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Thursday, September 17, 2026
Registration Check-In
Pizza, Planting, and Popsicles this Saturday, September 19, at 12:30 p.m. Register here.
Who Are We luncheon immediately after church this Sunday, September 20. Register here.
Question Marks: Doing Theology by Asking Big Questions, led by Pastor Mary Anderson. Register here.
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Happy Thursday, Pilgrims!
This morning, I’m excited to take part in one of the many 250th American Anniversary celebrations. This one is personal. The Lexington community will be gathering at River Bluff High School to hear a lecture/presentation by Teacher and Historian Mike Burgess on the Dreher Family and the American Revolution. A historical marker will be dedicated near the site of the ruins of the home of John Dreher, the son of my immigrant ancestor, Gottfried Dreher. John and his brother fought off a party of Tories (American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown) from their home during the Revolutionary War.
I’ve visited the ruins of this family home. The fort that John built, which could hold 120 farming family members in the event of a raid by Native peoples, was also nearby, though no ruins of it have been found. I’ve heard a story that such raids did occur and that an ancestor of the Drafts family was killed in one.
Stories like these remind us how deep our history is in Lexington County. The Drehers were members of Zion Lutheran during those years, but John saw that change was coming to America around 1812. He had an American spirit during a time when many still wanted to hold onto the old European ways. This could be seen in our local Lutheran churches of the time, which wanted to cling to German-language worship and education. John felt that this needed to change, as did others. He saw that the children and grandchildren of the immigrants were becoming American. He helped form my home congregation in 1814, which was established as the first English-speaking Lutheran church in the area.
As Christians, we can’t anticipate how God will call us to be change-agents in the world. Some of us are called to do big things, others small ones, but called we are, nevertheless. This is our stewardship as we listen to the ways God is calling each of us to use what we have, who we are, and where we are to preach the gospel, using words as necessary.
Be who you are called to be,
Pastor Mary
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Council President’s Page
Mary Beth Hill
December continues to creep up on us
Pilgrim Lutheran Church’s constitution requires that during our service of worship, we notify our congregation about two upcoming Information Meetings and our Annual Congregation Meeting.
As you know, at the Annual Meeting, the congregation will choose individuals to serve on the Church Council, approve the 2027 budget/ministry plan, and take up any other impending business.
Because the 2026 Annual Meeting takes place on the second Sunday in December (December 13), immediately following worship in the sanctuary, we work backward from that date.
Leading up to the annual meeting, we hold two information meetings. The first information session will take place after Worship on Sunday, November 29. The second takes place after Worship on Sunday, December 6.
At both information sessions, we will have copies of the proposed 2027 Budget/Ministry Plan. Melissa Hendrix and other members of the Generosity (Finance) Team will be here to answer questions about that proposed budget.
You will also be given the names of those nominated by the nominating committee who have agreed to serve on council.
Please tell anyone you know who attends Pilgrim about these two Information Sessions and the Annual Meeting.
Another reminder
We are thankful for the people who serve as worship assistants, ushers, communion assistants, hospitality table providers, Children’s Time teachers or assistants, and AV and sound providers each Sunday here at Pilgrim.
Our Parish Administrator, Courtney Coker, does a lot to help you remember that you volunteered and need to arrive on time. She usually includes at least two weeks of upcoming assignments in a list of worship assistants, ushers, communion assistants, Children’s Time teachers and assistants, and hospitality table providers that appears in the Sunday bulletins. In other words, your assignment shows up for about two Sundays before you actually serve. She also sends an email and text reminder to that week’s providers. You may also view the full year by clicking here.
The list for the next four weeks is listed below under “Worship Service Volunteers.”
Mark your calendars
Sunday, November 29, First Information Meeting immediately following worship
Sunday, December 6, Second Information Meeting immediately following worship
Sunday, December 13, 2026, Annual Meeting, immediately following worship
Hospitality Table Happenings!
There is nothing like catching up with friends over a treat after our Worship Service! Our hospitality table plays a huge role in creating a warm and welcoming environment for both our regular members and visitors.
To keep providing these moments each Sunday, we need your help building fellowship. We need volunteers to sign up to bring treats for the coming weeks. We provide the paper plates, napkins, utensils, water, and even a tablecloth. All you need to do is bring the treats — whether bought or homemade.
Please consider being a part of this important ministry by contacting Kathleen Shutt, Mary Beth Hill, or Courtney Coker in the church office.
