From the Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Keith C. Alderman
September 11 – Ten Years Later
It is hard to believe, but it has been ten years since the attacks of September 11, 2001.
For most Americans, this date has become an iconic place in time, similar in scope and
magnitude to the kinds of moments when Pearl Harbor was attacked, John Fitzgerald
Kennedy was assassinated, and when the Space Shuttle Challenger blew up.
Some of you knew people who died or knew people who knew people who died in the
attacks of September 11. New phrases have been added to our national lectionary, such as
“war on terror,” and a “September 11th sky.” Since September 11, 2001, America has been
involved in at least three wars, and other types of conflict around the globe. Some of you
have family members and friends who were or are in the military or are first responders.
Many lives have been lost. Many families have undergone almost unspeakable hardship
during this war on terror.
The Bible, the wisest of all books, has something to say about this kind of hardship.
The words of Jesus in the Gospel of St. John are these: “Greater love has no one than this: to
lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
No one in their right mind is for war. But that does not negate the heroism, honor,
and sacrifice made on our behalf. One pacifist once commented, “I’m glad someone is out
there protecting me so that I can hold my beliefs.”
Ten years later, let us remember and thank those who serve us so bravely and well.
In Christ, Rev. Keith
Dear Rev. Keith and Penny:
I want to thank you for the card you sent me.
It means a lot to hear we have the support back home. Things are going well here.
We are rebuilding the town, and opened a school.
Your church is great from what cuz and Janel tell me.
They mean a lot to me. Thank you for your thoughts.
Anthony
(A letter we received from a service member.)
MODERATOR’S MOMENT
I have been thoroughly impressed with our church over the summer. I am very happy that our Pastor was able
to take a long deserved vacation and sabbatical. I am also so pleased on how we have kept the church busy
over the summer months. Reverend Keith has
trained so many people on how to step up and
become church leaders. I have seen that happen so
much this summer. Our deacons, led by Sandra, have
done a spectacular job in conducting the services.
Our services have been spirit filled and I have preferred hearing from our deacons than bringing in a lot of
guest ministers over the summer months.
Our trustees have also been very busy over the summer. We had a church break- in which damaged a door.
Thanks to Sandra, a door got replaced. Nancy Hicks also helped us submit an application for a grant from an
agency that is interested in keeping historical buildings cared for. We got a $2,500 grant which helps out a lot
with the work that needs to happen to our roof.
We are looking forward to Homecoming Sunday on September 11 th. One change
that has helped us is that we no longer slow down during the summer. By
continuing our services over the summer we have had less work trying to crank up
our church again in September. It is already running and we just have to start
doing our projects that let us outreach into our community.
Lastly, please keep up your Capital Campaign pledges. They are going to great use in improving our church.
Faithfully yours,
Charlie Milhans
2
Christian Education News
September 1, 2011 , volume 1
A word from the director
Wow, the summer really flew by. I hope that everyone had a chance to enjoy some
family time. I have to say that I’m really excited about a new year of Christian
Education with Pilgrim Congregational Church. We have our vision ―The church is
the home of our faith family, where all are welcome and all belong.‖ So now it is
time to live it.
The Christian Education Committee has come up
with a framework for faith formation at PCC. The
basic plan is simple, it begins with sharing the
foundation of our faith through the bible stories to
our 3 year olds through grade 3. During the first
communion year they will be doing “Bible 101”
and put the stories into context. As 5th-7th graders
the focus switches to “living a Christian life.”
Finally, in confirmation they examine Christianity
and specifically the United Church of Christ’s place
in the world.
We have chosen to go with “Spark” curriculum.
It is bible based for all ages but the take home
message matures as the children gain strength in
their faith. Each year the children will go through
the bible with emphasis on different stories each
time through. Spark offers both classroom model
and rotation model lessons, so we will be able to
offer a mix of lessons. Another of the great
features of this curriculum is that it has a website
so that you can see what lesson you child will be
doing each week. Also available from the website
will be “Family Pages” with things to try as a
family that relate to the lesson. Stay tuned to learn
more about this resource. I hope to have a link
from the church website very soon.
