Herald. The Pilgrimage. From Our Pastor. The Church of the Pilgrimage Congregational-UCC 8 Town Square Plymouth, Massachusetts 02360

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1 The Pilgrimage Herald Church Office Phone: FAX The Church of the Pilgrimage Congregational-UCC 8 Town Square Plymouth, Massachusetts The Rev Dr. Helen Nablo, Pastor helennablo@8townsquare.org Rev. Gary L. Marks Pastor Emeritus Volume LXXXIV No. 11 Office Hours: Monday Friday, 10am- 4:00pm November 2015 From Our Pastor November, which means Thanksgiving. But also Mission! After our glorious All Saints Sunday, November 1 st, in which we will remember those who have gone before us and dedicate our newly restored tower bell, our focus in worship will turn to Mission. On November 8 th we ll have Habitat Sunday, a chance to learn more about the good work of that organization, and on November 15 th our own Jeff Donn will preach on Our Endless Journeys, to be followed by the Mission committee s annual Alternative Gift Market during coffee hour. A month dedicated to Mission presents an opportunity to reflect some on recent changes in our Mission life. As you all know, our congregation s leaders made a decision this year not to host the overnights of hospitality. It wasn t an easy decision, and it involved a lot of conversation at both the level of the Mission Committee and the Board of Trustees. Concerns about increased drug activity and safety led us to the decision, but it was hard, because many see our ministry to the homeless as the heart and soul of our work together. Our Monday Meals program continues, but this change is significant. I know it was a comfort to many that when Barbara Wojtklewicz came to speak to us after worship in September, she said that our decision and the decision of another congregation to stop hosting had prompted action which led to the development (by the newly renamed Task Force to End Homelessness) of a new plan which will hopefully work better for all involved. The plan was still in the works at that time, but is now firmed up. Working together with Father Bill s the Task Force has come up with the an arrangement in which the men will be housed primarily at the Baptist church, a site within walking distance of downtown. The church (small in numbers) is offering their building in exchange for the Task Force paying 80% of the utilities for the cold weather months - - a win- win situation. A paid staff person from Father Bill s will bring experienced support, and volunteers from faith communities and from the wider community will serve as a second overnight presence. Our help in that regard - - and in cooking and serving the nightly meals - - will still be very much needed. We are by no means done with Overnights of Hospitality! Prior to this, the program was run completely by volunteers. While this new approach will be more expensive due to the paid staff person - - and will therefore demand greater fundraising - - it should be safer and, in the end, better for the homeless who seek shelter. It is easier not to have to keep moving personal belongings. It is easier too to have rules to follow when the location of overnights is not continually changing as it was in the past.

2 We are, of course, freed up a bit from not having to coordinate the four weeks we did at our location last year. What will we do with that freed up energy? Your Missions committee is in conversation about that. In the months to come, I am sure you will learn more too about other ways our mission dollars and energy is making a difference. Over and over in the church we see how things change as times change. We are blessed to have serving on the Missions committee right now some of the people who first began the Overnights Program eleven years ago, and they will help us make this adjustment. I hope that as we reflect upon Mission in November, you will take a moment to thank the members of the Mission committee for the work they do. They are: Jeanette Jamieson, Judy Donn, Charlene Moore, Karla Wood, Joyce Ashley, Patricia Svajian, Rosalee Sinn, Jimmy Durmis and Meg Bross. You can also speak with any one of them if you d like to help with Overnights, or with any other Mission activity. Grace and peace, Membership & Evangelism Committee News A great group of individuals met together at our Newcomer s Gathering in October. Some were first or second time participants and are planning to join our church on Thanksgiving Sunday. What a great, enthusiastic and lively group it was! Folks shared a little about themselves, their past church experience, what brought them to our church, and all seemed to enjoy getting to know each other. In response to several questions from those who are coming from a Catholic background, we ended with an interesting conversation about our church s beliefs versus those of the Catholic church. Our next Newcomers Gathering is scheduled for November 8 th. Whether you were unable to attend in October or are leaning toward joining the church this Fall, we encourage you to come. We will be discussing in greater depth our church beliefs and what it means to make a commitment to The Church of the Pilgrimage. New members will join on November 22 nd. On another note As you pack up your Thanksgiving decorations at the end of this month, please look for your Christmas Nativities and consider lending the church one or more on December 4 th for our Annual Nativity Display and Open House (see Nativity from in this Herald). We look forward to an exciting Thanksgiving and Christmas season with our new members, lots of visitors, and a commitment by all to welcome and introduce yourself to anyone you may not know! Also, remember that people often find their church homes through an invitation from a neighbor or friend to join them on Sunday. Many people look for a place to worship at this time of year. If there is someone you have been meaning to invite to our church, this is a great season to do it! Ellie Reinhardt, Chair of the Membership & Evangelism Committee Thanksgiving Open House We have well over 100 visitors to our church on Thanksgiving morning. If you could help by providing baked goods to welcome our guests, please drop them off at the church on Thanksgiving morning (or early in the week to put in the freezer at the JRC but call first ), or at the home of Diana Budge or for pick- up (call ). Many thanks! 2

