PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

March  2007

Dear Friends,

We have turned the corner into the New Year together and soon it will be spring.  Words are inadequate to express the fondness that I feel for you as a people of God.  In six short months we have made significant strides in our interim journey together. Our history event, “A Walk Down Memory Lane” was well attended and our Self Assessment Inventory saw excellent participation on Sunday, February 11.

 

With transition comes change. Pilgrim Church of Duxbury has experienced seismic shifts in staff. The church administrator of 20 years moved to Florida. Your Senior Pastor of 17 years retired.  And a Pastoral Associate of 4 years also retired.  Pastoral transitions are particularly tough to navigate, not only for the church but for the pastor.  Unlike any other profession, pastoral ministry produces deep intimate bonds. While it’s true that we share our lives with our lawyers, counselors and doctors, these relationships are bounded by time and a desk between us. Pastors on the other hand are invited into our home. They sit down with us over a cup of coffee in our kitchen. They are there at our children’s birth, baptisms and preside over our marriages and our memorial services.  There is no doubt about it; pastoral ministry unlike any other profession is present in the sacred passages of our lives.  And it’s hard to let go. 

 

That’s precisely why the United Church of Christ includes an Ending of an Authorized Ministry litany at the conclusion of a pastor’s ministry with a church. This service along with the standards outlined in the Ordained Minister’s Code of Ethics signal a necessary end to the relationship between pastor and people. Because pastoral ministry is much like a marriage, it is necessary to formally end the covenant so that the church can rightly connect first and foremost to God and secondly to its incoming clergy. 

 

But even with such standards and services boundaries become blurred.  Roy Oswald, senior consultant for the Alban Institute, points out that the reason for this is that both pastor and people not only have a hard time letting go of the relationship, but letting go of the role. Therefore, even though the departed pastor doesn’t perform ministry services, they can nonetheless engage in on-going friendship where it becomes difficult to tease apart the relationship from the former role.  When this happens, the ghost of a former pastor continues to shadow the life of the church.  This ultimately confuses the congregation and compromises the connection with an incoming pastor, both Intentional Interim and Settled. 

 

That said, I’m aware as an Intentional Interim with a time-limited term that saying goodbye will be difficult for me. To that end, I regularly remind myself that I walk a tight rope of embracing you as a people and engaging you in the business of preparing for a new settled pastor.  My prayer is that the process of transition along with our leave-taking will be valuable to us both.  Letting go of meaningful pastoral partnerships with gratitude and grace points us to the God who provided once and will indeed provide again. 

 

Partnering Together in God’s Love,

The Reverend Beverly Weinhold

 

                       

 

New at Pilgrim Church:  A Prayer Shawl Ministry!

Are you a knitter?  Even a beginning knitter?  If so, please join in our newest group at Pilgrim Church to create beautiful prayer shawls which will be given to those in our church in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy.

Prayer Shawl Ministry was begun in Hartford, CT nearly 10 years ago and has spread across the country as a way of reaching out to those in need of a hug at critical junctures in their lives.  Many blessings are prayed into these shawls as they are created, so the recipients are wrapped in softness, warmth, love and prayer.

The first meeting of the group will be held in the parlor on Tuesday, March 20, from 1:15-3:15.  Bring with you 3 skeins of Lion Brand Homespun yarn (your choice of color), and size 13 needles.  The yarn is available at Michael's, Joann Fabrics, and A.C. Moore.  If you would like more information about the project, please visit http://www.shawlministry.com/.  Maddie Merrifield will head up this new group.  Call her at 781-837-8545 with any questions or to let her know you will join her in the parlor on Tuesday, March 20.

 

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Please note that Rev. Beverly Weinhold has “drop in” office hours from 3:00 – 5:00 PM on Mondays.  No appointment necessary – feel free to stop by to see her.

