$10,000

Between the auctions and dinner, while final totals are still coming in, approximately $10,000 was raised for the mission trips of Pilgrim Church.

Each year for the past eight years our senior high youth group has traveled to do mission work and learn about love. This year: 40 teenagers and 10 adults will travel to Washington, DC to do hunger relief, elder care, hug kids, rebuild, and learn.

This will be the second year our men head to Portland, ME in the fall to work with Habitat. Scroll down this blog to see pictures of last year's trip.

We raised less money a few years ago, and in this economy, the generosity is a gift and amazing! Thank you to all who helped, cooked, gave, and continue to make this work possible.

We are building heaven on earth one life and one relationship at a time!

Pass it on

Send this letter to Senator Eldridge. This group of folks is making the world better for folks who don't get a chance to start over after their mistakes.

STATE SENATOR
JAMES B. ELDRIDGE
State House Room 213-A
Boston, MA 02133

or

James.Eldridge@state.ma.us

Dear Senator Eldridge,

First, thank you for all you do for us.

This letter is to request your support in restoring the funding to Dismas house.

We know you already know:

• Dismas is a transitional housing program for people coming out of Worcester County jail.
• Incoming Worcester County Sheriff (and former State Senator) Guy Glodis was such a strong supporter that he allowed the house on site at Worcester County House of Correction be converted to "Almost Home,” and turned over to the Dismas staff to help expand their program.
• Dismas has a strong track record of success, transitioning people from prison back to positive roles in society, with a success rate of 70% for people who complete the Dismas program.

Did you also know that last summer 70 volunteers from Pilgrim Church in Southborough, MA worked at the Goddard Summer program helping kids tend the gardens on the Dismas house property?

It was our second year participating with the Aldersgate Church in collaboration with the staff at Goddard and the folks at Dismas.

What is more powerful than the combination of urban and suburban, educational and spiritual, transitional housing and housed folks working together to improve a neighborhood and build lasting relationships?

Please do what you can to keep the funding going.

Sincerely,

You!

70 Attend First Event, Join Us Next Tuesday!

70 attended the first Lenten Series Event on Sacred Space, Holy Travel at Pilgrim Church. The next in our series, focusing on the Holy Land, is at St. Mark's Church in Southborough.

Worship at 6, then dinner, and a talk and discussion from 7 to 8. Child care is provided!

Lenten Series

Don't miss our Lenten Series even tomorrow, Tuesday the 3rd, from 6 to 8 at Pilgrim. Our theme is Sacred Spaces, Holy Travel, and we'll worship at 6, eat at 6:15, then hear a talk and have a discussion from 7-8. Topics this year will include the Holy Land and Tibet.

Hope to see you!

Ash Wednesday

Join us for our Ash Wednesday service on February 25th at 7:00. This service of reflection lasts about a half hour. We burn the trouble in our lives and start Lent clean. God loves us no matter what, and this service is a chance to unclench our bodies so our spirits can deeply feel that love. For those who love the tradition, ashes will be available.

A Year of Teaching

In a world where we can't control what's happening around us, we can influence what goes on in our minds and in the lives of our kids. This year: Teach.

One of the simplest truths about learning is that when you teach, you learn. You have to master knowledge to impart it to others. When teaching kids, the creativity needed to make the learning fun challenges us to a new level, and hence, our learning deepens.

This year, focus on learning. Teach a Sunday School Class, volunteer at the Goddard Summer School Program, pray with a child, walk in the woods and wonder about creation with them, and as you do: Learn.

Hundreds of Pilgrims Support 30,000 Troops

I am truly grateful to all of you who participated in our Care Package
Drive to support our Troops. The items you purchased, the hours you
worked at the Drive, and your generous checks for postage and product
made shipping almost 400 boxes possible. In spite of these tough times
together we touched about 30,000 troops, making their holidays away from
home a bit brighter. Your generosity is absolutely overwhelming and
means so much to me! The stories from our Drive that I share with
Courtney amaze and humble her.

For those of you who coordinated your children, their friends and your
students to make cards and bring items, please pass this on to them with
my thanks. They truly made a difference.

Malcolm Muggeridge once said, "Every happening, great or small, is a
parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the
message." You all got the message! Thank you for touching the lives of
our troops.

Proud Army Mom!
Deb Wilson