Pilgrim's Progress 49(9)

From Our Pastor

A CULTURE OF VIOLENCE

 

I was going to write my column this week on the firing of Don Imus after his racist remarks about the Rutgers Women's Basketball team. But that act of verbal violence pales in comparison with the mass murders at Virginia Tech.

And yet, perhaps they are related.

 

It is our nature to look for reasons why events like these happen. People lamely suggested that Imus was too influenced by hip-hop culture or more reasonably, that he was too secure having gotten away with gratuitous racist comments in the past. As for the killer, Seung-Hui Cho, many have claimed that easier and affordable access to mental health care might have addressed his deep alienation. And what about the weapons? Gun control has been proven effective in other countries. Even within the U.S., states with stricter gun control laws have lower homicide rates.

 

But I think it is the violence at the core of our culture which promotes the assaults we have been seeing lately. Violence is entertainment. Violence is a tool for problem solving. Violence is communication. Violence is everywhere.

 

In our speech - talk radio thrives on insults and threats. In sports - the "bench clearing brawls" are the highlights on the sportscasts, not beautiful teamwork. In perceived "solutions" to political issues - war, genocide, intentional starvation. Violence makes the news. And for a mentally unbalanced person like Seung-Hui Cho, what better way to get the attention you crave.

 

We adults must not blame young people for this problem. Adults control the media, adults manufacture the videogames, adults pass legislation, adults determine whether taxes are spent to provide services and care to people who need them, adults monitor children's access to this material (or not), adults make war. Adults are bathing our children and teens in a miasma of violence and we wonder why this creates a rich culture to the fantasies of unbalanced individuals.

 

Jesus taught us another way, and it is my belief that the church should be in the vanguard of confronting these issues. Insist on kindness. Befriend the outcasts. Do not allow impressionable children access to violent media. Stop the bullying in schools. Shun television and radio programs that incite hate and thrive on a format of insults and abuse.

 

People say that insisting on civility on in the media is an infringement on freedom of speech.

I disagree. Yes, we have the right to express ourselves free from government interference. But our freedom to broadcast opinions through denigrating and uncivil formats is based on the audience for such material. If it there were more of a public backlash, there would be less of this poison on the airwaves and internet.

 

There is a difference between censor and censure. We can have influence. We can use the power of the market and of public opinion to create a more benevolent society. O.K., that sounds idealistic. But Christ calls us to be idealists.

Judy

 

WORSHIP

April 29 Confirmation

Five young men in our congregation share their faith. The service will feature testimonials from the boys, an original rap, Ben Johnson's baptism, and the rite of confirmation.

Farewell to Judy and Gary Siegel

May 6 Council Installation

Hear reports from the travelers to New Orleans

Rev. 21:1-6 "New Things"

May 13 Mothers Day - New Members Received

"The Woman Forgiven"

The bible and the DaVinci Code

May 20 Children's Sunday

Juggling, music

Burt and Lily Kurth's Baptism

May 27 Pentecost Sunday WEAR RED

Laura Ruth Jarrett preaching

EVERYTHING YOU EVER

WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE HYMNS

 

David Mislin is offering a follow-up to last year's series on the history of hymns. Join him at 7:30pm on Sundays April 29, May 6, May 20, and May 27 to sing some of our most beloved hymns (and some new ones as well) and to explore the social, political, and religious worldviews that shaped them. The themes of the four sessions are as follows:

 

April 29 - A Bulwark Never Failing: Hymns as Comfort in Times of Conflict and Violence

 

May 6 - Let Us Die to Make Men Free: Hymns as Inspiration in Times of Conflict and Violence

 

May 20 - See the Conquering Hero Comes: Hymns and Popular Music in Europe, 1750-1900

 

May 27 - One of These Nights at about Twelve O'clock: The Blurring Line Between Hymns and American Popular Music, 1960-2000

 

For more information, please contact David Mislin (617- 661-6433 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

 

2007 - 2008

CHURCH COUNCIL AND OFFICERS

 

At a congregational meeting on April 15, the following church officers were elected:

 

Gregory North Moderator

Dick Edmiston Assistant Moderator

David McClave Treasurer

Matt Ali Clerk

 

The Church Council members will be liaisons to the following committees and ministries:

 

F&A Bob Beckwith, Matt Ali

Membership Carolyn Beckwith

Stewardship Jennifer Cassettari

Susan Bennett

Worship Ed Bond

Education Steve Van Evera

Fellowship Marjory German

Care Chris Reaske, Martha Kimball

Mission Martha Kimball

PNS Deborah Burger

Hearts & Minds Beth Graham

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GREETERS NEEDED IN MAY & JUNE

Greeters are needed for the following Sundays in May and June:

 

May 20 and 27

June 3, 10, 17, 24

 

If you are interested in one of these dates please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

Greeting is a fun thing to do and if you're new to the church it is a great way to meet people. Thanks in advance for your help,

 

Carolyn Beckwith

 

FROM OUR MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Oh God, why?