New organization of classes
Due to the current numbers we are going with six
classes instead of seven. Three year olds though
kindergarten will be in one class and first through
third will be in another class. Fourth graders will
still be our first communion class. The fifth and
sixth graders will be together and the seventh
graders will be on their own. Our confirmation
class will be composed of those in the eighth and
ninth grades as in the past.
Parents, welcome to Spark Online!
Spark Online makes it easy to stay connected to the lessons your children are learning each
week in Sunday school.
To get started with Spark Online, follow the directions below:
Begin by Creating a User Profile:
1. Visit your congregation’s custom Spark Online URL:
http://pilgrimchurch-ucc.sparksundayschool.org
2. Under “Request an Account”, complete the requested information and click “Submit”.
3. You’ll be prompted with “Thank You” screen. This confirms that your “account access
request” has been successfully submitted.
4. You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to Spark Online once your account
administrator has approved your request.
Logging into Spark Online for the first time:
Visit your congregation’s custom Spark Online URL:
http://pilgrimchurch-ucc.sparksundayschool.org
2.
Enter your email address and password in the “Log In to Spark Online” box
3.
Click “Log In”
4.
Complete your profile information and click “Save”.
5.
Next, you’ll be taken to your profile page. Through your personal Spark Online profile,
you can create profiles for your children and other family members. By “Adding Family
Members” to your profile, you’ll be able to register your family members for upcoming Spark
events.
1.
Registration:
To register a child for an upcoming Spark event (i.e. Sunday School):
1.
Add your child to your Spark Online profile
a.
Click the “Profile” tab
b.
Click “Add Family Member” and scroll down the page to view the “Add Family Member”
form.
c.
Complete the requested information and click “Save”
2.
Next, click on the “Home” tab.
3.
Click on the event name in the “Register for Open Events” area.
(Note: If your director has not yet published an event, or has not selected “Open
Registration” for an event, the event will not appear).
4.
Click “Edit Registration” under “Register Family Members”
5.
Check the box next to your child’s name and click “Register”.
6.
Once your account administrator has assigned your child to a group, you will see a list of
your child’s upcoming Sunday school events in the “My Family’s Events” section of the Home
page.
Accessing your Spark Family pages for your child’s Sunday school lesson:
1.
Once your child has been assigned to a group, you will see your child’s upcoming Sunday
school lessons or “Event” in the “My Spark Events” section of the Home page.
2.
Click on the name of the event.
3.
Next, on the “Event Details” page, you can preview and download the Spark Family
Pages.
Message Center:
Click on the “Message Center” tab to send messages to directors, leaders and other
parents.
BIRTHDAYS
9/3
9/4
9/6
9/8
9/9
9/10
9/11
9/12
9/13
9/14
9/15
9/16
9/17
9/18
9/20
9/22
9/27
9/28
Robert Dalessandro
Amy Furtado
Steve LeClerc
Brian Stone
Beth Wilson
Bob Cade
Kathryn Carruth
Elizabeth Irvine
Aurley Bible, Jr.
Shelly Nadeau
Nona Ojala
Ernest Rooney
Christine Mullahy
Rebecca Mullahy
David Wass
Norma Schofield
Sandra DeRienzo
Kristie Marchetti
Karen McDowell
Bill Bergman
Bob LaRose
Pat Corriea
Gail Purretta
Jack Hathaway
John Firmin
Sharon Romick
David Toohey
Jill Patella
Ron Maillet
Cynthia Cole
MONTACHUSETT INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY
NETWORK
Pilgrim Church is hosting at MIHN September 11th18th.
Looking for a way to have a “Hands-on”
opportunity to help those in need? MIHN is
looking for you.
Our church will host the homeless shelter (for
families with young children) starting Sunday,
9/11/11.
During this week you can volunteer to make a
dinner meal, provide hosting during the evening
hours, or sleep over.
Talk to Bonnie Hathaway, Karen McNall or Cherie
Rivera if you want more information on what it
means to be a MIHN volunteer.
