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Thursday, June 11, 2026
What’s New for You?
- Our youngest hosts stepped up. Who’s next?
- Pilgrim will give a report at Synod Assembly. Watch it live!
- Register for the Creek Walk at Saluda Shoals.
- Father’s Day Hot Dog Lunch
- Holy Casseroley Returns!
- Celebration of Life for Claudine Hope
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Happy Thursday, Pilgrims!
Welcome to another week of early summer. You’ll see in this edition of Pilgrim’s Progress a great array of updates, events, ministries, and opportunities for service.
As Jesus will teach us again on Sunday, we are followers commissioned to go out and serve. Our faith isn’t a private, personal thing. It has always been a communal, public venture.
Our church camps at Lutheridge (Arden, N.C.) and Lutherock (Newland, N.C.) welcomed their first groups of kids and teen campers this week after spending much time training and inspiring their counselors. The third week of camp at Lutheridge, the week of June 21, my family will be volunteering at camp. Pilgrims, Delaney and Dylan Mears, will be going up for their very first Lutheridge experience that week as well. We’re so excited to be up there together.
Happy vacationing and staycationing to all of you. Blessings to all who are healing from illnesses or injuries, to those who are undergoing difficult medical treatments, and to those who are seeking solutions to physical and mental distresses that weigh heavy on their hearts and minds. May the presence of the living God be your hope and help.
Peace to you all,
Pastor Mary
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Council President’s Page
Mary Beth Hill
Where do we find God?
I imagine that we all mull over that question from time to time. Over the last month or so, my two grandsons (5 and 9) and I have had the opportunity to talk about God a lot lately at our favorite Dollar General.
Yes. You read that right. You see, we have a Dollar General not far from the last school where I pick up a grandson. The highlight of their week is stopping there once a week to get “one drink and one food” each. If it’s been a particularly good week, they may also get to choose one inexpensive toy.
One day, I just took my wallet in. One of them needed help reaching something on a shelf. And I put that wallet on the shelf while stretching to reach it. It wasn’t until we got to the cash register that I realized I’d left it there. We looked all over that store. But none of us could find it.
The cashier took my telephone number and promised to look for it. And, although the boys were really disappointed, they did really well. We turned to leave, but a gentleman stepped out in front of us, holding out cash. He said for me “to buy those boys their treat.” I offered to send him the money, but he wouldn’t let me.
In the car on the way home, the boys began to talk about how nice it was of him to do that and how we should pray that I would find my wallet. Together, they did.
After a few moments of quiet, one asked if God had sent the man. I said I thought he probably had, and we had a wonderful conversation about all the times God shows up but we don’t recognize it. They decided to pray their thanks for the man and, again, their hope for the lost wallet.
In the middle of their prayer, the cashier called from the DG. She said a customer had found my wallet and turned it in. As we turned around to go get it, one of the boys yelled, “God did it again. Thanks, God!” Then, both boys cheered, “Thank you, God!”
And yes, we got the wallet. Believe it or not, we have another story about that DG and a God sighting. I’ll save it for another day. Keep your eyes and heart open. Amen!
Heads up! Policy coming your way
Over the past four years, the subject of the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Pilgrim campus has been an ongoing conversation.
Research we’ve done through past facilities use agreements, Council minutes, and other office files found only one document (from 2017) that appears to be a policy created during the time Pastor Glenn Boland served as Interim Pastor and added to the Facilities Rental Agreement at that time.
This 2017 policy clearly stated that alcoholic beverages of any kind were not permitted. However, the process by which this became policy appears weak. That is, although we know it was created and added by staff, we cannot document that it was discussed in Council or agreed to by a congregational vote.
Despite this policy, there is a perception that we are giving conflicting messages about whether alcohol is allowed. We are aware that some of that confusion stems from the fact that it is sometimes being brought to church events despite the policy.
We are also keenly aware that we are a site of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and that we are also promoting our site to businesses and other individuals for outside gatherings (rentals). We know that a strict “no alcohol” policy could deter potential renters of our facilities.
As a result, it seems good and right that the Council should develop a policy and seek the congregation’s approval, just as we do with other policies.
This Sunday, June 14, we will provide you with a copy of the draft policy. In the coming weeks, we will hold two information sessions after worship (June 21 and 28), during which you can ask questions, etc.
Then, we will hold a congregational vote after worship on Sunday, July 12.
