Dear Friends,

I mentioned in the "Notes" section of this issue of The Herald that I attended a Tea at the home of the Rev. Nancy Taylor in Framingham. Nancy is the minister and President of the Mass. Conference, U.C.C. The reason for my invitation to this very nice afternoon event is that I am the pastor of The Church of the Pilgrimage which is among those churches which have been most supportive of what we call Our Church's Wider Mission. The invitation was extended to Tea on about three afternoons, I think, and it was an honor for me to represent you as one of leading churches in the Mass. Conference.

Rev. Taylor wanted the assembled pastors, perhaps eight on the day I attended, to thank their churches for their support of the Conference and for the mission of The United Church of Christ in its mission. Her concern for local churches is heartfelt and she is sensitive to the needs of local churches, their members and the role of their pastor's. She noted, among other things, that the church in general has a very important role to play as we live through the peculiar perils of the world in which we all live. Rev. Taylor is keenly aware that the whole church and its ministry is utterly dependent upon the commitment and discipleship of people in local congregations. She has an enormous respect for, and understanding of, the covenant relationship which binds us all together as we labor to make the liberating gospel of Christ a powerful presence in our troubled and challenging times. Rev. Taylor, in addition to being an outstanding administrator, is a women of tremendous pastoral care. It is comforting to me to know that our Minister and President is one who cares deeply about all of us.

I hope that you will keep Rev. Taylor in your prayers, even as I ask the same from you for Dan and myself. I am keenly aware of stances in the U.C.C. which are difficult for some to accept, but I am also keenly aware of the fabulous witness the U.C.C. has made, and is making, in a complex world. The whole U.C.C. is aware of its covenantal relationships and obligations. We are in the ancient tradition of what are called "free churches" which means that our many-tiered organization ultimately derives its authority from the majority consent of its members. It is a wonderful church tradition which is composed of a diversity of people who, by the consent of the major part, seeks to minister to the world in the name of the redeeming Christ. Through covenant and seeking guidance from God through honest debate and decision we seek to engage all ungodliness in the world with the power of God's eternal Word.

I enjoyed my afternoon with Nancy Taylor, Conference staff and other pastors very much, indeed. Nancy has you in her pastor's heart and that is a real blessing.

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 Miriam L. Barnes given by Tom Barnes.

Greeters: The Sherman Family

Ushers: Judy and Warren Besegai, Pam and Ed Pawlowski

The Children will attend Church School following the Time for Teaching

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

CHURCH RECORD

Hospitalized: No one as of February 19th.

Baptism:
On February 16, 2003, Megan Read Lavigne, daughter of Todd and Kelli (Robinson) Lavigne was baptized during the service of worship.

In Memoriam:
On February 19, 2003 Rev. Marks conducted a funeral service for Florence Hachey.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, Feb 23—Rev. Marks will be preaching.

Monday, Feb 24— Rev. Dan's office hours 10:00 A.M.-Noon;-Aerobics 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M; Girl Scouts-6:00-7:30 P.M. Church House; Bible Study-7:00 p.m. in the Mayflower Room (see notes).

Tuesday, Feb 25-- Rev. Marks office hours, 9:30-11:30 A.M.; Lunch Bunch Adult Bible Study/Fellowship Group 11:00 A.M. in Allerton Hall (see notes); Rev. Dan's office hours 1:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M.; Aerobics-6:45-7:45 P.M.; Advisory Board Meeting-7:00 P.M. in the Mayflower Room.

Wednesday, Feb 26— Rev. Dan's office hours 10:00 A.M.-Noon; Aerobics - 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Allerton Hall; Staff Meeting-10:00 A.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, Feb 27— Rev. Dan's office hours 10:00 A.M.-Noon; Girl Scout Troop 1227-6:00-7:15 Church House; Aerobics-6:45 P.M.-7:45 P.M.

Friday, Feb 28—Rev. Mark's Office Hours, 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.; Aerobics-9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M.; Rev. Marks will attend a meeting at the Jordan Hospital at Noon.

Saturday, Mar. 1-- Overeaters Anonymous- 9:45-11:30 A.M.-Church House.

PLEASE NOTE

Please call the church office or let the ministers know if you or someone you know is presently or soon to be hospitalized or in need of pastoral care. It is especially important to inform the ministers of those hospitalized in out-of-town hospitals. Please call, too, if you are aware of any situations for which pastoral attention would be helpful.

If you are interested in church membership, please speak to Rev. Marks or call the church office.

On February 11th Rev. Marks spoke to the Selectmen's meeting regarding casino gambling.

