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Thursday, March 19, 2026
What’s New for You?
- Remembering our friend, Mark, husband of Stacy Weaver.
- This week in Lent at Pilgrim
- Remembering our former SC Synod Bishop, James Aull.
- Holy week services at Pilgrim
- Parent ProTip
- Music Week at Lutheridge
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Happy Thursday, Pilgrims!
I so appreciate your feedback regarding our Lenten season special programs and activities. For those who attended any events during these weeks, anticipate receiving a one-minute survey asking about what you appreciated the most and why you choose to be part of the various things in which you participated. We’re almost at the end of our Sunday night programs and have only two of our “embracing” activities left. It’s not too late to jump in.
Holy Week will begin with Palm Sunday on March 29. Our worship will continue in the coming days with Maundy Thursday on April 2 and Good Friday on April 3. This is our holiest week of the year and is the very heartbeat of our Christian faith as it leads to Easter Day.
Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday are all unique services that we hold only once a year. The spirit of these services is that they are one long service from Palm Sunday to the Vigil of Easter on Saturday night. While we aren’t holding a Vigil service (which is pretty awesome!), the Church universal does. In ancient times and in certain corners in our modern day, the Vigil is the biggest service of the year and has been called “the Queen of Liturgies.” Most Protestants have dropped it along the way, opting for a small Sunrise service on Easter morning instead of a two-hour service on Saturday night, often going past midnight. If you are interested in attending a Vigil of Easter service, let me know, and I’ll help you find one.
Continued Blessed Lent,
Pastor Mary
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Pastors Mary and Elise took their podcast, You’re On Mute, on the road for their first-ever live recording at the Wild Women Retreat at Camp Lutheridge!
You’re On Mute brings two generations together for honest, engaging conversations about faith, leadership, and life because we all have something to learn from one another. Expect real talk, laughter, and maybe a little “Boomer vs. Millennial” fun.
If you’ve never listened before, this is the perfect episode to start with. And who knows, you might even learn something new about Pastor Mary!
Listen here.
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Council President’s Page
Mary Beth Hill
Good Works!
PLC’s Men and the S.C. Men in Mission will partner with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Presbyterian College on Sunday, March 22, to feed and worship with 400 college students.
How do you get involved? Well, Jimmy Smith is looking for individuals willing to help with this day of service. You can text him at 803 730-4637 or email him at jasmith52700@gmail.com.
Our Sunday evening suppers and lessons continue
Thanks to Kathleen Shutt, I can report that Sunday evening’s supper and lesson drew a good crowd and continued despite the weather. I had to ask Kathleen because all these barometric changes have given me sinus migraines for the last few days, and I missed it.
Kathleen says the Shepherd’s Pie and the rest of the meal were delicious, thanks to Jane and David Park. She also loved Pastor Mary’s lesson.
This Sunday’s meal and lesson continue the series.
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.
| | Remembering our friend, Mark, husband of Stacy Weaver | | |
William Mark Weaver of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 11, 2026, at the age of 55. He was a beloved husband, father, mentor, and friend whose quiet strength and generous spirit touched countless lives.
Services honoring Mark’s life will be private.
You may read the full obituary here.
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This past Tuesday in Bible study, we celebrated Mary Mattox’s birthday. We’re grateful for the joy and fellowship she brings to our church family.
Happy birthday, Mary!
| | This week in Lent at Pilgrim | | |
Sunday, March 22, 5 p.m. dinner and 5:30 p.m. reflection
Gather with us for a warm, welcoming evening as our Pilgrim Chef, Jane Park, treats us to a delicious Lenten dinner:
- Spring Salad
- Baked Spaghetti
- Creamy Corn
- Southern String Beans
- Garlic Toast
- Chocolate Eclaire Dessert
After dinner, Pastor Mary will lead our Lenten reflection, Fasting from Consuming.
Please RSVP here so we can plan dinner and prepare accordingly. We look forward to having everyone join us!
Stargazing Adventure with Astronomer Dr. Brian Peterson
Friday, March 20 (March 21 rain date), 8 p.m.
Gather at Camp Kinard in Leesville, S.C., at the Big Pavilion, for an evening of stargazing and reflection on the wonder of God’s creation. Those who wish are invited to meet beforehand for dinner at Shealy’s Restaurant at 6:30 p.m. (at your own expense).
All spaces are now filled. If there are any cancellations, we will contact those on the waiting list. If you would like to be added, please contact the church office.
| | Church Work Day — This Saturday! | | |
Pilgrim’s Lutheran Men in Mission will be sponsoring a Work Day this Saturday, March 21, beginning at 8:30 a.m., as we prepare our campus for the upcoming Easter season.
With spring just around the corner, this will be a wonderful opportunity to freshen up the church grounds and make everything look its very best as we celebrate the joy of Easter. Projects will include general clean-up, sprucing up outdoor areas, and tackling a variety of tasks to help our church shine.
Although the day is being organized by the men of the church, everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. Many hands make light work, and all help is greatly appreciated.
We will have some tools available, but if you have yard tools, work gloves, rakes, trimmers, or other helpful equipment, please feel free to bring them along.
Come this Saturday and join us for a morning of fellowship and service as we work together to care for our church home.