3 Advent Devotional Booklet on Sale Soon! Did you know we are putting together our very own Church of the Pilgrimage Advent devotional booklet? We are and it s coming soon! The booklet features reflections, poems and drawings for each day of Advent season prepared by members of our church. What better way to usher in this very special time than with inspirational messages from your church friends. The booklets will be on sale at coffee hour November 15 th and November 22 nd, while they last! The price per booklet is $5.00, with part of the proceeds going to Missions of the Church. We re also looking for donations so that our visitation team can take booklets to our housebound members. In addition, we want to bring a couple of booklets as gifts to several assisted living and nursing home facilities in Plymouth. Help make this Advent season even more enjoyable for yourself and others by buying a booklet or two. Our authors have really done an outstanding job; you will truly be delighted and inspired. Church Council News from our Moderator- Doug Showalter Our October Church Council meeting was quite productive, as representatives from the committees of our church exchanged information on their activities and reviewed the basic schedule of church events next June. The Council made two important decisions at that meeting which I would like to mention: 1. The Council voted, pending further action by the Board of Trustees, to create a search committee to seek a nominee for a new, paid Nursery Coordinator position in our church. Named to that committee were Dawn Durmis, Dottie Bottomley, Carol Taylor, and Ellie Reinhardt as an alternate. That Council vote was only to go into effect, if the Trustees agreed to supervise and compensate such an employee. The Trustees met the following night and voted to do both those things. Thus, the search for a Nursery Coordinator has begun. Special thanks goes to Sue Coombs, Dawn Durmis, Ellie Reinhardt, Carol Taylor, and Pastor Helen, who developed a basic job description for that position, which the Trustees will now oversee. 2. The Council created, for the period of one year, an ad hoc Safe Buildings and Grounds Committee. Its purpose is: to study and develop recommendations for maintaining the buildings and grounds of the COTP as a safe environment for all who participate in COTP sanctioned activities. In its work, the committee shall consult with the Plymouth Police Department, the First Parish Church of Plymouth, and such other groups as it deems appropriate. This ad hoc committee will report directly to the Council. Its recommendations shall be given to the Council and to other committees of the COTP, as appropriate, for their consideration and possible implementation. Members of this Safe Buildings & Grounds Committee are Ed Pawlowski, Roy Mathis, Joyce Ashley, and Rev. Bill McCoy. Other representatives from COTP boards and committees, and other interested COTP persons, are welcome to serve on this ad hoc committee too. Confirmation Update Both eighth and ninth graders will meet this Sunday, November 1 st, after church. First, get your photo taken with the whole church after worship as the bells ring. Then come across the way to the JRC for pizza and salad. Mentors are encouraged to attend. We will go over expectations for the mentoring program, and discuss questions of faith we want to explore in the year ahead. 3

