Pilgrim's Progress 49(8)

LOW SUNDAY ~ I DON'T THINK SO!

The Sunday after Easter is called "Low Sunday" in many churches. That name has an almost liturgical weight. I expect to see it listed in the official denominational calendars along with Pentecost and Reformation Sunday.

Low Sunday. Why is that? Are we suffering from post-Easter fatigue? We've just spent all our energy on all those Holy Week services and at the end of the Halleluiah Chorus, well, we just have to take a rest.

Or is it that we just can't keep operating on that high-level Easter spirit any more?

Or is it all about attendance - it's likely to be way down from the Easter boost. Yes, actually, I think that isthe origin of the term. But how self-defeating. Why would churches actually institutionalize NOT coming? Calling the day "Low Sunday" sets an expectation that we don't think you're going to be here so maybe we'll all just let it slide a little. No need to try so hard.

This is not the tradition at Pilgrim. Of course, we won't see the 300 people who came at Easter, but the faithful won't take the Sunday off. We don't expect to have unusually low attendance.

Often, the Sunday after Easter is a special service with lots in interest and excitement. It's no different this year. Under the leadership of the Environmental Group, on April 15, we will be enjoying a worship service that takes seriously God's commandments to cherish the Earth and honor it. Don't miss this timely and engaging opportunity to put environmental concerns into a theological perspective. Barbara Munkres is offering a brief sermon entitled, "No Child Left Inside." Chloe Kaufmann will be baptized. (More on this on page 4.)

We'll keep the excitement going the next week, April 22, as well as we host Ray Greene and Dow Brain for a service of Gospel music. Spoken words will weave around Ray's musical offerings and Dow will accompany him and the congregation in Gospel singing. It promises to be a very upbeat service. Invite your friends! (Details on page 2.)

And April 29^th is Confirmation Sunday. The service will be led by the 5 young men in our class and promises to be a very moving experience.

Judy

RAY GREENE AND DOW BRAIN JOIN US FOR WORSHIP ON APRIL 22

Enjoy an uplifting service of Gospel music. Our friend, Ray Greene, is back to sing. He will be accompanied by Dow Brain, and they will be performing piano/vocal interpretations of Gospel and inspirational music.

Ray Greene is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston who performs in and around Boston. He has sung the National Anthem for the Red Sox and will appear with Maya Angelou at the Boston Opera House on May 31 at 7:30pm. He has released a CD entitled "Songs of Hope, Inspiration and Joy," a collection of traditional Gospel favorites as well as some of the more popular praise and worship songs. More about this accomplished singer may be found at www.raygreene.com.

Dow Brain, also a Berklee grad, is a well-known keyboardist and music producer. He has recorded with jazz vocalist, Walter Beasley and pop artist, Tracy Bonham. His recording studio, "Underground Productions" has several gold and platinum hits. Ray and Dow play together in the popular Boston area band, "Nightshift."

There will be no church school classes on this day so that teachers and children may attend the worship service to enjoy the music. All are welcome. Invite your family and friends!

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE HYMNS

This spring, David Mislin will offer a follow-up to the series he offered last year on the history of hymns. Join him Sundays at 7:30pm on April 29, May 6, May 20, and May 27to sing some of our most beloved hymns and to explore the social, political, and religious worldviews that shaped them.

In an effort to make this an interactive experience, David invites suggestions of hymns on which to focus. Email your ideas, or any questions you may have to him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

CALL TO A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING To All Pilgrim Church Members and Friends: According to our Bylaws, Article VII, Paragraph 2, you are invited to a meeting of the Church to be held Sunday, April 15, 2007 at 11:30am immediately following the service. At this meeting, the Congregation will: Elect a slate of officers for the 2007-2008 Church Council. The recommended slate was determined by the newly elected Council at its organizing meeting on April 4, and is published below. Everyone is invited to attend these meetings. Only members may vote. Respectfully submitted, Bob Beckwith, Moderator

CHURCH OFFICERS FOR 2007-2008

At the Council organizing meeting on April 4, the recommended slate of officers was suggested for election at the Congregational meeting to be held this Sunday, April 15, 2007 at 11:30am:

Moderator Gregory North

Clerk Matthew Ali

Treasurer David McClave

The Council elected Richard Edmiston Assistant Moderator.

