Pilgrim is an Open and Affirming Congregation

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Fondy PRIDE Picnic
June 28, 2026 – New Venue

Hello Church!

As July ends and August approaches, we pause to remember the joy, faith,and community that carried us through Pride Month.

That celebration reminded us that belonging is not simply a theme for one month, but a shared commitment we are called to keep living out.

Rev. Derek Terry, Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ, captured that spirit in these words:

“I left Pride Month convinced that what sustains us is one another. It is joy. It is faith. It is community. It is the wholehearted belief that love is stronger than fear. Joy is how we survive. Joy is how we resist. Joy is how we keep loving one another when the world tells us not to. And yet, as Pride Month came to an end, we were reminded why this work matters.

On the final day of Pride Month, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld laws allowing West Virginia and Idaho to exclude transgender girls from participating in girls’ school sports. Even as we celebrated LGBTQ+ joy, another barrier was placed before some of our most vulnerable siblings.

The work continues.

Our movement was never just about one month on the calendar. It has always been about building a world where every LGBTQ+ person knows they belong, where every family is supported, and where every child can grow up knowing they are loved exactly as God created them.”

Pilgrim continues the work of helping to build a world where everyone belongs by:

  • Participating annually, as a church, in both Fond du Lac’s Diversity Day in Feb. and in Pride Picnic in June. We are always looking for other events to take part in – let us know if you would like to lead us into new venues.

  • Helping to sponsor Café Q’s monthly meeting meals. Anyone interested in helping to provide a meal can do so here: (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA4AF2AA4F58-60367587-2026/182850317#/).

Café Q’s July monthly meeting was a campfire theme. Hotdogs and smores were on the menu. The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes (CSA), Associate Home Circle, Fabulous Fondy Fifth*, were the providers of the meal. We THANK them for stepping up once again! August, September, October and December are still unclaimed months, and we need a meal leader for each month. Can you help?

(* What are associates? https://www.csasisters.org/spiritual-path/what-are-associates.cfm)

  • Amending our ONA covenant to include scripture that anchors us in why we have entered this ministry and to challenge ourselves moving forward.

  • Continuing our education outreach to Pilgrim members and to our community. Please plan to attend the Sunday, September 27th ONA sponsored education session after our worship service that Sunday.

Our education this month has a bit of humor included.

We hope you enjoy laughing while learning!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrYx7HaUlMY

Your Pilgrim ONA Team 

Meal signup for Cafe Q
Hello Pilgrim! I am sending out this gentle reminder to sign up for Cafe Q meals for November and December. You could also expand your meal search to other people you know. That also may help expand our group. Think of people who just like to help! I’d like to get Nov/Dec filled before I send out a 2026 calendar! Thanks for ALL you continue to do.
Check meal Calendar Here

2026 meal calendar

Sue Kaiser
920-946-5563