Holy Week at Pilgrim

During Holy Week, Pilgrim offers worship services commemorating Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. Each event is different in tone, style, and presentation, but together they offer a rich opportunity to meditate on the meaning of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Passion Sunday, April 1 10:00 am Stories from the last week of Jesus' life, including the Lord's Supper served at tables. Music by the Pilgrim Choir, Bellissimo Handbell Choir, and Jack Bowman on organ.

Maunday Thursday, April 5 6:00 pm Evening meal with model Seder liturgy led by Rabbi David Steinberg of Temple Israel.

Good Friday, April 6 7:00 pm Tenebrae Service focusing on Jesus' words from the cross, featuring the combined choirs of Glen Avon, Peace and Pilgrim churches.

Easter Party, April 7 10:00 am Fun for children and adults--egg hunt, crafts, photos with the Easter bunny, cookie decorating, etc.

Easter Worship 10:00 am Festive worship service with continental breakfast at 9:00 am

Pilgrim Honors Its Children

At Pilgrim, we recognize the importance of the children in our midst. As they arrive and become a part of our community, they challenge us, teach us, entertain us; strengthen us and sometimes even break our hearts. So when a family has a new child, whether by birth or adoption, our faith community gathers to celebrate and honor both the child and the child's family. On Sunday, March 25, we will honor one such child and her family. Later this spring, we will be celebrating the safe arrival of three infants and the changes they are bringing to their families. Most of the children in our congregation are blessed with much of what they need, so we honor them by receiving gifts to be passed on to other children in our community. On March 25th, we are collecting new and gently used children's books for Nettleton school as we celebrate one family and their newly arrived daughter.

Lenten Season at Pilgrim

At Pilgrim, we observe the 40 days before Easter with a special emphasis on faith development. This year we are reading Barbara Brown Taylor's book An Altar in the World. We have produced a companion journal with discussion questions and prayerful activities for each day during the season of Lent. Sunday morning worship services explore themes from Taylor's book as well. In addition to individual study and prayer, congregants are encouraged to participate in a discussion group. Groups meet each Sunday morning at 9:00 and 11:20 and at noon on Thursdays. It's never too late to join in.

Introduction to Pilgrim

On Sunday, February 12th, following the worship service, there is an opportunity for newcomers and visitors to learn more about our congregation. We will meet in the Parlor--bring your cup of coffee and your questions--this is an informal gathering with the minister, Charlotte Frantz, and a few members of the congregation. We'll address such questions as, "What does this church believe?" "What is the United Church of Christ?" "How is this church like other churches and how does it differ?" "What kinds of activities and events are members of the congregation involved in?" Come and learn about who we are and what we stand for! Child care will be provided in the Children's Space right next to the Parlor.

Stained Glass Windows and Duluth History

Pilgrim Congregational Church is fortunate to have some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in the Northland. On Sunday, February 5, at 2:00 p.m., the church will host the premiere showing of a 30 minute documentary about the history related to these windows and the benefactors who commissioned them. The descendants of several of the benefactors will be present as well as the film's producer, Jack Salmela. The church will be open for tours that afternoon as well. There is no charge for the premiere showing; copies of the video will be available for purchase for $15.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY EVENTS

Community Events

Saturday, January 14
Rejoice, Reclaim, Renew Community
Featuring Readings from Dr. King by Central/Denfeld students, Reflections from Carl Crawford
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 15
Christ Temple Victory Center - 330 N. 59th Ave West -Time: 6:00 PM
Featured Speaker: Rev. Donald G. Bryant, Jr.
Lecturer at Luther Seminary and 2011 National Black MBA Assoc. Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Monday January 16
Free Community Breakfast
Holy Family Catholic Church - 2430 W. Third St.
Time 7:00 AM
Featured Speaker: Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Human rights activist & daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa

March (11:00 AM) and Rally (11:45 AM)
March from Washington Center at 11 AM to Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center - 11:45 AM
Featured Speaker: Dr. Janet Haynes, University of Minnesota-Duluth

Labor Movie Night (6:00 PM)
At the River I Stand… Duluth Labor Temple - Wellstone Hall, 2002 London Road

* FOOD DRIVE - At these events, please bring a non-perishable food item to address the needs that exist in our community.

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.