I Remember Christmas

Christmas tends to flood our hearts with memories--the smell of cookies in the oven, the taste of whatever was the traditional meal at grandma's, the comfort (or discomfort) of family gatherings.  The seasonal spotlight tends to exaggerate our experiences--tragic events are more poignant,  joy more palpable and dreams, more achievable.  At Pilgrim Congregational Church, we make room for sharing some of these more personal stories of Christmases past.

On the Sunday following Christmas, members of the congregation share some of their own memories and traditions.  This year's speakers are Don Bjoralt, Anne Whitworth, Tucker Hanlon and Hav Gilbert.

We sing a lot of carols--including a northern Minnesota version of The Twelve Days of Christmas enumerating gifts from the North Woods. Enjoy this light-hearted but still reverent Christmas worship service at 10:00 a.m., December 28th.

For regular posts of Pilgrim's various activities, like our page on Facebook.

Advent Expectations

The Christian church sets aside the four weeks prior to Christmas as a time for anticipation and preparation, not only for the upcoming Christmas holiday, but for new realizations about one's own life.  The Biblical texts at the beginning of Advent are about human yearning for the end time when God promises justice and peace.  As the church moves closer to Christmas, the texts begin to focus on what we can do, here and now, to move toward a more just life.  Then on Christmas Eve, we celebrate the birth of one who gave the world new visions of a just society.

At Pilgrim, every Sunday during Advent has its own character and joy.

November 30 we will hang the greens during worship--literally decorating the sanctuary during the service of poetry and song, story and drama.  It's a wonderful introduction to the season.

December 7 we will celebrate with Holy Communion and Advent hymns.  After worship, we will gather in Fellowship Hall for lunch and our Annual Advent Workshop.  There will be opportunities to make decorations and ornaments for home as well as a small craft market by Pilgrim members.

December 14 the Pilgrim Choir will present Conrad Susa's Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest, accompanied by harp and marimba.  The Carols and Lullabies are from various Spanish and Hispanic traditions.  Handicrafts from Guatemala will be on sale during the coffee hour to help fund a service learning trip next summer.

December 21 will be an intergenerational re-telling of the nativity story by the animals who were in the stable that first Christmas.  Pilgrim's Handbell Choir, Bellissimo, will play.  This is a light-hearted look at Christmas.

Christmas Eve worship will be held at 5:00 and 10:00 on Christmas Eve.  Both services will feature carol singing and candlelight.

December 28 we will listen to personal Christmas stories around the theme, "I Remember Christmas." Our own stories are poignant and powerful.

Enjoy any or all of our holiday services at 10:00 on Sunday morning or watch our broadcast Wednesday or Thursday on PACT-TV (cable channel 180.)  Check our Facebook page for pictures and video clips.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship

Tuesday evening, November 25, at 7:00 p.m. congregations and faith communities will gather at Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC for an evening of giving thanks.  The service includes choral music, prayers and readings from a variety of faith traditions.  Participating congregations are Peace UCC, Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Hope United Methodist, First United Methodist, Temple Israel, Duluth-Superior Friends Meeting, Twin Ports Islamic Center, St. Paul's Episcopal, Glen Avon Presbyterian, and the Universalist Unitarian Congregation of Duluth.  The public is invited.

A free will offering will be taken as part of the service with donations going to support CHUM, an interfaith agency supported by these and other congregations in Duluth.

Confirmation at Pilgrim

In the United Church of Christ, we believe that it is incumbent upon each generation to examine and claim our faith heritage for themselves.

When Pilgrim youth reach adolescence, the congregation provides them an opportunity to examine the faith they have been taught.  After a period of study, youth decide for themselves whether to affirm the commitments made years earlier on their behalf in the sacrament of baptism.  This affirmation is made public in the "rite of confirmation."  Confirmation preparation includes at least a year or year and a half of classroom conversation and faith exploration with an adult mentor.

On Confirmation Sunday, students express their faith publicly in worship setting and are blessed by their mentors and parents.  The congregation promises to continue to support and encourage these students as they assume more adult roles and responsibilities in the congregational community.

