Christmas Eve Service

Take a deep breath and pause this Christmas Eve. Pilgrim’s Christmas Eve service is at 10:00 pm. Music by the Pilgrim Choir, Bellissimo, soloists and traditional carols sung by the congregation.
Fellowship and social hour at 9:00 pm.

Broadcast of Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

This weekend PACT television is broadcasting the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service hosted by Pilgrim. The service was held the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and included music, readings, and reflections on giving thanks from many different religious traditions. The broadcast will be Saturday, December 18 at 2:00 pm and again at 6:30 p.m and Sunday, December 19 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Carolling Party December 19 4:00-6:00

Remember all those Christmas carols you love to sing? Bring your children, your neighbors and anyone else who might enjoy the simple pleasure of singing carols. We'll visit a few homes where Pilgrim members live and will gather back at the church for pizza afterwards. Don't worry about whether you can carry a tune--just come and join the fun!

We've Got Good News--a Multi Generational Retelling of the Christmas Story

There's no story quite like the Christmas story, and there's something poignant and beautiful about a community retelling it together. On Sunday, December 19, Pilgrim children, youth and adults will retell the story, complete with angels wearing gold tinsel halos, young shepherds, Mary, Joseph, the inkeeper, the magi, and Herod. The Pilgrim Percussion ensemble will drum, the choir will sing, and young musicians will share their talents. Come for a festive, fun, nostalgic, wonderful retelling of the Christmas story, 10:00 a.m.

Pilgirm e news December 10 2010

Winter storm watch for tonight! Here's hoping we're all plowed out by Sunday.

The Achterhoff/Grant household is hosting a gathering for Pilgrim families late Saturday afternoon before a visit to Bentleyville. Bundle up those little ones!

Warm your heart Sunday-- come to Pilgrim for a wonderful service of Advent and Christmas music, 10:00 Sunday. Bellissimo will play music they have prepared for the season and the Pilgrim Choir will sing Buxtehude's Advent Cantata, Rejoice, Beloved Christians.

Have you checked us out on Facebook? Yes, we have a page--search for Pilgrim Congregational Church, Duluth. Become a fan and get event notices from us.

During the 2nd hour this Sunday. Jim Drake will be teaching how to use social networks like Facebook as a communication tool. If you have grandchildren, you might enjoy surprising them with a newly acquired skill!

Women's book group meets Monday evening at 6:30 p.m.

This Season of Rejoicing

Sunday's worship at Pilgrim will be led by the Pilgrim Choir and Bellissimo, our handbell choir. Bring a friend and enjoy this hour of Advent/Christmas music, Sunday morning, 10:00 a.m.

from Pilgrim e news December 4 2010

Jackie Falk is preaching December 5--her text is Matthew 1:1-17. Ever wonder why Matthew begins with the long list of Jesus' ancestors? In Matthew's gospel, Joseph takes center stage as Jesus' earthly parent. Jackie is a member of Pilgrim and student at United Theological Seminary in the Twin Cities.

Following worship, we'll be gathering downstairs for a traditional winter lunch of tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches--and the opportunity to make wreaths, evergreen swags, Christmas ornaments, wrapping paper, and other such preparations for the Christmas season.

Children and youth are beginning their preparations for worship on December 19th. Parents: Please note that Sunday school classes will be in session until 11:30 both this Sunday and next. Enjoy a cup of coffee and time to take a breath while waiting to pick up your kids!

Advent Worship and Workshop December 5

Advent Workshop
December 5 following worship
Join the festivities, as we celebrate the Advent Season together
Enjoy a lunch of Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Make a wreath out of fresh greens to hang on your door or decorate your table.
Design your own Christmas cards or gift bags
Children can create Seasonal Decorations
Decorate Gingerbread Cookies
Fun for all ages!

Pilgrim e news November 27 2010

Welcome Advent! The Hanging of the Greens service is Sunday at 10:00. We have fun welcoming the holiday season as the Deacons dress up the sanctuary during worship. Child care for children up through 2nd grade. Older children can participate in the service and even help with the service if they like.

We'll baptize Amity Hanlon and welcome her into our community. The congregation will honor her with gifts for infants at Safehaven--a shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Gently used infant and toddler clothing, toys, and board books are great gifts as well.

Order your poinsettia during the coffee hour. Plants that retail at Engwalls for $25 can be ordered at Pilgrim for $20. In addition to your savings, the church receives $10 of each sale. Donate a plant to Pilgrim to beautify the sanctuary, or order a plant for your own use at home--or as a gift for someone. Orders are delivered to the church on Friday and can be picked up next Sunday.

