The Church of the Pilgrimage

"a beacon for good in the world"

October 8, 2026

From the Pastor...

Friends,

Joy Chose You

By Donna Ashworth

Joy does not arrive with a fanfare on a red carpet strewn

with the flowers of a perfect life

joy sneaks in

as you pour a cup of coffee watching the sunlight

hit your favourite tree, just right

and you usher joy away because you are not ready for her your house is not as it should be

for such a distinguished guest

but joy cares nothing for your messy home or your bank-balance, or your waistline, you see

joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your imperfect life

that’s how joy works

you cannot truly invite her

you can only be ready when she appears and hug her with meaning

because in this very moment

joy chose you

Peace,

Rev. Tim

Seeking Treats for Our Participation In

Halloween on Main Street

October 30^th – 3:00 – 5:00

If you would like to Donate Candy, Bagged Snacks or Cider

Bring to Coffee Hours During October

Questions: Contact Mindy or Kathy

(Help Scatter Seeds of Fun)

Sunday Scripture Readings

Psalm 23

Philippians 4:1-8

Bible Study

Rev. Tim is away this week.

Bible Study will resume on October 20th

Music Notes

The prelude this week, Prelude on ‘Rhosymedre’, is based on the tune for the hymn My Song is Love Unknown. This tune is also known simply as Lovely. This aptly describes this composition by Ralph Vaughan-Williams (1872-1958). Beloved by many since its composition, Prelude on ‘Rhosymedre’ was played by request at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales and at the weddings of both her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

The postlude is by the Venetian composer Bendetto Marcello (1686-1739). Descended from a noble family, he was expected to serve in the government of Venice. Marcello managed to combine a life of music with that as a nobleman, as did his brother Alessandro, also a composer. The organ solo, Psalm XIX, manages to convey the spirit of the text, The Heavens Declare the Glory of God!

Enjoy!

--Michael Eaton

NEW ADULT EDUCATION OFFERING

ALL ABOUT OUR DENOMINATION:

THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

We are blessed to belong to a wonderful denomination, The United Church of Christ. There is so much to celebrate and learn! Like The Church of the Pilgrimage, the UCC has a rich history which can be traced all the way back to the Pilgrims. The UCC supports member church autonomy and personal freedom of conscience making it different from many other religious organizations. While the UCC does not have a “Creed” which members must follow, it does have specific beliefs and principles which make it a progressive, always evolving, Protestant denomination.

This 3-part program, offered by Rev. Dr. Rosemary MacKay and former UCC rep, Val Baumann, will explore the rich history of the UCC; what it means to be a UCC member church ; and its Core Beliefs, such as “God is still Speaking…”

The dates are Friday, October 9th and Friday, October 16th. All classes will run from 10:30am-noon in the Marks Conference Room. Sign up at coffee hour or contact Rev Rosemary or Val. (Note— if there is interest in offering this program in the evening, we will consider offering an evening class in the Spring.) Come learn and share your thoughts about our very dynamic denomination.

The United Church of Christ: In Essentials—Unity; In Nonessentials—Diversity; In All Things—Charity.

From Stewardship

MOVING OUR

LEGACY FORWARD

We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord

–Psalm 78:4

Our legacy – begun by the Pilgrims and carried forward by countless generations – is one of an enduring commitment to our church. Members gave and continue to give their time, talents and treasure to ensure the Church of the Pilgrimage continues to demonstrate the Lord’s words in action.

This fall’s Stewardship campaign, when we commit to share our financial support for the upcoming year, asks us to consider what we want our legacy to be when it comes to Christ.

By the end of next week, you should receive material in the mail about the campaign and what next steps we are asking you to take. If you do not receive a packet, you may pick one up in the Narthex beginning Oct. 18 or contact Michael Eaton in the office so he may mail you one.

