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Volume 36 Number 01
The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim
Lutheran Church 3901 First Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 825-5375
From the Desk of Pastor Pete A Wise New Year
Tradition names them Balthasar, Melchior and Caspar but the Bible never tells us the names of the
magi or wise men who traveled to see Jesus. Scripture doesn't tell us specifically where they came from
or how many there were. We usually think of three wise men because they brought three gifts. I was
thinking of those gifts this week and about some resolutions for the new year.
GOLD: Back then, just as today, gold was so precious that nations based economies and currencies on
it. As poor people from a small town Joseph and Mary wouldn’t have seen much gold in their lifetime.
Gifts of money were welcome at the birth of a new child but Jesus wasn’t born back in Nazareth where
the couple might have expected that sort of support from family and neighbors. Gold was also a gift fit
for a king and commentators like to point out that by this gift the magi acknowledged Jesus as king.
The gift invites us to think about the new year. How much of my wealth did I use to acknowledge my
relationship to Jesus as my king? If someone were to audit all my expenditures for the year would it be
clear that Jesus is my first priority in life? Are there any changes that I need to make this year?
(Continued on Page 2)
January 2014
Table of Contents
Bible Studies/Sermons………………………...Page 3-4 Birthdays/Anniversariers………………………Page 5
Announcements/Prayers……………………….Page 6-10 Family Fun Time………………………………Page 11
Childrens Fun Time……………………………Page 12 Calendar ……………………………………….Page 13
FRANKINCENSE: Producers of frankincense make cuts in the bark of a certain type of tree.
Yellowish sap oozes out and then hardens and can be used as an aromatic incense. It was considered
very valuable in Jesus’ day. The incense was used in Old ‘Testament temple worship so commentators
like to make the connection and an acknowledgment that Jesus is God’s Son and true God himself. In
the book of Revelation incense symbolizes the prayers of God’s people.
The gift invites us to think about the new year. How much of my time did I spend in worship and prayer
this past year? When things were difficult or there were big decisions to make, how much prayer was
involved? When things went well, did I offer a prayer of thanksgiving? Did I set apart quiet time this
past year to let God speak to me through the Bible? Are there any changes that I need to make this
year?
MYRRH: Collected and processed in much the same manner as frankincense, myrrh is also an
aromatic product. Also a precious and rare commodity, myrrh was used to anoint the dead and was
probably featured in the “spices” that Jesus’ friends brought to his tomb. This gift points to the fact of
Jesus’ death. The baby at Bethlehem came to earth with a mission: to offer his life as the sacrifice for
all our sins.
The gift invites us to think about the new year. Jesus’ death means that my sins have been paid for and
their guilt is no longer mine. It also means that sin is no longer my master. Have I allowed sinful habits
or patterns of thinking into my life this past year? If there are habits that I can’t seem to break do I
need to talk with a Christian friend or my pastor about that? Are there any changes that I need to make
this year?
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and
worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense
and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
Special Presentations in January
During January the Christian church celebrates Epiphany, a commemoration of the magi’s journey to
visit Jesus. The It’s a time to remember and thank God that Jesus Christ is the Savior of all the world,
so we often talk about mission work and reaching out with the gospel message during Epiphany. This
year during January we’ll hear two special presentations that will take us to very different parts of the
world.
On January 12 Pastor Marcus Birkholz will preach in both morning services. Recently retired from
Salem Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Pastor Birkholz now serves as the executive director of an
organization that sends teachers to Asia.
On January 26 we’ll hear from our 3-4 grade teacher, Nicole Chernohorsky. She spent part of her last
summer as a volunteer in Malawi where she helped with a vacation Bible school project.
These two speakers will represent very different mission fields, but both presentations revolve around
good news that Jesus Christ is Savior of the nations.
[2]
Wednesday evening Bible studies
Jesus Christ: The Life that Changed Yours
Wednesday evening’s 6:00 pm. Fireside room
“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,
for whose sake I have lost all things.”
--Apostle Paul (Philippians 3:8)
Christianity is unique. Unlike religious systems around the world it is not about rules but about a
relationship with a person. That person is Jesus Christ.
In this Bible study our goal will not to know about Jesus, but to know him. We will study the Bible’s
account of his birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension. As we do that we’ll grow in our
understanding of what those events mean for us and our world.
This is an “advanced level” Bible study course that will include outside reading and other homework
assignments. But please, don’t let “advanced level” scare you away. If you’re willing to learn and grow
with your brothers and sisters in Christ, this class is for you.
UNIT 2: Jesus’ Ministry
January 8: Galilean Ministry (1)
January 15: Galilean Ministry (2)
January 22: Galilean Ministry (outlying districts)
January 29: Ministry in Judea and Perea
UNIT 3: Fulfilling the Mission
February 5: The Final Journey to Jerusalem
February 12: Holy Week
February 19: Jesus’ Passion
February 26: Resurrection and Ascension
[3]
Sermons 2013 – 2014
JANUARY
5: Isaiah 60:1-6 New identity!