If you have any questions, please contact Jimmy Smith at 803-730-4637.
| | Remembering our former SC Synod Bishop, James Aull | | |
The Rev. Dr. James “Jim” Stroud Aull of White Rock, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
A memorial service will be conducted by Bishop Herman Yoos (ret.) and the Rev. Megan Lineberger at Bethel Lutheran Church in White Rock on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. The family will receive visitors after the service.
Read the full obituary here.
| | 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 22 and 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
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Heroes and Villains of the Bible
Register now!
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Hero and Villain characters are big with Disney these days and have always been big in the Bible. Join us for a Dutch Treat dinner at O’Hara’s in a private space in this popular restaurant in Lexington.
Pastor Mary will teach us about several significant Biblical villains to expand our repertoire of scriptural characters. For fun, participants are encouraged (but hardly required) to wear a costume reflecting a favorite villain from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, history, literature, TV, movies, and more. Because seating is limited, this event is for teens and adults only.
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!
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Embracing Spiritual Practices
These events at the end of each week embrace a practice that supports our fasting from the many behaviors that weigh us down. We hope you’ll take advantage of one or all of them!
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March 20 (March 21 rain date) Viewing God’s Majesty and Mystery: A Stargazing Adventure with Astronomer Dr. Brian Peterson.
Gather at Camp Kinard in Leesville, S.C., at 8 p.m. at the Big Pavilion. Those who desire are invited to meet at Shealy’s restaurant for dinner at 6:30 p.m. and are welcome to do so at their own expense.
All spaces are now filled. If there are any cancellations, we will contact those on the waiting list. If you would like to be added, please contact the church office.
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March 28, 10 a.m. Beginner Yoga with Sister D’Etta Broam in the Pilgrim Chapel. 12 people maximum
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.
| | RSVP for these activities. Doing so helps us plan and prepare for you! Go to this link. |
| Families with Young Children: We need your input! | | |
We are preparing the second season of Navigating the Pressure — this time with family activities designed to help young children build real-world skills and confidence away from screens.
You can tell us which activities your family would most likely attend. It takes about one minute and helps us make sure our events have a big, positive impact!
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As you faithfully parent your children or assist in raising your grandchildren, remember we all have a Circle of Control: We're in charge of what we think, what we say, how we feel, and what we do. We have a Circle of Influence, too, but so many parts of our world are outside what we can control. So, we respond as well as we can, living in community and “linking up” with God's faithful people, finding our way to explore balance in this screen-abundant world.
Since many parents have been intrigued by the book The Anxious Generation, you might want to explore a new book called The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price. It was released on December 30, 2025.
The four big takeaways from The Anxious Generation were:
- No smartphones before high school
- No social media before 16
- Phone-free schools
- Far more unsupervised play and childhood independence
The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World is an interactive guide for ages 9-12 designed to empower kids to take control of their digital lives. It offers strategies, facts, and a graphic novel to help children resist addictive technology and prioritize real-world friendships, freedom, and play.
The Core Message: Tech should be a tool, not a master. The book encourages becoming a “rebel” who uses technology thoughtfully rather than being controlled by algorithms and app design.
It’s designed for kids to read directly, featuring engaging content like a “Screen Time Calculator” to highlight how much time is wasted online. Check it out!
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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!
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Next Newcomer Luncheon!
If you have been visiting with us in worship and other activities since the first of the year, we will be inviting you shortly after Easter to our next Newcomer Luncheon to share fellowship and to hear more about our congregation. Pastor Mary will be in touch with you soon about this great opportunity!
| | 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 | | Stay updated with Lutheran publications | | Click here to read the latest edition of the ELCA Seeds Monthly emailed newsletter. | | | | 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.
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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 Courtney Coker in the office, and she can make those needed changes online, in Pilgrim’s Progress, and in the Sunday Bulletin.
March 22, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Kathy Boivin
Ushers — Carl Richardson and David Marshall
Communion Assistants — Ricky and Becky Wingard
Counters — Don and Jamie Kosanka
Hospitality Table — Debra Richardson
Children’s Time — Ryan Mears and Terri Lemke
March 29, 2026, Palm Sunday, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Kristen Dashiell
Ushers — Jimmy Smith and Wally Steinhauser
Communion Assistants — Carl and Debra Richardson
Counters — Delores Steinhauser and Todd Hendrix
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman
April 2, 2026, Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m.
Worship Assistant — Lou Galloway
Ushers — Need Volunteers
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
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Pilgrim’s Prayer List
Anne Addy
Myra Boyd
Mary Ann Crawshaw
Marty Dashiell
Norma Drafts
Claudine Hope
Jimmy Metts
Bill Sanders
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
Greg Sommer’s brother-in-law, Ben Green
Friend of Karl and Carolyn Horner, Nadine Greene
Tina Krause, friend of Pastor Mary
Peggy Kubic
Brenda Sommer’s Nephew, Lars
David Marshall and Susan Cafferty’s Aunt Nancy
Wally and Delores Steinhauser’s cousin-in-law, Jill Sanders
Friend of Wally and Delores Steinhauser, Trey Soud
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: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Gospel Reading: John 11:1-45
| | Worship Service replay from Sunday, March 15, 2026 | | | | |