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Stewardship Fall 2026
Woven Together in Generosity
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Last Sunday, September 13, we launched a new stewardship campaign, “Woven Together in Generosity,” with a temple talk by Wally Steinhauser, of the Generosity Team. He prepared two slides that outline our current financial situation. You can find these by clicking here.
That talk reviewed the $351,000 baseline of the 2026 budget approved by the congregation and our progress in meeting it through July, along with some photos in the narthex of physical repairs our facility requires (please take a look at those next week).
Our goal is to increase our giving by at least 15% or $50,000 per year, so we can be in a financial position to call a new, full-time pastor. We mailed a letter with a pledge card to each member last week. You may recall from the letters we mailed earlier in the Summer, that Pastor Mary is an Interim, part-time pastor and paid as such, even though she is working more than full-time. To be sure, we have been very fortunate to have had her services for the past four years. A full-time pastor’s Synod-recommended salary is twice what we are paying Pastor Mary!
We are optimistic about our ability to achieve our goal because the very first pledge card we received showed a substantial increase in their giving. Further, over the past three and one-half years, we have reduced the sanctuary mortgage balance from $919,000 to $250,000. That has allowed us to manage our budget and put us in a position to begin the call process.
If you have questions, please direct them to Wally Steinhauser or any member of the Church Council. Please prayerfully consider your gifts. We give because we have been given to!
Remember, our three goals for this year’s campaign are:
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Our Ministry and Mission Generosity Goals
- To increase our capacity to provide a compensation package to our new pastor that meets the SC Synod Guidelines for a full-time pastor.
- To increase our capacity to comfortably provide for the necessary repair and maintenance of our facilities that support our many ministries.
- To increase our generosity in giving to the wider church as we live out our commitment to be a connected church.
All these goals can be achieved with an overall increase of 15% in congregational giving in 2027 over giving in 2026.
When we speak of stewardship in the Christian church, we speak of our management of all God has given us — our lives, our families, our gifts, and resources. Our gratitude to God always grows our generosity. Our discipleship is reflected in our stewardship.
Over the next three weeks in worship, our Sunday morning Temple Talks will be shared by members of our congregation telling their Pilgrim stories.
This Sunday, we look forward to hearing from the Mears family: Tyler, Ryan, Delaney, and Dylan. Thank you for sharing with us!
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Kickoff: September 8
We sent a letter with full information about this Generosity Campaign.
Temple Talks: September 13, 20, and 27
Each week, we will hear an inspirational or informational talk by one of our members. Each week, a bulletin insert will speak to one of our three goals.
Pledge Sunday: October 4
We will receive Generosity Pledges during our Offering Time in Worship.
The final deadline for turning in these pledges is Thursday, October 15.
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Join us for a luncheon immediately after church on Sunday, September 20. During this session, we will reflect on the mission and vision developed during our previous two meetings.
This is a vital step in our church transition as we:
- Review key items for the Ministry Site Profile required for the call process.
- Evaluate if our objectives align with our stated mission and vision.
- Pray together about the future direction of our ministry.
Please come be a part of this important conversation as we discern who we are and where we believe God is calling us.
| | Question Marks: Doing Theology by Asking Big Questions | | |
We’re diving deep this fall with Question Marks: Doing Theology by Asking Big Questions, led by Pastor Mary Anderson on September 22, 29, October 6, and 13.
In-Person: Tuesdays, 10–11:30 a.m., in the Prayer and Share Room of the Pilgrim Administrative Building
On Zoom: Tuesdays, 7–8:15 p.m. The Zoom link will be in Pilgrim’s Progress and on Facebook.
Any Time: Watch the recorded Zoom session. The link to watch will be published in Pilgrim’s Progress, on the website, and on Facebook.
Overview: In these four sessions, both in-person and on Zoom, Pastor Mary Anderson will lead us in theological conversation about some of the big questions we have about God, Christ, the scriptures, and our contemporary lives.
We’ll combine scriptural interpretation, church doctrine, Lutheran theology, and our own experiences as people of faith and simply as human beings, as we speak about and listen faithfully to these four big questions.
For more information, click here.
| | Pizza, Planting, and Popsicles! | | |
Join us at Pilgrim this Saturday, September 19, at 12:30 p.m. for a special afternoon where families grow together!
Enjoy an afternoon filled with food, faith, and fun. We’ll kick things off with pizza before breaking into groups, and, then, we’ll all reunite at the end for popsicles and community celebration.
