PILGRIM LUTHERAN CHURCH

44 CHAPEL ROAD – KENMORE, NY 14217

(716) 875-5485

A Congregation in Mission, Community and Service

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS JANUARY 2015

PASTOR: Rev. Ben Eder SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 AM

EDITOR: Mary Werth TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY: 9:30 AM

ASSOC. EDITOR: WORSHIP: 10:00 AM

Wishes for the new year

Faith that increaseth, walking in light; Hope that aboundeth, happy and bright; Love that is perfect, casting out fear;

These shall insure thee a happy New Year.

Peace in the Savior, rest at his feet, Smile on his countenance, radiant and sweet.

Joy in his presence, Christ ever near! This will insure thee a happy New Year.

—Frances Ridley Havergal

Fresh start

Here’s a mixture of fun and serious thoughts about the fresh start we receive with each new year of life in Christ: • “The best angle from which to approach any problem is the try-angle.” —Author Unknown • “Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings.” —C.D. Jackson • “God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow into them.” —Author Unknown • “Life is full of obstacle illusions.” —Grant Frazier • “Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.” —William Arthur Ward • “Nothing is impossible with God.” —Luke 1:37, NIV

Get ready for Epiphany

Many Christian denominations celebrate Epiphany each year on or near January 6. “Epiphany,” which means “showing forth,” celebrates the visit of the magi, or wise men, to the baby Jesus.

These men, also known as kings, saw the star that led them to Bethlehem.

The fact that these wise men were Gentiles, not Jews, teaches us an important theological lesson: Their search for the Savior shows that Jesus came for all people.

In 1875, Philip Bliss wrote the hymn “The Light of the World Is Jesus.” The first stanza captures the

meaning of Epiphany, a season of light:

The whole world was lost In the darkness of sin,

The Light of the world is Jesus! Like sunshine at noonday,

His glory shone in. The Light of the world is Jesus!

SUNDAY SERVER SCHEDULE

JANUARY 2015

DATE Jan. 4 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 25

READER Wes Wiers Carolyn Alessi

Colvina Colvin

Abigail Size

USHERS Colvina Colvin

* Tyrone Bryant

Eric Fellner

* Gary Smith

Peggy Clark

* George Alessi

Pat Watkins

* Roger

Watkins

COMMUNION ASSISTANT

Gary Smith Jim O’Brien

Eric Fellner

Jack Hambridge

A well-balanced church

The owner of a new puppy got a good laugh when the little dog, out for a walk, had an itch. The trouble was that the itchy spot was accessible only to a hind leg. So, while still walking, the pup tried to scratch and tumbled over, rolling a couple of times before coming to rest. In several places throughout Scripture, the apostle Paul writes about the church as the body of Christ, and of the importance of each member. Just as the dog needed each leg to stay balanced while walking, so the church needs all the different God-given gifts of its members: preachers and teachers, friendly visitors, generous givers, musicians and singers, wise parents and imaginative children, people to produce and distribute meals, newsletters, lesson materials, and on and on. When we start thinking that some part of Christ’s body isn’t necessary, we risk taking quite a tumble!

Rev. Ben Eder Jan. 5

Amber Groeller Jan. 9

Derek Bessey Jan. 17

Michael Donnelly Jan. 25

Bryan Hinterberger Jan. 25

Traci LaFalce Jan. 28

Patricia Watkins Jan. 31

The legend of the sand dollar

There’s a pretty little legend that I would like to tell

Of the birth and death of Jesus found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely, you’ll see that you find here

Four nail holes and a fifth hole, made by a Roman’s spear.

On one side the Easter lily, its center is the star

That appeared unto the shepherds and led them from afar.

The Christmas poinsettia etched on the other side

Reminds us of his birthday, our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open, and here you will release

The five white doves awaiting to spread good will and peace.

This simple little symbol, Christ left for you and me

To help us spread his Gospel, through all eternity.

—Author unknown

ESTHER CIRCLE NEWS

The cookie exchange on December 8th was very successful with 15 women in attendance. Containers of cookies were made and delivered to shut-ins.

We had also adopted a needy family for Christmas. This was our way of giving back to

the community. The family was a single mom with 5 children. We collected a wish list, shopped, wrapped and delivered the gifts so the children had them on Christmas morning. The family was very appreciative. Thanks to Sharon McGuan, Karen Smith and Amber Groeller for their help in making this happen!

