Thursday, April 23, 2026

What’s New for You?

• Celebrating the Baptism of Cameron James Struthers
• Mark your calendar for Pastor Mary’s retirement celebration.
• Sister D’Etta Broam is offering a weekly yoga group at Pilgrim.
• Heartfelt “Thank you” from Lee Ruff
• Last chance to submit your Lenten Events Survey.
• Last Sunday for Breakfast Donations!
• Newcomer Luncheon will be on May 17.
• PCP Art Festival is tomorrow evening.

Blessed Eastertide and Happy Thursday!

This newsletter is another fantastic opportunity to hear about new ministry opportunities at Pilgrim and the wider church, and to catch up on stories of past events. Especially take note of our President’s article and anticipate your first Pastor Transition Update letter in your mailbox and your e-boxes. I’m excited about our first session, called Who Are We? this Sunday, as we move forward to prepare ourselves for the call process for a new pastor. We’ve made so much progress, Pilgrims, and there’s more to come!

Transitions are simultaneously exciting and anxious times. It’s natural to feel both. I’m in a big transition in retirement, and you are starting a pastoral transition that’s a very normal transition for congregations. Pastors are always a small chapter in a church’s life. But you are the book, the history. Please know there are many supports around you during this time in Pilgrim’s life. You and I will be required to lean on the Holy Spirit, our advocate, guide, and comforter. 

Be encouraged by all the goodness you see here in this edition of this newsletter. We need everyone to join in this mission to which Christ has called us. Step up boldly so we can step out boldly in mission!

Pastor Mary

Council President’s Page

Mary Beth Hill

Keeping you in the loop!

We know you have some questions about what will happen as we prepare for Pastor Mary’s retirement on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2026. 

Feel free to reach out to any Council member by email and let him/her know your question(s). Don’t worry. We will share your questions with each other and our answers with you all.

Here is our first one. When will we have a Call Committee? We plan to have a Call Committee in place by September 1. If you would like to be considered for this committee, please reach out and let us know you are interested. The committee will be appointed by the council, will be diverse, and will have about six people.

Their first challenge will be the paperwork we must complete and submit to the Synod Office before the search begins.

Our second question goes something like this. How will we know what is happening now? At our monthly meeting this past Sunday, our Council decided to create regular letters throughout this process, designed solely to keep you informed. These will be called “Pastor Transition Updates.”

You will receive them by mail using the U.S. Postal Service and by email using Constant Contact (the same system we use to send Pilgrim’s Progress). 

Please note that this does not replace Pilgrim’s Progress. It will be an additional way for us to make sure you receive this important information.

As we move forward….

We have much to do in the next few weeks as we prepare for the next steps in finding our next pastor. As you know, Pastor Mary’s last Sunday with us is Dec. 27. See the “Save the date” notice for her retirement celebration below.

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.

Celebrating the Baptism of Cameron James Struthers

This Sunday, April 26, we will celebrate the baptism of Cameron James Struthers, born December 22, 2022, son of Amber Chavis and Aaron Struthers. His baptismal sponsor will be Christina Nagy.

We invite the Pilgrim family to join in welcoming Cameron into the life of the Church and to keep him and his family in your prayers as he begins his faith journey.

Pastor Mary’s retirement celebration

The “Cheers to the Years Team” invites everyone to mark their calendars and save the date! 

We will celebrate Pastor Mary’s retirement and her time with us on Saturday, December 12, beginning at 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall here at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. 

Stay tuned to Pilgrim’s Progress for more updates!

Yoga, Anyone?

Sister D’Etta Broam is offering a weekly yoga group here at Pilgrim. Among her many ministries, she is the Deacon for Health and Wholeness for the S.C. Synod. To help your discernment about participating, she is asking if we are interested in a regular morning session for 30 minutes ($35 for 5 sessions/ $9 for drop-ins), 45 minutes ($50 for 5 sessions or $12 for drop-ins), or 60 minutes ($60 for 5 sessions or $15 for drop-ins). As a first step, simply let us know if you are interested in being a regular participant in a yoga class at Pilgrim by Wednesday, April 29.

Then, we’ll contact those interested to ask which day of the week works and how long we want the sessions to be. Contact the church office to let us know!

Heartfelt “Thank you” from Lee Ruff

We recently received a warm, heartfelt call from Lee Ruff, who expressed his appreciation for the Easter cards and special items created by the children.

