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Thursday, June 18, 2026
What’s New for You?
- Father’s Day Hot Dog Lunch
- We Celebrate our New S.C. Synod Bishop
- Fire Suppression System Update
- Pastor Mary to Receive 2026 Cathy Novinger Award
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Happy Thursday, Pilgrims!
We had a good Council meeting on Sunday afternoon as we move our mission forward through the end of 2026 and beyond. We engaged in conversation with the members of our Vision and Mission Team, as they have now processed all the information you shared at our two “Who Are We?” sessions. We’re refining the language we will use to articulate who we are as a congregation in this day and time and as we articulate it to the S.C. Synod and potential pastoral candidates.
We’re putting steps in place to engage everyone at Pilgrim in reflecting on the words we are proposing for a tag line, a mission statement, a vision statement, and a list of values.
Such things are just “word salad” if you don’t feel they express who we are and what we discern God is calling us to do. They won’t be effective tools if you, as a member, can’t “buy in” to them and, even more importantly, if you can’t tell others what they mean and how we are living them out. Please stay tuned to the ways we’ll be inviting you to engage. We will need each of you, and we count on you.
As a few PMA reminders, I’ll be away at Lutheridge all next week with my family, as we are all volunteering as either the nurse for the week or pastoral care leaders. We will be working with the high school group. Then, July 5 will be my last Sunday before leaving for my six weeks serving back at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Evanston, IL. My first week will be spent attending the gathering of all ELCA rostered ministers in Indianapolis from July 6-9.
While away, I’ll send a few lines each week to this space to let you know what I’ve been up to. Several projects I’m taking with me are projects for Pilgrim. More on that later.
On we go, in Jesus’ Name,
Pastor Mary
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Council President’s Page
Mary Beth Hill
Clarifying a few questions
Last Sunday, after worship, we handed out copies of a draft policy regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Pilgrim campus. Know that if you weren’t there last Sunday, we will have some copies available again this Sunday. Or, email Courtney Coker or me, and we can email a PDF of it to you.
Based on your questions so far, we wanted to clarify that our attorney and our insurance company representative have both reviewed this draft policy and agreed that it complies with the law and addresses insurance liabilities.
We are following our normal process for passing any policy changes by introducing the change(s), allowing two Sundays after worship for “information sessions” regarding the policy, and then holding a congregational vote on the third Sunday.
On Sunday, June 14, we provided you with a copy of the draft policy.
We planned to hold the first information session this coming Sunday, June 21, the second information session on Sunday, June 28, and the congregational vote after worship on Sunday, July 12.
Since the information sessions are designed to find out your questions, and since Pilgrim’s men are grilling hot dogs in honor of Father’s Day, we thought of a good “work around.”
Instead of taking your questions about the policy after worship this Sunday, we ask you to do this.
- Just write your question or questions down on a piece of paper.
- Bring those pieces of paper to church on Sunday.
- Drop them in the offering baskets as the ushers come around.
- We will collect your questions and answer them in next week’s Pilgrim’s Progress.
That way, you can still enjoy the hot dog celebration or head on out to your family’s Father’s Day get-togethers.
We need YOU!
We are always looking for individuals willing to serve as worship assistants, ushers, communion assistants, hospitality table providers, children’s time teachers or assistants, and AV and sound providers. We teach you all you need to know, and we aren’t looking for perfection. We are looking for those willing to serve.
If you are interested in serving as one of these, please reach out to Courtney Coker or me, and we will get you on the calendar.
| | Father’s Day Hot Dog Lunch | | |
Join us after worship this Sunday on Father’s Day, June 21, for a grilled hot dog lunch on the Sanctuary patio! Stay for food, fellowship, and a chance to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who make a difference in our lives.
All are welcome. We hope you’ll stick around and enjoy some time together as a church family.
| | We Celebrate our New SC Synod Bishop | | |
At the 2026 Synod Assembly, June 11-13, 390 voting members and 40 visitors gathered in the Convention Center of Brooklyn Baptist Church in West Columbia. During these days, our retiring bishop, Virginia Aebischer, was nicely feted as we celebrated her six years as bishop and her previous 12 years as Assistant to the Bishop.
We went about the difficult and joyful discernment process to elect a new bishop and succeeded on the fifth and final ballot by electing The Rev. Wade Roof, Pastor of Mt. Tabor Lutheran in West Columbia. He will officially begin on September 1 and will be installed on October 24.
Bishop-elect Roof will be our partner as Pilgrim searches for a new pastor at the end of this year and into 2027. We look forward to this partnership. In his closing comments to the assembly before the final ballot, he spoke about the synod-wide concern over the lack of pastors to serve our congregations. He is both aware of the issue and has some ideas of how to move us forward. We look forward to this partnership!
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Representing Pilgrim as voting members were Pastor Mary, Tyler Mears, and Delores Steinhauser.
