Pilgrim weekly E-Blast
Pilgrim Friday E-Blast
for October 16, 2026
The Link to the October Quill is: https://www.pilgrimuccfdl.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Oct2026QuillWorddoc.pdf
Link to This newsletter on WEB https://www.pilgrimuccfdl.org/about-pilgrim/e-blast/
What’s Happening at Pilgrim
Reverend Jeffrey Dodson Weekly Message
Dear Pilgrim Family and Friends,
What does it mean to give our allegiance to God in a world that often asks us to choose sides? This Sunday, October 18, I invite you to join us at 9:00 AM for worship at Pilgrim United Church of Christ as we explore that question together.
In our scripture reading from Matthew 22:15–22, Jesus is challenged with a tricky question about paying taxes to Caesar. His response, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”, offers us more than a clever way out of a trap. It invites us to consider whose image we bear and where our deepest loyalty belongs.
This is a season when political divisions can make it difficult to listen to one another. Jesus reminds us that we are created in God’s image and called to lives shaped by love, justice, mercy, and compassion. Our faith calls us beyond partisan disagreements toward something deeper: recognizing the dignity of our neighbors, caring for the vulnerable, and building bridges where division has taken root.
My sermon this Sunday, “Allegiance,” will explore how we can live out that calling in our everyday lives. Come worship with us as we reflect on what it means to belong to God and to let that belonging shape how we treat one another.
A couple of important announcements:
• Kid’s Club: begins this Sunday at 10:15 AM following Worship. All kids are welcome to join us as we start learning about this year’s Children’s Christmas Pageant, which will be performed in worship on Sunday, December 20.
• Installation Service: Please remember to sign up for my Installation Service on Sunday, November 1, at 3:00 PM. I look forward to celebrating this important milestone in our ministry together!
• Ham Dinner: Our Ham Dinner is coming up on Thursday, November 5. Please sign up to volunteer or donate to help make this important Pilgrim tradition a success.
As we continue our journey together, may we strive to be a congregation that reflects God’s love, welcomes our neighbors, seeks justice, and makes room for meaningful connection, even when we don’t see eye to eye.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 9:00 AM!
Grace and peace,
Rev. Jeffrey
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here
Rev. Jeffrey Dodson, M.Div., has served as the Minister of Pilgrim United Church of Christ since August 2026, and is a member of the Wisconsin Conference UCC Board of Directors and the Association of Professional Chaplains. Rev. Jeffrey lives in Ripon with his spouse Ashley and three daughters: Ainslie (6th grade), and twins Ellie and Frankie (3rd grade), and their dog Artemis. He has served as a chaplain, executive camp director, Minister for churches in Vermont, Wyoming, and Colorado, and is a director for theater at Ripon High School. Rev. Jeffrey is passionate about justice and peace, and sharing his gifts with the wider community.
Contact Info:
📧 jeffrey.dodson@pilgrimuccfdl.org
📞 719-330-8549
📬 535 Stow St. Fond du Lac WI 54935
Email or text your prayer requests to Rev. Jeffrey Dodson
SUNDAY WORSHIP 9:00 A.M.