FROM OUR MINISTER OF EDUCATION

THE GIVING TREE

There is a book by Shel Silverstein called The Giving Tree. Perhaps you have a copy of it in your home. It is the story of a boy and a tree that gives many gifts to the boy as he grows up. It highlights the many ways trees are useful and needed. I thought of it as a cute and lovely story until someone pointed out the hidden message in the story to me. The truth is that the tree loved the boy in the story and gave and gave and gave to him until there was nothing left of the tree but a stump. And all the while, the boy/man only came to the tree when he needed something and never once did he give back. The tree gives, the man takes.

I used to love this story for its generous portrayal of the tree but now I see the greediness of the man. And is that what trees are for? I'm not saying that cutting trees is bad, nor is digging for clean water, growing vegetables for consumption or any other way we use our environment for its gifts. We need to give back as much or more than we take. Because the truth is that the environment is a gift. Every time we drink water, peruse the refrigerator for something to eat, decorate our Christmas tree, we should be thanking God. Gratitude can help us to monitor what we take and give back in ways that will enable our children and their children to enjoy these same gifts.

I am grateful to be in a community of believers who can help me realize the impact my daily actions make on our world. During and after worship on Sunday, we will have an opportunity to thank God for the blessings creation bestows on us daily as well as learn more about how we can help make a difference for the environment.

For a healthy planet, Debra

"PILGRIM PRAY-ERS"

Let us pray . . . On the last Sunday of each month, starting on Pentecost, May 27, those who would like to be part of a group of "Pilgrim Pray-ers" will meet downstairs after our service in the Kindergarten classroom from 12:00 to 1:00pm, to explore the topic of prayer. We will have the opportunity to pray for individual petitions, for our Pilgrim leaders, and for ourselves. If you feel the need, as I do, to lift others or yourself up in prayer, please come and be part of this group.

To find out more, please feel free to speak to me after the service, email or call me ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 781-729-2842).

Thank you! Prayerfully yours, Chris Emery

CONCERNS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have concerns or celebrations that you would like included in the pastoral prayer, and you do not wish to voice them aloud, please be sure to write them in our "Prayer Request Log." As you enter the church, on the lectern in the narthex, there will be a notebook titled, "Prayer Request Log." If you have any concerns to be included in the pastoral prayer that morning, just write them down in the book, along with your name, and an usher will see that Judy or Laura Ruth gets them, and they will then be included in the pastoral prayer.

Also, if you have an announcement on Sunday morning, there is now a section in the Prayer Request Log for "Last Minute Announcements." Please write it there so the clergy member doing the announcements can mention it.

The best way to get information to the congregation is in writing. Email your brief reminder announcement to Jean Hibino at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by the Thursday morning before the Sunday service. It will appear in the worship bulletin.

Worship Committee

FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

A rally to encourage awareness of climate change will be held in Lexington this Saturday, April 14 from noon to 2:00pm. Called StepItUp2007, it will take place at Hastings Park, on the corner of Mass. Ave. and Worthen Road. You can meet with members of the Environmental Group at the park to hear live music and guest speakers. Similar events are being held across the nation on this day.

After the Earth Day worship service this Sunday, April 15, don't miss the display in Pilgrim Hall on water resources around the world. With help from Sean Osborne, we have collected information to help us all understand why REDUCING the use of water bottled in plastic containers will help disadvantaged people, save energy, help prevent pollution, save money, and may keep you healthier. We encourage people to carry water from home in canteens instead of buying bottled water during the week of April 15 to April 22. We will be selling Sigg water bottles from Switzerland at a reduced price in Pilgrim Hall on Sunday.

Look for the new Environmental Book Shelfto see if you might like to check out a book or video. It will be in Pilgrim Hall. More books and videos will arrive occasionally.

NOTE ABOUT THE CHANGE OF

EASTER FLOWERS

This year, instead of lilies we featured forced bulbs on the altar. One response of appreciation:

"I am thrilled about this change, thank you,

thank you!"

An allergy sufferer

 

SAVE TREES ~ GET YOUR PILGRIM'S PROGRESS DELIVERED TO YOUR

COMPUTER!

