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Pilgrim’s Progress 29 April 2005 - Volume 47, Number 9
Pilgrim Congregational Church - UCC, 55 Coolidge Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420-1899
PASTOR’S CORNER
LOWER-LEVEL RENOVATIONS ~
NEEDS FOR THE PRESENT, HOPE FOR THE FUTURE
We have long known that the church school and kitchen space are in need of renovation. We spent
3 years of working with Pilgrim Nursery School to re-establish it as a function of the church and another
year of assessing needs and testing the waters for the likelihood of a successful capital campaign.
Chris Reaske has stepped forward to lead the project and the congregation voted to explore it. Now we
are ready to move ahead in earnest.
In response to the congregation's directives at our last annual meeting, the building group—David
McClave, Judy Brain, Debra Adams, and Leslie Holms (the PNS director)—has met with Gerry Frank,
our architect, and come up with a plan. Here are some of the salient points.
1. It is desperately needed. Our place for children looks shabby, our kitchen does not meet health
codes, and we are in need of large spaces for fellowship events and small rooms for meetings and
conferences.
2. It is practical. We have been trying to think "multi-functional" so the space is being designed to
meet the needs of both the day school, the Sunday School, and the congregation as a whole.
We've asked that it be designed to be adaptable.
3. It is being planned in phases. While it would be wonderful to be able to raise enough money to
get everything we would like, we may need to defer some of our wishes for another time. Gerry has
created a plan so that whatever we do flows seamlessly into the future.
4. It is beautiful. The plans involve additions to the building—some small, others not-so. They are
integrated into the current structure and make it look even better.
5. It is available for your review, analysis, and comments. After the congregational meeting which
follows the worship service on May 1, we will be sharing the drawings and a model of the plans.
There will be no vote at this time. This is the beginning of another conversation – an opportunity for
further feedback..
• How do these plans look to you?
• Have we missed something?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages?
There will be continuing opportunities after next weekend to respond as well.
If Pilgrim is to live into its future, a step in the direction of fixing the downstairs seems inescapable.
But how big a step do we take on this leg of the journey? That part is up to all of us.
Judy
Pilgrim’s Progress 29 April 2005 - page 2
WORSHIP IN MAY There’s still room for more. Come and meet
with a lawyer who can walk us through important
THREE "L's" OF CHRISTIAN FAITH legal decisions that should be made. Be guided
Leadership, Love, and Laughter by an informational packet in thinking through
end-of life decisions about medical care, comfort
levels, and communication with your loved ones.
May 1 • Council Installation Leadership This material is also very helpful if you are
caring for someone who is terminally ill.
May 6 6:30 pm African Awareness Lunch is potluck (bring a salad or
Simple Meal Outreach Service dessert), the cost is $4.00. Child care is
available.
May 8 Mother’s Day Love Judy Brain, Teresa Deible, Martha
Blessing of the prayer shawls ~ Kimball, David Mislin, Marie Tulin
the knitting ministry
CALL TO A CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
May 15 Pentecost ~ WEAR RED Laughter
New Members received To All Pilgrim Church Members and Friends:
According to our Bylaws, Article VII,
May 22 Children's Sunday Paragraph 2, you are invited to a meeting of
Baptism of Sam and Addie Lindley the Church
May 29 Graduation or Memorial Day Sunday, May 1, 2005
11:30am following the service
Sunday
At this meeting the Church shall elect a slate
of officers for the newly elected Council.
Nominated by the Council are:
GRADUATION SUNDAY
Moderator - Bob Beckwith
Assistant Moderator – Gregory North
On the last Sunday in May, it is customary for
Treasurer - David McClave
the church to honor its high school graduates. If Clerk – Sylvia Ferrell-Jones
you are graduating this year or are aware of a
Everyone is invited to attend. Only members
Pilgrim teen who is, please notify Rev. Brain by may vote.
emailing RevBrain@aol.com or calling Respectfully
submitted,
781-862-0357. Carolyn N.
Beckwith, Clerk
PLAN YOUR OWN FUNERAL
SESSION 2, END OF LIFE DIRECTIVES
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 12:00 - 2:00PM
Pilgrim’s Progress 29 April 2005 - page 3
PRAYER AND DISCERNMENT GROUP Children are especially welcome and there will
MEETS TUESDAYS, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
be activities for them so that they can feel involved.
For three Tuesdays in April some Pilgrims have At the dinner the children will be able to write
met, learning to listen more closely to God’s
invitation to mutual relationship. We deepen our messages, draw pictures etc. on a long paper roll
meditation, share spoken and silent prayer, as well which Rev. Moyo can present to the children in
as conversation. Each week we practice a way of
prayer or meditation. Africa when he visits in July. Children are also
invited to bring their "spare change" to the event.
