The Church of the Pilgrimage | |
"a beacon for good in the world" | |
|
Friends,
In the Marcan text for Sunday, September 1, 2024, Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem are once again confronting Jesus. This time they are questioning the behavior of Jesus’ followers who are eating with unwashed hands. In calling out the behavior of Jesus’ followers, the Pharisees and scribes are suggesting that the followers are violating purity codes. Because they are followers of Jesus, the implication is that Jesus himself at a minimum condones such behavior and at a maximum he engages in the same behavior.
Jesus pushes back that the things people put into their bodies will not defile. In fact, it is the things within us that defile. The push back by Jesus is an indictment upon religious persons who are overly concerned with outward forms, such patterns of language or social customs. Jesus’ statement that it is the stuff in our heart, the seat of reason and will, that defiles us. Here, Jesus is challenging the taboos we observe in order to make ourselves fit for God.
One take away is that we humans tend toward the extreme in the practice of our faith and we often put other people at the opposite extreme. In the early years after Jesus death, his followers referred to themselves as followers of the Way. They were making reference to Jesus’ statement in John 14:6. The Buddha called his Eightfold Path the middle way. As a shorthand, Buddhism is often referred to as the Middle Way. May we spend our days following/seeking the Way rather than pursuing the extremes.
Peace,
Rev. Tim
| This coming Fall, I will roll out two opportunities for fellowship and nourishment. | |
The first opportunity is a book discussion. We will read and discussion a book by Rev. Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim. Dr. Kim is a professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion. She immigrated with her family from South Korea to London, Canada in the early 1970s and as a young adult came to the US. The book we will be reading and discussing together is, When God Became White: Dismantling Whiteness for a more Just Christianity. We will gather for five weeks exploring two chapters a week. We will read 2 chapters for each gathering.
The dates and times for the book discussion will be Wednesdays at 10:30 am to 11:45 am or Thursdays at 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. The Wednesday gatherings will start on September 11th and run through October 9th. The Thursday gatherings will start on September 12th and run through October 10th.
There will be a sign-up list in Allerton Hall for the book discussion. This will help gauge overall interest. Once we have an idea of the number of folks, we will order copies of the book that you can purchase from the church directly. If you have already purchased a copy that is great.
| |
|
The second opportunity is a weekly lectionary based. We will explore together the coming Sunday’s lectionary reading that I will base my sermon for that Sunday. You are free to use your favorite Bible. The Bible study will meet on Tuesdays at 10:30 am to 11:45 am and again at 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm. We will begin on Tuesday, September 8th. This will be on-going each Tuesday.
If you are unable to attend in-person at the JRC, I will make a Zoom link available, so you can attend virtually.
| |
|
Music Notes
The prelude this week, Communion, is by Louis Vierne (1870-1937). Vierne was a composer of many works. Most of his compositions are for use in the church reflecting his work as titular organist at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Vierne won the position in 1900 and continued until his death in 1937. Vierne died of a heart attack at the console of the grand organ at Notre Dame during his final concert. His music reflects his exploration of interesting and unusual tonalities that lead the way for composers in the 20th century.
The Offertory this week, a beautiful piece by Malcolm Archer (b. 1952) of Great Britain. Sicilienne is a gentle composition with a lovely melody. There is a short interlude in the middle before the melody returns with gently flowing accompaniment.
Gilbert Martin (b.1941) is a freelance composer and editor of choral music. A native of Southbridge, MA, Martin has for over thirty years provided varied compositions and arrangements for organists, pianist and choirs. His Toccata Giacosa is a fun way to start September. Enjoy!
--Michael Eaton
|  | |
|
Important Dates
Be sure to mark your calendar now for these important dates coming up in our Church!
Sunday, September 15th - Gathering Sunday - The traditional start of our program year. The choir will be back with us in Worship!
Sunday, September 22nd at 3:00pm - Installation of the 32nd settled Pastor of the Church of the Pilgrimage - Rev. Tim Garvin-Leighton.
