Parson to Persons:

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February 2006

Parson to Persons: Rev. Stephen Turrell, Pastor Emeritus, Gone to Glory

The Rev. Stephen W. Turrell, 87, Pastor of Pilgrim Church from 1963 to 1983, and Pastor Emeritus since 1990, passed away after a long illness on January 3, 2006. A memorial service celebrating his life was held at the church on January 19. His close friends, Rev. Rick Giragosian, Rev. David Woods, and Rev. Bob Jackson shared in the service with me, as did members of Steve’s family. One of my roles was to tell those gathered about Steve’s ministry here in Duxbury, and I’d like to offer those remarks in this column for those of you who were not able to be with us in person.

I am privileged to share with you some reflections on Steve’s ministry here in Duxbury. Ironically, well before he came here, in the late 1940’s he served as assistant minister at the First Congregational Church in Pittsfield, the town where I grew up, and it was there that he met and married Alice.

But in 1963, Steve and Alice came to Duxbury, and they were to spend 20 years in a wonderful ministry here at Pilgrim Church, the longest in the church’s history. During that tenure, the church saw a considerable growth in membership that mirrored a growth in the town after Rte. 3 was constructed. Pastoral duties took up most of his time here, and when he retired in 1983, he recollected that he had conducted at Pilgrim Church 326 weddings, 318 baptisms, and officiated at 278 funerals or memorial services. He also preached over 800 sermons and made over 5,000 pastoral calls. In addition he had time to Chair the Church and Leadership Committee of the Pilgrim Association and be the vice president of what was then called the Duxbury Council of Churches (now Duxbury Interfaith Council). And he had time for games of golf at the Duxbury Yacht Club, often playing with his friend and ministerial colleague, Msg. Bill Glynn of Holy Family.

In 1976, Steve was honored by our congregation when a carillon was installed in our belfry. The plaque in the stair well reads in part: "Given to sing God’s praises and to honor a beloved minister." And he surely was. A book of Steve’s sermons was published by Wayne and Mary Lou Walden at the time of his retirement, and I would like to read from the preface page. "The best sermon is a well-lived, exemplary life. Pilgrim Church members and friends have been blessed beyond merit and measure by the sermon Stephen Turrell has lived before us for 20 years. If actions speak louder than words, his message resounds with images of kindness: a healing touch to the sick; a generous hand to the needy; a comforting word to the dying; an arm of support to the grieving; pleasant company to the joyful. All of us hungry sheep have looked up and been fed!"

It obviously was a mutual love affair. In an article in the Clipper at the time of his retirement, Steve was quoted, "No minister could ask or expect more loyal, loving, and prayerful support from his people than I have enjoyed. For this love and acceptance I am forever grateful." Folks in town were grateful that Steve and Alice continued to live here after his retirement, and he stayed in close contact with many of his former parishioners over the years. We were pleased to honor him further by giving him the title of Pastor Emeritus in 1990, "with deep appreciation for his 20 years of faithful service…."

Steve’s strong faith and gentle caring came through to all who knew him. At a time of great personal tragedy while he was here, he still carried on, still ministered to his flock, as they in turn ministered to him and his family. When I came to Pilgrim Church, Steve was always personally supportive of my ministry here, and I regarded him as a kind, Christian gentlemen. He will be missed by all of us.

Shalom,

Ken

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From Outreach…..

The Outreach Committee has been spending some time in recent months reviewing and evaluating its Mission, Vision, and direction. With the help of Lynne Wolfe, serving as a resource, a strategic plan has been developed following several brainstorming sessions which served to help determine a focus for 2006 and beyond. Although several long standing organizations will continue to receive support (Duxbury Interfaith Council; The Pastors Discretionary Fund; Plymouth Coalition for the Homeless; and special needs such as the upcoming Jackson, Mississippi mission trip planed for our youth and coordinated by Eloise), the Outreach Committee has decided to focus on one major local project that benefits the community at large. The overwhelming choice this year is the local Habitat for Humanity Committee. Currently completing the second home in Duxbury, Habitat is now working with the town and the South Shore Habitat office in Braintree, to develop two additional homes for needy families. In order to start this project, the Duxbury Committee must raise a minimum of $100,000 this year. Outreach thinks this local housing initiative warrants our support, both monetarily and with volunteers from the Pilgrim Church Congregation.

More information will be announced soon as Outreach seeks help and volunteers for workdays, etc.

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From the Music Director….

In celebration of Black History Month, the Senior Choir, Junior Choir and Pilgrim Ringers will be presenting special music including spirituals and gospel music. This is an annual favorite for many of us so do plan to come to the 10:00 Worship Service on February 12th. We are sure you will be inspired.
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Our Church’s Future?

Are you wondering about what Pilgrim Church will be like over the next couple of years as we seek a new senior pastor?