Your Faithful Stewards,

Anthony Cotta, Richard Durfee, Walter Kreil, Peggy Lahey and Sarah Plaster

Stewardship Ministry Team

Christian Education Asks,

1 Sunday to Help at the Pray-ground

1 Sunday to Be 2^nd Adult during Sunday School

Let One of Us Know If You Can Help

Nancy Medeiros, Jaimie Costa, Kathy Marks

Thanks

Hide your Talent under a bushel, No! Let it Shine!

We know there is Talent among us just waiting to be discovered.

During this year’s Stewardship season, in the spirit of Gratitude and Thanksgiving, we are planning for a shared meal with “local” entertainment. More details will follow. However, now is the time to think about a talent you or someone you know could share with our church family. Can you sing, play an instrument, dance, create a skit, read a poem, tell a story or any kind of fun entertainment. Find a friend or family members and step up.

For now: Everyone, Save the Date, Sat. November 14^th

Please let someone from CE know if you have Talent to Share.

Let’s Gather Together in Gratitude and Have Some Fun

From Missions

“Our One Community”/Olmoti Clinic:

Founded in 2010, the Olmoti Clinic Supports the Maasai Village of 4,000 people in Tanzania. My sister-in-law & her college roommate founded the Olmoti Clinic to help with the care of pregnant women in the village. The child mortality rate was high, as was the rate of mothers dying during childbirth. They started by building a “hospital” (3 rooms at the beginning), and then a school.

There are now 400 students attending Primary school K-4^th grade. At last report, 95% of the births in the village now take place at the hospital. Word quickly spread about the doctor & nurse that Olmoti has on staff (who are funded primarily by the Safari patrons’ donations). People began arriving from miles away to get care at the clinic, some WALKING 100 miles from Kenya to see Dr. Richard! So, they branched out to other care, not just childbirth. He is now treating a LOT of people for their eye diseases. They also brought water to the village, which has eradicated the eye disease in the Olmoti village, though others from other villages still come to be seen for eye care.

When my husband and I went on Safari there in 2015, we saw the Clinic in operation. While there, a woman who had been blind since age 2 had an operation to get her sight back. The cost? $20.!! We asked Dr. Richard why she didn’t have the operation before now? He said, “She doesn’t have the $20”!! UNREAL! My husband & I took soccer balls, sunglasses, and school supplies with us. They had NOTHING. They were playing soccer with a “ball” that was simply bunched up plastic grocery bags that some donated clothes came in. One “ball” for 400 kids!! We left them 8 adidas soccer balls and the kids acted like it was Christmas!

Such a little thing can make such a huge difference for them! They are so very grateful for us supporting this Mission in Tanzania . . . and every one of the 4,000 villagers are benefitting in some way by the work of the Olmoti Clinic. THANK YOU!!

Social Action Committee

At a recent meeting of the Social Action Committee, Lori Fitzpatrick, of Plymouth’s Together We Can (TWC), spoke of the need for food deliveries to several local immigrant families. Committee members have agreed to help in this regard.

Lori highlighted a need for baby furniture and supplies, as well as baby boy clothing (new and gently used). Two boys, ages 5 and 7, need clothing (sizes 7 and 8), as well as shoes (sizes 12 and 1). Diapers for little ones are also needed and, along with the clothing mentioned, can be placed in the basket at the base of the stairway leading to the sanctuary. Uber, Walmart, and Target gift cards can be donated via committee members.

Our committee meets on the second Sunday of the month, after worship. Feel free to join us!

For the the weeks to come we will share activities from Creation Justice Ministries that will educate and equip Christians to protect, restore, and rightly share God's creation.

Walk/Ride your Bike

Walk, run, or ride somewhere you'd usually drive. Not only will you be helping the earth, you may also see something unexpected! Taking the extra time, you may notice animals, plants, flowers, or sights you’d have missed in a car. Enjoy the fresh air and movement.

Parking for Newcomers

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. Paid parking runs April 1 - November 30. 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.