Non-Profit Organization Sec.34.66 P.L. &R PAID Southborough, MA Permit No. 6

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things: January 2014

The Spire Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC

Published Monthly Issue No. 1 www.pilgrimchurch.us

on the Common Southborough, MA 01772

FROM THE MINISTER Don't Make Resolutions I am very clear that New Year's resolutions are problematic. First, when they don't stick, we feel like a failure. Second, the changes we really want to make need to be made immediately and shouldn't be put off to the new year. Third, the whole idea promotes a model of self-reflection once a year, and to be spiritually honest, that doesn't feel like enough.

Pilgrim Congregational Church United Church of Christ On the Common P.O. Box 281 Southborough, Massachusetts 01772 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

My thought: daily prayers that lead to daily changes. As I conclude my 13th year as your minister, I've gone through a lot of personal changes this past year. My wife finished her PhD. We moved back to Massachusetts. My family experienced a number of health challenges (my mom is doing much better). And I am now officially the senior minister of Pilgrim, in charge of leading the staff so that committees can focus on what they want to do and your paid ministers can support you in fulfilling those hopes. These changes have been good, great really, and I've noticed all the places I still need to be different. I still need to exercise more. I still need to eat more vegetables (I have succeeded in eating less pizza). I need to be less concerned with results and more concerned with learning. (continued)

From the Minister (cont.) Most of all, I need to prayer more intentionally. I pray every day, but I haven't always really listened to what I was praying for. Too often, I have been treating God as a vending machine, with prayer as the currency, and I've been missing a spiritual benefit of prayer that is so much better than resolutions. When we pray to God, we ask for what we want. When we then pause, and listen to the response that comes through our hearts and minds, somehow, God shows us little ways each day to get closer to that reality (arguably, the heaven we crave). I realized this fall and early winter that if I listen a little more to where God is showing me I can go to experience my heart's desires, the path is much clearer than I ever thought. And, I don't have to resolve to make changes. Each day, the way to live a little more faithfully is clear. Prayer and listening for God's response feels like a much more meaningful way to get a little more heaven in my life. Wait, did I just make a resolution. Yes. But I'm not waiting for New Year's to do it and God will give each of us as many chances as we need to pull it off. And, in God's eyes, we are never a failure. Happy New Year! Jon

FROM THE CLERK Annual Reports--Committees are requested to prepare reports on their activities, for inclusion in the Annual Report and email them to Bob Flot at [email protected] by January 6. Small Group Ministries are also invited to report on their activities.

I was hoping for a few minutes of solace and quiet reflection this morning, and I thought the Sanctuary would be just the place. I thought wrong, as my grandmother used to say. First clue? It was all I could do to find a parking space. On a Tuesday morning, mind you. Having successfully parked, I cracked open the door to Fellowship Hall – but interrupted some sort of fitness class. Oops. So I retreated and instead entered the building through the side door, holding it open for three or four Verizon guys. Finally, I crept up the back stairs – but paused when I heard singing in the Sanctuary. It turned out there was a Messiah rehearsal going on. (I’m writing this in early December.) So much for solace and quiet reflection. On this particular Tuesday morning, Pilgrim Church was busier than South Station. What a blessing that is. In a time that finds houses of worship contracting, merging, being sold off, or simply falling into disuse, Pilgrim Church is one of Southborough’s most vital activity centers. It’s home to the Southborough Food Pantry. It’s a dance hall. It’s Bake-and-Freeze headquarters. It’s where Scouts meet. It’s an aerobics studio, a yoga studio, a hall for concerts and lectures, a mini-conference center … … oh yeah, it’s also a church. Our church. That is its primary job, the one from which the other activities spring. I love old buildings. I love their wheezing HVAC systems, their

(continued)