The Church Council will be sponsoring a round of dessert gatherings, wine and cheese socials, and pot luck suppers to share currently planned activities (Vision 20/10) and the pastor selection process from experienced UCC interim pastors and our own leadership. Your goals and dreams for Pilgrim Church are important, and note takers will be gathering your ideas. And you will be asked to pray about these coming years, seeking God’s help to determine how you can use the time and talent you have been given to help our church with this transition. More information on events and how to attend will be forthcoming this month.

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STOO FAC

Did you know that last year electricity costs were over $1,000 each month for our church, and electricity rates are expected to increase this year?

Did you know that we collect enough boxed and canned food to make a weekly donation to the Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless?

The Stewardship Committee

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PILGRIM WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

PWF Luncheon and Program

PWF will hold its February luncheon and Program on Feb. 9 at 10:30 in the vestry. The cost is $7.00 for a delicious soup and salad luncheon and our guest speaker will be Kathie Connelly. Kathie will be speaking to us about the Mercy Ships organization.
Mercy Ships, a global charity, has operated a growing fleet of hospital ships in developing nations since 1978. Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the poor, mobilizing people and resources worldwide. Peter and Kathie Connelly, who live here in Duxbury, are the Northeast Representatives for Mercy Ships working in the Church and

Community Relations Department.

Please join us on Feb 9^th for food, fellowship, and information...food for the body, mind and soul!! Reservations or questions call Debby Jewell 781-934-9696

Koinonia

Koinonia meets the second Monday of each month, which in February is the 13^th, at 7:00PM. Our hostess will be Elsie Chadwick, who lives at 100 Park St. For directions, call Elaine Guilfoyle at 934-9648.

Bookworms

Bookworms will be meeting in the Pilgrim Church Library at 1:30 on the 4th Tuesday of the month, February 28. We will be discussing "The Palace Walk [Cairo Trilogy]" by Naguib Mahfouz. All are welcome.

We’re Always Looking for Fellowship Volunteers

Just a reminder that Pilgrim Women’s Fellowship is always in need of volunteers to host the coffee fellowship time after Sunday’s services. Our wonderful coffee system makes it very, very easy (no measuring, -just the push of a button!), it doesn’t take a lot of time, and most importantly, it’s really a wonderful way to experience - and add to - the fellowship of Pilgrim Church.

Whether you’ve never volunteered before, or have done it many times, please consider adding your name to the sign up sheet in the vestry. The more names we have, the more fellowship we can share. Someone from PWF will call to find a Sunday (or more if you like!) that works well for you.

-Thank you!-

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MASS to MISS

Mission Trip ’06

Amazing raffle with stupendous prizes coming to our church in March!

Money raised will support the work done in Mississippi during the Mission.

Watch and listen for details coming in March! If your are interested in helping or have a donation of a prize please call Lindsay Auer-781-934-9983 or email - lindsay_auer@adelphia.net.

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Saturday Night 5-Our services this month will be held on the 5^th and the 18^th at 5pm. The service on the 5^th is our annual "Souper Bowl". A number of our youth will be participating in the leadership of this service. We will be collecting canned goods and money for our local food banks during this service. We hope you can join us!

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Have You Seen Jesus' Hands?

Between the 1st and 2nd floor of Pilgrim Church, along the stairwell, is the new home for the 20/10 Vision poster and "We are Jesus' hands. Pilgrim Church's 20/10 Vision...seeking to live as Jesus taught is comprised of three major focus areas: Spiritual Development, In-reach and Outreach. Jesus' hands represent current projects, programs or unique, individual good deeds under the three focus areas. Take a minute to stop and see all the wonderful things that are being done at Pilgrim Church and think of ways to continue to build on the church's good works. For more information about Jesus' hands and how to get more hands on the wall, contact Lynne Wolfe, Volunteer Coordinator at 781-934-6591.

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Looking for a hands-on way to help Hurricane Katrina victims?

Here is your opportunity! Pilgrim Church is looking for volunteers interested in joining other Massachusetts UCC congregations to assist the Good Shepard UCC church in Louisiana. The trip dates are set for April 17-23, 2006. Skilled and unskilled workers are needed in the areas of: sanding, painting, cleaning, removing contaminated materials, and helping rebuild buildings. Others can help with cooking, cleaning, and doing grocery and hardware store runs. The group is also considering taking a human service team (social worker, banker, etc.). In addition, the group will assess the area and recommend whether and how we might get more involved in the future. Interested in learning more or signing up? Please find fact sheets and a sign-up sheet posted on the Outreach bulletin board in the Vestry.

___________________________________________________________________ Christian Education Corner

In Church School we will be finishing up our rotation about Jesus in the Temple. In the account from Jesus’ childhood that we have been studying, Jesus and his family were going to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. On February the 12^th, we will all meet in the vestry during Church School time in order to have a Passover Feast. This will be a fun way to round off this rotation unit!

Kid’s Klub*Kid’s Klub-For 4^th, 5^th and 6^th graders-we will meet in the vestry from 2-4pm on Sunday, February 26^th. Join us for food, fun and fellowship.