 

Shouting is not my thing. Neither is kicking, screaming or throwing things. But I am learning something about the lament this year as I study the Book of Job in the Old Testament. We've all heard the phrase "the patience of Job."

 

Well, if you read the whole book you will hear him rant and rave chapter after chapter. His friends try to console him and at the same time they warn him against questioning God. In the end, God scolds the friends telling them "my wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. (Job 42:7)

 

I don't know about you, but I was brought up with "don't complain" and "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all," but here God is saying that we need to let it out!

 

When something horrific happens like the shooting at Virginia Tech, there are all sorts of reactions; shock, tears, silence, fear, finger pointing. Times like this call for the lament. "Oh God, why? How does this happen? What are we to do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe? Where are you, God?"

 

These are appropriate responses to our grief. Many of the psalmists knew that. Psalms are a great comfort when you need to rant a bit! However it is that you pray, come join Chris Emery and myself on May 27 at noon for prayer group as we pray for ourselves, our families, our Pilgrim friends, our community and the world.

Faithfully yours, Debra

 

 

PLEASE BRING NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DONATIONS FOR

EAST END HOUSE ON SUNDAY, MAY 6TH!

GIFT IDEAS FOR

MOTHER'S AND FATHER'S DAY

Give a Bible or Hymnal in honor of your parents. Forms for hymnal and Bible dedications are on the table in the church entry. Checks are made out to the church. Hymnals are $25, Bibles $10. (See sample dedication below.)

 

It is also possible to give a donation to the Renovation Fund in honor of a parent. Note cards to send to your parent(s) telling them of your donations are also available on the table in the entry hall.

 

Pilgrim Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

This Hymnal/Bible is given

in honor of

[your mother/father]

Mother's Day/Father's Day, 2007

SEARCH COMMITTEE REPORT

 

Our search for the part-time Associate Pastor is going very well. Thus far we have received nine resumes and were blessed to be able to choose four who were highly qualified to interview. We have met with two candidates to date and will meet our remaining two in early May. Our ad on the National UCC website will remain in circulation until May 10, keeping the door open until we are sure we have the position filled. We hope to have decided on the right person by the end of May.

 

Gregory North, Chair

"PILGRIM PRAY-ERS"

 

With the horrific events in Virginia this past week, I have taken great comfort in prayer and been reminded of the tremendous importance prayer plays in each of our lives. God shares in the pain and sadness that we feel and wants to help. All we need to do is ask!

 

We are beginning a prayer group at Pilgrim to pray for the concerns and thanksgivings of our congregation. Our first meeting will be on Pentecost, May 27 from 12pm to 1pm in the kindergarten classroom. We will then be meeting the last Sunday of each month.

 

In our gatherings, we will pray for our Pilgrim leaders, for others we may know in need of prayer, and for ourselves. Folks can share their concerns aloud, or silently, whichever they feel most comfortable doing. After each of our gatherings, I will e-mail a list of our prayers to the participants of the group, asking that we each pray for these people during the week.

 

I'm very excited about the prayer group.

I believe our praying together will strengthen the bonds that we might already have with one another! If you would like to be part of this caring ministry or if you would like us to pray for you, please speak to me at coffee hour or contact me at (781) 729-2842 or by email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Thank you!

 

Prayerfully yours, Chris Emery

 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS !

CHILDREN'S SUNDAY IS MAY 20

 

This special service is created and led by church school children and their teachers. We have two special guests coming to join us. You won't want to miss it!

POT LUCK SUPPER

WITH TAR CREEK VISITORS THIS MONDAY, APRIL 30, 6:30PM

 

All Pilgrims are invited to join the Mission Committee and the Environmental Group for an old fashioned pot luck dinner - bring a salad, main dish, or dessert to share. There will be an opportunity to meet and talk with Rebecca Jim and Earl Hatley of Tar Creek, Oklahoma, the Superfund Site where we have sent more than a ton of books for children and adults.

 

Tar Creek is an impoverished community living in the shadows of mountains of toxic waste. Their towns are threatened by frequent cave-ins as mines collapse under their houses. Rebecca and Earl work with children and adults to improve health and education in partnership with the Harvard School of Public Health.

 

Bring your family and friends! Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know how many places to set for you.

 

EXPANDED SALES OF

EQUAL EXCHANGE COFFEE

 

Now you can buy Equal Exchange Fair Trade coffee on a continuing basis. There is coffee for sale in a basket on the round table in the Sun Room. Regular coffee is $7.00 per bag and decaf is $7.50. Envelopes for payment are also in the basket. Please leave them in the collector's mail slot in the hutch (make checks payable to Pilgrim Church with "Equal Exchange" on the memo line).

