Dear Friends,

As I was preparing my sermon last Sunday based upon John 21:1-19 I came across an interesting quotation from an article in Christianity Today, October, 2003. I don't generally read that journal, but one idea found there caused me to think about discipleship and mission. The writer of the article, Howard Snyder, said that churches should not pander to the "feel-good" demands of "low-commitment members." He suggested that true Christian community makes demands on its members and expects a high level of commitment. Regular attendance is essential, as is hard-edged discussion of theology and Scripture. The article concluded by observing that churches are better off than others who have high expectations and who maintain what the author called a "discipleship direction."

Every once in a while it is important for us to remember that the church is not merely as institution which fosters cordiality, courtesy and sociability. The church, of course, does these things, but they are hardly the sole reason for the church's existence! The church's primary reason for being is to serve the risen Christ as his body and presence in the world.

In John 21 the disciples were challenged by the risen One to "feed my lambs" and "to tend my sheep." Finally, the reluctant disciples got the point that they were to serve the risen One and to try to do in the future, and in strange places and circumstances what Christ himself would do. Their task was not only to be honored by the presence of the risen Christ, but to form communities in which the goal was, and is, to feed the lambs and sheep.

It is a world filled with challenges and changes, isn't it? Nothing stands still for us, as I've often repeated. In this fluid world, however, it should be our joy to be followers of the one in whose name we are assembled. It is best to express that joy by ever reminding ourselves that it is our call to maintain a "discipleship direction". As the first followers of Jesus found, so do we; the church exists with a message of hope in the midst of change. The discipleship direction is maintained when we apply the eternal truths made known in the gospel in ever changing circumstances. That means, of course, that we must show forth in our work and behavior the love of God made known in the risen One. We are to be a community that sees the need to proclaim, by being and action, that God's accepting and compassionate heat includes every human being. Our world and our lives change; God's love and hope in Christ, the risen One, does not change. God's love in Christ is always breaking through cultural expressions of it which, in themselves, are not eternal.

People are attracted to congregations who put faith into action and set out to make a difference in the world. We are to worship, pray, study and enjoy the presence of the living Christ today as we together, in mutual respect and charity, ponder what it means to "feed the lambs and sheep" today. That is to "maintain a discipleship direction".

Love,

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

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

Youth Worship Service-10:00 A.M. in the Church House. The Children will attend Church School following the Youth Worship Service.

Deacon of the Month: Jerry Chaskes

Ushers: Chuck & Joen Blanton, Janet Holmes and Diana Budge.

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.

The Children will attend church school following the Time for Teaching.
Penny Sunday Collection.

All are invited to join us for Coffee Hour downstairs in Allerton Hall following the worship service. Volunteers are needed for coffee hour. Please look for the sign-up sheet on the coffee hour counter.

Greeters are needed for the month of May. Please call the church office to volunteer to greet or look for the sign-up sheet, which will now be located on the Membership and Evangelism Bulletin Board.

Camp Scholarships: Please contact the church office if you are interested in attending a church camp. Camp opportunities are available for young people, but adult camps are also available. Please speak to Dan, Gary or call the church office for information. Camper-ships are available.

Membership & Evangelism is looking for some suggestions to help enhance our website. Megan and Pedro Verdugo have volunteered to take over maintaining the website from Doug Post (whose time and efforts have been valued, especially by Pam!). If you have some ideas of what you would like to see on the website, ideas to make it easy to read and follow (especially for those of us who are somewhat computer illiterate) please put your suggestions in the Membership & Evangelism mailbox in Allerton Hall. We would like to receive all suggestions by Sunday, May 9th. Thank you for your valued input.

Office Hours: M-F 8:45 A.M.-3:45 P.M. Thursday's 8:30 A.M.-3:00 P.M.

CHURCH RECORD

Hospitalized: George Carter, Jordan Hospital.

Recuperating at home after a stay at The Jordan Hospital: Judy Coutts.

Baptism:
On April 24, 2004, Logan Matthew-Robert Pylant, son of James and Susanne (Trepanier) Pylant, was baptized in a private ceremony.
On April 25, 2004, Andrew John Medeiros, son of Michael and Angela (Latimer) Medeiros, was baptized during the morning service.
On April 25, 2004, Alec James MacLeod, son of Duncan and Brenda (Happnie) MacLeod, was baptized during the morning service.

Wedding:
On April 24, 2004, Rev. Marks Rev. Marks conducted a wedding service for Stacey Ann Viveiros and Christopher Robin Alves in the church sanctuary.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, May 2-Morning Worship 10:00 A.M., Rev. Gary L. Marks, preaching; Children's Worship Service in the Church House. The Church Council will meet following the morning service.

Monday, May 3: Aerobics, 9:00 A.M. in Allerton Hall; Girl Scout Tr. 1128, 6:00 P.M. in Church House; Women's Fellowship Mother-Daughter Reception, 6:30 P.M. in Allerton Hall.

Tuesday, May 4: Rev. Marks will conduct a worship service at the Newfield House, 10:30 A.M. and will be in the office following the service; Rev. Dan's office hours Noon-2:00 P.M.; Aerobics, 6:30 P.M. in Allerton Hall.

