JOIN OUR ANNIVERSARY EVENTS!
JANUARY
We are Pilgrim
A church is more than walls and worship. It's the people who care for each other on a daily basis, work together, plan together, mourn together, and celebrate together. Enjoy our banners, parlor display, aerial photo from 1896, and binder with special memories.
January 7
History of the UCC, Adult Education
9:30-10:15 AM
Rev. Kirsten Peachey presents an overview of our denomination's timeline, especially as it relates to the Midwest and Pilgrim Congregational Church. Join us to learn how the UCC (United Church of Christ) has long been at the forefront of justice, reconciliation, and innovation.
January 14
Dedication of Sanctuary Banners
10:30 AM, during worship
FEBRUARY
Black History Month
A church loves and learns together. In February 2024, plan to celebrate with us! From our anniversary cake cutting to the Showcase of Black History, Culture, and Entrepreneurship. We will share music, dance, discussions, community health fair, and worship.
February 4 and 11
The Afro-Christian Convention, Fifth Stream of the UCC, Adult Education
9:30-10:15 AM
Dr. Wilbert O. Watkins and Rev. Gloria Cox, Presenters
Our study and discussion will help provide an understanding of the Afro-Christian Convention as a significant stream within the United Church of Christ. We will present the role of the Fifth Stream in shaping the denomination's identity, promoting diversity, advocating for social justice, and fostering inclusivity within the broader religious community.
February 11
Anniversary Cake and Gubernatorial Proclamation
February 18
Is Pilgrim Accessible To All?
9:30-10:15 AM
Debbie Kent, Jane Barabee, Kathleen Lojas, Samantha Behensky, Greg Phillips, Lisa Milam, Tony Perez, and Katie Arnold (members of Pilgrim's A2A Committee) facilitate::
* A2A (Accessibility to All) and the UCC
* History of Accessibility at Pilgrim
* Accessibility Audit results
* Discussion: How Pilgrim can improve and what we are doing well
Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/live/y-Zxz5ulgmc?si=33qLJ6op0MIP3BBy&t=1
Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRLMqsUHM-Y&t=1s
February 22
Black History Month Forum
7:00 PM
A Forum on Race and Justice
Early Oak Park & Pilgrim History in Context
Panelists:
Dr. David O. Brodnax, Sr., Professor of History at Trinity Christian College and contributor to The Oxford Handbook of Midwestern History
Dr. Kate Masur, Professor of History at Northwestern University and author of Until Justice Be Done
Moderator: Jeff Petertil
This forum looks back at the time when Pilgrim was founded to allow the examination of lives in a period of great changes in race relations in the post-Civil War United States.
A video of this presentation will be available until June 30, 2024 at this link Pilgrim Congregational Church - RACE & JUSTICE: Early Oak Park and Pilgrim History in Context (livecontrol.tv)
To request the password needed to view the video, please send an email to JPetertil@Comcast.net.
February 24
Building Health Equity Panel, 9 -10 AM
When you board the Green Line downtown, people generally live to be 85 years old; as you reach West Garfield Park, life expectancy is down to 69 years, and climbing back to 81 years in Oak Park. This panel and discussion will explore: * is it an accident that there is a 16 year gap in such a small distance? * what do public health records and science tell us? * what are the implications for our communities?
Panelists: Dr. David Ansell (RUSH University Medical Center), Dr. Carolyn Fitzpatrick (West Suburban Medical Center), Rev. Kirsten Peachey (Advocate Health Care), Heather Watson, LCSW (Riveredge Hospital)Moderator: Rev. Gloria Cox
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWnqm_UtE0A&t=272s
Savoring Traditions, Embracing Health, 11 AM - 12:30 PM
Traditional Black foods can be part of a healthy lifestyle
Facilitated by Sherri Ambrose and Gloria Cox
11 AM Tasting and voting on your favorite Mac 'n Cheese begins. Sign up here to enter yours into the competition:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0948AAAA2CABFD0-47250810-bhmsavoring#/
11:30 AM Facilitated conversation on the meaning of food in our cultural traditions and the wider meaning of food in our lives.
Showcase of Black History, Culture & Entrepreneurship, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Health Fair Clinical Services and Participants, BIPOC Vendor Fair, Betty Shabazz Kumba Soul Youth Singers and Mahadi Drummers, Just Cause Dancers of Forest Park and Line Dancing with Vanessa Montgomery
BIPOC Vendor Fair
1:00 PM Line Dancing, Performance and Instruction with Vanessa Montgomery
2:00 PM Betty Shabazz Kuumba Soul and Mahadi Drum Groups
2:30 PM Just Cause Dancers of Forest Park
February 25
Uniting Voices of Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) provides music.
Rev. Dr. Terrill N. Murff preaches. Rev. Murff is the Associate Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ—responsibilities for Programs, Innovation, and Events (Pastoral Care for Chicago Metropolitan Association).
10:30 AM Worship
MARCH
You Are Remarkable
Pilgrim has both nurtured and been blessed by remarkable women in our congregation, from researchers and teachers to war veterans and social justice advocates. In March, we will celebrate some of those women.