There is a sign-up sheet on the opportunity table in
Fellowship Hall.
You will make a difference to a homeless family.
FALL FLOWER FUNDRAISER
Once again the Growth Committee is
sponsoring bulb and flower sales through
Flower Power Fundraising. The fall
selection includes a selection of daffodils
and crocuses, as well as many other
gorgeous flowers. You can order online by
following this link:
http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/i/
t/219999/uUbIBO6o4Rcx, or you can order
in person at Pilgrim Church starting on
Homecoming Sunday, September 11, 2011.
The fundraiser will be open through the end
of October. If you have any questions,
please contact Sue Kristoff at 978-516-9153
or [email protected].
Crop Hunger WalkJoin us on Oct.23rd 2011 beginning at 1:00
p.m. sponsored by Missions Committee.
The walk will begin and end at Pilgrim
Church, 26 West St., Leominster. The walk is
a 3 mile course which travels throughout
Leominster. Let's take a stand against
Hunger. Together we can raise awareness
and funds for international relief as well as
local hunger fighting.
Contact Deb Maillet orMary Mullahy with
any questions.
FOOD PANTRY - September
Cereal and peanut butter are needed for
our food pantry. Please help us continue to
provide this community outreach.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HABITAT
People can volunteer with Habitat through
a variety of ways, but their two major needs
are on the construction site and in their
ReStore. The ReStore is a volunteer-run,
not-for-profit retail outlet that sells new or
used donations of furniture, construction
materials, and various appliances.
Questions? Contact Travis Rogers at 978348-2749 x9212 or Volunteer Manager,
Tracy Spiegel at 978-348-2749 x9205.
THANK YOUs
Thank you,
Winning the J.D.
Miller Memorial
Scholarship is a great honor for which I am
deeply proud of. Being able to receive an
education thanks to scholarship is a blessing
sent from God.
Thank you.
Shersingh J. Tumber-Davila
Dear J. D. Miller Memorial Scholarship
Committee,
Thank you so much for your generous
scholarship. I appreciate all your help in
realizing my dream of a college degree.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Jordan Mulhern
Continued on next page…
THANK YOUs …continued
Reverend Keith,
The Family of Ruth Pretzer Bergman
would like to thank you for your support,
ministry, and encouragement during this
difficult time. Your words are inspirational
and was a comfort for all who attended the
service.
Sincerely,
Robert Bergman and the Bergman Family
November. Pilgrim Church is located near
several polling places making our facility a
convenient place for warmth and
nourishment of energized citizens. Much
help will be needed to make this a financial
success. Look for more details in the future.
Growth Committee: Elaine Perreault, Penny
Faul, Karen McNall, Rosemary Banda, Sally
Hens, Natalie Stassen, Sue Kristoff
***
THANK YOU
We would like to thank the Rainbow
Ringers, Beth and Olivia Wilson, Janel
Milner, Heather and David Lang, Irene
Barry, Jon Carruth, Elizabeth Raymond,
Martha Crane, Caroline Rapagnola, Beth
Lyle, Cherie Rivera, Leon Hume, Jack
Sampson, Bev Stone, Wendy Arena,
and Evelyn Jimenez for volunteering to
perform during the summer months. We
appreciate you giving your wonderful
talents to Pilgrim Church during this busy
time of year. BRAVO!
November 8th, Election Night Dinner
Save
the
date –
SCRIP/Hannaford
Want an easy, painless way to support the
work of Pilgrim Church? Purchase gift
cards using the SCRIP and Hannaford
program. It’s easy....
1.)Look over the list of the many retailers
that offer gift cards and check off the ones
you can use.
2.) Write a check payable to Pilgrim Church
for the amount of your order and turn it in
to Mary Mullahy or drop in the vice
moderator’s box of the church office.
3.) You pay list price for whatever you get
yet the church purchases the gift cards at a
discount so we make several percent on
each transaction.
4.) Gift cards come in within a week and
Mary will let you know when they arrive.
