Christmas Eve Worship

Pilgrim will host two Christmas Eve worship services, one at 5:00 p.m. and one at 10:00 p.m. Each service will include special music, Scripture readings, carols and candlelight. There is a social hour at 9:00 p.m. childcare will be available at both services.

There will be no worship service on Sunday morning, December 25.

Pilgrim Holiday Broadcasts

Enjoy broadcasts from Pilgrim this holiday season. All broadcasts are on cable channel 7:

A Christmas Eve Service(videoed Christmas Eve 2010)
Friday, December 23 Noon
Saturday, December 24 2:00 and 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 25 2:00 and 6:00 pm

A Holiday Special (Pilgrim music from this past year)
Tuesday, December 20 2:00, 8:00 and 11:00 pm
Wednesday, December 21 5:00 and 8:00 am

La Fiesta de la Posada (A jazz choral pageant)
Wednesday, December 28, 3:30-4:30 and 8:00-9:00pm
Thursday, December 29, 7:00-8:00 am

All broadcasts are on PACT TV, channel 7 on cable TV

La Fiesta de la Posada

On December 18 Pilgrim's worship service will include a performance of Dave Brubeck's Christmas Cantata, "La Fiesta de La Posada." This jazz work is based on the Spanish/Latin American tradition of searching for the child Jesus in Bethlehem. There will be a mariachi orchestra, guest musicians, children from the Lake Superior Youth Chorus, all conducted by Russell Gloyd, Brubeck's personal friend. Gloyd has conducted performances of this work all over the United States and overseas.

Pilgrims will go caroling in the afternoon. Meet at the church at 3:45 p.m. There will be a light supper served after carolling.

Pilgrim to Host One Voice Mixed Chorus November 18

On Friday evening, November 18, at 7:30 p.m., Pilgrim will host Brave Souls and Dreamers, a concert by One Voice Mixed Chorus of the Twin Cities. One Voice is a 90 member GLBT choir known throughout Minnesota for their diverse music and community outreach.

The concert is a fund raising effort by Duluth United for All Families. Proceeds will be used in the campaign against the marriage amendment limiting marriage to straight couples. Tickets are $15 in advance and may be ordered through www.MnUnited.org or $20 at the door.

Pilgrim is an Open and Affirming congregation, the birthplace of PFLAG in Duluth, a partner in the Opening our Hearts, Opening our Doors conferences and a member of Standing on the Side of Love.

Pilgrim Participating in Mission 1, A National UCC Effort

Nov. 1-11, 2011...  ONE UNITED CHURCH on a shared mission for 11 powerful days to feed the hungry and confront food-related injustice. This is MISSION: 1

  •  In 11 days, the United Church of Christ will collect more than 1 MILLION ITEMS OF HEALTHY FOOD and other household items for local food banks and outreach services.

  •  In 11 days, the United Church of Christ will make an extra-special push to gather
online contributions of more than $111,111 DOLLARS for Neighbors in Need food-related ministries, offerings that will be shared for hunger-action purposes with  agencies of justice and compassion throughout the United States; and $111,111 for East Africa famine-related ministries.

  •  In 11 days, the United Church of Christ will offer more than 11,111 LETTERS to Congress asking our government to reform U.S. foreign assistance in a way that more effectively benefits hungry and poor people worldwide, helping to provide a major final push to Bread for the World's 2011 "Offering of Letters" campaign.

Pilgrim members and friends are bringing grocery bags with 11 items of food for local food shelves; some are contributing $11 or multiples thereof for Neighbors in Need hunger related programs; children are collecting $1.11 to feed the hungry; and after worship on November 6 members and friends will write letters to legislators. We asked 11 members of the congregation to fast one day during this appeal--and 17 members volunteered! It's 11 powerful days of mission.

