Dear Friends,

For the first time The Church of the Pilgrimage is conducting its stewardship campaign during a span of time which includes the season of Lent. In changing the fiscal year it is hoped that the church's cash flow will be improved. Because it is Lent, too, it seems to be an appropriate time to consider the place of faith in our lives and ponder the grace of God in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a very good time to consider what it takes in today's world to fund the vital ministries of our beloved congregation.

We do live in a precarious world and our awareness of just how insecure our world has become is impressed upon us daily in the news. The world for us changed dramatically on September 11th and the perils of life are accentuated in the terrible images of that dreadful day. As time has gone by, and as we begin to live with the facts of evil and terrorism, we have as a nation and world begun to think about basic values and principles which are able to guide and sustain us and a civilized world. We have also witnessed what fanaticism can do when people are possessed by beliefs which are perverted from what they were intended to be.

The Church of the Pilgrimage is, and always has been, a church which is founded upon a biblically based covenant with God, a covenant made new, we trust and believe, in the life, ministry and resurrection of Christ. We believe that preaching God's Word and living in charity and missional ways in the world toward others is a testimony to God's love and patience. We are anchored in the teachings of the Bible and by the use of reason, and by actions of faith we witness to the love of God in the confidence that God is using us as people of hope and of peace. We believe that God has given us the church as an extension of the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ and of sustaining God's covenant of grace to a world which seems ever to be tending toward the chaos which results when God is not honored and served.

Our stewardship of God's church is a precious gift, not only in terms of our own spiritual benefits, but also as a witness to the world that God calls us to be agents of love, justice, mercy and as missionaries of peace. While on this side of the heavenly kingdom we need to support the church's vision given to it as heirs of Easter. It takes money and personal commitment to do God's work, and more of both in these perilous days than before. It is good for us to think on these things as we prayerfully consider the sacrifice of God in Christ.

Love,

Gary

 (c)The Church of the Pilgrimage in Plymouth, MA Inc., all rights reserved.

Communion Sunday

The Rev. Gary L. Marks will be preaching at 10:00 AM worship service. Communion will be a part of the service today.

The Pulpit Flowers are in loving are in loving memory of Marilyn and Raymond Monto given by her daughter Marilyn Borsari and family.

The Children will attend Church School following their dismissal from the worship service

Penny Sunday-Remember to bring your pennies.

Introductory Bible Study -11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. in the Church House. Childcare will be available.

Church School Teacher's Meeting following worship in K/1 Classroom in Church House. We will be meeting briefly to continue plans for Church School Day.

Confirmation Class-noon to 2 P.M. in K/1 Classroom. Please bring your books and Bibles.

CHURCH RECORD

Hospitalized -James Nicol, Jordan Hospital.

Recuperating at home: Dorothy Strassel.

In rehabilitation at the Beverly Manor, Cliff Sampson.

Baptisms:
On February 24, 2002, Colin Patrick Brown, son of Robert Michael and Jennifer Lyn (Wickson) Brown, was baptized during the Service of Worship.

In Memoriam:
On 23 February 2002, Rev. Marks conducted a graveside service for Alberta Richmond.
On 23 February 2002, Rev. Marks conducted a graveside service for Carol Quinn, Ray Quinn's mother, in Roslindale.
We extend our sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Armstrong who passed this life last week. Our sympathies are especially expressed for Doug's wife, Fran.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, Mar 3

Rev. Gary L. Marks will be preaching; Introductory Bible Study will meet from 11:30 A.M..-12:30 P.M. in Church House. Childcare in the Crib Room.

Monday, Mar 4

Aerobics-9:00 A.M.-10:00 P.M.-Allerton Hall; Girl Scouts Tr. No. 1128 6:00-7:30 P.M.; Pilgrimage Women's Fellowship, 7:00 P.M., guest speaker, Pastor Marks on "The History of St. Patrick."

Tuesday, Mar 5

Rev. Marks Office Hours-9:30-11:30 A.M.; Girl Scouts Tr. No. 1234 6:30-8:00 P.M.- Church House; Aerobics-6:45 P.M.-7:45 P.M.-Allerton Hall; Church Council will meet at 7:30 P.M. in the Mayflower Room..

Wednesday, Mar 6

Aerobics - 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Allerton Hall; Staff Meeting, 10:00 A.M.; Rev. Robin's Office Hours-11:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M., Den #47 Pack Meeting-7:00-8:00P.M., Church House; Christian Education Committee Meeting - 7:00 P.M. in the Mayflower Room; Choir Rehearsal - 7:30 P.M. - Sanctuary.