Many thanks to all who volunteered this past week. We had eight volunteers at Damiano's; plenty of soup on Tuesday; and a great meal at Harmony House on Wednesday.

Enjoy the snow. Charlotte

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 23, 7:00 pm
Pilgrim is hosting the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Members and friends including St. Paul’s Episcopal, Unitarian Universalist Church of Duluth, First United Methodist Church, Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, Twin Ports Islamic Center, Peace UCC, and Temple Israel. Come for a service of praise and thanksgiving. Rabbi David Steinberg will speak.

Pilgrim Treasure Hunt

How do you make a decision about giving to Pilgrim? That's the Pilgrim Treasure Hunt question this week.
Giving to others, or giving to support the work of an organization in which I believe, helps me experience life's interconnections. It helps weave me into my place in the larger fabric of life and the world. For me, that sense of connection is part of my spiritual life.
Tithing is a time honored way of thinking about how and where I give. I try to give 5% of my income back to the church I serve in regular pledges and special gifts for the work of the larger church. The other 5% is divided between organizations that do charitable work and help for individuals. In my computer accounting program at home, I have a category simply labelled "good causes." They aren't recognized as tax deductible by the IRS, but they are my own private charitable giving. Each year I check at tax time to see that my church contributions, gifts to other charities and "good cause" entries add up to 10% of my gross income. Most years, I'm pretty close. Rev. Charlotte Frantz

Pilgrim Treasure Hunt

What is your most treasured dream for Pilgrim?

My treasured dream is to restore Pilgrim staff salaries to what they were in the first half of 2010. Not one of our staff has cut his or her work load. Each staff person is hard working and dedicated to Pilgrim!


What's the next step towards your dream?

Increased giving by the congregation.

Julie Johnson

Pilgrim Treasure Hunt

Whom, at Pilgrim, do you treasure?

I treasure Hazel Niss and Gertrude Jacobson. Hazel was always there, asking how things were going and offering bits of wisdom with lots of humor. Raising a family (also with twins), she was certainly able to put things in perspective for me! Gertrude's beautiful smile and loving kindness greets us each Sunday. Her healthy, active lifestyle is an inspiration to us all. I feel very fortunate that these two women have been in my life at Pilgrim! Sarah Beaster

Gourmet Sandwiches Available THIS Friday

Check out our Friday Gourmet meals! They're heavenly! Menu for Friday, October 29th

Sandwiches
Shredded Beef with Tomato Relish

Chicken Caesar Club Salad

Grilled Portabella with Pesto Mayonnaise

Soup
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Florentine

Kid's Sandwiches
Peanut Butter Fruit Roll Up
Pepperoni and Cheese Waffle
Pizza Cheesy Roll up
Call 218-728-8996 no later than Thursday at 7:00 p.m. to order your meal; pick up your order on Friday between 5:00 and 7:00. (Orders placed on Friday are limited to supplies on hand.)Prices: Soup and whole sandwich with home-style coleslaw, pickle, and complimentary dessert, $15.00 (two orders for $29.00.)Sandwich with coleslaw and pickle, $10.00Bowl of soup, $5.00Kid's Sandwich, $3.00.

A Hogwarts Halloween

Sunday, October 31---6:00-8:00 pm
Come, visit Diagon Alley of the town of Hogsmeade-wizards, witches, house elves, and costumed guests of all ages welcome (but no dementors, please-non-violent costumes only). Activities will be appropriate for all ages-especially children from Preschool to Grade 6

What do you treasure about Pilgrim?

". . .that we are an Open and Affirming church and that we believe God is still speaking. We don't have a rigid creed here. Eleanor and I came to Pilgrim in the late 1950's because we wanted a church with freedom of thought. There are a lot of good people here doing a lot of good things. Almost everyone is active in some way. It's hard to believe I've lived 2/3 of my life here--I sometimes still feel like the new kid on the block! It's wonderful! It's not the building that makes the church, though it helps. It's the people here who count. " Charlie Nichol

Gourmet Sandwiches Avaialble THIS Friday

Check out our Friday Gourmet meals! They're heavenly! Menu for Friday, October 22nd

Sandwiches

Philly Cheese Steak with Grilled Onions and Green Peppers

Chicken with Marinara Sauce and Parmesan

Roasted Pepper with Goat Cheese

Soup

Southwest Chowder

Kid's Sandwiches

Peanut Butter Fruit Roll Up

Pepperoni and Cheese Waffle

Pizza Cheesy Roll up

Call 218-728-8996 no later than Thursday at 7:00 p.m. to order your meal; pick up your order on Friday between 5:00 and 7:00. (Orders placed on Friday are limited to supplies on hand.)Prices: Soup and whole sandwich with home-style coleslaw, pickle, and complimentary dessert, $15.00 (two orders for $29.00.)Sandwich with coleslaw and pickle, $10.00Bowl of soup, $5.00Kid's Sandwich, $3.00

Gourmet Sendwiches Available THIS Friday

Check out our Friday Gourmet meals! They're heavenly!

