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.

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 second of seven Monday Meals of Hospitality: Kay Budd, Pat and Tom Mudgett, Janet Holmes, Hildegard Schimpf and Meg and John 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.

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.

"He was known to them in the breaking of bread." Luke 24:35
*Lent-Fish-Bread-A Table Around which to gather with like minded Christians, all of this is an intentional part of Lent at The Church of the Pilgrimage.

Join us for 2 special events. Reservations are necessary for both.

Friday, March 11-Lenten Fish or Mac & Cheese Dinner
Sunday, March 20-Palm Sunday Communion Breakfast.

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.

The Church of the Pilgrimage on PAC/TV: Sunday Services will appear on cable PAC/TV on Sundays at 8am and 6pm. We thank Tom Healy for taping the Sunday Services which appear on PAC on a one or two week delay.

If you are interested in church membership, please call the church office or speak to Rev. Marks for information.

Congratulations to Tom and Pat Mudgett who celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on February 20, 2005!

We thank Cliff Sampson for his sensitive "Stewardship Testimony" on February 20th.

Come Make a Joyful Noise! Women's fellowship is hosting a sing-a-long in the sanctuary on Monday, March 7 at 6:30 (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE). As always, all the women of the church are invited. We are very excited this month to be inviting the women form other area churches to join us, so bring a friend along. Don't forget to call for a ride if you need one. (Jenny 508-747-7168 or Marna 781-826-2543). See you there.

FYI-Timeline created by Board of Trustees at last meeting:
March 15 Full report by Budget Committee to Board of Trustees regarding the FY05-06 Budget.

April 19 Board of Trustees final approval of budget.
April 25 Send to printer.
May 1 Report available to congregation.
May 15 Annual Meeting

Budget Committee Meeting: Monday Night, February 28 at 7:30pm in the church house.

Nominating Committee Meeting: Wednesday, March 2nd 6:30pm-7:30pm in Allerton Hall.

If you are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, a 9-week training program is scheduled to begin Monday, March 21st. If you would like to join Cranberry Hospice please call Karen Foster at 508-746-0215 to register, fill out an application and make an appointment for an interview. Hospice volunteers are the heart of Hospice, and help provide care and comfort to our patients and their families.

Student Exchange Program: We at ASSEE are seeking host families for teenage boys and girls from the Americas, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Pacific, and Europe for the 2005-2006 academic year. This can be a very exciting learning experience for a family who is willing to share their way of life with a well-qualified youngster form another culture who will attend the local high school and become an active member of the family. ASSE also provides American high school students the opportunity to live with families abroad for a year, three months (reciprocal program), or for a summer. If interested or if you have any questions, please contact Lana Tereshko, Area Representative at 781-293-3063.