November 8, 2011. A fundraising dinner is
planned for the second Tuesday of
Consider purchasing gifts cards for
department stores, restaurants, gas
stations, pharmacies and use them like
cash. It’s simple, easy and benefits the
church. Typically, we place an order for 8
people each month and earn about $150
for the church. Imagine, if more people
ordered what we could do for the church
budget.
Orders are placed the second Sunday of
each month. The next order will be placed
after church on September 11th.
September 24
Rummage Sale
We need your help!
The Growth
Committee is
sponsoring a
Rummage Sale on
Sat., Sept. 24, 9 a.m.
– 2 p.m.
Your time is needed
to sort clothing on
Friday, Sept. 23 from 9 AM until finished!
Any amount of time you could offer will be
greatly appreciated. On Sat. we’ll need help
selling the clothing. Please sign on the sheet
in Fellowship Hall for either or both days.
This will be a fundraiser for Pilgrim, an
opportunity to make our presence in the
community on the day of the Johnny
Appleseed Festival, and a way to help those
in need of inexpensive clothing. Thank you!
Penny Faul, Karen McNall, Elaine Perreault,
Sue Kristoff, Rosemary Banda, Natalie
Stassen, and Sally Hens
MORE THANKS!
My thanks to Martha Crane, Carol
and Herb Claflin, Karen McNall,
Gail Purretta and Beth Lyle for
staffing the office for me while I was
away in August. Thanks, everyone!
Penny Alderman
Dear Keith and our friends at
Pilgrim Congregational Church,
We want to thank you very much for
your thoughtful cards. We really
appreciate your concerns and
prayers for us.
God Bless you all –
Robert and Mary Samia
Dear Reverend Keith,
I would like to thank you for
your support, ministry, and
encouragement during this difficult
time.
Thank you for your time with
Ruth on her last day with us.
Dick and Family
(Bergman)
SEPTEMBER
DEACONS
***
Seek to please
Shift your prayer life from ―Please, God‖ to
―Please God.‖ Take the comma out of those two
words when you pray, and transition your praying
from asking God for things to asking God for the
pleasure of God’s pleasure.
—Homiletics
***
Labor of love
Sept. 4-Charlie Milhans
Sept. 11 – Bonnie Clifton
Communion by Intinction. Servers:
Mike Palis and Sandra DeRienzo
Sept. 18 Sandra DeRienzo; Worship
Leader Evelyn Jimenez
Sept. 25 Dave Toohey
A clean slate
During Labor Day weekend worship, many
congregations bless members of various
occupations. From painting to parenting, from truck
driving to teaching, from farming to pharmaceutical
research, work is honored as holy.
Some might believe that certain jobs —
pastor, missionary, bishop — are holier than others.
But in his classic book The Practice of the Presence
of God, Brother Lawrence tells of performing even
the most common, tedious tasks as holy service to
God: ―I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for
love of [God],‖ he wrote. ―It is enough for me to
pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of
God.‖
No matter your field of work, remember that
any task done in God’s name and to his glory is
holy.
Special dates
One of the best things about heading back to
school is the chance for a fresh start. A new year,
new teachers, perhaps even a new school offer
students the opportunity to try a little harder and do
a little better than the year before.
Praise God that he allows us to always start
over. Jeremiah writes that the Lord’s mercies ―are
new every morning‖ (Lamentations 3:23a). With
God’s help, we can begin each day with a clean
slate and a new attitude, determined to make some
changes for the better.
• Labor Day, September 5, 2011
• Patriot Day, September 11, 2011
• National Grandparents Day, September 11, 2011
• Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15–October
15, 2011
• First Day of Autumn, September 23, 2011
***
• ―Heaven is blessed with perfect rest, but the
blessing of earth is toil.‖
—Henry van Dyke
• ―It is useless to pray for more knowledge, power
or faith until you begin to use what you have
already.‖
—Henry Bucklew
• ―Life will only work out successfully one way,
and that is God’s way.‖
—Leslie Weatherhead
• ―No Christian has ever been known to recant on
his deathbed.‖
—C.M. Ward
editor of Discipleship Journal Online, suggests
praying through the alphabet to describe God.
