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Volume 39 Number 02
The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim
Lutheran Church 3901 First Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 825-5375
From the Desk of Pastor Pete
New Day
Not long ago I was asked to serve as spiritual advisor to the board of Christian Life Ministries.
I’m glad I agreed. I’ve come learn about and support a great ministry.
Christian Life ministries operates the New Day Pregnancy Care Center at 2756 Lake Shore Ave.
in Little Canada. It’s there to provide support to mothers, fathers and children. It’s a pro-life ministry
but it does not get involved in political activism or campaigning. The folks at New Day won’t tell you
who to vote for, but they will love you and care for you no matter what.
As of the January board meeting the center is serving 141 open client files. They see about 40
clients every week and they’re adding new clients all the time. The Center provides diapers and other
necessary items for expectant or new moms. There’s a weekly “Loving Moms” class to support and
teach new mothers. Those classes also include Bible study for adults and Bible stories for children, in
English and Spanish. As we all know the face of our Twin Cities neighborhoods is changing and our
client base at New Day is changing as well. Lately we’ve added a number of clients who have
immigrated from Nepal. It’s a great opportunity to provide the love of Christ to people in a real time of
need.
(Continued on Page 2)
Jesus ca
February 2017
Table of Contents
Pastor Notes / Sermons…………………………. Page 1-4 family Fun Time..……………………………………Page 16
Meet Pilgrims Substatute Teacher ……………….Page 5 Children Fun time…………..……………………… Page 17
Bible Study………………………………………. Page 6 -7 Church Calandar……………………………………..Page 18
Birthdays/Anniversaries .....…………………. ..Page 8
News You Can Use ..…….……………..... Page 9-10
Announcements / Prayers ……………………… Page 11-15
Our own Pilgrm member Jennifer Koepke serves as client services director at the Center, and she’s
started to learn Nepalese from some of the clients from that part of the world. Her efforts to learn their
language communicate love and respect to people far from home. Meanwhile, Jennifer’s husband Mike
manages the Mission Wearhouse, a thrift store next door to the Center. Proceeds from the thrift store
help to support the ministry. Jennifer and Mike are blessed to work together doing what they love.
There are lots of ways to help New Day. Financial donations are always welcome, of course. Do
you have gently used baby furniture or other supplies? What about saleable items for the thrift store?
Those donations help as well. Do you have time and compassion to give? You could volunteer at the
thrift store, serve as a hotliner to set up appointments for clients or work with clients in the office. Give
them a call at 651 649 3538 to learn more. Or catch Jenny or Mike at church some time.
On February 12 our emphasis in worship will be on God’s gift of life and the ministry of New
Day. Come and learn more about this compassionate, Christ centered ministry.
”Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of
mine, you did for me.” –Jesus in Matthew 25:40
[2]
Ash Wednesday: March 1
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 1.
Lent is a traditional season of repentance and preparation for Easter. But wait a minute . . . since we’re
living in the days after Easter, since we know that good news is it
really right for us to spend time on sorrow over sins?
Lent is a church tradition, not something commanded in Scripture.
It’s a time for us to dedicate ourselves to reflection on the story of
Jesus’ suffering and death. Repentance is a way of life for us as
Christians as each day we turn to God’s grace and his never ending
supply of forgiveness. Lent is an opportunity to think more deeply
about this aspect of our lives as Christians.
This year our Lenten worship theme will be “Stones of Lent.” We’ll use stones as a visual reminder of
the burden of sin, and we’ll be able to lay those burdens at the foot of the cross.
Our theme on Ash Wednesday will be: “Written in Stone”
Other themes for the season include:
Rejected Stones
Sticks and Stones
Hearts of Stone
Upon this Rock
Crying Stones
[3]
Sermons at Pilgrim 2017
February 2017
5 Building a Life: Stay focused 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
12 Building a Life: Seek understanding 1 Corinthians 2:6-13
19 Building a Life: Do not deceive yourself 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
26 Transfiguration: What are you looking at? Matthew 17:1-9
March 2017
5 Finding God in the Dark: I messed up! Psalm 130
12 Finding God in the Dark: Too good to be true? Psalm 121
19 Finding God in the Dark: Not everybody likes me! Psalm 143
26 Finding God in the Dark: I’m depressed! Psalm 42-43
April 2017
2 Finding God in the Dark: I need direction Psalm 116
9 Palm Sunday: The Winner! Matthew 21:1-11
16 Easter: He’s Risen! Matthew 28:1-10
23 The Jesus Difference: Joy 1 Peter 1:3-9
30 The Jesus Difference: Hope 1 Peter 1:17-21
May 2017
7 Education Sunday
14 The Way, The Truth and the Life John 14:1-12
21 Confirmation
28 Ascension Acts 1:1-11
[4]
A Teacher Takes A Hand, Opens A Mind, & Touches A Heart
The school bell rings and kids rush through the halls to get to their classroom. As they walk down the
hall they notice a new face. Who is this new friendly face walking through the halls? It’s our very own
substitute teacher, Jonnica Norell! She was so sweet to spend time sharing more about herself with us
through the questions below.
