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A Quick Note:
In our earlier email, a few extra draft notes accidentally snuck into our thank-you list! We want to make sure we get it right, so here is the corrected note below. Thank you again to everyone for your support!
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Thursday, August 13, 2026
What’s New for You?
- It’s the last Sunday with Rev. David Coffman before Pastor Mary returns!
- Pizza, planting, and popsicles on Saturday, September 19
- A generous offer to Pilgrim Church and Preschool from counselor Jill Smith
- Parent Pro Tip: Fostering Trust/Communication as kids age
- Pilgrim’s Annual Garage Sale
- Question Marks: Doing Theology by Asking Big Questions
- LMM Dove Hunt will be on September 5.
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Happy Thursday, Pilgrims!
This Sunday will be my final one away during this sojourn in Evanston. After worship, I’ll hop in the car, drive to the bottom of Indiana for the night, and then hopefully finish the drive over the next one or two days.
My thanks to my colleagues who have stepped in to lead worship during my absence. Thanks to Deacon Peter Reinhart who has faithfully taught the Tuesday Bible Study and to my chaplain assistant at Transitions who has led chapel for me all these Thursday mornings. Many thanks to Parish Administrator Courtney Coker and Director of Music Susan Cafferty, who maintained many administrative things as well.
My heartfelt thanks to our whole Pilgrim crew who planned and carried out the logistics around Jillian Olson’s funeral on August 5. It was good to see a few of you while I was home for that sad event. My family and our Olson Family friends continue to grieve and support each other. We all look forward to hearing the conclusions from the investigation into her death to discover what happened to cause this tragedy.
I look forward to seeing many of you during worship on August 23. I hope all our students, parents, teachers, and staff are settling into school. Our Preschool begins on August 24 as our campus will be filled with new and returning students and teachers. Can’t wait!
Blessings,
Pastor Mary
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Council President’s Page
Mary Beth Hill
“… But be doers of the word and not merely hearers ….” James 1:22
Last week, we witnessed so very many people doing God’s work. At the risk of leaving anyone out, I’d like to thank the members of Pilgrim who worked hard for many days to make Pilgrim shine inside and out as we prepared to host the family, friends, and work sisters and brothers of Master Deputy Jillian Olson at her funeral.
Thank you, Ruthie Brannen, Susan Cafferty, Courtney Coker, Linda and Myron Corley, Lisa Davis, Keith Galloway, Scott Grosse, Brett Harden, Don and Jamie Kosanka, Carol Murray, Jane and David Park, Carl Richardson, Kathleen Shutt, and Wally Steinhauser, for sharing your gifts and talents with us.
As I put together this list, I took a moment to think about and pray for each of these people, our “doers of the word.”
Why, just at Pilgrim, they share their talents as musicians. They keep our food pantry stocked. They make complicated repairs. They man our AV stations (cameras, computers, sound systems, etc.). They prepare communion, serve as communion and worship assistants, and as ushers. They feed us. They move pews, add chairs, prepare the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, and teach the media about our livestreaming process.
They also show us their love as we pass the peace and fill in for us when we reach out and beg for help because we can’t do our jobs on Sunday. They also make us laugh when they “needle” us about our less-than-perfect parking, our line breaking during communion, and so much more.
And they stay around to clean up just like family does. Yes. We are all part of God’s family. These people, though, are also Pilgrim “doers of the word.”
Mark your calendars
Our soon-to-be-next-door neighbor, Mission Lexington, will hold a groundbreaking on Friday, Aug. 28, at 8:30 a.m. to mark the beginning of construction of their new 30,000-square-foot building.
The new property is located at 1426 N. Lake Dr., right next to us here at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. If you are facing the church, their location is to the right.
Before, during, and after the Aug. 28, 8:30 a.m. event, they will use our parking. If you have something that you need to do at Pilgrim on that morning, you may want to reschedule.
Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the Installation of Bishop Elect Reverend Wade Roof, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Lexington.
Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., St. Nicholas Festival, at Pilgrim in the Fellowship Hall.
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.
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We need YOU!
We are hoping that now that summer is over, plenty of you will volunteer 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 or have a question about one of these, please reach out to Pastor Mary or Courtney Coker about serving as worship assistant or Children’s Time teacher or assistant; Linda Corley about serving as communion assistant; Jimmy Smith about ushering; or Kathleen Shutt about blessing the Hospitality Table.
| | Last Sunday with Rev. David Coffman before Pastor Mary Returns! | | |
This Sunday, while Pastor Mary is away, we welcome Rev. David Coffman. We will welcome Pastor Mary back in worship on August 23.
Rev. Coffman serves as Campus Pastor at Newberry College, where he graduated in 1997. He previously worked as a patient care coordinator at SC House Calls in West Columbia, as a chaplain at Agape Care, and in various roles at its predecessor, Agape Hospice.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Newberry and holds a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
| | Pizza, Planting, and Popsicles! | | |
Join us at Pilgrim on 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!
Space is limited. So, please register today.
| | A generous offer to Pilgrim Church and Preschool | | |
Counselor Jill Smith, Psychotherapist, CEO of Jill Smith Associates in Lexington and Columbia, has been a wonderful donor, both financially and with her counseling services, to our Navigating the Pressure series.
