Pilgrimage Herald

MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
Monday Meals of Hospitality: Thank you to Janet Holmes, Carol Johnson, Hildegard Schimpf and Meg Bross for cooking and serving this week. The average number of guests coming to this program has been 10.

Food Warehouse: The volunteers at the Food Warehouse appreciate the on-going support form The Church of the Pilgrimage to help eradicate hunger in the Plymouth area. Currently the pantry is very low on food supplies. Canned fruit, cereal, peanut butter and jelly and ketchup are at the top of the list for this week.

Gifts of the Heart Kits: Church World Service will be sending these health kits to children in Iraq and other countries where they need them. Thank you to all who have been making donations. We now have enough bandages and bars of soap, but still need washcloths, hand towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, nail files and combs.

Heifer International: During the month of May, our church family will focus on the work of Heifer International, dedicated to helping millions of people in 125 countries, become self-reliant through livestock, educational and sharing and caring programs. Please read the enclosed information regarding Heifer International.

Mother's Day: The Missions and Outreach Committee will have simple carnation corsages available at the church door, beginning at 9:30am on May 8th, to honor mothers. A donation of $5.oo for each one will benefit Heifer International.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE...Time and Talent Auction: We are asking friends and members to complete the form that was mailed and return it to Pat Mudgett at church or mail it to the office. Please keep the spirit of the auction in mind as you offer donations and bid on items. The service auction will serve as a social event as well as a fund-raiser. The dinner will include ham & beans, home-baked bread, coleslaw and homemade apple pie. Tickets will be $6 for Adults, $3 for children, $16 per family. Please mark you calendar for April 30th at 6:00pm and plan to attend!. Help make this a successful fundraiser! SOME FUN AUCTION IDEAS....mop a floor... paint a door...cook a feast...walk a beast...have a party on your boat...embroider a bird on a coat...repair a crack...massage a back...shop for cars...chart the stars...wash a window 'till it shines...share your cottage in the pines...bake bread...make a bed...share your tickets...whitewash pickets...giggle with babies...gossip with ladies...feed the fish...grant a wish...design a room...build a loom...cater a dinner...photo the winner...teach a dance...or alter pants

Confirmation Class Clothing Drive: The following is a list of items needed for the confirmation class's clothing drive for the homeless:

* Travel size toiletries
* Ziploc Bags (quart size)
* Men's Underwear , Briefs (L, XL, 2XL)
* Men's Undershirts (L, XL, 2XL)
* Men's White Tube Socks
* Emergency Ponchos and Blankets
* Sweatshirts
* Backpacks
* Winter Jackets (to be stored until next fall/winter)

Please place all donations in the large blue bins at the bottom of the stairs in the lower vestibule. Also, cash donations are greatly appreciated! Items will be collected until May 15th when they will be delivered. Thank you all for your support.

DATE CHANGE...Pawtucket Red Sox: If you are interested in going on a bus trip to see the Pawtucket Red Sox on Saturday, June 4th please contact Al Hoyt at 508-224-9507.

Youth Fellowship: May 1st 3-5pm "Trash Bash" (teams will compete to see who can pick up the most trash at given locations, bags and gloves provided). Meet in Allerton Hall 3pm.

Capital Campaign Construction: Soon construction will begin on the Church House! All items must be removed from the Church House by April 30th. Plans are underway to move furniture, files, office equipment, etc. out of the Church House.

New Member Classes: A number of people have spoken to Rev. Marks about their desire to become members of The Church of the Pilgrimage. If you are interested in church membership, please speak to Rev. Marks or call the church office. Because of Rev. Markes schedule, the exact dates for these classes are still indefinite. He will contact those who have expressed an interest in membership when dates and times are established. There will be three classes, 11:30am-12:30pm following Sunday worship.

SAVE THE DATE: The Fifth Annual Church of the Pilgrimage Golf Tournament will be held Saturday morning, June 18, at Squirrel Run Golf Course. Signups for individuals and foursomes, as well as non-golfers who will join us for lunch, will begin at church in a few weeks Meanwhile, we would like you to ask your employers, as well as businesses you frequent, to be hole sponsors. Committee members have letters of authorization and flyers for you to use. Contact Mike Harrington, 508-747-2060, Tony & Susan Cotta, Judy & John Mitchell, or Paul Scheid for forms or more information.

