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.

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