Most people who find meaning in a faith tradition hope that their children will also value that tradition. It's only natural to want to pass on the things we love and cherish. At Pilgrim, we will spend the weekend of September 21 and 22 learning about how children's faith is most likely to be formed.
Wade Zick,, who works for the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ, has studied and researched Faith Forming Communities. Faith (Christian or otherwise) is most often shaped in the intimate community of the home. That faith can be reinforced and strengthened by a larger community of faith such as a congregation or synagogue or mosque.
On Saturday, September 21, Wade will facilitate a discussion with parents, grandparents and others who are directly involved in raising children. He will urge parents to think about their own faith and values and to examine the ways in which those values are woven into the fabric of life at home. "Faith Forming Families" will meet from 9:30-noon. Child care will be available and there is no charge for participants.
On Sunday, September 22, Wade will address the congregation in the morning worship service. At 11:20 he will meet with adults for a question and answer session and further discussion about Pilgrim as a "Faith Forming Community." Both the service and the discussion afterwards are open to the public and those of other faith traditions.
Faith Forming Congregations tend to have five characteristics:
1. Adults and children participate in worship together.
2. Parents and grandparents engage in faith practices at home.
3. The faith community practices intergenerational ministry.
4. There is conversation and reflection on the meaning of service and mission.
5. Lay and clergy leadership continually are engaged in leadership development.
Pilgrim is looking forward to learning from and with Wade Zick.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Financial Planning
Jesus told more than a few parables about money. At Pilgrim, we understand stewardship ministry to include encouraging families in developing financial health. In part, that means making responsible plans that provide for children and their care, taking care of one's own health needs and living situations, making plans for the eventual distribution of assets, and using financial resources to help create a better world. To this end, the stewardship ministry sponsors occasional seminars to acquaint members and friends with the questions they need to consider when talking with their own financial planning professional or adviser. These seminars do not promote any particular plans or products; they are strictly informational so that families are better equipped to make sound decisions.
Seminars are being offered Wednesday, September 11 and September 18. Each evening, the seminar from 6:30-7:30 will focus on financial planning for families with children. The seminar from 7:45-8:45 will focus on financial planning for mature families. Friends and guests of the Pilgrim are welcome to attend. There is no charge. Child care is provided.
Seminars are being offered Wednesday, September 11 and September 18. Each evening, the seminar from 6:30-7:30 will focus on financial planning for families with children. The seminar from 7:45-8:45 will focus on financial planning for mature families. Friends and guests of the Pilgrim are welcome to attend. There is no charge. Child care is provided.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Music and Choirs at Pilgrim
Music is an essential part of worship at Pilgrim Congregational Church. Although we are firmly rooted in classical church traditions, Rachael Kresha, our Director of Music, and Bret Amundson, our Director of Choral Music, provide variety in musical styles and opportunities. Auditions are not necessary to participate in our choirs--Rachael and Bret willingly help singers and ringers figure out how they can contribute to our music program. More information about each of our choirs is available on Pilgrim's Music and Arts page.
Rehearsals for the 2013-2014 season are as follows:
Bella Campana--small handbell ensemble for experienced handbell ringers
Rehearses Wednesdays, 5:30-6:00 pm, beginning September 4
Bellissimo Handbell Ringers--larger handbell choir
Rehearses Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00, beginning September 4
Pilgrim Choir--vocal choir, no auditions necessary
Rehearses Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30, beginning September 11
Joyful Voices--an occasional choir which rehearses a few specific weeks for a given Sunday's anthem
Rehearses occasionally on Wednesdays, 7:15-8:00, beginning September 11
It is not necessary to read music to sing in Joyful Voices!
Joyful Noise--is an integrative music program for children ages 5-10. This is part of our music outreach. Children in Joyful Noise are not required to attend Pilgrim or come on Sundays. Pre-register for the semester . Classes meet on Thursdays, 6:00 pm, beginning September 26.
Music is an important element in our Sunday School program as well and each Sunday a musician works with our children from 11:00-11:15.
Contact Rachael Kresha or Bret Amundson for more details about any of our music programs.
Rehearsals for the 2013-2014 season are as follows:
Bella Campana--small handbell ensemble for experienced handbell ringers
Rehearses Wednesdays, 5:30-6:00 pm, beginning September 4
Bellissimo Handbell Ringers--larger handbell choir
Rehearses Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00, beginning September 4
Pilgrim Choir--vocal choir, no auditions necessary
Rehearses Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30, beginning September 11
Joyful Voices--an occasional choir which rehearses a few specific weeks for a given Sunday's anthem
Rehearses occasionally on Wednesdays, 7:15-8:00, beginning September 11
It is not necessary to read music to sing in Joyful Voices!
Joyful Noise--is an integrative music program for children ages 5-10. This is part of our music outreach. Children in Joyful Noise are not required to attend Pilgrim or come on Sundays. Pre-register for the semester . Classes meet on Thursdays, 6:00 pm, beginning September 26.
Music is an important element in our Sunday School program as well and each Sunday a musician works with our children from 11:00-11:15.
Contact Rachael Kresha or Bret Amundson for more details about any of our music programs.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
September 8 Gathering Sunday
September 8 marks the beginning of the program year at Pilgrim. Sunday School classes for children and youth resume on Sunday mornings and on September 8th, the whole congregation is invited to brunch in Fellowship Hall following worship and classes.