What would you list? Ideas include
Almighty, Blessed, Christ, Divine, Elohim, Faithful,
Gracious, Holy and so on. If Q and X stump you,
relax the rules a bit: Quitting? Never! and Xcellent!
surely describe our Lord.
Try a similar approach to think of people
and things to thank God for: Apples, Books, Cats,
Daddy, Ears ... and so on.
***
On the rock
***
+ Christian Symbols +
Robe
A robe, specifically one
that’s new and white, symbolizes
the righteousness we receive
through Jesus’ death and
resurrection. Isaiah 61:10 speaks of
―the garments of salvation‖ and
―the robe of righteousness.‖ In
Revelation 6:11, faithful martyrs
each received a white robe. People
who are being baptized or
confirmed often wear white robes
as a sign of purity.
Faith
I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and
sails;
I will believe the hand which never fails,
From seeming evil worketh good to me.
And, though I weep because those sails are
battered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie
shattered,
―I trust in Thee.‖
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox
***
Practicing the ABCs
As school resumes, Christians of all ages
can practice their faith ABCs. Connie Willems,
Nothing before, nothing behind;
The steps of faith
Fall on the seeming void, and find
The rock beneath.
—John Greenleaf Whittier
***
Might and power
In one of my earliest memories, I watch as
my parents tied our swing set to a big oak tree in
our back yard. It was hurricane season in southern
Louisiana. My 5-year-old mind couldn’t imagine
how a storm could be strong enough to blow away
the play equipment.
But my parents could. As New Orleans
natives, they knew all too well what hurricanes can
do. So with skies still blue and waters still calm,
they prepared for a coming storm they couldn’t yet
see.
The author of Proverbs writes that the fear
of the Lord helps us avoid ―the snares of death‖
(14:27). Allow God’s greatness to shape and
influence your actions. Then you can rest securely
in the One who has power over everything — even
hurricanes.
—Kari Myers
***
Divine forgetfulness
For humans, forgetfulness can be frustrating
and worrisome. Yet it can be a blessing to be able to
forget certain things.
Author Gerhard E. Frost noted that
―forgiveness is a beautiful form of forgetfulness‖ —
a heaven-sent absent-mindedness.
For what is failure to forgive but the refusal
to release a memory of someone’s hurtful actions?
Only by releasing old grudges and choosing to
forget past wrongs can we find peace. For help, we
can look to God as the ultimate example of
―forgetting‖ sins.
***
Follow God’s lead
Have you ever watched a well-trained dog
walk with its master? On or off a leash, the dog will
slow or quicken its pace, turn left or right, or
immediately stop at the soft command of his
master’s voice.
Such isn’t the case with my pooch. Either
he’s straining ahead or lagging behind, darting after
a bird or stubbornly lingering over an interesting
scent. He isn’t content to follow my lead.
Sometimes that latter scene resembles my
own walk with God. At times, I rush ahead or lag
behind, veer to the right or stumble to the left,
oblivious of my Master’s pace and direction. How
much better to walk closely with God and let him
lead!
―O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like
you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping
covenant and steadfast love for your servants who
walk before you with all their heart‖ (1 Kings 8:23,
NRSV).
***
Someone who cares
It’s easy to become discouraged when we
pause to consider the needs all around us. So many
worthy causes and pressing concerns require action.
What can one person with limited resources
accomplish?
Theodor Geisel (a.k.a. Dr. Seuss) said,
―Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It’s not.‖
We’re most effective and fulfilled when we
put our God-given talents and resources into areas
he has uniquely shaped our hearts to be passionate
for. Passion is the key. If you want to make a
difference, find something you care a ―whole awful
lot‖ about and then dive in.
***
Disability ≠ Handicap
Whenever we start something new — a
school year, a church programming year, a job, a
journey — we meet people of different abilities and
disabilities. With new experiences come new fears.
In Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children With
Special Needs (HCI Books), social worker Jo
Clancy writes about John, who became a
quadriplegic at age 17 after a diving accident. When
Clancy shared her own fears of becoming disabled,
John said, ―A person can be more disabled by their
fears than I will ever be by my physical challenges.‖
He defined a disability as loss of ability in part of
one’s body but a handicap as an obstacle set in
one’s path by others or oneself.