JYF*JYF*JYF- JYF is open to all 7^th & 8^th graders and their guests

Saturday, February 11th, 6:00pm - 11:00pm - We’re going to Boston for dinner @ Pizzeria Uno in Faneuil Hall, then over to the New England Aquarium’s Simon IMAX theater for "Aliens of the Deep in 3D". Meet at the church parking lot @ 5:45pm, pick up at the church at 11:00pm. We will also need 4-5 adult drivers.

-Scheduled for Fri., March 24^th, from 7-9 PM-Fog ball, dinner (tacos) & a short message in the Vestry; Fri., April 28^th, from 5-10:30 PM Pawsox Game; Fri., May 19^th, from 7-9 PM, sports dinner and a short message in the Vestry; and Fri., June 2^nd, from 7-10PM a family picnic on Duxbury Beach. Details will follow in upcoming newsletters.

Confirmation-Your only class this month is on February 12^th

after Church. Remember the Souper Bowl on Sat, February 4^th. If you are participating in the service, you need to be at

Church by 3:30pm.

REMEMBER! If you collect 25 cans from friends and neighbors, for the food drive, you will earn 2 hours of outreach credit.

SYF*SYF*SYF-Keep an eye out for those emails-and always do

what Bill tells you to!!

Mission Trip- If you are going on the mission trip, there will be a mandatory meeting after Church on February 5^th. We will meet in the parlor.

Peace and Grace,

Rev. Eloise

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PILGRIM CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL

If you are interested in enrollment, 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 children’s 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.

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

PARISH POST

Prayers of Healing - Larry Anderson - Connie Milligan – Helen DeWolf – Henry Bostder -

Tom Entrot

Prayers of Comfort and Solace

For the family and friends of Alice Merry

For the family and friends of Rev. Steve Turrell, Pastor Emeritus of Pilgrim Church.

Prayers of Joy

For the baptism of Steven Michael, son of Mark and Traci Shortt.

For the baptism of Jackson Martin, son of Jeff and Heather Keay, godson of Michelle White and Andrew Keay, and grandson of Rob and Lindy Keay.

For the birth of Cecilia Jane Martinez, granddaughter of Scott and Cathy Doughty.

Go Back FEBRUARY CALENDAR

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Feb. 1^st 7:00 AM Seekers

10:00 AM Bible Study

12:30 PM Bridge

7:00 PM Pilgrim Ringers

7:30 PM Bible Study

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Feb. 2^nd 9:15 AM Pilgrim Women’s Fellowship

7:30 PM Senior Choir

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Feb. 4^th 3:30 PM "Souper Bowl" Rehearsal

5:00 PM Saturday Night Service –

"Souper Bowl"

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Feb. 5^th 10:00 AM Worship-Communion

Mandatory Mtg. – immediately after

church for participants in the Youth Mission Trip

11:15 AM Junior Choir

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Feb. 7^th 7:00 PM Board of Outreach

7:00 PM Christian Ed. Committee

7:30 PM Board of Deacons

7:30 PM Music Board

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Feb. 8^th 7:00 AM Seekers

10:00 AM Bible Study

7:00 PM Pilgrim Ringers

7:30 PM Bible Study

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Feb. 9^th 10:30 AM PWF Luncheon and Program –Kathie Connelly speaking

1:30 PM Great Decisions

7:30 PM Senior Choir

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Feb. 11^th 6:00 PM JYF Trip to Boston

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Feb. 12^th 8:30 AM Pilgrim Ringers

9:00 AM Junior Choir

10:00 AM Worship

"Passover Feast" - in vestry

Mentors Mtg. immediately following worship

11:15 AM Parish Nurse Seminar –

"Addictions"

11:20 AM Confirmand Class

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Feb. 13^th1:00 PM Pilgrim Investors

7:00 PM Koinonia @ home of Elsie Chadwick

7:30 PM PCCP Meeting

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Feb. 14^th 7:30 PM Board of Trustees

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Feb. 15^th 7:00 AM Seekers

10:00 AM Bible Study

7:00 PM Pilgrim Ringers

7:30 PM Bible Study

-March Newsletter Deadline-

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Feb. 16^th 9:00 AM Ladies’ Bible Study

7:00 PM Stewardship/Strategic Planning Meeting

7:30 PM Senior Choir

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Feb. 17^th ^-Council Minutes Due (AM)-

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Feb. 18^th 5:00 PM Saturday Night Service

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Feb. 19^th 10:00 AM Worship

11:15 AM Junior Choir

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Feb. 21^st 7:30 PM Council Meeting

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Feb. 22^nd 7:00 AM Seekers

12:15 PM eVestors

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Feb. 24^th 12:00 PM Women in Stitches-Library

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Feb. 25th8:00 AM Men’s Group

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Feb. 26^th 10:00 AM Worship

2:00 PM Kids Klub

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Feb. 28^th 1:30 PM Bookworms

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Remember – If you have an item to submit for the newsletter, you can send it via email or as an attachment to:

pilgrimchurchsecretary@pilgrimchurchofduxbury.org. The deadline for March’s Pilgrim’s Progress is Wednesday, February 15^th. Please call the Church Office –934-6591-if you have any questions.

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