The Church of the Pilgrimage

3.5.26

"a beacon for good in the world"

Friends,

Wells and water sources, such as streams, ponds, or lakes, are gathering places for community members. In the developing world where potable water is often scarce, wells, like Jacob’s Well, are a place where women gather early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Primarily, they gather to collect water for their families, wash clothes, or bathe. While there they swap stories about daily life, household issues, and community news. In so doing, they form a tight bond with one another. They also create a safe place for women.

The only males one will find at these wells and water sources are young boys tagging along with their mothers or older sisters. Adolescent and adult males are rarely if ever seen at wells or other water sources. This is why the Samaritan woman is startled by the presence of a male at Jacob’s well. She’s also surprised by the fact that the male at the well is a Jew.



The first takeaway for us is God shows up in the most unlikely places. The second takeaway for us is God reveals Godself to people whom society and religious traditions have deemed off limits. There are a number of other takeaways from this passage, but I believe these are two of the most important ones.

As we continue our Lenten journey together, I invite you to go to unlikely places and I invite you to interact with people whom society and religious traditions have deemed off limits with the sincere desire to encounter God.

Peace,

Rev. Tim

Bible Study

Bible study continues with Rev. Tim next week on

Tuesday, March 10^th at 10:30am & 5:30pm.

The passage for this coming Tuesday is:

John 11:1-45

Music Notes

The American Guild of Organists (AGO), along with the U.K. Society of Women Organists have designated Sunday, March 8^th as International Women Composers Day. Organists around the world have been encouraged to program music by women composers on this day. The AGO held a contest asking for new compositions for the organ by women composers. 

The first place winner in the Short Composition for Worship Services category in 2026 is Katherine Wright (b.1980). Her piece Nocturne on “Conditir Alme Siderum”  is a beautiful composition with interesting harmonies. Katherine is Organist and Director of Music at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Chesapeake, VA.

Rosalie Bonighton (1946-2011) was a composer, part-time teacher, and Organist and Music Director at St John the Evangelist Church, Ballarat, Australia. She wrote for both professional and amateur performers, and had a special interest in music for liturgical needs. The postlude is a stately composition that highlights the trumpet stop on the organ.

Enjoy!



--Michael Eaton

Family Message

Don't Forget!!

It is that time of year again!

On Saturday evening, do not forget to turn your clocks one hour forward. Otherwise you may arrive at church just in time for the Benediction!! Spring is coming!!

Lenten Study Group

All the Light

Mark Twain said that “history doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.”

Given current circumstances, in our nation and around the world, well we might wonder if Twain was right.  There’s an all-too-familiar darkness that hovers over us and too easily infiltrates our lives.  Is there light, either at the end of the tunnel, or possibly to be discovered along the way?

Author Anthony Doerr’s novel, “All the Light We Cannot See,” speaks to this.  I invite you to read (or re-read) the book and join me at the JRC for a discussion of it on the following dates during Lent:

Due to the parking ban - this study group will start on Friday, March 13^th.

Friday, March 13 - 10:30-12.00

    “     March 20 - 10:30-12.00

    “     March 27 - 10:30-12.00

Hope to see you there!

Rev. Bill McCoy

Volunteers Needed!

This Month Coffee Hour is Sponsored by the Nominating Ministry Team and VOLUNTEERS!

If you have not helped with Coffee Hour Before, you HAVE helped with Coffee HOUR Before, or you enjoy coffee, a cookie or bite of cheese… we need YOU!

We are currently seeking volunteers to help the Nominating Ministry Team prepare and serve our post-worship Coffee Hours in March.

There are no special skills needed; others can help you with the actual making of the coffee; just a friendly face, a donation of a baked good (which does NOT have to be homemade) or brick of cheese would be most appreciated!

If you are so inclined, please chat with me or one of the fine folks in the kitchen and we will gladly get you on board!

Thank you, Dawn Durmis

Meeting of the Social Action Committee

MEETING OF THE SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE

WITH ART DESLOGES

SUNDAY, MARCH 8, RIGHT AFTER CHURCH IN THE GREAT HALL (upstairs) IN THE JOHN ROBINSON CENTER!

On Sunday, March 8, the COTP Social Action Committee will host a talk by local community leader, politician, and writer, Art Desloges, right after church. Art is involved in many Town initiatives. A current focus for him is the Plymouth Community Trust Bylaw that aims to define the relationship between the Town and ICE. Art is an articulate, organized, and well-informed speaker. Come, listen, and bring your comments and questions. You can’t lose! 

If you would like to be on the Social Action Committee Email List, please email Judy Donn at judydonn2020@gmail.com

Palm Sunday Breakfast

The Deacons invite you to attend our traditional Palm Sunday Breakfast!

When:    March 29, 2026

Where:    Allerton Hall

Time:      Palm Sunday Breakfast service will begin at 8:00 am

Who:       Everyone, but sign-up is required

Cost:        Free

Please sign up in Allerton Hall on

March 8^th , 15^th and the 22^th,

or call Michael at the office.

