Dear Friends,

As I write this letter sitting on the deck overlooking beautiful Bloody Pond, I have not yet made my trip to Ireland. Kathy and I have been planning that journey for some time and we are excited about visiting again the mysterious Emerald Isle. I have been mapping most of the pilgrimage around monastic sites about which I learned at a seminar two years ago on a study leave at Trinity College, Dublin and at another seminar at Durham Cathedral (and University) on a study leave in 2001. This trip is a continuation of the study I've been undertaking for the last two years. The journey is a pilgrimage to ancient and contemporary monastic settings which are significant to both our past and present. I even think that there was a Celtic influence upon those who were to become the Pilgrims!

My present study leave, like my study of Pilgrim and Puritan ideals, has been somewhat accidental, or perhaps, providential, according to one's perspective about such matters. It has been for me both fascinating and deeply inspiring. It has not, however, been a form of escapism or a romanticization of a past which is forever gone and never to return. On the contrary; my studies and travels have the purpose of finding direction for preaching in the present taking into account the great insights and achievements of those who have preceded us in the faith.

Thomas Wolf in Look Homeward, Angel, seeks his muse to tell him of the past, to bring him from the tyranny of the present, into the great of his memory where the past can come alive again and speak to him. His novel begins in search of that instruction.

"A stone, a leaf, an unfound door; of a stone, a leaf, a door. And all the forgotten faces....Which of us is not forever a stranger and alone? Remembering speechlessly we seek the great forgotten language, the lost-lane into heaven, a stone, a leaf, an unfound door." (p. 1).

In my studies and travels to the places where great spiritual insight have had their origin I am, it can be said, looking for the "unfound door", the "lost-lane" or the "forgotten language". Wisdom, I have concluded, is not to be attained in repeating what good which once has been, but to open oneself to be inspired anew to a new goodness to which God calls us in these perplexing and perilous times. The key to enlightenment now is by seeking guidance through remembering. I am not nostalgic in idealizing the past, but seek to allow memory to link the past with a living present.

Kathy and I look forward to the study and travel time ahead as a "lost-lane" into the future of The Church of the Pilgrimage. Its future is, if we chose the way of wisdom, based upon remembrance and acting, with God's help, in the present.

Love,

Gary

© The Church of the Pilgrimage in Plymouth, MA Inc., all rights reserved.

Hospitalized: Harold Clark, Jordan Hospital (as of July 23, 2002)
Baptized:
On July 14, 2002, Alexzander Anthony Cotta, son of Anthony Cotta, Jr. was baptized by Rev. Paul Sinn during the service of worship.
Weddings:
On July 6, 2002, Rev. Marks conducted a wedding service for Jeffrey B. Lewis and Karyn F. Corcoran in the Church Sanctuary.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

All Sunday Worship Services will be held at 10:00 AM. The Order of Worship will be listed in the Bulletin, which will be distributed by the ushers. Crib Room care is available for infants and toddlers downstairs in the Mayflower Room during the Worship Hour.

There will be no regular Church School classes until fall. Younger children, 2nd grade and under, are invited to attend a Bible Story/Craft Hour downstairs in Allerton Hall following their dismissal from the worship service. Older children are to remain in worship.

Sunday, August 4, 2002
The Rev. Kenneth Heckman will be preaching today.
Deacon Trace Sears, assisting.
Jim DePasqua, soloist, Maureen Hague, Organist
The pulpit flowers are "in loving memory of the McLeans and Frank and Margaret Bent" given by Marsha Reed.
Greeters are Marion Whiting and Harriet Bussolari
Sunday, August 11, 2002
The Rev. Gary Marks will be preaching today.
Holy Communion will be a party of this morning's service.
David Cowie, Soloist, Maureen Hague, Organist
The pulpit flowers are "in loving memory of Sara, daughter and sister and Floyd Marks, father and grandfather" given by the Marks family.
Greeters are Jean and Hector Patenaude
Sunday, August 18,, 2002
The Rev. Gary Marks will be preaching today.
Trace Sears, Soloist, Lois Post Organist
The pulpit flowers are "in loving memory of our parents and grandparents, Harold Gould and Lorraine Niederbuhl" given by their family."
Sunday, August 25, 2002
The Rev. Gary Marks will be preaching today.
Stephanie Dignan, Soloist, organist to be announced.
The pulpit flowers are "in loving memory of Winnifred and Karl Chaskes" given by Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Chaskes.
Greeters are Bruce and Gerry Allen
Sunday, September 1, 2002
The Rev. Peter Gomes will be preaching today.
Kelley DePasqua, Soloist

PLEASE NOTE

The Ministers' Summer Vacation Schedule:
Rev. Marks will be returning from vacation on August 8th. Preachers for that period are the Rev. Ken Heckman and Rev. Paul Sinn. You should contact the church office in the event of a pastoral need during the dates above.

Please welcome Daniel E. Spacek, the Interim Pastor, who will begin his interim service on August 9, 2002.

The Summer Sale continues in the Church House and will run daily from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM through August 21st, 2002. Be sure to stop in and browse. There is something for everyone!

