Volume 39 Number 07

The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim Lutheran Church

3901 First Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 825-5375

From the Desk of Pastor Pete

Dear Pilgrims,

It’s been an emotional time for my family and me these last months. As you know, Tammy received a call to serve at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee. We sought the Lord’s guidance and the counsel of trusted friends in Christ. For the last twelve years Tammy has worked in the international program at St. Croix Lutheran High School. During that time, the number of international students at St. Croix grew until it became about 25 percent of student body. She has introduced a number of programs to St. Croix that have helped the international students assimilate in to the student body. Local students also benefited from those programs as they provided opportunities to mentor and befriend students from around the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ spread along those relational lines as well and many of those international students came to know Jesus as their Savior. Souls for Christ was always the goal, of course.

(Continued on Page 2)

Jesus ca

July 2017

Table of Contents

Pastor Notes / Sermons…………………………. Page 1-2 family Fun Time..……………………………………Page 10Bible Study……..………………………………….Page 3 Children Fun time…………..……………………… Page 11 Birthdays/Anniversaries………………………….Page 4 Church CalenderAnnouncements…………………………………..Page 5-9

Wisconsin Lutheran High School also has an international program, but it’s smaller and younger than St. Croix’s. Right now about 5 percent of the student body comes from outside the United States. The school hopes to double that number in the near future. They have recently hired a new director for the international program and they’re calling Tammy to work with the program as well.

As you know, in the end we decided to accept this call. That left the question: what about Pete? I’ll be relocating along with Tammy, of course. My last Sunday at Pilgrim will be July 30. On May 23 I received a call to serve as associate pastor at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. At the time of this writing I’m still deliberating that call—I’ve had a number of conversations with leaders and members at that congregation, as well as conversations with the pastor who is retiring and the pastor who is continuing there. It’s been an exciting process as I’ve learned about that ministry and about myself. I’m praying that the Lord leads to a decision within the next couple of weeks.

That brings us to good bye. Or, as Christians really should say to each other—see you later. We always know that there’s a grand reunion waiting for us in the resurrection. Circumstances may separate us now, but we live in the confidence of that day.

It’s been a real joy and privilege to serve as pastor at Pilgrim these past twelve years. Thank you. I’ve learned many things about myself, about people, about the work of the gospel in hearts, minds and homes. Not all the lessons I’ve learned have come easy but that’s usually true of life’s most lasting lessons. Thank you for those lessons. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your lives—the happy times as well as the sad, the work as well as the play. I pray that as a congregation Pilgrim will continue to focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is our hope, our peace, our message to the world.

Pilgrim will continue to focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is our hope, our peace, our message to the world.

I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of

his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may

dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power,

together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of

Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness

of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at

work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen. --Paul in Ephesians 3:14-21

[2]

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

As always we have opportunities to grow in understanding God’s Word through Bible studies. Every Sunday you can join Dr. Scott Gostchock with the 7E’s Bible study between worship services in the fireside room.

Tuesday mornings is our “early riser” Bible study at 6:30 a.m. We meet in the board room (across from the fireside room) Everyone’s welcome!

Wednesday Bible study is 10:30 Wednesday mornings in the fireside room through June 14. Pastor Pete will be on vacation for the last two Wednesday’s of the month

[3]

July Birthdays

Daniel Tyrrell 1Thomas Geiselhart 3Shannon Gostchock 4Harlan Johnson 5Carol Grundl 6Melissa Jackson 7David Josephitis 7Kathy Vrieze 7Chuck Nelson 10Christine Bedor 11Stanley Wasley 11Amy Denn 13Allison Loescher 14Rachel Ndekwe 15Jane Neumann 15Mateo Reese 15Doris Belsaas 16

Jacqueline Bonde 17Nile Edwards 17Karen Sonnenburg 17Isabelle Lecy 19Rachel Josephitis 20Cheyenne Petroske 20Matthew Tucker 22Danica Cambrice 23Joni Shields 23Alison McAghon 25Jennifer Anderson 27Temple Fischer 27Norm Rogers 27Heather McAghon 28Michelle Cambrice 31Andy Leyrer 31Tiago Reese 31

June Wedding Anniversary

Silas & Heather McAghon 22Michael & Carrie Stafford 26

[4]

Announcements

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS If you would like an announcement in the bulletin, please contact Bonnie in the church office (612-825-5375 ext. 100) by Wednesday of each week. Thank you!

EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS If you would like an email announcement sent to the congregation, please email Joe Sorensen at joe@pilgrimonline.net. NEWSLETTER ARTICLESIf you would like to place an article in the newsletter, email it to Zoe Herzig (Zherzig@yahoo.com). All articles are due NO LATER than the 20th of each month.

LOST AND FOUNDLost and found items are in a basket by the tracts in the narthex (1st Avenue entrance) of the church. Call the church office at 612-825-5375 to inquire about lost and found items.

Lock doors and turn off lightsPilgrim Church highly encourages the use of our facilities by groups: Pioneers, Ladies Guild, Bible Study, etc.  We ask for each group, upon leaving, to verify all lights are turned off and doors are shut tight.  Doors need to be checked by pulling on them as they may not lock unless forced shut. Numerous times staff members have arrived to find the doors not locked and lights left on.  Not checking the doors puts our property in danger of vandalism, theft and a host of other issues.  Leaving lights on causes additional funds to be sent to Xcel Energy that could have been used to spread the Gospel.

PILGRIM IS SPONSORING A REFUGEE FAMILY! - Although we still don’t know who our family will be, we are beginning to collect housewares and other items to help our family get settled once they arrive in Minneapolis. We have a list of items that we need to collect and would love donations of either new or gently used items (some items are required to be new) or money to purchase these items. We will have a basket as you leave church where you can select a piece of paper with an object for donation or, if you’re cleaning out the closets and know you’ve got some extra home goods sitting around, please contact Sarah Hagen at hanako.noriko@gmail.com or Melissa Rach at mrach37@gmail.com for more information.

[5]

Announcements/Prayers

Do YOU need a ride to Church?

Or, do you know someone who would like to attend a worship service at Pilgrim but has no transportation? The benefits of being present in God’s house, sitting with others, singing, praying and praising God are huge. Many of us are already giving rides to those who need it, but there are still some drivers who would be willing to pick others up on a regular basis or occasionally. If you would like a ride to church some Sunday please call Pastor Leyrer or Tam in the church office at 612-825-5375.

PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for the United States military and the following enlisted and/or deployed service men and women: Chris and Ryan Altema, Thomas Bonde; Justin Brandt, Jason Fahey, Nicholas Neumann, and Cory Williams,

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR OUR MEMBERS

People to pray for (Please call the church office if you would like a name added to this list.) Renee Anderson, Lee Brandel, Ken Gostchock, Rebecca Herzig, Karla Sampson, Tom Strieter, Mary Ann Williams and Pilgrim shut-ins 

LET’S NURTURE OUR PILGRIM FAMILYIf you haven’t seen someone you know in church for a while, please reach out to them with a phone call, text, email, or card. Everyone needs to feel loved and appreciated

[6]

Announcements Enjoy the Convenience of Electronic Giving

Pilgrim wants to remind you that we offer electronic giving as a way to automate your regular weekly offering. Electronic giving offers convenience for individual congregation members and provides much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. Direct Debit Giving is used to automatically transfer funds from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account. Credit & Debit Card Giving lets you make offerings automatically on a predetermined schedule using a credit or debit card. Online Giving lets you go to www.pilgrimonline.net at any time to set up an automatic donation plan, change your donation plan, make a one-time donation or view your online donation history. As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Authorization forms and additional information are available from the church office.

FOOD SHELF ITEMS NEEDED

The food shelf DESPERATELY needs canned fruit and canned meats only. Thank you!A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9

Camp Croix - Mark your calendars for family camp at Camp Croix this year August 18-20th, more information to come.  Questions call Jodi at 612-207-3827

Summer Worship Flowers Project at Pilgrim

Please share your ‘green thumb’ talents with your pilgrim friends for the 8:30 & 10:30 Sunday services with your homegrown flower bouquet.

