Like many churches across the nation, membership has been down at Pilgrim Church over the last few years along with member contributions. However, expenses stay constant and are on the rise with the cost of everything from materials to fuel prices. 

This past winter, the church suffered damage to the lower level offices and hall due to burst pipes and is currently undergoing repairs.  In May, church members met to discuss large budget items for the church finances and one of the significant items was painting the east side of the church.  

Upon learning of the potentially large expenditure, within 24 hours, three Pilgrim church members, Carol Cullen, Jeff Cullen and Pete Turner, were able to rally a large group of current and former Pilgrim youth group members as well as several adult members for a one day volunteer event to paint the east side of the church.  

On Tuesday, May 30, over 20 community members (mostly college students just returning from school for the summer), volunteered to paint a large section (more than half) of the church’s exterior.  

Starting at 8 AM, the group worked together to support and give back to their church that they grew up in.  In a time when youth do not attend church as regularly, to see so many college students immediately offer to help speaks to what a special place Pilgrim has been to many of these kids/young adults. Most of these young adults served on mission trips to areas in Washington D.C. and New York City as part of the Pilgrim Church Youth Group (PCYG) during high school and renovated houses, shelters or churches in communities in need.  It is really special to see them now giving back to Pilgrim Church directly in this one-day event.

“Today was an absolutely fabulous experience. Seeing Youth Group members “all grown up” and being of great help was pure joy to experience.  This day said so much about the positive energy re-emerging at Pilgrim that I wish we could bottle it and share with everyone. Today demonstrated how great a place it is. We are grateful to the wonderful people that make up the congregation!!” Bill Landes, Pilgrim Church member and Southborough resident.