Dear Friends,

In the past few weeks I have been asked by a number of our church members about the Church's and my own position concerning same-sex marriages and/or civil unions. The inquiries have been stimulated, of course, by the recent Supreme Judicial Court's decision to apply the word "marriage" to gay and lesbian couples unions in order that those unions may be guaranteed the same rights of heterosexual married couples.

I thought that having a forum to discuss the SJC decision and the implications for church and society may be a good first step toward understanding among us. I talked with Dan about such a forum and he agreed.

The forum will not be a lecture or sermon on the issue. The ministers will open the discussion and "moderate" it. It will be an opportunity for people to raise questions, offer opinions and express concerns from within the covenant relationship of our faith community. The discussion will seek to avoid undue expressions of anger. The objective of the meeting is to allow a free and open forum for considering issues which are being debated throughout the American society from a faith perspective. While the subject to be discussed evokes passion on both sides, we hope to approach it from the high ground of understanding, appreciation, reason and faith. I have already been planning with Dan a course of study in the fall of 2004 which will deal with all human sexuality from the perspective of faith. You'll hear more about that course as time goes by.

For now, though, the forum on February 29th will be an occasion for us to listen compassionately to one another about a matter which is fraught with misunderstandings and prejudices and a matter that touches the lives of many within our congregation. In fact, the same-sex marriage/union debate has already focused our attention upon the matter in such a way as to mandate our consideration. The discussions we shall have should not be threatening nor should they be confrontational. They are to be seen as a continuing unfolding of life's journey made meaningful for us as disciples of Christ's Way. Following Jesus has never been an easy undertaking and we know from the New Testament that he faced the issues of his own day in such a way as to be our model for living amid the issues of our own day. We also know that Jesus was the ultimate expression of God's grace and love and that it is his desire to have followers who, however limitedly, seek to live gracefully and lovingly in a word which never stands still.

I hope to see you on the 29th.

Love,

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

Morning Worship 10:00 A.M. Rev. Daniel Spacek will be preaching.

The Children will attend Craft & Story time downstairs in Allerton Hall following the Time for Teaching.

Greeters: Everett and Dorothy Lanman

The Pulpit Flowers are in loving memory of Miriam L. Barnes, given by Tom Barnes.

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

Please look for the sign-up sheet on the coffee hour counter.

Greeters are needed for the month of March. Please call the church office to volunteer to greet or look for the sign-up sheet on the coffee hour counter.

In response to requests by members of the congregation, there will be a forum on February 29 in Allerton Hall, from 11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M., to discuss recent decisions and issues regarding same-sex unions. All are encouraged to attend this important forum. Childcare will be provided.

Church School Teachers! Your presence is requested at the CE Committee Meeting on February 25 in Allerton Hall, where we will address questions and concerns about curriculum, safety, adult & youth helpers, scheduling, etc. This meeting will take place at 7:15 p.m. (immediately after the Ash Wednesday service). Goodies will be provided.

Faith Youth Institute: Summer program for youth 15-18 years of age-but plan now-July 10-18th at Andover Newton Theological School campus. The theme for this summer comes from John 1, "In the Beginning was the Word". More information in flyers on Bulletin Board in Allerton Hall. Also information at www.ants.edu/learning/fyi. Scholarships will be available through our church. Applications at church office or online.

CHURCH RECORD

Baptism:
On February 15, 2004, Alli Nicole Brown, daughter of William Scott and Tami (Santel) Brown, was baptized during the worship service.

Renewal of Wedding Vows:
On February 15, 2004, Bill and Diane Harting renewed their marriage covenant in a private ceremony before Rev. Marks in the sanctuary.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, Feb. 22: Morning Worship 10:00 A.M., Rev. Daniel Spacek will be preaching. Rev. Marks is away and will be back in the office on February 24, 2204.

Monday, Feb. 23: Rev. Dan's office hours 10:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M.; Aerobics, 9:00 A.M. in Allerton Hall; Girl Scout Tr. 1128, 4:00 P.M. in Church House.

Tuesday, Feb. 24: Rev. Marks' office hours 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.; Rev. Dan's office hours 10:00 A.M.-Noon; Aerobics, 6:30 P.M. in Allerton Hall; The Advisory Board, 7:00 P.M. in the Church House.

Wednesday, Feb. 25: Aerobics, 9:00 A.M. in AH; Rev. Dan's office hours Noon-2:00 P.M.; Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary; Troop 47, 7:00 P.M. in the Church House; Ash Wednesday Service in the sanctuary, 6:30 P.M.; Christian Ed and Teacher Meeting, Allerton Hall at 7:15 P.M. immediately after the Ash Wednesday Service.

Thursday, Feb. 26: Rev. Dan's office hours, 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.; Girl Scout Troop 1227, 6:00 P.M. in the CH; Aerobics, 6:30 P.M. in AH.

Friday, Feb. 27: Rev. Marks Aerobics, 9:00 A.M. in AH.

Saturday, Feb. 28: Brown Bag Auction, 7:00-9:00 P.M. in Allerton Hall (see notes).

PLEASE NOTE

Please call the church office if you are aware of persons hospitalized or in need of pastoral care. It is especially important to let the ministers know about out-of-town hospitals. Hospital listings prepared for clergy at the Jordan Hospital, too, have been irregular in availability. It is, therefore, important that the ministers and church office be informed of any hospitalizations. Thank you for your help.