1. Where do you live now? Where did you grow up?
My husband, Pastor Josh Mayer, and I live in Rogers, MN. I grew up on a farm outside St. Peter, MN.
2. What brought you to the Twin Cities area? My husband's first call as a pastor last spring brought us to the area.
3. Share with us about your family.
I grew up on a century old family farm and am the oldest of three girls.
My mom is a post master, and my sisters are an interior designer and
teacher.
4. What has been your favorite part about substituting at Pilgrim School?
It has been fun getting to know all of the kind and funny staff and students.
5. What was your favorite subject in Elementary School?
I LOVED Reading(and still do).
6. Who was your favorite teacher throughout your years as a student and what impact did they
have on you?
My favorite teacher was my college history teacher who fostered my interest in Social Studies.
7. What is one fun fact that most people at Pilgrim don't know about you yet?
I used to show sheep in 4-H. I really enjoyed working with sheep. They have helped me understand
how we as God's people are helplessly lost without our good shepherd.
[5]
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 will continue at 10:00 a.m. in the fireside room. Everyone’s welcome.
[6]
L.I.F.T – End of the Year Holiday Party
Last month the ladies of the L.I.F.T Bible study had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the
end of another session and the wonderful time spent together growing in their faith and growing in their
friendships. It’s hard to believe the holiday party was already a month ago! For those of you not able to
attend, it was a delicious potluck with all sorts of goodies and we had a passionate speaker from the
Refugee Life Ministries who shared her experience with refugees and this purposeful organization. In
fact, if you want to be a part of the group at Pilgrim that is adopting a refugee family, you can reach out
to Melissa Rach or Pastor Pete about this opportunity.
Join the Women of Pilgrim for the L.I.F.T. WINTER- SPRING 2017 Session Bible Study Group
Dates: January 28 through May 6, every other Saturday
Time and Place: 10:00am – 11:30am Pilgrim’s Fireside Room
Topic: Priscilla Shirer’s “Breathe” A video series with a study book. One of the greatest challenges
among women in our culture is taking time to stop and cease from all the activities and busyness and
just breathe. God instituted the Sabbath in the Old Testament to help his people experience true peace
and rest in God. This series will suggest guidelines and principles to help women know the true peace
that only comes through knowing and resting in God and his promises.
How to Join: Please notify Tammy Leyrer, [email protected] , or 612 229 6544 if you will
attend and the book will be ordered for you.
Cost: $15.00 to cover the cost of the book and the video series.
Who: All women and friends of Pilgrim are invited to Pilgrim’s L.I.F.T. Women’s Bible Study.
There is no requirement other than wanting to connect with our loving Christian support community of
women. We have a range of ALL ages and experience. Study the Bible, be blessed, and be a blessing to
others!
AND… A SPECIAL OUTING: On Saturday March 4, we will attend the “Set Apart Conference”
at Northwestern College in Roseville to hear some great women’s speakers. The Cost is $55.00.
Register at www.setapartconference.com. We will discuss this more at our L.I.F.T meeting.
[7]
February Birthdays
Katelyn Witte 1
Jennifer Koepke 4
Eric Minea Jr. 7
Vanessa Reinhardt 7
Kormasa Jallah 8
Aubrey Minea 10
Mary Elwood 15
Carolyn Lyons 16
Susan Jefferson 17
Koleen Piske 17
Karla Sampson 17
Artez Hutchinson 23
Silas McAghon 26
February Wedding Anniversary
Peter & Tammy Leyrer 14
[8]
Love Well to Live Well
February is the month of love in many people's minds. Yes, Valentine's Day happens to fall within this
month which makes us think about love, but there are so many every day stories about love that happen
all around us. They may be from the past, the present, or even from something you anticipate
happening in the future.