~ register for your Sunday with Arthur~ base will be provided

[7]

Announcements

Attention Pilgrims:We are in need for people willing to serve as ushers - no experience necessary.

Look into your heart and maybe this will be a good way for you to begin to serve or to deepen your service, to our Lord Jesus. Call me with questions or to get your name

on the schedule. Couples or singles are welcome!Barry Gostchock 651-207-8387 or bagostchock@hotmail.com

Celebration PARTY!It’s time to gather for a free fun family event sponsored by Mornings With Mommy (MWM). Celebrate the start of our THIRD year running in the neighborhood with old and new faces! Join us with food, games and crafts. All are invited!

Save the Date:

When: August 13th

Time: 11:30am-1:30pm

Where: Outside Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School grounds. There will be clear signage.

Who: Geared for families of small children… infancy to preschool. The whole family is invited!

What: Pizza, dessert, games, water bouncy house (if weather permits), craft, and sensory bins.

[8]

Opportunities

Pilgrim Ladies GuildWe are looking for new members to join our Ladies Guild. We are a service organization and we need and invite you to bring in new thoughts and ideas. Please mark your calendar for the

1st Wednesday of any month to attend and see what we are about. All Pilgrim women are encouraged and welcome to attend. Many think we only cater food; but the truth is, very few of us cook or bake. We have many areas of interests and our committees are: sanctuary, flowers, annual garage sale, food shelf, cards, annual craft sale, and catering. We are a Guild of many ages, thoughts, words, and actions. Please consider joining us. We would be pleased to see

you! Thank you!

Help Needed Catering – your help is neededThe Ladies Guild needs help with catering events (mostly funerals). Both men and women can help! There are several areas that you can help with: setting up tables, serving, clean-up, and furnishing bars. Whether you work or not, bringing a pan of bars is always greatly appreciated! If you are willing to serve Pilgrim and the Lord in this way, please contact Sherry Schochenmaier at 763-416-5003 or contact the church office. Thank you!

NURSERY HELP

Thank you to ALL who have contributed to the church nursery. It is nice to have a safe place for our young children, and I am sure the nursery is appreciated by visitors. Help is needed to keep the room tidy. Please contact Rachel Josephitis (Rachel.josephitis@gmail.com) if you are interested in volunteering to clean the nursery when needed. Very little of your time is needed—maybe only 30 minutes the whole month to sanitize/vacuum/pick up. Thanks for considering!

[9]

FAMILY FUN TIME

[10]

CHILDRENS FUN TIME

[11]

JULY 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 Worship

Worship 8:30 & 10:30(10:30 Outdoor Worship

weather permitting)

3 4 Independence Day 5

Bible Exploration10:30 AM

Worship Meeting @ Noon

6 7 8

9 Worship with Communion

Worship 8:30 & 10:30(10:30 Outdoor Worship

weather permitting)

10 11

Early Risers Bible Study

6:30 AMCouncil of Elders

6:00 PM

12

Bible Exploration10:30 AM

Worship Meeting @ Noon

13 14

 Pastor on Vacation

15

16 Worship

Worship 8:30 & 10:30(10:30 Outdoor Worship

weather permitting)

17 18

Early Risers Bible Study

6:30 AM

19

Worship Meeting @ Noon

20

Senior Luncheon11:30 AM

21 22

23 Worship

Worship 8:30 & 10:30 (10:30 Outdoor Worship

weather permitting)

24 25

Early Risers Bible Study

6:30 AM

26Bible Exploration

10:30 AM

Worship Meeting @ Noon

27 28 29

30 Worship with Communion

Worship 8:30 & 10:30 Potluck 11:45 AM

(10:30 Outdoor Worship weather permitting)

31May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.

Psalm 67:4

Pilgrim Lutheran Church