Thursday, Mar 7

Aerobics-6:45 P.M.-7:45 P.M.; Active Parenting 1,2,3,4 Class, 6:30-8:30 Mayflower Room.

Friday, Mar 8

Aerobics-9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M; Rev. Gary L. Marks' Office Hours-9:30-11:30 A.M.; Women's Guild- 1:00 P.M., guest speaker: Mellicent Drake-"Tracing Your Roots, Family Histories/Saints, Sinners and a Mail Order Bride."

Saturday, Mar 9

Overeaters Anonymous- 9:30-11:30 A.M.-Church House.

PLEASE NOTE

Where did the Chest of Joash originate?

The story of the Chest of Joash is found in the book of 2 Kings, chapter 12. Joash was a king who reigned over Israel around the year 800 B.C.E. King Joash wanted all of the money coming into the Temple to be used for its repair. The king ordered the priests to allocate all income to this, however the story tells that after 23 years no repairs had been made. Joash repeated his request and one priest followed. The priest got a chest, cut a hole in the lid and placed it at the right side of the altar. As the chest filled with coins the money was collected by the King's secretary and given directly to those working on the repair of the Temple.

The story demonstrates Joash's fidelity to the worship of the Lord through his choice to repair the Temple. As we prepare our pledge cards, let us all think of how our resources may be used for the work of the Lord. There is continuous rebuilding and repairing needed in our community, our country, the world and our church. You have the opportunity to allocate your funds as you wish between our local expenses and our benevolences. So "come and bring your gifts" to our Chest of Joash on Sunday, March 10, 2002.

Church Membership-If you are interested in church membership, please let Rev. Marks know or call the church office.

There will be a "Sign-Up" for a luncheon to say our farewells to Rev. Robin Bickel on March 17th. The sign-up sheet will be in Allerton Hall during Coffee Hour for the next few Sundays. A reservation may also be made by calling the church office.

Introductory Bible Study led by Rev. Marks will continue this coming Sunday. If you were unable to attend the previous classes, please feel free to attend this coming Sunday.

Copies of Rev. Marks book, Pilgrims: Then and Now, are available during coffee hours or in the church office. The books are $7.00 and profits benefit the Minister's Discretionary Account.

One Great Hour of Sharing-You may put your One Great Hour of Sharing offering in the Sunday collection, or send it to the church office designated, "One Great Hour of Sharing."

Memorial Easter Lilies Sign-up. Beginning on Sunday, March 3, the Flower Committee will begin taking orders for Memorial Easter Lilies, to grace our sanctuary on March 31, Easter Sunday. The price is $15.00 per Lily.

Daffodil Sunday will be April 7. Orders will be taken on Sunday, March 3rd and Sunday, March 10thh during the coffee hour. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Please see Jane Burns for more information. The charge is $6.00. The Cancer Society receives $4.00.

Harvest Fair 2002-The organizational meeting for this year's Harvest Fair is Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m. at 15 Oak St. I would like to invite all who are interested in working with us for the fair. I hope that those who were so generous with their time last year will return to help. I realize it seems early, but we need to begin now to make it a success. Letters will be sent to all table leaders with details, but I would encourage all interested to attend or call me if you are unable to attend, but would like to help. Bring any new ideas for table themes. Thank you. Diana Budge.
Congratulations to Gail and Jim Mason on the birth of their newest granddaughter, Caroline Irene Liss, daughter of Marylew and David Liss; and

Congratulations to Peter and Pat McLeod on the birth of their granddaughter, Haylee Marie Costarelli, daughter of Marie.

Herald Subscription-dues for the Pilgrimage Herald is due. You will find your envelope in your pledge boxes. If you do not have an envelope, the subscription price is $23.00 per year and can be mailed to the office.

UCC Dues is also due and is $9.00 per person. This can also be mailed to the office or be put in the collection box.
Reminder-the deadline for submitting notices in the weekly Herald is Monday at 3:00 p.m.

Coming Events

Mar. 10-Stewardship Sunday; Chest of Joash Service; Stewardship Lunch in Allerton Hall following morning worship.

Clerk - Lois Post; Moderator - Steven Triffletti; Treasurer - Cliff Sampson; Collector - Thomas Mudgett; Asst. Collectors - Jerry and Debbie Chaskes; Music Director - William B Richter; Secretary - Pam McNicholas; Sexton - Tony Nightingale; World Mission Emphasis - Heifer Project International; Church Building Telephone - (508) 747-1341.