Social Life and Spiritual Life

We invest in the social AND spiritual life of our congregation in many ways.  We encourage and support our members and friends in their interaction outside of worship, providing opportunities for fun and relaxation together in an informal atmosphere.  At the same time, we feel strongly about our role in our members' and friends' life journeys, and we are always looking for ways to sustain and uplift everyone who walks through our doors.

Social Life Coordinating Team

Many fun and exciting activities fall under the banner of the Social Life Coordinating Team, each spearheaded by a task force or chair.  Some of these social opportunities are ongoing, while others occur at specific times throughout the year.  Everything listed represents a chance for members and friends to get together and enjoy each other's company.  For information on any of these activities, or to suggest new ideas, please contact the church office (587-3690) or see Social Life Team Chair Chris Fastnow after church.

• We gather after worship for Coffee and Conversation each Sunday.  Volunteers provide a snack and serve the church's Leaf and Bean coffees.  Contact Martin Rollefson to volunteer or ask questions, or see the sign-up sheet in the kitchen.
• Share a meal and great conversation with six to eight new and old friends once a month (or whenever you can) with Pilgrim Dinner Friends.  The host is given a list of names and then coordinates the meal by selecting the date, providing the main dish, and calling the participants to bring the remaining courses.  To sign up to be a host or a participant, please get in touch with Janel Cariņo or pick up a form in the narthex.
• The Outdoor Ministries program of the Montana-Northern Wyoming Conference provides a unique opportunity for persons of all ages to experience Christian love and community.  Camp Mimanagish (http://www.campmimanagish.org) is open from the first weekend in May through the summer to Labor Day weekend.  The camp offers both youth camps ranging from grades 3 to 12 and adult camps for all ages.  It also plays host to many UCC and non-UCC related camps.  Anyone wanting to schedule an event can call the camp during the season or the UCC conference office during the winter months.
• The Greening of the Church involves our whole church family.  Nancy Benziger, Greening Task Force Chair, can tell you more.
• The Christmas Carol Sing-a-long Potluck puts you in the holiday mood.  Contact the Social Life Task Force for more details.
• Every February we celebrate winter on Snow Daze, a rollicking Barn Dance and Sledding & Skiing Party and potluck chili supper at the Lindley Park Center.  Contact Eric Semerad for more information.
• Pilgrim sponsors Boy Scout Troop #677.
• Two Rummage Sales, one in the Fall and one in the Spring, provide fellowship opportunities as well as mission funds!
• Women of Pilgrim's mission is "To join women in the joy of fellowship with one another through shared devotions, learning , relaxation, and service."  They hold monthly meetings on Saturday mornings for brunch or Tuesday noon for a sack lunch that includes devotions and  a timely and thought provoking program.  Come a half-hour early to attend our business meeting where we plan our fund raisers and mission giving.  For details, contact Julie Mackley.
• In the summer we have a Picnic at Red Cliff Campground on the Gallatin River after services at Soldier's Chapel in Big Sky.  Contact Chris Fastnow.  (Photo Gallery)   

Spiritual Life Activities
There are so many opportunities to nurture your soul with other Pilgrims!  Contact the Spiritual Life Coordinating Team chair, Janel Cariņo for more information on any of these activities.

• The Campus Ministry Task Force invites members of the MSU community - faculty, staff, and students - to Pilgrim for worship and fellowship.  The task force offers several opportunities to get to know other students especially, including pizza nights at Columbo's, and a Parents Weekend reception.  We also publish by email the Touchstone newsletter with topics of interest to the MSU community.  To receive this newsletter and for more information about all our programs contact the church office (587-3690).
• New Member and Visitor Task Force members & Information Baskets welcome new members.  Contact Marilyn Wessel if you have questions.
• Greeters and Ushers offer assistance and information during worship.  Contact Jim Cole to volunteer or ask questions.
• We honor and celebrate significant events in the lives of our members when they occur.  The Called to Care Team supports members and friends experiencing change, from birth through death.  Contact the church (587-3690) or Sherry Reed. 
• Healing Task Force  Recognizing that a large portion of Jesus' ministry was a ministry of healing, a group of church members and friends meets on a monthly basis to explore and learn hands-on energy healing, sharing techniques with each other and doing healing work with one another.  Energy healing is only done with a person's consent.  The group meets once a month on a Thursday.  If you are interested in learning more about the task force, in learning energy healing techniques, or in receiving a treatment, please contact either Janel Cariņo or Pat Holm at 587-3690.
• The Prayer Chain and compassionate concern is extended to our members during times of challenge and celebration.  There is a prayer board in the main hallway and time for announcements, concerns, and celebrations in worship each week, or you can contact the church office (587-3690) or Carol Ann Ferrero with your prayer concerns.
• We send Birthday Cards to celebrate with our church's kids.

         Red Cliff

      Campground

           Picnic

        June 2008