The group will continue through the close of the
church year. You are welcome to come any According to Rev. Moyo, a US penny now has the
Tuesday at 7:30pm. It is at the church, although purchasing equivalent of $62 in Zimbabwe!
the location may vary some weeks.
If you have questions, please contact Come and enjoy an evening of fellowship and
Marie Tulin at 781-869-7553 or email her at
mrtulin@rcn.com. fun which will be entertaining, informational, and
spiritually (nondenominational) uplifting. Your
suggested donation of what you would spend at a
AFRICAN AWARENESS DINNER
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 6:30PM nice restaurant will provide food, clothing, and
education for the orphans at
This is a reminder that "Room at the Table" will
Old Multare.
be hosting a dinner for Pilgrim members as well as
Mission Committee
the wider community in support of the Old Multare
Orphanage in Zimbabwe on May 6. Rev. Abiot
Moyo of the Maynard United Methodist Church
maintains close ties with his native country through
his BigM Ministry, headquartered in Maynard and
Zimbabwe.
We'll gather in Fellowship Hall to enjoy a simple
meal of authentic African dishes. During and after EQUIPPING THE SAINTS IN ACTION
the meal, a professional mbira player and songs by
Many of you are aware that Tom and I have
the talented Moyo family will provide entertainment.
received a significant amount of money through
Rev. Moyo is an engaging speaker and will talk Pilgrim Church's Equipping the Saints Fund. The
about the situation in Zimbabwe – from extreme fund was established for members who are
directly involved with mission or care projects.
poverty, to President Mugabe's dictatorship, to the For the past two years, Pilgrim has supported
HIV/AIDS epidemic. our mission work in Honduras.
On May 10th, I will be returning to Honduras
with the hope that the American Embassy will
grant a visa for Stefany Mejia-Leon to be able to
Pilgrim’s Progress 29 April 2005 - page 4
return to the U.S. for a follow up appointment at Suggestions for small gift items include: soap,
Shriner's Hospital in Springfield. Last year cosmetics, shaving cream, after shave lotion, razors,
Stefany had successful surgery and casting on toothpaste, mouth wash, toothbrushes, dental floss,
her bilateral talipes equinovarus (club feet). socks, knee-highs, hair care products, nail polish,
cologne, earrings, pens, pencils, note paper, stamps,
The grant we receive has helped many more cassettes, playing cards, paperback books, candy,
people in Honduras, including Fernando, a three gum - use your imagination! Items may be left in a
year old boy who suffered from pneumonia. box in the narthex. Please see the Mission bulletin
"Nando's" family (including parents and three board for the sign-up sheet for May 3 - hope to see
siblings) attempt to survive on approximately you there!
$2.00 per day. This barely covers the essentials,
and certainly the family could not pay for a SOCCER EQUIPMENT FOR HONDURAS
doctor's appointment or medication. Fortunately, Soccer balls, cleats, shorts, and everything
our fund covered the cost ($50.00) of his related to soccer are all needed and appreciated by
hospitalization and treatment. Upon our next trip the youth in Honduras. Please leave in the box by
to Honduras, we were met by Nando's grateful the front door and they will be taken to Honduras in
older sister who exclaimed, " you saved his life!" early May when Emily Collins makes a return trip.
I cannot adequately describe the feelings we
shared. ALUMINUM TABS
There's still more room in the container on the
Tom and I would like to offer our appreciation
table in the front hall for more aluminum
to the entire congregation for all the emotional
tabs! Remember that these are taken to Shriners'
and financial support you have provided us over
Hospital in Springfield, MA and with the money
the years. We truly feel that we have found
received from recycling them, an impressive list of
God's calling for us, and we are there,
medical equipment has been purchased.
representing our wonderful church.
With our gratitude, Emily Emily and Tom Collins will be taking Stefany
Collins there for an evaluation of her progress when she
returns from Honduras in May. Please help fill it up
the container (again) during the next few weeks.
BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!
Here's a heads-up reminder of the annual book
sale which is held the end of June. All
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPRINGTIME kinds of books in good condition are welcome -
DONATIONS! paperback or hard cover. Profits will be used to buy
books in Spanish for children in Honduras.