Schedule of Events January Steeple Coffeehouse, Saturday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m. Committee Information Fair, Sunday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. February Spire Article Deadline, Friday, January 17 All-Ministers Sunday, Sunday, January 26 Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 26 at 11:00 a.m. February Jr. High Sponsored Movie & Italian Night, Saturday, February 1 at 5:00 p.m. February (cont.) Steeple Coffeehouse, Saturday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. March Spire Article Deadline, Friday, February 14 March Women’s Fellowship Pizza & Game Night, Saturday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service, Wednesday, March 5 at 7 p.m. Steeple Coffeehouse, Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Gospel Music Sunday, Sunday, March 9 Fellowship Brunch, Sunday, March 9 following Worship New Member Inquiry Session, Sunday, March 16 at 11:30 a.m. Outreach Easter Basket Program Begins, Sunday, March 16 April Spire Article Deadline, Friday, March 21 Men’s Club & Sr. High Youth Group Spaghetti Dinner & Auction, Sunday, March 23 at 5:30 p.m. Lenten Series Begins (four weeks), Tuesday, March 25 at 6:00 p.m. April Reception of New Members, Sunday, April 6 Steeple Coffeehouse, Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. Palm Sunday, Sunday, April 13 Lenten Workshop, Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Supper & Service, Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Schedule of Events (cont.) April (cont.) May Spire Article Deadline, Friday, April 18 Easter Sunday, Sunday, April 20, Services at 9 a.m. & 11 a.m. Confirmation Sunday, Sunday, April 27 May Cinco de Mayo, Saturday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. Women’s Retreat, Friday, May 9-Saturday, May 10 Steeple Coffeehouse, Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11 June Spire Article Deadline, Friday, May 17 Troop Care Package Drive, Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Troop Care Package Drive, Sunday, May 18 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Outreach Backpack Program Begins, Sunday, May 18 Music Sunday, Sunday, May 18 Cheeseburger Sunday, Sunday May 18 June Children’s Sunday, Sunday, June 1 Sunday School Field Day, Sunday, June 8 Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15 Summer Services Begin, June 22 through August 31 at 9:30 a.m.

Church Staff & Contact Information Minister – Rev. Jonathan Wortmann (508) 485-4847 [email protected] Associate Minister – Rev. Julie Cedrone (508) 485-4847 [email protected] Minister of Communication – Debbie Herrick (508) 485-4847 [email protected] Minister of Music – Grace Choi (978) 467-5588 [email protected] Handbell Choir Director – Carla Mason (508) 770-1222 [email protected] Director of Sr. High Youth Programs – Sarah Hile (781) 820-7093 [email protected]

Deadline For Submission of Articles

Date of Mailing

January 17 (February)

January 24

February 14 (March)

February 21

Walt Stamper Ali Mills Janet Larson Parker Lescalleet Annie Lindgren Margaret Cormack Sheryn Carew Deb Harrison Matt Torilli Katie Cullen Joan Pflug Sue Baust Paul Weber Ashley Speckerman Cally Altamura Bruce Davidson Andrew Leger Sue Ellen Renfrew Patrick Monroe John Flanders

3 4 6 6 7 7 8 8 8 8 10 11 11 11 12 13 13 14 14 15

Katherine Hennessy Bill Landes Rachel Baumann Lucy Mohn Kelli Wagner Freddie Gillespie Elizabeth Wetherbee Erin Leist Christine Tsen Bonnie Lang Pat Draper Alyce Henningson Jack Cowern Gracen Huang James Scharpf Ann Kern Scott Cowen Tom Haugen Nick Haugen Liam Tsen

16 16 17 20 21 21 21 21 23 24 25 26 26 26 27 28 29 29 29 31

Standing Church Meetings Church Council Chancel Choir Littlest Angels Choir Handbell Choir Buildings & Grounds Christian Education Diaconate Fellowship Personnel Parish Relations Financial Resources Music Outreach Stewardship

7:30 p.m. 2nd Wednesday 7:30 p.m. every Thursday Following the Worship Service 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday 6:30 p.m. – 1st Tuesday of month 11:30 a.m. – 1st Sunday of month 7:00 p.m. 2nd Monday of month 11:30 a.m. – 1st Sunday As Needed 11:30 a.m. – 4th Sunday of month As Needed 11:30 a.m. – 1st Sunday of month As Needed As Needed

Celebrations & Concerns Celebrations Congratulations to Jim & Cindy Moore on the baptism of their daughter, Taylor Alexandra Moore on Sunday, December 22.

