Pilgrimage Herald

MISSIONS AND OUTREACH NEWS-
This year, the annual Mission and Outreach dinner for everyone in our congregation, will take place on Saturday, January 7th from 5-7:30pm in Allerton Hall, as a celebration of Epiphany. We ask that everyone bring some non-perishables for the Plymouth Area Food Warehouse. (In Eastern Massachusetts alone, there are more than 500,000 people going hungry.) We will have the children's craft and march as usual, followed by dinner and a carol sing, led by Rev. Heather. Mark your calendars and plant to join us for this joyous occasion.

Church House Dedication: On December 11, 2005 a Service of Dedication of our renovated Church House will be held. The service will take place immediately following the usual service in the sanctuary. We will depart that service, cross Town Square, and conduct a brief dedication service in what has become informally called the "Great Hall" on the second floor. A soup and sandwich lunch will be served.

Please plan to be present for this milestone event in the life of our congregation! The building is now a marvelous educational/office facility. It is designed to enhance the many facets of our church's ministry. Many people have worked long and hard to make a long- standing dream a reality. We thank you for your support of the project and hope you'll continue to support it. The Service of Dedication on December 11th should be a grand celebration of thanksgiving to God!

Name the new Church House: We would like to give our new church house a new name. Please write your suggestions down and put them in the 'Places for Faces' box in the vestibule. We would like to announce the new name at the church house dedication on December 11.

PAC TV:
The airing of The Church of the Pilgrimage Services on PAC TV has been an important part of our ministry and outreach to the community. This is the opinion of your Membership and Evangelism Committee and we hope it is your opinion as well. We now have the Sunday 8am and 10pm time lots on PAC. But we need someone, maybe you, to help tape or edit these Church Services.

Tom Healy needs help! He can't do it himself. Do you want to learn a new skill? PAC will train you. You could tape, edit or both. We need help! If you can spare 2-3 hours on a weekday to edit or 11/2 hours to tape Sunday Services, please see Kathy Marks, chair of Membership and Evangelism. You wouldn't need to do both and probably only 1 or 2 times a month. Thanks for considering this form of ministry to our town.

Membership: If you are interested in becoming a member of The Church of the Pilgrimage, please call the church office or speak to Rev. Marks. You may obtain information about the United Church of Christ and The Church of the Pilgrimage upon request.

Cribroom Volunteers: We need volunteers to help out in our Crib Room! The Crib Room provides a valuable service to our church. It is a recently renovated space in the church building. It is a pleasing and safe space where parents are invited to leave their children while they attend worship. We are working hard to organize volunteers so that this crucial part of our ministry is continued. There is a Sign-Up Sheet in the Crib Room, or you may phone the church office for information.

Women's Guild: December 9th, the Women's Guild meets at 1:00pm Welcome-Come One, Come All. Bring a $5.00 wrapped gift for a Yankee Swap party. A short business meeting and afternoon tea are all included. What fun! Come join us.

We Thank...
All who helped with our Thanksgiving Day Open House! The weather may have held tourist traffic down a bit this year, but people were appreciative of our church's hospitality.
To Ruth S. Belcher who for over 50 years has folded the Pilgrimage Herald. In a note from Ruth she reminds us that she began folding the Herald before the church had an office and before we had a church secretary. Ruth wrote "On Thursday afternoons I used to pick up the Heralds at the office of the Rogers Printing Co. on Middle Street and bring them home to our house on North Street. I folded the Herald on Fridays, and brought them to the Church on Sunday mornings. My friend Bert King helped me distribute copies of the Herald to various locations in the Church (the minister's study, the choir seats, and the foyer for the ushers)." Ruth is finding it difficult to get around these days and with regret has resigned from the Folding Ladies of the Church. She has enjoyed her job and will miss being with her friends, the Folding Ladies. When you see Ruth, be sure to thank her for her many years of service to our church.

Nametags: We ask that everyone wear their nametags at church on Sundays so our new members and our Associate Pastor can learn everyone's name. Thanks!
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Thanksgiving Day Union Service: Rev. Heather participated in the Interfaith Thanksgiving service at First Parish on Thursday, November 24th.

Rev. Heather's Office Hours: Rev. Heather will have office hours on Tuesday from 1-3pm, Wed from 10am-12pm and Thursday 10am-12pm. She will be at home working on her sermon on Friday.