4 On Sunday, November 1 st, our new confirmands, the eighth graders, will receive Bibles in worship. They are: Sophia Blomberg, Stephanie Northrop, and Jackie Trask. Youth Group News We had a late but great start to the year on October 18 with 14 teens and four adults in attendance. We spent the afternoon readying the JRC kitchen for doughnut making at the fair next week, and making cookie dough for raffle baskets. Thanks for coming everyone! Coming Up November 8: We are looking for youth group volunteers to help with coffee hour this morning. Can you do it? Also Coffee & Conversation after church (pizza and prepping for Thanksgiving open house). November 21: Youth group fundraiser! The youth group will open the doors of the church during the parade and sell popcorn, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies as their first fundraiser of the year for the two summer mission trips. Do you have a teen at your house who would like to join us? Please contact Jenny Healy at jennycotp@gmail.com to get on the list. Nominating Committee News Janice Lee, Reporter The Nominating Committee met October 15 th to continue our work on filling vacancies. We need people who are members of the church to serve on boards and committees, but we do not want new members to feel pressured to serve if they need more time to get acquainted with everything. Presently there is an immediate need for someone to serve on the Nominating Committee. My term is up in 2016, therefore there needs to be someone else to serve at that time or for a 3- year term. We meet in the mornings (no night meetings). Our meetings are held monthly generally last an hour, depending on the agenda. If there is anyone wishing to serve on this committee you may contact one of the members. They are Steve Triffletti, Rosa Cook, Alice Hyslop, Geoff Campbell and Janice Lee. Our next meeting will be at 8:30am on Thursday, November 19 th at the office of Steve Triffletti. Music Committee News The Music Committee meets the second Wednesday of each month from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. The committee is short one member. If you love our music program, serving on the Music Committee is a great way to be an important part of it. The Pilgrimage Bell Choir has started rehearsing under the direction of Michael Eaton. The first performance will be Thanksgiving Sunday. Brian Jones Concert: Sunday, November 15 at 3pm, Brian Jones will perform an organ concert in the sanctuary. Brian is the Organist and Choir Director emeritus of Trinity Church in Boston. Brian played the original dedication of our church s organ in 1990 and the rededication last year. Brian performs all over the US and is known for performing music that shows the full range of our spectacular Roche Opus 34 pipe organ. Tickets are $15 and are available from the church office or at the door. 4

5 Deacon s Notes We are looking forward to a very busy and fulfilling schedule during the month of November. On Sunday, November 1 st, we will be observing All Saint s Sunday with a beautiful service of remembrance and gratitude. This service will focus on those in our congregation who passed away during the last calendar year and who quietly led by example in order to enrich the lives of others. There will be an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Monday evening, November 23 rd, at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Plymouth. We will once again be holding our annual Thanksgiving Day open house from 9am- 12pm. Please touch base with Diana Budge ( ) if you can help with baked goods or spare a little time on Thanksgiving Day. We also look forward to our traditional Hanging of the Greens service on Sunday, November 29 th. This service helps us redirect our attention and head into Advent with a smile as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. If any of you would like to join Pastor Helen at the pulpit as worship leader some Sunday, please let her know. It s a great way to become more involved in the worship service and doesn t require a lot of preparation time. Please remember that the Deacons continuously offer support through several mini- ministries. You can contact any Deacon, Pastor Helen, or Shellie in the church office if you or someone you now could use help through the Writing Ministry, the Ministry of Meals, the Prayer Chain, the Visitation Team or the blessing of receiving communion at home. Oh Me of Big Faith Nursery Coordinator We are delighted to announce that the Board of Trustees has approved the hiring of a person to supervise the nursery each Sunday during worship. This person must be at least twenty years of age, pass a CORI review, have completed pediatric CPR and first aid training, and be willing to provide nurturing and efficient care to infants and small children. The Nursery Coordinator will also be responsible for scheduling church volunteers to assist the supervisor on a regular basis. For a job description and more information (or if you know of someone who might be interested in applying), please contact Carol Taylor who serves as the personnel representative on the Board of Trustees. Back in July I wrote to you about my lack of faith concerning the Capital Campaign. While today I'm going to do a complete 180 and talk about the Chest of Joash Service which is going to occur a few days "after" I send this article to Shellie. I'm going out on a limb here, but hopefully, these are the amazing things that happened on Sunday, October 25th. As expected the sanctuary was almost overflowing with members and friends of our beloved Church. Rose Wagner started us off with an inspiring Stewardship Moment. Pastor Helen's sermon touched us all deeply, and the music and hymns brought many of us to tears. Almost everyone had remembered to bring in their pledge card and when the time came to come forward I think I saw a few folks dancing in the center aisle! The chimes in Michael's postlude brought smiles to our faces and set us up for the most amazing part of our day. After being asked to stop on the front sidewalk for a few minutes before heading over to the Robinson Center, I caught a glimpse of Tom Mudgett heading up toward the belfry. Suddenly there seemed to be an aura of anticipation settling over Town Square. The sky was clear, the sun was bright and everyone was quietly looking up toward the heavens. And then it happened. Our bell, which has been quiet for so many years, was ringing loud and clear as the Good Stewards of our beloved Church of the 5

