Thursday, March 26, 2026

What’s New for You?

• Flowering the Cross
• Embracing Spiritual Practices. Only one event remains, and just one spot is left.
• Newcomer Luncheon
• House of Peace Banquet

Happy Thursday, Pilgrims!

As the Lenten season ends and Holy Week begins on Sunday, we have two final opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. See details below about the Bible study on Friday night and the yoga session on Saturday with Sister D’Etta. The older preschool students will be gathering around the baptismal font on Monday and Thursday mornings to hear the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet and then have their feet washed as well. On Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, our congregation will gather with people of all ages for these unique liturgies that place us alongside Jesus in Jerusalem during his last days.

Thanks to all who helped in preparing for Holy Week and Easter, especially our altar guild and musicians. And many thanks to my partners in Lent, Jane and David Park, for preparing our wonderful dinners on Sunday nights. Many thanks as well to those who assisted the five Sundays in Lent by presenting those big stories from John’s gospel. Each story had an object/symbol that was placed on or near the altar rail during worship on those Sundays. Each of those symbols will appear again during our services next week and on Easter Day. Keep an eye out for them. See if you can remember which story they represent and what that story teaches us about the faith we share.

Blessed Holy Week,

Pastor Mary

Your Generosity Matters!

As disciples of Jesus and as members of Pilgrim, we are called to be grateful stewards of all God has given us. Thank you for your often unseen and uncelebrated offerings of your time, skills, expertise, great ideas, kind actions, and financial gifts to our ministry and the mission of Christ in our local community and around the world.

We see you! Thank you for your generosity. It matters!

Council President’s Page

Mary Beth Hill

More Good Works!

Pilgrim Lutheran Men had a very good workday on Saturday at the church, and the church looks great. Many thanks to Keith Galloway, Scott Grosse, Steve McCullough, Tyler Mears, Carl Richardson, Jimmy Smith, Greg Sommers, and Jose from the House of Peace, who volunteered their time improving the church before Easter Day.

Some of PLC’s Men (Todd and Caleb Hendrix, Jimmy Smith, and Ricky Wingard) partnered with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Presbyterian College on Sunday, March 22, to feed college students.

If you wonder how to get involved in our men’s activities, here is the next opportunity. They will provide biscuits on Easter Day between services. Just reach out to Jimmy Smith or Keith Galloway to help with this day of service. You can text Jimmy at 803 730-4637 or email him at jasmith52700@gmail.com. You can text Keith at 803 608-4892 or email him at Galloway@sc.rr.com.

Remember to put these on your calendars!

March 29 is Palm Sunday. April 2 is Maundy Thursday. April 3 is Good Friday, and April 5 is Easter Sunday.

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.

Flowering the Cross

The cross is now in place by the sanctuary doors in Gable Garden, and you are invited to help decorate it with fresh flowers from your yard or garden on Easter Sunday morning.

As you arrive for worship, bring a bloom to add to the cross and watch it become a beautiful sign of new life and resurrection. Thank you for being part of this meaningful tradition.

Mission Lexington Circle of Hope Awards Luncheon

Congratulations to Mission Lexington and Claudine Hope on a meaningful Circle of Hope Awards Luncheon!

Claudine was honored with the Foundation of Hope Award, recognizing the compassion and faith that helped launch Mission Lexington in 1978 with just $250 and a vision to serve neighbors in need. Claudine’s daughter, Cathy Hope, pictured above, accepted the award on her mother’s behalf and shared a heartfelt word of thanks.

Today, that mission continues to impact countless lives across our community, an inspiring legacy that began with her.

Easter Cards for Shut-Ins and “Just Older Youth”

The Visitation Team will be collecting Easter cards for our Shut-ins and “Just Older Youth” on March 29. Bags for the cards will be on the table in the Narthex next to the Hospitality Table.

Everyone is invited to remember these special members by writing a card and placing it in the appropriate bag by March 29. Cards may also be dropped off at the church office by that date. Our shut-ins greatly appreciate the visits they receive and the thoughtful messages shared through your cards.