The coat drive was a huge success. 160+ coats were collected. In addition, several

sets of gloves, hats and scarves were also donated. 94 coats went to our friends at Harvest

House. 72 coats went to Colvin Cleaners to support the Coats for Kids drive. Thank you to

everyone who helped make this possible!

The next Esther Circle meeting is on Monday, January 12th at 6:30pm. All women are invited so come check us out and be part of a group of women who want to make a difference!

To all those who assisted in making the Children’s Christmas Program on Dec. 21st a

success, especially the children – THANK YOU! Thanks also for all your prayers in making

this happen.

The Youth Group is temporarily on hold for now. I will let everyone know when we are

resuming. Thanks. - Amber Groeller

This will be held on Friday, January 2nd from 5 to 7 p.m. We will be having ham,

scalloped potatoes and corn. Come out and enjoy a VERY yummy meal!

Get any new board or card games for Christmas? Why not bring them to Game Night

on Friday, Jan. 9th at 6:30 p.m.? All new challengers and games are invited to attend!

On Saturday, January 10th at 9:30 a.m., we will be taking down the Christmas decorations.

Come and join us – many hands make light work!

MEN’S GROUP

The Pilgrim Active Laymen (P.A.L.s) will be having our next meeting on Saturday, January

17th at 8 a.m. in the fellowship hall. All men are welcome to join us!

DIFFERENT DRUG PROBLEM

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a

methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining

county and he asked me a rhetorical question, “Why didn’t we have a drug

problem when you and I were growing up?”

I replied, “I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on

Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug

to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.”

“I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug

to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad

report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the

preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of

me.”

“I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I

uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower

beds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I was drug to the homes of family,

friends and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the

yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood, and, if my mother had ever

known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug

me back to the woodshed.”

“Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in

everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin;

and, if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a

better place.”

“God bless the parents who drugged us.”

(The preceding letter was found on the internet at joe-ks.com.)

HELEN HAMBRIDGE

Helen was born on February 3rd in 1921. She grew up in Kenmore. After graduation,

she worked for the Metropolitan Insurance Company as a clerk. She was also a Girl Scout

Leader in the 30s and 40s and worked with the Red Cross during the war years. In the late

40s, she took a job with the Your Host Restaurant Co.

In 1955, she married Jack, a returning veteran of Korea. She continued working until

their first child, a son Leslie, was born. Helen and Jack became close to his army buddies

and their families, each family having children at about the same time. She and Jack

adopted a daughter, Beth Ann, in 1964. She was a much-loved aunt to all her nieces and

nephews and extended family. She was also godmother to her niece, Sally Clements, and

Nancy Maloney, a niece in her extended family.

Helen was raised at Pilgrim and spent most of her life here. When there was a church

activity or function that needed volunteers, she was there. She was also an active member

of the Altar Guild and Esther Circle for many years. (As one member said, “Helen made the

best biscuits for strawberry shortcake that I have ever tasted!”)

Helen’s smile reflected the love and joy of Jesus in her heart. It was directed towards

her family, friends and church family. Her smile also reflected the smile that radiated from

within – the smile of God towards her.

Jesus, her Lord and Savior and life-long friend, kept her in the faith and was with her

throughout her earthly life. On November 12, 2014, He took her to her heavenly home.

“I am the resurrection and the life,” says our Lord. “Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26, NRSV).

VOTERS’ MEETING

The last Voters’ Meeting of 2014 was held on December 14th after the service. The new

Church Council members are:

Carolyn Alessi – President

George Alessi – Vice President

Peg Clark – Secretary

Ann Seyboldt O’Rourke – Treasurer

Carol Obot – Financial Secretary

Elders are: Eric Fellner, Jim O’Brien and Rodney Moore

The 2015 budget was discussed and passed.

The Men’s Room renovations were put on hold until the lift project was completed.

There were a few delays but now the lift is up and running. So the renovations will happen

this year.

We will have the dedication of the lift and the renovated nursery on Sunday, January

11th, with a “Pot Faith” meal to follow.

The meeting was adjourned and we closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

On December 28th, we were saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected death of

Amy McCabe, a member of Pilgrim. She was 48 and had been rendered a quadriplegic due

to a diving accident four years ago. Please pray for her husband Tom, son Colin and the rest

of the McCabe family.

While we mourn her loss, we also rejoice that she is free from the prison of her body

and that she is now with the Lord in heavenly peace.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER IS JANUARY 25TH.