6 Pilgrimage roared their appreciation of another little miracle in Town Square. And once again I was reminded that with God all things are truly possible. Nancy E Reed, Stewardship Chair News From our Christian Ed Director, Jenny Healy Once a month I meet with a group of colleagues from around the South Shore, a Community of Practice. We talk shop, share best practices, and engage in different discussions that serve to deepen our faith and understanding of what we are doing and why we are doing it. Listening to the struggles of some of these women, I was reminded how very blessed I am to be in the ministry with an extremely supportive and appreciative congregation, as well as serving with a pastor who is both pastor and mentor to me. It seems that this should go without saying, but in fact this is not the case everywhere you go. So thank you. Thank you very much for your continued support, appreciation and love. Jenny Hanging of the Greens - Worship for All Ages - November 29 We will put out our frog friends to help us decorate the sanctuary during this beautiful service, full of music and lots of participation from our Sunday School. We ll need all hands on deck that morning to get the sanctuary ready for Advent. Guild News The Guild met on October 9th for a most interesting wine educational presentation by Val Baumann. Val described wine as a perfect union between God and humans, and taught us to pay attention to the way that wine impacts on all our senses, from sight and scent to taste, aftertaste, and the overall impression that the wine leaves behind. Each selection brought by Val contained a lesson in geography, history, agriculture, botany, religion, psychology and more. We hope that Val will return to us next year to further engage our senses. Thank you, Val, for sharing your passion with us. November will be a busy month for The Guild. Have you ever wondered about Tai Chi, and its wonderful benefits to our overall health? Then, please join us for our monthly meeting on Friday, November 13th at 1:00 PM in Allerton Hall, and take a peek. Donna Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist at Old Colony Elder Services, will speak to us about "Tai Chi for Healthy Aging." Tai Chi is a series of low impact, structured movements suitable for adults aged 60 and older. Tai Chi helps improve flexibility, strength and balance and facilitates relaxation. All are welcome to join us for some fun with Tai Chi. We will also be holding our annual Thanksgiving Bake Sale on Sunday, November 22, and we hope that you will all take advantage of all the pies and baked goods to help heighten your Thanksgiving celebrations. The proceeds from this major fundraiser help support our many charitable endeavors throughout the year. Our "Feed the Flock" cookbook will also be for sale for Holiday gift giving. Sign- ups for the bake sale will be held for members at our November 13th meeting. Jane Dolan, Guild President 6

7 News from your Missions and Outreach Committee Our alternative Christmas Fair will be on Sunday, November 15th, during coffee hour. This fair is designed to present you with alternative gift ideas which benefit not only those to whom you give the gifts, but also those who produced them, persons who can really use our support. This year's offerings will include the usual honor cards from Heifer International, items from SERRV and Equal Exchange products. We're especially excited about being able to bring you a new product, granola from the Providence Granola Project of RI. This company produces granola as a way of helping resettled refugees to assimilate. These people want to work, but landing that first job can be difficult. The Granola Project employs these newcomers and proceeds to give them job training and an opportunity to learn about the American language, culture and economic system. These jobs are only meant to be "temporary" and, as expected, most of the workers move on to other, better paying jobs elsewhere. The committee sampled the granola, and we encourage you to purchase some. If you like it as we all did, please consider buying some for holiday gifts this year. (Stocking stuffers perhaps?) The Missions Committee continues its commitment to helping the homeless in our midst. At our congregation- wide meeting held on September 27th, Barbara Wojtklewicz from the Plymouth Task Force to End Homelessness told those in attendance that the Task Force is looking into renting a space to be used as a shelter for both men and women during the upcoming winter. In the meantime, the Baptist and Episcopal churches will be the host sites. Members of our congregation will still be needed to provide meals and act as overnight hosts. There will be one paid host hired by the task force, but they will still need one volunteer host each night. People may volunteer to share shifts as well. Our usual donations of gently used clothes and toiletries will also be needed. The Task Force is now partnering with Father Bill's & MainSpring, a group that has successfully set up homeless shelters in Quincy and Brockton. Father Bill's has more experience dealing with town officials in establishing aid to the homeless. As things progress, members of the congregation might be asked to show support for the program by attending a meeting of the Plymouth Selectmen. Meg Bross will represent our church at a meeting of the Task Force on October 20. For information about Task Force activities and how you can help, go to taskforce- homless.org. The committee voted to budget $2000 in 2016 for Youth Missions, the newest of our designated cornerstone projects. With regard to another of these special missions, Rosalee Sinn received a letter from Grace, the Kenyan girl whom the congregation currently supports by paying $600 a year which enables her to attend school. Grace expressed thanks to God that school had finally started after a long teachers' strike. During the strike, Grace was at home helping her father to plant maize. She also expressed thanks to the church for your support. Thanks to all who contributed to the UCC's Neighbors In Need Offering. A total of $515 was collected. Co- chairs for our next quarter will be Meg Bross and Rosalee Sinn. Submitted by Joyce Ashley The deadline for Budget Requests for Boards and Committee is December 1 st. Please submit yours on or before that date. Thank you in advance. 7

