Gratitude, Potlucks & Reflection

How is God Leading us?

Thanks to so many people for your cards and gifts in honor of pastor appreciation Sunday. I am blessed to serve this congregation. It was a double blessing to receive such well-wishes and goodness.

Thanks also for the vacation time. Tracy and I were able to re-connect with our moms by taking them on a trip up to the Upper Peninsula and the drive up to Wa Wa in Canada. While the colors were grand, we ended up leaving the week of snow and what felt like the beginning of winter. The week before temps had been in the 60s and 70s. The week after temps were in the 60s and 70s. We still had such meaningful time. Tracy and I especially enjoyed hiking the Nokomis Trail. Our moms will forever remember their time at Tim Horton’s!

Rhythms of sabbath, rest, and detachment are so important for all of our well-being. I try to wind the practice into my day through meditation, night time walks, and spending intentional time with family and friends.

I look forward to our time together as a church through this end of Ordinary Time into Advent and Christmas.

Home Potlucks

I heard great reports out of the church potlucks. Thanks to all who attended! I pray that the potlucks were a way we might all “do church” together, remembering God’s leading, and binding us to one another. That is the literal meaning of religion - “to re-bind.” Just a reminder that as we enter these colder months to receive your vaccine boosters and to get your flu shots. We want everyone safe, healthy, and protected as we enter this season where we nest a little longer, contemplate God’s goodness, and huddle closer for warmth and reflection.

Reflections back from Church Potlucks

Potluck hosted by Sheila Mayne and Carol Conklin

Strengths of Pilgrim Congregational UCC

·     Community: friendly, and it is more than just worship

·     Pastor: great sense of fashion; liked belonging; great sense of humor; all feel like equals; is fitting in.

How would outside describe? 

·     Role play between Pemberley and Amelia; intriguing and welcoming

Future

·     Mr. Mulberry

·     Same people, safe place

·     More kids in Sunday School

·     Always be accepting as a community

·     Doing more things in the community

·     Love Java Joe.

How is God leading us?

·     Be happy and strong community

·     Leading into a path of happiness and joy

·     Girls/women are embraced

·     Enjoy different points of view and respect at the Java Joe worship service.

Your role in Pilgrim’s future?

·     Share with the community the great things at Pilgrim.

·     If the world were more like Pilgrim is on a Sunday, we would be in a better place.

What dream of God do you see becoming possible?

·     To feel included, all in this together—bring more inclusivity on a large scale.

Potluck hosted by Terry and Don Kretchman

Strengths:

·     Caring

·     Non-judgmental

·     Acceptance

·     Very social community

·     Giving (generous!) to the community

How would an outsider describe Pilgrim?

·     Warm

·     Friendly

·     Diverse

·     Senior congregation

Future?

·     Only possible if we continue to have folks walk through the door

·     Need to show universal love to all