April 2015 The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim Lutheran Church · The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim...
Transcript of April 2015 The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim Lutheran Church · The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim...
Volume 37 Number 04
The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim
Lutheran Church 3901 First Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 825-5375
From the Desk of Pastor Pete
“I tell you the truth . . . your grief will turn to joy”
In the year since we last celebrated Easter, have you known any grief? If you’re human, of course you
have! Did you suffer job loss or a broken heart? Whose death did you mourn this year? Or maybe the
death happened a long time ago and you’re still mourning. Grief—it’s a universal experience. Even
Jesus experienced grief when he was here.
As Christians we also experience an uncommon grief, a unique burden that belongs to us as followers
of Jesus. He said, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.” (John 16:20)
At the time Jesus was talking to the disciples about his impending death—a time when they would
mourn while their enemies rejoiced. But there are other times when those words come true in our lives,
like when guilt sneaks up on us because we know we’ve done wrong. The world rejoices: “Well, it’s
about time he fell in with the rest of us!” “I knew all that Jesus talk didn’t make any difference.”
To people who know the truth of grief Jesus speaks a new and deeper truth. Easter guarantees it to us:
“Your grief will turn to joy.”
(Continued on Page 2)
April 2015
Table of Contents
Easter………….………………………………Page 3 School News…………………………………..Page 13-14
Sermons………………………………………Page 5 FamilyFunTime…….…………………………Page 15
Birthdays/Anniversariers……………………..Page 6 Childrens Fun Time..………………………….Page 16
Announcements/Prayers………………………Page 7-12 Church Calendar
Christ’s victorious resurrection from the dead means that a future resurrection waits for us. God has set
aside a day when there will be no more crying or mourning or pain. The grief that the disciples
experienced because of his death would turn to joy when they realized that even the awful crucifixion
was God’s plan of salvation. In light of the resurrection we too know that God is at work even in the
things that cause us grief and pain. The guilt that we feel over the past is a burden we need no longer
carry because the cross means the price is paid. Jesus is alive and his life means nothing can keep us
from the life that he has set aside for us.
Easter means the past does not control us. Easter means our future is certain. Easter means joy!
Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your
grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but
when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the
world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and
no one will take away your joy. --Jesus (John 16:20-22)
[2]
Easter is a natural time to invite people to church. It’s one of two days of the year (the
other is Christmas) when people are most open to an invitation. And that makes
sense—Easter is all about the central message of Christianity, the fact that we have a
living Savior and in him we have nothing to fear. Of course, “it’s not about church”
it’s about Jesus! Worship services are one way that we can expose people to the good
news of Jesus.
Holy Week and Easter
We call the week before Easter “holy week” and remember key events in Jesus’ life during that time.
As usual, at Pilgrim we’ll celebrate:
Maundy Thursday on April 2 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The word “Maundy” comes from
the Latin word for “command.” It was on this day that Jesus gave his disciples the
“new command” to love one another. This was also the evening when Jesus instituted
the Lord’s Supper so we celebrate the Lord’s Supper that day as well.
Good Friday on April 3 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The day commemorates Jesus’
death on the cross. “Good” might seem like a strange name for an event like that,
but we remember that on the cross Christ made the ultimate sacrifice to pay for the
sins to the world. When Jesus said “It is finished” from the cross he let all who
heard know that he had accomplished his mission and that the guilt and shame of
our sins died with him.
Easter Sunday on April 5 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. SON Experience in the school gym
12:00 noon. The main event! The good news that Jesus’ story does not end in
death but continues with life! Our story doesn’t end in death either! Through faith
in Christ we have become heirs of heaven and eternal life!
Easter breakfast: If you’d like to contribute to our Easter breakfast at Pilgrim
we’re looking for donations of milk, juice, fruit, bars and colored hard boiled eggs.
If you’d prefer to donate cash for groceries that’s okay too. You can drop off your
donations in the church kitchen on the Saturday before Easter, April 4. If you’d
like to donate your help with serving or clean up there is also a sign up sheet in the
kitchen. Thanks for helping to make Easter a special event!
[3]
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.
Vacation Bible School at Pilgrim will be June 14 – 18.
The theme this year will be “Gone Fishing.” Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers
of men.” (Matthew 4:19) As followers of Jesus he calls us to help others see the good news that he has
to offer.
The themes for the week will be;
Fishing for Love
Fishing for Help
Fishing for God’s Word
Fishing for Forgiveness
Fishing for People
There will be classes, activities and lots of fun for children of all ages. There
will be classes and activities especially for teens and adults.
Watch for more details in the newsletter, bulletin and website.