Jill Smith is now offering to all families in our congregation and our preschool a 25% discount on a first counseling session with her or one of the other counselors. They see clients of all ages. They do not take insurance but offer a receipt that clients can submit to their insurance. They will soon be taking Medicare.
You may contact them at (803) 814-5559. They are located at 426 South Lake Dr. in Lexington, or at 1717 Bull Street in Columbia (next door to St. Paul’s Lutheran).
Thanks, Jill, for this generous offer to us!
| | Parent Pro Tip: Fostering Trust/Communication as kids age | | |
In preparation for the Navigating the Pressure Creek Walk last month, our preschool parents shared their most pressing parenting questions with us. We passed these along to Counselor Jill Smith and her team, who provided a wonderful handout summarizing expert insights from the event.
Over the next several issues of Pilgrim’s Progress, we are continuing to share these valuable takeaways. Pass it on!
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On Fostering Trust/Communication as kids age
Consistency between what you say and do matters more than any technique. Ask open questions (“What was hard today?”) instead of yes/no ones. Don’t punish honesty. If a confession leads to a harsher consequence than a lie would have, kids learn to lie.
Match your involvement to developmental stage. Over monitoring a teen erodes the trust you built when they were younger.
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And from our Navigating the Pressure expert, Devorah Heitner, Ph.D.
Here is a link to a “7-Day Family Tech Reset” workshop where you can sign up to participate. RESET.
| | 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.
Watch this space for dates, times, and registration details coming soon.
| | “Meat the Need” this August | | |
Throughout August, Pilgrim’s Leah Circle is hosting the “Meat the Need” drive to support the Pilgrim’s Food Pantry with nutritious, easy-to-prepare protein options.
A single can of meat goes a long way toward creating a satisfying, complete meal for a family in need. Whether it’s a quick tuna wrap for lunch, savory chicken over rice for dinner, or a cozy beef stew, shelf-stable protein is the heart of a hearty dish.
Suggested items to donate:
Canned Tuna and Salmon (perfect for quick wraps and salads)
Canned Chicken and Turkey (Great served over rice or in casseroles.)
Canned Beef Stew (ideal for fast, warm meals)
Canned Pork and Ham (Great added to basic rice dishes or mac and cheese.)
Look for the Food Pantry donation bin in the Narthex starting this Sunday. Thank you for your continued generosity and support!
| | Bishop Wade Roof’s Installation Service | | |
An exciting new chapter is beginning for our synod, and you are warmly invited to be a part of it!
The installation of The Rev. Wade Roof as Bishop of the South Carolina Synod will take place this fall. All are invited to join in the celebration.
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Stretch, breathe, recharge, and pray with yoga led by Sister D’Etta Broam. These welcoming sessions will include a chair/mat combination to accommodate different abilities and comfort levels.
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When: Saturdays at 10 a.m. (45 minutes) on August 15, September 5, 12, and 19
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Where: Pilgrim’s Fellowship Hall
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Cost: $50 for a 5-session package or $12 drop-in (Venmo, cash, or check accepted at class).
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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.
| | Gamecock Lutheran annual BBQ dinner | | |
When: This Saturday, August 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (1416 Broad River Road)
What: This is a free event to enjoy good food and time together with friends, old and new. We’ll enjoy Pastor Jesse’s home-cooked BBQ and share about our ministry and what God is doing in the lives of these students.
RSVPs help us know how many people to expect. So head to GamecockLutheran.com/bbq to let us know you’re coming!
| | SCLMM Beach Weekend is October 2-4, 2026 | | |
South Carolina Lutheran Men invites you to their upcoming beach weekend at the Lutheran Coastal Retreat Center! They have an incredible lineup for Saturday, including breakfast, a testimony by Josh Carter, lunch, a beach day, and evening entertainment. Full weekend meals are $20.
Can’t stay the whole weekend? You can still join them just for Saturday evening’s Seafood Boil at 5 p.m. with a suggested donation of $15 per person.
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They do need an accurate head count for the boil, so please let Jimmy Smith know ASAP if you plan to attend!
A few overnight rooms are still available for $100 per night on a first-come, first-served basis.
| | 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.
August 16, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Kristin Dashiell
Ushers — Jimmy Smith and Brenda Sommer
Communion Assistants — Lou Galloway and Mary Beth Hill
Counters — Melissa Hendrix and Don Kosanka
Hospitality Table — Kristin Dashiell, Carol Murray, and Lisa Davis
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman
August 23, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Lou Galloway
Ushers — Scott Grosse and Tyler Mears
Communion Assistants — Myron Corley and Carol Murray
Counters — Delores and Wally Steinhauser
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Ryan Mears and Terri Lemke
August 30, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Lou Galloway
Ushers — Joe Kaminer and Ricky Wingard
Communion Assistants — Jackie Kaminer and Jimmy Smith
Counters — Todd and Melissa Hendrix
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman and Terri Lemke
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Pilgrim’s Prayer List
Alan Addy
Myra Boyd
Norma Drafts
Rick Harris
Shelia McCullough
Jimmy Metts
Bill Sanders
Greg Sommer
Johan Jansen Van Vurren as he grieves the death of his son.
Friends of Pilgrim
Annie Allen, Shelia McCullough’s mother
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
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
Louise Newton, friend of Ricky and Becky Wingard
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: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Second Reading: Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Gospel: Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28
| | Worship Service replay from Sunday, August 9, 2026 | | | | |
