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.