Students usually prepare for confirmation when they are in 9th and 10th grade, though occasionally the class may include an older or younger student.

On Sunday, November 9th, Alex Hadlock, Alex Frantz, and Jenna Olsen will be confirmed.  The class instructor and guide has been Jackie Falk, a member of Pilgrim, graduate of United Theological Seminary with specialized training in faith formation.  Mentors are Kane Tewes, Clyde Johnson and Julie Johnson.  The worship service begins at 10:00 a.m.

Spooktacular Organ Recital--Friday, October 31, 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy an hour of horrifying, bone-chilling music at Pilgrim Congregational Church.  Rachael Kresha, Director of Music will play a variety of music on the Jaekel organ.  An AGO Scholarship Student will help terrify you with every note.  The only charge is a  free will donation to the Arrowhead Chapter of Organists Scholarship Fund.

Duluth Hosts Quidditch World Cup This Halloween

Pilgrim Church, located at 2310 E. 4th Street, is the site of a community-wide Harry Potter-themed Halloween party on Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.  The party is FREE and open to the public. Explore Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest and the Hogwarts Castle where there will be a myriad of activities and games ranging from silly to scientific and spanning 3 floors! 

  From a peek in the pensieve and a broom flying lesson to posting mail from the Owlery or sipping Pumpkin Juice at the Three Broomsticks Tavern there is an attraction to delight all.  Wizards, witches and costumed guests of all ages welcome.  Make sure you bring your cloak for a "thestral"-drawn carriage ride outside (weather permitting.) No dementors please (non-violent costumes only.) Donations gladly accepted to raise money for the Kids Closet of Duluth and cover party costs.

Welcome to our Front Door

Once upon a time, not so many years ago, everyone knew where to find a church's front door.  The front door faced the street, and one needed to climb imposing, concrete steps to get in.  Members of the congregation knew there was an easier access to the building--usually a smaller door, off to the side or close to the parking lot.  The large front doors were used on special occasions--like weddings or funerals.  On more routine Sundays or during the week, most everyone used the smaller doors.

This isn't just a phenomena in the history of Pilgrim Congregational Church.  It's the story of many, many church edifices built in the late 1800's and early to mid 1900's.

Today's culture has moved the front door away from the building and onto the internet.  For most visitors and guests, the "front door" is the church's website.  It's a point of entry for those curious about a congregation's life and practice.  The physical building is more like the old side door--the entry into the life of the gathered community.

If you are exploring our website, welcome!  I hope you'll find something that intrigues you.  If you like what you see here, check our Facebook page for more immediate news of events and happenings. Explore us in person at 2310 E. 4th Street, Duluth, MN.  We gather every Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Almost nothing we do is limited to members.  You are welcome to help us cook at Damiano Center, go along on a service learning trip to Guatemala, help move families from CHUM's transitional apartments into permanent housing, discuss books with our Women's Book Club or play on our softball team during the summer.

Our building is an imposing brick structure that could resemble a fortress--but our community's boundaries are permeable.

Whoever you are, and wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here!

25th Anniversary Organ Recital and Service

During the weekend of September 19-21, Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its locally built, world renowned Jaeckel organ.

On Friday evening, at 7:00, Dr. Jesse Eschbach will play a recital of varied works.  Dr. Eschbach teaches at the College of Music, University of North Texas and was a consultant to Pilgrim Church when the organ was designed and built.  The recital will include works by Buxtehude, Bach, Couperin, Harlos, Alain, and Dupre.  Tickets are $10 and available at the door.

On Sunday morning, at 10:00, Dr. Arthur Clyde, former United Church of Christ National Minister for Liturgics, Music and Art will lead worship.  The service will include hymns and organ music, a demonstration of organ pipes, and sung Scripture.  Clyde's sermon is entitled, "A Voice Through the Ages."

Additional events during the weekend include an organ master class taught by Eschbach at 10:00 on Saturday morning and an adult education hour in the organ loft on Sunday at 11:30.  The adult education hour will include demonstrations of the organ by Ms. Rachael Kresha, Pilgrim's current Director of Music and Organist.