 

A Message from your Transition Team

 

March is a busy month, bustling with Transition activities.  We hope you will mark your calendars with each of them and make every effort to attend:

 

  • Core Values Event - Our second all-church gathering (the first was the History Event) is being held Sunday, March 4th from 3-5 pm in the Vestry.  Its purpose is to identify the core values of Pilgrim Church.  A core value is a deep belief that drives our life and colors all we do.  In the same way that DNA determines a cell, so do core values determine the culture of our church.  For example, the core values of the Grand Blanc Community Church in Detroit are:  we deeply value people; we deeply value scripture applied to living life; we deeply value cultural relevance and community involvement; we deeply value authenticity; we deeply value integrity; we deeply value excellence at every level; we deeply value healthy relationships.  This will be a workshop so all attending will be involved.
  • What is Congregationalism? – Our first “Educating Ourselves” event is being held on Sunday, March 11th  from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.  Our instructor will be Peggy Bendroth, who has taught at Boston University’s School of Theology. 
  • What is the UCC?  - Our second “Educating Ourselves” event is being held on Sunday, March 18th   from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.  Our instructor will be the Reverend Mr. Dale Hempen.  Dale is an Associate Conference Minister for the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ (MACUCC).  You have seen Dale recently participating in Ken’s and Bev’s retirement ceremonies.  One of Dale’s other roles as our area minister is to advise our church council when we at Pilgrim Church form our Senior Pastor Search Committee later this spring and then to support the committee in its search efforts. 

 

Holy Week Worship Schedule

April 1 – Palm Sunday – 10:00 AM

April 5 – Maundy Thursday Service – 7:30 PM

April 7 – Saturday Night 5 Easter Service with potluck dinner – 5:00 PM

April 8 – Easter Sunrise Service at Duxbury Beach – 5:15 AM

(In case of rain, service will be cancelled)

Easter Service – 9:00 AM

 Easter Service – 11:00 AM

Christian Education Corner

 

Here at Pilgrim Church, it takes numerous volunteers countless hours and lots of love to keep things going.  That is especially true in the area of Christian Education.  As is true with all things, there are seasons of service.  Bill Farquharson has served for many seasons in our youth program.  Due to various factors, Bill has stepped out of his role as leader of SYF.  His service and leadership have been greatly appreciated and he will be missed in this capacity.  We are fortunate to have some other folks who are willing to step in and serve at this time.  Marc and Sarah Beattie will be running SYF now.  As they were the ones leading JYF, that left a hole there, and so Gwynne Zisko will be taking over JYF.  We are blessed to have people who are responding to the call of Christ in these crucial roles.  Please pray for them and our Church School teachers and everyone who volunteers here at Pilgrim Church so that we can indeed continue in our journey to live as Christ taught.

 

In Church School this month, our rotation unit will be “Journey to the Cross.”  This rotation will prepare us for Easter.  We will have our opening assembly in the vestry on March 4th.  The rotation will begin on March 11th and end on April 1st.

 

Kid’s Klub*Kid’s Klub- (4th-6th grade) We will meet in the vestry from 2:30-4pm on March 18th.  We’ll have a surprise activity and some fun snacks.  Bring a friend and join us!

 

JYF*JYF*JYF- (7th & 8th grade) We'll meet on Friday March 16th in the Vestry from 7 to 8:30.  On the 30th, we'll be attending a Providence Bruins game and a concert.  We'll need to know by the 16th, if you are going so we can buy tickets.  It will be a fun night and you can bring a friend.  We just need to know how many of you are coming.

 

SYF*SYF*SYF- (9th-12th grade) Watch for news of upcoming events in the church bulletin.  Thank you to the Beattie’s for your leadership!

 

Confirmation-Our last class is March 18th after church.  We have a special treat.  Frank LeBart will be speaking to you and sharing the story of his life and his journey of faith.  Remember that your class is also in charge of the Sunday service on the 25thof March.  We will practice after class on the 18th.  Call me if you need help on your part of the service.  Continue to meet with your mentors and continue to keep track of your hours.  Good job to all of you who brought in food for the Souper Bowl.  Thanks also to those of you who helped with the sorting, counting, boxing up, loading of cars and delivering of food.  Good work!