Our electronic version of Pilgrims Progressis better than ever. Get all the graphics and the monthly calendar downloaded directly to your computer.

• Save the environment! No more paper.

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If you would like to receive your next Pilgrim's Progress by email; or you 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).

PYF IS GOING TO COURT

On Friday April 20, the youth group will be visiting the Boston Juvenile Court. They will see the workings of the court, tour the juvenile lock up area and have lunch in the Judge's lobby. The outing is open to all senior high youth and members of the junior high group who will be in senior high next year. Ed Bond has agreed to chaperone and coordinate transportation.

If you would like to join us, contact either Debra Adams ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) or Marjory German ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). If you have not received an e-mail concerning this event, please contact us to get on the PYF

e-mail list.

POT LUCK SUPPER WITH TAR CREEK VISITORS ~ MONDAY, APRIL 30, 6:30PM

All Pilgrims are invited to join the Mission Committee for an old fashioned pot luck dinner - bring a salad, main dish, or dessert to share. There will be an opportunity to talk with Rebecca Jim and Earl Hatley of Tar Creek, OK, 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. They will show slides of their work.

We will explore the possibility of a work project which would bring Pilgrims together with the residents of Tar Creek. Would you like to go?

Come and learn more about it.

The Mission Committee

SUNDAY SCHOOL

TEACHER TESTIMONIAL ...

FROM SUSAN BENNETT

A few years ago, I taught Sunday school at Pilgrim for an entire year. Although I enjoyed teaching, at the end of the year I realized how much I missed being in church and how demanding the weekly teaching schedule had been. I decided to take some time off, and then returned to teaching as a substitute and in a shared teaching role during one of the quarterly teaching modules. This lighter schedule has been perfect for me. I feel I can make a contribution to the Education Program while still reserving much of the year for my own weekly spiritual renewal. I love connecting with the children while still being part of community worship.

IT DOES TAKE A VILLAGE

TO RAISE A CHILD . . .

On Monday, March 19th I returned to Tegucigalpa, Honduras with Astrid Ordonez and Hedman Rivera. As you know, Astrid had been living with us for four months while she received medical treatment at Shriners Orthopedic Hospital in Springfield. Hedman is a patient at Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston, and had been living with his foster family in Concord for the previous six weeks.

During the past several years, Tom and I have spent a great deal of time working with the folks at Shriners. We are truly impressed by the top-notch medical care which is provided to children, free of charge. During Astrid's hospitalization, I met with the staff and learned that they would be able to treat more children, if they had available housing. Currently, when children come with family members, they receive housing at The Ronald McDonald House in Springfield or the Constitution Inn located in Charlestown. When the children travel alone, they need housing in private homes.

Recently, I was talking with the other foster mom (Nancy Morrison) and we were sharing our stories. She was overwhelmed with the poem her nine year old daughter wrote about Hedman. I reflected back on my son, Ricky's, essay for college about the impact Stefany had on his life. It's hard to put into words what caring for an ill child, far away from his/her home, with nobody else to rely on, can do for one's heart. For sure it has been the most rewarding thing our family has done.

I encourage you to consider opening your home to a child in need. Perhaps you are unable to make a full time commitment, but would prefer to offer respite to others, or be a visitor in the hospital. Feel free to contact me ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) with any questions you have.

With gratitude for all the support you have provided us, Emily Collins and family

EXPANDED SALES OF EQUAL EXCHANGE COFFEE

Some members of Pilgrim have remarked that they would buy Equal Exchange Fair Trade coffee more faithfully if it were available on a continuing basis. At the last Mission meeting, it was agreed to give this a try. Look for a limited amount of coffee 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 put them in the collector's mail slot in the hutch. (Make checks payable to Pilgrim Church with "Equal Exchange" on the memo line.) If you'd like a special variety which isn't in the basket, please leave a note in the Mission mail slot and we'll try to oblige.

