Pilgrimage Herald

MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
One Great Hour of Sharing: March 6, 2005 is Dedication Day for the One Great Hour of Sharing. Every year through our generous gifts, our congregation, along with nine other denominations, supports the network of ministries that reaches victims of disaster, poverty, illness and war around the world.

The 6th annual Warm Hearts, Warm Homes Gala Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 19th, 2005, at the Radisson Hotel in Plymouth. Senator Therese Murray will be the guest auctioneer. Local restaurants serve sumptuous fare. There is music and a silent auction too. Purchase tickets at the door for $60 per person.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the Florida Hurricane Recovery should send checks to: Wider Church Ministries, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. Online donations may be made at http://www.ucc.org/oghss/donate.htm.

Overnights of Hospitality interfaith program continues to be successful and will continue through the winter. Volunteers are needed at First Parish Church the week of March 20-26. If you cannot volunteer, but would like to make a contribution to this vital program, please send checks, payable to: Christ Church Episcopal, 149 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 (marked in the memo for Task Force for the Homeless).

Monday Meals of Hospitality: Thank you to the following people who cooked, served and helped out at the first of seven Monday Meals of Hospitality: Kay Budd, Diane Cowie, Alice Heckman, Janet Holmes, Carol Johnson, Shellie McCormack, Robin Trask, Mahlon Walker and Me Bross.

Prayer opportunities at 7:00pm on Wednesdays will continue during the Lenten season. The Evening Prayer services are seemingly satisfying a spiritual need for those who have attended on a regular basis. Please feel free to join us on a Wednesday evening.

We are grateful to our Missions/Outreach Committee for answering the need for providing hot lunches for the homeless on Mondays. The meals are greatly appreciated by those who are in need of them.

Membership Corner: Please take a moment to visit the Membership Corner in Allerton Hall. In that area you will find our "Church Family" bulletin board, and an updated list of drivers in case you need a ride to church. There are extra Heralds, committee booklets,directories, notecards and "desk type" supplies, as well as photos of many of our new members and our not-so-new members. It might help you to put a name with a face you've seen around. If anyone has newspaper pictures etc. about church members they would like to share, please post them. Tacks are in the desk. There will also be a portion of the bulletin board that will change monthly with a seasonal theme or important information about upcoming events.

Chicken Soup for the Soul Luncheon to Welcome New Members: On Feb 27th the Membership & Evangelism Committee will sponsor a church family lunch to honor what is now 2 new membership classes. Homemade Chicken Soup an beverages will be provided, but we are asking people, other than new members, to bring a plate of sandwiches to serve 8 or a dessert. Last names beginning with A-M bring desserts and N-Z bring sandwiches.

Lenten Fish Dinner. On Friday March 11 at 6:30 pm, the Women's Fellowship will host an evening of fine food and fellowship for all. On the menu is salmon, macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes, carrots, salad, bread and pie. The fish dinner is $8, the macaroni and cheese is $6. Children 3 and under are free. A maximum of $28 per family will be charged. If cost is an issue and you would like to come please see Jenny or Marna. Look for sign ups in Allerton Hall over the next few weeks; reservations will be required. If you would be interested in making a pie (your choice), please call Jenny Healy 508-747-7168. Thanks and see you there.

Sunday River Ski Trip, Feb 20-23. Those attending please arrive at the church house at 1:45pm to leave at 2:00pm.

Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are needed to sign up for coffee hour. This is an important aspect of our fellowship that we all enjoy, so your support is encouraged and greatly appreciated. The sign up sheet is on the counter where coffee is served.

PAC/TV: Once again worship services will be aired on PAC/TV on Sundays at 8am and 6pm.