 

Mission Trip-There is a MANDATORY meeting on March 11th after Church.  If you are going to be in the hospital, out of town on government business or in juvie hall, let me know and we can talk about what you are going to miss. Otherwise, I expect you to be there.  We have things that must be discussed.  Time is running out.  The last down payment of $125 is due on March 18th.  Please make any checks out to “Pilgrim Church Mission Trip”.  This of course assumes that you have made your first down payment.  I need both payments by March 18th.  If you have any questions, call me at the Church office.  Also, please take special note in this newsletter of the planned fundraisers for the mission trip.  Save your haircuts for April 15th!

 

I am very happy to report that our Church family donated $420.18 and brought in 246 food items for the Plymouth Coalition for the Homeless during our Souper Bowl of Caring weekend.  It is through these and other activities that we are the hands and feet of Christ.  Thank you to all that participated!

 

Peace and Grace,

Rev. Eloise

 

Cut- A-Thon for Mass2Miss (the return)

 

Does your hair need a trim, or a new style?  Just in time for Easter, please help the Pilgrim Church Mission Trip and trim those locks! Snacks provided.

Sunday, April 15th

1-4 PM

First Impressions Hair Salon

15 Columbia Road, Pembroke (behind British Beer Works)

 

Six expert stylists at “First Impressions” in Pembroke are donating their time for a wash, cut and blow dry.  Any donation will go directly towards the June youth trip down to Jackson, Mississippi.  As they did in 2006, adults and high school students from Pilgrim Church will return to Jackson, MS and help with church repairs, assist vacation bible school and work on home repair on the Gulf Coast. Questions?  Call Nancy Cobb @ First Impressions 781 826-9676 or the church office.

 

Save the Date * Save the Date * Save the Date

Saturday, April 28 several church homes will host a special dinner to benefit the mission trip Mass2Miss (the return).  We’ll start at 6:30 PM with what promises to be a delightful and delicious way to support our youth and their adult helpers.  Price is $35 per person, with all proceeds going to the mission trip.  If you’re interested in hosting a dinner or have any questions, call Terri Clark at home (781/585-0596) or at the church office. 

 

Please note that there is a new secure drop-off box mounted in the hallway of the church offices.  If you need to leave something (a note, message, envelope . . .) for anyone on staff after hours, please leave it in this box and it will be retrieved the next morning.

 

 

Cranberry Hospice which provides support for people with a life-limiting illness is looking for volunteers. Hospice volunteers may support patients and their families with companionship, by running errands, or with vigil visits at time of death.  Others may assist the office with clerical tasks and fundraising activities. An 8-week training session for volunteers starts Monday, March 19 from 6:00 PM-8:30 PM at Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle in Plymouth.  Those interested may contact Karen Foster, Volunteer Coordinator, at 508/830-2762 to register, fill out an application and make an appointment for an interview.


To all my friends at Pilgrim Church—

 

I send a huge thank-you from Abington for so MUCH.  My final Sunday, January 28, was truly uplifting for me.  From the service itself, with Beverly, Eloise, Rod, Ed, and Dale’s kind words, through the reception, and even to now, with so many nice cards still coming in.  My gorgeous Marcia Wilhelm print, with its personal inscription, is now hanging in our large-art place of honor—over the fireplace mantel.  What a beautiful Duxbury face it puts on our living room!  Of course it will keep reminding me of where I spent four of the most meaningful years of my call to ministry.

The charming, colorful, super-sized card that the church school children made and signed is hanging right opposite where I sit at the dining room table.  I smile every time I look at it. Trying not to miss you too much, I am… 

 

                        Still smiling and remembering…

                        Rev. Bev Duncan

 

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Share your Easter Joy and help decorate the sanctuary with Easter lilies for our Easter services on April 8.