8 Notes and Church Record On October 3, 2015, Pastor Helen officiated (together with Rev. Rosemary MacKay) at the wedding ceremony of Gary Sturgis and Scott Troy. On October 3, 2015, Pastor Helen officiated at the wedding ceremony of Shauna Kilroy and Gabriel Andrade. On October 4, 2015, Pastor Helen officiated at the wedding of Rachel Terry and Kenny Renaud at Highfield Hall in Falmouth, MA. Pastor Helen baptized Mikaela Marie Conetta during worship on October 18, Mikaela is the daughter of Vanessa Lerro and Stephen Conetta. Flowers November 1: In loving memory of Michael Sears. Given by Trace, Gabi and Will. November 8: In memory of family members. Given by Cynthia and Ed Marks. November 15: In loving memory of Danielle McNeely. Given by Mom, Darryl, Holly and Kevin. November 22: Thanksgiving Harvest Table. November 29: In memory of Linda Prentice Cadorette. Given by her family. Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is an international, non- denominational Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing worldwide and bringing communities together to help their neighbors in providing affordable housing for deserving families. Locally, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth, serves the towns of Plymouth, Carver, Plympton, Kingston, Middleborough and Lakeville. HFHGP has completed 9 homes and many special projects such as home additions, handicapped ramps, roof repair, etc. We are also a designated Veterans Build Affiliate and as such the Town of Plymouth has donated 3 lots on Long Pond Road, two of which will be built for veterans and their families. HFHGP also runs a ReStore which sells gently used appliances, furniture and building materials. If you would like to help us, there are many ways to do so without having to pick up a hammer! 1. Join us on Sunday, November 8, to hear an update of our accomplishments and also to hear a Habitat family success story. 2. Spread the word that we are looking for veterans who need affordable housing as well as rehab projects for folks who are unable to pay current contractor rates. 3. Make a monetary donation online at 4. Donate your used furniture, appliances, kitchen cabinets, etc. to our ReStore which is located in Carver, MA. 5. Become a volunteer in our ReStore. We need folks to help pick up donations as well as work in the store itself. 6. Out of work and looking for employment? Volunteering for Habitat looks great on the resume! 7. Sign up on our website to work on one of our many committees. For more information, please visit our website at or call Thank you for your support. 8

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10 THIRD ANNUAL NATIVITY DISPLAY WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: HOW: WHO: The Church of the Pilgrimage s Third Annual Nativity Display (in conjunction with our community open house) December 4 th, 5-7pm - the evening of Plymouth s Tree Lighting and other festivities The Sanctuary during our open house the evening of December 4 th Loan your special nativity (or nativities) for the evening Last year we displayed more than 35 nativity scenes. They ranged from child-friendly plastic figures to beautifully crafted crèches and figurines. Each had a unique memory attached: some nativity scenes were from foreign countries; some work works of art; some were created by loved ones and some were simply beloved by a family. All created a special opportunity for our community to celebrate the Advent Season. We would love to have many more people participate by loaning their nativity scenes for the evening. Please fill out the form below and include it with your nativity scene, crèche or figures. You can drop it off at the church office up until December 3rd. Since the display is only for one evening, you will have your nativity back immediately after December 4 th PLEASE INCLUDE THIS FORM WITH YOUR NATIVITY (If you are contributing more than one, which is encouraged, please fill out one form for each nativity scene). YOUR NAME: YOUR PHONE NUMBER: A BRIEF DISCRIPTION OF YOUR NATIVITY: How did it come to be in your family? Where is it from? How old is it? What makes it meaningful to you? 10

