PILGRIM’S PROGRESS

October 2007

Dear Friends,

In September I began a series of articles on the theme The Role of the Pastor in the 21^st Century. This seems timely as Pilgrim Church of Duxbury begins their search for a new Settled Pastor. In September I addressed the Person of the Pastor and in this October issue I invite you to consider The Work of the Pastor.

Pulpit and Pew, a research division of Duke University on Pastoral Leadership did a study in 2004 entitled “What Do Clergy Do All Week?” They were motivated by the “misconception of churches” and “mystification of members” about how clergy spend their time. This can be particularly confounding for many church members, because the work of clergy is so unlike most other occupations. Clergy don’t work from 9 to 5, but need to be available at night for committees and counseling. You can’t always count on Clergy to sit behind a desk since they often visit parishioners, write sermons at home or attend denominational affairs. Clergy work on the days that most of us don’t: ½ of Saturday preparing for Sunday and Sunday itself. According to the Duke study, ½ of all pastors reported working between 35 and 60 hours per week, ¼ reported working more than 60 and ¼ reported working less than 35. The middle 50 percent of Protestant pastors reported working between 42 and 63 hours per week, with a median score of 49 hours per week. This is what Duke found most pastors doing:

Preparing for Preaching and Worship 30%

Pastoral Care/Counseling/Phone/Emails 20%

Administrating Work/Attending Meetings 20%

Teaching/Training for Ministry 13%

Involvement in Denominational Affairs 7%

Prayer and Meditation 6%

Reading 4%

The above are median averages and they change based on several factors. One critical factor that affects how pastor does his/her work is church size. In a Family Size Church of 100-150, the clergy role is more like that of a chaplain. The role of the Senior Pastor is central and much of church life centers on a relationship with him or her. In a Program Size Church with 150-300 at worship, the role of the Pastor is more like a Coach; with the role of equipping lay leaders and to empowering committees by informing them on issues and educating them to do the work of the church. Instead of church life issuing from the Pastor, it issues from empowered committees and small group connections. Instead of leading from the “top down,” the Senior Pastor leads from the “bottom-up” by empowering staff and committees. In a Corporate Size Church, with 350 or more, the Pastor’s primary role is preaching and having a high profile in the community. Here, the Pastor functions most like a CEO. It’s my personal opinion that regardless of church size, the most Biblical model for Pastoral ministry is one of Coach; for it exemplifies how Jesus Christ led his disciples. Despite his divinity, he never dominated or micro-managed people. He called forth their unique gifts and gave them the tools to do ministry for themselves rather than doing it for them. That said, he was not a passive leader; but asked for respect and clear accountability from his followers. It’s my belief that an Equipping Pastor, a Coach, is the model of Pastoral leadership that would best serve Pilgrim Church of Duxbury.

Regardless of the style of leadership, the relationship between Pastor and Parish is sacred. It is less about contract and more about covenant. It is less about being an employee and more about marriage. In the words of Ed White, Senior Consultant for the Alban Institute for almost 20 years: As in a marriage, Pastor and Parish call each other into being…In a marriage as I try to fulfill my end of the relationship, if my wife responds “you’re the greatest,” I blossom. If her response is “honey, you’re no good,” I wither. The scary thing about marriage is that God puts us in this relationship where we have the power to call one another into being or cause one anther to wither and shrivel up. The same is true between pastor and people.

Summarizing, the work of the Pastor is complex and it is a covenant. It involves God’s call to a church and to a clergy person. The union is sacred and the best work is done in worship with God and in partnership with one another. May the Good God of Covenant be with us in our Settled Pastor search to secure God’s best for Pilgrim Church of Duxbury.

Warmly,

Bev Weinhold

Intentional Interim Minister

Beginning in October, the pastors will have “drop-in” hours – time reserved for the congregation to just drop in and see them without calling first or making an appointment. Looking forward to seeing you. . .

Monday 2:00 – 4:00 PM Rev. Beverly Weinhold

Wednesday 2:00 – 4:00 PM Rev. Peggy O’Neil Files

Friday 2:00 – 4:00 PM Rev. Eloise Parks

PCCP: Did you know?