Sunday School students come to worship with parents or other adults at 10:00 a.m.. After a Time with Children, they recess to their classes for age-appropriate learning and then gather at 11:00 for music. There are three Sunday school classes: children age 4-1st grade; 2nd and 3rd graders; and 4th-7th graders. Youth older than 7th grade stay in the worship service and are encouraged to explore the meaning of faith through a confirmation program.
This year, the 4th-7th graders are beginning the year with a six week study of Food Justice. They are learning about food production and distribution and the Christian call to be sure that everyone has access to food for healthy living. Students and teachers are excited to share their learning on their own blog: http://kidblog.org/PilgrimKids/
Younger children are learning Bible stories related to the designated texts for each Sunday.
Check this blog each week for further information about Pilgrim's various activities or like us on Facebook for weekly announcements of upcoming events. We'd love to have you check us out!
"Whoever you are, wherever you are in life's journey, you are welcome here."
Sunday School students come to worship with parents or other adults at 10:00 a.m.. After a Time with Children, they recess to their classes for age-appropriate learning and then gather at 11:00 for music. There are three Sunday school classes: children age 4-1st grade; 2nd and 3rd graders; and 4th-7th graders. Youth older than 7th grade stay in the worship service and are encouraged to explore the meaning of faith through a confirmation program.
This year, the 4th-7th graders are beginning the year with a six week study of Food Justice. They are learning about food production and distribution and the Christian call to be sure that everyone has access to food for healthy living. Students and teachers are excited to share their learning on their own blog: http://kidblog.org/PilgrimKids/
Younger children are learning Bible stories related to the designated texts for each Sunday.
Check this blog each week for further information about Pilgrim's various activities or like us on Facebook for weekly announcements of upcoming events. We'd love to have you check us out!
"Whoever you are, wherever you are in life's journey, you are welcome here."
Friday, July 26, 2013
Outdoor Service and Summer Potluck
On Sunday, July 28, Pilgrim will worship on the lawn in front of the church building. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair if you like. Afterwards, there will be a potluck meal--members of the congregation will bring hot dish, salads, or vegetables to share. Pilgrim's own version of a praise band will provide service music and accompany our hymns. Dress for the weather (forecasters say cool and sunny this year!) Enjoy the out of doors with us!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Midsummer Bible Study
Our minister, the Rev. Charlotte Frantz, is leading a midsummer Bible study on the book of Colossians. The group is open to anyone who would like to come on Wednesday evening, July 10, 17, 24 and 31. The group meets at 7:00 for about an hour. There is no need to come for all four sessions--drop in any Wednesday and join the discussion. The conversation is part of Charlotte's preparation for preaching the following Sunday. Bible study at Pilgrim is informal, conversational and a shared exploration of a Biblical text in light of our life experiences.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Vacation Bible School
Pilgrim will again collaborate with Peace United Church of Christ to offer Vacation Bible School. Gordon Linn is Pilgrim’s contact person and coordinator. (218-213-3555 or linnfinity@gmail.com)
Cost: $20 per child if you register early ($50 max per family), or $25 per child if you register on the first day of VBS ($55 max per family). Early registration is so helpful as we plan our supplies, helpers, etc.
Vacation Bible School this year is all about serving. We will learn how God calls us to love and serve each other. We are looking for Volunteers! Are you willing to help lead a station for one or two days, or even the whole week? Stations will include: Arts and Crafts, Games, and Service Projects. Let Gordon Linn, or Charlotte Frantz know if you can help.
Supply Lists will be available in Salter Hall! As always we need our Peace Church and Pilgrim Church members to donate most of our supplies to keep costs down. Please take a donation slip or two or three! Donate items so that our kids can have a great experience.
Adult Leaders Needed for Activity Stations!
For this great event, we are looking for adults to team lead activity stations. All curriculum and supplies are provided. Volunteers may sign up for one or two days or a week long commitment. It’s a great way to get to know the younger generation. Please let Gordon Linn know if you are interested.
Youth VBS NEEDS YOU! We need your energy, experience and enthusiasm to help make this year’s VBS extraordinary. Let Charlotte Frantz or Gordon Linn know if you can help out! It will be a great week if YOU join us!
Cost: $20 per child if you register early ($50 max per family), or $25 per child if you register on the first day of VBS ($55 max per family). Early registration is so helpful as we plan our supplies, helpers, etc.
Vacation Bible School this year is all about serving. We will learn how God calls us to love and serve each other. We are looking for Volunteers! Are you willing to help lead a station for one or two days, or even the whole week? Stations will include: Arts and Crafts, Games, and Service Projects. Let Gordon Linn, or Charlotte Frantz know if you can help.
Supply Lists will be available in Salter Hall! As always we need our Peace Church and Pilgrim Church members to donate most of our supplies to keep costs down. Please take a donation slip or two or three! Donate items so that our kids can have a great experience.
Adult Leaders Needed for Activity Stations!
For this great event, we are looking for adults to team lead activity stations. All curriculum and supplies are provided. Volunteers may sign up for one or two days or a week long commitment. It’s a great way to get to know the younger generation. Please let Gordon Linn know if you are interested.
Youth VBS NEEDS YOU! We need your energy, experience and enthusiasm to help make this year’s VBS extraordinary. Let Charlotte Frantz or Gordon Linn know if you can help out! It will be a great week if YOU join us!
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