Thank you to all from Jane Burns: What a wonderful church family I am a part of! Your prayers for my well being, your caring and concerns, your many cards & notes, visits, gifts and flowers have all helped me through the past two difficult months. I hope soon to get to church and thank you personally. With sincere thanks for your caring! Jane

The Annual Plymouth Area Choir Festival will be held Sunday, May 1 at 6pm at The Church of the Pilgrimage. Choirs from churches from Plymouth, Kingston and Carver will each sing two of their favorite anthems, and then join together for several songs as a combined choir. As always, the Choir Festival is free and everyone is welcome.


garymarks@8townsquare.org danspacek@8townsquare.org	April 24 , 2005	office@8townsquare.org
Volume LXXVII		No. 17
Dear Friends, I read a quotation from a book by Josh McDowell, See Yourself As God Sees You, that I like. McDowell said, "We study the Bible not primarily to learn what to do as Christians but how to be a Christian." He continues; "As we understand from Scripture who we are and what we are becoming, the doing part of faith will practically take care of itself. Very often Christians search the Bible for indicators which will tell them exactly what to do in almost every situation that they may encounter in life. There is an often unexamined assumption in that approach. That assumption is that life situations are the same today as they were when a text was written. We all know that they are not. McDowell states well the attitude toward the Bible which places emphasis upon character formation in studying the Bible. The assumption I make in Bible study is that within a historical context we can find guidance regarding how we should be and act in the realities of life as we live them today. The Bible is not a detailed book of law or ethics, but it reveals a way of being which informs us of who we are, who we are becoming and what it means to be a Christian in 2005. I'll never forget how shocked I was when I first read St. Augustine's terse statement about Christian life and behavior. He said, "Love God and then do whatever you please." Upon reflection, however, it is clear that Augustine was merely putting plainly the basic teaching of Jesus in his summation of the commandments. When asked a Pharisee asked Jesus which commandment in the law is the greatest, Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind...A second is like it 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:36-40). Clearly, they way of Jesus cannot be reduced to a once given prescription for every life circumstance. Rather, Jesus' way is to allow a deep and profound love of God and the neighbor to indicate not just what we should do, but to act in accordance with that love. That's what St. Augustine was saying, too. I often hear people say that the so-called liberal churches have no sense of moral absolutes. To that I say we try, through worship, prayer, and faith to honor the absolutes of life and action given to us by Jesus. Jesus taught that love to God and neighbor are absolutes which create who we are, how we are to be, and that as life situations change the absolutes of Jesus do not. He leaves it to us to determine what his love demands. To follow Jesus' way requires discipline, The Bible is not merely a legal book; it is a testimony to the power of God's love to transform us so that we behave and act in accord with who we are and who we are becoming. When love teaches us who we are we'll know what to do. Love, © The Church of the Pilgrimage in Plymouth, MA Inc., all rights reserved.
Sunday,April 24, 2005 Morning Worship,10:00am:Rev. Gary L. Marks, preaching. Deacon in-charge: Janice Lee. Flowers: In loving memory of Henry, Mary and Keith Dunlap. Given by Robert and Marilyn Dunlap Colburn. The Board of Trustees TIMELINE: April 8 Committee reports due in the church office. April 19 Board of Trustees final approval of budget. April 25 Send to printer. May 1 Report available to congregation. May 15 Annual Meeting. Annual Plant Sale- Saturday, June 4, 2005 from 9am-1pm Plants are staring to rise up in the garden. Now is the time to divide and put in pots. If anyone needs help in digging, please call Tom and I at 