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.
| | Our youngest hosts stepped up. Who’s next? | | |
Our Children’s Time kids took over the hospitality table this past Sunday, and they were in charge of all the menu selections! We were especially intrigued by the jar of dill pickles sitting alongside the chocolate cake, and we appreciated their creative pairing of fresh fruits and vegetables with a side of peanuts.
Thank you to the kids and parents for being such wonderful surprise hosts and for adding a little extra fun to our fellowship time.
Speaking of hospitality, we’re still looking for a host for this coming Sunday. If you’d be willing to provide a few simple refreshments after worship, we’d love for you to sign up!
| | Pilgrim will give a report at Synod Assembly — Watch it live! | | |
The South Carolina Lutheran Synod will hold its annual assembly in Columbia on June 11–13. This year’s gathering will be especially significant as voting members elect a new bishop who will serve a six-year term.
Voting members of the assembly from Pilgrim are Pastor Mary, Tyler Mears, and Delores Steinhauser. Delores is scheduled to speak to the assembly on Friday afternoon around 3 p.m. Things sometimes get pushed around, however, so stay tuned! Members who would like to watch the assembly live may do so online here.
| | Following the assembly, Pilgrim’s voting members will report back to the congregation on the election of the bishop and other actions taken during the gathering. Please continue to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the assembly meets. | | Creek Walk at Saluda Shoals | | |
Join Pilgrim Lutheran Church on July 18 at 9 a.m. for a morning of creek walking, outdoor wonder, and meaningful conversation at Saluda Shoals Park.
Children and their grown-ups will explore Corley Creek with Saluda Shoals Park Rangers, learn about the Lower Saluda River ecosystem, enjoy a snack and faith formation, and gather for a parent discussion and Q&A with a children’s counselor from Jill Smith + Associates Counseling.
This event is designed to be playful, welcoming, hands-on, and low-pressure — a chance for children to explore creation and for parents to connect around the joys and challenges of raising happy, confident kids.
Registration ends July 10. Space is limited to 30 total participants, including both children and adults. Preference is given on a first-come, first-served basis. If the event fills, we will keep a waitlist and notify families if spots become available.
There is no cost to participate. This event is paid for by a grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the South Carolina Synod. Click here for more information on the creek walk.
| | Ultra Short Survey for Families | | |
The Navigating Team wants our content to be truly impactful for families.
Parents and Grandparents, please take this one-question survey to share any questions or curiosities you have about anxiety in children.
| | Father’s Day Hot Dog Lunch | | |
Join us after worship on Father’s Day, June 21, for a grilled hot dog lunch on the Sanctuary patio! Stay for food, fellowship, and a chance to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who make a difference in our lives.
All are welcome. We hope you’ll stick around and enjoy some time together as a church family.
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Pilgrim will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, June 26, from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. This is a simple way to make a lifesaving difference in our community this summer.
As a special thank you, everyone present to donate will be entered to win four Six Flags tickets, valid at any Six Flags park in the United States through September 7, 2026. Donors may also qualify for additional Red Cross gift card promotions and prize drawings.
Book your appointment by clicking here. Plenty of spots are still available. Help us fill the schedule and support this important mission!
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Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. as we gather in the Fellowship Hall kitchen for another evening of Holy Casseroley.
We’ll be preparing casseroles to share with members of our church family and community. If you’ve already responded about attending, thank you! If you’re still working out your schedule, there’s plenty of time to let us know.
If you would like to join us and haven’t already signed up, please contact Delores by June 25. Knowing who’s coming helps us plan the recipes and assign ingredients to bring.
We’re also looking to add a few new dishes to our rotation. If you have a favorite casserole recipe that freezes well in two 8x8 pans and is simple to prepare, we’d love for you to share it.
Whether you’re a seasoned casserole maker or trying it for the first time, we’d love to have you in the kitchen with us.
| | Celebration of Life for Claudine Hope | | |
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Claudine Bevill Hope, who left us peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on November 18, 1928, in Springfield, GA, Claudine was a respected and loved member of the Lexington community where she resided for 58 years.
Click here to read the official obituary of Claudine Bevill Hope.
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Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life honoring Claudine on Sunday, July 12, from 2–5 p.m. at Corley Mill House.
