Dear Friends,

I suppose that most of us continue to make New Year's resolutions, or at the very least we give fleeting thought to ways by which we might improve ourselves. I confess that I avoid making grandiose resolutions at New Year because, I guess, I so hate the feelings of guilt I feel when I am unable to keep them.

I have opted to replace making resolutions with the setting of priorities. Somehow the word priorities seems less fraught with guilt associated with failed realization than does the word resolutions, though I also feel terrible when I have not met the priorities I have set for myself. I may have to seek yet another word for what I really want to do to improve my life!

In any case, I set priorities around New Year each year. I set priorities for the church, for family life, for study, for spiritual enrichment, etc. I know that this sounds a lot like making resolutions. Maybe I do need another word!

I came across a set of priorities, source unknown, which I'd like to share with you as we get into 2003.

- I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No. Patience is the byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.
- I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.
- I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
- I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
- I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No. I give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
- I asked God to help me love others, as much as God loves me.
God said...Ahhh, finally you have the right idea!
- Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell your storm how big your God is.

I find a great deal of good in these priorities and I make a resolution to try to include them in my own intentions for 2003 and beyond. Perhaps "good intentions" are the replacement words I am seeking for "resolutions" and "priorities." As soon as I say this, however, I recall the old adage that "the road to Hades is paved with good intentions!" What am I to do at the onset of a new year?

I'll tell you what I think I'll do and ask you to join me in a new year pledge: every time I see you I'll remember how beloved you are to God. It is my resolution, top priority and intention to do just that! What a divine and right idea God has given to me.

Love,

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

Morning Worship 10:00 A.M. Rev. Gary Marks, preaching.

The Pulpit Flowers are in loving memory of Kathy Manson, beloved wife, mother and friend, given by her family.

Greeters: Dave and Diane Cowie

The Children will attend Church School following the Time for Teaching.

Church Membership Class-Mayflower room from 11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Childcare will be provided.

All are invited to join us for Coffee Hour downstairs in Allerton Hall following the worship service.

CHURCH RECORD

Hospitalized: Virginia Morgan, Jordan Hospital. Friend of the church Roselyn Talcott is at the Jordan Hospital.

Recuperating at home Pat Mudgett after a stay at Jordan Hospital.

In Memoriam:
On January 10, 2003, Rev. Marks conducted a memorial service for William G. Tessin in the church sanctuary. Mr. Tessin was the father of church member Wayne Tessin. Our sympathies are extended to the Tessin family.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, Jan. 12— Rev. Marks will be preaching. The second Church Membership Class will meet in the Pastor's Study in the church building-11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Childcare will be provided

Monday, Jan. 13— Dan's Office Hours 9:30-11:30 A.M.; Aerobics - 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.; Girl Scouts 6:00-7:30 P.M. Church House..

Tuesday, Jan. 14-- Rev. Marks' office hours 9:30-11:30 A.M.; Dan's office hours 1:00-3:00P.M; Aerobics-6:45 P.M.-7:45 P.M.-Allerton Hall.

Wednesday, Jan. 15— Aerobics - 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Allerton Hall; Staff Meeting-10:00 A.M.; Dan's office hours 1:00-3:00 P.M; Troop 47 - 7:00-9:00 P.M. in the Church House; Cub Scout Pack 47 - 7:00-8:00 P.M. in the Church House; Christian Ed Teacher Mid-Year Meeting-7:00 P.M. in Allerton Hall; Choir Rehearsal - 7:30 P.M.

Thursday, Jan. 16— Dan's Office Hours 1:00-3:00 P.M.; GS Troop 1227-6:00-7:15 Church House; Aerobics-6:45 P.M.-7:45 P.M.

Friday, Jan. 17—Rev. Mark's Office Hours, 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.; Aerobics-9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M.

Saturday, Dec. 18-- Overeaters Anonymous- 9:30-11:30 A.M.-Church House.