Light of the World
12: Guest speaker
19: Isaiah 49:1-6 Global neighbors
26: Isaiah 9:1-4 No more gloom
FEBRUARY
2: Micah 6:1-8 We are the light of the
world
Nothing but . . .
9: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Nothing but Jesus
16: 1 Corinthians 2:6-13 Nothing but wisdom
23: Strong to Serve: St. Croix Lutheran High
MARCH
2: Matthew 17:1-9 Transfiguration
Songs of the heart
9: Psalm 130 Hope
16: Psalm 121 Help
23: Psalm 143 Rescue
30: Psalm 42 Worship
APRIL
6: Psalm 116 Mercy
13: Matthew 21:1-11 Palm Sunday:
Servant Leader
20: Matthew 28:1-10 Easter: He Lives!
Hope lives
27: 1 Peter 1:3-9 New birth
MAY
4: EDUCATION SUNDAY
11: 1 Peter 2:19-25 New purpose
18: Confirmation
[4]
January Birthdays
Kula Roberts 1
Mark Odegard 2
Brian Arndt 3
Aaron Hartzel 5
Norma Kettner 10
Phyllis Martin 10
Thomas Kurth 12
Katherine Wasley 13
Geri Geiselhart 14
Zoe Herzig 15
Travis Moy 15
Nicole Minea 17
Hannah Bandelin 18
Gunner Maki 18
Guy Engelke 19
Jennifer Hartzell 21
Arthur Wessels 22
Leah Hartzell 25
Lori McGowan 27
Amanda Wasley 27
Sarah Wasley 27
Mary Lindgren 30
January Wedding Anniversary
Duane & Karen Sonnenburg 7
[5]
Announcements
MARRIAGE WORKSHOP
FOR: Married couples, engaged couples, couples considering marriage
WHAT: The Prepare-Enrich inventory gives each couple a look into important relationship areas such
as communication, conflict resolution, personality and more. More than 3,000,000 couples worldwide
have used this program to help them understand their relationships. Contents of the inventory are
confidential, of course, and nobody at the workshop will be called upon to discuss anything that they’re
not willing to discuss.
COST: $35.00 per couple covers the cost of the inventory.
WHEN: Feb. 8 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: If you have questions or would like to register contact Pastor Pete. (Pre-
registration is required—couples will need to complete the inventory before the workshop) Or register
online at pilgrimonline.net
LIFT
Are you interested in studying the Bible in a relaxed atmosphere with other Pilgrim women? Do you
feel disconnected and want to get to know your church sisters better? Do you desire to live life with a
more worry- free, peaceful heart? Come to the L.I.F.T. Women’s Bible study on Wednesday nights.
Our next 6 week session starts on January 22, 7:00pm-8:30 pm, in the Pilgrim cafeteria. ALL Pilgrim
women are invited and encouraged to attend. Contact Tammy Leyrer at [email protected] or
call 612 229 6544 if you are interested.
[6]
Announcements/Prayers …
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
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.
PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS
Please pray for the United States military and the following enlisted and/or deployed service men and
women:
Paul Bandelin, Errol Belanger, Justin Brandt, David Chernohorsky; Jason Fahey, Brent Hassler,
Jennifer James, Nicholas Neumann, Andrew Rolston, 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.)
Gerald Belsaas; Connie and Bill Bonde; Amina Bushey; Michael Dieter; Kirsi Fischer; Brian
Florin; Ken Gostchock; Rebeccca Herzig; Jean Loescher; Rozetta Norman; Jim Petroske; Rick
Puterbaugh; and Pilgrim shut-ins.
[7]
Announcements
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.
SON Experience – Sunday Evenings in the gym at 6:00
Any of you here today that are just getting to know Jesus for the first time or even if church can make
you a bit uncomfortable, we invite you to come and join us for the SON Experience. The SON
Experience is a casual and relaxed environment in which a bunch of people gather and experience the
presence of God among us. Everyone is welcomed, but we are especially there to serve those in need
of something a bit different. We welcome you!
Early riser’s bible study – all are welcome!
All are welcome to join us for bible study every Tuesday morning from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Coffee
and refreshments are provided. Digging into God’s word with fellow Christians is a great way to start
the day!
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? Pilgrim is reaching out in love to bring all those who want to worship in person to our
church, beginning Sunday, February 10. The benefits of being present in God’s house, sitting with
others, singing, praying and praising God are huge. If you would like a ride to church one Sunday a
month to attend the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship service, please call Pastor Leyrer or Tam in the church
office at 612-825-5375.
Church Nursery Supplies Needed
Please contact Rachel Josephitis at 954-554-2772 or [email protected] if you have any
baby items (gently used) you would like to donate to the re-start-up of the nursery. Location to be
determined. Specific items looking for changing pad, baskets for under changing table, toys, rocking
chair, swing, rocking horse, bouncy chair. Also, any diapers (all sizes) or wipes. Thanks! Rachel
Josephitis
[8]
Announcements
Attention: ladies of pilgrim
Whether you are married, single, young, middle aged, a senior citizen, retired, or working, we invite
YOU to join the Pilgrim Ladies Guild. We meet at noon the first Wednesday of the month in the
fireside room during the school year. We have a dessert, a meeting (some times with very lively
discussions and always with humor), and a short Bible study with Pastor Pete. He also updates us on
all that is going on at Pilgrim and with our church members.