Children will get to explore nature, plant seeds, help our garden grow, and discover how God helps us with worry and builds our hope. Parents will connect with other parents and discuss practical ways to help kids thrive, based on the book Balanced and Barefoot.
This event is completely free, and every family will receive a complimentary copy of Balanced and Barefoot to take home! This event is sponsored by Navigating the Pressure: Helping Kids Thrive in a Stressed-Out World.
Space is limited. So, please register today.
| | Pilgrim’s Annual Garage and Boston Butt Sale | | |
Mark your calendars for Pilgrim’s Annual Garage and Boston Butt Sale on Saturday, October 10, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
Boston Butt pickup will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Preorder your Boston Butt’s now. Click here to order. Enter the total for the number of Butt’s purchased. Select “Lutheran Men.” Include your name and how many were ordered in the memo.
Donations are welcome, and you may drop off items starting October 6. Please contact Keith Galloway for more information.
| | Pilgrim Community Thanksgiving Dinner | | | | |
Our annual Pilgrim Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held on November 22, immediately following worship.
Stay tuned for more details coming about donations of meats, sides, and desserts.
| | Save these December dates! | | |
Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., St. Nicholas Festival, at Pilgrim in the Fellowship Hall.
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Saturday, December 12, from 3 to 5 p.m., Cheers to the Years Retirement Party for Pastor Mary Anderson.
Sunday, December 27, is Pastor Mary Anderson’s last Sunday here at Pilgrim. Her last day at Pilgrim will be December 31, 2026.
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Senior Pro Tip
This week, our Senior Pro Tip is courtesy of our friends at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
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SMART911
With Smart911, you can provide 9-1-1 call takers and first responders with critical information in case of an emergency.
If you ever call 9-1-1 after registering with Smart911, your Safety Profile displays on the dispatcher’s screen, where they can view your addresses, medical information, home information, pet information, vehicle information, and emergency contacts. You can provide as much or as little information as you like.
Smart911 is a national service, meaning your Smart911 Safety Profile travels with you and is visible to any participating 9-1-1 center nationwide.
You can register at www.Smart911.com.
| | Pilgrim Community Preschool | | Join us at Reconstructing Home 2026 | | |
Tickets are now available for Transitions Homeless Center’s annual Reconstructing Home Art Show and Awards!
Reconstructing Home is a special evening celebrating resilience, community, and lives being rebuilt. Attendees will enjoy a silent art auction, live entertainment from the Easy Does It Duo, local food, and inspiring stories of impact.
We are so proud to share that Pastor Mary Anderson will be honored with the prestigious Cathy Novinger Award for her outstanding service to Transitions and dedication to supporting those experiencing homelessness in our community.
Event Details
When: Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Columbia Museum of Art (1515 Main St, Columbia, SC)
Tickets: $25 per individual or $45 per couple
| | Oktoberfest 2026 is back! Mark your calendars! | | |
Join us at Incarnation Lutheran Church (3005 Devine St.) for Columbia’s original German festival!
What to Expect
Biergarten and Bites: Authentic Paulaner beer, homemade German food, and freshly baked pastries.
Music and Dancing: Live, traditional oompah bands and performance groups.
Family Fun: A dedicated Kinderzone featuring face painting, a balloon artist, and a playground.
Dates: October 9–11, 2026
Connect: Follow them on Facebook to stay updated on event schedules and announcements!
Calling all Pilgrim friends!
We would love to hang out together during the festival! A group of us will be meeting up for dinner on Saturday, October 10, at 5:30 p.m.
Look for us under the main tent to grab a table, eat some great food, listen to the live music, and enjoy time together. Bring your family and friends. Come join in on the fun!
| | A Message from Presiding Bishop Curry | | |
Presiding Bishop Curry issues his fourth in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled “All Together in One Place.”
Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God’s presence today, our rich theological tradition, and the social teaching that connects us.
| | Yoga with Sister D’Etta Broam | | |
Stretch, breathe, recharge, and pray with yoga led by Sister D’Etta Broam!
Details
When: Saturday at 10 a.m. (45 minutes) on September 19.
Where: Pilgrim’s Fellowship Hall
Cost: $50 for a 5-session package or $12 drop-in (Venmo, cash, or check accepted at class.)
Participants may contact Sister D’Etta directly with any questions.
