Dear Friends,

I am writing this letter on the next to the last day of the year of our Lord, 2002. As with television and newspapers, I too am recalling the events of the year as it comes to a close. Like the media, also, I also am in the mood to cast an eye toward "the future's broadening way."

I am still basking in the afterglow of a meaningful Advent/Christmas season (a season which continues) as I write. I have been deeply inspired by the great themes of our faith once again and the vitality that I sense in our congregational life. I am pleased, too, to be able to share the ministry of The Church of the Pilgrimage with our interim associate minister, Dan Spacek. We look gleefully forward to the future even as we recall the first few months of our work together.

I am also extraordinarily pleased for our former associate minister, The Rev. Robin Bickel, who has been called to the ministry of our U.C.C. Church in Storrs, Connecticut where she will be associate minister.

Dan and I are thinking of ways whereby we can enhance our educational ministry to adults as we are about to enter a new year. We realize a growing need for the cultivation of spiritual life and we want to find meaningful and exciting ways to answer that need. We may also be offering educational opportunities which utilize the talents of some of our very gifted lay people. The future is exciting! I also cast an eye backwards as I write this letter. On balance, it was a year aptly described by Dickens: "It was the best of years and the worst of years." We have been forced to say our farewells to several of our beloved friends, but we are adding to our membership and our church school is growing. We have shared in one another's sadnesses and joys and that means that we have shared life together in the context of our sustaining and ever challenging faith. I thank God for the Word and faith!

Kathy, my family and I also took the opportunity provided by this year-end letter to thank all of you who have shown your love and support to us during 2002. Your greetings and gifts mean a great deal to us during the Christmas season, as well as at other times. We were especially touched by a generous Christmas gift to us from the congregation. That had not happened before and we thank you. Especially we thank you for every overture of love and affirmation you show to us. To all of you who in any way have expressed in words of encouragement and support of my ministry, I am personally grateful to God. You may be assured that whenever I express my gratitude, love and affection for you that is never perfunctory, never insincere. I do love you, our congregation, our glorious traditions, our mission in the world and through The United Church of Christ.

So, with that, I shall pray for the continued blessings of God as we enter a new year. May God bless all of us as we accept the challenges of the future with the peculiar joys we share in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Love,

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

Morning Worship 10:00 A.M. Rev. Gary Marks, preaching; Communion will be a part of the service.

Youth Worship Service-10:00 A.M. in the Church House.

The Pulpit Flowers are in loving memory of Anne, our parents and family given by Jean and Hector Patenaude.

The Children will attend Church School following the Youth Worship Service.

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.

Youth Fellowship-Ice skating at the Armstrong Rink on Long Pond Road. Meet at rink at 2:00 p.m.

Confirmation Class-5:30-7:00 P.M. meet in the Church House.

CHURCH RECORD

Hospitalized: Elaine Sampson, James Powers- Jordan Hospital

Recuperating at home Dorothy Shaw, Carolyn Collins.

In Memoriam:
On December 28, 2002, Rev. Marks conducted a memorial service in the church sanctuary for Holly Simoes Ponte, on the first anniversary of her death.
On December 31, 2002, Rev. Marks conducted a memorial service for William Keating.
On December 31, 2002, Rev. Marks conducted a memorial service for Ann Edwards.
Our sympathies and prayers are offered for all those who grieve the loss of their loved ones.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, Jan. 5— Rev. Marks will be preaching, Communion will be a part of this service. Youth worship service in the Church House at 10:00 A.M. The first of three Church Membership Classes will be held in the Mayflower Room, 11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Childcare will be provided. Youth Fellowship, Ice Skating, Armstrong Rink, 2:00 P.M.; Confirmation Class, 5:30-7:00 P.M. in the Church House.

Monday, Jan. 6— 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. 7-- 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. 8— 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; Choir Rehearsal - 7:30 P.M.

Thursday, Jan. 9— Dan's Office Hours 1:00-3:00 P.M.; Aerobics-6:45 P.M.-7:45 P.M.; Membership and Evangelism Committee Meeting at 7:00 in the Mayflower Room.

Friday, Jan. 10—Rev. Mark's Office Hours, 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.; Aerobics-9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M.; The Women's Guild, 1:00 p.m. in Allerton Hall.

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

PLEASE NOTE

We thank everyone who worked together to provide The Church of the Pilgrimage with a memorable and full Advent/Christmas Season:

* Those who participated in the Advent Candle Lighting Services.
* The Missions/Outreach Committee for a wonderful Christmas Family Dinner and provided beautiful new gifts for need children.
* To those who contributed to The Pastor's Discretionary Account which provided help to people in need
* The Flower Committee who took orders and information for the purchase, display and delivery of the Memorial Poinsettias. We thank all who delivered plants to shut-ins.
* To all who planned, held rehearsals and meetings for our special and memorable Christmas Eve Services.
* All who participated in special services.
* All who helped arrange the sanctuary several times for our services.
* Those who prepared for the services, i.e. costumes, Communion elements, preparing candles for all worship services, ushers, greeters-thanks to all who organized these activities.
* Thanks to Pam, our church secretary, for preparing all the extra bulletins for our services and for managing all the inquiries and requests which come through the church office during the season.

Thanks to those who provide such fabulous music during Advent/Christmas:

1. Bill Richter for overseeing our music program. (Bill plans, selects music and holds many rehearsals to provide our cherished music. He does the same for the Youth Choir as for the Sanctuary Choir).
2. Lois Post for directing the Cherub Choir.
3. Linda Forbes Brookfield, our organist, for her crucial role in accompaniment of our choral music.
4. Thanks to soloists for special musical blessings.
5. Thanks for the re-organization of and performance by the Pilgrimage Bell Ringers.
6. Thanks to The Pilgrim Festival Chorus for a memorable Christmas Concert in the sanctuary on December 1, 2002.
7. Thanks to the dedicated members of all our choirs who find extra time during the season to help us all "make a joyful noise" unto God. (It is always impressive to see and enjoy a full choir, even at the 11:30 P.M. service on Christmas Ever)!

* Thanks to our sexton, Tony Nightingale, who has extra work to do during a very active time in the church's year. We also thank all who volunteered to provide additional janitorial work.
* We give thanks to the Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees for their support of the ministers in carrying out their additional duties during Advent/Christmas.
* I am sure that not all who have provided assistance have been recognized, but what has been identified does suggest all that is involved during special seasons in the church's year. Services and activities don't simply happen all by themselves! Thank you!

Anyone still interested in church membership may still make inquiries by calling the church office.

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.

We extend our congratulations to the Rev. Paul E. Sinn who celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a minister of the Gospel on December 28, 2002.

We extend our best wishes and prayers to church member John Robinson who is recovering from surgery.

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.

Thank to everyone who responded to my Pastors' Christmas Gift request. I was overwhelmed with your response and especially with your notes and comments thanking me for such a great idea. I am still receiving gifts and will present a final gift in the next week or so. (It you want to be included please feel free to give me your gift on Sunday or mail it to me (41 Whitley Trail, Plymouth). Thanks also to the Board of Trustees who supported this effort. We have a wonderful Board and thanks to them and to all of you we are seeing some powerful and positive changes. Thanks again to all you al. Isn't it wonderful to be part of this Church Family!! Dave Cowie.

Greeters are needed for the month of January. 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 Dan in the church office for tickets.
Jan. 21: The Board of Trustees will meet, 7:00 P.M., Mayflower Room.

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.