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PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
THE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF PILGRIM LUTHERAN CHURCH
Lexington, SC
Thursday, June 20, 2024
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Happy Thursday, Pilgrims!
My last week here in Chicago is almost over! I’ll start driving home after church on Sunday, will stop for a bit at my daughter’s home in Virginia, and then plan to be back in my own bed the night of June 26. I’ll be back in the church office Thursday morning, June 27.
In various ways while here in the Windy City, I’ve been observing new models of being church and new ways of providing seminary education. While changes on the levels we have witnessed in church and society in the 21st century are a little scary (Don’t look down!), they are also amazingly creative (Keep looking up!). In addition to having deep conversations with the congregation in Evanston where I’m serving this month, I’m also meeting with some ELCA staffers and staff members at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned with the Council and with all of you. Some of these learnings could be helpful to Pilgrim as well.
I’m including some pictures from my visit to the seminary here. They recently sold their entire campus to the University of Chicago and have now fully moved into and constructed their new seminary space on only one floor of the Catholic seminary nearby. The Presbyterian seminary (McCormick) just did the same and has built out the floor above them. So, there are now three denominational seminaries housed in one five-story building. Who would have thought?
It sounds like everything is shrinking and declining, but it’s actually expanding thanks to our new abilities to do on-line learning. They now have students all over the world. A lot of questions remain about how to train hands-on pastors and deacons in a mostly virtual world. No doubt the “hands-on” part will need to take place where they live, be it California or Namibia.
While there is much discernment about new models for ministry ahead of us, it’s very encouraging to see some creative light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks, Holy Spirit! See you in worship on June 30!
Pastor Mary
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COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S PAGE
Mary Beth Hill
Have questions? Reach out
When I talked to a member of the congregation recently, I realized she didn’t know who our church council members were. This is probably a good time to remind everyone who they are. That way, if you have a question for the church council, you can reach out to any member you feel most comfortable talking with.
Our current council members are Keith Galloway, Melissa Hendrix, Mary Beth Hill, Joe Kaminer, Don Kosanka, Wade Miles, Jennifer Schwabe, Kathleen Shutt, Jimmy Smith, and Wally Steinhauser.
Oops, my mistake!
Last week I mentioned that Brotherhood Mutual still holds both our Workers’ Compensation policy and the Preschool’s Workers’ Compensation policy. It does. However, it does not hold the Preschool’s Blanket Accident Insurance for the Preschool’s students. QBE Insurance Corporation holds that Blanket Accident Insurance.
Our Hospitality Table Needs You!
Thank you, Lisa Davis and Carol Murray for covering our Hospitality Table Sunday. We enjoyed our treats, and we appreciate your willingness to serve.
Jackie Kaminer offered to do this Sunday, June 23. Thanks, Jackie!
However, June 30 and all of July are still open. If you can volunteer, please email Mary Beth Hill at mbhillmeehan@gmail.com or Courtney Coker at plc@wearepilgrim.com.
PLC’s Lutheran Men surprise us on Father’s Day
On Sunday, we were surprised when PLC’s Lutheran Men in Mission treated us to hot dogs with chili and other toppings after worship. Our thanks to Keith Galloway, Karl Horner, Bill Spires, and Ricky Wingard.
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Stepping Boldly Update
Thanks to the 43 households who have turned in their pledge cards. This brings us to 62.5% percent of our goal. This represents a 39% giving increase over 2023. One hundred precent of our Council members and the Generosity Team have pledged an increase in their giving. Thank you!
We want everyone to be a part. Add your commitment to our list of those Stepping Boldly in the footsteps of Jesus this week!
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Pilgrim Lutheran Church will host a screening of Purple Haze, A Conservation Film. This screening will be in the Sanctuary on Sunday, July 21, at 5:30 p.m. This is the first event of our Bold Step 2, Hosting Community events at Pilgrim, adopted by the congregation last month. Admission is $15 and all proceeds benefit Pilgrim’s Food Pantry. We hope you will join us and share this with your friends, who we also hope will join us!
This film is a documentary about the Purple Martin phenomenon in Lake Murray and covers their migration down to Brazil and back in the Spring, along with their migration to other parts of the United States. Documentary filmmaker, Zach Steinhauser, will be on hand to answer questions after the showing.
You can purchase tickets by clicking here.
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Worship Leader Training is July 28!
If you serve as a lector, worship assistant, or communion assistant or would like to start serving in these ways, come to the front of the sanctuary after worship on Sunday, July 28. Pastor Mary will talk with you about your questions and concerns and will offer some tips on preparing for worship and fulfilling your role. Mark your calendars and plan to stay for this brief opportunity together.
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Our next casserole-making party is on July 30 at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to come help and support this ministry please email Delores at delores@wingardsmarket.com, and she will give you further instructions.
If you know someone who could use a homemade comfort casserole, please feel free to take it out of the freezer.
Here’s how Holy Casseroley works:
- The casseroles are in the white freezer in the Kitchen in the Fellowship Hall. They are labeled with names, ingredients, and cooking instructions. All the ingredients are pre-cooked, so reheating in an oven or microwave is easy.
- If you take a casserole, there is a legal pad on the counter to the right of the freezer. Please write the name of the casserole you are taking, date, and recipient’s name.