Please join John & Marna Blomberg and Trace & Julie Sears (Our delegates to the Mass. UCC Conference) for a Coffee House Style Meeting. A presentation will be done on the highlights of the conference and where we as a church can grow with these new ideas. Coffee House will be held in the Church House on Thursday, August 8, 2002 at 7:30 P.M. Child Care will be provided.

Sanctuary Choir will reconvene choir rehearsal on August 28, 2002 at 7:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary. All are invited. The Choir will be returning on Sunday, September 8, 2002.

The Advisory Board is looking for volunteers to help develop a "safe church" policy. In May, 2002, five members of the congregation attended a workshop aimed at helping churches develop policies to ensure the safety of everyone having contact with the church and any of its programs. They will be sharing the information they received at an informal meeting in September. It will be important to develop a committee representing a divers cross section of interested people to properly draft and fine tune a police for our church. Individuals representing all aspects of our church life are encouraged to volunteer for this important undertaking. If you are willing to help, please contact a member of the Advisory Board or call the church office and leave a message. Thank you.

The Ways and Means Committee will be putting on an evening of fun, called, "Soup, Salad and Song". We are looking for 6 people to make soups, 6 people to make salads, 3 people to make breads and many people who are looking for an evening of fun! Please contact Debby Porter, Davie Cowie or Diana Budge for more information. The event will be held at the end of September.

Offering Envelopes for the new fiscal year are available to all who made a pledge. The envelopes are on the window ledge on the east side of Allerton Hall. If you would like envelopes, or wish to make a pledge to the church's ministry, please contact the Collector or the church office.

The Summer Concert Series, Tuesdays in Town Square, at 8:00 PM. Admission is free. A free will offering is encouraged. Refreshments are served following the concert.

August 6, 2002 Silver Lake RHS Women's Choir
August 13, 2002 Sarah Brady, flute
August 20, 2002, Highland Light Pipe Band
August 27, 2002 Richard Hill, organist

South Pond Chapel-The following pastors will lead the upcoming services at South Pond Chapel in August on Sunday evenings at 7:00 P.M.:

August 4 The Rev. Barbara Welch (Arlington Baptist Church
August 11 The Rev. Ron Werner (First Baptist Church of Plymouth)
August 18 The Rev. Gary Marks (The Church of the Pilgrimage)
August 25 The Rev. Peter Gomes (Memorial Chapel, Harvard University).
Call (508) 746-3555 for directions or additional information.

Chamber Music Festival at The Church of The Pilgrimage

The Church has agreed to host the Second Plymouth Chamber Music Festival, July 27 through August 3. This is the festival's second year, and includes a distinguished faculty of five along with college music students from across the country. The week of the festival will be full of such activities as private instruction, chamber music coaching, master classes and much rehearsing. The faculty and students will cap their week's instruction with a series of chamber music concerts to be held in the sanctuary. The festival is being organized by Dr. James Fiste, cello, who has performed at the church in the past, and faculty will include violinist Joanna Kurkowicz, concertmistress with the Boston Philharmonic, cellist Laurien Laufman, who has performed in Europe, Asia and North America, and new to the faculty Roland and Almita Vamos violinists from Northwestern University in Chicago and Oberlin Conservatory who are well known in the music world. For more information please refer to their website: http://www.plymouthchambermusicfestival.org.
July 27, 2002 is the opening concert of the Plymouth Chamber Music Festival at 8:00 P.M., Admission: $9.00.
July 30, 2002 Chamber Music Festival student solo performances at 8:00 P.M., Admission: Free, donations accepted.
August 2, 2002 Chamber Music Festival, Student concert, 8:00 P.M. Admission: Free, donations accepted.
August 3, 2002 Chamber Music Festival faculty concert, 8:00 P.M. Admission: $9.00.

Please inform the church office of recent graduations, weddings, etc. We like to honor and keep track of our young people as they attain significant events in their lives. Let us know!

Congratulations to Jacqueline Hoyt who graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, with a degree in Environmental Studies and Fisheries Management.

Congratulations to Linda Forbes Brookfield on the birth of her grandson, Dakota Charles Brookfield born on July 9th.to Jon Brookfield and his wife, Karen Hershey.

Our sympathies are extended to Andrew Daigle of the recent loss of his father, Joseph Austin Daigle.

Special thanks to Greeters for the month of July!

Thank you to all who ushered for the month of July!

The Saturday morning Adult Bible Study Group will resume in September. The Group meets on the first Saturday of the month and all are welcome to attend. Jerry Chaskes.Church School Registration

The date for Church School registration and the first day of Church School will be published in the Herald for September 1st.

Harvest Fair: The Harvest Fair will be upon us soon. Please keep working on projects for the Fair and feel free to call Diana Budge at (508) 746-4514) if you have any questions. Watch for further details in the September Heralds.

Room-2-Grow Nursery School, a preschool program for children ages 3-5, located in the Church House during the school year has an unexpected opening for our September 2002 class. If you are interested or would like further information about our program, please call Miss Carol (Petersen) at (508) 243-2932 as soon as possible. Thank you, Carol.

Check Request forms issued by the Board of Trustees have been put in every mailbox in Allerton Hall. The form is self-explanatory. You can also pick up a form in the church office.