It seems appropriate to expand our sales of Equal Exchange as we approach Earth Day. The farming practices which are taught to the third world farmers who are members of participating cooperatives are based upon fairness and respect for the earth. 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. These coffees are shade grown on farms where coffee trees are grown alongside other food crops under a canopy of taller trees. This method of farming provides vital wildlife habitat to billions of migratory birds as well as indigenous tropical birds and mammals. By paying a premium to these farmers for their certified organic beans, Equal Exchange supports their commitment to protecting the environment.

Please join us by taking advantage of this opportunity to do our part in helping protect the earth while buying delicious coffee at the same time.

Thanks from the Mission Committee

"MAKING THE CONNECTIONS"

A WORKING CONFERENCE AT

PAYSON PARK CHURCH, BELMONT

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 9:30AM ~ 4:00PM

Join this working conference to learn how communities of faith build partnerships across national borders, economic and social divides -- mission trips, building democratic structures and accountability, fact-finding trips through Witness for Peace, lobbying for debt relief, fair trade actions, and cultural celebrations.

The cost of $7.50 (made out to "Jubilee Justice Task Force - MACUCC") includes an Ethiopian luncheon. There is an additional fee of $3.50 per child enrolled in the children's program (limited to 12 children). Advance reservations are needed. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Thanks, Steve Snyder

"WOMEN'S NIGHT OUT"

MONDAY, MAY 7 AT 6:30PM

The annual "Women's Night Out" get together is when Pilgrim women gather to enjoy dessert and coffee along with fellowship, fun and chat while filling Mother's and Father's Day bags with gift items for men and women at local shelters.

Some suggestions for the gift bags are: soap, shaving cream, razors, after shave lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, mouth wash, cosmetics, nail polish, cologne, shampoo, conditioner, earrings, beads, bracelets, notepaper, stamps, pens, pencils, playing cards, gum, candy, snack crackers, socks, knee highs, small paperback books.

Please leave your donations in the box in the front hall. Last year we filled over 90 bags! Sign up on the sheet on the Mission bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall and let us know if you'll bring a dessert to share. Hope to see you there!

Mission Committee

ROOM AT THE TABLE

HOSTING JHAMTSE INTERNATIONAL

SATURDAY, MAY 19 AT 6:00PM

"Room at the Table," a multi-faith, multi-cultural group, will be hosting a simple meal to benefit Jhamtse International and the Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community, which provides schooling education for impoverished children in a remote area of India in the Himalayas.

COME AND ENJOY A MEAL OF AUTHENTIC TIBETAN DISHES! Children of all ages are welcome! Donations equivalent to a restaurant meal are suggested. For more information call the church office at 781-862-2812

LEXINGTON INTERFAITH OUTREACH FOOD PANTRY NEEDS YOUR HELP

The Lexington Food Pantry is located at the Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street in Lexington just off the Center. Every Saturday it serves approximately 60 families and families from other towns can come once a month.

For 16 years the Pantry's fresh fruits and vegetables came from Doran's Farm but recently they have closed their doors. Plans are in the works to find another supplier. There is also a collection box at the Lexington Stop & Shop.

Many houses of worship, individuals and organizations have been very generous with food and financial donations, but these have fallen off. In addition to the food donations, the Food Pantry needs approximately $29,000 every year to stay open. Buying has had to be kept to a minimum, and participants may have to be limited to Lexington residents unless things change.

Please consider making a donation so that the Food Pantry may continue to serve. Checks may be made out to Pilgrim Congregational Church with "Lexington Food Pantry" on the memo line. For more information, contact Cynthia Cunha at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Congratulations to Denise

and Matt Ali on the birth of

Thomas Rocco on Saturday,

April 7. Thomas joins his brother Jack.

---

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

 

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 http://www.lexingtonplayers.org/.

A "CARING CONVERSATION" WITH

The REV. KATHLEEN RUSNAK, Ph.D.

THURSDAY, MAY 24, 8:30AM

Rev. Kathleen Rusnak will be speaking about "Compassion Fatigue to Compassionate Energy . . . A Challenge to Caregivers." There will be a Continental breakfast at 8:30am and the presentation will be at 9:30am, followed by questions and discussion. The event is presented by Minuteman Senior Services and will be held at The Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Wheeler Road, Burlington. The fee is $20 and pre-registration is required: 781-221-7033 ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

The next Pilgrim's Progress article deadline is SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2007 at noon.

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