Christian Education News
This Sunday, December 4th, there will be a commissioning service for the Confirmands and their mentors during the worship service. Following worship, Confirmands will meet form 11:30am-1:00pm. Bring something you have created.

Parents-Remember to sign-up your children for the Christmas Eve pageant in Allerton Hall. We will have a costume fitting session immediately following worship on Sunday, December 11th. The one and only pageant rehearsal will be following worship on Sun. Dec. 18th.

Christmas" Adopt a Family" News
This year, I would like to continue with the "Adopt A Family" through the Plymouth Area Coalition. Last year I had a great response from the church and we were able to help a family and their 3 children. This year they have given us three individual girls ages 4,6 and 9, from different families.

Last week in church I announced that I had heard from the coalition and had placed cards with gift ideas, on the tree in Allerton Hall. To my surprise all 24 cards were taken and people were asking for more. Thank you all for your generosity! I have decided to put a few more cards on the tree this week for anyone who may not of been in church last week,or for those who were asking last week. I have done individual items of clothing such as socks, turtlenecks, jeans and sweaters, and a few more fun items. The little Christmas tree will again be shining in Allerton Hall for anyone interested. The gifts are due back Dec.11th , unwrapped, and if you could with the card taped on the package. I will have a box there to place the items in. If you are unable to be in church that day just give me a call and I will come by and pick up the item from you. Thank you again to everyone who has helped to make this such a wonderful success, and sharing in this season of giving. Sincerely, Laura Curtin