This is the first in a series of informational articles on the Pilgrim Child Care and Preschool (PCCP) program. We hope you will find them helpful and informative.

In the beginning…PCCP was created as part of the 1995 Pilgrim Church building expansion project. During that year, the PCCP Board was established, a values-based mission statement was developed, and state licensing was completed. In 1996 the program opened with a full staff and director and the capability to serve 52 students per day.

In 2006, PCCP celebrated its tenth anniversary with the addition of a new brick patio. Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to serve 74 students, the program is now nationally accredited through NAEYC and provides a full-day kindergarten in addition to its infant, toddler, and pre-K programs.

Straight Talk

The Pledge cards have arrived and each of us are thoughtfully considering our commitment to Pilgrim Church. The plea for our financial resources seems endless. We are all inundated with a continuous stream of deserving campaigns such as medical research, social services, disaster relief, alumni support and community needs. Even so, this is a time that we each need to recognize that for Pilgrim Church to continue to play its vital part in our spiritual lives, a strong financial commitment has to be a priority.

The search for a new minister is underway and the financial soundness of our church will play an important role in our ability to attract talented candidates. As is typical in replacing any leadership position, it will cost more in salary and benefits. Plus, the parsonage requires significant renovations and redecorating – work that is long overdue.

The bottom line is that Pilgrim Church needs your help in order to reach our goal of $448,000. The stewardship committee asks you to prayerfully consider increasing your pledge by at least 15% for the support of our church and its programs. “Let us be generous and willing to share.”

The Stewardship Committee

On September 6th, most of our Senior Choir was able to attend rehearsal. It was a fun reunion and it is wonderful to see everyone after a busy summer. The choir's contribution to the Sunday Worship is apparent to all of us in the singing of an anthem, introit, etc.; but one of the most important contributions is the leading of the congregation in singing hymns. What a wonderful sound surrounds me as I hear the choir to my left and the congregation in front singing the hymns with such assurance and prayerful praise of God on Sunday mornings. It is, indeed, a "Joyful Noise!”

The Senior Choir is busy preparing music for most Sundays in what remains of 2007, but we have three other choirs doing the same. The Pilgrim Ringers have begun rehearsals and played for us on September 23rd. The Junior Choir is preparing music to sing on September 30th. We have a renewal of the wonderful "Teen Choir” and they will be singing for us soon. Pilgrim Church has a very active music program as you can see (hear).

Fall is a very busy time for all and those in the music program are working hard to present music for the Sundays and special days of the Church year that is inspiring to all who attend the Worship Services. Please consider joining one of these music groups. You will be happy that you did.

Cathleen Morrison

Music Director

From the Music Board

The church is in need of at least one replacement piano.  We currently have three pianos; all are well past their useful lives and suffer from various problems.  Our primary goal is a good instrument for the sanctuary.  Rather than immediately try to raise funds and purchase a new piano, we would like to first explore the possibility of someone donating a used or refurbished piano to the church.  If you have one you think we should consider, please contact the church office and we will make arrangements to evaluate it.  Thanks for helping us make a joyful (in tune) noise.

Can you come out and play?

		B
1.		E
		2.L
	3.	L
		4.S

1. Middle of the week

2. Ha, Ha, Ha

3. No pay, big pay off

4. ________ your church

Can’t commit to a whole year? No need – come try for a month. Experienced ringers need only come 2-3 weeks before a play date. New ringers can come to learn at any rehearsal with no pressure to perform. Future play dates 10/21, 11/18, 12/9….

ANSWERS: 1. WEDNESDAY, 2. LAUGH, 3. VOLLUNTEER, 4. SUPPORT

The entire community is invited to attend "Celebrating an Evening of Ramadan" on Sunday October 7th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the Duxbury Senior Center. Preceding the delicious traditional Ramadan feast, there will be an informational talk explaining the Muslim tradition of Ramadan and prayers led by the Imam. Please join us for this wonderful celebration.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children 6 & under. All proceeds will benefit the children of Afghanistan. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or preferably, before the event at Razia’s Tailor Shop in Duxbury Marketplace.

This program is sponsored by the Duxbury Interfaith Council.

Christian Education Corner

Church School is underway! We are in the middle of the Rotation on “Lost and Found.” This rotation uses three of Jesus’ parables to teach us about the depth of God’s love and the lengths to which God is willing to go to find us and claim us as His own.