POT LUCK LUNCH and
FILL MOTHER'S DAY AND FATHER'S DAY A box will be in the coat room for your
GIFT BAGS, TUESDAY MAY 3, 12:30 PM donations. (Please note: books on gardening and
Here's a new plan for the annual event where plants are being collected by Carolyn Beckwith for
we fill Mother’s Day and Father’s Day bags with the annual plant sale - May 21
small gift items for women and men in local and 22.)
shelters. Come to Pilgrim Hall at 12:30 PM on May
3 ~ enjoy a pot luck lunch ~ then stay for more MANY THANKS to all who continue to show
fellowship and fun while we fill the gift bags. their generosity and support of the mission
programs of Pilgrim Church!
Pilgrim’s Progress 29 April 2005 - page 5
Come join us at 6:30 pm on Saturday,
Mission Committee
May 7th for an evening in which we attempt to
answer the question "Can the son of an English
SPRING CLEAN-UP coal miner find happiness as a dancer in the
THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 9:00AM
ballet?" as we screen Stephen Daldry's
We need your help! Come to the church any “Billy Elliot.”
time Saturday morning April 30 between 9:00am
and 12:00 noon to help with yard work and some
"heavy lifting" chores - organizing the furnace room Please bring a movie-friendly snack or dessert
to comply with fire codes; taking down the old
playground fence. Coffee, juice, and donuts to share! Drinks will be provided. If you have any
provide the fuel. questions, please contact Gregory North or Beth
Graham.
PILGRIM FINANCIAL SUMMIT MAY 2
I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM,
Are you interested in the financial future and WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!
well being of our church community? Would you SUNDAY, MAY 22
like to know more about the scriptural bases for
The Fellowship Committee invites you to join us
stewardship? Pilgrim Church members and friends
for an Ice Cream Social (no screaming necessary!)
are invited to attend a Financial Summit meeting on
on Sunday, May 22 after church (noon to
Monday, May 2 at 7:30 pm in Pilgrim Hall.
2:00pm). We will be joined by the Pilgrim Men’s
We will be joined by Andy Gustafson, Associate Group in serving up fabulous frozen dishes of
Conference Minister for Stewardship and Financial yummy Rancatore’s Ice Cream for the bargain price
Development of the MACUCC. Andy is masterful in of $2.00 a cup.
his knowledge of the Bible's teachings about
stewardship. His wit and enthusiasm will delight Bring your family, bring a friend, and join in the
you. Please join us. fun of welcoming in the warmer months and
satisfying your sweet tooth!
Sylvia Ferrell-Jones
Beth Kurth
"WHODUNIT DISCUSSION GROUP”
Do we have hams in our congregation? Could
we put on a two-night murder mystery dinner here
at Pilgrim?
Let’s discuss how we might go about doing this. PLANT AND GARDEN BOOK SALE
Sign up on the bulletin board and you’ll be on the MAY 21 AND 22, 10:00AM
mailing list. We’ll meet some Sunday after church.
Judy Brain and Carolyn Beckwith are planning
Contact Len Rideout
a fund-raising plant sale on Saturday, May 21st
(978-287-9505) for more information.
from 10:00am – 4:00pm and Sunday, May 22nd
at the hospitality hour. This will be for the general
public.
MOVIE NIGHT, MAY 7, 6:30PM
“BILLY ELLIOT”
Pilgrim’s Progress 29 April 2005 - page 6
We need plants of all sizes and shapes; hostas, With her sunny disposition, positive attitude,
day lilies, ground cover, perennials or anything else creativity and commitment, Edith well-served the
that you can think of. Please mark them so that we 4H, Town Meeting, Buckman Tavern Gift Shop,
know what they are. It is time now to start digging Council on Aging, AARP PenPals project, Adopt a
up and dividing plants from your gardens and also Grandparent (SPANS), and more. In 1987
planting seeds in pots for annuals. We also would Lexington honored Edith as the first Minuteman
like books on gardening and plants. The books Cane recipient.
could be given to Carolyn Beckwith at anytime but
the plants we’ll need closer to the event. In the words of your Pilgrim sister, “I believe in
giving the world the best you have and the best will
We'll need pricers and sellers as well as come to you.”
donations. If anyone is interested in working on
this event, please contact Carolyn by email Let’s celebrate Edith’s 100th birthday by sending
robertb572@aol.com or phone 781-275-7537. her a card or a note of well wishes to: 110 Allds
Street, Apt. 163, Nashua, NH 03060.
See the Narthex bulletin board to learn more
about Edith’s contributions to Pilgrim Church and
Lexington.