garymarks@8townsquare.org	December 4 , 2005	office@8townsquare.org
Volume LXXVII		No. 37
Dear Friends, I am trying to get into what people refer to as the "Christmas spirit." I've never been exactly sure what that means, but I'm trying to get there. I suppose that people in general mean that we all ought to make a concerted effort to feel good about "things" for a while. Perhaps it means that we should try to tap into a rare capacity for generosity for one month out of the year. Maybe it means that we should try to be nice to each other for a season. I'm not sure what people mean when they refer to the "Christmas spirit." I'm pretty sure, though, that for the vast majority of people in our society little thought is given to what the "Christmas spirit" has to do with the birth of God's Spirit in the Christ of Bethlehem. I don't see how anyone can argue with my observation that the "Christmas spirit" is something most say they want, even may vaguely understand, but who don't know that all the bright lights and glitter of the season had their origins in the bright light of God's Word born and shining in the world's darkness. Few seem to get the point, either, that gift-giving at Christmas time was not originally about presents we exchange, but about the Magi offering gifts to God's Spirit in the Christ-child. I am not going to complain yet one more time, though, about materialism, consumerism, or rehash in lament how "Christ has gone out of Christmas" in our society, however true all that may be. I have been more troubled this Advent season by a single cartoon (so-called) which shows the manger scene presented outside a church. The caption under the Nativity displayed on a church lawn reads; "...And he was born in a stable, because there was no room for him in the church." This cartoon and its caption riveted my attention as I was actively contemplating what it means to get into the "Christmas spirit." The church exists to serve the Christ whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, and for which we prepare during Advent. We exist, also, to serve the grown up Christ who taught, was crucified and rose over the powers of death and darkness. We exist to engage in his mission in the world, to seek mercy, justice and righteousness in the world which can be a dark place for so many, a world darkened for some because of their own blindness to the neighbor's need. The "Christmas spirit" for which I crave is to see and feel the lavish love of God reigning in the church where faith creates us anew in Christ's Spirit. Only when that happens can we celebrate his birth, death, resurrection and our mission as God's people. A caption under a picture at The Church of the Pilgrimage should read: "...And he was born in a stable, and because of that his Spirit keeps getting born anew here." That's the only "Christmas spirit" I really need to have. Love, © The Church of the Pilgrimage in Plymouth, MA Inc., all rights reserved.
Sunday, December 4, 2005-The Second Sunday of Advent Morning Worship: 10:00am, Rev. Gary L. Marks preaching; Communion will be part of the service; Cherub Choir Rehearsal after worship in the sanctuary; Confirmands will meet from 11:30am-1:00pm (bring something you have created). Deacon in Charge: Dottie Bottomley
CHURCH RECORD Baptism: On November 27, 2005 Timothy John Rosario, son of Virginia & Timothy Rosario and Bradley Gage Harrington, son of Deborah & Kent Harrington, were baptized during the worship service. Hospitalized: Kristin Sauder, Ruth Thom - Jordan Hospital.
Memorial Poinsettias: Christmas is fast approaching. By your loving purchase of poinsettias, we can enhance the beauty of our church for the Christmas services. Sign up in the lower vestibule following the service for the next two Sundays. There will be an insert listing the donors and those memorialized or honored in the Christmas week Herald. The suggested donation for a poinsettia is $15, although a donation of any amount is welcome. The flowers may be given to shut-ins, or picked up after the Christmas Eve services or the following Sunday. Volunteers will be welcomed to take flowers to shut-ins following the Christmas Sunday service. Living Nativity at Overlook Farm: The Christmas story will be reenacted at Heifer International's Overlook Farm, 216 Wachusett Street in Rutland, Massachusetts, December 10th and December 11th from 1:00 to 5:30pm. A live nativity, complete with the animals will be presented at the beginning of each hour in the barn (dress warmly). There will be an offering taken at the conclusion of each presentation of the nativity to benefit the work of Heifer International. Sleigh or hayrides will be available. Visit our gift shop featuring alternative gifts from Heifer International and free trade crafts from around the world. There is no charge for this event, but we ask everyone to bring a plate of cookies to share. Please call 508-886-2221 for more information.
THIS WEEK Mon., Dec. 5: Aerobics, Allerton Hall, 9am; Monday Meals, 10:30-1pm, Allerton Hall; Brownie & Girl Scout Troops, 4-7 pm,Church House; Women's Fellowship, 6pm, Allerton Hall; Pilgrim Festival Chorus Rehearsal, Sanctuary, 7-10pm. Tue., Dec. 6: Rev. Marks will be in the church office at 9:30am; Aerobics, Allerton Hall, 6:30pm;Stewardship Committee Meeting 7:15pm. Wed., Dec. 7: Aerobics, Allerton Hall, 9am; Staff Meeting, 10:00am; Girl Scouts and Daisy Troops, Church House, 3:30-6pm; Evening Prayer, Sanctuary 7-7:30pm; Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary, 7:30pm. Thurs., Dec. 8:Aerobics, Allerton Hall, 9am; Membership & Evangelism, 7pm at the home of Amy Simpson. Fri., Dec. 9: Aerobics, Allerton Hall, 9am; Rev. Marks will be in the church office, 9:30am; Women's Guild, 1-3pm, Allerton Hall.
Coming Events: -Dec. 11: The Third Sunday in Advent -Dec. 11: Dedication of our renovated Church House (see notes). Dec. 18: Christmas Sunday celebrated. Dec. 24: Family Christmas Eve Service, 7pm in the sanctuary. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Holy Communion, 11:30pm in the sanctuary. Dec. 25: Christmas Day Service, 10:00am in the sanctuary.