Throughout Scripture, God, Jesus and angels
tell people, ―Do not be afraid.‖ Paul writes that in
his weakness, God’s power is made known (2
Corinthians 12:9). Don’t let fear handicap you —
and don’t handicap others with your fears. As God
strengthens you, may others see his power!
***
In a nutshell
A Sunday school teacher gave her secondgraders a month to memorize Psalm 23. One little
boy was excited about the task but just couldn’t
remember the whole chapter.
When the day came for the children to recite
the Psalm before the congregation, the nervous boy
stepped up to the microphone and said, ―The Lord is
my Shepherd, and that’s all I need to know!‖
***
Gifts to spare
Do you want to tithe to the church but think
you really can’t spare the money? Try this
experiment: At the beginning of the month, write a
check and deduct the amount from your checkbook.
Hold on to the check until the end of the
month. By then, you’ll likely discover you really
can spare that money. Then you can place the check
in the offering plate as a cheerful giver.
—Dorothy Derrigan-DeLuyck
JUNIOR CHOIR
Come join our very talented and energetic group of children who love to sing. Our first
rehearsal for the junior choir will be on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. All children
are welcome. Many approaches are used to teach the children, including Orff and Kodaly
methods. Please contact Lucille if you have any questions at [email protected]
or 978-537-9278
SENIOR CHOIR MEMBERS
We would love to have additional senior choir members in the soprano, alto, tenor and bass
sections.
Come and join a fun-loving and supportive group who enjoy singing for the Lord. You don't
need to read music as we will be happy to help you. Please join us on Wednesday, September
7th at 7 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Wonderful things are being planned for the 2011-2012 church season and we want you to be a
part of it.
Musically yours, Lucille
***
Garda and Edwin Burgwinkel and Family on the death of their
daughter, Sydney. Sydney’s funeral was held at Pilgrim Church on July
28th.
Richard Bergman and Family on the death of Dick’s wife, Ruth.
Ruth’s funeral was held at the Trinity Congregational Church,
Fitchburg, on August 13th.
The Vallee and Toohey Families on the death of Ariana E.
Vallee. Ariana was the daughter of Travis Vallee and granddaughter
of Dave and Bobbie Toohey. The funeral was held at Pilgrim Church
on August 30th.
Rev. Keith officiated at all three services
Women’s Book Bash
September 11, 2011
Yes, hard as it is to believe, summer vacations are over and it is time to jump into fall. We’ve
had the summer to do some reading and are now ready to get back to the group to share our
thoughts. At September’s meeting we will take a few minutes to discuss as a group the titles
we’d like to read during the rest of the year. One of the most unusual books on recent lists
will be our first selection for the September meeting. Many nice comments about the book –
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – were forthcoming by folks who have read
it. The book with the strange title will draw us into a world people and happenings far from
our own environs. The emotions and questions generated by the book will no doubt make for
an interesting discussion. You won’t want to miss it.
We will meet at the home of Nona Ojala, 320 Pleasant Street, Leominster, MA from 6:30 to
8:30 p.m. Nona’s phone number is 978-537-2904. Come join us on Sunday, September 11,
2011 to share your thoughts and feelings with other women of the church. Call Beth Lyle at
978-537-6964 if you have any questions or need a ride. For discussion questions, check the
new PCC website.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
By Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
September 11, 2011
January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer
Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine she’d find it in a letter
from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who found her name written
inside a book by Charles Lamb.
As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, she is drawn into the world of this man
and his friends -- and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and
Potato Peel Pie Society -- born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were
discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island -- boasts a charming, funny,
deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.
Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their
island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their
lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her
forever.
Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written
word in all its guises, and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.
Read Ahead: Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult
Friendship Bread by Darien Gee
Do You Know.......Penny and Al Faul?
I confess I did not and God bless Penny. After my
sermon she came running up to me and
volunteered to be my next interview. I spent a
delightful afternoon with them and was blown
away with their energy and variety of interests.