PLEASE NOTE

Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the church, but was unable to attend the first class may still attend the second and third classes. Please call Rev. Marks, if interested.
Please call the church office or let the ministers know if you or someone you know is presently or soon to be hospitalized. This information is especially important to receive in the case of out-of-town hospitalizations.

Christian Ed Teacher Mid-Year Meeting will take place on January 15, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. in Allerton Hall.

As indicated January 20th is designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We hope to have a good number of our people attending the Prayer Breakfast at Plymouth South High School on that day. It is a wonderful inter-faith gathering which allows us to honor one of our great Americans and to keep our focus upon the lingering problems of racism and other injustices. Please plan to attend if you can.

Rev. Marks will be away from January 24-26. He will be in Philadelphia to receive the Distinguished Mayflower Scholarship award. The award is offered through the Pennsylvania Society of Mayflower Descendants and will be held at the Philadelphia Country Club. The Pennsylvania Society is known for its interest in responsible scholarship regarding the Pilgrims, their origins and contributions to civilization. Rev. Marks is greatly honored to have been selected to receive this prestigious award.

Missions Moment: A luncheon will be held on January 26th following the service in Allerton Hall for Rev. Karl & Mrs. Jan Whiteman. They are missionaries serving in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands through the UCC-Wider Church Ministries. Please join us in welcoming them to our church and learn a little of their ministry. The Missions & Outreach Committee.

Habitat for Humanity: Many thanks to all of the volunteers who helped Habitat for Humanity during the holiday season. Between the children's train and two days of gift-wrapping, we raised $2,200.00. This money will be used for building affordable homes in the Greater Plymouth Area. Thank you. Nancy Morse.Pilgrimage Women's Fellowship Pie and Cookie Sale- Sunday, January 19, 2003 after service. Baking day, Saturday January 18, 2003 at 9:00 A.M. in Allerton Hall. All who would like to bake pies together are invited. Please remember to bring your own ingredients and aluminum pie plates. Feel free to bake pies at home if you prefer. If you have signed up to participate by making cookies or pies, you will receive a reminder in the mail. If you have not signed up and want to help, you are welcome. This may be our only fundraiser for the year. Let's make it a successful event!

To Diana's Knitting club:
I will be having the first knitting evening at my home on January 14, 2003 at 7:00 p.m., 15 Oak St, Plymouth. Those interested in learning to knit, finishing projects or just the company of other knitters are welcome. If you need any directions or other information please feel free to call at (508) 746-4514. I look forward to spending time with any of you who are interested. Diana Budge.

Help! The Visitation Committee needs your help, to visit, make phone calls or write cards to our shut-ins in the Nursing Homes and at home. At the present time we only have four volunteers. Maybe you would wish to adopt a shut-in. Trace Sears (in our choir) and his family want to adopt a shut-in. Thank you for any help you can give us. My phone number is (508) 747-2603 or see me after church. Billie Courtney, Chairperson.

Greeters are needed for January 19th and February 9, 16 and 23! Please call the church office to sign up!

Coffee Hour -volunteers are needed for coffee hour. Please sign-up during coffee hour.

Coming Events

Jan. 12: Church Membership Class; 11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M.
Jan. 20: Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast, 7:30-9:30 A.M. at Plymouth South High School, Tickets $10.00 in advance, $5.00 for students. Please call the church office to make reservations. Any student who wishes to attend will have her/his ticket paid for by the church. Please let Rev. Marks or Dan know.
Jan. 21: The Board of Trustees will meet, 7:00 P.M., Mayflower Room.
Jan. 26: Rev. Marks will be away. (See notes).

BULLETIN BLOOPER (from Church Secretary Today)

"Chairperson of the Greeters, outline of duties: maintain a rooster of greeters for regular assignments."

Clerk - Lois Post; Moderator - Steven Triffletti; Treasurer - David Kegel; Collector - Thomas Mudgett; Asst. Collector - 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.