508-224-7296. We will be happy to dig up any plants you'd like to donate. Thank you! Pat Mudgett The Next Monday Evening Bible Study and the Tuesday Lunch Bunch will be May 2nd at 7pm and May 3rd at noon. Both groups meet in Allerton Hall. The subject will be the upcoming Sunday's lectionary texts. Readings for these classes are: Acts 1:6-14 and John 17:1-11. All are encouraged to attend. Gift Shop Volunteers Needed: Jordan Hospital Gift Shop is in need of volunteers from 5-7pm on Thursdays. If you have some time to spare, call Eileen Ganem at 508-746-9152. Other times are also available. Thank you in advance. Last Call for Addresses for Young Adults away from home: The Membership & Evangelism Committee will send well wishes to young adults away from home, in college, service or other. Please notify the office of the address by Sunday. Thanks for helping us stay in touch.
CHURCH RECORD Baptism: During the worship service on April 17, 2005 Rev. Marks baptized Holden Thomas Lassige, son of Holly and Dennis Lassige; Rev. Sinn baptized Katharine Shields Gregory, daughter of Elizabeth and Jonathan Gregory. Wedding: On April 16, 2005 Rev. Marks conducted a wedding service for David Agnello and Suzanne Wurster in the sanctuary. In Memoriam: On April 19, 2005 Rev. Marks conducted a funeral service for John S. Jarosz.
THIS WEEK Sunday,Apr. 24: Morning worship10:00am, Rev. Gary L. Marks , preaching; Cherub Choir Rehearsal, 11:15 am, sanctuary. Monday, Apr 25: Aerobics, 9am, Allerton Hall; Monday Meals of Hospitality, 12-1pm, Allerton Hall; Girl Scouts, 3:30-5, Church House; Tiger Pack, 4-5:30, Church House. Tuesday, Apr. 26: Rev. Marks will be in the church office, 9:30-11:30am.; Aerobics, 6:30 pm; Allerton Hall; Advisory Board Meeting, 7pm, Church House Wednesday, Apr.27: Aerobics, 9:15 a.m., Allerton Hall; Staff Meeting, 10am; Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm, sanctuary; Pack 47 & Troop 47, Church House; Brownie Troop #122 4-5:30, Allerton Hall; Evening Prayer, 7pm, sanctuary. Thursday, Apr. 28: Aerobics, 6:30pm, Allerton Hall; Pilgrim Association Spring Meeting, 6:15pm, Bridgewater. Friday, Apr. 29: Aerobics, 9:15 am, Allerton Hall; Rev. Marks will be in the church office, 9:30-11:30am. Sat. Apr. 30: Rev. Marks will attend a Pilgrim Fellows meeting at noon at Pilgrim Hall; Time & Talent Auction, 6pm, Allerton Hall.
NOTES: MISSIONS AND OUTREACH Monday Meals of Hospitality: Thank you to Janet Holmes, Carol Johnson, Hildegard Schimpf and Meg Bross for cooking and serving this week. The average number of guests coming to this program has been 10. Food Warehouse: The volunteers at the Food Warehouse appreciate the on-going support form The Church of the Pilgrimage to help eradicate hunger in the Plymouth area. Currently the pantry is very low on food supplies. Canned fruit, cereal, peanut butter and jelly and ketchup are at the top of the list for this week. Gifts of the Heart Kits: Church World Service will be sending these health kits to children in Iraq and other countries where they need them. Thank you to all who have been making donations. We now have enough bandages and bars of soap, but still need washcloths, hand towels, toothpaste, toothbrushes, nail files and combs. Heifer International: During the month of May, our church family will focus on the work of Heifer International, dedicated to helping millions of people in 125 countries, become self-reliant through livestock, educational and sharing and caring programs. Please read the enclosed information regarding Heifer International. Mother's Day: The Missions and Outreach Committee will have simple carnation corsages available at the church door, beginning at 9:30am on May 8th, to honor mothers. A donation of $5.oo for each one will benefit Heifer International. IT'S NOT TOO LATE...Time and Talent Auction: We are asking friends and members to complete the form that was mailed and return it to Pat Mudgett at church or mail it to the office. Please keep the spirit of the auction in mind as you offer donations and bid on items. The service auction will serve as a social event as well as a fund-raiser. The dinner will include ham & beans, home-baked bread, coleslaw and homemade apple pie. Tickets will be $6 for