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Pilgrim’s Progress
The weekly newsletter of Pilgrim Lutheran Church
Thursday, October 30, 2025
| | Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend! | | |
Clocks will “fall back” one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 2. That means you’ll set your clocks back to 1 a.m. and get an extra hour of sleep before coming to worship Sunday morning!
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Happy Thursday, Pilgrims!
Tomorrow is Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve), and our preschool kids are pumped up and ready to go! Maybe your children and grandchildren are, too. October 31 is also the official beginning date of the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther intentionally chose this date to call for a debate on his theses about the theology and practices in the church. He chose this day because many more people would be in the town of Wittenberg, Germany, to celebrate the Festival of All Hallows or All Saints on November 1.
Posting his 95 Theses for debate was a 16th-century way of sending out a Facebook invite to call people together to talk about these concerns. Luther gave a place, date, and time to meet. According to reports, Luther was the only person who attended this major historical event!
But new technology saved the day in 1517. Some unknown folks took down those 95 Theses from the castle church door took them to the local printer, who had one of the brand-new printing presses. Copies of Luther’s words were distributed all around the town, and the rest is history.
From this story, I have two major take-aways. One is to curb my own disappointment when there is low-to-no attendance at a church event. It’s not always a sign of failure. The second is to give thanks for the ways in which communication technology serves as a tool for gospel proclamation. These technologies are evolving, especially in our time. Even if some of us are not interested in having the latest communication gadget or have decided that we are just fine with our electric typewriter, our church needs to embrace these good tools to reach as many people as we can in as many ways as we can.
Some of you have asked for a copy of my sermon from this past Reformation Sunday. I’m happy to do so. You can read it here. Remember that I compose my sermons for speaking, not for publication. Please forgive any poor punctuation, etc.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday for All Saints as we celebrate our baptism and give thanks for all the saints of the Lord who have gone before us and who are among us now.
Keep reading all the information below. Don’t miss a thing!
Pastor Mary
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Council President’s Page
Mary Beth Hill
Hospitality Table Update
We always need volunteers to sign up for the Hospitality Table. Right now, we have October and November 2 covered, but we have November 9, 16, and 30 open. Since we have our Thanksgiving Meal on November 23 after Worship, we won’t have a Hospitality Table that day.
Kathleen Shutt, who coordinates that mission, tells us that we always need small water bottles, too. Please consider helping us out by signing up for a Sunday or donating those small bottles of water. By donating your time and resources, you help us welcome each other and visitors to our church each Sunday.
And, remember, you do not have to make homemade goodies. Store-bought cookies work great, too.
| | All Saints Sunday — November 2 | | |
On All Saints Sunday, we pause to honor the great cloud of witnesses, those who have loved Christ, served faithfully, and now rest in God’s eternal care. Their lives remind us of the grace that has carried us, and the love that continues to surround us.
You are invited to bring a framed picture of those you have loved and lost and place it on the tables at the baptismal font. During worship, we will lift them in prayer and give thanks for the ways their faith still shapes ours.
If you are worshiping from home or away, we invite you to set your pictures nearby and light a candle, trusting that even across distance, we are one family in Christ, bound together by memory, love, and the promise of resurrection.
| | Music Ministry Shines on Reformation Sunday | | |
Reformation Sunday was a beautiful celebration of faith, heritage, and community, and our music ministry made it especially meaningful! The Handbell Choir, Adult Choir, and Praise Band all offered inspiring music that lifted our hearts and filled the Sanctuary with joy. We are deeply grateful for the dedication, talent, and countless hours of rehearsal each member gives to enrich our worship.
As we look ahead to the Advent season, our musical offerings will continue to bless our services each Sunday. The various ensembles will share their gifts throughout Advent, joined by the Divine Echoes, our children’s tone chime ensemble. Their participation will bring a special spirit of anticipation and wonder as we prepare for the coming of Christ.
Thank you to all our musicians for your faithfulness and ministry through music. You help us all experience God’s presence in powerful ways.
| | Pilgrim is an official Disaster Response Location | | |
Pilgrim Lutheran Church is now officially recognized as a Disaster Response Location for the American Red Cross!
This partnership means that, in the event of a local emergency or natural disaster, Pilgrim can serve as a safe and welcoming space to assist our community, whether that means hosting Red Cross personnel, providing shelter, or supporting relief efforts in other ways.
