, but don’t forget the New Members’ Orientation on Saturday morning, Nov. 12^th from 9AM to 12:30 noon.

If you didn’t get a letter, please call Ken at the Office, 934-6591.

We hope you will join us for our Saturday Services this month. On November 5^th, we will be honoring those that have gone on before us. Join us as we remember the loved ones that continue to live in our hearts. Join us as for this special time of worship when we thank God for the gift of friends and family. We will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

On November 19^th, in keeping with our theme of Thanksgiving this month, we will have a wonderful celebration of thanks. Come share in this time of gratitude to God, the giver of all good gifts.

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Your Parish Nurse, Lisa William, RN, is always available to you for your health related concerns and questions. She may be contacted through the Church office or at 781-934-0931.

Share your Christmas Spirit and help decorate the sanctuary with a poinsettia for the December 18^th Sunday service. If you wish to give a poinsettia to a shut-in or in memory/honor of a loved one, or plan to take the plant home after the service, please use the form below to indicate your preference:

_____IN MEMORY OF ______IN HONOR OF (Please check one!)

NAME OF HONOREE _____________________________________________________

I WILL: _______ DONATE _______ PICK UP* (Please check one!)

GIVEN BY ______________________________________________________________

(The above names will be in the Christmas Sunday Bulletin)

*Poinsettias must be picked up directly after the 11 AM service at church on the 18^th. Please send your donation to Pilgrim Church, P.O. Box 186, Duxbury, Ma. 02331.

If you are interested in enrollment for this year or next year, please contact the program director at 781-934-8145, extension 1#

The PCCP is also looking for grandparents of our students who might be interested in coming to read a child story to our preschool classes on pre-scheduled days over the upcoming year. We will provide the book and a comfortable chair. Call the director if you are interested.

Regards,

Michelle L. Manganaro, M.Ed Director / PO Box 121/Duxbury, MA 02331

All are welcome! If you would like additional information about any of the above circles, please feel free to contact the head of that circle, or,

-Just a reminder to all women of Pilgrim Church that Pilgrim Women's Fellowship meets the first Thursday of every month at 9:15 in the Parlor. We often have interesting speakers, we always have coffee and snacks, and, if the food thing doesn't do it for you, you'll always get to see me!! Three very important reasons to join us!!! Any questions??? - Call me, Debby Jewell at 781-934-9696.

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The Annual Christmas Brunch, brought to you by the lovely women of Pilgrim Church, (HEY we'll take any compliment we can get!!) will be held on SUNDAY,DECEMBER 11, right after the Worship Service, and this year will be in celebration of our retiring Church Administrator, Pat Wiedner. Please mark your calendars and look for more details in the December newsletter. This will be a fun event for all in our church family.