- If you would like someone else to deliver the casserole for you, please email delores@wingardsmarket.com with the recipient’s name, address, and telephone number.
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Faith Formation Team Hosts
Saturday Retreat
A Congregational Retreat takes place at Camp Kinard in Leesville on Saturday, August 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day will include faith formation time for younger kids and teens, a service project around the camp for adults, canoeing and kayaking on the lake for everyone, a cookout, and plenty of swimming time in the new pool. Save the date!
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Prayer and Share with Pastor Mary
Pastor Mary will return as the regular teacher for the 10:30 a.m. Bible Study time on July 2. We’ll continue to study the scriptures for the coming Sunday through July and will discern some other specialty classes as we approach the Fall of the year.
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Children’s Time in the Word
Our Sunday morning Children’s Time continues to be a blessing to our children and their parents. Many thanks to our regular teachers and those who serve as second adults. Those who are second adults have no responsibilities for preparing for the time with the children but are vital to the success of this program. As another adult in the room, they help us fulfill our youth protection policies and give the teachers another set of hands to get things done.
We could use a few more volunteers to be second adults. A background check (all done on-line by Pilgrim) is a requirement. Volunteers choose their own Sundays to be present by signing up on a Google Doc spreadsheet. Teachers and Seconds communicate through a GroupMe chat.
If you would like to serve as a second adult, please contact Pastor Mary or Jennifer Schwabe. Thanks for considering it!
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We Now Have a Pastor’s Discretionary Fund!
Thanks to a generous donor, we have re-established a Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to support members and friends of Pilgrim who could use some extra help with food, rent, gas, or medical needs. We encourage other generous folks to contribute as well. Pastor Mary oversees the distribution of these funds and keeps a confidential record of them.
Want to give? Use your online giving, a check, or cash, and indicate your gift is for this Fund.
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Your Summer Food Pantry Needs You
During the summer months, Pilgrim’s Community Food Pantry is being visited even more frequently, and we need your help to keep it filled. Please pick up a few items the next time you shop or consider giving a monetary offering designated for the Food Pantry so that we can shop for you. Meats and toiletries continue to be in high demand.
Many thanks for your continued generosity as we reach out to those in need.
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Save the Date
The 200th Assembly of the SC Synod will be held in Columbia on June 12-14, 2025.
Gather to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of our Synod!
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Lutheran Disaster Response
The ELCA is walking with many partners in the region, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and Augusta Victoria Hospital, to address the most pressing needs for people in the areas surrounding Gaza, including the West Bank and other Occupied Territories. Right now, we are helping meet many essential needs such as food, water, health care, shelter, keeping schools open, mental health care, and providing medical supplies. There is so much yet to be done.
When the cease-fire comes and when, God willing, our partners can reestablish work in Gaza, our church stands ready to continue our response. A gift today will equip Lutheran Disaster Response to walk with neighbors to rebuild their lives and communities.
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Worship Service Volunteers
June 23 at 10 a.m.
Pastor — Rev. David Coffman
Worship Assistant — Lou Galloway
Lector — Peter Reinhart
Ushers — Wally Steinhauser and Ricky Wingard
Communion Assistants — Peter Reinhart and Kathy Boivin
Children’s Time in the Word — Jennifer Schwabe
Hospitality Table — Jackie Kaminer
June 30 at 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Ricky Wingard
Lector — Delores Steinhauser
Ushers — Kim Shealy and Jimmy Smith
Communion Assistants — Myron Corley and Margie Bundrick
Children’s Time in the Word — Jackie Kaminer
Hospitality Table —
July 7 at 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Lou Galloway
Lector — Bill Spires
Ushers — Mary Beth Hill and Brenda Sommer
Communion Assistants — David and Jane Park
Children’s Time in the Word —
Hospitality Table —
July 14 at 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Nich Godfrey
Lector — Kathy Boivin
Ushers — Charlie Godfrey and Wolfram Schwabe
Communion Assistants — Carl and Debra Richardson
Children’s Time in the Word — Jackie Kaminer and Shelia McCullough
Hospitality Table —
July 21 at 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Kristin Dashiell
Lector — Mary Beth Hill
Ushers — Scott Grosse and Joe Kaminer
Communion Assistants — Lou Galloway and Kathy Boivin
Children’s Time in the Word — Ryan Mears and Shelia McCullough
Hospitality Table —
July 28 at 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Carolyn Horner
Lector — Peter Reinhart
Ushers — Don and Jamie Kosanka
Communion Assistants — Kathleen Shutt and Dot Tunstall
Children’s Time in the Word — Jennifer Schwabe and Becky Wingard
Hospitality Table —
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PRAYERS
Alan and Karen Addy
Friend of Bill and Jan Sanders, Kirby Bishop
Martha Drafts
Norma Drafts
Friend of Karl and Carolyn Horner, Nadine Greene
Karl Horner
Zach Mattox
Vivian Rikard
Bill Sanders
Pastor Carl Yost
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Worship is at 10 a.m. each Sunday. | |
Worship Service replay from Sunday, June 16, 2024 | |
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You may also mail your gift or offering or deliver it in person to:
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
1430 N Lake Drive
Lexington, SC 29072
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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