Godly Gourmet Sandwiches

Give the cook a break and pick up Godly Gourmet meals this Friday, October 28.
Sandwiches are $10 and soup $5. Coleslaw and complementary cookies included. Pre order by calling 728-1121 before 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Sandwiches:
Salmon rollups
Pulled Pork with Mango Salsa and Red Cabbage
Veggies with goat cheese and avocado-the Californian

Soup:
Pumpkin and broccoli chowder
(vegetarian)
Curried Cauliflower and Apple with Cilantro Cream

Kids Sandwich: (10 and under)
Grilled Ham & Cheese Waffle ($3.00)

Godly Gourmet Sandwiches

Give the cook a break and bring home Godly Gourmet sandwiches Friday, October 21. The menu is:

Sandwiches:
Brisket with pickled green tomato and bleu cheese dressing
Italian Monte Cristo Chicken with pesto and marinara sauce
Cuban Style Tofu with mixed olive pesto and sprouts

Soup:
Chilled peach w/ goat cheese (vegetarian)
Creamy Red Pepper

Kid’s Sandwich : (10 and under)
Apple Monte Cristo on Raisin Bread

Godly Gourmet Sandwiches

Give the cook a break and bring home Godly Gourmet sandwiches Friday, October 14. The menu is:
Sandwiches:
Shrimp Caesar Wrap
Italian Cheese Steak
Grilled Zucchini Wrap

Soup:
Avocado Bisque – vegetarian
Corn Chowder

Bonus – complementary soup sample Jamaican Curried Shrimp and Mango

Kid’s Sandwich: (10 and under)
Waffle pizza
To order call 728-1121 by Thursday at 7 pm.

Especially for Seekers and Visitors

If you have questions about Pilgrim Congregational Church, or have never toured the building, or are curious about the United Church of Christ, or just want to know more about us, this Sunday and next just might be of interest. On October 9 and 16, following the worship service and coffee hour, Charlotte Frantz, minister of Pilgrim and several Pilgrim members will host an orientation in the Parlor. This is a great time to get to know a little more about the church, ask whatever questions are on your mind, and get to know others who are less than familiar with the congregation. Conversation will begin about 11:20 and conclude about 12:15.

Pilgrim Celebrates World Communion Sunday

On October 2, Pilgrim Congregational Church will celebrate World Communion Sunday with a guest speaker from the United Church of Christ from the Philippines, Dr. Eleazar Fernandez. Fernandez is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. He earned his M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines, his Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. He is the author of Reimagining the Human: Theological Anthropology in Response to Systemic Evil.
For some years, the Minnesota Conference to which Pilgrim belongs has had a partnership with the UCCP-Southeast Mindaneo Jurisdiction. Dr. Fernandez helped build this relationship and will talk about it at Pilgrim. In addition to preaching at the 10:00 worship service, he will entertain questions and answers during an adult education forum beginning at 11:20.

Family Financial Planning Seminars

Pilgrim Church will offer two September seminars on the basics of estate planning, charitable giving, and, successful family financial planning. This is a topic for families that are decades away from retiring, as well as those who are near, or have retired. The seminars are planned to cut across age groups and provide value to all adults.

The first seminar will be on estate planning, and the second seminar will examine the range of applicable financial tools, how to efficiently use those tools, how to select your advisors, and finally, how to become successful through a disciplined approach.

The presenters, Greg Toscano and Aaron Bransky, are highly respected professionals and are very seasoned seminar presenters.

Pilgrim Programs Begin September 11

Pilgrim's fall programs get underway September 11. There are Sunday school classes for children ages 4-8th grade; a Wednesday evening youth program for students in middle school and high school held at Peace United Church of Christ; 2nd Hour discussions and learning opportunities following worship on Sundays; and a host of midweek gatherings and groups which are open to Pilgrim friends as well as members. Check out the pages of our website to learn more about our events and activities.

September 3 Worship

Labor Day weekend is sometimes a "low" Sunday in terms of church attendance, but Pilgrim is expecting guests for this service. Chester Park United Methodist Church and United Baptist Christian Church will worship with Pilgrim in Pilgrim's sanctuary. The service is at Pilgrim's regular time, 10:00 a.m. The service includes the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Pilgrim practices open communion, meaning that everyone is invited to participate, regardless of age or church affiliation. The sanctuary is handicap accessible and hearing aids are available. Child care is available for children up through 2nd grade. The three congregation worshipped together Memorial Day weekend and the Sunday prior to the 4th of July.