garymarks@8townsquare.org danspacek@8townsquare.org	February 20 , 2005	office@8townsquare.org
Volume LXXVII		No. 8
Dear Friends, I was reading the other day and came across the name of an English philosopher, friar and theologian about whom I had not thought in along time. His name was William of Ockham. I first encountered the work of Franciscan when I was an undergraduate. It was good to meet him again, as it were. I looked up his dates and found only that he died in 1349. William of Ockham is famous for an idea referred to as "Ockham's Razor." Basically the "razor" is a principle that proposes that a problem should always be stated in its basic and simplest terms. That means that all extraneous concerns, all elaborate explanations, etc. only complicate matters and should be "shaved off" allowing focus to be placed on the central issues or problems. Thus, William became known for his getting to central problems or issues without everything that surrounds it. I began to think about Ockham's Razor as a helpful way for us all to gain insight during the Lenten season. Lent is about getting to the issues of faith which are basic and, in a way, simple. It is a season in which we are encouraged and invited to think about ourselves and our relationship to God. It is following the pattern set down in the life of Jesus in order to focus upon ourselves, our needs, our short-comings, our need to "shave off" all that impedes our spiritual journey. Last week's reading form Matthew's Gospel, 4:1-11, is about the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. In that powerful story Jesus faced the basic temptation in life which keep us from realizing that God ought to be the highest priority in living life meaningfully. In that account Jesus did not get tangled up in theories or convoluted argument. He faced in the simplest form how easy it can be to succumb to temptations which are ultimately at odds with our own spiritual well-being. During Lent we might apply the basic principle articulated centuries ago by William of Ockham. We could "shave off" all elaborate justifications regarding life's temptations and our falling victim to them. In prayer, worship and meditation we should try to face what is important in life and what isn't. We might start by avoiding comparing ourselves to others by saying things like; "I'm no worse, in fact I'm better, than others." We should avoid saying that we are "just going with the flow of things" especially when we are convinced that "the flow of things" is not ethical or in harmony with God's desire for us to seek justice, mercy and compassion in the world and with one another. We might continue the Lenten journey by "shaving off" judging others as a means of justifying weaknesses in ourselves. There are only a few suggestions concerning ways by which we may proceed through Lent by keeping our focus on the basic issues of our lives and how we can "go along with " Jesus on his own journey to the new life of resurrection. When we apply something like Ockham's Razor in matters of the spirit we may just be surprised by the simplest truth of all: God loves us and wants us to love one another. Love, © The Church of the Pilgrimage in Plymouth, MA Inc., all rights reserved.
Sunday, February 20, 2005 Second Sunday in Lent Morning Worship, 10:00 am , Rev. Gary L. Marks, preaching. Deacon of the Month: Don Moore. Altar Flowers: In loving memory of Rae C. Walker and Marion A. Nickerson Walker. Given by Mahlon Walker. Brown Bag Auction: We thank all for the Brown Bag Auction on February 12th. It was a fun evening and we thank the Board of Trustees for planning it. New Members will be received into the church on February 27, 2005. Already Rev. Marks is making plans for another class. If you are interested in becoming a member of The Church of the Pilgrimage, please let Rev. Marks know or call the church office. "Expressions of Faith": We are appreciative of those who have offered "Expressions of Faith" during recent Sunday services. Jennifer Bingham-Maas, Chuck Harper and Alice Heckman have inspired us all in their heart-felt testimonies regarding what the church means to them. The Stewardship Committee is providing these opportunities of sharing as part of the current Stewardship Campaign. Thank you, one and all!
CHURCH RECORD Hospitalized: Jane Burns, Elizabeth Porter and Dorothy Strassel all at Jordan Hospital. In Memoriam: On February 12, 2005 Rev. Marks conducted a graveside service for Elizabeth Wood. On February 15, 2005 Rev. Marks conducted a funeral service for Donna Mae Andrews in the sanctuary. On February 16, 2005 Rev. Marks conducted a funeral service for Florence Cavenaugh. Our sympathies and prayers are extended to all those who grieve the loss of loved ones.