Pilgrim's Jaeckel organ has been featured on Pipedreams, a program of organ music by American Public Media. The organ was built by local organ builder, Dan Jaeckel.   For more information on the organ itself, click here.

Gathering Sunday, September 7

On Sunday, September 7, Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth will open its doors to celebrate the beginning of a new program year!  Worship is at 10:00 for the entire congregation. Children leave the sanctuary for church school classes and music about 10:20.  Following worship, there will be a congregational brunch with opportunities for conversation and catching up after the summer.  Child care is provided for children under the age of 4; church school classes are as follows:  ages 4-Grade 1; Grades 2 and 3; Grades 4-8.  Pilgrim Choir rehearsals will resume the following Wednesday evening, September 10.  Bellissimo Handbells will begin their new season on September 3.

 "No matter who you are or where you are in life's journey, you will be welcomed at Pilgrim."

Special events this fall at Pilgrim include:

• The 25th anniversary of its Jaeckel organ
• September 19, 7:00 pm concert with guest organist, Jesse Eschbach. 
• September 21, morning worship with organist Rachael Kresha and preacher, Dr. Arthur Clyde, editor of the New Century Hymnal
• Annual Community Hogwarts Party
• October 25, 9-12 a.m.  Pumpkin Carving Party
• October 26, 5:30-8:00 Hogwarts Party 

Outdoor Service and Summer Potluck, July 27

Sunday morning, July 27, Pilgrim's worship service will be held on the lawn in front of the church building.  Every year Pilgrim worships in the out-of-doors and invites the neighbors to stop by.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you like--folding chairs are provided by the church.  Dress casually.  Invite a friend.  Pilgrim Congregational UCC is located at 2310 E. 4th Street, Duluth, MN.  Worship begins at 10:00 a.m. and child care is provided.

Following worship, the congregation enjoys an potluck meal together.  In case of inclement weather, the service will be held indoors.

Vacation Bible School--July 21-25

Vacation Bible School offers community, fun, crafts, music and Biblically based learning for every age!  It will be held at Peace United Church of Christ, 1111 11th Avenue, Duluth, from 9:00 a.m.-noon, July 21-25.

Children ages 4-5th grade meet in age-level groups and are led by youth volunteers through stations where adults lead games, supervise snacks, tell stories, and oversee craft projects, all related to the theme and story of the day.  Cost is $20/child with pre-registration or $25/child on the first day.  Registration forms are available through Pilgrim's church office or on the table in Salter Hall.

This year VBS will feature a "camp band"--adults or youth who play guitar, percussion, or other instrument are invited to come and jam with Jim Pospisil, Director of Music at Peace UCC.

Training for adult leaders is Sunday, July 20, at 11:30 a.m.  Youth leadership training is Wednesday, July 16, at 7:00 p.m.  Both training sessions will be held at Peace.

Welcome! Give and Receive God's Great Love 

The Rev. Fred Lund, Sabbatical Supply Minister

At Pilgrim Congregational Church, clergy leadership are eligible for limited sabbatical time after each six years of service.  This leave is granted to allow more extended time with family, relaxation, and the pursue of interests that are often set aside in order to serve a congregation.  Pilgrim's minister, Charlotte Frantz will be on sabbatical this summer, June 26-August 13.  

The Rev. Fred Lund will serve Pilgrim in her absence.  He will conduct worship services and will respond to pastoral emergencies.  

Fred served Eastridge Community Church here in Duluth from 1980 until his retirement a few years ago.  Prior to that he served a congregation in south St. Paul and did mission work in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  

Community service has always been important to Fred. He was an active volunteer with CHUM and served as its Treasurer for many years.  In his retirement, Fred continues to serve not-for-profits dedicated to creating low income housing and advocating on behalf of low income households.

Fred studied at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, majoring in history and education.  He earned his M. Div at Bethel Theological Seminary and later earned a Doctorate degree in Church Renewal and Development at McCormick Seminary. 

Fred can be reached through the church office, 218-724-8503 or pilgrimdlh@msn.com.