BIBLE 101 Sunday, January 12 @ 11:30 a.m. Theme: Controversial Characters of the Bible Lot (Genesis 19)

❄❄❄❄❄ Concerns Please keep the following people in your prayers for healing: Elliott & Marty Larson as they return to Afghanistan.

❂❂❂ Bob & Shari Sanford 29

The Leger family as they mourn the loss of Helen Grimm Leger. Nancy Kolk Katherine Hennessy Dan Field

January Schedule 5th – Church/Parlor

Stephen Coldwell http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stephensupdates

12th – Church/Parlor

Walt Stamper

19th – Church/Parlor 26th – Church/Parlor

Dates to Remember

From the Stewardship Committee Heaven is free; however, there are operating costs.

Sunday, January 5 & 19

11:30 a.m. – Confirmation Class 11:30 a.m. – Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry Mondays, January 6 & 20 7:30-9 p.m. – Women’s Spirituality Group Mondays, January 6, 13 & 27 9:30 a.m. – Healthy Living Group Tuesday, January 7 5:00 p.m. – Our Father’s Table Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21 & 28 9:30 a.m. – Yoga Wednesday, January 8 7:30 p.m. – Council Meeting Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22 & 29 6:45 p.m. – Meditation Service Saturday, January 11 7:30 p.m. – Steeple Coffeehouse Sunday, January 12 Committee Information Sunday 11:30 a.m. – Bible 101 Wednesday, January 15 3:30 p.m. – St. Pat’s Worship Group

Our Stewardship campaign incorporates two components of ongoing annual costs and the steeple repair. Our operating budget goal is $350,000. In addition, we will need to raise an additional $75,000 to pay for the steeple repair. The ultimate pledge goal for the 2014 Stewardship Campaign is $425,000. On November 24, 2013 we shared a Stewardship Brunch together with demonstration of the major repairs needed to the steeple. Repairing the steeple is our generation’s declaration of how grateful we are for this beautiful spiritual place. To date, we have received: •

93 Total Pledges received out of 255 letters mailed (36.5% completion)

•

85 Repeat Pledges

•

8 New Pledges

The Stewardship Committee will be calling and e-mailing members and friends we have not heard from to determine their pledge for 2014. We desire to know your responses prior to the annual meeting in January. Remember that even though Heaven is free, there are operating costs. Respectfully yours,

Sunday, January 26 11:00 a.m. – Annual Meeting

The Stewardship Committee Randy Dinjian, Jason Honey, Ann Kern, Louis Kuchnir, Susan Mills, Bryan Mohn

Deacons’ Corner (cont.) drafty windows, their logic-free light switches, their doors that lead nowhere. An old building that’s under-used is depressing. But an old building in constant use? Filled with laughter and joy and fellowship and echoes of the past? That’s a thing of beauty. That’s what we’ve got in Pilgrim Church. This morning, I didn’t get my solitude in the Sanctuary. Instead, I sank down in that back stairwell and listened to Messiah rehearsal for ten minutes. And you know what? That was better.

Steve Ulfelder

On behalf of myself and my entire family, I want to thank everyone who promoted and/or came out to support Uncle Stephen's blood drive. The compassion and fellowship of the Pilgrim Church family was overwhelming. It was a pleasure meeting or catching up with so many of you. The Dana-Farber and Brigham and Women's blood donation volunteers were surprised at the response for a "first time" blood drive. They received 37 units of blood, which was over my personal goal of 30 units (an average first time drive yields roughly 17 units). And even those that could not donate blood were a welcome distraction from the November chill at the "treat table". That being said, we couldn't have asked for better late November weather. I am grateful to the Pilgrim Church community for their show of support for such a wonderful man. Sincerely, Becky Coldwell

CE NEWS January- June 2014 Sunday School Information: Month

Bible Story/Event

January

Jesus Walks on Water

February

Jonah and the Whale

March

Parable of the Sower

April

The Last Supper

May

Tower of Babel

Children’s Sunday

June 1

Field Day

June 8

Father’s Day

June 15

Email Amy Sibley for any questions you may have [email protected] Email Sara Stein for [email protected]

allergy

information-

We are always open to suggestions for any way in which we can make improvements to our programing for all, not just the children. Please feel free to contact any C.E. member with your comments, new ideas or concerns. If you would like to become more involved, we are looking for new CE Members. Email Julie [email protected] if you are interested in being a part of a team dedicated to making Christian Education the best it can be!