garymarks@8townsquare.org danspacek@8townsquare.org	February 27 , 2005	office@8townsquare.org
Volume LXXVII		No. 9
Dear Friends, I, more or less, stumbled into a study of Christian/Celtic spirituality. I was looking for a means of tapping into a very often neglected side of Christian faith and was pointed in the direction of the early Celtic Christians through a seminar I attended at Trinity College, Dublin in the mid-1990's. As I began my study through study, travel and spiritual practice I was surprised that the Celts were influenced by a peculiar group of Christians seeking spiritual insight by withdrawing from a society they thought to have corrupted the teachings of Jesus. These men and women retreated into the deserts of Egypt in the fourth century. The early Irish, Scots, Welsh, Northumbria Celtic Christians were aware of these Christians of the desert and sought to imitate their spiritual practices where they were. They tried to create, as it were, "deserts" of their own in their zeal to follow Jesus "spirituality." I first read a collection of the so-called "sayings of the desert" fathers and mothers which had been gathered by the spiritual giant Thomas Merton who was fascinated by the connection between the Egyptian recluses and the early Celts. The collection is entitled, The Wisdom of the Desert. One of the prominent desert fathers of Egypt was a man named Abba Poeman. One of his stories, or aphorisms, I find helpful in our own spiritual journey through the Lenten season. Abba Poeman said: "The nature of water is yielding, and that of stone is hard. Yet if you hang a bottle filled with water above the stone so that the water drips drop by drop, it will wear a hole in the stone. In the same way the word of God is tender, and our heart is hard. So when people hear the word of God frequently, their hearts are opened to the fear of God." (In, Wisdom of the Desert). Don't be put off by the phrase, as some are, "...the fear of God." It simply means to be open to the grace and grandeur of God. Sometimes spiritual insight comes slowly and only after being patient, even repetitious, in allowing ourselves to be exposed on a regular basis to the "tender" word of God. Drop by drop, as Abba Poeman taught, the grace of God's word can, and will, penetrate event the hardest of human hearts. The Lenten pilgrimage is an effort among us who are professing Christians to place ourselves patiently, but passionately, before the word of God which, perhaps more slowly than we want it, will "open" our hearts to the power and energy of faith. If we make that effort, as Jesus himself did in the wilderness (desert), we shall be renewed and made ready to seek God's desire for us to live out the great command to love ourselves and one another. Drop by drop the word of God opens our hearts. Love, © The Church of the Pilgrimage in Plymouth, MA Inc., all rights reserved.
Sunday, February 27, 2005 Third 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 Miriam L. Barnes. Given by Tom Barnes. New Members to be honored at Soup Luncheon: Sunday, February 27th. Please bring sandwiches or desserts to share. We suggest: A-M 6 to 8 sandwiches and N-Z a dessert. Bring food to the kitchen before church. Join in welcoming new members into our church family. A Handyman/Carpenter is needed to move the clothes rod in the closet off the balcony. Storage for Christmas decorations has been limited by Cingular's "take over" of the closet near the bell tower. At the present time, our Christmas tree and wreaths are left out on the balcony and we need them moved before Palm Sunday, March 20th. Just a little reorganizing will allow better utilization of the space we do have. If you could help, please call Kathy Marks, 508-747-3738. Do you need a ride to church? In the rack opposite the Church Family bulletin board (in Allerton Hall) there are updated lists of volunteer drivers. Please take a list and contact on of the volunteers whenever you need a ride. Daffodil Days: The American Cancer Society Daffodil Days are here again. You may place your orders on Sunday, February 27, after church in Allerton Hall. The cost will be $7 a bunch, and may be picked up on Easter Sunday.
CHURCH RECORD Hospitalized: Jane Burns, Jordan Hospital. In Memoriam: On February 18, 2005 Rev. Marks conducted a funeral service for William Gordon Tucker. On February 24, 2005 Rev. Marks conducted a graveside service for long-time church member Melissa Midkif. Baptism: Colby Robert Sampson, son of Michele (Rowe) Sampson and Richard Sampson Jr. on Sunday, February 20, 2005 during the worship service.
THIS WEEK Sunday,Feb. 27: Morning Worship 10:00 a.m., Rev. Gary L.Marks, preaching; New Members will be received into the church during the service; Chicken Soup for the Soul, following worship in Kendall Hall; Cherub Choir Rehearsal, after worship in Sanctuary. Monday, Feb. 28: Aerobics, 9am, Allerton Hall; Girl Scouts, 3:30-5, Church House; Tiger Pack, 4-5:30, Church House; Budget Committee Meeting, 7:30pm, Church House. Tuesday,Mar. 1: 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, Mar. 2: Aerobics, 9:15 a.m., Allerton Hall; Staff Meeting, 10:00 am; Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm, sanctuary; Nominating Committee Mtg., 6:30-7:30pm, Church House; Troop 47, Church House; Brownie Troop #122m 4-5:30, Church House. Thursday, Mar. 3: Aerobics, 6:30pm, Allerton Hall. Friday, Mar. 4: 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. 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 second of seven Monday Meals of Hospitality: Kay Budd, Pat and Tom Mudgett, Janet Holmes, Hildegard Schimpf and Meg and John 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. 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. "He was known to them in the breaking of bread." Luke 24:35 *Lent-Fish-Bread-A Table Around which to gather with like minded Christians, all of this is an intentional part of Lent at The Church of the Pilgrimage. Join us for 2 special events. Reservations are necessary for both. Friday, March 11-Lenten Fish or Mac & Cheese Dinner Sunday, March 20-Palm Sunday Communion Breakfast. 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. The Church of the Pilgrimage on PAC/TV: Sunday Services will appear on cable PAC/TV on Sundays at 8am and 6pm. We thank Tom Healy for taping the Sunday Services which appear on PAC on a one or two week delay. If you are interested in church membership, please call the church office or speak to Rev. Marks for information. Congratulations to Tom and Pat Mudgett who celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary on February 20, 2005! We thank Cliff Sampson for his sensitive "Stewardship Testimony" on February 20th. Come Make a Joyful Noise! Women's fellowship is hosting a sing-a-long in the sanctuary on Monday, March 7 at 6:30 (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE). As always, all the women of the church are invited. We are very excited this month to be inviting the women form other area churches to join us, so bring a friend along. Don't forget to call for a ride if you need one. (Jenny 508-747-7168 or Marna 781-826-2543). See you there. FYI-Timeline created by Board of Trustees at last meeting: March 15 Full report by Budget Committee to Board of Trustees regarding the FY05-06 Budget. April 19 Board of Trustees final approval of budget. April 25 Send to printer. May 1 Report available to congregation. May 15 Annual Meeting Budget Committee Meeting: Monday Night, February 28 at 7:30pm in the church house. Nominating Committee Meeting: Wednesday, March 2nd 6:30pm-7:30pm in Allerton Hall. If you are interested in becoming a hospice volunteer, a 9-week training program is scheduled to begin Monday, March 21st. If you would like to join Cranberry Hospice please call Karen Foster at 508-746-0215 to register, fill out an application and make an appointment for an interview. Hospice volunteers are the heart of Hospice, and help provide care and comfort to our patients and their families. Student Exchange Program: We at ASSEE are seeking host families for teenage boys and girls from the Americas, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Pacific, and Europe for the 2005-2006 academic year. This can be a very exciting learning experience for a family who is willing to share their way of life with a well-qualified youngster form another culture who will attend the local high school and become an active member of the family. ASSE also provides American high school students the opportunity to live with families abroad for a year, three months (reciprocal program), or for a summer. If interested or if you have any questions, please contact Lana Tereshko, Area Representative at 781-293-3063.
Coming Events: Mar. 6 Search Committee Meeting, 11:30-1:30, Church House. Mar. 7 Women's Fellowship, 6:30, Allerton Hall. Mar. 10 Membership Committee Meeting. Mar. 11 Lenten Fish Supper, 6:30pm in Allerton Hall (see notes); Women's Guild, 1pm, Allerton Hall.
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.