eNews for Thursday, December 8
My Bailiwick
Dear Pilgrims,
There is much about the preparations for Christmas that focus on children, including the arrival of the most important child on Christmas day! We rarely hear the part of Matthew’s story of Herod’s violent rage, the terrible massacre of all the children in and around Bethlehem under the age of 2 as he sought to eliminate the new Baby-King Jesus. But that story is also there, reminding us that children are precious, funny, and vulnerable to the violent urges of violent predators.
As we prepare our hearts for the birth of that important Child, I invite you three events with children in mind and heart:
- This Sunday, Pilgrim’s children and youth are presenting their version of the Christmas story, “New Star”, with music, props, and quite a bit of humor. I hope you’ll be with us for this 3rd Sunday of Advent Children’s Worship service. It will bring you the joy that is promised by the third Advent candle.
- On Wednesday, December 14, at Peace UCC here in Duluth, starting at 11:45 with music, we are invited to the Honor with Action Vigil, remembering the 10th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings and all victims of gun violence. At noon there will be a program with remarks from religious leaders, youth, a poet, an author and veteran, ISD 709 Assistant Superintendent, LGBTQ+ community, victims and gun violence prevention advocates. Following the vigil, light refreshments will be served and we will write postcards to legislators as a call to action to honor victims.
- On Saturday, December 17, Pilgrim is hosting a Drag Queen Story Hour from 10-11 am. Several places in Duluth have hosted similar events—the Lake Superior Zoo, and the Mt. Royal Library. This is a craft and story time for children and families celebrating love and acceptance. Our Church Council has discussed this event, and, acknowledging its controversy, have agreed that we will host it. If you would like to learn more about this national movement, here are two resources: https://www.dragstoryhour.org and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_Queen_Story_Hour.
One of my favorite t-shirts is one my sister gave me years ago—it says “My Head is Full of Children”. So is my heart.
Love to you all,
Carla
Ms. Cupcake's Story Hour
Families with children are invited to a Drag Queen Story Hour at Pilgrim on Saturday, December 17, 10:00-11:00 am. Join us for a celebration of Love, Friendship, and Family.
Women's Fellowship
Please join us for Christmas cookies, hot cider and good cheer on Tuesday, December 13, at 1:30 in the church parlor. Carla will provide a simple program for us.
Cookies for the County Jail
Jail is not the best place to find the Christmas spirit, but cookies seem to help. Pilgrim is collecting cookies to bring to the Saint Louis County Jail next week. Please bring any cookies you'd like to donate to church on Sunday, December 11, and drop them off in the office. No nuts, peanuts, or coconut, please.
Men's Breakfast
Our men's fellowship group meets the first and third Tuesday of every month at 8:00 am. Starting this month, they meet at Vanilla Bean Restaurant at 1608 Woodland Avenue in Duluth.
Poinsettias
If you'd like to dedicate a poinsettia to a loved one for our Christmas Eve service, get in touch with the office. Each plant costs $15.
Pilgrim Women's Book Club
For December, Pilgrim Women’s Book Club is reading Miss Benson’s Beetle, by Rachel Joyce. “An uplifting, irresistible novel about two women on a life-changing adventure, where they must risk everything, break all the rules, and discover their best selves—together.” This book is guaranteed to make you laugh. Again this is a book club in a bag selection, so there are copies available in the church office. Just stop in and sign one out. We will meet at 4:00 pm on Zoom on December 12. And your book will be due back to the church office on Wednesday, December 14. Join us for what will most likely be a funny and lively discussion.
Advent Events
- 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!
Pilgrim Calendar
| This Week at Pilgrim | ||
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, December 10 | 10:00 am | Pageant Rehearsal |
| 7:30 pm | Arrowhead Chorale concert at the Depot | |
| Sunday, December 11 | 9:00 am | Pageant Rehearsal |
| 10:00 am | Sunday Worship: Children's Pageant | |
| 11:00 am | Coffee Hour | |
| 3:00 pm | Arrowhead Chorale concert at the Depot | |
| Monday, December 12 | 4:00 pm | Pilgrim Women's Book Club |
| Tuesday, December 13 | 1:30 pm | Women's Fellowship Meeting |
| 7:00 pm | Social Justice | |
| Wednesday, December 14 | 12:00 pm | Newtown Vigil at Peace Church |
| 3:45 pm | Bellissimo | |
| 5:00 pm | Pilgrim Choir | |
| 7:00 pm | Pilgrim Youth Group | |
| Thursday, December 15 | 4:00 pm | Worship & Arts |
| Saturday, December 17 | 10:00 am | Ms. Cupcake’s Story Hour |
| 12:00 pm | Lessons and Carols Rehearsal | |
| Sunday, December 18 | 9:00 am | Pilgrim Choir |
| 10:00 am | Sunday Worship: Lessons and Carols | |
| 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 readings:
- Isaiah 35:1-10
- Matthew 11:2-11
In case you missed it, you can view last Sunday's worship service on YouTube.
Attendance: 85
YouTube views: 23
What Patrick's Listening To
December always seems to love Baroque music. Here's a Valentini Concerto for four violins by the wonderful Bremer Barockorchester.