Menu for Friday, October 15

Sandwiches
Chicken Pesto with Provolone Cheese

Brisket with Coleslaw and Russian Dressing
Grilled Veggie with Hummus and Swiss Cheese
Soup
Roasted Tomato Vegetable
Kid's Sandwiches
Peanut Butter Fruit Roll up
Pepperoni and Cheese Waffle Pizza
Cheesy Roll up

Call 218-728-8996 no later than Thursday at 7:00 p.m. to order your meal; pick up your order on Friday between 5:00 and 7:00. (Orders placed on Friday are limited to supplies on hand.)

Prices: Soup and whole sandwich with home-style coleslaw, pickle, and complimentary dessert, $15.00 (two orders for $29.00.)
Sandwich with coleslaw and pickle, $10.00Bowl of soup, $5.00
Kid's Sandwich, $3.00

Special Speakers Sunday--Stacey Achterhoff and Steve O'Neil

So, How are the Children? Plan to be with us Sunday--in worship, Stacey Acterhoff will talk about the lives of children with whom she works in the Duluth school district; in the 2nd hour, Commissioner Steve O'Neil will talk about issues that affect the lives of children in St. Louis County. Invite someone to come with you Sunday!

Gourmet Sandwiches Available THIS Friday

Check out our Friday Gourmet meals! They're heavenly!

Menu for Friday, October 8

Sandwiches

Ham and Pineapple with Swiss Cheese

Corn Beef and Cheddar with Horseradish Sauce

Tomato, Mozzarell with Sprouts and Red Pepper Spread

Soup

Harvest Roasted Vegetables

Kid's Sandwiches

Peanut Butter Fruit Roll up

Pepperoni and Cheese Waffle Pizza

Cheesy Roll up

Call 218-728-8996 no later than Thursday at 7:00 p.m. to order your meal; pick up your order on Friday between 5:00 and 7:00. (Orders placed on Friday are limited to supplies on hand.)

Prices: Soup and whole sandwich with home-style coleslaw, pickle, and complimentary dessert, $15.00 (two orders for $29.00.)
Sandwich with coleslaw and pickle, $10.00
Bowl of soup, $5.00
Kid's Sandwich, $3.00

Godly Gourmet Sandwiches and Soup

They're heavenly!

Each Friday in October, from 5-7 p.m Pilgrims will be selling freshly made soup and sandwiches. Several selections will be available each week and the menu changes from week to week. Order early to get your preferred meal--call 218-728-8996 no later than Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Orders placed at pickup time will be limited to the supplies on hand.

Prices: Soup and whole sandwich with home-style coleslaw, pickle, and complimentary dessert, $15.00 (two orders for $29.00.)
Sandwich with coleslaw and pickle, $10.00
Bowl of soup, $5.00
Kid's Sandwich, $3.00

Menu items for Friday, October 1 Friday, October 1st
Sandwiches

Shredded Pork with Red Onion Jam and Blue Cheese Crumbles
Lamb Gyros with Tzatsiki sauce served on Pita bread.
Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese
Soup
Cajun Gumbo with Sausage

Kid's Sandwiches

Peanut Butter Fruit Roll up

Pepperoni and Cheese Waffle Pizza

Cheesy Roll-up

Turkeys Lucky 13

August 10
Ah, finally the Popes Team-St. Benedict’s, we got wet, but it was a warm wet. Kids and wives headed for the trees to try and keep dry. Was it really raining? We wanted to get this game in so bad, we were in denial. The Popes team had us down 6 to 4 in the bottom of the 3rd when Tucker walked up to plate with bases loaded—the bat always makes a certain sound when you really cream one, sort of a ting, so, TING and the race was on to see if he could score before they threw the ball back in. (He did).
The Popes had a left handed batting kid who slid into first base on his stomach (ouch) and then he got on base again and slid (on his stomach) into 3rd (more ouch) and I think Kenwood Dry Cleaners is going to get a little business. But hat’s off to the kid for effort.
Jenny Fronhauer and Abby both got a pair of hits, the women were on fire. We were lucky to get this game in before somebody got hurt. We still have to play this team one more time-6:00 pm next Tuesday, before the Playoffs. Are we ready/Is the Pope Catholic?—Oh, yea. Chalk one up for the Turkeys—13-7.