Penny grew up in Roxbury and Al in Jamacia Plains
and they met as young teenagers through
combined youth groups. They did connect
romantically until much later but knew each other
through church and friends. They ended up in
Leominster much later in life after raising 3
children and sending them to college. They made
the decision to buy their first home before they
retired, and because of the housing costs and
access to the train, Leominster became their
home.
Penny has worn so many hats. She was a seamstress, trainer for the Girl Scouts and because
of her leadership, five young women went into the fashion industry very successfully. She
worked as reservationist at a hotel and worked her way up to manager. After the hotel chain
was bought out, and the new management did not recognize women as managers, she took a
buy out package. She works a few days a week in Concord as a bookkeeper. Lucky us,
she jumped in with co-chairing the fair and incorporated some new ideas that really helped
make the fair successful.
Al is a welder and still keeps his hand in it at his schedule. He also is a very talented wood
turner and has created some beautiful bowls, candle sticks and other items. He belongs to a
wood turner club that sells their wares and the monies are donated internationally to buy
wheel chairs for third world countries.
As I mentioned they have three grown children (2 daughters and a son), 6 grandchildren and 5
great grandchildren. I was impressed with the work ethic that Penny strove to teach her
children, as shown when she fired her son. Needless to say, her children are very successful
but then they had great role models. Penny and Al just celebrated their 55th wedding
anniversary.
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE MESSENGER
Pilgrim Congregational Church invites
members and friends to advertise your
business in our monthly newsletter. The
cost is $25.00 per calendar quarter.
Simply submit a business card or
equivalent-size notice to the church
office, along with payment, for however
many quarters you’d like the ad to run.
This is a wonderful opportunity to
promote your business while
contributing financially to our church.
PIPER ELECTRICAL CO.
Est. 1929
COMPLETE INDUSTRIAL SERVICE
186 Main St., P.O. Box 1246
Leominster, MA 01453
Tel: (978)537-3520
Fax: (978) 840-1112
Toll Free: 1-800-498-3520
MA Lic. #A16512 NH Lic. #4330 ME Lic. #MS60018000
“Do you feel trapped in an
unrewarding career? Are you
struggling to find your calling?”
GREAT HEIGHTS Coaching
Kim Meninger, MBA, CC,
Certified Career Transitions
Coach
508-740-9158
[email protected]
www.greatheightscoaching.com
Because everyone deserves a
satisfying career
www.greatheightscoaching.com
Come one, come all, to Pilgrim Congregational Church’s First Annual Golf Classic!
Friday, September 16, 2011, Monoosnock Country Club,
40 Monoosnock Ave., Leominster
Tee off time 1:00 p.m.
The public is cordially invited to come and join us.
All skill levels are encouraged to participate. Enter your own four-some or
we can put you on a team.
This will be an 18 hole golf tournament, played in scramble format.
At the conclusion of the tournament, a meal and prizes will be provided.
COST: $70 per person, which includes green fees, a golf cart, and the meal.
For more information, contact:
Jon E. Carruth
e-mail [email protected]
phone: 1-508-331-7579
Come and enjoy a fun day while helping to make our First Annual Golf Tournament a
successful fundraiser!
Pilgrim Church’s Annual
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Following the 9:30 a.m. service
Join us on Sunday, September 11th for our annual homecoming
celebration. Following the inspirational and busy church service, the
deacons will host a brunch/barbecue for all church members and friends.
The deacons will be providing hamburgs, hot dogs, coffee and paper
products. We are asking families to bring a dish to share based on the first
letter of their last name.
If your last name begins with A - G please bring something brunch related
(bagels, danish, eggs)
If your last name begins with H - N please bring a salad (pasta, veggie, fruit,
potato)
If your last name begins with O - T please bring a dessert and lastly
if your last name is U - Z please bring cold beverages.
There will be a sign up sheet on the opportunity table so that we can get an
idea of how many to plan for.
Come and share some good food and fellowship with other members of the
Pilgrim Church family.