eNews for Thursday, November 17
My Bailiwick
Dear Pilgrims,
The conference on which my daughter has worked for the past year was just outstanding! And of course, time with her is always heart-strengthening, though she was in demand for problem-solving here and there. She works for New Profit, a venture philanthropy organization. I wrote down so many good nuggets from speakers, along with book suggestions that will find their way into sermons over the next few months, but mostly, it was reassuring and uplifting to hear from and see the hundreds of people who are working for social good across the country—anti-racism, gun reform, health care access initiatives, public education transformation, criminal justice and prison reform—I was so inspired! It’s a conceit to imagine that we are all alone in the work of changing the world for the better. Thousands of courageous people—millions, really, are creating social change.
Locally, one of our most courageous change agents is John Cole, Executive Director of CHUM. I am so glad we are welcoming him to Pilgrim this Sunday, to preach in the 10:00 am worship service, and then lead us through a Second Hour. I hope you’ll be with us.
Then Sunday evening, several of us will be participating in the Inter-faith Thanksgiving Worship at Spirit of God Lutheran Church (2431 West Third Street in Duluth) at 7:00 pm.
And then it’s Advent and decorating the church for Christmas and the Advent workshop and children’s pageant and service of lessons and carols. May our participation in these events and more inspire us to keep working for social good.
Love, Carla
Advent Devotional
Moving Toward the Manger by Martin E. Marty
We have 36 copies of this devotional guide based on the writings of Frederick Buechner (it’s also
available for Kindle for $.99). The copies can be found in the back of the sanctuary.
May these meditations help you prepare to meet the truth of these difficult days, and celebrate
the coming of the One who asks us to join him in costly commitment.
Upcoming Events
- Sunday, November 20: Special Guest John Cole, CHUM Executive Director. John Cole will be at Pilgrim for worship and a second hour conversation. This is an opportunity to learn and find out how we as Pilgrims can stand beside those who are low-income, homeless, hungry, isolated, or otherwise marginalized in our community.
- Sunday, November 20: Interfaith Thanksgiving. Join many Duluth-area congregations for this annual service at 7:00 pm the Sunday before Thanksgiving at Spirit of God Lutheran Church, located at 2431 West Third Street in Duluth.
- Saturday, November 26: Hanging of the Greens. Come and help us decorate the sanctuary! We'll gather at 2:00 and take a break for dinner.
- Sunday, December 4: Advent Workshop. Join us for food and Christmas crafts in the fellowship hall after worship. Contact Mary Anderson or sign up at church to help out.
- Sunday, December 11: Youth Christmas Program. Children and Youth will present A New Star by Sharon K. Catwell. We need actors, musicians, singers, cookie bakers, ushers, and others to help out! Contact Cindy Grindy if you can participate.
- Sunday, December 18: Lessons and Carols. Join Pilgrim Choir for a service of Lessons and Carols, featuring familiar tunes in fresh, new arrangements, plus a few surprises.
- Wednesday, December 21, 7:00 pm: Longest Night. Join us in the sanctuary for a quiet service of readings, music, prayers, and candlelight, as we observe the longest night of the year. Music will include cello, piano, handbells, and hymns.
- Saturday, December 24, 5:00 pm: Christmas Eve Worship.
- Sunday, December 25: Christmas Day Worship. An informal time together to begin the day of rejoicing!
Church Building Closed
Pilgrim will be closed Thursday and Friday next week for the Thanksgiving holiday.
CHUM News | Give to the Max Day
This year CHUM is raising money for the Steve O'Neil Apartments for Give To The Max Day. This CHUM Program runs at a higher deficit than any other. We need all the help we can get to serve these families. Our goal is to raise $45,000 please help us get there! Visit givemn.org to learn more.
Blessing Box
At a recent meeting the Social Justice Committee recognized that Pilgrim's Blessing Box needs increased donations to meet the needs that are present in our community. Please bring hygiene articles, cold weather clothing, and food that can withstand cold weather to help stock the blessing box. If you bring a small number of items, please feel free to put them directly in the Blessing Box; if you donate many items, please bring them to the church office so they can be placed in the Box over time. Thanks.
Pilgrim Calendar
| This Week at Pilgrim | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, November 20 | 9:00 am | Pilgrim Choir |
| 10:00 am | Sunday Worship with John Cole | |
| 11:00 am | Coffee Hour | |
| 11:15 am | Second Hour with John Cole | |
| 7:00 pm | Interfaith Thanksgiving at Spirit of God Lutheran | |
| Tuesday, November 22 | 6:00 pm | Church Council |
| Wednesday, November 23 | 3:45 pm | Bellissimo |
| Saturday, November 26 | 2:00 pm | Hanging of the Greens |
| Sunday, November 27 | 10:00 am | Sunday Worship: First Sunday of Advent |
| 11:00 am | Coffee Hour |
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 reading:
- Deuteronomy 26:1-11
- Psalm 100
- Philippians 4:4-9
In case you missed it, you can view last Sunday's worship service on YouTube.
Attendance: 67
YouTube views: 24
Show Us Your Walks
Merritt Creek on the last warm-ish day of November
We're lucky to live in a community with so much beauty and access to nature. Send Patrick your photos to share your walks with us in future emails!
What Patrick's Listening To
A spirited performance of a Handel keyboard suite.