Spring Cleaning April 11 9:30 – 12:30
Come on out to clean and spruce up our beautiful building and grounds! Spring
cleaning day provides us all with an opportunity to work together with brothers and
sisters in Christ and show our appreciation and pride in the facilities that God has
blessed us with.
No special skill is needed—just your time and willingness to serve. Show up April 11
9:30 – 12:30 ready to work!
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Pilgrim sermons: 2015
One for All, All for One
Christ-centered: It’s the first of our core values at Pilgrim and rightly so. Without Christ at the
center of our congregation and ministry we have nothing. One of the most important ways that
we stay Christ-centered is through the preaching of God’s word. Join us as we stay focused on
the One who is for all of us, the One who unites us.
2015
5 April: Easter Isaiah 12:1-6 He Lives!
12 April: His Life Our Confidence John 12:19-31 He Lives!
19 April: His Life Our Mission Luke 24:36-49 He Lives!
26 April: The Good Shepherd John 10:11-18 Good Shepherd
3 May: Remain in Christ John 15:1-8 Still With Us
10 May: Our Best Friend John 15:9-17 Still With Us
17 May: Confirmation Confirmation
24 May: Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost
31 May: Trinity Isaiah 6:1-8 Trinity
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April Birthdays
Joe Bottensek 1
Anita Kurth 3
Justin McGowan 3
Steve Cambrice 5
Viola Jensen 9
Tarnue Jallah 10
Ethel Goplen 12
Paul Dahlin 14
Robert Helmen 14
Caroline Hardyman 16
Stephanie Miller 17
Benjamin Anderson 19
Caitlin Bandelin 19
Blanche Odegard 19
Robert Gunderson 20
Galen Sommer 20
George Cattle 21
Elaine Weber 21
Mia Puterbaugh 22
Yeane Kiazolu 25
Rose Hoppenrath 26
Allen Geiselhart 27
Cynthia Sroga 28
Adam Heilman 30
April Wedding Anniversary
Thomas & Anita Kurth 1
Darrell & Karla Sampson 22
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Announcements Electronic News Letter
Did you sign up for the electronic version of our monthly newsletter but are not receiving it? If you
answered yes to this question please get in touch with me. It is due to the way you signed up so I would
like to get that fixed for you. Zoe Herzig 763-360-6150
Want to place an article in the News Letter?
If you want to place an article in the News Letter you may do so by handing it in to Zoe Herzig or
email it to her at [email protected]. All articles are due NO LATER than the 20th of each month
LOST AND FOUND
Lost 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 lights
Pilgrim 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.
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.
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Announcements
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, Paul Bandelin, Thomas Bonde; Justin Brandt, David Chernohorsky; Jason
Fahey, Jennifer James, Nicholas Neumann, Cory Williams, and John Zimmerman.
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR OUR MEMBERS
People to pray for (Please call the church office if you would like a name added to this list.)
Bill Bonde; Amina Bushey; Joel Dahlberg; Brian Florin; Ken Gostchock; Rebecca Herzig; Jallah
Family; Onyeka Jefferson; Stephanie Kern; Rick Puterbaugh; Margaret Rodmyre; George Scott;
Tom Strieter; Kathy Wasley; Mary Ann Williams; and Pilgrim shut-ins.
NEW DAY PREGNANCY FLYERS
Now that the weather is getting nicer, please consider delivering flyers for the New Day Pregnancy
Counseling Center. The flyer delivery is using the block maps from the Proclaimer that can be found
in the cabinets at the end of the old school hallway by the bathrooms. Pick your block(s) and note your
name on the listing of block numbers for this valuable outreach. Please contact Mark Heilman 763-
593-2910 with any questions.
ALTAR FLOWERS
If you would like to beautify the altar with flowers, contact Dale Mueller for more information at
[email protected] or 612-554-9121.
SPRING CLEANING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers from MOVE will be at Pilgrim on April 11 from 9:30 to 12:30 to help us with spring
cleaning. We need Pilgrim people to help out as well. We’ll clean, paint, spruce up our building and
grounds. Come on out and serve your church and Lord!
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Announcements
COFFEE PLUS 5 VOLUNTEERS
Please contact Deb Ndekwe at 612-810-4650 or [email protected] if you are interested in
providing treats and/or serving coffee between services on Sundays in 2015 (9 a.m. set-up; 10:30 a.m.
clean-up). Thank you!
LET’S NURTURE OUR PILGRIM FAMILY
If 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.
Pilgrim Ladies Guild
We 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!
Catering – your help is needed
The 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!
FOOD SHELF ITEMS NEEDED
The food shelf is in need of food. Thank you for your kindness and generosity! A generous man will
himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9
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Announcements
ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF HOPE – ON A MISSION
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join us for an evening of intrigue and adventure!