Kid’s Klub*Kid’s Klub-4th, 5th and 6th graders will meet on October 14th from 2:30-4 in the vestry. We will have a fun fall afternoon. Come and bring a friend!

JYF*JYF*JYF-welcomes all 7th & 8th graders. Throughout the year we will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. Sometimes we will go out on group excursions and other times we will meet at the Church. JYF is intended to be a social and learning time for Junior High students to enjoy time together and discover Christ's personal plan for them. A typical Friday JYF will include a meal together, an engaging group activity (game or sport), and short (10-15 minute) message at the end. When we go out – it’s all play. You will get a postcard before each upcoming activity. If you are not getting a postcard, please call Rev. Eloise at the Church and let her know.

Confirmation- Don’t forget the Lock-in on Friday October 26th. We’ll start at 7PM on Friday night and finish on 7AM Saturday morning. If you have not received a letter about Confirmation and you are planning to be a part of the Confirmation class, please contact me at the Church office, ext. 103.

SYF*SYF*SYF- SYF this year will consist of two parts: A Sunday morning Student Study and a monthly missions trip to volunteer in the greater Boston area.

Beginning Sunday October 14 at 10:00am SYF students in grades 10-12 will be meeting in the Vestry Parlor to begin a new Student Study series on Christian Faith and Other Religions. The first topic is "What about Angels?,” and continues on Sunday School Sundays with other topic such as: "Are Spirits Real?,” "Does Evil Exist?,” "What is Heaven?,” "Why & How to Pray & What to Expect,” "A Summary of the Old Testament,” "A Summary of the New Testament,” "What Jews Believe,” "What Muslims Believe,” and "What Christians Believe.”

On Sat., October 13th SYF will travel to the Heifer Project's Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA. (See box in this newsletter). The Heifer Project is known worldwide in providing livestock to third world communities and assisting in the education of a sustainable community. Overlook Farm is a learning center that promotes sustainable solutions to global hunger, poverty and environmental degradation. More information is available at: www.heifer.org 

We are very excited about the first of our Adult Education Series that will be held this year. In the “Essentials of the Faith” series, we will be exploring our Christian faith more fully through discussions that encourage and strengthen our faith. Each session will include a DVD segment and discussion facilitated by one of our Pastors. This promises to be an exciting series and one in which our understanding of the origins of Christianity as we grow in our own faith. The sessions begin at 7PM on Wednesdays October 17, 24, 31 and November 7 & 14. Please join us at 6:30PM on October 17th for dessert and coffee. We’ll see you there!

Peace and Grace,

Rev. Eloise

The Pilgrim Association Mission and Community Concerns Committee is sponsoring a Saturday Field Trip to Heifer Project’s Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA on Saturday, October 13. Cost is $20 per person which includes bus transportation to and from The First Congregational U.C.C. in Hanover. Minimum age is 6^th grade, and dress for farm work is recommended. Additional information is on the flyer posted on the bulletin board outside the church offices, or you may contact Helen Burgess, Registrar, at mydwyf99@hotmail.com or 781/837-3921.

"Wild About You" – A Teen Girls Bible Study!

For 10^th to 12^th grade girls

This 6 session, monthly study helps teens understand that God loves and pursues them passionately because He loves them deeply. It will also help them to recognize false loves and lies that lure them away from a devoted relationship with God. Taught by Sarah Beattie, in her home, the first session begins Thursday October 11, 2007 from 7pm to 9pm and continues on the second Thursday of every month (skipping December) for 6 sessions. Please contact Sarah if you are interested or have any questions. 781-934-2646 or sarah_beattie@comcast.net.

Search Team Report:

This summer the Search Team has been busy writing the church profile.    The profile is an important step as it gives settled pastor candidates a clear idea of who we are.  Therefore, the Team feels that it is very important that we describe the congregation, the church and the community as accurately as possible.  We are feeling good about the progress that we have made and expect to have a draft completed soon.

Once the draft is completed, we will ask leaders from the church and the denomination to review it for a final version.  Then the profile will be posted on the UCC website for interested candidates to review to see if they feel there is a match with us.  Interested candidates will then forward their profile to us. Each member of the Team will review each profile, cull the potential candidates to a reasonable number, and then start the interviewing process. 

