|
Thursday, April 9, 2026
What’s New for You?
- Lenten Events Survey
- Who Are we? Preparing for Our Next Pastor
- Emergency Contact Form Reminder
| | |
Happy Easter Thursday, Pilgrims!
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend in worship and in your celebrations with family and friends!
And, I wanted to say thanks for your many birthday wishes, cards, and gifts as I celebrated my 70th birthday a week ago. You were all so thoughtful!
Yesterday, I began a week of Spring Break traveling with family and friends to Key West and to Everglades National Park. Let me know if you want me to bring you an alligator back as a souvenir, but no promises!
A continued Joyous Easter,
Pastor Mary
| | |
Council President’s Page
Mary Beth Hill
What a wonderful week we shared!
Pilgrim Lutheran Church shared Palm Sunday (March 29), Maundy Thursday (April 2), Good Friday (April 3), and Easter Sunday (April 5).
I enjoyed sharing the high moments, the humble moments, the sad moments, and the “He is risen! Hallelujah!” moments with you all.
| | |
Celebrating the life of Anne Addy
On Tuesday afternoon, more than 156 of us came together to celebrate the beautiful life and resurrection of Anne Addy with a beautiful service followed by a warm reception in the Fellowship Hall.
A lifelong member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, she taught Sunday School, served on Church Council, and actively participated in WELCA, Leah Cicle, and the Prayer and Share group. She also worked in the church office for 17 years as the administrative assistant, where she cheerfully welcomed members and faithfully supported the ministry until she was 87.
We celebrated her 100th birthday in September of 2025 at Pilgrim with her family and friends. That day, like every day, she was warm and loving.
As Pastor Mary said during the Homily, “So what she leaves with us on this day that we lay her to rest is a very rich legacy. She leaves us an inheritance as a Christian, as a woman, as a leader. That inheritance is especially available for her family, but also for all of us who were impacted by her long life.
“She witnessed to what it looked like to live out Jesus’ image from John 15 to be a faithful branch on the vine of Jesus, to be a friend of Jesus, and what it meant to be obedient to that new commandment to love one another.”
Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration of her life and the reception possible: Pastor Mary Anderson, Ruthie Brannen, Wayne and Gail Buff, Margie Bundrick, Courtney Coker, Linda and Myron Corley, Keith and Lou Galloway, Shelia McCullough, David and Jane Park, and Carl and Debra Richardson.
As we move forward….
We have much to do in the next few weeks as we prepare for the next steps we need to take to find our next pastor. As you know, Pastor Mary’s last Sunday with us is Dec. 27. (Stay tuned for information about how and when we will celebrate her with a Retirement Party.)
First, we need to articulate who we are.
As a member of our Pilgrim Lutheran Church community, you are invited to attend two sessions as we prepare Pilgrim for a new pastor (lots of paperwork, etc.) and, ultimately, to organize a call committee.
The Vision and Mission Team will lead Pilgrim’s congregation in a discussion of the important elements that define Pilgrim’s congregational culture now and the ones that define what we believe God is calling us to be in the future.
Please join us in a 90-minute meeting on April 26 and May 3 to share your valuable insights and perspectives as we take this next step in the life of our congregation.
The program we are doing will be accomplished in two 90-minute sessions and will also include a meal for you in the Fellowship Hall. Come on Sunday, April 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, May 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Just contact the church office if you are interested and able to attend both sessions.
Thank you for becoming a part of this important opportunity in the life of our congregation!
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.
| | |
If you haven’t filled out our Lenten Events Survey yet, you can still do so by clicking the link below! The survey was sent to everyone who signed up for at least one event. If you didn’t receive it, we’d still love for you to take a minute to share your feedback.
Thank you for helping us understand what made this year’s Lenten dinners and events meaningful and what encouraged participation, so we can continue building on what worked well.
| | Who Are we? Preparing for Our Next Pastor | | |
As a member of our Pilgrim community, you are invited to attend two sessions as we prepare to organize a call committee and as we prepare Pilgrim for a new pastor. Together, we will discuss important elements that define Pilgrim’s congregational culture now and define what we believe God is calling us to be in the future. Please join us to share your valuable perspective as we take this next step in the life of our congregation.
The program we are doing will be accomplished in two 90-minute sessions and will also include a meal for you in the Fellowship Hall.
Come on April 26, 5 - 7 p.m., and again on May 3, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Plan to attend both sessions, as they are not the same and the second session builds off the first.
Contact the church office if you are interested and able to attend.
Thank you for being a part of this opportunity in the life of our congregation!
| | Breakfast Blessings from Leah Circle | | |
The Leah Circle is keeping the momentum going after a great March of giving! For April, we’re focusing on breakfast favorites, including cereal and Pop-Tarts, to help stock the Food Pantry.
Bring your donations anytime this month and drop them in the container in the narthex. Every box makes a difference and helps start someone’s day with a smile.
Thank you for showing up, sharing generously, and being part of this joyful ministry!
| | |
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!
| | Emergency Contact Form Reminder | | |
Thank you to everyone who has already submitted your Emergency Contact Form. We appreciate it!
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please take a moment to complete it. Having updated information helps us care for one another in case of a medical emergency or natural disaster.
You can fill it out online using the link here, pick up a copy in the narthex, or contact the church office for assistance.
| | Pilgrim Community Preschool | | |
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Pilgrim Community Preschool’s Annual Art Festival on April 24 at 5 p.m.!
This special fundraiser supports our preschool and the wonderful programs it provides. In addition to showcasing the students’ creativity, the event will include a silent auction with a variety of items for bidding, as well as many great vendors.
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. | | Message from the NovusWay Board | | |
Pilgrims, here is a wonderful update on our Lutheran camps in North Carolina and Florida!
Click here to read more about it. Pastor Mary is checking into the new bRidge programs for congregations and will report back.
| | Be a Spark at Our House of Peace Banquet | | |
Tuesday, April 21 at 5 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 toward 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.
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 — Don Kosanka and Scott Grosse
Hospitality Table — Jane Park
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
May 3, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Greg Sommer
Ushers — Jimmy Smith and David Marshall
Communion Assistants — Ricky and Becky Wingard
Counters — Jamie Kosanka and Scott Grosse
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Need Volunteers
May 10, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Ricky Wingard
Ushers — Don and Jamie Kosanka
Communion Assistants — Myron Corley and Lou Galloway
Counters — Melissa Hendrix and Delores Steinhauser
Hospitality Table — N/A Mother’s Day
Children’s Time — Jackie Kaminer
May 17, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Jamy Claire Archer
Ushers — Scott Grosse and Wally Steinhauser
Communion Assistants — Wally and Delores Steinhauser
Counters — Don Kosanka and Wally Steinhauser
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman
| | |
Pilgrim’s Prayer List
The family and friends of Anne Addy. Peace to her memory!
Myra Boyd
Susan Cafferty, David Marshall, Ann Byess, and their family at the death of their Aunt Nancy.
Mary Ann Crawshaw
The family and friends of Marty Dashiell. Peace to his memory!
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 at the death of her husband, Mark Weaver. Peace to his memory!
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
Dion Metze
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
Rebekah Tinman, Grandmother of Melissa Hendrix
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: Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Gospel: John 20:19-31
| | Worship Service replay from Sunday, April 5, 2026 | | | | |