There is no cost to Pilgrim for this partnership, and the Red Cross will provide trained volunteers to manage operations and assist those in need.
We are grateful for the work of Pilgrim’s Disaster Response Team, who have been preparing, planning, and coordinating with the Red Cross to make this possible. This designation strengthens our church’s mission to serve our neighbors in times of both peace and crisis.
Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved or receive training to help when disasters strike. Together, we can make a difference when our community needs it most.
| | Assistance for SNAP-affected families | | |
Message from Mission Lexington:
Anyone who comes to Mission Lexington and has lost their SNAP benefits will be placed on our Food for Living program for a period of three months, carrying them through the end of February. At that time, we will reassess each situation to determine continued need and whether benefits have been restored.
To meet the expected increase in demand, especially as we approach the holiday season, we are relying on community food drives and financial contributions. Your thoughts and prayers help ensure that every family that turns to Mission Lexington will find stability, nourishment, and hope during this critical time.
| | Clemson vs. Carolina Food Drive | | |
Pilgrim Lutheran Church is hosting a Food Drive, and we need your help. We’re collecting pantry-stable breakfast items, meats, and hearty soups to share with families in need.
Drop your donations in the Clemson or Carolina bin any time between now and November 23. Check back here each week to see which team is in the lead!
All donated items will be blessed before our Thanksgiving Lunch on November 23. Thank you for helping make a difference in our community!
| | Christmas at House of Peace | | |
Our Lutheran Men in Mission are preparing for a special outreach this Christmas season!
On Sunday, December 7, at 4 p.m., the group will visit House of Peace, a local ministry that provides meals, shelter, and spiritual support to men experiencing homelessness and hardship.
That day, our group will serve a meal, share in worship, and present Christmas gifts of men’s hygiene products to those we meet.
For that reason, we’re asking for donations of men’s hygiene items, such as deodorant, razors, shaving cream, soap, shampoo, lotion, and toothpaste. Please bring your donations to the church by Sunday, November 30.
We’re also looking for men to volunteer on December 7. It’s a meaningful time of fellowship, service, and faith in action. To volunteer or learn more, contact Jimmy Smith at 803-730-4637
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Navigating the Pressure
Helping Kids Thrive in a Stressed-Out World
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This engaging series explores the roots of stress and anxiety in today’s youth — offering insight, inspiration, and real-world tools for families. We will explore everything from performance-based pressure to digital overload, focusing on sports, school, screens, and social media.
With expert voice and eye-opening discussions for adults, and nature-based experiences designed to help children and teenagers reconnect and reset, these events offer hope and healing for all ages. Join us as we learn to breathe easier and live better together.
| | Be sure to share these on your social media, tell your friends, and spread the word! | | |
Join Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public and Screenwise, for an eye-opening look at how social media and technology shapes our children’s lives, and what do about it.
Sunday, November 9, at 4 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church.
Learn How to...
- Mentor kids growing up on social media like Roblox, Instagram, TikTok, and Discord
- Help them navigate sites that may contain problematic content
- Keep kids thoughtful about their digital footprint and reputation
- Have kids recognize when they need a break from social media
- Mentor instead of monitor screentime
- Balance plugged and unplugged activities
- Teach kids to put down screens and get enough sleep
- Keep kids true to themselves as they grow up “in public” on social media apps
| | Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Celebration | | |
Mark your calendars! Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Lunch will be held on Sunday, November 23, after Worship. This cherished tradition is a time to gather as one church family, share a meal, and give thanks for all of God’s blessings.
We need your help to complete the feast! Please sign up to bring your favorite side dish or dessert using this sign-up link.
The Lutheran Men in Mission will once again be cooking the turkeys and hams. If you would like to donate a turkey or ham, please contact Jimmy Smith at 803-730-4637.
Let’s come together in gratitude and fellowship. See you there!
| | Save the Date: St. Nicholas Festival at Pilgrim! | | |
Join us for one of Pilgrim’s favorite holiday traditions, the St. Nicholas Festival, on Saturday, December 6, at 5 p.m.
Enjoy an evening filled with community fun, local shopping, and the joyful spirit of the season. We’ll have food trucks, music, and a special visit from St. Nicholas himself!