Adults, $3 for children, $16 per family. Please mark you calendar for April 30th at 6:00pm and plan to attend!. Help make this a successful fundraiser! SOME FUN AUCTION IDEAS....mop a floor... paint a door...cook a feast...walk a beast...have a party on your boat...embroider a bird on a coat...repair a crack...massage a back...shop for cars...chart the stars...wash a window 'till it shines...share your cottage in the pines...bake bread...make a bed...share your tickets...whitewash pickets...giggle with babies...gossip with ladies...feed the fish...grant a wish...design a room...build a loom...cater a dinner...photo the winner...teach a dance...or alter pants Confirmation Class Clothing Drive: The following is a list of items needed for the confirmation class's clothing drive for the homeless: * Travel size toiletries * Ziploc Bags (quart size) * Men's Underwear , Briefs (L, XL, 2XL) * Men's Undershirts (L, XL, 2XL) * Men's White Tube Socks * Emergency Ponchos and Blankets * Sweatshirts * Backpacks * Winter Jackets (to be stored until next fall/winter) Please place all donations in the large blue bins at the bottom of the stairs in the lower vestibule. Also, cash donations are greatly appreciated! Items will be collected until May 15th when they will be delivered. Thank you all for your support. DATE CHANGE...Pawtucket Red Sox: If you are interested in going on a bus trip to see the Pawtucket Red Sox on Saturday, June 4th please contact Al Hoyt at 508-224-9507. Youth Fellowship: May 1st 3-5pm "Trash Bash" (teams will compete to see who can pick up the most trash at given locations, bags and gloves provided). Meet in Allerton Hall 3pm. Capital Campaign Construction: Soon construction will begin on the Church House! All items must be removed from the Church House by April 30th. Plans are underway to move furniture, files, office equipment, etc. out of the Church House. New Member Classes: A number of people have spoken to Rev. Marks about their desire to become members of The Church of the Pilgrimage. If you are interested in church membership, please speak to Rev. Marks or call the church office. Because of Rev. Markes schedule, the exact dates for these classes are still indefinite. He will contact those who have expressed an interest in membership when dates and times are established. There will be three classes, 11:30am-12:30pm following Sunday worship. SAVE THE DATE: The Fifth Annual Church of the Pilgrimage Golf Tournament will be held Saturday morning, June 18, at Squirrel Run Golf Course. Signups for individuals and foursomes, as well as non-golfers who will join us for lunch, will begin at church in a few weeks Meanwhile, we would like you to ask your employers, as well as businesses you frequent, to be hole sponsors. Committee members have letters of authorization and flyers for you to use. Contact Mike Harrington, 508-747-2060, Tony & Susan Cotta, Judy & John Mitchell, or Paul Scheid for forms or more information. Thank you to all from Jane Burns: What a wonderful church family I am a part of! Your prayers for my well being, your caring and concerns, your many cards & notes, visits, gifts and flowers have all helped me through the past two difficult months. I hope soon to get to church and thank you personally. With sincere thanks for your caring! Jane The Annual Plymouth Area Choir Festival will be held Sunday, May 1 at 6pm at The Church of the Pilgrimage. Choirs from churches from Plymouth, Kingston and Carver will each sing two of their favorite anthems, and then join together for several songs as a combined choir. As always, the Choir Festival is free and everyone is welcome.
Coming Events: May 1 Hymn Sing/Choir Festival 4pm rehearsal, 6pm performance in the sanctuary. May 1 Youth Fellowship "Trash Bash" May 2 Rev. Marks will attend a Library Committee meeting at The Congregational House, 14 Beacon St., Boston May 4 Yom Ha-Shoa Service, Beth Jacob Community Center, 7:30pm May 6 Wedding Rehearsal in the sanctuary, 6:30pm May 7 Wedding in the Sanctuary, 5pm May 8 Mother's Day May 15 The Annual Meeting of The Church of the Pilgrimage in the sanctuary following morning worship. May 16 Work begins in the Church House!
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.