 

 

(Please check one) IN MEMORY OF _______ IN HONOR OF________

 

NAME OF HONOREE: _______________________________________

 

(Please check one)  I Will:    Donate ________       Pick Up* __________

 

 

Given By:  ___________________________________________________

(The above names will be listed in the Easter Sunday Bulletin)

*Lilies must be picked up directly after the 11AM service at church on April 8th.  Please send your donation to: Pilgrim Church, P.O. Box 186, Duxbury, MA 02331, or drop off at the church office.

 

 

PILGRIM WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!  Linda Gray Kelley, humorist, will entertain us again with Part 2 of her thoroughly entertaining program WOMEN OF THE BIBLE: THE NEW TESTAMENT - GOOD GIRLS AND BAD GIRLS. Once again, the ladies of the Bible are brought to life for us to examine...as well as ourselves!  This piece is more serious than the Old Testament due to its subject matter; but we will still see some humor and gentle foibles (some are NOT so gentle!). “Elegant” desserts and coffee will be served during the performance.  Don't miss this wonderful evening sponsored by the Pilgrim Women's Fellowship.  

Wednesday, March 28th at 7:00 PM

Pilgrim Church Vestry

Ticket price: $8.00/$6.00 seniors

Tickets are available after church or by calling Janet Ritch (934-0660) or Sarah Beattie (934-2646) All are welcome to attend--Bring a friend!

 

Pilgrim Women’s Fellowship is sponsoring a Ladies (and their daughters or Confirmands) Night Out at Expressions in Duxbury on March 9 from 7 to 10 PM.  Expressions is a pottery painting and jewelry beading studio.  Cover cost per person is $5.00 for pottery and $8.00 for beading.  Your final cost will depend on which piece you decide to make.  Please call Sarah Beattie @ 781/934-2646 to be added to the registration list.

 

Bookworms

Bookworms will meet on Tuesday, March 27 (the 4th Tuesday of the month) at 1:30 PM in the church library.  The book used for discussion will be announced at the February 27 meeting.  All are welcome.

 

Koinonia

The next meeting of Koinonia will be on Monday, March 12, 7:00 PM, at the home of Elsie Chadwick.  For further information call Elaine Guilfoyle at 781/934-9648.

 

 

Remember – Daylight Savings is early this year.  It begins Sunday, March 11!  Turn your clocks ahead one hour.

 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:2

 

Paul begins his letter of encouragement to the Philippians with this greeting.  He writes with a sense of joy to his brothers and sisters in faith.  It is with joy and gratitude that I have been called by God to serve as the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care.  I am especially thankful to the search committee and everyone who has responded with such positive support.

Over the next few weeks I will continue calling and visiting elders, and those in need in our church family.  I will also be working closely with the Stephen Ministers.  In addition, I am looking forward to re-establishing a parish Visitation Committee to expand our caring ministry and meet the needs of the congregation more fully.

I am on staff 15 hours a week.  I will be in the office and visiting on Tuesdays and Fridays.  I will also participate in Sunday morning worship, special services and preach occasionally. The best way to reach me is to call the church office, and soon by email.  I am blessed to be serving Pilgrim Church at this exciting time. 

                                    Peggy O’Neil Files

 

 

 

During the Holy Season of Lent, the music at our worship services will be meditative and quiet as befitting this penitential season.  The organ music will be quieter as well with softer postludes. It is our intent to enable all of us to observe the final, tragic days in the life of our Savior, Jesus.  Christ in a prayerful and more solemn manor than other seasons in our church calendar.  Cathy Morrison, Music Director.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Final Acts, Final Words:  A Study in Mark's Gospel”

 A Lenten Bible Study begins March 7 through March 28 at 10:00-11:30 on Wednesday mornings and 7:30-9:00 on Wednesday evenings.  Both studies will meet in the library. 

 

 

         

PARISH POST

 

Prayers of Healing -  Bill Poellmitz - Grace Poellmitz - Kiki Houghton – Priscilla Sangster

 

Prayers of Joy

For the birth of Theodore William Thomas Sieminski, Pat Garrity’s great-grandson.

 

Prayers of Comfort and Solace

For the family and friends Tim Safe, Edie Devnew’s brother.