Dear Friends,

It was wonderful to welcome sixteen new members into The Church of the Pilgrimage on February 2, 2003. Two others were unable to be present "to own the Covenant" with us, but will be received into the church on a future date. We give thanks to God for these new members and we hope that they will find a significant church home among us and that they will take active parts in the whole life of the congregation.

Dan informs me that the youth worship services held in the Church House on the first Sunday of the month have been going extremely well. The young people plan and participate in the services and are learning valuable lessons regarding the meaning of the various elements of the worship service and liturgy.

Our church school itself is growing and that is great cause for rejoicing! Growth in the church school also means that we have an increasing need for teachers and other adult, or teen, workers to keep the Christian Education program going well and not overtaxing our current very dedicated church school staff. If you would like to work in our Christian Education program, please talk to Dan or to me. It is very exciting to me to know that our young people are receiving a knowledge of our faith and of putting faith into action in the complex world in which we all live. I personally believe that education in matters of faith and ethics is at least as important for a young person as education received in school. Our church must always be concerned about and committed to the Christian and ethical formation of young people.

Whenever a new class meets with me before becoming church members I ask them what factors were most important to them in choosing to make The Church of the Pilgrimage as their church home. The answers have been similar in each class. People have become members of our church because they like the worship experience and the seriousness with which we take our young people. They mention often that they felt welcomed by church members who showed a genuine concern for them. Almost always mentioned is our music program and the commitment of the church to provide inspiring and high quality music. The quality of sermons and the dignified and meaningful celebration of the sacraments are also near the tope of people's lists for selecting our church. People also mention that the presence of children at the time of teaching as very important. In all these things people see a generally positive attitude which the church expresses in all its activities and that our ancient congregation has a vision for them and their children both now and for the future.

Let's keep the trust that new people have in our church which is always measured by our honoring the Covenant we make with God and one another to walk in God's way made known or to be made known unto us."

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 Mr. and Mrs. Donald Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Peterson and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Voght given the Family.

Side Flowers are in loving memory of our parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Trask and Mr. and Mrs. Warren Peck given Ronald and Bonnie Peck.

Greeters: Cliff and Laura Sampson

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.

Brief meeting in the sanctuary immediately following worship (See notes).

Private Baptism-11:45 A.M.

CHURCH RECORD

Reception of New Members:

Confession of Faith	Transfer of Letter
Pedro Verdugo	Patricia Harper
Megan Verdugo	Rev. Charles Harper
Sarah Sunshine Wood	Helen Thuerk
	Hugh Thuerk

 

Reaffirmation of Faith
Trina Camarao	Cheryl Lee
Antonio Camarao	Jessica Sherman
Kelli Lavigne	Mark Sherman
Todd Lavigne	Robin Trask
Doug Trask

In Memoriam:
On January 31, 2003, Rev. Marks conducted a funeral service for Pansy C. Campbell. Burial was at the National Cemetery in Bourne.
In Memoriam:
On February 4, 2003 Rev. Marks conducted a funeral service for Donald Tracy. Don was a long time member of the church. Our sympathies are extended to Don's family and friends.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, Feb 9—Rev. Marks will be preaching. There will be an update of the associate pastor's position presented by the committee which hired Dan Spacek. The meeting will take place in the sanctuary following the worship service. Private Baptism at 11:45 A.M.

Monday, Feb 10— Dan's office hours, 10:00 A.M. -12:00 Noon; Aerobics 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.; New Bible Study Group-7:00 P.M. in the Mayflower Room (See notes); Girl Scouts-6:00-7:30 P.M. Church House.

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

Wednesday, Feb 12— Aerobics - 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. Allerton Hall; Staff Meeting-10:00 A.M.; Rev. Marks will attend a meeting in Framingham. Dan's office hours 1:00-3:00 P.M; Music Committee Meeting-6:00 P.M. in the Mayflower Room; 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 13— 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.; Membership and Evangelism Committee Meeting-7:00 P.M. in the Mayflower Room.

Friday, Feb 14—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 brief business meeting at 12:45 followed by the Senior's Valentine Luncheon at 1:00 p.m. (see notes).

Saturday, Feb. 15-- 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.

Rev. Dan is offering a new Bible Study starting Monday, February 10th 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!

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.

Knitting News-Date Change -This month's knitting group will meet on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. not Tuesday, February 11 as previously noted. Those interested in knitting are invited to my home at 15 Oak Street. If you need information or directions, please feel free to call me at 508-746-4514. We had a great time last month and hope to make this a monthly affair. Diana Budge

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

The Church of the Pilgrimage -The Board of Trustees is celebrating our Seniors with a Valentine's Day Luncheon on Friday, February 14, in Allerton Hall at 1:00 P.M. All Church Seniors are invited and we look forward to seeing you all. To make reservations please contact the Church Office, Diana Budge or Dave Cowie!!! Or, sign-up on Sunday during Coffee Hour!

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 Davie 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.
The Women's Guild program for February 14 is being replaced by the Senior Members Valentine's Day Luncheon (see prior note concerning the luncheon). The Guild will hold a brief business meeting on Friday, February 14, 2003 at 12:45 P.M. before the luncheon.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth is having a public meeting on February 19, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. at the Plymouth Public Library. Town Meeting will be voting in April on a donation of land to HFHGP, and this will give everyone an opportunity to learn about the organization before the vote. Town Meeting representatives are especially encouraged to attend, as well as any other interested parties. Once HFHGP has any property, it takes volunteers in many capacities to help with the organization and building. For more information speak to Nancy Morse or call her at (508) 746-5213.

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

Feb. 17: Our Pilgrimage young people will be on a ski trip.
Feb. 18: The Board of Trustees will meet, 7:00 P.M., Mayflower Room.
Feb. 25: The Advisory Board will meet, 7:00 P.M., in the 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.