Join the Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities for an amazing evening that includes dinner, music by the
Changed Lives Choir and incredible testimonies of hope. Our guest emcee, aka Special Agent 86, is
Ben Utecht…former Minnesota Golden Gophers football star and Super Bowl Champion with the
Indianapolis Colts under Coach Tony Dungy.
Please register by Monday, April 6, 2015. You may register by going online at ugmtc.org or by
contacting Virginia Fenrick at 651-789-7561. Seating is limited.
WHEN: Monday, April 20, 2015
Event check-in @ 5:30 p.m.
Program @ 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Saint Paul RiverCentre
175 West Kellogg Boulevard
COST: No Charge – Donation Opportunity
Spring is here and it’s time again to do some sorting out of items we no longer
want. Ladies Guild will be having their rummage sale June 17th
– 20th
. Start setting your items aside
but PLEASE DO NOT drop anything off yet. Watch for more in the next few months. Usually we do
not have the rummage sale the same week as VBS but was given the ok to do so. Those that attend
VBS will be given a coupon to be used at the rummage sale.
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Announcements
God’s Word through Bible studies.
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.
On Tuesday mornings we have the “early risers” study at 6:30 am in the board room (across
the hall from the fireside room). On Wednesday’s we have a NEW TIME for Bible study:
10:00 am in the fireside room. At 6:00 on Wednesday evening we repeat the morning study.
They’ll be based on the sermon from the previous Sunday.
Lots of opportunities to grow in fellowship and understanding of God’s word!
Pilgrim Youth Group is an exciting and fun opportunity for our Pilgrim youth and for any other
youth from anywhere! We have a chance to meet and discuss our business, do a
Bible study, have a snack, and do an activity. It is awesome!
The youth group meets the first Sunday of every month from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We then all go to the SON Experience and have pizza after the SON Experience.
It is open to any youth from anywhere – we target our Pilgrim youth, but we love
it when we have guest youth from anywhere! The age for participation is anyone in or above 7th
grade. We welcome you all!
There are also many volunteer opportunities with the youth group. If you would like to
volunteer or be a part of our youth group, please contact Dr. G at any time – 612-825-5375 ext.
106. We look forward to having you all there and seeing the Lord at work in and through us all!
[11]
Announcements
Networking/Job Transition Group
If you are looking to network or possible help with your job search, join us for a great interactive
supportive group meeting. We meet once a month at 6 pm on the 2nd
Thursday of each month at St.
Michael’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington (Address: 9201 Normandale Blvd; 952-831-5276).
The group is open to anyone wanting to network or those seeking help with their job search. You do
not have to be a member of Pilgrim or St. Michael's Church to join this networking group. The group
is listed on www.Linkedin.com under St. Michael's Networking Group. Paul Dahl is listed as the
owner of the group. The Co-Chairs of the group are Ruth Arves (St. Michael's member) and Geri
Geiselhart (Pilgrim Lutheran member). For more information, contact Geri at 612-822-2318 /
[email protected] or Ruth Arves at 612-869-0393 / [email protected].
Also, if you are currently employed and your company has job openings, please let us know and we
can post them on the LinkedIn group site. We are interested in any openings because our group is very
diverse.
UPCOMING EVENTS – PILGRIM LUTHERAN SCHOOL
School Musical, Alladin May 1 6:00 PM
Pancake Breakfast May 3 8:00–9:00 AM
Education Sunday May 3 9:30 AM
School Musical, Alladin May 3 1:00 PM
Band/Piano Recital May 14 6:00 PM
[12]
What’s happening at St. Croix Lutheran School
SCL Job Opening - Seasonal Lead Grounds Keeper
St. Croix Lutheran is seeking a seasonal lead groundskeeper. This position is active from the beginning
of April to the end of October or beginning of November depending on the season. Go to
www.StCroixLutheran.org/jobs to download the complete job description. Contact Glenn Will at
[email protected] or 651-455-1521 to apply.
Call for Nominations – St. Croix Lutheran President
Candidates are being sought for the position of president at St. Croix Lutheran and your assistance in
the nomination process is requested. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, March 27, 2015.
Visit our website for more information.
SCL Dorm Clean-Up
The new 152-bed dormitory at SCL is near completion, but there is lots of cleaning, painting,
organizing, and moving that needs to take place first. In an effort to be good stewards, we are doing
much of the work ourselves, but we need your help. If you have a heart for service or know of a youth
or other group looking for a service project in mid-late April, please contact Al Holmes at
[email protected] to sign up or call the school at 651-455-1521.