The Bible holds so many stories about the amazing love that has occurred in
history. For instance, think about Naomi and Ruth. This may not be the
traditional love story you think of, but love shows up in all forms in life and I
love this special story about the power of love shown between a mother and
daughter-in-law. Naomi had chosen to move far away from Moab back to her
homeland of Bethlehem after her husband died. She wanted her daughters-in-
law who had both suffered extreme grief of losing their husbands as well to go
back to their families and not be alone. Instead of going back to her family,
Ruth showed an unbelievable and unselfish love and commitment to her
mother-in-law by choosing to go with her to Bethlehem instead.
Ruth demonstrated her deep commitment, love, and kindness to Naomi in
these words, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where
you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my
God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so
severely, if even death separates you and me.” (Ruth 1:16-17)
Love is a part of who we are and what we experience just the way God intended it as he created each of
us. Love is the one feeling and emotion that is contagious. When you love others well, they will receive
the love and in most instances pass that same type of love on. It has a ripple effect. Love can change
the world in many small ways that can in turn have huge impacts throughout all the countries of the
world no matter what language they speak. Love is a universal language.
So how do you show more love and kindness? How do you love others well and good and create
change in this world? Some simple yet effective things you can start today are:
1. Give someone a hug.
2. Tell your child you believe in them and to never stop dreaming.
3. Flash your special smile at someone – I guarantee they will smile back!
4. Tell your spouse or friend or sibling that you are proud of them.
5. Send a card in the mail to your grandma or grandpa.
6. Forgive. Just like Christ has forgiven us.
7. Plan a special family game night.
8. Give a compliment to the person at the checkout counter at the grocery store.
9. Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line.
10. Live in the present – the here and now – with those that you hold closest to your heart.
11. Send a text to a friend letting them know how important they are and share something you love
about them.
12. Say I love you and truly mean it. Over and over again. Don't withhold it for a special occasion
because that time might not come before they are gone.
[9]
Taking the time to love well opens the gates to living a full life! Love our Lord and Savior with all your
heart, love others as much as you can, and love yourself more than you think you are capable of and
this will lead to a life well lived. Fully love well in order to live well.
Ruth & Naomi share a beautiful story about love in the Bible, but we all have our very own greatest
love story of all found in the Bible. The love God has for each of us, by sending His one and only Son
to save us all so that we can be united with Him one day in Heaven.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
____________________________________________________________________________________
We love our Pilgrim Parents!
In January, Tammy Leyrer and the LIFT ladies organized a Saturday full of fun for the children of our
Pilgrim family! Here's the scoop, if you happened to miss out on all the action.
Who was the event for? This was an engaging and well organized day of fun activities for some pretty
special kiddos. It was also some special time that our Pilgrim moms and dads could use to have a well
deserved break from one of their many responsibilities they are trying to juggle all at once!
What did the children get to do at the event? They spent hours playing games, coloring, doing
puzzles, crafts, and so much more! They got special one on one time with some very loving women in
the Pilgrim congregation and they also got extra time to play with all their friends or even make some
new ones. There were plenty of snacks for them to refuel their bubbly energy and even lunch provided
before they got picked up in the afternoon to go home.
Why was this event put together? We are part of a Christian family Pilgrim and we care about each
other. This was one of the wonderful ways we could show our Pilgrim Moms & Dads that we know
they work hard and have a lot going on, so with this they could come drop their kids off for a fun day
of activities and take time for themselves to rejuvenate their mind, body, and soul . Plus, some of us
volunteering just really love any excuse to play board games with some pretty cool fun loving kids!
[10]
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
NEWSLETTER ARTICLES
If you would like to place an article in the newsletter, email it to Zoe Herzig ([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.
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 [email protected] or Melissa Rach at
[email protected] for more information.
[11]
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.
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.
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, 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.)
Rudy Alvarez; Renee Anderson; Lee Brandel; Ken Gostchock; Rebecca Herzig; Karla Sampson;
Tom and Matt Strieter; and Pilgrim shut-ins..