Pilgrim Choir Sings
Join Pilgrim worship where ever you are – LIVE STREAMED on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@pilgrimucc117/streams
This link is also available on the WEB site Home page
REMINDER: If you need a ride to Pilgrim Sunday church service,
please contact Randy Stutz 920-539-6277
Pastoral Care
Rev. Jeffrey Dodson, Minister, jeffrey.dodson@pilgrimuccfdl.org
Sue Schmitz, Parish Nurse, sue.schmitz@pilgrimuccfdl.org
Prayers | Allison Zimmerman (Betty Sinnen’s daughter), Betty Karls (Cancer), Dana Caldwell, Jim Thomas, Jerry Wicihowski, Judie Behnke, Brooklyn Heitger, Gene Wicihowski (Steven’s uncle), Judy Reinke, Abigail Blanc, Charles Zwerg Jr, Luke (friend of Martial Blanc), Judi Faubel, Brian Blank, Dave & Kathy Wicihowski (Steven’s parents) & Mary Hobbs’ relatives: Susie, Karen, Bob, Tailor & Mike, Perry Brandenburg (Patty Minter’s brother-in-law),Gordy Rupert (Tracy Abler’s dad), Trixie & Andrea Yttri & Carolina Blashka (Steven W’s great-aunt)
_________________________________________Announcements
Amy Rector, Admin Assistant, amy.rector@pilgrimuccfdl.org
Have a bulletin announcement or event to share with the congregation? Please send announcements to the church office by Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
The church E-Blast weekly email is sent out every Friday. Contact Neal Sieglaff to include your announcement: neal.sieglaff@pilgrimuccfdl.org
Rainbow Halloween Bash | Saturday, October 31, 5:00-8:00 PM, church fellowship hall, an LGBTQ+ event hosted by the ONA Committee. Open to the community. Join us for food, costumes, karaoke, & fun. This is a non-alcohol event. All are welcome. Info: contact Ceelie Williams & ONA Ministry
Rev. Jeffrey Dodson’s Installation | Sunday, November 1, 3:00 PM, sanctuary. Please join us as we install our new Minister, Rev. Jeffrey. The community is invited, a reception will follow. Please sign up in the Narthex if you plan to attend. See the Wisconsin Conference Announcement at
https://files.constantcontact.com/4fc4c9cb001/961a5ec8-4157-4f97-9b34-cf4cb36cb48e.pdf
Annual Ham Dinner | Thursday, November 5, 4:30-7:00 PM, drive-thru. Support our church by volunteering or donating! Sign-up in the Narthex or call the church office. Tickets on sale now: $19 adults, $6 kids.
Yoga stretching with Jean | Every Thursday at 9:00 am, all abilities welcome!
Salvation Army Book Collection | collection ends Sun, 12/6/26, for children ages birth through 14, Box in entryway. Thank you! Valerie Graczyk
The SCRIP program NEEDS YOU | Please keep the SCRIP program in mind. Buy cards at face value (ex. $25 Kwik Trip, you pay $25) the church earns a percentage of each card purchase. See Karen Goodacre Sunday mornings or (920) 904-5740.
Memorial Garden Raffle | The Memorial Garden Committee will be having a wreath and tool kit raffle. Tickets available before and after church on November 1st, 8th and 15th, drawing to take place after service on Nov 15th. 1 for $5 or 3 for $10
Veteran and Community Resource Expo | Thursday, October 22nd, 2:00-6:00pm at the FDL County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Free, open to all (bring the family!) No registration required. Questions? Contact FDL Co Veteran Services 920-929-3117
Gratitude | Thank you to the volunteers who helped with the church rummage sale this past week!
Children & Families
Gary Ring, Acting Sunday School Coordinator, garyring@charter.net
We love families! Our Children’s Welcome Center is located at the sanctuary entrance with activity bags & books. Children are welcome in worship, & may attend Sunday School after the Time for Young & Youth at Heart during the service.
1st Sundays: Intergenerational Worship & Communion (no Sunday School).
Now Hiring! | Pilgrim UCC is hiring for a Sunday School Coordinator (10 hrs/wk) and a Nursery Attendant (Sunday mornings). To apply, send resume to the office.
Sunday School | Grades k-9. SUNDAY: Children & youth gather to hear the story of A POCKET FULL OF COINS: Discovering Divine Energy. 9:15-10:15 in the classrooms.
Kids Club | Grades k-5. Sundays at 10:15-11:15 am, fellowship hall. Today: a first look at the Children’s Christmas Pageant (Dec. 17 performance). All kids welcome!
Intergenerational Night | Friday, October 23 at 6:00-7:30 PM. Fleece Tie Blankets – donations of fleece are still needed. Join us for making blankets which will be donated to the Holy Family Warming Shelter. All are welcome!
Youth
Michelle Buck-Stark, Youth Coordinator, youth.director@pilgrimuccfdl.org
Youth Group (6th-12th Grade) | Sundays at 10:15-11:15, youth room. TODAY: making Halloween treats to share with senior living facilities. Fun, food, & faith!
Fall Middle School Retreat: Knock-Knock | November 19-21 at Daycholah Center, Green Lake. Register at www.ucci.org $250, scholarships available.
Winter High School Retreat: Winter Soulstice | January 15-17, 2027, at Daycholah Center, Green Lake. Grades 9-12 & college-age young adults. Register at www.ucci.org $250, scholarships available.
