eNews for Thursday, December 16

My Bailiwick

All my Christmas shopping is done. Our tree is up though not yet decorated. I have some baking to do, but first we welcome our daughter to our new home. We’ll take a family photo for this year’s Christmas card on Sunday, right before the service for the fourth Sunday of Advent. The children have rehearsed. There were a few rebellious moments with the “magi from the east”, but the angels were on their game. What a happy Christmas this is turning out to be!

And yet, the suffering across Kentucky is deep and wide. Our dropping temps threaten the lives of the unhoused here in Duluth. Stressed out families are, well, stressed out. But there are some things we can do:

• Donate money to a relief effort that will take months, even years. You may choose the Red Cross or another charity with which you’re familiar. My personal favorite is Church World Service. Or donate to CHUM here in Duluth.
• We’re accepting donations for the Duluth Crisis Nursery of disposable diapers, sizes 4, 5, or 6, baby wipes, or diaper ointment. It is unimaginable to me to not have enough diapers for your children. Please throw some in your grocery basket and bring them to church this Sunday or to the Longest Night service on Dec, 21, or Christmas Eve, or the Sunday after Christmas. Bring them to the tree in the chancel of the sanctuary or in Salter Hall.
• Remember our blessing box! Food, warm socks, mittens, hats are always needed.
• Plan to make a generous contribution to our Christmas offering on Christmas Eve—money that will go to The Christmas Fund, an essential assistance to retired clergy and their families who do not have enough money to survive.

And plan to worship here at Pilgrim this week and next. Children are highlighted this Sunday. On December 21 at 7:00 pm, we’ll worship upstairs in the chapel (there is an elevator) to observe the longest night of darkness. We will be joined by cellist Byron Klimek for this service of candlelight, prayer, and beautiful music. The Longest Night worship will not be live-streamed or recorded. Christmas Eve worship is at 5:00 pm—in person or on-line, and December 26 we’ll eat left-over cookies, sing carols, and ponder the story of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:21-38), who were present in the temple when Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to be dedicated, 8 days after his birth.

One more important announcement for this Sunday and Christmas Eve—we know some of our Pilgrim folks are too young to enjoy the worship services. We still want them to be with us, so we want you to know that the worship services may be reviewed in real time in the church parlor. Just pick up some toys or books and feel free to come in and out as our little peeps are comfortable doing!

CHUM News

The Warming Center needs your help

With the cold weather finally coming to the Northland, we are experiencing a surge of unsheltered community members at the Warming Center. We are at capacity and are not fully into the winter season this year. You can help! Volunteers and donations of basic necessities are especially needed to support our guests.

Volunteers:

We need at least two volunteers every evening and every morning for a variety of duties including cleaning up, setting up, serving coffee, and distributing clothing and hygiene supplies. Volunteer shifts are generally 2 - 2.5 hours.

Click here for a volunteer sign-up form. If you have any trouble opening the link or have questions, please contact Joel Kilgour at (218) 340‑4356.

Volunteer requirements:

• Must be over 18
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and wear a mask when at the Warming Center
• Must take part in a volunteer orientation
• Weekly commitment preferred

Donations needed:

• Heavy winter gloves
• Hand warmers
• Heavy winter jackets
• Heavy winter boots
• Thick hats
• Thick socks
• Financial contributions

CHUM Holiday Fundraiser

Saturday, December 18 | 4:00 pm | Jade Fountain

Join CHUM board member Noah Hobbs for a cup or two of cheer in the form of his homemade Tom and Jerry. This exclusive event is one night only and all proceeds go to CHUM. Noah will be serving this holiday tradition at the Jade Fountain Cocktail Lounge located at 305 N Central Ave, Duluth, MN 55807. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the season and raise money for CHUM.

CHUM Christmas Eve Vigil

Join us at noon at the Duluth City Hall steps on Friday, December 24, to honor those who died this past year. We remember both those homeless who were sheltered and unsheltered, and the advocates that fought on their behalf. We will also honor the beloved pets who were loved by all at CHUM. We are glad to be able to bring this to you in person once again and ask that you join us and ask that you bring a donation for the unsheltered in Duluth.

Winter Drivers

Now that it is winter and driving is more difficult, some of our fellow Pilgrims could use some help with transportation on Sunday mornings. If you are willing to be a driver, please contact the church office. Many thanks from the Membership and Growth committee.

Pointsettias

If you would like to purchase a Christmas Eve poinsettia for $15 this year, please send a check and dedication instructions to the office by Monday, December 20. Thank you!

Beautiful Notecards

After worship on Sundays through Christmas, you are invited to purchase notecards featuring our lovely stained glass Tiffany windows. These will make a terrific Christmas gift. The cost is $12/ten notecards. They will be available in Salter Hall. If you would like to purchase some during the week contact Patrick in the office at (218) 724‑8503 or office@pilgrimduluth.org.

Advent Family Toolkits

The Minnesota Conference is sharing accessible and interactive at-home family faith formation resources. Toolkits are available every week on Wednesdays through Epiphany. You can download the toolkits at uccmn.org.

December 19 Youth Worship Service

Pilgrim’s children and youth will be helping to lead worship on Sunday, December 19. They’ll share music (including from the new children’s bell choir!), carols, readings, and a readers’ theater Christmas story, plus a few other surprises. Join us!

Longest Night Service

Please join us at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 21, for a quiet service of prayer, candlelight, and music as we observe the longest night of the year. The service will be in Pilgrim Church’s chapel with a special guest, cellist Byron Klimek.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Join us at 5:00 pm on Friday, December 24, for a Christmas Eve service of music, carols, readings, and candlelight.

Sunday Worship at Pilgrim

Join us Sunday at 10:00 am for Sunday Worship at Pilgrim, in person or online. You can view the service on Pilgrim's YouTube channel.

You can download a Bulletin here.

This Sunday's scripture readings:

• Luke 1:39-55
• Luke 2:1-7

In case you missed it, you can view last Sunday's worship service on YouTube.
Attendance: 60
YouTube views: 19

What Patrick's Listening To

More Sondheim. Here's a fresh perspective on "Finishing the Hat" by minimalist composer Steve Reich.