Recipients:

• Anne Addy
• Joan Arndt
• Myra Boyd
• Mary Ann Crawshaw
• Norma Drafts
• Mary Fisher
• Claudine Hope
• Jimmy Metts
• Leah Peery
• Pastor Hilton Roof
• Lee Ruff
• Bill Sanders
• Marie Sons
• Dr. Dot Tunstall
• Marie Visscher

Heroes and Villains of the Bible

Tomorrow night!

Last call for the Heroes and Villains Bible Study

March 27 at 6:30 p.m. for Villains of the Bible

O’Hara’s Restaurant, 131 E. Main St., Lexington, SC 29072

Villain costumes encouraged!

Please call or text Pastor Mary if you would like to join!

Embracing Spiritual Practices

Only one event remains—and just one spot is left. If you’ve been thinking about attending, now is the time to sign up!

This final gathering invites you into a meaningful practice that supports letting go of the habits and distractions that weigh us down. Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in something truly renewing.

March 28, 10 a.m. Beginner Yoga with Sister D’Etta Broam in the Pilgrim Chapel.

The ancient prayer practice of yoga has been used by many around the world to strengthen their physical, mental, and spiritual selves. This time together will let participants experience some easy ways to enter this beloved practice.

Sister D’Etta Broam was ordained as a minister of Word and Service in September 2024 and consecrated as a deaconess in the ELCA Deaconess Community in November 2024. She is a certified yoga therapist with the International Yoga Therapists Association and currently serves as a Deacon for Health and Wholeness for the SC Synod of the ELCA.

Go to this link to RSVP.

Newcomer Luncheon

If you’ve been joining us for worship and activities since the beginning of the year, we’d love to invite you to our upcoming Newcomer Luncheon! This is a wonderful chance to enjoy fellowship and learn more about our congregation.

Possible dates are May 17 and 31. Pastor Mary will be reaching out soon, but you’re also welcome to text her your preferred date. We look forward to seeing you there!

Meats for March

Pilgrim’s Leah Circle is collecting canned meats to stock our food pantry!

Help us fill the box in the narthex with hearty favorites like chili, beef stew, chicken and dumplings, canned chicken, tuna, ham, and Vienna sausages.

Let’s pack the pantry with protein this March!

Emergency Contact Forms Requested

The Disaster Response Team at Pilgrim has developed a new Emergency Contact Form for all members, and we are asking everyone to please take a few moments to complete it.

This information will be kept on file and used only if needed. For example, in the event of a medical emergency while you are at church or in the case of a natural disaster when we may need to check on the safety and well-being of our members.

You may complete the form online by clicking the link provided, here, or you may pick up a printed copy in the narthex. If it is easier, you are also welcome to email or call the church office, and we will gladly mail you a form.

Thank you for helping us care for one another. Having up-to-date information ensures we can respond quickly and thoughtfully in times of need.

Pilgrim Community Preschool

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Pilgrim Community Preschool’s annual Art Festival on April 24!

We’re looking forward to seeing you there and sharing in the creative fun.

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.

Celebrating a big win for Wingard’s Market!

What an incredible achievement and a true testament to the amazing team and supportive community behind them.

Make sure to stop by on March 28 for their Appreciation Celebration Sale and join in celebrating this well-earned honor!

Way to go, Wingard’s Market!

Pisgah and St. Stephen’s sponsor a Human Trafficking Awareness event

House of Peace Banquet

Tuesday, April 21

• Gathering at 5:00 p.m.
• Dinner at 6:00 p.m.
• Program at 6:30 p.m.

Location: Flight Deck Restaurant, Lexington

There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome. Pledge cards will be available for those who wish to support the mission.

RSVP:

Please visit the House of Peace website and click the “RSVP” button on the invitation. Complete the form and submit to confirm your reservation.

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, visit us online at www.wearepilgrim.com, 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.

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 for our ministry needs right away, and it also involves fewer fees than online credit card donations.

