Social Justice Ministry
We want our children, youth and adults to experience compassion and the opportunity to work for the good of others. As we engage in the wider community, we seek to make the world a better, more just place for everyone.
Open and Affirming
Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons are welcomed at Pilgrim. In 2001, the congregation declared itself to be an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. Pilgrim was one of the founders of Duluth’s ecumenical effort Opening Our Doors. Our sanctuary is available to gay and lesbian couples who want to celebrate life-long commitments. For many year PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) met in our building.
Just Peace
In 1988, the congregation affirmed Pilgrim as a Just Peace Church “to make a difference in a world in which conflict and injustice abound.”
Responsible Investment
In 2002, after a year of study, the congregation instructed the Trustees to develop a socially responsible investment policy that reflects the values of the congregation.
Community Projects
Each Monday from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Pilgrim members pack food boxes at CHUM for distribution. This weekly event was started last spring with a plea from Hayley Hanson and has continued throughout the pandemic.
This space will be updated as pandemic restrictions lift, and Pilgrims can get back to volunteering.
Guatemala and Common Hope
Climate Change
During the 2013-2014 program year, the Social Justice Ministry asked that the congregation make climate change a priority concern. In addition to educational forums and worship services, Pilgrim embarked on several projects to make our building more energy efficient and became one of the founding partners of the Arrowhead Chapter of Interfaith Power and Light, an interfaith organization dedicated to caring for the earth and the environment in which we live.
Building a Brighter Future
In 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2019, Pilgrims spent a week of service learning and volunteering in Guatemala through Common Hope, a community development agency with offices in St. Paul, Minnesota and Antigua, Guatemala. Several households from Pilgrim are sponsoring children through Common Hope, making the connections more personal for the whole congregation.
Prior to becoming a partner to Common Hope, Pilgrim considered several non-government organizations in San Christobal, Chiapas, Mexico. Delegations traveled to San Christobal to learn about human rights, women’s empowerment, theological reflection and community organization from the perspective of the developing world.
United Church of Christ Appeals
Pilgrim participates in the Special Offerings of the United Church of Christ, including Neighbors in Need and One Great Hour of Sharing. Funds raised are used for global missions, disaster relief, and assistance to congregations undertaking new or innovative social justice ministries.
Fair Trade Coffee
We serve fair trade coffee from Alakef
at all church-sponsored events.