On February 12th Rev. Marks attended a Tea at the home of Mass. Conference, U.C.C. Minister and President, the Rev. Nancy Taylor, in Framingham. The event was Rev. Taylor's effort to thank leading conference churches for their support of its ministry and work. Rev. Taylor also spoke to local ministers about the work of the Conference now and shared plans for the future. Rev. Taylor has a keen and sympathetic understanding of ministry in our local churches. She has a pastor's heart. Gary was honored to represent The Church of the Pilgrimage at the gathering.

The Senior's Luncheon on Valentine's Day was delightful! All those gathered enjoyed the terrific food, the friendship, the goodwill as the congregation rightly recognized those who have long been "good and faithful servants" of our beloved church. We thank the Board of Trustees fro hosting the luncheon and for giving due honor and thanks to faithful church members.

On February 11th Rev. Marks conducted a worship service at the Newfield House.
Rev. Dan's Bible Study Monday, February 24th in the Mayflower Room at 7:00 P.M., open to all adults. This class will meet twice a month until the end of the church school year (June 15). Lectionary readings will be the basis of study, with particular emphasis on helping teachers and parents better communicate bible stories to their students/children. To prepare for this Bible Study please read Mk.1:40 - 2:12. If you have any questions call Rev. Dan. And be sure to bring your BIBLES!

Rev. Dan's New Lunch Bunch Adult Bible Study/Fellowship Group for people who cannot make evening meetings. The first meeting of the "Lunch Bunch" will be Tuesday, February 25th at 11:00 A.M. in Allerton Hall. Bring your own lunch and join us for Bible Study, Fellowship and fun. Call Dan at the church office with any questions. To prepare for this please read Mk.1:40-2:12 and be sure to bring your BIBLES!

During the month of February the Advisory Board will be hosting a silent auction of several vintage Plymouth Pictures. Forms for your bid and the current high bids will be posted in Allerton Hall before and after the Sunday worship service. More recent pictures of the church and note cards will be on sale as well.

Help! Hold these dates, March 15-16. The choir is looking for host families to house college students from the University of Connecticut for one overnight stay here in Plymouth. These students, including Jonathan Richter, are members of Concert Choir at the university. They will be participating in our morning worship service and presenting a concert on Sunday afternoon. If you would like to host one or more students please see me in church or contact me at home. Thanks. Linda Kegel

SAVE THE DATES: The Board of Trustees is planning several fundraiser dinners this winter with lots of fun for everyone:

March 28, 2003 (snow date March 29)-The Church of the Pilgrimage ANNUAL TALENT SHOW and DINNER!! Sign up begins in February. This has always been a fun event with a delicious dinner. We can't have a Talent Show without talent-if you can sing, recite poetry, dance, play an instrument, etc., let us know. Acts will include single and/or group performances. Dave Cowie will be directing this year's Show. There will be minimal rehearsal time involved; there are no age restrictions. If you have any questions, please see Dave Cowie or call him at (508) 759-4499. WE NEED YOU!!!

May 17, 2003-The Church of the Pilgrimage ANNUAL TIME AND TALENT AUCTION AND DINNER! You'll have a chance to donate your services, talents, etc. and also have a chance to bid on some of the items being offered. Sign up begins in April but we wanted to give you notice in case you wanted to donate a long-time project, such as a quilt. There are always lots of items to bid on including week-ends, dinners, bakery goods, baby sitting, yard work-let your imagination help you decide what time of talent you can provide.

Daffodil Sunday will be March 30th. Orders will be taken on Sunday, February 23rd and Sunday, March 2nd during coffee hour. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Please see Jane Burns for more information. The charge is $6.00 a bunch. The Cancer Society receives $4.00.

Plymouth Crossings is holding two programs: "Supporting and Empowering the Caregiver", Sunday March 9th from 2-4 P.M., snow date: Sunday, March 30th from 2-4 P.M. and "Low Vision Support Group" will be held the 1st Thursday of the month from 9:30-11:00 a.m. For further information please contact Meredith Scott, (508) 830-4744.

Greeters for Sunday Morning Services are needed! Please call Pam in the church office to learn of an upcoming Sunday which needs greeters. Currently, greeters are needed for March 23 and 30th!

Coffee Hour -we still need volunteers to prepare for Sunday morning Coffee Hours. There is a sign-up sheet in Allerton Hall.

It is up to the Chairs of boards and committees to inform the office of meeting times and places. Information should be given to the church office on Monday prior to the week when a meeting or event is planned. This holds for any news item you may wish to have placed in the Herald.

Coming Events

Mar. 4: Rev. Marks has been invited to attend a legislative breakfast at the State House. He will not be in the office on that day.
Mar. 5: Ash Wednesday. There will be a brief service in the sanctuary at 7:00 P.M.
Mar. 9: The First Sunday in Lent.

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.