A note from the Secretary: I will be away on vacation from Saturday, August 10th - August 17th. If you need to contact the office or Rev. Marks, please call and leave a message on the answering machine. Your call will be returned promptly.

Reminder: please submit the officers of each board and committee to me as soon as possible to be included in the Church Directory of Officers, Staff, Board and Committee Members. I would like to complete the Directory this summer, so that it is ready in September.

If you have a change of address, please notify the office as soon as possible so that your Herald can be delivered to you in a timely manner.

VOLUNTEERS

Music Lovers. Tuesday Evenings in Town Square, July 9-August 27 will need help with setup, ushering and cleanup on any Tuesday Evening. Please call Bill Harting at (508) 746-4097.

The Second Plymouth Chamber Music Festival will bring artists and students to the church building from July 27 through August 3. The reward is to see talented musicians and master classes up close. Volunteers will be needed to help during any session hours, any day or parts of days will be welcome. Please call Bill Harting at (508) 746-4097 for more information about volunteering to help with both the Tuesday Evening concerts and the Plymouth Chamber Music Festival.

We are in need of Sunday Greeters! Greeters are needed for August 18th and the month of September: Please call the church office at (746-3026) to volunteer to greet or look for a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board outside of the Mayflower Room. Thank you!

Coffee hour volunteers are needed for the month August. Coffee hour after Sunday worship is an important part of the life of our fellowship. We need your help. You will find a sign-up sheet in Allerton Hall. Please sign-up.

Craft and Story Hour During the Summer: Volunteers are needed for craft and story hour during the summer. A sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin board outside the Mayflower Room. See Jenny Healy for details or help.

DAILY CHURCH CALENDAR

Thursday, August 1
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 6:45 - 7:45 PM - Allerton Hall
Friday, August 2
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Allerton Hall
Student Chamber Music Performances-8:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary-
Donations accepted.
Saturday, August 3
Overeaters Anonymous Support Group - 9:30 AM - Church House
Music Chamber Faculty Performance-8:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary-Admission $9.00.at the door.
Sunday, August 4-10:00 A.M. Worship Service-Rev. Ken Heckman preaching
Monday, August 5
AEROBICS - 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Allerton Hall
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 6:45 - 7:45 P.M. - Allerton Hall
Tuesday, August 6
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Summer Concert Series - 8:00 PM - Sanctuary
Wednesday, August 7
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 8
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 6:45 - 7:45 P.M. - Allerton Hall
Friday, August 9
AEROBICS - 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Allerton Hall
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Saturday, August 10
Overeaters Anonymous Support Group - 9:30 AM - Church House
Sunday, August 11-10:00 A.M. Worship Service-Rev. Gary Marks preaching
Monday, August 12
AEROBICS - 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Allerton Hall
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 6:45 - 7:45 PM - Allerton Hall
Tuesday, August 13
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Board of Trustees Meeting - 7:30 - Mayflower Room
Summer Concert Series - 8:00 PM - Sanctuary
Wednesday, August 14
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 15
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 6:45 - 7:45 PM - Allerton Hall
Friday, August 16
AEROBICS - 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Allerton Hall
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Saturday, August 17
Overeaters Anonymous Support Group - 9:30 AM - Church House
Sunday, August 18-10:00 A.M. Worship Service. Rev. Gary Marks preaching
Monday, August 19
AEROBICS - 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Allerton Hall
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 6:45 - 7:45 PM - Allerton Hall
Tuesday, August 20
Summer Concert Series - 8:00 PM - Sanctuary
Wednesday, August 21
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 22
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 6:45 - 7:45 PM - Allerton Hall
Friday, August 23
AEROBICS - 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Allerton Hall
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Wedding Rehearsal in the Sanctuary-6:00 P.M.
Saturday, August 24
Overeaters Anonymous Support Group - 9:30 AM - Church House
Wedding in the Sanctuary 3:00 P.M.
Wedding at Plymouth Plantation-5:00 P.M.
Sunday, August 25- 10:00 A.M. Worship Service, Rev. Gary Marks preaching
Monday, August 26
AEROBICS - 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Allerton Hall
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 6:45 - 7:45 PM - Allerton Hall
Tuesday, August 27
Summer Concert Series - 8:00 PM - Sanctuary
Wednesday, August 28
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 29
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
AEROBICS - 6:45 - 7:45 PM - Allerton Hall
Friday, August 30
AEROBICS - 9:00 - 10:00 AM - Allerton Hall
Summer Sale-Church House 10:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M.
Saturday, August 31
Overeaters Anonymous Support Group - 9:30 AM - Church House

REMINDER: Please turn in information for the first September Herald by August 26.

Clerk - Lois Post; Moderator - Steven Triffletti; Treasurer - Dave Kegel; Collector - Thomas Mudgett; Asst. Collector-Debbie Chaskes; Music Director - William B Richter; Organist - Linda Forbes Brookfield; Secretary - Pam McNicholas; Sexton - Tony Nightingale; World Mission Emphasis - Heifer Project International

Church Building Telephone -(508) 747-1341.