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Pilgrim Church United Church of Christ
Wheaton
MD
20906-3207
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Who we are
Our faith is 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not.
We believe in God's continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God's ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God's creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregation extends hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach that evangelism — offering bread to those in search of it — is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Never place a period where God has placed a comma.
We believe the church's mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God's grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,
We believe in God's continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God's ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God's creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregation extends hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach that evangelism — offering bread to those in search of it — is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Never place a period where God has placed a comma.
We believe the church's mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God's grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Location of worship / Church Address
2206 Briggs Rd
Wheaton,
MD
20906-3207
United States
Phone: 301-942-7188
Fax: 301-942-7767
Download Pilgrim Church United Church of Christ vCard with Service Times
Church Pastor
Rev. Michael Vanacore
Pastor
2206 Briggs Rd
Wheaton,
MD
20906-3207
United States
Phone: 301-942-7188
Fax: 301-942-7767
Download Pastor Rev. Michael Vanacore vCard with Bio
Quote of the Day
Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Denomination
United Church of Christ
United Church of Christ churches in Wheaton, Maryland, United States
United Church of Christ churches in Maryland, United States
United Church of Christ churches in United States
All churches in Wheaton, MD
Affiliations:
Website:
Social Media
Leadership
Leader Name:
Rev. Michael Vanacore
Leader Position:
Pastor
Formal Title:
Leader Address:
Tel:
Fax:
301-942-7767
Leader Email:
Leader Bio:
Rev. Michael is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC). He graduated from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York as a recipient of the Auburn Seminary Maxwell Fellowship for Promise of Excellence in Parish Ministry. He joins Pilgrim UCC after serving churches in New York City.
Prior to becoming a pastor, Rev. Michael served as an Organizer with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). He has participated for years in movements for immigrant, worker, and racial justice, and he believes fervently that the Church must both embody and struggle to realize the Kingdom of God. A descendent of Chinese and Italian immigrants, he preaches and leads worship fluently in English and Spanish and specializes in multilingual and multiethnic ministry.
Prior to becoming a pastor, Rev. Michael served as an Organizer with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). He has participated for years in movements for immigrant, worker, and racial justice, and he believes fervently that the Church must both embody and struggle to realize the Kingdom of God. A descendent of Chinese and Italian immigrants, he preaches and leads worship fluently in English and Spanish and specializes in multilingual and multiethnic ministry.
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Rev. Michael Vanacore on Social Media:
Pilgrim Church United Church of Christ Leadership Photos
Administration
Admin Name:
Catie Campbell
Admin Position:
Office Manager
Admin Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
301-942-7767
Admin Email:
Mailing Address
Driving Directions to Pilgrim Church United Church of Christ
Travel/Directions Tips
Metro:
Glenmont Station on the Red Line is closest. Pilgrim Church is within walking distance, approximately one half mile north on Layhill Road.
Glenmont Station on the Red Line is closest. Pilgrim Church is within walking distance, approximately one half mile north on Layhill Road.
Parking
Pilgrim Church United Church of Christ Wheaton Service Times
Every Sunday at 10:30AM
In person or via Zoom or Facebook Live
Service Times last updated on the 30th of January, 2023
In person or via Zoom or Facebook Live
Service Times last updated on the 30th of January, 2023
Worship Languages
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Children and Youth Activities
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Other activities & ministries
Special Needs/Accessibility:
Our premises are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and all areas are accessible. The sanctuary has an up-to-date amplification system, allowing for easy listening wherever one sits.
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Additional Info:
Pilgrim Church United Church of Christ Photo Gallery
Pilgrim Church United Church of Christ History
The idea of a mission church in the Wheaton area was conceived in late summer of 1960 among members of Christ Congregational Church in Silver Spring, and 11 families held their first worship service at Georgian Forest Elementary School on April 16, 1961. The first minister was called on September 10, 1961, and the first new member reception was held on December 3rd.
Land for the original Church building was purchased on July 15, 1962, and in November of that year the Church was named and the constitution adopted. Pilgrim Church was chartered by the United Church of Christ in February, 1963. Groundbreaking for the church building was held on June 13, 1965, and the first service was held in the completed facility on April 16, 1966.
In the fifty plus years of its history, Pilgrim Church has been served by six called pastors, and membership has grown from the 80 charter members to 150 today—including quite a number of families that now include three generations of Pilgrims. The pastors and members of Pilgrim Church have established strong programs of worship, Christian education, music, fellowship, and community outreach that honor the vision of the founders.
The Church completed a nearly ten-year quest to expand and remodel our facility in 2012. Looking ahead, we see our building as a base for 50 more years of active and influential church life.
Land for the original Church building was purchased on July 15, 1962, and in November of that year the Church was named and the constitution adopted. Pilgrim Church was chartered by the United Church of Christ in February, 1963. Groundbreaking for the church building was held on June 13, 1965, and the first service was held in the completed facility on April 16, 1966.
In the fifty plus years of its history, Pilgrim Church has been served by six called pastors, and membership has grown from the 80 charter members to 150 today—including quite a number of families that now include three generations of Pilgrims. The pastors and members of Pilgrim Church have established strong programs of worship, Christian education, music, fellowship, and community outreach that honor the vision of the founders.
The Church completed a nearly ten-year quest to expand and remodel our facility in 2012. Looking ahead, we see our building as a base for 50 more years of active and influential church life.
Pilgrim Church United Church of Christ Historical Photos
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