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
[12]
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
COFFEE HOURS – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The sign-up sheet is taped on the door going into the kitchen. Thank you! Deb Ndekwe (612-810-
4650)
Summer “Ark Encounter” Tour Invitation
Have you heard about the newly constructed, Biblically proportionate Ark in Northern Kentucky? All
W/ELS members are welcome to join the MLC Alumni Association sponsored group tour that will
include a visit to the Ark as well as the nearby Creation Museum and many other scenic and historical
sites in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. Travel is via deluxe motor coach from New Ulm, MN (June
16-25) with additional parking/pickup points in Mankato, Rochester, Onalaska, Madison, and
Waukesha. You can also begin and end in Milwaukee/Oak Creek, WI (June 17-24) for a discounted
price. One bus is already full and the 2nd is filling fast. For more information or to register, check out
the tour website at http://mlcalumni.wixsite.com/tours or contact Steve Balza at 507-217-1731.
[13]
OWLS RALLY - MINNESOTA DISTRICT 2017
WHEN? Wednesday, April 19 (Right after Easter)
WHERE? Martin Luther College
REGISTRATION
Please contact Dale Markgraf by April 13
Registration Fee $5.00. To be paid at the registration table
SCHEDULE
9:00 - 10:20 Registration, fellowship, rooms and beverage in the chapel conference room.
10:30 - 11:00 Chapel with the MLC students
11:15 - 11:45 MLC Update by VP Steven Thiesfeldt Cafeteria conference room
11:45 - 12:45 Lunch in the cafeteria $6.00 paid to the cashier at point of service
12:45 - 3:15 Program in the cafeteria conference room
Services to Veterans and Others
Mr. Greg Peterson Greg
Peterson is a native of New Ulm and a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Ulm. He served in the Air
Force for over 23 years and now works as one of many County Veterans' Service Officers in the state. Greg will
join us to discuss how the system works in providing various benefits for Veterans, their widows and their
children. He will also talk about ways to get gently used wheel chairs and walkers of for you and your fellow
church members.
Does the Old Testament speak about modern Israel?
Prof. Tom Nass
Some evangelical Christians teach that the modern state of Israel, founded in 1948, is a fulfillment of Bible
prophecies, and that Christians have a divine obligation to support it. In this session we will look at the Bible
prophecies that are involved and their proper interpretation. We will see that the church is the focus of Bible
prophecy, and not the modern state of Israel.
OWLS Foundation Report - Prof. John Paulsen, OWLS' Executive Director
2017 OWLS Convention Update - Mr. Werner Lemke, Convention Coordinator
Closing Remarks
ORGANIZATION OF WELS LUTHERAN SENIORS - DALE MARKGRAF, MINNESOTA VALLEY
CHAPTER CHAIRMAN 507-354-2735. [email protected]. 20 South Jefferson, New Ulm MN. 56073
[14]
Opportunities
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!
Help Needed
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!
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 ([email protected]) 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!
[15]
FAMILY FUN TIME
[16]
CHILDRENS FUN TIME
[17]
Pilgrim Lutheran Church 2017
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
And let us consider how we may spur one
another on toward love and good deeds, not
giving up meeting together…
Hebrews 10:24-25
1
Mornings with Mommy
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Bible Exploration @ 10 a.m.
Ladies Guild @ Noon
Worship Meeting @ Noon
Catechism Class 6 p.m.
2
3
4
5 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
8:30 & 10:30—Worship
9:45—7 E’s Bible Study
9:45—Sunday School
9:45—Coffee Plus 5
6
Council of Elders
6 p.m.
7
Early Risers Bible Study
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
8
Bible Exploration @ 10 a.m.
Worship Meeting @ Noon
Catechism Class 6 p.m.
9 10
11
L.I.F.T. 10:00—11:30 AM
12 Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
8:00—Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
8:30 & 10:30—Worship with Communion
9:45—7 E’s Bible Study
9:45—Sunday School
9:45—Coffee Plus 5
Life Sunday
13
14
Early Risers Bible Study
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
15
Mornings with Mommy
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Bible Exploration @ 10:00 a.m.
Worship Meeting @ Noon
Catechism Class 6 p.m.
16
17
18
19 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
8:30 & 10:30—Worship
9:45—7 E’s Bible Study
9:45—Sunday School
9:45—Coffee Plus 5
20
21
Early Risers Bible Study
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
22
Bible Exploration @ 10 a.m.
Worship Meeting @ Noon
Catechism Class 6 p.m.
23
24
25
L.I.F.T. 10:00—11:30 AM
26 Transfiguration of Our Lord
8:30 & 10:30—Worship with Communion
9:45—7 E’s Bible Study
9:45—Sunday School
9:45—Coffee Plus 5
27
28
Early Risers Bible Study
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Ash Wednesday
March 1st
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