We are especially proud of Delores, who spoke to the assembly on Friday and did an outstanding job presenting on Navigating the Pressure. If you missed her presentation, we encourage you to take a few minutes to watch it online by clicking here. Delores is introduced at approximately the 3:20:00 mark of the video.
| | Fire Suppression System Update | |
As some of you may know, we recently discovered a leak in our church fire suppression system.
The great news is that the leak has been completely fixed, and the system is fully operational and safe.
Over the next few weeks, we will be working on the cosmetic repairs. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we get our beautiful building looking its best again!
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Pilgrim will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, June 26, from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. This is a simple way to make a lifesaving difference in our community this summer.
As a special thank you, everyone present to donate will be entered to win four Six Flags tickets, valid at any Six Flags park in the United States through September 7, 2026. Donors may also qualify for additional Red Cross gift card promotions and prize drawings.
Book your appointment by clicking here. Plenty of spots are still available. Help us fill the schedule and support this important mission!
| | Pastor Mary to Receive 2026 Cathy Novinger Award | | |
Attend Reconstructing Home 2026, an evening celebrating art, community, and impact on Thursday, September 24, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Columbia Museum of Art. Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple.
We are especially honored to announce that Pastor Mary Anderson will receive the 2026 Cathy Novinger Award in recognition of her long-standing commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness through Transitions.
Pastor Mary has been part of this work from the very beginning, serving as a founding board member and helping lead the Light the Way campaign that helped establish Transitions in our community. She has continued her faithful service through board leadership, teaching Bible studies and classes, and her weekly “Coffee with Pastor Mary” gatherings, which provide encouragement, dignity, and connection for those being served.
The evening will also feature original artwork from Transitions clients, a silent auction, food from local restaurants, and a ceremony honoring this year’s award recipients. Guests will hear firsthand stories of progress and hope from individuals actively rebuilding their lives.
| | Register now for the family Creek Walk! | | |
Join Pilgrim Lutheran Church on July 18 at 9 a.m. for a morning of creek walking, outdoor wonder, and meaningful conversation at Saluda Shoals Park.
Children and their grown-ups will explore Corley Creek with Saluda Shoals Park Rangers, learn about the Lower Saluda River ecosystem, enjoy a snack and faith formation, and gather for a parent discussion and Q&A with a children’s counselor from Jill Smith + Associates Counseling.
This event is designed to be playful, welcoming, hands-on, and low-pressure — a chance for children to explore creation and for parents to connect around the joys and challenges of raising happy, confident kids.
Registration ends July 10. Space is limited to 30 total participants, including both children and adults. Preference is given on a first-come, first-served basis. If the event fills, we will keep a waitlist and notify families if spots become available.
There is no cost to participate. This event is paid for by a grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the South Carolina Synod. Click here for more information on the creek walk.
| | Ultra Short Survey for Families | | |
The Navigating Team wants our content to be truly impactful for families.
Parents and Grandparents, please take this one-question survey to share any questions or curiosities you have about anxiety in children.
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Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. as we gather in the Fellowship Hall kitchen for another evening of Holy Casseroley.
We’ll be preparing casseroles to share with members of our church family and community. If you’ve already responded about attending, thank you! If you’re still working out your schedule, there’s plenty of time to let us know.
If you would like to join us and haven’t already signed up, please contact Delores by June 25. Knowing who’s coming helps us plan the recipes and assign ingredients to bring.
We’re also looking to add a few new dishes to our rotation. If you have a favorite casserole recipe that freezes well in two 8x8 pans and is simple to prepare, we’d love for you to share it.
Whether you’re a seasoned casserole maker or trying it for the first time, we’d love to have you in the kitchen with us.
| | Celebration of Life for Claudine Hope | | |
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Claudine Bevill Hope, who left us peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on November 18, 1928, in Springfield, GA, Claudine was a respected and loved member of the Lexington community where she resided for 58 years.
Click here to read the official obituary of Claudine Bevill Hope.
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Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life honoring Claudine on Sunday, July 12, from 2–5 p.m. at the Corley Mill House.
We ask that you continue to hold her family in prayer and give thanks to God for the blessings of her life.
| | | Visit Secluded Gardens during peak bloom season | | |
Pilgrim members, Gail and Wayne Buff, invite you to visit Secluded Gardens, an American Daylily Society National Daylily Display Garden located on their beautifully wooded and landscaped property. With approximately 250 varieties of daylilies, along with annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, the gardens are currently at their peak and will remain in bloom through mid-June.
Pilgrim members, family, and friends are welcome to visit and enjoy God’s creation. The gardens are located at 132 Seclusion Court, behind Wingard’s Market, and open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is available on the right side of the circular driveway. No appointment is necessary. If Gail and Wayne are away, visitors are still encouraged to enjoy the gardens.
“Consider the lilies how they grow; they toil not; and yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” — Luke 12:27
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Stretch, breathe, and recharge with yoga led by Sister D’Etta Broam. These welcoming sessions will include a chair/mat combination to accommodate different abilities and comfort levels.