Pilgrim Turkeys

Most Tuesday evenings during June and July, you'll find Pilgrim Turkeys and their families at UMD's softball fields where our team is part of a co-ed, intergenerational church softball league.  Kids too young to take the field and non-athletic parents sit on the sidelines and cheer!  Games are an hour long--bring your mosquito spray, water bottle, and snacks. Enjoy the fun with this team from Pilgrim Congregational UCC. This week's game is on Thursday evening--all other games are on Tuesdays.  David Braun and Tucker Hanlon are team captains.  The roster includes friends as well as members of Pilgrim.

June 3              Pilgrim vs. Cross Roads          6:00     Field #1

June 10            St. John’s vs. Pilgrim              8:00     Field #1

June 19            University Christian vs. Pilgrim          6:00     Field #1

June 24            Pilgrim vs. St. Benedict’s       7:00     Field #1 

July 1               Pilgrim vs. Peace in Christ      8:00     Field #1

July 8               St. Benedict’s vs. Pilgrim       8:00     Field # 2

July 15             Water’s Edge vs. Pilgrim        8:00    Field # 1 

July 22             Peace in Christ vs. Pilgrim      8:00     Field # 1

July 29 and August 5    Playoffs

Climate Change and the Church

Pilgrim Congregational Church is fast becoming a "earthwise" congregation of the United Church of Christ.  A year ago our Social Justice Ministry declared Climate Change as a priority concern.  Throughout this year the congregation has embarked on several important efforts to reduce carbon footprints--both by the congregation and by the utility companies that serve Duluth.

Pilgrim Congregational UCC, Peace UCC, and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church began collaborative conversations. They, along with several other Duluth communities of faith, have formed an Arrowhead Chapter of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light.  MNIPL is an interfaith organization that brings together faith communities for education and action related to climate change.

An informal "green team" led by Bret Pence caulked most of the church windows this past winter and changed more than 300 light bulbs from incandescent and CFL's to LEDs.  Minnesota Power has been a supportive and encouraging partner is making the conversion financial feasible for the congregation.

Worship at Pilgrim has lifted up climate change and stewardship of the earth on a regular basis.  In October, the congregation celebrated World Communion Sunday with the theme, "Breath for the Planet."  In February, the congregation participated in a national teach-in related to Climate Change and showed the movie Chasing Ice.  In May, Dave Zentner preached on caring for water resources and the importance of individual efforts.   On June 15, Diane Desotelle will preach on sustainability.

Food waste from the church kitchen is now regularly recycled into WLSSD's compost program.  The church collects "shiny paper" for New Page and the money supports the congregation's music ministry.  Print and toner cartridges are recycled through the Funding Factory.

In both spring and fall, the Social Justice Ministry sells bulbs and garden plants and in the last two years has donated native shrubs and trees to UMD for planting.

There have also been several educational events at Pilgrim related to the complexities of mining and the impact of oil exploration and transportation on the environment.

Within the next year, Pilgrim will apply for status as an Earthwise Congregation of the United Church of Christ.

Book Sale June 7

Pilgrim Congregational Church will host its Annual Used Book Sale, June 7, 2014.  Gently used books of all kinds will be available in Fellowship Hall from 9:00-4:00.  Use the parking lot entrance to the building. Come browse among the tables loaded with books and stock up on summer reading material!  The sale is a part of Pilgrim's community service and proceeds are used for the operating expenses of the church.

School's Out!

Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth Minnesota will celebrate the end of the academic year on Sunday, June 1 with a service filled with youthful energy!  Children and youth of the congregation will present the musical Are We There Yet? by Tom Long and Allen Pote.  The dancing and singing troupe is under the direction of Rachael Kresha.

In addition, the congregation will honor four graduates of Duluth East High School:  Will Dahlmann, Sophie Hillmeyer, Georgia Jacobson, and Miranda Peterson.  All four students were confirmed at Pilgrim and are members of the congregation.

Following worship, the congregation is invited to a School's Out! party in the Fellowship Hall.  A picnic meal will be served by the Christian Education Ministry.