Turkey Power

Grace Baptist Church had youth & speed, their time will come, but the Turkeys have age, experience & POWER, and if we had Brett Farve on our team we could win the whole ball of wax.
At the end of 4 innings we had em down 20 to 3. Snustad hits this towering fly ball, three outfielders converge on it & it falls in between all of em-wow, hope you bought a Power Ball ticket Snooz, you lucky____. Dave Adams continued his punishment of their third baseman-3 line shots down the line; I kept hearing their manager saying “Play close to the line”. Then in the first inning I could tell they were playing Nick in too close and he made em pay for that one. Lindsay hit a smash down the 3rd base line (took a page out of the Dave Adams Book). The highlight of the game was a big glop of kids enjoying, of all things, Pokemon cards-Geez, are those things still around.
It was a beautiful night, we welcomed Amity Grace into this world last night and I am a grandpa once more. Thank you Lord.

National Night Out August 3

Come on out for CHUM's Street Fest on Tuesday, August 3rd, 6:00-7:00. on the parking lot behind the Food Shelf. Entertainment, fun and a neighborhood gathering of CHUM supporters, volunteers, and neighbors. Food will be served from 6:00-7:00.

Turkey's Bring Big Dog!

The Water’s Edge-who’s that? I asked Carter and he said it was probably a CULT of some sort. Seeing as how these were the new kids on the block, we had to see whose dog was bigger. Turns out some of our older dogs got their hackles up-Honigman and Adams hit these line shots at their 3rd baseman (I suppose he was wondering what they had for lunch). Adams made this great catch on a foul ball going down the 1st base line. Duffers Rule.
The Water’s edge was ahead of the Turkeys 2 to zip, but the Turkeys had a HUGE inning and scored 14 runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Tucker hit 2 homeruns in the same inning. Tuck hits the 1st homerun (over the guys head), the guy backs up and Tuck torches him again (ouch!).
The defense put a stranglehold on the Water’s Edge that would’ve made Brock Lesnar (mixed martial arts champion) blush.
Snustad crushed one to right field, and by that time Water’s Edge was searching for a white flag. Turkeys take ‘em in five innings 20-2. Our dog was bigger than their dog.-Kerry Hanlon

Register Now for Vacation Bible School

Pilgrim offers Vacation Bible School in partnership with Peace United Church of Christ. Join the fun August 2-6, 9:00-noon each day. Classes are held for students age 4-grade 5; middle school and high school youth serve as class assistants and leaders. Registration can be made through the church office (email us at pilgrimdlh@msn.com). $15 registration fee/child with a maximum of $40/family. All children are welcome, regardless of church affiliation.

Turkeys Beat St. John's

There was once a time when I took communion at St. John’s, and afterward I was told that I was going to a very warm place when I die because I did so. Though this may be true, needless to say I used this as the rallying cry for the Turkeys on this fine day. Grant Johnson came back to town (Good to see him again) and didn’t miss a beat. With a couple of Bunyanesque lumberjack swings, he sent the Johnnies outfielders running all game long. (I think I even saw him chugging maple syrup on the bench) Karl Honigman continued to baffle the Johnnies with his mysterious knuckle-curve pine tar-spit ball. (We let the Johnnies keep the game ball) Dave Moeller went 4-4, and both Snustad and Carter both hit titanic homeruns. Somehow I managed to knock two of their 3rd baseman out of the game with hard grounders…Ouch! Turkey’s roll 24-4. Next game July 20 at 8:00 against The Water's Edge. Tucker Hanlon

Turkeys Split a Double Headers

Turkey’s vs. Peace in Christ July 6th
So there we were, eyeball to eyeball with our deadly enemy Peace in Christ (these are the dudes and dudettes that beat us in the finals last year). They have this one big dude that looks like Jim Thome of the Minnesota Twins, problem is he hits like Jim Thome ( a big thug, who can MASH). This guy has bin on Roids since age 2 (his mother snuck it in with the lutefisk, figured he couldn’t taste it anyway). Big dude hits 2 home runs & there was nothing we could do about it. They had one Big inning and scored 8 runs. The only thing that topped that was the Turkeys had a big inning also & scored 9 runs (home runs by Moeller and Frohnauer). That was the difference in the ball game--one run. Turkeys managed to squeak out the victory 13 to 12. Tucker didn’t show up for the ball game as he was at La Maze class ( I don’t know why they couldn’t have these classes behind home plate somewhere in the grass). Havilland took one in the knee and it looked like he might be on the injured reserve list, but it turned out only to be a flesh wound. If only we could’ve had our secret BAT, but Tucker had it.

