Dear Friends,

I think we had an outstanding Lent; Holy Week and beginning of the season of Easter. It took a great deal of planning and preparing for the services during the period which began way back on March 5th with an Ash Wednesday Service, but I think it was worth the effort in order to provide for participants a consistent and progressive pilgrimage through our holiest seasons.

The spiritual life is often described as a journey or pilgrimage. Often in accounts given by spiritual writers life itself is compared metaphorically to a "wilderness" or a "maze". Other descriptive phrases are also used. Martin Luther, and others, spoke of periods before the experience of grace as "dark nights of the soul." These metaphors speak to us at some points in life more than at others. The persistence of the power of images such as "pilgrimage" attests to the validity of what they convey about life and the spiritual journey itself.

I have often said that there was great wisdom demonstrated by those who have preceded us as a local congregation in giving to our church the name "pilgrimage." Given our local history and theological atmosphere at the time of a schism in the ancient congregation here in Plymouth in 1801 it must have been an impulse only greatly to be resisted to have given a historic name to our Christian Trinitarian Community. Although there is no documentation regarding the naming of our church of which I am aware, it must have been a powerful temptation to give a name to the church which would reflect a belief that our's carried on the authentic legacy of the Pilgrim mothers and fathers. It was wisdom, and I prefer to say grace, that our forebears did not err on the side of historical pride, but rather opted for an alive and ongoing spiritual community of Christians bearing a name which is also a process. We could well have a name something like The Pilgrim Congregational Church, adding in 1957 our later denominational affiliation, The United Church of Christ. To the everlasting credit of those who have kept the faith before us the name of our congregation is one which recognizes that the church is the place where the human journey through life is a spiritual quest which is not finished. We covenant to be God's people on pilgrimage together still.

The lovely painting in the lower vestibule of our church building is reflective of our spiritual legacy and ongoing faith. It shows our beginnings in Scrooby, Leyden and the Mayflower, but the Pilgrim's Progress in Plymouth is appropriately depicted as having to do with our own ongoing, alive and persistent pilgrimage. We are pilgrims still.

Life is a pilgrimage, not a completed journey. Life is a road, not yet a final destination. That road is but traversed in the company of others where the distinctiveness of each pilgrimage is appreciated in the context of the journey we all share in common. We are a church on the pilgrimage into the future. Our's is the pilgrim's way.

Love,

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

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

Greeters: Jane Cole, Alice Dunham, and Marjorie Sears.

The Pulpit Flowers are in loving memory of Martha Besse, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Smith and Miss Gertrude Smith, given by Mr. Gilbert L. Besse and Family.

The Flowers on the right side are in loving memory of Robert Lowry, given by his wife, Ruth, and the children.

No Youth Worship Service in the Church House this Sunday. 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.

By-Law Review Committee Meeting at 11:30 A.M. in the sanctuary. (See notes).

Confirmation Class 4:30-7:00 P.M. in Allerton Hall. Please bring a bagged supper. Drinks will be provided.

Youth Fellowship 7:00-8:30 P.M. meet at the Church House to go Ten Pin Bowling at Alley Cat Lanes in Kingston. Cost will be less than $10.00.

CHURCH RECORD

Wedding:
On April 26, 2003, Rev. Marks conducted a wedding service for Christopher Joseph Novak and Elizabeth Ann Morris in the Church Sanctuary.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, May 4--Rev. Gary Marks will be preaching. By-Law Review Committee Information Meeting, 11:30 A.M. in the Sanctuary (see notes).

Monday, May 5-- 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; Pilgrimage Women's Fellowship-Mother/Daughter Dinner, 6:30 P.M. in Allerton Hall.

Tuesday, May 6-- Rev. Marks' will not be in the church office during usual hours this morning, but will be available later in the day; Rev. Dan's office hours 10:00 A.M.- Noon.

Wednesday, May 7-Rev. Dan's office hours 1:00 P.M.-3:00 P.M.; 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; Evening Prayer Service - 7:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary; Choir Rehearsal - 7:30 P.M.

Thursday, May 8-- Rev. Dan's office hours Noon-2:00P.M.; Girl Scout Troop 1227-6:00-7:15 Church House; Aerobics-6:45 P.M.-7:45 P.M.; Membership and Evangelism Meeting-7:00 P.M. in the Mayflower Room.

Friday, May 9--Rev. Marks' Office Hours, 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.; Aerobics-9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M.; Women's Guild-1:00 P.M. in Allerton Hall, Guest Speaker Donna Curtin of the Antiquarian Society; Wedding Rehearsal in the Sanctuary, 5:30 P.M.

Saturday, May 10-- Overeaters Anonymous- 9:45-11:30 A.M.-Church House; Pilgrim Fellows Meeting at Pilgrim Hall at Noon; Wedding in the Sanctuary, 4:30 P.M.