 

The organic coffees Pilgrim sells are grown by farmers who manage the soil in a sustainable agricultural system promoting natural cycles and controls rather than chemical pesticides and fertilizers. By paying a premium to these farmers for their certified organic beans, Equal Exchange supports their commitment to protecting the environment.

 

Thanks from the Mission Committee

 

HELP NEEDED FOR BRISTOL LODGE THURSDAY MAY 10

 

Help is needed to serve, bring food or make a donation.

 

To make a donation, please make your check out to the church with Bristol Lodge on the memo line, and mail it to Pilgrim or put it in the plate on Sunday.

 

To bring an item of food please sign up on the bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall and let us know how much you will be contributing. We are seeing up to 100 people per meal. It is best to deliver your food to the church during business hours (M-F, 9 to 1). Leave it in the downstairs kitchen with a large note on it to show that it is for Bristol Lodge. If it needs refrigeration, put it in the refrigerator on the left.

 

To help Sharon Lawler serve, meet her at Bristol Lodge on May 10. You should leave Lexington at about 4:00pm. Take Waltham Street to Main Street (Route 20) in Waltham and turn right at the City Hall. Take a left (south) onto Moody Street. When there are no more stores, you will see a fire station on your right, and the next building is the church building you are looking for. Park on the side street and enter the basement through the side door. Please let Sharon Lawler know that you will be joining her ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

 

Thank you, Sandy Gardiner

 

GET YOUR PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

BY EMAIL!

 

If you would like to receive Pilgrim's Progress by email; or would like to be removed from either the email list or the "snail mail" list, please let us know ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or

781-862-0357). Help us save time, money and the environment!

 

 

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 9 TO NOON

SUNDAY, MAY 20, AFTER CHURCH

 

The 3rd annual Plant Sale will be held at Pilgrim Church on Saturday, May 19^th from 9-12 and Sunday, May 20^th after the church service. It's time to start gathering your plants of all sizes and shapes; hostas, day lilies, ground cover, perennials or anything else that you can think of. Please mark them so we will know what they are. If you need pots to put them in there will be a supply in a cage on the kitchen door side of the church.

 

If you can help on Saturday, May 29 please contact Carolyn Beckwith ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 781-275-7527). Set-up begins at 8:00am.

 

 

REMINDER FOR PILGRIM WOMEN

"WOMEN'S NIGHT OUT"

MONDAY, MAY 7 AT 6:30PM

 

Calling all women to come to Pilgrim Hall on Monday May 7 at 6:30 p.m. for dessert, coffee and conversation! We'll be filling bags and writing cards to women and men in local shelters for Mother's Day and Father's Day.

 

There's still time to pick up items for these gift bags - shampoo and other hair care products, shaving supplies, dental care items, jewelry, stationery supplies, small paperback books, playing cards, candy, gum, packages of crackers & cheese or peanut butter. Take a trip to Building 191/2, Costco, the Dollar Store or anywhere else where you can find a bargain.

 

There's a large carton in the vestibule at Pilgrim, but if that fills up, just put your items in a bag in the library. Come join the fun and help assure our neighbors in Waltham shelters a happy Mother's Day and Father's Day.

 

Thanks from the Mission Committee

ROOM AT THE TABLE

HOSTING JHAMTSE INTERNATIONAL

SATURDAY, MAY 19 AT 6:00PM

 

On Saturday May 19 "Room at the Table" will host a simple meal at Pilgrim from 6:00pm to 8:00pm to benefit Jhamtse International.

 

"Room at the Table" is an outreach of Pilgrim Church and is a multi-faith, multi-cultural community of caring individuals whose common purpose is to serve others by increasing awareness in the community about people in need locally, nationally, and globally. At each event a simple meal prepared from recipes indigenous to the specific area is served.

 

Jhamtse International is headquartered in Acton, MA and supports the work of the Venerable Lobsang Phuntsok, its spiritual and educational director. Its chief fundraising focus is the Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community which is located in an impoverished and remote area of India in the northeastern Himalayas near the borders of Tibet and Bhutan. Lobsang was born in this area and raised by his grandparents who sent him to a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in south India where he became a monk. He learned first hand the value of a good education and a caring environment. While at the monastery he envisioned establishing a school based on the principles of love, compassion, and wisdom.

 

In this area of the world 98 percent of the people are illiterate, and children are lacking life's most basic needs such as food and health care. In response to these conditions, Lobsang and a fellow monk, Sherap Lama, opened the Jhamtse Gatsal educational community in 2006. It houses 35 children, three teachers, two housemothers,

and other staff. The plan is to expand the community to 200 children.

 

Jhamtse International also provides weekly dharma teachings, workshops, and retreats for all ages and faiths to help people cope with the challenges of daily life while learning to live peacefully and positively.