We played Peace in Christ again (this was a double header) and by this time the ball had turned to MUSH--probably because Roid man had mashed it too hard. Honigman showed me the ball and it sort of looked like it had a nose on it. We whined a little bit and got a new ball, but it was too late (it really was too late, ‘squitos were chewing on me) and we lost 5-2. I shook their manager’s hand and he said “we always like playing you guys”. Next time, green jello eaters.
by Kerry Hanlon

Turkey Gobble up the Opposition

Well, how do you like that, we finally got a game in. Noah put his Ark away and the Turkeys took the field. We were taking on Grace Baptist Church, and we had never played them before. So I asked Tewes what he thought - “What? We will crush them”. I wasn’t so sure. We got ahead 5 to 2, Nick Frohnauer was playing short stop and flashed some serious leather with a couple of fine defensive gems and , oh yeah, he also blasted a round tripper. Dave Moeller was playing first base and somehow got this impossible bloop fly ball down the line. In the 4th inning Dave Braun hit a home run to lead off and then the dam gates broke loose (completely loose). We batted around the whole line up - the bases were juiced when Carter walked up to the plate and hit the grand salami. I really can’t remember scoring 14 runs in one inning, but there it was, a good old fashioned whipping. Turkeys crush ‘em 19-3 (Never doubt the Tewes).

Turkeys to Play

The sun is out! The field is dry! The Pilgrim Turkeys are playing Tuesday evening, 7:00, p.m. , UMD Field 1. Come out to play or cheer--or hang out at the ball field and enjoy the company!

House Finished, Common Hope Fiesta

The house in San Rafael was finished in record time! We put the last of the lamina on the roof just before noon on Wednesday and were able to have the house blessing before heading back to Antigua. The house blessing is always an emotional moment when Common Hope turns the house over to the new owners, blessings are extended by the vision team, and there are tearful expressions of gratitude all around. We brought the traditional cake and had a bit of a party as we said goodbye. Then the rains began and we hurriedly put equipment and supplies in the truck and headed back to Common Hope.

We divided up for work detail in the afternoon--Bill, Suzie, Meghan, Niki, Charlotte and Meg in the warehouse sorting clothing and Gloria, Paula, Calder, Jesse and Alex to construction to make panels for another house. We had our final reflection meeting and talked about what this week and this group have meant to each of us. Then into Antigua for an hour of shopping and very nice dinner at Posada Don Roderigez.

Today is Father{s Day in Guatemala and a traditional half-day fiesta at Common Hope. There are a variety of activities, most notably the soccer matches among employee pick up teams. We{re hanging out, just playing and relaxing with the staff.

As a thank you to all the staff for their hard work and long hours immediately following Agatha, Common Hope will close at noon today and not reopen until Monday. We can tell that the staff is grateful for the long weekend and relaxing after the past three very strenuous weeks. It will be a long tme before some families and villages feel as if life has returned to normal, but the intense first phase of disaster relief is done. The house we built was originally scheduled to be completed the week of the storm, so the [blitz build[ effort with our team helped get construction back on schedule.

Gloria and Paula leave this afternoon; Bill, Suzie, Meghan and Niki leave early in the morning; Meg, Jesse, Calder, Alex and I will make a field trip to Iximche, the Mayan ruins not too far from Angtigua.

San Rafael

On Tuesday the whole team, along with Common Hope{s construction crew, put up a house in San Rafael. This is the fourth house Common Hope has erected there. The village is indigenous and very poor--for some of our group this was their first encounter with chronic, unrelieved poverty and it{s sustained effects on a community. We stopped at Hands of Hope clinic, where more than sixry women and children were lined up waiting for medical care. Then we climbed up the hill to the building site.

The family for which we are building consists of a mother and father and five children. They are currently living in a corn stalk home with a kitchen area behind it. They have pigs, chickens and a dog or two--all living in close quarters. No sanitation system. Something of a latrine. Surrounded by extended family. One of the family has a bovine who is tied to a tree right in the yard.

We hammered lumber together and helped put the wall panels in place, assisted by three Guatemalan volunteers . Julio, our bus driver, pitched in. He, himself, had lost his home to a mudslide. A young man, whose education had been made possible by Common Hope, but who is not currently working, has been volunteering with us in an effort to give back. And another Guatemalan who was looking for something to do for a few days volunteered as well. Those three, along with Common Hope employees, Pablo and Felix and the boss, Mario, did most of the work! Still, Bill got the chance to instruct some of us novices, Alex, Jesse and Calder made good contributions, and we convinced Meghan and Niki that they could drive in nails. The rains held off until late afternooon.