Wednesday, May 5: The Plymouth Interfaith Clergy Association will meet at 8:30 A.M. in the Pastor's Study; Aerobics, 9:00 A.M. in AH; Staff Meeting, 10:00 A.M.; Rev. Dan's office hours 10:00 A.M.-Noon; Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary; Troop 47, 7:00 P.M. in the Church House.

Thursday, May 6: Rev. Dan's office hours 11:00 A.M-Noon and 1:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M.; Girl Scout Troop 1227, 4:00 P.M. in the CH; Aerobics, 6:30 P.M. in AH.

Friday, May 7: Rev. Marks will be in the office, 9:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M.; Aerobics, 9:00 A.M. in AH.

Saturday, May 8: Time and Talent Auction/Dinner, 6:30 P.M.

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. Thank you for your help.

Gary and Kathy Marks will be away on May 16th to attend their son's graduation from Hieldlberg College in Ohio. Halleluia!

If you are interested in becoming a member of The Church of the Pilgrimage please speak to Rev. Marks or phone the church office.

If there are any children in 3rd grade or higher who have yet to receive a Bible, please contact the church office so one can be ordered for you.

We thank Marilyn Stewart for having the pews in the sanctuary painted. Hymn book racks were also refinished and some replaced. The church is grateful to Marilyn for this generous gift to the church.

ATTENTION: Time and Talent Auction. Saturday, May 8. A roast pork dinner with all the fixins' and chicken nuggets (kids) will be served before the Time and Talent Auction on Saturday evening, May 8 in Allerton Hall. Dinner will be served at 6:30 and the auction will follow. Reservations may be made after service on most Sundays (excluding Easter Sunday) and forms for contributions to the Auction are available at that time as well. You may also call Diana Budge at (508) 746-4514 if you wish to make your reservation or contribution by phone. The Cost for the dinner is $8 for adults, $4 for children and $20 maximum for a family.

Pastor's Pasta Sunday: The Women's Fellowship is sponsoring a Pasta Sunday offering of a take-home meal consisting of home-made pasta sauce, spaghetti, home made bread and cookies for the price of $15.00. These will be available for sale on Sunday, May 16th after service and before the annual meeting. You can reserve your Take-Home meal by calling Diana Budge at (508) 746-4514 or signing up on any Sunday after service.

The Fourth Annual Church of the Pilgrimage Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 12 at Squirrel Run Country Club. 8:00 A.M. start time with lunch on the Pavilion to follow. See Ed Pawlowski during coffee hour for sign up information. More information to follow in the coming weeks.

Coming Events: Plant Sale June 5, 2004 (Rain Or Shine). This is a church wide fund raising project, but it is also a pleasant social event (if it doesn't rain). If you have not already done so please look around your yard for plants (ground covers, seedlings from perennials, and other plants you do not need or want). Please pot them up for sale. Mark your calendars to come to Courtyard Place, 124 Long Pond Road on the morning of June 5, from 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. even if you only want to see what goes on. You might just find the plant you really want. Call Pat Mudgett if you have any questions or want to help. (508) 224-7206.

It's Spring clean-up time again... and we have just the place for all those knick-knacks and bric-a-brac. We have a home for all hose household items that need a home...but maybe not yours. If you are updating your wardrobe, cleaning your garage, have extra linens or jewelry, please save those items for our upcoming Summer Sale in July and August. More details will follow in future copies of The Pilgrimage Herald.

Heifer Announcement: Goats, chickens, yaks, llamas, water buffalo, honey bees and heifers will be on sale in Allerton Hall during the month of May. The Missions and Outreach Committee will be collecting for Heifer International every Sunday in May during coffee hour. "Ark" banks and calendars will be distributed in Church School on May 2. Everyone can help provide Heifer International farm animals and training to people in need of food and income by either helping to "fill an ark" bank this month or contributing at the Heifer table in Allerton Hall. By giving to Heifer International, you'll help people around the world become self-reliant. The "gift animal" provides food, income and a sense of community to one family in need. Then that family gives the first offspring of their animal to another in need. Thus, the gift of one animal continues to provide food, income, hope and joy over and over again.

National Day of Prayer Observance in Plymouth, meeting from noon to 12:50 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2004 by the Plymouth Rock.

The Area Food Pantries are running low according to a note in this past Sunday's Globe. Every small contribution is important. This little gesture can make a big difference to someone in need. Let's fill those baskets!

Congratulations to Craig & Susanna Burns on the birth of their daughter Blayke Elizabeth Burns on April 19, 2004. Craig is the son of Kathy & Putnam Burns and the great grand nephew of Jane Burns.

Joanne Cole would like to thank the following individuals for ushering during the month of April: Tom & Pat Mudgett, Don & Augusta Moore, Judi & Warren Besagai, Debbie & Jerry Chaskes, Nancy Scheid, Bob Cole, Diane & Bill Harting, Marylyn Colburn, Dave Lunetta, Dave Kegel, Pam & John McNicholas and Carol & Rollin Johnson.

COMING EVENTS

May 16: The Annual Meeting of The Church of the Pilgrimage
following the worship service.

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.