Befriender Ministry at Pilgrim

Ever felt like you needed a friend?  Within Pilgrim Congregational Church, a small group of members are trained to "befriend" persons who are experiencing life's transitions or are  isolated from the larger community due to health or age.  Befrienders receive extensive training in active listening and empathetic care.  They meet monthly for peer supervision and support.  They provide a wide network of individual attention for individual needs within our congregation.

Befrienders often accompany members of Pilgrim or their friends during life transitions and change.  They provide a listening ear and steady support when life is particularly stressful.  They have befriended individuals experiencing grief, health crises, cancer treatments, substance abuse recovery, employment difficulties, pregnancy and child birth, and family expansion by adoption.  Befriender relationships may consist of a single conversation or visit or may last for several years.

Befrienders visit elderly members who reside in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities. Befrienders provide a link to Pilgrim and a consistent friendship during life's later years.

Upon occasion, Befrienders also assist the minister with hospital calls and contacts with newer members or guests of the congregation.

Jane Shull and Paula Bjoralt were commissioned as Befriender coordinators in November of 2009 and the first class of Befrienders was commissioned the following summer.  On Sunday, May 25, Pilgrim will recognize and thank Jane and Paula for their years of service.  At the same time we will commission Julie Drake and Bob Hensley as Befriender Co-ordinators. 

If you are interested in either having a Befriender or being trained as a Befriender, please contact the church office.   

Gay Marriage--a matter of Religious Freedom

The United Church of Christ has a long tradition of working for social justice and last week it's most recent advocacy effort caught national media attention.  Two years ago, North Carolina not only banned gay marriage; the law makes it a misdemeanor for an officiant to perform a wedding ceremony without a license. Last Monday, the United Church of Christ filed suit against the state of North Carolina, contending that the legislation is unconstitutional because it infringes on the rights of clergy to religious freedom.  Melissa Harris of msnbc summarized the social justice history of our denomination as an introduction to an interview with Ben Guess, our denominational minister for Local Church Ministries.  You can watch the summary piece at www.msnbc.com/melissa-harris-perry/watch/faith-based-action-oriented-toward-justice-246227523719.  The interview and discussion of the current lawsuit can be found at www.msnbc.com/melissa-harris-perry/watch/faith-based-argument-for-marriage-equality-246241347575

Reunion Sunday May 4: Worship and Brunch

Pilgrim designates the first Sunday in May as "reunion Sunday"--a time to gather together after a long, cold winter.  For some congregants, regular church attendance is difficult during the winter months.  Cold weather, ice underfoot, travel to warmer climates, colds and flu all contribute to winter absences.  In recognition of the coming spring, we make this a special Sunday to welcome back those who have been absent on Sunday mornings.  We serve brunch following worship in hopes that folks will linger longer for conversation and catching up with each other.  For newer members of the congregation, this is a great opportunity to sit down next to our older members and get to know them, introduce children to them, and fill them in on the good things that have happened since last fall.  Worship with communion is at 10:00 and brunch is served at 11:15 in Fellowship Hall.

Holy Week at Pilgrim

Holy Week begins with Passion Sunday, April 13. As in many congregations, worship this Sunday reflects events during the final week of Jesus' life.  The Pilgrim Choir along with Jeremy Craycraft, percussion, Janelle Lemire, harp, and Rachael Kresha, organ, will be presenting Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein.  The work was commissioned for the 1965 Southern Cathedrals Festival in Sussex, England while Berstein was on sabbatical from the New York Philharmonic.   The text was arranged by Bernstein from the psalms in the original Hebrew.  In the Sunday service, the congregation will hear the reading of Jesus' passion between the musical movements.

Rabbi David Steinberg will lead a teaching Seder at Pilgrim on Thursday, April 17.  It is widely believed that when Jesus and his disciples gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem, they were celebrating Passover together.  It was after this meal that Jesus was arrested, sent to trial and executed.  At Pilgrim, we reach back to our Judeo roots during Holy week.  Because this event involves considerable preparation, reservations need to be made through the church office no later than Tuesday, April 15.  (call 724-8503 or email Pilgrim pilgrimdlh@msn.com)

Good Friday evening Pilgrims gather with members of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church and Peace United Church of Christ to hear the story of Jesus' crucifixion and final words.  There are anthems by the three choirs as well as the readings.  During the service, the lights are dimmed, signifying the end of Jesus' life.  This year's service will be begin at 7:00 and will be held at Peace UCC, 1111 11th Avenue, Duluth.   