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!
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!
Networking/Job Transition Group
We meet once a month 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 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-Managers of the group are Ruth Arves (St. Michael's member) and Geri Geiselhart
(Pilgrim Lutheran member). For more information, contact Ruth Arves at 612-869-0393 /
[email protected] or Geri at 612-822-2318 / [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.
[9]
Announcements
Eleven day tour to England and Scotland
Retired WELS pastor, James Humann, invites you to join him and fellow WELS/ELS members on an
eleven day tour to England and Scotland. The tour dates are July 14-24, 2014. Space is limited.
Twenty people have already joined the tour. For a colorful brochure with the daily itinerary, costs and
General Conditions, e-mail Pastor Humann at [email protected] or call 253-839-9055. If you
would like a hard copy of the brochure, be sure to include your mailing address.
I teach part-time at Evergreen Lutheran High School in Tacoma, WA. We're enjoying our new
campus.
Again, thank you, and blessings on your school year.
In Christ,
Pastor James Humann
Thank You Pilgrim Family!
A special thank you to those of you who shared in celebrating with us our 50th
wedding anniversary
and also contributing to the food shelf. We are truly blessed to be part of Pilgrim’s family that shows
God’s love.
Bill and Sondra Brust
"Member of the Month".
So now for January we are ready for our second "Member of the Month". Actually, this month we
have a husband and wife team that is sharing the honor. Eric and Nicole Minea have been chosen
for their work at school. Over the years, both have given many hours in a variety of ways. This year,
Eric has been supervising upper grade study hall for Mr. Oakland almost every day. While Nicole is
responsible for organizing and supervising the return of our Sunday School. Thanks to both of you for
your service to your Savior here at Pilgrim.
Is everyone else thinking about the question, "Why should I be a member of Pilgrim?" Remember
fabulous prizes are being planned for the best answer, and while I have heard some conversation about
this, I have not received any formal answers. I think I have a correct answer, and I think arriving at
the answer involves how one approaches the question (hint??). Next month we'll start organizing
teams to make calls in our Visitation Program. If you want to participate, please don't wait for me to
call you. May our gracious Lord Jesus shower us all with uncountable blessings in 2014.
Barry Gostchock, Membership
[10]
FAMILY FUN TIME
[11]
CHILDRENS FUN TIME
[12]
JANUARY 2014 Pilgrim Lutheran Church
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3 4
5 Worship Services:
8:30 & 10:30 Worship
9:45-10:25 Sunday School
9:45 7 E’s Bible Study
9:45 Coffee Plus 5
4:00-5:30 Youth Group
5:00 SON Happy Hour
6:00 SON Experience—Pizza & Fellowship
6
School Resumes
7
Early Riser’s Bible Study
6:30-7:30 a.m.
Foundations Class
6:00 p.m.
8
Ladies Guild @ Noon
Worship Meeting @ Noon
Bible Study
6:00 p.m.
9 10 11
Women’s Bible Study
Resumes in February
12 Communion Services:
8:30 & 10:30 Worship
Marcus Birkholtz, Guest Preacher
9:45-10:25 Sunday School
9:45 7 E’s Bible Study
9:45 Coffee Plus 5
2:00 Family Movie: McClintock
4:00 Act Training
5:00 SON Happy Hour
6:00 SON Experience
13
Council of Elders
6 p.m.
Early Bird Registration
Begins
14
Early Riser’s Bible Study
6:30-7:30 a.m.
Foundations Class
6:00 p.m.
15
Worship Meeting @ Noon
Bible Study
6:00 p.m.
16
17
Kindergarten Round-Up
9:00 a.m. to Noon
18
19 Worship Services:
8:30 & 10:30 Worship
9:45-10:25 Sunday School
9:45 7 E’s Bible Study
9:45 Coffee Plus 5
4:00 Act Training
5:00 SON Happy Hour
6:00 SON Experience
20
No School
Martin Lutheran King Jr. Day
21
Early Riser’s Bible Study
6:30-7:30 a.m.
Foundations Class
6:00 p.m.
22
Worship Meeting @ Noon
Bible Study
6:00 p.m.
23 24 25
FPU Spaghetti Dinner
5:00– Social Hour
6:00—Dinner
7:00—Success Stories
26 Communion Services:
8:30 & 10:30 Worship
Malawi Presentation—Nicole Chernohorsky
9:45-10:25 Sunday School
9:45 7 E’s Bible Study
9:45 Coffee Plus 5
11:30 Brunch
12:00 SON Experience
27
28
Early Riser’s Bible Study
6:30-7:30 a.m.
Foundations Class
6:00 p.m.
FPU Class
6:00 p.m.
29
Worship Meeting @ Noon
Bible Study
6:00 p.m.
30 31
