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.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Saturday, November 22, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, November 3, 2014
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.
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.
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