March 1-31
Art Installation and Meditation
Marjorie McKenzie, poet and artist
Parlor
March 2
Make Your Own Pizza Dinner and All Ages Talent Show
4:00 PM, Fellowship Hall
Join us at 4:00 to Make Your Own Pizza Dinner, RSPV to office@pilgrimoakpark.org.
$5 per person (capped at $20 per family) to cover cost of the makings.
Stay for the Talent Show of 12 acts which begins at 5:30 p.m. Email Maureen.deahl@pilgrimoakpark.org if you’d like to be on the list of performers.
March 3
Pilgrim Women in Ministry, Adult Education, 9:30-10:15 AM
Presenters: Rev. Jane Ann Moore, Rev. Janet MacLean, and Rev. Henrietta Brown
Adult Christian Education at Pilgrim
March 18
You Are Remarkable, Adult Education
9:30-10:15 AM
Presenter: Rev. Janet MacLean
APRIL
Music and Creation
Throughout April, we honor the Earth and the music it has inspired. Join us for a sustainable foods potluck, a free concert presentation of David Fanshawe’s African Sanctus, and a dedication of our Anniversary Tree.
April 21
African Sanctus
4:00 PM
Directed by Dr. Wilbert O. Watkins, the Pilgrim Chancel Choir and members of the Chicagoland music community present David Fanshawe’s African Sanctus. This musical gift to the community is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken.
April 28
Dedication of Our 150th Anniversary Tree
11:45 AM, following worship
The Anniversary Bur Oak, donated by Leslie Sutphen and Byron Lanning, is a keystone native species. It will help support our urban ecosystem.
April 28
Fruit of the Earth Potluck
12:15 PM, following dedication
Pilgrim’s Green Team invites you to bring vegetarian, vegan, or sustainably produced dishes to share during our “Fruit of the Earth” potluck.
MAY
Immigration and Refugees
Pilgrims honor, welcome, and respect immigrants and refugees. From our early work with 20th-century settlement houses to our current work with local asylum seekers, we seek a just world.
May 5
Supporting Asylum Seekers in Our Community, Adult Education
9:30-10:15 AM
Presented by Celine Woznica and Margie McKenzie on the topic of supporting asylum seekers and migrants at area police stations, local hotels, and the West Suburban YMCA.
May 12
How to Accompany Refugees on Their Journey, Adult Education
9:30-10:15 AM
A speaker from Refugee One will share what refugees expect and how to accompany them on their journey best
May 12
Immigrant and Refugee Welcoming Sunday
10:30 AM
Join us as Rev. Marilyn Pagán-Banks preaches
May 19
Unaccompanied Minors Crossing the Border, Adult Education
9:30-10:15 AM
Keli Kribs from the Young Center speaks to us about the situation of unaccompanied minors crossing the border
May 23
Movie Night!
7:00 PM
The Swimmers
May 26
Exploring Family Genealogy in the Absence of Records, Adult Education
9:30-10:15 AM
Delena Wilkerson speaks about exploring family genealogy, particularly in the absence of records in the African-American community
JUNE
PRIDE!
Since 1998, when we discerned God’s call for us to join the UCC’s Open and Affirming movement, we openly welcome LGBTQ + seekers, support relationships, and continue to advocate for basic rights. June opens with Flamy Grant in concert and worship while we close the month out with a celebration picnic.
June 1
Flamy Grant in concert!
June 2
LGBTQ+ Justice with Lipstick, Adult Education
9:30-10:15 a.m.
June 23
All Church Picnic
JULY
Community Partnerships
Pilgrim is so much more than donuts!
Early on we sent missionaries overseas. Now we help local not-for-profits through donut day partnerships. We amplify justice initiatives by supporting immigrants and backing organizations such as Beyond Hunger and the Leaders Network.
Watch for a special anniversary donut flavor this July.
AUGUST
Youth
Pilgrim believes in our youth. We provide secular (Vacation Bible School) and non-secular (Power Hour) programming. Power Hour is scheduled on some Saturdays during the Farmers’ Market. We offer mission trips, pizza parties, talent shows, movie viewings, and outings to local museums.
August 11
Join us for Let’s Do Lunch, an ice cream social, and a hymn sing.
SEPTEMBER
Pilgrim Community Preschool, recently renamed from Pilgrim Community Nursery School, has been a mission of the church since the school's founding in 1966. We offer a non-secular, play-based environment where children learn the social skills necessary to succeed as they continue their education.
September 8
Join us for Rally Day and Preschool Fall Festival
October
Sesquicentennial Soirée and Open House Chicago
We plan to mark our milestone with an anniversary soirée in October at a local landmark, the Nineteenth Century Club. Join us to dress up, listen up (to keynote speaker Rev. Carla Grosch-Miller), and party together.
And, once again, we will open our doors for Open House Chicago, highlighting Pilgrim's unique history and architecture.
October 6
Sesquicentennial Soirée
October 19-20
Open House Chicago