It’s a great opportunity to support local businesses and artisans, pick up a few gifts, and kick off Advent with your church family and neighbors.
We’re now accepting vendor applications. If you or someone you know would like to reserve a booth, please email plc@wearepilgrim.com for more information.
Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and come celebrate the season at Pilgrim’s St. Nicholas Festival!
| | Pilgrim Community Preschool | | |
Pastor Mary Anderson has published her newest Super Quick Bible Study. These short, faith-filled reflections are perfect for carpool lines, lunch breaks, or quiet moments when you need a reminder of God’s love. Read it here.
| | Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey | | |
Join travel guru (and fellow ELCA member) Rick Steves live and in-person with your S.C. Philharmonic for a spectacular evening!
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Thanks to Susan Cafferty, Pilgrim has access to discounted subscriber rates for this event on November 10 (Martin Luther’s birthday!). She strongly recommends the Grand Tier Seats (lower balcony) for the best sound quality. While orchestra level seats are available, the Grand Tier offers a better listening experience. The Balcony (third floor) is less desirable.
Discounted rates are:
- Platinum $49 (regular $69)
- Gold $40 (regular $57)
- Silver $31 (regular $47)
- Bronze $22 (regular $37)
Accessible seating is also available upon request. See image for more details.
Please contact the church office by October 31 if you would like to purchase tickets.
| | Stay updated by reading two 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.
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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.
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 check the list of Worship Volunteers by checking the schedule here. 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 the Sunday Bulletin.
November 2, 2025, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Lou Galloway
Ushers — Tyler Mears and Jamie Kosanka
Communion Assistants — Jamy Claire Archer and Mary Beth Hill
Counters — Melissa Hendrix and Don Kosanka
Hospitality Table — Jamie Kosanka
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman and Terri Lemke
November 9, 2025, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Ricky Wingard
Ushers — Scott Grosse and Rick Harris
Communion Assistants — Wally and Delores Steinhauser
Counters — Don Kosanka and Scott Grosse
Hospitality Table — Volunteer Needed
Children’s Time — Ryan Mears and Lou Galloway
November 16, 2025, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Jamy Claire Archer
Ushers — Joe Kaminer and Ricky Wingard
Communion Assistants — Peter Reinhart and Jackie Kaminer
Counters — Todd Hendrix and Don Kosanka
Hospitality Table — Volunteer Needed
Children’s Time — Volunteer Needed
November 23, 2025, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Kathy Boivin
Ushers — Mary Beth Hill and Carl Richardson
Communion Assistants — Ricky and Becky Wingard
Counters — Jamie Kosanka and Delores Steinhauser
Hospitality Table — Thanksgiving Dinner after Worship
Children’s Time — Volunteer Needed
November 30, 2025, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Jackie Kaminer
Ushers — Jimmy Smith and Wally Steinhauser
Communion Assistants — Myron Corley and Debra Richardson
Counters — Melissa Hendrix and Wally Steinhauser
Hospitality Table — Volunteer Needed
Children’s Time — Ryan Mears and Lou Galloway
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PRAYERS
Anne Addy
Bishop Ginny Aebischer
Jamy Claire Archer’s friend, Melissa, at the death of her mother
Friend of Mary Beth Hill, Geena Beerman
Myra Boyd
Wayne Buff
Warren and Margaret Christmus
Marty Dashiell
Norma Drafts
Brother-in-law of Greg Sommer, Ben Green
Friend of Karl and Carolyn Horner, Nadine Greene
Claudine Hope
Yvonne Isola
Family, friends, and colleagues of Pastor Josh Knutson, the Pastor of Christ Community and St. Michael Lutheran Churches in North Charleston
Robert, friend of John Merritt
Jimmy Metts
Bill Sanders
Cousin-in-law of Wally and Delores Steinhauser, Jill Sanders
Angie Smith’s Mother
Brenda Sommer’s Nephew, Lars
Cindy Dooley and Dave Stout, friends of Ricky and Becky Wingard
| | Worship is at 10 a.m. each Sunday. | | |
Scriptures for this Sunday
The First Reading: Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18
The Second Reading: Ephesians 1:11-23
Gospel Reading: Luke 6:20-31
| | Worship Service replay from Sunday, October 26, 2025 | | | | |
