United Church of Christ
We are a family of believers, centered in Christ, reaching out to others, and welcoming all. We worship God, help each other to grow in God’s love, and to share our gifts, seeking to follow where Jesus leads.
Church votes to become ‘Open and Affirming’
Members of Pilgrim Church of Duxbury voted overwhelmingly Sunday, Oct. 14., during a special congregational meeting, to become an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ, thus extending a welcome to the LGBTQ community and to all who have felt marginalized by society.
About 100 church members voted in favor of the proposal, as defined by the United Church of Christ, the national denomination with which Pilgrim Church is affiliated.
By voting to become an ONA congregation, parishioners indicated that they want the church to spell out, in no uncertain terms, that everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in the full life and partnership of the church no matter what their race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, physical or mental ability, or sexual preference, orientation or identity is, among other things.
The vote was the culmination of a year-long process of planning, study, discernment and dialogue. It was started by members of the congregation who then developed programs to educate other church members on challenges gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or other marginalized people have felt in seeking acceptance from Christian communities.
Groundwork programs included events such as panel discussions with LGBT people and Bible scholars who expounded on sections of the Bible that some Christians have used to justify exclusion or intolerance.
The next step for the church will be to draft an ONA welcoming statement that it will submit to the UCC for its review and ultimate approval.
Read the sermon that the Rev. Bill Ferguson preached that morning, prior to the special church meeting.
Check out our Facebook page to see a gallery of photos from the meeting.
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Join us for Worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. followed by Fellowship in the Vestry. (Unlike past years, our summer services will not be at 9 a.m. this year).
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Youth Programs
Church School
Church School is held for Pre-K through 8th Grade during regular Sunday Worship at 10am from Labor Day through June. High School Sunday School is held on the second Sunday of each month from September through June. Nursery Care is also available.
Youth Groups & Mission Trip
Age specific youth groups feature social time, Christian education, and a variety of fun activities giving all young people in our church community the opportunity to connect with peers and families who share similar values and beliefs. You don’t have to be a member of Pilgrim Church to participate, everyone is welcome!
Confirmation
We invite youth people age 14 and up to become members of Pilgrim Church through religious education, exploration of beliefs, mentoring and leadership as part of our Confirmation class. Classes meet twice a month beginning in September and Confirmation takes place in May.
Weddings, Baptisms, Memorials & Events
Our historic building contains many unique spaces that would be perfect for a party, service, meeting, rehearsal, reception, or get-together…..even a dance!
We can accommodate just about any special event or regular series. All rooms are ADA-accessible, and climate-controlled year round.