The next 5 session dates are:
October 17 and 31, November 14 (Chapel) and 21, and December 5 (Chapel).
| | Pastor’s Discretionary Fund | | A reminder that our church maintains a Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, which is used to provide confidential assistance when needs arise within our community. If you would like to contribute, please note “Pastor’s Discretionary Fund” in the memo line of your check or on your envelope. Thank you for your generosity and care for one another. | | Stay updated with Lutheran publications | | | | If you’re looking for inspiring stories and updates about the ELCA and happenings around the world, be sure to check out the Living Lutheran magazine. Just click here. | | |
If you’d like to stay connected with what’s going on in South Carolina, don’t miss the weekly newsletter from the South Carolina Synod, the Lutheran Living in South Carolina eNews. Just click here to read it. Enjoy!
| | How Can I Give to Pilgrim? | | |
We offer multiple ways to give that make supporting us easy and convenient. You can give in person or online. Send your donation by mail to Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1430 N. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072. Or, set up recurring giving with Simply Giving, our electronic automatic giving program.
As you think about your contributions, please consider electronic giving. It’s simple, reliable, and helps us plan better for the future. With Simply Giving, your donation is ready to go toward our ministry needs right away, and it also involves fewer fees than online credit card donations.
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Worship Service Volunteers, please read!
You can view the 2026 list of Worship Volunteers in the schedule here. It is always a work in progress. If you notice an error or suspect a conflict, please notify us. We need your help keeping up with them.
Remember, if you can’t cover your assigned job, please find someone to take your place. If you ask, other volunteers will swap weeks with you. Then, once you’ve found someone to take your place, call or text Courtney Coker in the office, and she can make those needed changes online, in Pilgrim’s Progress, and in the Sunday Bulletin.
September 20, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Jackie Kaminer
Ushers — Scott Grosse and Jamie Kosanka
Communion Assistants — Kathy Boivin and Lou Galloway
Counters — Jamie Kosanka
Hospitality Table — Lunch Meeting and No Table
Children’s Time — Need Volunteers
September 27, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Lou Galloway
Ushers — Scott Grosse and David Marshall
Communion Assistants — Jane and David Park
Counters — Melissa Hendrix and Don Kosanka
Hospitality Table — Amber Marshall
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman
October 4, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Kathleen Shutt
Ushers — Mary Beth Hill and Tyler Mears
Communion Assistants — Ricky and Becky Wingard
Counters — Scott Grosse and Delores Steinhauser
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Need Volunteers
October 11, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Ricky Wingard
Ushers — Carl Richardson and Brenda Sommer
Communion Assistants — Mary Beth Hill and Kristen Dashiell
Counters — Don Kosanka and Todd Hendrix
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Need Volunteers
October 18, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Jamy Claire Archer
Ushers — Joe Kaminer and Ted Wingard
Communion Assistants — Jackie Kaminer and Debra Richardson
Counters — Delores and Wally Steinhauser
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman
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Pilgrim’s Prayer List
Our prayers continue for our brother in Christ, Rick Harris, as his treatment for blood cancer continues. He wants you to know that he will go to Greenville Hospital for several weeks of treatment and recovery in early October. While he’s too vulnerable to receive visitors, Rick would love to hear from you by mail.
Rick’s address in the Yacht Cove community is:
147 Seafarer Lane
Columbia, SC 29212
Alan Addy
Myra Boyd
Norma Drafts
Rick Harris
Jimmy Metts
Bill Sanders
Greg Sommer
Friends of Pilgrim
Joyce Czarnecki
Diana Davis, sister of Lisa Davis
Ben Green, Greg Sommer’s brother-in-law
Nadine Greene, friend of Karl and Carolyn Horner
Joanna Kirkland, sister-in-law of Debra and Carl Richardson
Lars, Brenda Sommer’s Nephew
Eileen and Ronnie Leaphart, dear friends of Myron and Linda Corley
LeMaster Family, family of Melissa Hendrix
The family, friends, and colleagues of Master Deputy Jillian Hope Olson, as they mourn her death.
Jill Sanders, Wally and Delores Steinhauser’s cousin-in-law
Heidi, Wolfram Schwabe’s sister
Trey Soud, friend of Wally and Delores Steinhauser
Louise Velky, the newest member of Mary Beth Hill’s family, as she is facing a rare genetic diagnosis.
Pastor Carl and Debra Yost, as his health struggles continue.
Please contact the church office if you would like someone added or removed from the prayer list.
| | Worship is at 10 a.m. each Sunday. | | |
Scriptures for this Sunday
First Reading: Jonah 3:10—4:11
Second Reading: Philippians 1:21-30
Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16
| | Worship Service replay from Sunday, September 13, 2026 | | | | |