PILGRIM NURSERY SCHOOL
SUMMER FUN PROGRAM!! Norma Whittinghill
PNS is pleased to announce the return of
Summer Fun for children ages 3-5. Our CONGRATULATIONS, JOE BRAIN!
program will run Monday-Friday from
9am-1pm (includes a lunchtime), starting Our own Joe Brain's research is the cover story
Monday, June 20th and ending Friday, of the May-June issue of Harvard Magazine. Joe is
July 1st. The cost is $30. per day with a two the chair of the Dept. of Environmental Health at the
day minimum. Harvard School of Public Health. His area of
research is air pollution and lung clearance.
During Summer Fun your child will spend To read the article, go to http://www.harvard-
most of the day exploring our "outside magazine.com/ and click on "Clearing the Air."
classroom". We will play, paint, sing, swing, There is also a hard copy on the literature table.
climb, ride bikes, run through the sprinkler
and then have lunch! There's another Pilgrim connection as well. In
the process of being interviewed for the article, Joe
Space is limited. Please call Leslie Holmes, discovered that Susan Bennett's husband, John
Director at 781-861-8853. Rosenberg, is the editor of Harvard Magazine.
MAY BIRTHDAYS
DATE NAME
HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY TO
EDITH CHEEVER – MAY 18TH!
3 Connie Guim
Edith and Wilbur Cheever were charter Teddy Kirby
members of Pilgrim Church. Edith still contributes Lee Catherine Smith
with ideas and Christmas mittens. When Wilbur 4 Amy Agne
died in 1971, Edith dedicated herself to promote Charles Dexter
programs which would better connect the older and Tracy Raymond
younger people in the community. 5 Peter Levins
Derek Smith
Pilgrim’s Progress 29 April 2005 - page 7
Ian Yates Emily Young
7 Lillian Atkinson 28 Christine Emery
Susan Vega 29 Barbara Adams
11 Timothy George Kathy Adams
12 Anne Cowan Madison Stevens
Barbara Munkres 30 Susan Fagerstrom
14 Jarrett Kelley
15 Fiona Davies If your name is missing from this list, call or email
16 Travis Johnson the office: 781 862-0357 - pilgrimlex@aol.com
17 Connie Neville
18 Edith Cheever
19 Liz Mackie
20 Ruth Hoffman
21 Philip Boyd
Tyler Sym
23 Judy Siegel
James Troy
25 Lorraine Silva
26 Susan Bennett
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
$25. For more information call World Music at
OPEN AND AFFIRMING SPRING FAIR 617-876-4275 or www.worldmusic.org.
“Information and Inspiration”, Saturday
April 30, 2005 from 9:30am to 4:00pm at the GOSPEL CHOIR
Congregational Church of Needham. The Keynote SUNDAY, MAY 1, 3PM
Speaker is the Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian, UCC
Minister and Protestant Chaplain at Mt. Holyoke The gospel group, “Confirmation,” nine singers
College. There will be workshops (one led by our directed by David Coleman, Director of Choral
own Judy Brain), the Just Peace Players, information Music at Dana Hall School, will be performing at
booths and more. Lunch will be provided. To the Congregational Church of Needham. This is a
register please contact fundraiser for the Open and Affirming Ministry.
Kathie Carpenter at kacarp@comcast.net. For more information, call 781-444-2510.
THE THRIVING SPIRIT
LIBANA’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, OF ALZHEIMER’S
APRIL 30, 8:00PM
Minuteman Senior Services presents a Caring
On Saturday, April 3 at the Somerville Theater, Conversation, “The Thriving Spirit of Alzheimer’s”
55 Davis Square, enjoy the harmonies and dance on Thursday, May 5, 2005 from 9am to noon at
of Libana. Presented by World Music, Libana the National Heritage Museum, in Lexington. The
researches and performs women's traditional and Reverend Kathleen Rusnak, Ph.D. will offer
contemporary music and dance from around the thought-provoking alternative views of personhood
globe and is dedicated to bringing the joy of singing as it applies to those with advanced Alzheimer’s
into people's everyday lives. disease.
Their music tells the universal story of the
diversity and commonality of the human experience. SPRING CRAFT FAIR
Music from Nepal, Hawaii, Egypt, Bulgaria and SATURDAY, MAY 7, 10AM TO 4PM
beyond will be performed. Tickets are $20 and
Pilgrim’s Progress 29 April 2005 - page 8
Handmade craft items on sale at the Park
Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere
Road, Arlington Heights. Call 781-643-8680 for
information.
SAVE THE DATE!
SUNDAY, JUNE 5
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
BOSTON AIDS WALK
The next Pilgrim’s Progress deadline will be
Sunday, May 8, 2005 at noon.