From Your Missions & Outreach Committee

Can You Help?

The Mission & Outreach Committee will be continuing the Church of the Pilgrimage’s long tradition of supporting the Plymouth Taskforce to End Homelessness’s Overnights of Hospitality program. The Plymouth Taskforce to End Homelessness provides overnight shelter during the winter months. This year we will be providing and (serving) dinner as well as supplying breakfast-to-go on March 12^th.

Volunteers are also needed ( on 3/12) to provide the entrée ( we are currently signed up for Shepherd’s Pie) for approximately 18 people. We also need volunteers to provide vegetables and/or salad, bread & butter, dessert, a gallon of water, a gallon of whole milk and a quart of half n half. In addition, we are looking for a case of water bottles, bananas, packaged cereal or granola bars, and packaged peanut butter/cheese crackers.

If you would like to help please contact Charlene Moore at plymoore@comcast.net or at 617-688-0188 for more details. For more information on the program please go to Plymouth-taskforce-homeless.org

Thank you.

Plymouth Fragment Society

For some time now, the congregation has supported the work of the Plymouth Fragent Society, a small, local charity which provides aid to Plymouth residents in need.

The society was founded in 1818, and is one of the oldest charities in the country. Our mission is to provide a hand up, not a handout to local people who find themselves in difficult circumstances. Our aid is one time only, and covers such things a s rent, utility and tax bills, car repairs, insurance, and schooling costs. People must fill out an application and provide copies of bills, so that we can decide if, and how to help them. We ant to be sure that our aid provides not just a band aid solution, but will actually enable the recipient to move forward.

We rely on member dues ($50 for lifetime memberships), our investments, bequests, help from organizations like the church, individual donations and occasional fundraisers.

For more info go to: https://www.plymouthfragmentsociety.org

and/or read the article from the Plymouth Independant

https://www.plymouthindependent.org/the-plymouth-fragment-society

We truly appreciate your support as we try to help our neighbors get through challenging times.  



Thank you so much!

Joyce Ashley, Board Member

Welcome Table

The Membership and Evangelism Team is beginning an initiative. It is an informal Welcome Table in Allerton Hall during Coffee Hour. The idea is simple! Beginning on Sunday, March 1st, we will place a “Welcome” sign on the round table nearest the front of the church on the ocean side. 

Our goal is to have all newcomers to our church feel welcomed and comfortable when they come to Coffee Hour.  For many people, coming to a Coffee Hour is very intimidating. Recently, I said hello to a woman at Coffee Hour and she replied, ”I was just that praying someone would come talk to me”. 

How Can You Help?  We are asking everyone in our church family to help with this welcoming effort. If you meet someone new at Church, please invite them to Coffee Hour and invite them to sit with you at the Welcome Table. If you see someone new sitting at the table, please go and chat. Here are a few hints for the easiest topics of conversation: are you new to Plymouth; what brought you to our church; did you enjoy the service? Also, you can share what you like best about our church and, if possible introduce the person to others.   

If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at gburycronin@gmaill.com or any member of the Membership Team.  Thank you

Submitted by Pat Cronin, Co-chair Membership and Evangelism Team. 

Portrait

The Church Council, working with the Deacons, would like to get a professional portrait of Rev. Tim to put on the wall of the entrance lobby below the Narthex.

We have a quote and are looking for volunteers to help cover the cost of the portrait and frame. If you would like to contribute, please send a check to the Office (8 Town Square) or put it in the Sunday offering plate, and write “Pastor Portrait“ on the Memo line. All contributions will be gratefully accepted.

Rev. Tim has brought renewed vitality to our church. We want to show his engaging countenance to friends and visitors.

Rick Dower, Moderator

Lenten Devotionals

Lift Up Your Hearts, a Lenten Daily Devotional for Families is now available on the table in the upper vestibule at the church.

Also available on the table are limited copies of; Taste and See. This is a book of Reflection, Remembrance (and Recipes) for Holiday gatherings.

Copies of both booklets are also available in the church office.

Commit to Low or No Waste Grocery Shopping

Some ways to reduce the waste when shopping for groceries are to buy unpackaged fresh fruits and vegetables, bringing your own container to a bulk food store, investing in some produce bags to transport fresh foods, avoid prepared foods, and bring your own grocery bags.

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. Park Plymouth has informally agreed to not start ticketing vehicles near the church until noon on Sundays. 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.

Church Office Hours



Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30am - 4:00pm

Wednesday 10:00am - 5:30pm

508-746-3026

office@8townsquare.org

On The Calendar

• March 8: Worship, 10:00am; Social Action, 11:00am
• March 9: Monday Meals
• March 10: Bible Study, 10:30am & 5:30pm
• March 11: Men's Bible Study, 7:00pm; Choir Rehearsal, 7:00pm
• March 13: Lenten Study, 10:30am