2.15.24

"a beacon for good in the world"

Friends,

After a rainy fall, a mild winter (so far), and the hope of a bright spring, we enter the six-week purple liturgical season. “Wild Beasts, Inside and Out” is our sermon for the First Sunday in Lent. It is based on Genesis 9: 8-17, about God’s Covenant after the Flood, and Mark 1:9-15 about Jesus’ Baptism and journey to the Wilderness. Our worship leader is Polly Hare.

Next Sunday, February 25^th, we have invited Trina Camaro and the Scouts from Troop 64, who use our John Robinson Center weekly, to join us for morning worship. The Scouts will assist our lay volunteers with greeting, ushering and helping at Coffee Hour. Please give them a warm welcome.

Wishing you a blessed Lent,

Pastor Dianne

Julie W, Rel Dowdell, Rev. Steve W and Pastor Dianne after Sunday Transfiguration - Black History Service

Music Notes

The prelude this week is titled O Gentle Presence by the composer E.W. Jenkins. The tune used is in our hymnal as Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart. I found this composition some years ago up in the music library here at The Church of the Pilgrimage. I do not know anything about the composer and how this manuscript came to the library. In any event, it is a lovely composition that provides a gentle, prayerful opening to our service.

The postlude, Blessed Ye Who Live in Faith Unswerving, is from a collection of Eleven Chorale Preludes by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897). These are the final compositions by Brahms. Written in 1897, Brahms turned to the organ to compose some of his most reflective music. He started writing these soon after the death of his close friend, Clara Schumann (1819-1896). Brahms seemed to be aware of his own impending mortality. This final composition of this collection, and the final notes that he wrote are titled O World, I Must Leave You. The result is music of intense beauty. 

Enjoy!

--Michael Eaton

Lenten Devotionals

Bend, the Lenten devotionals are in! We ordered them from the Pilgrim Press this year. They are located in the narthex the upper vestibule. There is a basket if you would like to contribute toward the cost of the devotionals. A contribution is not required. We hope these devotions enhance this season of Lent.



Blessings,

Your Deacon Ministry Team

Visitation Ministry

We are very fortunate to have a volunteer Visitation Ministry Team composed of six of our church members. They work together to keep in touch with individuals who are unable to attend church for various reasons.

They visit members in their homes, independent and assisted living facilities and/or nursing homes. They also make phone calls - to check in on individual needs or just to chat. Your lay Visitation Ministry Team supports but does not replace visits and calls from our Pastor.

If you would like to be called or visited, or know of someone in the congregation who needs a friendly visit or a listening ear, please contact Pastor Dianne or Ellie Reinhardt, Chair (efreinhardt@gmail.com).



Linus Blankets

Project Linus

gives blankets made with loving care.

Bring your blankets to Church starting

Sunday, February 18th.

They will be displayed during the next

three weeks, and dedicated

Sunday, March 10th.

Your CE Ministry Team will greet you in the upper vestibule, and help you display the blankets in the sanctuary.

Rick D, Linn P, Pastor Dianne, Kathy M and Judy D on visit to RI Historical Society, Providence

Linn P, Rick D, Judy D and Rev. Steve W after debut of Black History film

Overnights of Hospitality

We are now half-way through the season. Due to the increasing cold weather, we have seen a jump in the number of folks seeking shelter. While we have recruited some new volunteers to chaperone, we could always use more. We have a few openings for the rest of February and into March. Go to MealTrain to sign up. The link to Chaperone Guidelines is below. On site orientation is provided for new volunteers.

Clothing Donations

The Taskforce cannot accept clothing donations as we do not have storage capabilities. If you have clothing to donate, we suggest you bring clothing articles to the Christ Church Thrift Shop, 149 Court St. When there is an immediate need for particular items, we reach out to the Christ Church Thrift Shoppe for those items. 

However, we could always use donations of winter socks, hand warmers, Dunkin gift cards.

Read Books by Black Authors 

​It's Black History Month! Enjoy books written by black authors, theologians, and ecologists. Check out The Intersectional Environmentalist" by Leah Thomas and "Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals" by Alexis Pauline Gumbs.

Parking for Newcomers

Beginning December 1st, public parking is free until April

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.

Office Hours

Tuesday - Thursday

8:30am-4:00pm

On The Calendar

• February 16: Widowed Support Group, 10:30am Crociati Memorial Service, 7pm (Cartmell)
• February 17: Food Drive, 10:00am-noon
• February 18: Worship, 10:00am; Personnel, 11:15am
• February 19: Presidents Day, Church Office Closed
• February 20: Membership, 4:00pm
• February 21: Choir, 7:30
• February 22: Stewardship, 3:00pm; Missions, 7:00pm