Sunday, September 29th - Church picnic at Pinewood Lodge Campground (see article below)
Sunday, October 6th at 2:00pm - Ordination of our own Kim Engle as she starts her journey with our fellow congregations in Lakeville/N. Attleborough.
| |
|
Monday Meals
Monday Meals begins a new season September 9th!
For anyone unfamiliar with this important mission of The Church of the Pilgrimage, we have been offering meals and hospitality to people in need for many years. From September through May, on Mondays, we serve a light continental breakfast followed by a hearty hot lunch. Guests are also offered a sandwich bag to go, including fruit and cookies. Allerton Hall becomes a warm (or cool) place for our guests, some homeless, to gather and experience a welcoming space.
If you would like to be part of the team that makes this happen, there are many ways you can help. We need donations of large bottles of fruit juice such as apple, cranberry, orange or blends. You could contribute homemade or store bought pastries or be willing to drop off a dozen sandwiches. For anyone who is able to attend a Monday Meal, we need help with serving and cleanup. Or you could simply mingle with our guests, joining them for coffee and/or lunch, making them feel welcome.
Does this sound like something you can do?
Please call, text or email Karla Wood 508-254-8462 karlaw231@hotmail.com
| |
|
Hold the Date
The Church of the Pilgrimage Annual Family Picnic
will be held
Sunday, September 29th, 2024
12:00 noon - 4 pm
at
Pinewood Lodge Campground
190 Pinewood Road, Plymouth
Everyone is welcome — bring the whole family and friends to the picnic!!
Lunch in the Pavilion! Fun for everyone!
Jim Sweeney will run a Cornhole Tournament!!!
We need volunteers to help with planning, food, serving, and clean-up. To volunteer, please contact Pat Cronin at 860-558-3804.
| |
Memories from the picnic last year. | |
Children helping Rev. Tim bless the water for a baptism. | |
|
Do You Want To Be More Involved
at The Church of the Pilgrimage?
Have you heard about a group or activity and wondered how you can join? The Membership and Evangelism Committee has updated a list of Church activities, providing contact names, phones and emails. Activities are listed in many areas of interest: Ministry Teams/Committees; Outreach; Worship and Music; Christian Education (CE) for Children/Youth, CE for Adults; Fellowship and Support; plus Miscellaneous; such as, gardening, helping in the office, or helping with technology and publicity. There are many ways that your time, talents and spiritual gifts can serve our Church. Please pick up a copy of the list from our Information Table in Allerton Hall.
Pat Cronin and Nancy Sweeney
Membership and Evangelism Committee
Please click HERE to view the entire list of Ways to Be More Involved.
| |
|
Where are the Candelabra?
The front of the church may look slightly different for a couple of weeks. The two candelabra have been removed to the Communion Prep room. The Deacons are taking this opportunity to thoroughly clean and adjust the candelabra and the candles.
The candles are actually small oil lamps and need occasional cleaning and maintenance. The Deacons are making sure everything is in top shape before Rev. Tim's installation as Pastor on September 22nd.
| | |
|
Creation Justice
For the the weeks to come we will share activities from Creation Justice Ministries that will educate and equip Christians to protect, restore, and rightly share God's creation.
| |
|
Use Green Transportation
How do you get from place to place? Make a plan for how you can reduce your footprint. Does your city/town have public transportation? Are there places where you can walk or bike instead of drive? Make a commitment and plan to improve your transit carbon footprint.
| |
|
Parking for Newcomers
Reminder that paid parking recommenced on April 1
A reminder that on Sundays most of us park on School St., Main St. Extension (3 handicap), Summer St. (4 hours), and in the Market St. and Middle St. lots. One can get parking permits from Park Plymouth at 4 North Street; ph. 508.747.5929; www.parkplymouth.com. If you have questions, please speak with Mike Eaton.
| |
|
On The Calendar
-
August 30: Widowed Support Group, 10:30am
-
September 1: Worship with Communion, 10:00am
-
September 2: Labor Day - Church Office CLOSED
-
September 3: Membership, 4:00pm
-
September 4: Coffee & Conversation, 1:00pm
| | | | |