FRIENDS OF FAMILIES IN TRANSITION ANNUAL MEETING of PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Sunday, January 26, 2014

ARTICLE I: To hear the Annual Reports of the Officers and Committees of Pilgrim Congregational Church for 2013.

Holiday parties are well underway for the families stuck in motels for the holiday. We've been busy at FIT collecting and wrapping gifts for the kids and making gift bags for their parents. Area hotels, grocery stores and other businesses along with many individuals have been extremely generous donating space, food, manpower, crafts and gifts. The families are so appreciative. It gives them a much needed diversion from their cramped living space and provides so much holiday cheer. This is just one of the functions of FIT!

ARTICLE II: To hear the proposed budget for 2014 as presented by Financial Resources and take action thereon.

Please consider donating the following:

To the Members and Friends of Pilgrim Congregational Church: The Annual Meeting of Pilgrim Congregational Church will be held on January 26, 2014 immediately following worship in Fellowship Hall. The Meeting will hear and take action on the following articles:

ARTICLE III: To hear the proposed slate of Officers and Committees for 2014 as presented and vote thereon. ARTICLE IV: To hear the proposed changes to the Bylaws and take action thereon. ARTICLE V: To hear any other business which may regularly come before the meeting. Attest Robert Flot Church Clerk January 5, 2014

Diapers (especially sizes 3-5) Wipes Gift Certificates to Hannaford's supermarket (Can be dropped off in office) Strollers Car/Booster seats If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Dru Lindgren at [email protected] com or call 508-2772942 *Place donations (other than gift cards) in labeled bins in Fellowship Hall.

Small Group Opportunities Bake & Freeze Ministry Established as a way to supplement the efforts of Fellowship in providing meals to "Our Pilgrims". It was challenging to get meals on short notice to those in need, so having prepared frozen meals at the ready alleviates that challenge. Bible 101 Once a month, on the second Sunday at 11:30, a small group gathers to explore the Bible more deeply. No previous experience is needed and each topic is unique. Past subjects have included the letters of Paul, the Gnostic gospels, and the history of the Bible in Christianity. Jon Wortmann 508-485-4847 Email to: [email protected] Chancel Choir - Leads and supports the congregation in the singing of hymns and musical responses and provides choral anthems and/or solos within the Sunday morning service. The choir rehearses every Thursday evening from 7:30-9:20 PM from mid-September thru early June under the direction of the Music Minister. New members are always welcomed. Email to: [email protected]. Children's Choir -"Littlest Angels” A choir of children ages 3-5 which meets most Sundays right after church in the preschool room and sings in church 3 or 4 times during the year. Barbara Porter 508-4359205 Email to: [email protected] Food Pantry Solicits, collects, sorts, and stocks donations of nonperishable grocery items in the Food Pantry on a weekly basis. Responsible for the distribution of groceries to the clients of the Pantry on Tuesday nights from 7-8 and Friday mornings from 10-11 every 5th week. Marge Coldwell, Pilgrim Church Coordinator 508-481-1890 Email to: [email protected] Friar Tuck Ministries Friar Tuck Ministries is an open group to men and women who are interested in the brewing process for holy spirits. The group brews for Progressive Dinner and Cinco de Mayo. Dave Qua 774-232-0765 Email to: [email protected] (monthly) 12:30-3 p.m. Goddard Summer Program Planning Team A chance to offer the ministry of hugs and squeeze, fun and play to kids who otherwise would be stuck at home or getting in trouble on the street during their summer break. The summer camp runs from late June to late July for third thru fifth grade students. Volunteers will mingle with kids as we do Arts & Crafts, indoor/outdoor games, gardening, computers and more! Sally Fodor 508-485-5689 Email to: [email protected]

Small Groups (cont.)