In addition to putting on the final touches to our profile, members of the Team are writing questions that we will ask the candidates.  We believe the more prepared we are, the smoother the interviewing process will be.  If it seems that the process should somehow be accelerated, we share your feelings,  However, we are trusting in a proven process, doing the best we possibly can within its protocol.  We plan to continue to be very active through the fall and expect to be reviewing profiles before All Saints Day.  Keep us and our new settled pastor in your prayers. 

Roger White

Once again the Duxbury Senior Center is asking for volunteers to share their time and enthusiasm. Positions include community helper (home assistance/repair), Wednesday coffee and refreshment volunteer (Wednesdays from 1:00 – 2:30 PM), host/server (2 hrs/week serving meals), event helper (help at special events) and Respite Program volunteer (one Monday /month from 9AM – 3PM working with clients with memory issues). If interested, call Becky at the Senior Center at 781/934-5774 ext. 20 or stop by for a volunteer application.

Pilgrim Women’s Fellowship

A reminder to all ladies that Pilgrim Women’s Fellowship meets the first Thursday of the month at 9:15 AM in the Parlor (the lovely and comfortable room off the Vestry). After a brief gathering time with coffee, we discuss upcoming programs, activities and projects in which the women of Pilgrim Church are involved.

The next event is our annual Wine and Cheese Gathering. Please watch for more information for this casual and fun get together, tentatively scheduled for October 18.  This is a great time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.  Further details coming soon!!

Heidi Hadley, PWF President

Koinonia

Jill Bostder will be our hostess for the next meeting of Koinonia on Monday, October 8 at 7:00 PM. For directions, please call Jill at 781/582-2266.

Like to knit? Join the Prayer Shawl Ministry group on Tuesday, October 16 in the parlor from 1:15 – 3:15. Bring 3 skeins of Lion Brand Homespun yearn (found at Michael’s, A.C. Moore, Joanne Fabrics) – your choice of color – and size 13 needles. We meet the 3^rd Tuesday each month.

Enjoy a cup of tea, conversation and camaraderie as you work on a prayer shawl which will bring warmth and comfort to someone in need. Questions? Call Maddie Merrifield at 781/837-8545.

PARISH POST

Prayers of Healing - Bill Poellmitz - Grace Poellmitz - Priscilla Sangster Olive MacQuarrie – Roy Herring

Prayers of Comfort and Solace

For the family and friends of Anne R. Kittredge, Anne White’s mother.

Prayers of Joy

For the baptism of Oliver Gardner Pratt, son of Bridget Westendorf Pratt and John Keith Pratt, and grandson of Nancy and Keith Pratt.

For the imminent addition of Lu Na Cuie, Frank and Rosella’s new grandchild, into the Blackington family.

For the imminent addition of Alexander, Don and Lynn’s new grandson, to the DeHart family.

For the birth of Quinn Catherine Edwards, John and Heather Edwards’ new daughter.

Fall is such a wonderful time of year, but also a busy time. My ministry is no exception. I have begun to offer a Communion Service at the Village of Duxbury on the first Monday of the month, which was well attended in Sept. It is one way to bring the sacrament to some folks who are unable to attend regular worship or those who like to gather and participate with others. All residents at the village are welcome. This month a new group of lay ministers will be trained for visitation. They will not replace my visitation but will serve to more fully connect our elders and infirmed members to the church and the pastors. I encourage each of you to continue to pray for the folks listed in our bulletin who are especially in need at this time and to remember those who have been long time members who are no longer able to attend worship or fellowship regularly. They miss us as much as we miss them. Deep gratitude to all the Pilgrim Church members who are doing their own visiting and ministry “behind the scenes”!

In Christ’s service,

Peggy

Beacon Hospice, serving South Shore patients facing a terminal illness is in need of hand-made “comfort” items such as lap quilts, small pillows or afghans. Patients love the beauty and warmth a quilt or similar item provides them as they face a difficult time in their lives. If you are able to donate a comfort piece, please contact Kathy Creedon, Volunteer Coordinator at 508-747-7222.