Lee said how much he enjoyed receiving each one and asked that his thanks be passed along. He also asked us to let you know how much he loves and misses everyone.

Thank you for the time, care, and love poured into these thoughtful gestures. They made a real difference and were a meaningful encouragement to him.

Last chance to submit your Lenten Events Survey

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.

Last Sunday for Breakfast Donations!

The Leah Circle is wrapping up our April collection of breakfast favorites: cereal, Pop-Tarts, and more to help stock the Food Pantry.

This Sunday is the last day to bring your donations! Be sure to drop them in the container in the narthex.

Thank you for showing up, sharing generously, and being part of this joyful ministry!

Newcomer Luncheon will be on May 17

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. Attending does not obligate you to join the congregation, but it is an opportunity to meet other newcomers, as well as long-time members, and to ask your questions about Christianity, our denomination, and Pilgrim.

We’ll meet immediately following worship on Sunday, May 17, in the Prayer and Share Room. You can find this room behind the kitchen on the lower level of the Administration Building (near the Fellowship Hall).

If you haven’t already, please let Pastor Mary know soon if you’re interested.

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’s Art Festival

Tomorrow, April 25, from 5 to 8 p.m.

This special fundraiser supports our Preschool and the wonderful programs it provides. You’ll get to see the students’ creativity on display, enjoy a lively atmosphere, and take part in a silent auction featuring a wide variety of items. Plus, browse and shop from several great vendors while you’re there.

Pilgrim members, our presence makes a real difference. Every bid, purchase, and show of support helps strengthen the preschool and everything it offers our children and community.

We’d love to see you there and share in the fun together!

House of Peace Banquet

Pilgrim members celebrating with the House of Peace at their banquet on Tuesday night.

House of Peace is a transitional home for Christian men, offering mentoring, guidance, and supportive community as they work toward stability and a fresh start.

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.

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

April 26, 2026, 10 a.m.

Worship Assistant — Kristin Dashiell

Ushers — Scott Grosse and Tyler Mears

Communion Assistants — Lou Galloway and Kathy Boivin

Counters — Delores Steinhauser and Todd Hendrix

Hospitality Table — Lou Galloway

Children’s Time — Ryan Mears and Lou Galloway

May 3, 2026, 10 a.m.

Worship Assistant — Greg Sommer

Ushers — Jimmy Smith and David Marshall

Communion Assistants — Wally and Delores Steinhauser

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 — Wally and Delores Steinhauser

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 and Lou Galloway

May 17, 2026, 10 a.m.

Worship Assistant — Jamy Claire Archer

Ushers — Scott Grosse and Ricky Wingard

Communion Assistants — Mary Beth Hill and Becky Wingard

Counters — Don Kosanka and Jamie Kosanka

Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer

Children’s Time — Allison Hallman 

May 24, 2026, 10 a.m.

Worship Assistant — Kathy Boivin

Ushers — Tyler Mears and Brenda Sommer

Communion Assistants — Margie Bundrick and Kathleen Shutt

Counters — Delores Steinhauser and Todd Hendrix

Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer

Children’s Time — Ryan Mears

May 31, 2026, 10 a.m

Worship Assistant — Kristin Dashiell

Ushers — Rick Harris and Joe Kaminer

Communion Assistants — David and Jane Park

Counters — Jamie Kosanka and Wally Steinhauser

Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer

Children’s Time — Jackie Kaminer

Pilgrim’s Prayer List

The family and friends of Anne Addy. Peace to her memory!

Myra Boyd

Mary Ann Crawshaw

The family and friends of Marty Dashiell. Peace to his memory!

Norma Drafts

Claudine Hope

Jimmy Metts

Bill Sanders

Greg Sommer

For Cameron James Struthers on his baptismal day!

Stacy Weaver and her family at the death of her husband, Mark. Peace to his memory!

Friends of Pilgrim

Bishop Ginny Aebischer

Joyce Czarnecki

Pamela Francis’ mother

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

Nadine Greene, friend of Karl and Carolyn Horner

Tina Krause, friend of Pastor Mary 

Lars, Brenda Sommer’s Nephew

Eileen and Ronnie Leaphart, dear friends of Myron and Linda Corley

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.

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

The First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

The Second Reading: Psalm 23

Gospel: John 10:1-10

Worship Service replay from Sunday, April 19, 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