Turkeys Softball Update

July 26 Turkeys vs. Our Savior
This one was a mismatch from the start. We put up 13 runs in two innings and the ump asks that we only bat around our order once and then let them bat (that means that regardless of how many outs we had, we could only send 8 batters to the plate per inning). We agree with the ump as this one has the potential to turn into a football score. John Fochs loses his hat rounding 2nd, the ump calls time out so John can dust off his hat--the comment from the other team was “Its not what you do, its how you look”. Some old geezer from Our Savior finally connects with one for a home run and they score some runs. We didn’t take our ups the last inning—we just let them 6 outs instead of 3. Turkeys rough ‘em up 19-6.
Kerry Hanlon, Turkeys Manager

The Turkeys begin playoffs on August 16, come out and cheer the team at UMD Field 1! Please call the church office for the time of the game.

Jesse Eschbach. Guest Organist, August 7

On Sunday morning, August 7th, Dr. Jesse Eschbach will be the guest organist at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2310 E. 4th Street, Duluth, at the 10:00 am worship service.
Dr. Eschbach and Dr. Norma Stevlingson served as co-consultants when Pilgrim’s Jaeckel organ, Op. 11, was designed and built. Since that time, Pilgrim’s organ has been featured on programs such as MPR’s Pipe Dreams. He is a graduate of Indiana University and the University of Michigan where he was a student of Robert Glasgow. He completed his formal education during a five-year residency in Paris as a student of Marie-Claire Alain. Since 1986, Eschbach has served on the faculty at the University of North Texas as the full-time Professor of Organ.

The organ prelude at the beginning of the worship service will begin at 9:45.

Worship on the Church Lawn

On Sunday, July 24, Pilgrim's worship service will be held on the front lawn! There will be chairs set up, but feel free to bring your own lawn chair if you like. Stay for a potluck meal afterwards! Dress casually. Fun, convenient, and an easy way to let the neighborhood know what goes on at Pilgrim. The service will be at the usual time--10:00 a.m.

Vacation Bible School

Pilgrim Congregational Church is offering Vacation Bible School in conjunction with Peace United Church of Christ, located at 1111 N 11th Ave E. VBS will be held July 25-29 from 9:00 until Noon for children ages 4 through 5th grade. This VBS is filled with rocking music, energy packed games, stellar crafts and snacks, and amazing bible stories that will help kids learn more about GOD. Middle school and high school students help guide classes through the various adult-led activities. It’s a great mid-summer week of fun! Cost is $20 per child or a max of $60 per family. Registration forms are available from Pilgrim or Peace.

Community Worship at Chester Bowl

On Sunday, July 3rd, Pilgrim's morning worship service will be held at Chester Bowl at 10:30 a.m. This community worship service is sponsored by Pilgrim and five other congregations. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair. The park is available until 3:00 p.m. for play, hiking, and picnicking--so feel free to bring your grill, cooler and lunch as well. The service will include readings from American history and music appropriate to the 4th of July holiday. Jim Soderberg and Liz Olson, both of Churches United in Ministry, will talk about life at the intersection of religious faith and civic commitment. The morning offering will go to Churches United in Ministry for their on-going work here in Duluth.
Chester Bowl is located in Chester Park, 1801 E Skyline Parkway, Duluth, Minnesota

Rummage Sale to Benefit Common Hope Mission Trip

Next summer, a team of Pilgrims will go to Guatemala to volunteer with Common Hope, a community development agency based in Antigua, Guatemala. Fund raising efforts are underway and include a rummage sale to be held Saturday, June 25, from 8:00-2:00.

Guest Preacher this Sunday

On Sunday, June 19, Dr. Robert Craig will preach on the text from Matthew, "Love your enemies" and will lead a 2nd hour discussion on this difficult saying from Jesus. Bob received a Masters of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary and followed a calling to teach. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University. He spent five years in Latin America at a time when liberation theology was emerging. He co-authored Protestantism and Liberalism in Latin America in 1985 and a decade later, published Religion and Radical Politics. A pacifist at heart, a Calvinist by tradition and training, Craig has much to say about these radical words from Jesus. Most recently, Dr. Craig served as Chair of the Department of History, Politics and Culture at the College of St. Scholastica. After retiring, he taught in Slovakia and China.