Small Groups (cont.)

Grief Support – The Grief and Healing group is a drop-in quarterly group addressing the complexities of loss, and the role of faith through the healing process. Through prayer and conversation, we explore all the phases of grief, and places of hope. Open to all. Julie Cedrone (as scheduled) 508-485-4847 Email to: [email protected]

Prayer Shawl/Knitting Ministry – We meet the first and third Sundays from September through May. We provide blankets for baptized babies (and adults), Pocket Prayer Shawls for the Troop Care Package Drive event twice a year, hats for the Adopt-A-Child program at Christmas, as well as shawls for comfort and love for those in need. Sheryn Carew 508-624-0706 Email to: [email protected]

Handbell Choir – (most Wednesdays @ 7:30 p.m. Sept. thru June) Carla Mason 508-770-1222 Email to: [email protected] Healthy Living – Every Monday at 9:30 a group of individuals, men and women, gather to talk about different ways to be healthier. Past topics have included genius, personality assessments, world culture, and meditation. The group is led by Jon Wortmann or an expert in the group on particular areas of interest. Jon Wortmann 508-485-4847 Email to: [email protected] Jr. High Youth Group – A safe place for 7th and 8th graders to meet every Sunday morning from 10:15-11:00 to examine their faith by learning about the basics of Christianity. It is a place to voice their opinions about current issues, while they continue to wrestle with dramatic changes in their hearts, minds and bodies during and through adolescence. Steve Gutro Email to: [email protected] Kononia – Meeting weekly as a nurturing and faithful community, sharing our inner spiritual journey and exploring ways to more fully experience a deeper awareness of God’s presence in our lives. Because sharing groups can only function well with a limited number of members, it has been necessary to limit the group to the current membership. Anyone wish to form a similar small group may contact Reid Roberts, and every effort will be made to assist you. Email to: [email protected] Men’s Club – (As scheduled) Provides an opportunity for the men in the congregation through fellowship and fun to get acquainted, socialize and provide for others. Activities include: Annual Habitat for Humanity mission trips to Portland, ME, the Spaghetti Dinner/Raffle fundraiser, Holiday Breakfast and other programs as scheduled. Bill Harrington 508-485-8737 Email to: [email protected] Our Father's Table –A group of 19 churches who serve meals to the needy 3 times a week at the First Baptist Church in Marlborough. We cook and serve on the first Tuesday of each month Joan Anderson 508481-0644 Email to: [email protected]

St. Patrick’s Manor Worship Group – (Every third Wednesday October through May) Jon and the Chapel Choir provide a 3:30 p.m. ecumenical worship service for residents of this Framingham nursing home. Barbara Porter 508-435-9205 Email to: [email protected] Sr. High Youth Group – PCYG is a group for the senior high. All students in 9th-12th grades are welcome. We meet for activities, discussions, service projects, fun, fundraising, spiritual development, community building, and a yearly mission trip. Sarah Hile 508-329-1381 Email to: [email protected] Spiritual Conversations – Every Sunday at 8:45 in the church parlor a small group, sometimes 6 sometimes 16, gathers to talk about the week's scripture. The conversation is moderated by one of the ministers, and all are welcome. No experience with the Bible is needed. Jon Wortmann 508-485-4847 Email to: [email protected] Tennis Ministry – A small group of people that enjoy playing tennis regardless of ability. We strive to meet monthly in the warmer months for fellowship and fun. Jason Honey 508-881-0979 Email to: [email protected] Women’s Fellowship – Women of the church who meet for various activities throughout the year including a women’s retreat, advent wreath making workshop, cookie swap, game night, potluck, etc. Women’s Spirituality Group – A group of women who meet to discuss books related to women’s spirituality on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month September through mid-June 7:30-9 p.m. Debbie Herrick 508-485-4847 Email to: [email protected]