Lenten Study/Spirituality Group. This study opportunity will be conducted by the ministers. The day and time is still being discussed; but it will begin the first week in March. The group will use a small book by Henri J. M. Nouwen entitled, Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living In a Secular World. Nouwen is a well-known writer on Christian spirituality, but he speaks to people who have little or no knowledge of the faith. Yet, in the book which we will use he also speaks with clarity to those who have been in the church for many years. He wrote this book to a secular friend who had spiritual longings, but who was in a quandary as to what to do about those longings. We hope that many who have expressed an interest in adult study opportunities as well as those seeking spiritual guidance will join the ministers as they share their own journeys during the course.

Our sympathies and prayers are extended to Audrey Birnstein whose daughter Joanne passed this life on Friday, February 13, 2004. On February 24, 2004 Rev. Marks will conduct a graveside service for Joanne.

Pictures in Allerton Hall: A number of old, framed pictures have been reclaimed form the church attic, cleaned, and have been hung in various appropriate places. Many of them are of a 19th century aesthetic depicting Biblical scenes. Some are of personalities. We would like to know if anyone in the congregation is aware of the stories of how these pictures came to the church, where they hung originally, who individuals photographed may be, or any other information about them. Please talk to Kathy Marks or Bill Harting after church Sunday.

ATTENTION: You are invited to a social evening in Allerton Hall on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004 from 7 to 9 P.M. Appetizers and desserts as well as beverages will be served and we will have a Brown Bag Auction during the evening. Everyone who would like to participate is asked to bring an item or items sealed in a brown paper bag with the weight written on the front. Attached to your bag should be a card with hints as to it's contents. Please be as imaginative as you can while not giving away the actual contents of the bag. (Being deceptive is encouraged). On the back of the card please write the actual contents of the bag for the auctioneers benefit. We will auction off the bags with a minimum bid of $2.00 and a maximum bid of $20.00. A contribution of $3 per adult is requested to defray the cost of refreshments. We are planning childcare for the evening and would like to encourage everyone to share in the fun of a night of fellowship and fund-raising. While we are not serving a dinner, this evening, you can be assured of some delicious goodies being available for consumption.
Diana and Liisa Budge

Stewardship Committee: If you were unable to put your pledge card in the Chest of Joash this last weekend you may bring it to Church this coming Sunday and place it in the collection plate, or mail it to the office Attn: Collector. If you need a pledge card you may contact the Church office or there will be some available in the church upper vestibule this Sunday.

Daffodil Sunday will be March 28th. Orders will be taken on Sunday, February 22nd and Sunday, February 29th during coffee hour or you can place your order by calling the church office by March 4th. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The charge is $7.00 for a bunch of ten. Please see Jane Burns for more information.

Drivers needed! The Membership and Evangelism Committee is trying to set up a system for people to offer rides to those members who find it difficult to get to church. Those of you who can offer rides, please contact Judi Besegai at (508) 746-3747.

A note from the Board of Trustees: An informational Budget Meeting will be scheduled soon. Please watch upcoming Heralds for the date and time. It is strongly suggested that you send a representative from your committee or board to take place in discussions concerning the upcoming budget.

Also, all committee and board chairs should have their Annual Report to the office by hard copy, disk, or you can e-mail it in Microsoft Word (this is the preferred method if you have it) by March 31, 2004. If you have any questions about e-mailing please give Pam a call.

A note about the Ash Wednesday Service: For several years the ministers have conducted a service drawing upon a wide range of Christian traditions, including the imposition of ashes for those who find that ritual act meaningful to them in their spiritual pilgrimage through Lent. Please join us as we move through Lent toward Christ's resurrection.

Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser:

On Saturday, March 13, 2004 there will be an indoor yard sale at the Chiltonville Congregational Church from 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. Please contribute housewares, collectibles, tools, furniture, children's toys and games, jewelry, books and CDs, baked goods and plants. Children can bring in unused toys to drop off at Sunday school through March 7. Drop-off times at the Chiltonville Church are: Thursday evening, March 11, 7:30 P.M.-9:00 P.M. and Friday, March 12th, 9:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M. Thank you. For further information please call Meg Bross at (508) 830-9745.

Plymouth Crossings Assisted Living and Overlook VNA is offering "A Heart Healthy Expo" on February 24, 2004 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Please call Meredith Scott at Plymouth Crossings, (508) 830-4744 for more information.

The Crib Room is in need of a new rocking chair. If you have one that you'd like to donate please call Jenny Healy @ (508) 747-7168.

It has come to my attention that some members are not receiving their copy of The Pilgrimage Herald until Monday or Tuesday of the following week. The Herald is delivered to the Post Office on Long Pond Road on Thursday mornings by 11:00. Once I have delivered the Herald it is out of my control as to how they are handled by the Post Office. I am going to start leaving some extra copies on the table in the lower vestibule. If you did not receive your Herald by Sunday, please feel free to take one. Thank you, Pam.

COMING EVENTS

Feb. 29th: First Sunday in Lent.

There will be an informal forum to discuss the issues surrounding the Massachusetts Supreme Court's decision to sanction same-sex marriage (see "Pastor's Letter") from
11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

The Nominating Committee will meet following worship in the Pastor's Study.

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.