 

There are also youth programs and activities that emphasize love, compassion, and wisdom.

 

To learn about Jhamtse International and its programs, visit the website at www.jhamtseinternational.org.

 

On May 19 authentic Tibetan/Indian food, similar to what the children at the Jhamtse Gatsal community eat, will be served. In addition to the meal, there will be a slide presentation and talk by Lobsang about Jhamtse Gatsal and its plans for the future. There will also be an outstanding cultural display and children are especially encouraged to come and enjoy activities geared to their interests and abilities.

 

As at other Room at the Table events, there is no admission charge but a donation of the price of a restaurant meal is suggested. For further information, please call the church office at 781-862-0357 or go to its website www.pilgrimcongregational.com.

 

 

 

 

MAY BIRTHDAYS

 

 

 

If your name is missing from this list, call or email the office: 781-862-0357 - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

 

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT!

 

Congratulations to Barbara and Ian Yates on the birth of their daughter, Angela Jean Yates, born April 23 at 7lb. 4oz. and 20 inches. Angela joins big brother Justin.

 

LILLIAN ATKINSON TURNS 100

 

In recognition of Lillian Atkinson's long life and her commitment to Pilgrim Church, the congregation is dedicating a hymnal and a Bible in her honor. Here is a copy of the plate which will go in the new Pilgrim Hymnal. A similar one will appear in a new Bible.

 

Pilgrim Congregational Church

United Church of Christ

This Hymnal is given in honor of the

100^th birthday of

Lillian Atkinson

April 6, 2007

 

Lillian and her husband were charter members of Pilgrim. Congratulations and love from the entire Pilgrim community, Lillian!

 

GRACIA DAYTON!

 

Gracia Dayton has been elected president of the New England Watercolor Society. The society was founded in 1885 and its membership has included noted painters John Singer Sargent, and Andrew Wyeth.

 

Gracia shares her wonderful talent with the Pilgrim congregation by posting her original paintings in the foyer of the church to coordinate with the seasons of the church year. Thank you and congratulations, Gracia.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

FOLLEN CONCERTS FOR A CAUSE PRESENTS HEINRICH CHRISTENSEN

THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 8:00PM

 

Organist Heinrich Christensen will be performing at Follen Church, 755 Mass. Ave., Lexington, and with the Follen Choir. Suggested donation is $15 and the proceeds will benefit the Greater New Orleans Unitarian Universalists towards the rebuilding of their city. For more information call 781-862-3805.

LEXINGTON PLAYERS PRESENT

ASSASSINS, THE TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

 

Assassins uses the premise of a murderous carnival game to produce a revue-style portrayal of men and women who attempted to assassinate presidents of the United States. The music varies to reflect the popular music of the eras depicted.

 

Performances are May 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 8:00pm and May 6 and 13 at 7:00pm at Hancock Church, 1912 Mass. Ave., Lexington.

Tickets are $16 in advance at the Crafty Yankee or call the Box Office at 781-862-2866. $18 at the door or Ticketstage on www.lexingtonplayers.org.

THE SHAW BROTHERS IN CONCERT

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 8:00PM

 

A New Song Coffeehouse presents The Shaw Brothers Saturday, May 5 at 8:00pm at the First Church of Christ, Congregational in Bedford, 25 The Great Road, Bedford. Tickets are $20. The Shaw Brothers have been performing their unique blend of traditional and contemporary music, interspersed with humor, poems and stories, for more than 40 years. For more information call 781-275-1135.

GREATER BOSTON PFLAG'S

5^TH PRIDE AND PASSION PARTY

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 6:30PM,

BOSTON BALLET BUILDING

 

Join the Greater Boston PFLAG as they launch the Elsie Frank Scholarship Program with Rep. Barney Frank and Mayor Tom Menino. PFLAG will also be honoring Safe Schools pioneers, Jeff Perrotti and Kim Westheimer. There will be a Silent Auction, buffet and live music. For more information, call 781-891-5966 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (www.gbpflag.org).

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR

WALK FOR HUNGER, SUNDAY MAY 6

 

Project Bread's annual "Walk for Hunger" needs 2,000 volunteers. For 38 years, Project Bread's Walk for Hunger has provided critical resources for hungry children and families in Massachusetts. The walk begins and ends at Boston Common. If you are interested in volunteering - or walking - please contact

617-723-5000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Visit the website at www.projectbread.org.

 

"VOICES RISING" CONCERT

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 6:30PM

 

"Voices Rising" will perform a concert entitled "Now We Become Ourselves" at the Congregational Church of Needham, UCC,

1154 Great Plain Avenue, Needham. "Voices Rising" is a women's chorus founded upon feminist principles of community, inclusivity, activism and education. For more information call 781-444-2510.

 

The next Pilgrim's Progress article

deadline is SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2007 at noon.

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