Pilgrim worships at its usual time, 10:00 a.m. on Easter morning.  A continental breakfast and social hour begins at 9:00 a.m.  A brass quartet will enhance the worship service in which we gather to celebrate the triumph of life over death, love over hate, and victory over evil:  in a word, resurrection.  Children are encouraged to enjoy the worship service along with adults and Sunday school classes resume the following week.

Ash Wednesday March 5

Pilgrim, like many Christian congregations, observes the season of Lent.  The season begins on Ash Wednesday, six weeks before Easter.  It consists of 40 days (Sundays are not counted among the 40), a reminder of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness outside of Jerusalem.  While there, Jesus faced various temptations and his sense of vocation was strengthened.

Some Christians "give up" something during the season of Lent and others take on added spiritual disciplines for the six weeks.  At Pilgrim, we take time for faith discussions in small groups.  This year we are reading Marcus Borg's book, The Heart of Christianity.  Small groups will meet at 8:45 and 11:20 on Sundays and at 1:30 on Thursday afternoons.  These groups give members and friends an opportunity to reflect on what is important in our individual experiences of Christian faith.  Copies of the book and a reading guide are available in the church office or after services on Sunday.

On Wednesday, March 5th, we will begin Lent with a soup supper, to be served between 6:00 and 6:30 and a worship service at 7:00.  The service will include the imposition of ashes, an ancient reminder of our mortality and the saving grace of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Sunday School Students Feed the Hungry

This past fall Pilgrim's 4th-8th Sunday school class began to study issues of food justice.  They learned about food production and food waste.  They also learned how differently people eat in various parts of the world.  They were surprised at the cost of processed foods in the United States.  They heard about local hunger issues and some of them visited places in Duluth where meals are served.  They wanted to do something to alleviate hunger and chose to work with an organization called Kids Against Hunger.

Kids Against Hunger packages single servings of a highly nutritious meal and distributes the packets to refugee camps or places where people are living in the wake of agricultural disasters.  Pilgrim's Sunday school class set a goal for themselves--to raise $2500, enough to package 10,000 meals for Kids Against Hunger.  On February 2, the Sunday School class and their teachers presented information to the congregation.  During the coffee hour, they accepted donations which amounted to more than $1800!  When they have reached their fund raising goal, they will make arrangements for a packing event to which they will invite members and friends of Pilgrim.

CHUM Church

Many people know that Congregations United in Ministry (CHUM) operates a Food Shelf, a Daytime Drop in Center, and an Emergency Shelter.  CHUM also helps homeless families and individuals look for permanent housing and jobs.  A less known ministry is CHUM CHURCH, a faith community for developmentally disabled persons, their caregivers and families.

CHUM Church meets about 6 times a year, always at Peace UCC.  Other CHUM congregations take turns providing the supportive ministries needed so that this unique faith community can gather for Christian education, worship, food and fellowship.

Pilgrim Congregational Church, a member of CHUM, is supporting CHUM Church gatherings on February 9, April 13 and July 13.  On February 9, Pilgrim will provide the meal following CHUM Church's worship service.  On April 13, Pilgrim will provide leadership for the worship service.  On July 13, Pilgrim will provide a "set up and clean up" crew.  Other supporting congregations for these dates are St. Paul's and First Lutheran.

Members of Pilgrim are invited to visit CHUM Church on any of these dates and participate with the regular members of this faith community.   Visitors help CHUM Church members feel recognized and supported by the wider community and are enthusiastically welcomed.  The CHUM church schedule is as follows:  4:00 p.m., Christian education classes;  4:30, worship;  5:00 meal.

Peace is located is 1111 E. 11th Avenue and is a United Church of Christ, as is Pilgrim.