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 Courtney Coker in the office, and she can make those needed changes online, in Pilgrim’s Progress, and in the Sunday Bulletin.

March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday, 10 a.m.

Worship Assistant — Kristin Dashiell

Ushers — Jimmy Smith and Wally Steinhauser

Communion Assistants — Carl and Debra Richardson

Counters — Delores Steinhauser and Todd Hendrix

Hospitality Table — Kristin Dashiell

Children’s Time — Allison Hallman and Becky Wingard

April 2, 2026, Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.

Worship Assistant — Lou Galloway

Ushers — Volunteers Needed

Communion Assistants — Kathy Boivin and Todd Hendrix

Counters — N/A

Hospitality Table — N/A

Children’s Time — N/A

April 3, 2026, Good Friday, 7 p.m.

Worship Assistant — Carolyn Horner

Ushers — Jimmy Smith and Mary Beth Hill

Communion Assistants — N/A

Counters — N/A

Hospitality Table — N/A

Children’s Time — N/A

April 5, 2026, Easter Sunday, 10 a.m.

Worship Assistant — Jackie Kaminer

Ushers — Scott Grosse and David Marshall

Communion Assistants — Lou Galloway and Margie Bundrick

Counters — Wally and Delores Steinhauser

Hospitality Table — N/A

Children’s Time — Amber Chavis and Shelia McCullough

April 12, 2026, 10 a.m.

Worship Assistant — Ryan Mears

Ushers — Scott Grosse and Brenda Sommer

Communion Assistants — Jamy Claire Archer and Jackie Kaminer

Counters — Melissa Hendrix and Scott Grosse

Hospitality Table — Volunteer Needed

Children’s Time — Jackie Kaminer and Terri Lemke

April 19, 2026, 10 a.m.

Worship Assistant — Peter Reinhart

Ushers — Carl Richardson and Rick Harris

Communion Assistants — Jane and David Park

Counters — Don Kosanka and Wally Steinhauser

Hospitality Table — Volunteer Needed

Children’s Time — Volunteer Needed

April 26, 2026, 10 a.m.

Worship Assistant — Kathleen Shutt

Ushers — Scott Grosse and Tyler Mears

Communion Assistants — Carolyn Horner and Kathy Boivin

Counters — Delores Steinhauser and Todd Hendrix

Hospitality Table — Lou Galloway

Children’s Time — Ryan Mears

Pilgrim’s Prayer List

Anne Addy

Myra Boyd

Mary Ann Crawshaw

Marty Dashiell

Norma Drafts

Claudine Hope

Jimmy Metts

Bill Sanders

The Shutt family, as they grieve the loss of their family member, Leroy Greene.

Greg Sommer

The family and friends of Joan Trawick. Peace to her memory!

Stacy Weaver and her family during the death of her husband, Mark Weaver.

Friends of Pilgrim

Bishop Ginny Aebischer

Joyce Czarnecki

Ben Green, Greg Sommer’s brother-in-law

Nadine Greene, friend of Karl and Carolyn Horner

Tina Krause, friend of Pastor Mary 

Peggy Kubic

Lars, Brenda Sommer’s Nephew

David Marshall and Susan Cafferty’s Aunt Nancy

Louise Newton, friend of Ricky and Becky Wingard

Jill Sanders, Wally and Delores Steinhauser’s cousin-in-law

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.

Worship is at 10 a.m. each Sunday.

Scriptures for this Sunday

The First Reading: Philippians 2:5-11

Reading of the Passion: Matthew 26:14—27:66

Worship Service replay from Sunday, March 22, 2026

Office Hours

Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Telephone: (803) 359-9421

Staff



Rev. Mary Williams Anderson

Interim Pastor

mwanderson140@gmail.com

Courtney Coker

Office Administrator

plc@wearepilgrim.com

Susan Cafferty

Music Director

susan@wearepilgrim.com

Elias Blake

Interim Accompanist

Pilgrim Lutheran Church | plc@wearepilgrim.com | (803) 359-9421 | wearepilgrim.com