THIS WEEK Sunday,Feb 20: Morning Worship 10:00 a.m., Rev. Gary L.Marks, preaching; Search Committee Meeting, 11:30-1:30, Church House; Monday, Feb. 21 Presidents Day, The Church Office will be Closed; Aerobics, 9:15 a.m., Allerton Hall; Monday Meals of Hospitality, noon-1pm, Allerton Hall; Pilgrim Festival Chorus Rehearsal, 7-10pm, Sanctuary; Budget Committee Meeting, Church House. Tuesday, Feb 22: Rev. Marks will be in the church office, 9:30-11:30am; Aerobics, 6:30 pm; Allerton Hall; Advisory Board Meeting, 7:30 pm, Church House; Wednesday, Feb 23: Aerobics, 9:15 a.m., Allerton Hall; Staff Meeting, 10:00 am; Evening Prayer Service, 7pm, sanctuary; Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm, sanctuary. Thursday, Feb 24: Aerobics, 6:30pm, Allerton Hall. Friday, Feb. 25: Aerobics, 9:15 am, Allerton Hall; Rev. Marks will be in the church office, 9:30-11:30am.
NOTES: MISSIONS AND OUTREACH One Great Hour of Sharing: March 6, 2005 is Dedication Day for the One Great Hour of Sharing. Every year through our generous gifts, our congregation, along with nine other denominations, supports the network of ministries that reaches victims of disaster, poverty, illness and war around the world. The 6th annual Warm Hearts, Warm Homes Gala Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 19th, 2005, at the Radisson Hotel in Plymouth. Senator Therese Murray will be the guest auctioneer. Local restaurants serve sumptuous fare. There is music and a silent auction too. Purchase tickets at the door for $60 per person. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Florida Hurricane Recovery should send checks to: Wider Church Ministries, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. Online donations may be made at http://www.ucc.org/oghss/donate.htm. Overnights of Hospitality interfaith program continues to be successful and will continue through the winter. Volunteers are needed at First Parish Church the week of March 20-26. If you cannot volunteer, but would like to make a contribution to this vital program, please send checks, payable to: Christ Church Episcopal, 149 Court Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 (marked in the memo for Task Force for the Homeless). Monday Meals of Hospitality: Thank you to the following people who cooked, served and helped out at the first of seven Monday Meals of Hospitality: Kay Budd, Diane Cowie, Alice Heckman, Janet Holmes, Carol Johnson, Shellie McCormack, Robin Trask, Mahlon Walker and Me Bross. Prayer opportunities at 7:00pm on Wednesdays will continue during the Lenten season. The Evening Prayer services are seemingly satisfying a spiritual need for those who have attended on a regular basis. Please feel free to join us on a Wednesday evening. We are grateful to our Missions/Outreach Committee for answering the need for providing hot lunches for the homeless on Mondays. The meals are greatly appreciated by those who are in need of them. Membership Corner: Please take a moment to visit the Membership Corner in Allerton Hall. In that area you will find our "Church Family" bulletin board, and an updated list of drivers in case you need a ride to church. There are extra Heralds, committee booklets,directories, notecards and "desk type" supplies, as well as photos of many of our new members and our not-so-new members. It might help you to put a name with a face you've seen around. If anyone has newspaper pictures etc. about church members they would like to share, please post them. Tacks are in the desk. There will also be a portion of the bulletin board that will change monthly with a seasonal theme or important information about upcoming events. Chicken Soup for the Soul Luncheon to Welcome New Members: On Feb 27th the Membership & Evangelism Committee will sponsor a church family lunch to honor what is now 2 new membership classes. Homemade Chicken Soup an beverages will be provided, but we are asking people, other than new members, to bring a plate of sandwiches to serve 8 or a dessert. Last names beginning with A-M bring desserts and N-Z bring sandwiches. Lenten Fish Dinner. On Friday March 11 at 6:30 pm, the Women's Fellowship will host an evening of fine food and fellowship for all. On the menu is salmon, macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes, carrots, salad, bread and pie. The fish dinner is $8, the macaroni and cheese is $6. Children 3 and under are free. A maximum of $28 per family will be charged. If cost is an issue and you would like to come please see Jenny or Marna. Look for sign ups in Allerton Hall over the next few weeks; reservations will be required. If you would be interested in making a pie (your choice), please call Jenny Healy 508-747-7168. Thanks and see you there. Sunday River Ski Trip, Feb 20-23. Those attending please arrive at the church house at 1:45pm to leave at 2:00pm. Coffee Hour Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are needed to sign up for coffee hour. This is an important aspect of our fellowship that we all enjoy, so your support is encouraged and greatly appreciated. The sign up sheet is on the counter where coffee is served. PAC/TV: Once again worship services will be aired on PAC/TV on Sundays at 8am and 6pm.
Coming Events: Feb. 27 New members will be received into the church during the worship service.
Clerk - Lois Post; Moderator - Steven Triffletti; Treasurer - David Kegel; Collector - Thomas Mudgett; 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.