I was in San Rafael a year ago with Pilgrim{s vision team. I found that in a year{s time, the people of San Rafael are more open and much less shy in the presence of volunteers. The mother in this family invited us in to see her old house from the inside. She made us beans and tortillas for lunch and the children scampered around us, eager for us to take their pictures.

It continues to rain in the afternoon and evening. Apparently there is another tropical storm brewing to the west. Common Hope staff is monitoring the situation and will help us make decisions related to our travels after we we leave them.

Today is Wednesday and we will return to San Rafael to finish the house and have a house blessing. This afternoon we will help here on Common Hope{s campus.

Rain, Rain

It{s the rainy season in Guatemala and the first time I{ve experienced mosquitos here. Not quite up to the vigorous species of Minnesota, but annoying nonetheless. Today our team attended to a wide variety of tasks--Meg and Alex were in the warehouse sorting recent donations, Bill, Paula, Gloria, Caulder and I went with the construction crew to put up an interior wall in a school; Jesse shadowed a doctor at the clinic; Megan, Niki and Suzie took care of kids in the day care center.

During the afternoon, some of us had visits with the children we sponsor through Common Hope while others built panels to be used for a house in San Rafael. Jesse was back in the clinic and Meg and Calder did some after school care with older kids in the library. Then we had an orientation to San Rafael where we will all be working tomorrow. We have two days to put up a two room house. Here{s hoping for a day without rain!

Again at Common Hope

It is early morning in Guatemala. I love watching and listenting to the morning activity from the veranda in Common Hope

I expected that we might be doing some relief work, but Common Hope is very protective of its volunteers! Our job will be to continue some of Common Hopes regular work while Common Hope staff are assessing the long term needs after the storm.

We will spend the weekend "hanging out" in Antigua, the city where Common Hope is located and Monday we will visit with families sponsored by members of our group. Tuesday and Wednesday all of us will be working on a construction site in San Rafael. Thursday we will help Common Hope honor staff and families. Friday is Father{s Day in Guatemala and Common Hope will be closed to encourage staff families to have time together, so our team gets an extra day to play!

At least, that{s the plan for the week! The group this year is a "put together group" of folks who were interested in coming to work with Common Hope but needed a team to go with. Gloria and Paula are from southern Minnesota and will be joining a group from their Catholic parish for work in San Lucas later next week. Suzie and Bill are from Chicago and brought their two granddaughters, Nikki and Megan. My sister, Meg and her son Jesse are with us, along with Jesse{s best friend Calder. Alex is with us as well.

So far, we{ve only seen one of the footprints Agatha left behind--there is still one place where not all the rocks from a slide have been removed from the road between Guatemala City and Antigua. But we{ve heard that there are still roads that are impassable because of mud and rock slides--that is one of the reasons we are staying in Antigua this weekend.

In the areas where there was the most damage, there are some diseases beginning to show up, some related to compromised sanitary conditions. Volunteeer work is limited in those areas. I{m sure we{ll hear and see more as the week unfolds.

Take care. We{ll keep you posted! Charlottte

Getting the Rhubarb Ready

One week after Grandma's, Duluth celebrates a Rhurbab Festival! In addition to being great fun, it's an excellent fundraiser for CHUM. This Saturday, June 12th, folks will be chopping rubarb and freezing it for pie making, sauce making, and even ice cream flavoring. Here's an invitation from CHUM.

Rubarb cutting begins at 8:30 a.m. in the kitchen (lower level) of Peace Church (11th Ave. E. & 11th St.) and lasts until 1:00 p.m. However, people are invited to take part for whatever length of time they have available. Cutting rhubarb goes best with song, story, and conversation so come with the expectation of good fellowship and time well spent for a great cause.

PILGRIM TURKEYS

It was too soggy for a softball game tonight, but check us out next Tuesday evening. Pilgrim's softball team--co-ed and intergenerational--plays almost every Tuesday evening at Field 1 at UMD. We're the guys and gals with gray and black shirts, turkeys on the front, "approved by God" stamped on the back. Softball games are great fun for the whole family--and a great place to meet Pilgrims. Most games are at 6:00 p.m. Check the calendar page on our website to be sure.

Bars of Soap and Toothbrushes

If you lost everything you owned to a mudslide, what would you ask for first, after water and food? Families related to Common Hope would greatly appreciate personal hygiene items--soap (bars are easier for us to pack and carry); toothbrushes, toothpaste, washclothes, small towels, basic first aid kits. Tropical storm Agatha dropped 20 inches of rain in parts of Guatemala, creating mudslides that thundered through villages perches on the volcanoes around Antigua where Common Hope is located. Pilgrim will accept donations through Wednesday June 9th. On the 10th, Charlotte Frantz and her son Alex take off for a week of volunteer work with Common Hope.