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH NEWS- This year, the annual Mission and Outreach dinner for everyone in our congregation, will take place on Saturday, January 7th from 5-7:30pm in Allerton Hall, as a celebration of Epiphany. We ask that everyone bring some non-perishables for the Plymouth Area Food Warehouse. (In Eastern Massachusetts alone, there are more than 500,000 people going hungry.) We will have the children's craft and march as usual, followed by dinner and a carol sing, led by Rev. Heather. Mark your calendars and plant to join us for this joyous occasion. Church House Dedication: On December 11, 2005 a Service of Dedication of our renovated Church House will be held. The service will take place immediately following the usual service in the sanctuary. We will depart that service, cross Town Square, and conduct a brief dedication service in what has become informally called the "Great Hall" on the second floor. A soup and sandwich lunch will be served. Please plan to be present for this milestone event in the life of our congregation! The building is now a marvelous educational/office facility. It is designed to enhance the many facets of our church's ministry. Many people have worked long and hard to make a long- standing dream a reality. We thank you for your support of the project and hope you'll continue to support it. The Service of Dedication on December 11th should be a grand celebration of thanksgiving to God! Name the new Church House: We would like to give our new church house a new name. Please write your suggestions down and put them in the 'Places for Faces' box in the vestibule. We would like to announce the new name at the church house dedication on December 11. PAC TV: The airing of The Church of the Pilgrimage Services on PAC TV has been an important part of our ministry and outreach to the community. This is the opinion of your Membership and Evangelism Committee and we hope it is your opinion as well. We now have the Sunday 8am and 10pm time lots on PAC. But we need someone, maybe you, to help tape or edit these Church Services. Tom Healy needs help! He can't do it himself. Do you want to learn a new skill? PAC will train you. You could tape, edit or both. We need help! If you can spare 2-3 hours on a weekday to edit or 11/2 hours to tape Sunday Services, please see Kathy Marks, chair of Membership and Evangelism. You wouldn't need to do both and probably only 1 or 2 times a month. Thanks for considering this form of ministry to our town. Membership: If you are interested in becoming a member of The Church of the Pilgrimage, please call the church office or speak to Rev. Marks. You may obtain information about the United Church of Christ and The Church of the Pilgrimage upon request. Cribroom Volunteers: We need volunteers to help out in our Crib Room! The Crib Room provides a valuable service to our church. It is a recently renovated space in the church building. It is a pleasing and safe space where parents are invited to leave their children while they attend worship. We are working hard to organize volunteers so that this crucial part of our ministry is continued. There is a Sign-Up Sheet in the Crib Room, or you may phone the church office for information. Women's Guild: December 9th, the Women's Guild meets at 1:00pm Welcome-Come One, Come All. Bring a $5.00 wrapped gift for a Yankee Swap party. A short business meeting and afternoon tea are all included. What fun! Come join us. We Thank... All who helped with our Thanksgiving Day Open House! The weather may have held tourist traffic down a bit this year, but people were appreciative of our church's hospitality. To Ruth S. Belcher who for over 50 years has folded the Pilgrimage Herald. In a note from Ruth she reminds us that she began folding the Herald before the church had an office and before we had a church secretary. Ruth wrote "On Thursday afternoons I used to pick up the Heralds at the office of the Rogers Printing Co. on Middle Street and bring them home to our house on North Street. I folded the Herald on Fridays, and brought them to the Church on Sunday mornings. My friend Bert King helped me distribute copies of the Herald to various locations in the Church (the minister's study, the choir seats, and the foyer for the ushers)." Ruth is finding it difficult to get around these days and with regret has resigned from the Folding Ladies of the Church. She has enjoyed her job and will miss being with her friends, the Folding Ladies. When you see Ruth, be sure to thank her for her many years of service to our church. Nametags: We ask that everyone wear their nametags at church on Sundays so our new members and our Associate Pastor can learn everyone's name. Thanks! \| Thanksgiving Day Union Service: Rev. Heather participated in the Interfaith Thanksgiving service at First Parish on Thursday, November 24th. Rev. Heather's Office Hours: Rev. Heather will have office hours on Tuesday from 1-3pm, Wed from 10am-12pm and Thursday 10am-12pm. She will be at home working on her sermon on Friday. Christian Education News This Sunday, December 4th, there will be a commissioning service for the Confirmands and their mentors during the worship service. Following worship, Confirmands will meet form 11:30am-1:00pm. Bring something you have created. Parents-Remember to sign-up your children for the Christmas Eve pageant in Allerton Hall. We will have a costume fitting session immediately following worship on Sunday, December 11th. The one and only pageant rehearsal will be following worship on Sun. Dec. 18th. Christmas" Adopt a Family" News This year, I would like to continue with the "Adopt A Family" through the Plymouth Area Coalition. Last year I had a great response from the church and we were able to help a family and their 3 children. This year they have given us three individual girls ages 4,6 and 9, from different families. Last week in church I announced that I had heard from the coalition and had placed cards with gift ideas, on the tree in Allerton Hall. To my surprise all 24 cards were taken and people were asking for more. Thank you all for your generosity! I have decided to put a few more cards on the tree this week for anyone who may not of been in church last week,or for those who were asking last week. I have done individual items of clothing such as socks, turtlenecks, jeans and sweaters, and a few more fun items. The little Christmas tree will again be shining in Allerton Hall for anyone interested. The gifts are due back Dec.11th , unwrapped, and if you could with the card taped on the package. I will have a box there to place the items in. If you are unable to be in church that day just give me a call and I will come by and pick up the item from you. Thank you again to everyone who has helped to make this such a wonderful success, and sharing in this season of giving. Sincerely, Laura Curtin

Clerk - Lois Post; Moderator - Steven Triffletti; Treasurer - David Kegel; Collector - Debra Richters Music Director - William B Richter; Organist - Chandler Gregg Secretary - Shellie McCormack; Sexton - Tony Nightingale; World Mission Emphasis - Heifer Project International; Church Building Telephone - (508) 747-1341.