Pilgrim Turkeys

The Pilgrim Turkeys play softball on Tuesday evenings at UMD field 1. Honigman continues to be the strong arm pitcher and the senior member of the squad. Players welcome--this is a mixed league which means the team includes men and women, teens, adults and seniors. And if you don't play, come out to cheer. The Turkeys are out to defend their title as one of the "winningest church teams!"
Schedule
June 7 - 7:00 pm
June 14 - 6:00 pm
June 28 - 8:00 pm
July 5 - 6:00 pm
July 12 - 7:00 pm
July 19 - 7:00 pm
July 26 - 8:00 pm
Playoffs will begin on August 2.

Graduate Recognition and School's Out--June 5

On Sunday, June 5th, Pilgrim will recognize graduates and celebrate the end of the school year. Children and youth will help with service leadership. Claire Hillmeyer, an active member of Pilgrim and senior at Central High School will speak during the service. A picnic meal will be served following worship. Come celebrate the end of the academic year! 10:00 worship and 11:20 lunch.

Annual Book Sale June 4

Pilgrim hosts a large used book sale every year--it's a great way to stock up on summer reading material. Hardbacks, paperbacks, children's books, fiction and non-fiction--take your pick! 9:00-4:00, Saturday, June 4th.

Worship at United Baptist Christian Church May 29

On May 29, Pilgrim will join three other congregations for a joint worship service. This service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at United Baptist Christian Church, 830 E. 1st Street, Duluth, MN. (across the street from the emergency entrance to St. Luke's Hospital.) United Baptist Christian Church is rooted in the American Baptist and Christian Church--Disciples of Christ traditions. Worship will be led by the Rev. Tab Baumgartner, minister at United Baptist Christian.

Other congregations involved in this joint service include Chester Park United Methodist Church and Hope United Methodist Church. There will be NO Sunday morning worship service at Pilgrim.

Pilgrim Holy Week and Easter Observances

Maundy Thursday evening worship at 7:00 based on Jesus' teachings the last night of his life.

Good Friday evening worship at 7:30 commemorates Jesus' suffering and death as recounted in the Gospel of Matthew. This service will be held at Peace United Church of Christ, located at the intersection of 11th Street and 11th Avenue. The combined choir and readers are from Peace UCC, Glen Avon Presbyterian, and Pilgrim Congregational UCC.

Saturday morning Easter party, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Easter egg hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games--come and have some holiday fun at Pilgrim.

Easter Sunday worship at 10:00 a.m. with continental breakfast at 9:00. Brass musicians from UMD, Pilgrim Choir and Bellissimo Handbell Choir. Enjoy the triumphant, joyful sounds of Easter!

Godly Gourmet Meals-April 15

Give the cook a break and bring home Godly Gourmet sandwiches on April 15. The Menu for Friday, April 15 is:

Sandwiches

Philly Cheese Steak with Grilled Onions, green peppers, mushrooms and Provolone cheese.

Toasted chicken sandwich with caramelized onions and apples and smoked Gouda cheese.

Vegetarian Primavera featuring artichokes, red onions, roasted peppers, arugula with Parmesan red pepper sauce.

Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup (Vegetarian)

Kid's Sandwiches

Pepperoni and Cheese Waffle Pizza or

Cheesy Roll-Up

Call 728-8996 before 7 pm Thursday to place your order and pick up your meal between 4:30 and 6:30 on Friday. Or walk in Friday and order available sandwiches.

Godly Gourmet Meals--April 8 and 15

Give the cook a break and bring home Godly Gourmet sandwiches on April 8 and April 15. The Menu for Friday, April 8 is:

Sandwiches: Smoked Beef Brisket on rye with coleslaw and Russian Dressing Sante Fe Turkey in citrus marinade and southwest spiced cream cheess Grilled Portabella Mushrooms with tomato, pesto and mozzarella cheese

Soup: Cream on Broccoli

Kid's Sandwiches: Pepperoni and Cheese Waffle Pizza Cheesy Roll up

Prices: Sandwiches $10, Soup $5, Kid's Sandwiches $3

Call 728-8996 before 7 pm Thursday to place your order and pick up your meal between 4:30 and 6:30 on Friday. Or walk in Friday and order available sandwiches.