Music at The Pines

Enjoy a short concert by Bellissimo, Pilgrim's handbell choir, at The Pines, Saturday afternoon, 2:00 p.m. The Pines are located on St. Marie Street, behind Mount Royal Shopping Center.

HUGE Book Sale

Pilgrim's Annual Book Sale will be this Saturday, June 5, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Stock up for the summer. Great reading material in all categories. Tell your friends and neighbors.

Keep Guatemala in Your Prayers

Tropical Storm Agatha dumped rain on Guatemala and El Salvador and Pacaya erupted dumping ash. The combined effect has left many families homeless. Last year Pilgrim sent a group on a service learning trip to Guatemala. Common Hope, with whom we worked, was not damaged, but is running on a back up generator. Families from nearby villages who have lost everything are staying at the facility. San Pedro Huertas, where we built a house, has suffered significant damage. Mudslides are making roads to some of the villages impassible. We are awaiting word about the families members of our congregation sponsor and are trying to contact the Del Cid family to check on their safety.

Annual Dinner and Meeting

Come for the fun; stay for some community business. Wednesday, May 26, Pilgrim hosts its annual dinner and meeting. Members, friends and guests are welcome! Entertainment from the 2009-2010 program year at Pilgrim--Joyful Noise and Pilgrim Percussion. Silent auction of the printed word and live auction for delicious desserts. Social hour begins at 5:30 with Pizza (Maybe) by Michael Hillmeyer to follow. Reservations encouraged but NOT required! Come join the fun! Business meeting includes acceptance of annual reports, adoption of amended 2010 budget, and election of church leadership.

Have You met us on Facebook?

We have a page on Facebook--check us out! And we're on PAC-TV every Wednesday at 3:30 and 8:00 p.m. and Thursday at 7:00 a.m. And of course, you are welcome to meet us in person any Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m.

This Sunday, May 23, Barb Schwery is our guest in the pulpit. Barb is a national trainer for the Befriender Ministry, based in Minneapolis. Pilgrim is training its first class of Befrienders, a special ministry of listening and companionship.

Sing a Song of Joy. . . Sunday, May 16 10:00 a.m.

SING A SONG OF JOY. . .Sunday's worship service will celebrate song in our congregation's life. Special guest choir--the concert choir from Angelica Cantanti, a wonderful children and youth choral group from the Twin Cities. And our own Bellissimo Handbell choir and Pilgrim choir! This is a worship service meant to be enjoyed! 10:00 Sunday, May 16th. Invite someone to come with you.

HUGE Rummage Sale This Weekend

Pilgrim is hosting a HUGE Rummage Sale, Saturday, May 15. Lots of kids' stuff--clothing and toys. Many, many household goods. Some homemade crafts and boutique items. Coffee and refreshments available. 8:00-2:00. (No books--Come June 5th to load up on summer reading material!)

Make a Joyful Noise Concert May 9th

Make a Joyful Noise, Pilgrim's Children's music class is coming to a close for this year. We've learned so much! Come and join us at our Celebration Concert on Mother's day, May 9th, 2pm, in the church's sanctuary. The Pilgrim Percussion Ensemble will also have their debut performance. Come support your fellow Pilgrims and some community youth at this fun event!

Four Weeks of Prayer

Various rhythms enhance our spiritual lives. At Pilgrim, we make time for individual spiritual reflection and small group conversation. Beginning May 9, members and friends are invited into "four weeks of prayer" following a pattern established earlier this spring. Follow an outlined prayer journal during the week, then come for a small group conversation on Sundays. Take part in a conversation at 8:30, prior to worship, or at 11:20, following worship. Groups will meet May 9, 16, 23 and June 6 and 13. Open to members, friends and guests of Pilgrim Church.

March Against Racism Monday May 3

Pilgrim Church has a deep and longstanding commitment to dismantling racism. Members of the congregation will join in the March Against Racism Monday, May 3. This march is organized by the Student Coalition Against Racism and is one of several marches in the Northland tomorrow. Although the march was planned as part of a response to a particular incident at UMD, it is an acknowledgement that racism is still present in the wider community of Duluth. Marchers are committed to standing up against racism wherever they encounter it.

The church that eats together. . .