Our first of five sessions began on May 30 and will continue on June 20, June 27, and July 18 (working around Synod events and the Fourth of July). Sessions will meet for 45 minutes on Saturdays at 10 a.m. The classes will be held in the Fellowship Hall.
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Looking ahead, the next five yoga sessions will be held on August 1, August 15, August 29, September 12, and September 26.
Cost is $50 for five sessions or $12 per drop-in class. Participants may pay using Sister D’Etta’s Venmo or by cash or check at the class.
If you would like to participate or learn more, please contact the church office. Participants can also reach out to Sister D’Etta directly with any questions.
| | “Meat” the need this June | | |
This June, Pilgrim’s food pantry focus is canned and shelf-stable meats to help provide protein-rich, filling options for families in our community.
Items like canned chicken, tuna, Spam, Vienna sausages, meat sticks, pepperoni, and other meats help stretch meals and make a real difference when school lunches are no longer part of the daily routine. Thank you for helping support our neighbors by keeping summer meals on the table.
| | Choose your weeks! Join the fun! | | |
Looking for summer fun for your kids or grandkids? Heather and Mimi, two of Pilgrim Preschool’s beloved teachers, are hosting a children’s summer camp right here at Pilgrim.
Camp will meet Monday through Thursday through July 30, using the Fellowship Hall and Pilgrim Park for games, crafts, outdoor activities, STEM projects, science experiments, themed adventures, and more. Each week features a different theme, so every week brings something new to explore.
Families are welcome to sign up for as many or as few weeks as they would like. Payments are handled on a week-by-week basis, making it easy to fit camp into your family’s summer plans. There is no need to commit to the entire summer.
For more information or to register, contact Heather at 607-743-5074.
| | 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. | | Savvy Seniors Summer Camp | | |
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church is hosting a 6-week Savvy Seniors Summer Camp this summer for seniors who enjoy learning, staying active, and fellowship! Classes will include a variety of historical and community-centered topics, and lunch is included each week.
The camp will be held on Wednesdays at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 400 River Rd., Irmo, on the Irmo side of the dam. The cost is $45, and seating is limited.
For more information, click here or visit St. Michael’s website.
| | 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!
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Summer Giving
Just a reminder that many in our congregation have found the Simply Giving program to be the perfect way to make their regular contributions to the church. You can simply fill out and email this form or drop it off at the church office.
Another way is to contribute online from wherever you are. Regular giving is a faithful discipline that strengthens our relationship to God and our neighbors. Thank you for your generosity!
| | 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.
June 21, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Jackie Kaminer
Ushers — Carl Richardson and Mary Beth Hill
Communion Assistants — Lou Galloway and Kathy Boivin
Counters — Melissa Hendrix and Wally Steinhauser
Hospitality Table — LMM Father’s Day (Grilled Hot Dogs)
Children’s Time — Need Volunteers
June 28, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Ryan Mears
Ushers — Don and Jamie Kosanka
Communion Assistants — Myron Corley and Mary Beth Hill
Counters — Delores Steinhauser and Scott Grosse
Hospitality Table — Lou Galloway
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman
July 5, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Peter Reinhart
Ushers — Scott Grosse and Brenda Sommer
Communion Assistants — Carl and Debra Richardson
Counters — Melissa and Todd Hendrix
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Jackie Kaminer
July 12, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Kathleen Shutt
Ushers — Mary Beth Hill and Tyler Mears
Communion Assistants — Kathy Boivin and Peter Reinhart
Counters — Jamie Kosanka and Scott Grosse
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Ryan Mears and Lou Galloway
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Pilgrim’s Prayer List
Alan Addy
Myra Boyd
Mary Ann Crawshaw
Norma Drafts
Rick Harris
Todd Hendrix and his family, as they mourn the death of his sister’s grandson, Gavin, age 11.
The family and friends of Claudine Hope, as they mourn her death.
Jimmy Metts
Bill Sanders
Greg Sommer
Ricky Wingard
Friends of Pilgrim
Bishop Ginny Aebischer
Annie Allen, Shelia McCullough’s mother
Joyce Czarnecki
Beth Davis, friend of Pastor Mary
Ben Green, Greg Sommer’s brother-in-law
Nadine Greene, friend of Karl and Carolyn Horner
Joyce Kirkland and Joanna Kirkland, sisters-in-law of Debra and Carl Richardson
Tina Krause, friend of Pastor Mary
Lars, Brenda Sommer’s Nephew
Eileen and Ronnie Leaphart, dear friends of Myron and Linda Corley
LeMaster Family, family of Melissa Hendrix
Donna McCullough, Steve McCullough’s mother
Louise Newton, friend of Ricky and Becky Wingard
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 has been in and out of the hospital.
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
The First Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-13
The Second Reading: Romans 6:1b-11
Gospel: Matthew 10:24-39
| | Worship Service replay from Sunday, June 14, 2026 | | | | |
