Random Thoughts from the Pastor As November Approaches

Trying to fight off a bad cold leaves a lot of time to think;

• too much money is spent on Election commercials, especially when people are hungry, homeless and hurting.
• New England can’t be touched in terms of the foliage in the fall. The trees are putting on their final display of color before surrendering their leaves to the ground.
• I can live very happily with 50-degree mornings and 70-degree afternoons, thank you!
• Just stop! The answer is and always will be “Reese’s Cups”.
• Candy Corn is neither candy nor corn (I suspect this will divide a congregation faster than a theological debate!)
• Does Halloween deserve a place in a “Christian Church” celebration? (Yes, I saw this question on TV as I was blowing my nose for the thirtieth time this hour!) Of course, it does because Halloween reminds us of the simple joys of childhood, laughter, neighbors connecting, and the delight of receiving something unexpected.
• Speaking of receiving unexpected gifts, one of the greatest joys of Sunday worship is seeing new faces among us. Every time someone walks through our doors for the first time, we have an opportunity to welcome a new friend, hear a new story, and discover another person whom God has brought into our community. Offer a warm welcome, a listening ear, and a genuine invitation to be part of our shared journey of faith.
• As November approaches, we also find ourselves in a world where political differences can feel overwhelming. As people of faith, we are not called to ignore our differences, or are we asked to abandon our convictions. We are called, to remember that every person is a child of God, worthy of dignity, compassion, and respect. We are called to love our neighbors, pray with those with whom we disagree, serve those in need, and build bridges where others might build walls.
• If a child shows up dressed as someone you have no idea who it is; compliment the costume, give out the candy, and never pretend to know who a character is because you might be asked a follow-up question!
• Pot Luck Brunches are undeniably the best draw of a church on a cold November morning! (I ‘d humbly say the sermon is, but I know where your minds are as the odors of food waft into the sanctuary!)
• Dogs…that’s all…Dogs…debate as you would like but the answer is Dogs.
• I have found over 30 years that the time spent waiting for a cold to be fought off leaves way too much time for people to worry about the world or missing something at work. But it also forces us to slow down to take care of ourselves to be the best we can be when we get well.

Thank you all who truly exhibit the Congregational Way in leading your committees, your ministries and your care showing that we are not just a “Pastor driven” church… I admire you greatly.

Now for Maureen’s Chicken Soup…. (don’t be jealous!)



RB

(I will be taking next week off for vacation, so if you need me for anything, let me know by Sunday….)

VISIONING TEAM MEETING ~ Sunday, October 25th

This Sunday the 25th the Pilgrim Visioning Team will be hosting a session focused on gathering congregant opinions about the future of Pilgrim Church. This is an important aspect of the process we are going through to call our new minister who will start in the fall of 2027 when Reverend Bill retires. If you would like to be a part of the discussion and provide your valuable input about the future vision for Pilgrim Church, please plan to attend in the Parlor on Sunday after church.

If you have previously attended one of the many “Visioning Sessions” either after church or at a session at the Villages or at Lynne D’s house, then you have provided your input. However, each of these sessions tends to take on new questions and perspectives, so you are welcome to attend on Sunday even if you’ve participated in other sessions.  

FATHER BILL'S MEAL

Our next Father Bill's meal is on Wednesday, November 11th -

Veteran's Day!

We are looking for help with desserts, with red, white, and blue theme.

If you would like to help, please sign up on the Sign-up Genius below.

We have set up a Sign Up Genius for Father Bill's 11/11/2026 meal.  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C45ABA729A2FA7-66192248-father



“THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE GALATIANS”

An adult education series taught by Rev. Greg Keosaian

It has sometimes been referred to as the Magna Carta of Christian Liberty, a relatively brief letter (by an often verbose Apostle Paul!), to the First Century Christians in Galatia, a region in central Asia Minor (part of modern day Turkey). The Church in Galatia was established by the Apostle during one of his three missionary journeys. This letter, believed to be written about the year 55 A.D., was in response to some apparently alarming news that came to Paul’s attention, regarding this fledgling Christian community.

But what in the world does a medical procedure sometimes performed on infant boys have to do with who is or is not a Christian? And yet, it has been suggested that without this brief treatise on the part of one of the earliest, and arguably the most significant proponents of our Faith, “Christianity” might well have been relegated to the dustbin of history; just one more, otherwise obscure religious sect that came and went!

So…who was this Saul/Paul? How did he go from “coat-check boy” at a public execution, to Christian Apostle and Theologian Extraordinaire!

And how did he come to write (or dictate) this incredibly passionate piece of literature that is so foundational to our Christian Faith?

I invite you to join me on five consecutive Monday evenings – October 26th ; and November 2nd, 9th, and 16th – from 7:00 – 8:30 PM, in the Church Library. I will be preparing study guides for distribution. And please don’t hesitate to attend some or all of the sessions, as your schedule permits! 

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Rev. Greg Keosaian is an Honorably Retired Minister member of the Presbytery of Southern New England of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He and his wife, Elaine, have been attending Pilgrim Church since moving to Plymouth in the fall of 2023.

PINE STREET INN ~ SWEET TREATS

It's not too late!!



We will be collecting cookies, brownies, and bars today, Wednesday, October 21st – Friday, October 23rd in the narthex. The guests at Pine Street Inn appreciate having a special treat after their meal. Thank you for supporting this mission.

Save the Date

Sunday, November 22nd

Stewardship / Thanksgiving Potluck Brunch after worship!