Let us break bread together. . .gathering around the table is a great way to get to know each other better and nourish the Spirit among us. On Saturday, May 1 families with children are invited to a potluck and the Tewes-Anderson home. At 5:00 that same day, there's a Progressive dinner. And after worship on Sunday, the Deacons are serving brunch--if you've been absent from our congregation for a while, take this opportunity to worship, eat, and enjoy catching up with your friends. On Tuesday, May 4, the Circle of Friends are going out for their Spring Luncheon. Call the church office, 724-8503, for more information and reservations for any of these gatherings! We'd love to see you.

Feel the Joy! Watch this New Video about the United Church of Christ

UMD Faculty Woodwind Quintet

The last Pilgrim Presents Concert of the 2009-2010 season will be THIS Sunday, 2:00 p.m. at Pilgrim Congregational Church. Come hear Jeff Campbell, bassoon; James Pospisil, horn; Ted Schoen, clarinet; Lorie Scott, flute; and Laurie Van Brunt, oboe. Tickets are available at the door, $15/adult; $8/student; youth, free. This concert series has been made possible by a gift in memory of Wally and Hazel Niss.

Opening Our Doors, Opening Our Hearts

The 10th Annual Opening Our Doors Conference will be held this Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17, in various locations. Keynote Speaker is the Rev. Mel White, author of Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America. Dr. White was recognized by the ACLU for his application of the principles of non-violence resistence to the struggle for justice for sexual minorities. Dr. White will speak at 7:30 at First United Methodist Church. On Saturday he will speak at 10:00 at Marshall School Auditorium. On Saturday afternoon, also at Marshall School, a panel of speakers representing various religious traditions will talk about marriage equality. The Conference will conclude Saturday evening with the musical work Joshua and the Promised Land produced at Peace UCC, 7:00 p.m. Pilgrim Congregational Church is an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ and has been a co-sponsor and supporter of the Opening Our Doors Conference throughout its history.

Salvadoran Folk Mass Sunday, April 11

This Sunday, April 11, Pilgrim's worship service will be based on the music and life of the Salvadoran church. Thirty years ago, Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador and advocate for the rights of indigenous people in El Salvador, was assassinated as he celebrated the mass. United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities sent a delegation to El Salvador in March to participate in an ecumenical remembrance of the assassination.

Diane Light, who traveled to El Salvador with this group, will be the guest speaker at Pilgrim on Sunday. The Pilgrim choir and a group of instrumentalists under the direction of Dr. Jack Bowman, will present music from the Salvadoran Folk Mass as part of the service.

For a narrative of the United Theological Seminary trip, go to http://www.utsglobaltrip.com/.

Holy Week at Pilgrim

Pilgrim's traditional Tenebrae service is one of the most beautiful and solemn services of the year. During the service the sanctuary is darkened as we read the accounts of the last night of Jesus life on earth. This year we'll be reading from the Gospel of Luke. The service begins at 7:00.

On Friday evening, Pilgrim's choir, along with the choirs of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church and Peace United Church of Christ, will present Dubois' The Seven Last Words of Christ. The service begins at 7:00 and will be held in the sanctuary of Glen Avon church, 2105 Woodland Avenue.

Sunday morning Pilgrim celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ with a festive service at 10:00 a.m. There will be a continental breakfast at 9:00, courtesy of Jim and Teresa Peterson and family. Come for great music and a wondeful Easter morning!

Romero Remembered

Today, March 24th is the 30th Anniversary of Oscar Romero's assissination in El Salvador. Romero was Archbishop at the time, and is remembered for his work on behalf of the poor. On Thursday, March 25th, the movie Romero will be shown at Pilgrim Congregational Church in commemoration of his work. The public is invited.

Lynne Davis Concert This Sunday

Lynne Davis, international concert organist will present "A Recital of French Suites" this Sunday afternoon, February 7, at Pilgrim Congregational Church. The recital begins at 2:00 p.m. Tickets ($15, adult; $8, student) are available at the door. Lynne will be playing Pilgrim's Jaeckel organ.

Pilgrim on PACT-TV

Did you miss one of our Christmas Services? Pilgrim services will be aired on Duluth's Public Access Television (channel 7). Each week Pilgrim will be shown in three time slots:

Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 pm
Wednesdays, 8:00-9:00 pm
Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 am

If you missed a Christmas service, or would like a friend or neighbor to check us out, tune into channel 7. You need cable service (or a friend who can tape the program for you!)

Week of January 6 Christmas Pageant Service, December 20

Week f January 13 Christmas Oratorio by the Pilgrim Choir

Week of Janary 20 Surprised by an Angel, Service from December 6

Week of January 27 Haydn's The Creation by Pilgrim Choir and Guest Musicians