Do you have a heart for missions? Thirteen students will be traveling to China in July to serve as
VBS leaders in Beijing, China. Each student pays $2,500 to participate. Visit
www.StCroixLutheran.org/givenow if you’d like to help.
SCL Gala/Auction
Get tickets now for the SCL Gala on Saturday, April 11! All proceeds benefit SCL students. New this
year is mobile bidding! Visit www.StCroixLutheran.org/gala to order. For more information about the
event, to volunteer, or to donate items, contact Ashley Gilleland at 651-455-1521 x105
High School and Middle School Open House
On Sunday, April 12 from 2:30-4:30 p.m., St. Croix Lutheran Grades 6-12 will host an open house
for families curious about SCL. Faculty and staff will be present to give tours and answer questions.
Contact Ric Gibson at [email protected] or 651-455-1521 x 120 to schedule a tour.
High School Sacred Concert
Join us in the St. Croix chapel for a sacred concert presented by the Crusader Choir, Crusader Chorus,
and the Croixaliers on Sunday, April 12 at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. The concert will stream live at
www.StCroixLutheran.org/sacredconcert
[13]
What’s happening at St. Croix Lutheran School
Spaghetti Supper
A spaghetti supper will be served in the St. Croix commons between concerts on Sunday, April 12
from 4:30-6:00 p.m. A freewill donation will be collected.
What’s happening at West Lutheran….
3350 Harbor Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 Phone: 763-509-9378, http://www.wlhs.net/
Spring Production – of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Willy Wonka is opening the doors of his
world-famous chocolate factory to five lucky children and their parents-and you’re invited! Join
Charlie, Augustus, Veruca, Violet, and Mike on their delicious adventure through the amazing
chocolate factory. Many surprises await you, including Willy Wonka’s group of mischievous Oompa-
Loompas who love to sing and dance at any moment!
Show times
Friday April 17th
and Saturday April 18th
at 7:00 PM
Sunday April 19th
at 2:00 PM
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors, free for kids under 5.
Annual West Lutheran Garage & Bake Sale is scheduled for May 7-9 watch for more info in the up
coming Church bulletins.
Graduation 2015 – Will be held at WLHS on Saturday May 23rd
, at 2PM, doors open at 1:30.
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FAMILY FUN TIME
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CHILDRENS FUN TIME
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APRIL 2015 PILGRIM LUTHERAN CHURCH
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
Bible Exploration
10:00 a.m.
Ladies Guild @ Noon
Worship Meeting @
Noon
2
Maundy Thursday
2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Parent Conferences
3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
3
Good Friday
2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
No School
Parent Conferences
9:00 a.m. to Noon
4
New Day
Pregnancy Center
9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
5 Resurrection of Our Lord!
8:30 & 10:30—Worship
9:30-10:30—Pancake Breakfast
No Sunday School
9:30—Egg Hunt
9:45—7 E’s Bible Study
Noon—SON Experience Event
*Go to www.sonexperience.com or follow
FACEBOOK/Son Experience for specific events.
6
No School
7
School Resumes
Early Risers Bible Study
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
8
Bible Exploration
10:00 a.m.
Worship Meeting @
Noon
Bible Exploration
6:00 p.m.
9
Pastor Visits Shut-ins
10 11
New Day
Pregnancy Center
9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
12 Communion Services:
8:30 & 10:30—Worship
9:45—Sunday School
9:45—7 E’s Bible Study
9:45—Coffee Plus 5
Go to www.sonexperience.com or follow
FACEBOOK/Son Experience for specific events.
13
Council of Elders
6:00 p.m.
14
Early Risers Bible Study
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
15
Bible Exploration
10:00 a.m.
Worship Meeting @
Noon
Bible Exploration
6:00 p.m.
16
17
18
New Day
Pregnancy Center
9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
19 Worship Services
King of Grace Handbell Choir
8:30 & 10:30—Worship
9:45—Sunday School
9:45—7 E’s Bible Study
9:45—Coffee Plus 5
*Go to www.sonexperience.com or follow
FACEBOOK/Son Experience for specific events.
20
21
Early Risers Bible Study
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
22
Bible Exploration
10:00 a.m.
Worship Meeting @
Noon
Bible Exploration
6:00 p.m.
23
Pastor Visits Shut-ins
24 25
New Day
Pregnancy Center
9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
26 Communion Services:
8:30 & 10:30—Worship
9:45—Sunday School
9:45—7 E’s Bible Study
9:45—Coffee Plus 5
Go to www.sonexperience.com or follow
FACEBOOK/Son Experience for specific events.
27 28
Early Risers Bible Study
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
29
Bible Exploration
10:00 a.m.
Worship Meeting @
Noon
Bible Exploration
6:00 p.m.
30