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.

Membership Classes-Rev. Marks is now compiling a list of those who have indicated an interest in becoming members of the church. If you are among those who would like to become church members, please let Rev. Marks know and/or call the church office as soon as possible. Rev. Marks is contacting perspective members to arrange a convenient time for a series of three classes. They will likely be held on Sundays immediately following worship. If you have previously spoken to Rev. Marks about membership, please remind him, or phone the office at (508) 746-3026.

Rev. Marks took part in the annual Yom Ha Shoa Service on April 28th at the Temple Beth Jacob Community Center. It was a solemn and moving service commemorating the Holocaust. April 28th was Holocaust Memorial Day,

We were sorry to hear of the recent death of Henry "Buster" Washington in Ocala, Florida. A graveside service will take place in Plymouth at a date to be announced. Our sympathies are extended to Barbara, Henry's wife.

The Annual Time & Talent Auction & Dinner is Friday evening, May 30, 2003. If you have any questions, particularly if you are new to the congregation please feel free to call me at (508) 746-4514. Diana Budge.

Our new hymnal. There has been a wonderful response to the call for music to include in our prospective new hymnal. Hymns of Truth and Light. Posted in Allerton Hall on the bulletin board Sunday will be an alphabetical list of hymns (look for your favorite), along with other research we've done so far. In the Music Committee mailbox will be some additional voting forms for those who have last-minute inspirations, along with our sample copy of Hymns of Truth and Light. Please make suggestions and leave them in the mailbox by Sunday, May 4. Thank you to all who participated. Bill Harting.

The By-Law Review Committee will be holding an informational meeting for interested members of the Church on Sunday May 4, 2003 in the Sanctuary at 11:30 A.M. The Committee will present proposals for changes to the current bylaws and our rationale for the changes. Those who attend the meeting will be invited to ask questions of the committee and/or comment on such proposals. The changes proposed will be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Paul Scheid, Chair of the By-law Review Committee.

Annual Meeting--the date for the Annual Meeting has been set for May 18, 2003 following service. All Boards and Committees must have their Annual Report to the church office by Friday, May 2, 2003. Thank you! Pam

Plant Sale June 7 2003, Courtyard Place, 124 Long Pond Road from 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. (Rain Or Shine). If you have not already done so please look around your yard for plants and pot them up for sale. Call Pat Mudgett if you have any questions or want to help. (508) 224-7206.

The Church of the Pilgrimage Annual Golf Tournament will be held on June 14th. Please watch upcoming Heralds for sign-up information!

Spring clean-up day at the Parsonage is coming. Put June 22nd on your calendar. Show up at the Parsonage at 1:00 P.M. and bring your garden tools. More information to follow. Thank you, Debby Porter.

HEIFER PROJECT INTERNATIONAL
For more than two decades the Church of the Pilgrimage has supported the life-giving work of Heifer International. May is Heifer Month and the Missions & Outreach Committee has a very special program this year. The theme will be: Hand in Hand With Heifer - The Gifts of Peace. It all started with Dan West. He was a relief worker, a pacifist, working in camps during the Spanish Civil war in 1939. Daily, he poured milk from his long ladle into the cups of the refugees and daily, he would see the same people in his line waiting for the small bit of nourishment from the cup. Although, he knew what he was doing was important at the time, he began to think of a plan that would help people in war torn places and others who were poor to become self-reliant for food and income. He thought, "Not a cup but a cow" is what these people need. He gathered his farmer neighbors back home and told them of the need in places left devastated by war. The first shipment of cows went to Puerto Rico in 1944. Then, Heifer helped restock the animals lost in World War 11. One of the most important aspects of Dan's plan was that he asked recipients to "pass on the gift" of an offspring to another person in need. Passing on the Gift is the heart of Heifer International. It builds pride and self-esteem when a recipient can become a donor. Since 1944, almost 60 years, 4.5 million people have received animals and training. You will learn much more from the sermon time with the Children each Sunday in May. The M&O Committee invites you to join hands to end hunger and create peaceful solutions. Please look for our table in Allerton Hall each week and give generously. Thank You.

CHILDREN are being asked to bring a stuffed animal to church on May 18th, especially a stuffed rabbit, if possible. They will be helpful during a special Children's Sermon. Thank you! The Missions and Outreach Committee.

Ecumenical Advocacy & Training Day-Thursday, May 8, 2004 from 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. MA Council of Churches, 14 Beacon St., Suite 416, Boston, MA. There is a $10.00 registration fee. If anyone is interested in attending please call the office for a Registration Form or register online at www.publicfaith.org/may8advocacyday.

Coming Events

May 13: Safe Church Meeting, in the Mayflower Room, 7:00 P.M.

May 18: The Annual Meeting of the Church of the Pilgrimage will be held following morning worship.

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.