STAFF & CHURCH COUNCIL
Pilgrimage Staff
Meet our Pastor
Courtney Jones
Pastor
The Rev. Courtney Jones grew up in Arkansas, a United Methodist from birth. After graduating from Hendrix College in 2005, she spent a year at Claremont School of Theology before coming out. Knowing she couldn’t be ordained in the church of her birth, Courtney took a year off before transferring to Boston University School of Theology, where she received her Master of Theological Studies degree in 2008. She stayed in Boston, working in a software development company, and she joined Hancock United Church of Christ in Lexington, MA. It didn’t take long before she realized God was, indeed, still speaking—and still calling her to ordained ministry! So she went back to seminary at Andover Newton Theological School, where she received her Master of Divinity in 2014. Almost immediately after graduation, Courtney was called as Associate Pastor for Children’s Spiritual Formation at Hope Central Church in Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood of Boston. In the five and half years as pastor of Hope Central, Courtney served as associate pastor, Sabbatical Senior Pastor (while the senior pastor was away on sabbatical), and ultimately, her title and role changed to Pastor for Children and Community Life. Ministry is the true calling of her life--she is passionate about living and loving in the way of Jesus, working with people across age, race, nationality, faith (or lack thereof), sexual orientation, and gender expression. Each person is a unique embodiment of the Divine, and together we have the joy and challenge of being the Body of Christ.
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Courtney lives with her spouse, Auggie, and their two dogs. Outside of church, she finds spiritual grounding in nature, singing with a choir, reading, and experiencing live theater, among other things. She loves exploring new hiking trails with Auggie and the dogs, binge-listening to the latest true crime podcasts, and drinking all the tea she can get her hands on. Courtney feels so blessed that God has called her to be the Pastor at Pilgrimage!
Meet our Music Director
Tony Bernard
Music Director
Anthony (Tony) Bernard has been singing in church since he was a child growing up in Cartersville, Georgia, and playing horn and electric bass in church since high school. He served as Music Ministries Director in three churches, and filled interim roles in others. Tony is passionate about serving the Lord through music and is thankful to be part of the PUCC family!
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Professionally, Tony is the Music Specialist at Eastvalley Elementary School on Lower Roswell Road in East Cobb, and plays horn in the Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra. He sang three seasons in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus under the direction of Robert Shaw, and was the assistant director of the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band in Little 5 Points. Tony received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Business from Berry College, Master's in Music Education from West Georgia, and PhD in Educational Leadership from Capella University. He and his wife Lynda (also a teacher) live in East Cobb and miss their sons who are in college at UGA and Columbus State University. Tony invites everyone to be involved in the Music Ministries at Pilgrimage! Feel free to email him with your comments, questions, and concerns. Most of all, let Tony know how you'd like to be involved.
Meet our Administrative Assistant
Lynne Buell
Administrative Assistant
Lynne is our Administrative Assistant at Pilgrimage and is responsible for the many clerical duties that come with this position. In 2005, she retired from GMAC after working there for 30 years. Born and raised in Buffalo, Lynne is a survivor of the “Blizzard of ’77!” She also has a daughter, Terry, and a grandson, Andrew. In addition, she has two kitties and she loves to cook.
Church Council & Committee Overviews
Amy
Council President
She leads our church's governing body and provides input and guidance to various committees and project groups.
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Susan
Vice President
She assists the president in leading the church's governing body and oversees special task forces and/or projects.
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Geoff
Treasurer
He maintains records of financial receipts, payments, and balances. He disburses funds and advises on the preparation of the annual budget.
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Rita
Financial Secretary
She receives all deposits, offerings, and other funds. She also keeps records of contributions and pledges.
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Carla
Clerk
She keeps minutes of all church meetings and handles most correspondence. She also maintains a current list of members along with information on births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths.
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Missions
Amy, Chairperson
The Missions committee plans and provides opportunities for the members of Pilgrimage to put their Christian beliefs into action in the community. This group coordinates local, regional and global projects centered around our spiritual beliefs.
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Worship
Diane & Sarah, Co-Chairs
The Worship committee assists the pastor with worship planning and helps schedule readers, ushers, and greeters. The group also organizes the decoration of the church for holidays and special events.
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Christian Education Committee
Janet,Chairperson
With the pastor's help, this committee organizes and guides the educational ministry of the church for children, teens, and adults. The primary focus is Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Confirmation instruction.
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Deacons
Julia, Chairperson
The Deacons serve as liaisons between the congregation and the Pastor, maintaining regular contact and advising of any pastoral needs. Deacons also assist the Pastor in administering the sacraments.
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Parish Life
Katie, Chairperson
Parish Life plans social and recreational activities that build our Christian community among Pilgrimage family and friends.
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Properties
Chris, Chairperson
This group is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the church buildings, property, and equipment. This committee also advises on the need for repairs and upcoming improvements.
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Working with the Pastor and Council, the Communications committee maintains the social media platforms, creates publicity and promotional materials, and manages the website.
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Joe, Chairperson
Communications & Evangelism
Chris, Chairperson
Properties
Stewardship
Matthew & Anne, Co-Chairs
The Stewardship committee works with the pastor in leading members and friends in support of the church’s activities through their commitment of time, talent, and financial resources. The group also prepares annual budgets and advises in matters concerning stewardship and fund raising.
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