Lenten Oppoturnities at Pilgrim

The season of Lent, the six weeks prior to Easter, begins on March 9. Pilgrim will observe the beginning of Lent with a Soup and Sandwich meal beginning at 5:30 and a worship service beginning at 7:00.

Many members of the congregation are pariticpating in a congregational wide Lenten study of Joan Chittister's book, Wisdom Distilled from the Daily. In this book, Chittister interprets the ancient Rule of Benedict for the twenty-first century. The book is written to help "ordinary people live extraordinary lives."
Our minister, Charlotte Frantz, has written a companion study guide to be used daily during the season of Lent. The study guide offers the opportunity to reflect on and practice spiritual practices as outlined in the book.

In addition, seminarian Jackie Falk will be offering a Lenten study of Matthew's Gospel on Thursday evenings during Lent. This study group will meet from 5:30-7:15, March 10, 17, 24 and 31 and April 14.

Winter Fun

Get out and enjoy the winter with other Pilgrims!

Saturday, February 5 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Hartley Nature Center

Get out for a snowshoe hike, check out the cross country skiing, or sit inside and enjoy board games and hot chocolate! This winter outing is for all ages! No cost other than equipment rental from Hartley.

Cracking the Shell of Whiteness

Pilgrim Congregational Church and Peace United Church of Christ are offering the course, Cracking the Shell of Whiteness on Monday evenings, beginning January 24. The class will meet at 6:00 p.m. at Pilgrim. Facilitators are Doug Bowen Bailey and Ellen O'Neill. This is a curriculum designed to help "white" folk better understand the ways in which American society is structured to encourage their participation and success. Pre-registration through either church office is requested: 724-8503 or 724-3637. Or email us to express your interest. A donation of $50 is suggested, but no one will be turned away.

Community Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend Events

Pilgrim Congregational Church has a long tradition of supporting the civil rights movement and now the work of dismantling racism that still divides our society. Members and friends of Pilgrim will participate in community events this coming weekend:

Friday January 15
Rejoice, Reclaim, Renew Community
Featuring Readings from Dr. King by Central/Denfeld students, Reflections from Dr. Mahmoud El Kati
Music from Voices of Vision with Minister Gabe Green
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, 835 College St.
Soup, Bread, and Birthday Cake Served at 6 PM
Program starts at 6:30 PM

Sunday January 16
Ecumenical Worship Service
St. Mark AME Church 530 N. 5th Ave East
4:00 PM

Monday January 17
Free Community Breakfast
First United Methodist Church 230 E. Skyline Parkway 7 AM
Featured Speaker: Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, NJ

March (11am) and Rally (11:45am)
March starts from Washington Center at 11 AM
Featured Speaker: Robin Washington, editor of the Duluth News Tribute and
president of the African American Men's Group
For more details go to http://www.mlk-duluth.org/

Service Learning in Guatemala

Pilgrims are learning about life in Guatemala through Common Hope. Common Hope (see http://www.commonhope.org/) is a community development agency with headquarters in Antigua, Guatemala and St. Paul, Minnesota. Common Hope's primary goal is to help Guatemalan children obtain education. Some Pilgrim sponsor a child and correspond with a specific child. Some Pilgrims have traveled to Guatemala for a week of service learning--they have built homes, assisted in afterschool programs, accompanied social workers on home visits, and taken the opportunity to enjoy the sights and culture of this southern neighbor.

Spanish language is helpful, but NOT required for this mission trip. Trips are “hands –on” volunteer opportunities. Persons with specialized skills or interests can often be assigned to areas of their expertise. Dentists and dental hygenists are particularly needed in this part of the world.

If you are interested in being part of such a trip, contact the church office by phone or email. Trips are open to non-members as well as members of the congregation. Cost for food, lodging and cultural activities is $1000/week plus airfare. Traditionally, trip participants do some group fund raising to defray expenses.