Adult Faith Formation
Mary Ann Otto, Adult Education Coordinator, pilgrim.adulted@pilgrimuccfdl.org
Join any of our sessions live on Zoom: pilgrimuccfdl.org/education
Adult Forum | Sunday mornings 10:15-11:15, lounge. SUNDAY: Churches and Elections: Do’s and Dont’s,
Leader: Rev. Breanna Illene, Wisconsin Council of Churches, Ecumenical Innovation / Justice Initiatives.
Got questions?! Rev. Breanna will discuss how churches can be impactful in speaking for humanity and justice and yet stay within the guidlines set forth for churches.
LINK for ZOOM Adult Forum: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87682457999?pwd=NklCT0ZEYWtTRnIwcEtRNDBCMGRhQT09
Expanding Horizons | Monday afternoons 1:00-2:30, lounge. Monday: Oct 19 Beginnings of a Spirituality of Humility Part 1,
Leader: Dr. Gary Boelhower.
NEXT WEEK: Oct 26, Practices of a Spirituality of Humility Part 2, Leader: Dr. Boelhower.
Dr. Boelhower will explore a tiny sampling of some of the ancient and contempory writings about a spiriruality of humility, in particular Saint Benedict, Saint Teresa of Avila, Rumi, and Beverly Lanzetta. Next weeks second session will focus on spiritual practices.
LINK for ZOOM Expanding Horizons: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88978012384?pwd=cGxJa0pJbExSM0FFWEtIMmtJYzNodz09
Outreach Opportunities
October | Coats for Kids, collection box in the entry way until 10/29.
November | Toys for Tots collection box; monetary donations for the Holy Family Warming Shelter will be collected on Sunday Nov. 8 & Nov. 15.
December | Alternative Gift Fair on Sunday, December 6 after worship
Yoga stretching with Jean | Every Thursday at 9:00 am, all abilities welcome!
Salvation Army Book Collection | collection ends Sun, 12/6/26, for children ages birth through 14, Box in entryway. Thank you! Valerie Graczyk
The SCRIP program NEEDS YOU | Please keep the SCRIP program in mind. Buy cards at face value (ex. $25 Kwik Trip, you pay $25) the church earns a percentage of each card purchase. See Karen Goodacre Sunday mornings or (920) 904-5740.
Memorial Garden Raffle | The Memorial Garden Committee will be having a wreath and tool kit raffle. Tickets available before and after church on November 1st, 8th and 15th, drawing to take place after service on Nov 15th. 1 for $5 or 3 for $10
Veteran and Community Resource Expo | Thursday, October 22nd, 2:00-6:00pm at the FDL County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Free, open to all (bring the family!) No registration required. Questions? Contact FDL Co Veteran Services 920-929-3117
Pastor Jeffrey’s office hours:
Mondays & Thursdays: 9:00 AM to 12 noon
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays will be my Sabbath days, and I will typically not be available on those days except for scheduled special services or events.
I will be in the office at other times throughout the week.
If you would like to visit with me during a time not listed,
feel free to call me and we can set up a time to get together.
You can contact me at jeffrey.dodson@pilgrimuccfdl.org or on my cell phone (719) 330-8549.
Church Office Hours: 09:00 AM – 1PM Monday – Friday
email Amy at amy.rector@pilgrimuccfdl.org
Phone: 920-921-0415
Wisconsin Conference Newsletters are found at https://wcucc.org/news/newsletters/
Beyond The Bridge a solution to homelessness : Film Screening & Conversation
How can Sheboygan solve homelessness in a comprehensive way?
Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts
Thursday, October 22 // Doors open 5:30 PM
THIS MOVIE SCREENING IS FREE!
Register now please
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-bridge-a-solution-to-homelessness-film-conversation-tickets-1996102170325
Appleton First Congregational UCC hosts a Hope and Justice Singalong on Sunday October 18, 2026 from 5pm – 6:30 pm.
Information found on Esther site at https://esther-foxvalley.org/
People4people announcements are on our WEB site at www.pilgrimuccfdl.org/mission/people4people-news-email
Marian University Circle K has asked us to help get the word out about their Trunk and Treat event
on Oct 25th at Marian University parking lot.
I have attached the flyer if you could please share with friends and family.
Thank you
Donna Freund [email: dkfreund@charter.net ]