PILGRIM ... IN OUR OWN WORDS

What difference does Pilgrim make in our lives?

• I appreciate that Pilgrim is open and affirming and welcoming to all. Pilgrim is the most friendly church I have ever attended.
• Caring, friendly community that is open and welcoming to all.
• I guess I haven't figured that out yet. Place I can be but I want more. Challenge or beliefs? More questions? More answers, etc.
• Pilgrim brings joy to my life. The people are loving, caring and kind. They truly care about each other. I know I can count on them in my time of need or in celebrating joyous occasions. The children are innocent, and their words and music make my day! They share their gifts every day. I love my church!
• The ideal church would be a vibrant place of worship, welcoming and accepting everybody no matter what. Also it would be not only a place but a community that goes beyond the wall of the sanctuary to spread the word and mission of God.
• A place to worship God. A calming place. A place where I feel welcomed and loved. Meaning to life events. Faith to continue life's journey. Fellowship with good people. Place where one can share.
• A home church.
• Pilgrim UCC allows me continually to fortify by belief in what truly Jesus Christ stands for in my life.
• Pilgrim worship enables me to focus on important spiritual and social needs. Pilgrim also encourages me to put faith, love and hope into concrete acts.
• It reminds me to think outside of "me" and that makes me a better person and the world a better place.
• Provided spiritual background for my kids. Friendships. Spiritual education. Leverage for my service. Support for my family challenges.
• You don't have to check your brain at the door. A place to be baptized. A place to be married. A place to be remembered when I die. A place to be fed. A place to be loved and accepted for who I am. A place to be challenged to grow.
• Sharing music and scripture. Sharing sermon and prayers.
• Oasis in this theological conservative community. "Family". Spiritual home. Progressive, caring, concerned thinkers.
• Pilgrim is a place where I feel responsible for the group, for the physical existence (building and grounds), for finding ways to share my abundance with those less fortunate. It gives my life focus.
• Pilgrim fills the space in my soul that cries out for love, forgiveness and the knowledge that God is always with me. The spirit of love greets me whenever I come in the door and my spiritual needs are fulfilled.
• Sanctuary ... place, spirit, emotion. Place of worship through music. People.
• Pilgrim is a place where I can worship God the way I need to, and it's a place where I am allowed to question, challenge and grow. It gives me a sense of belonging to something bigger than myself, a place to be with people who love God.
• Pilgrim is a warm, friendly place to worship. I have many wonderful memories here on my spiritual journey. I always feel good when I come here. There are many warm, sincere people here.
• Pilgrim lets me live that change I want to see/be in the world. It invites me to grow in faith and live the love that Jesus exemplified.
• Fellowship. Praise to God. Chance to serve others and God. The love that abounds for one another.
• Accepting of all people. Teaches inclusion to our children. Caring of all people.
• Sunday school.
• Pilgrim gives me a place to share my musical talents with people who enjoy it. Pilgrim also gives me an opportunity to meet other people who I might not of met otherwise.
• A place to always feel like home. Welcomed. Loved. Laughter. Joy. Hugs.
• Pilgrim is a place where my family is welcomed, accepted and appreciated. We can be ourselves, share our gifts and grow spiritually. Pilgrim church is an extended family of interesting people who love God and each other.
• Pilgrim is my church home. I am welcome no matter what I've done wrong. It is where I am reminded of the awesomeness of one greater than I. It reminds me to be humble.
• A feel good mood after church. Love between each other. Support and understanding. The joy of coming to see friends, hearing the music and hearing God's love. Freedom of expressing ones thoughts.
• Friends and prayer. Songs and choir. Pastor preaching. Members of the church of God.
• An additional special place to think and meditate.
• I love the church.
• Can't watch TV on Sunday morning.
• A place of peace for prayer and worship. Friends, community. Home-my church. Feeling of happiness being in a place where everyone knows my name. All my beliefs of spirituality are recognized here.
• The caring people. The sharing of our joys and concerns. The beautiful music. The bells. The belonging of this church.
• Friendship. Community. Love. Worshipping together toward a common goal-honoring Christ.
• Pilgrim is a church home for me and my family.
• My ideal church would be filled with energy, great soul-stirring music and a pastor whose sermons not only breathe life into the bible text, but also inspires me to go out and live/serve in God's spirit. The church would be open and welcoming to all diversity, especially LGBT. And I could feel like the church is my home and the members are my family.
• The denomination, the building and the people. Having open communion, open doors, open hearts and arms to welcome all. The building is a safe shelter and the members friends and family.
• The ideal church would be full of smiling faces. A place where you can go and feel safe to let yourself become vulnerable to God's message. Where it is OK to be yourself, where you will always be accepted. Where you can leave and feel fulfilled with a message with such meaning that it carries you through to the next Sunday.
• Sense of peace, and love, and caring away from the hatred taking place in our country.