11 November 1: November 2: November 4: November 5: November 6: November 7: November 8: November 9: November 10: November 11: November 12: November 13: November 15: November 16: November 17: November 18: November 19: November 21: November 22: November 23: November 25: November 26: November 27: November 29: Looking Ahead December 1: December 4: December 9: December 12: December 13: December 24: November 2015 Calendar Events All Saints Worship & Communion, Bell Rededication, 10am. Confirmands and Mentor meeting, after worship, Marks Room. Monday Meals of Hospitality, 11am, Allerton Hall. Shellie on vacation from November 4-9. Limited office coverage. Missions Committee Meeting, 6:30pm, Charlene Moore s home. Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm, Sanctuary. Church Office closed. Church Office coverage, 10am- 1pm. Wedding Rehearsal, 5:30pm, Sanctuary. Wedding, 3pm, Sanctuary. Worship, 10am- Habitat for Humanity Sunday. Youth Coffee & Conversation after worship. Newcomer s Gathering (part 2), after worship, Marks Room. Puppet Show and Potluck, 4pm, Allerton Hall. Monday Meals of Hospitality, 11am, Allerton Hall. Church Council, 7pm, Marks Room. Veteran s Day- Church Office Closed. Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm, Sanctuary. Board of Trustees Meeting, 7pm, Marks Room. Guild Meeting, 1pm, Allerton Hall. Worship, 10am. Advent Booklets available. Alternative Christmas Fair begins. Organ Concert by Brian Jones, 3pm, Sanctuary. Monday Meals of Hospitality, 11am, Allerton Hall. Stewardship Committee Meeting, 7pm, Marks Room. Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm, Sanctuary. Nominating Committee Meeting, 8:30am, Steve Triffletti s office. Thanksgiving Parade and Open House. Thanksgiving Sunday Worship, 10am with Food Collection. New Members Join today. Guild Bake Sale, during coffee hour, Allerton Hall. Monday Meals of Hospitality, 11am, Allerton Hall. Choir Rehearsal, 7:30pm, Sanctuary. Happy Thanksgiving! Church Office Closed. Open House, 9am- 12pm, Allerton Hall. Church Office Closed. First Sunday of Advent - Hanging of the Greens, 10am. Deadline for Budget Requests. Tree Lighting and Open House. Service of Comfort and Peace, 7pm, Sanctuary. Parents Night Out. Christmas Caroling at Newfield House. Family Christmas Pageant, 7pm, Sanctuary. Candlelight and Communion Service, 11pm, Sanctuary. 11

12 ! Service of Comfort and Peace Each year when the holidays come around, we are aware that there are people who find it difficult. Loss, illness, loneliness.sometimes amidst all the activity it feels like there is not a space that can hold that. Our Service of Comfort and Peace this year is just such a space. It will take place on Wednesday evening, December 9 th at 7pm. Readings, candle lighting and reflection are all a part of this service. Come.and think about inviting a friend who may be needing encouragement. Family Potluck and Puppet Show November 8 th at 4pm in Allerton Hall Cathy Benedict from the Norwell UCC church will, with puppets, highlight different Bible stories with a more modern spin and music. This program is FREE and open to all; we encourage families to bring friends or neighbors, church- goers or non- church- goers. You do not need to be a member of this church or even a regular attendee. Please RSVP to Jenny Healy at jennycotp@gmail.com. A Community Thanksgiving Service will take place on Monday evening, November 23 rd, at 7 pm at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist (our neighbors!) If you have never attended this service, it is truly an All- Plymouth event. This year we will once again reflect on the Pilgrim/Immigrant experience. Our own George Svajian will be one of the featured speakers, reflecting upon his Armenian heritage. Native American chanting, jazz, and gospel music have all been part of this service too. Come, and gather with the community to give thanks! 12