We ask that you continue to hold her family in prayer and give thanks to God for the blessings of her life.
| | | A Page from Pilgrim’s History | | |
Two years ago, we celebrated our 125th anniversary as a congregation. We were so grateful for the wonderful history book that covered our history from 1899 to 1999. We did not accomplish the writing of our history from 2000 to the present, but hope someone with a passion for history and archives will come forward to organize this soon.
In the meantime, we are documenting stories of these years as we discover them. We recently learned/remembered that when the new sanctuary was built beginning in 2005, six Bibles were buried within the footprint of the new building. One was under the planned place for the pulpit, another under the baptismal font, another under the site for the altar where we share the body and blood of Christ, another under the choir loft, and two at the doors to the sanctuary where worshipers enter to worship and where they exit to go and serve the Lord. What a wonderful way to show that all that we do, say, pray, preach, and sing is grounded in the Word of God!
If any of you have a picture from that event or a bulletin from it, please share the originals or a copy with us for the archives. If you have other stories about our mission and ministry from the past 27 years, we certainly welcome them!
| | Visit Secluded Gardens during peak bloom season | | |
Pilgrim members, Gail and Wayne Buff, invite you to visit Secluded Gardens, an American Daylily Society National Daylily Display Garden located on their beautifully wooded and landscaped property. With approximately 250 varieties of daylilies, along with annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, the gardens are currently at their peak and will remain in bloom through mid-June.
Pilgrim members, family, and friends are welcome to visit and enjoy God’s creation. The gardens are located at 132 Seclusion Court, behind Wingard’s Market, and open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is available on the right side of the circular driveway. No appointment is necessary. If Gail and Wayne are away, visitors are still encouraged to enjoy the gardens.
“Consider the lilies how they grow; they toil not; and yet I say unto you that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” — Luke 12:27
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Stretch, breathe, and recharge with yoga led by Sister D’Etta Broam. These welcoming sessions will include a chair/mat combination to accommodate different abilities and comfort levels.
Our first five sessions began on May 30 and will continue on June 20, June 27, and July 18 (working around Synod events and the Fourth of July). Sessions will meet for 45 minutes on Saturdays at 10 a.m. The classes will be held in the Fellowship Hall.
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Looking ahead, the next five yoga sessions will be held on August 1, August 15, August 29, September 12, and September 26.
Cost is $50 for five sessions or $12 per drop-in class. Participants may pay using Sister D’Etta’s Venmo or by cash or check at the class.
If you would like to participate or learn more, please contact the church office. Participants can also reach out to Sister D’Etta directly with any questions.
| | “Meat” the need this June | | |
This June, Pilgrim’s food pantry focus is canned and shelf-stable meats to help provide protein-rich, filling options for families in our community.
Items like canned chicken, tuna, Spam, Vienna sausages, meat sticks, pepperoni, and other meats help stretch meals and make a real difference when school lunches are no longer part of the daily routine. Thank you for helping support our neighbors by keeping summer meals on the table.
| | Choose your weeks! Join the fun! | | |
Looking for summer fun for your kids or grandkids? Heather and Mimi, two of Pilgrim Preschool’s beloved teachers, are hosting a children’s summer camp right here at Pilgrim.
Camp will meet Monday through Thursday through July 30, using the Fellowship Hall and Pilgrim Park for games, crafts, outdoor activities, STEM projects, science experiments, themed adventures, and more. Each week features a different theme, so every week brings something new to explore.
Families are welcome to sign up for as many or as few weeks as they would like. Payments are handled on a week-by-week basis, making it easy to fit camp into your family’s summer plans. There is no need to commit to the entire summer.
For more information or to register, contact Heather at 607-743-5074.
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ELCA receives Lilly Endowment Grant to strengthen Lutheran Disaster Response
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has received a $1.2 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative Hope After the Storm: Capacity Building for Faith-Based Disaster Relief Organizations. The grant will enable Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) to strengthen its capacity to support communities through sustained, long-term recovery.
LDR’s work — in both domestic and international settings — is focused on its commitment to accompany communities through the full recovery process, remaining long after a disaster occurs. Through this grant, LDR will strengthen its work in domestic settings by focusing on two areas that are essential to sustaining its long-term approach to disaster recovery: expanding its emotional and spiritual care capacity, and strengthening sustainable donor engagement for long-term recovery needs.
“We are excited by the opportunity to strengthen LDR’s ability to accompany disaster-impacted communities that this grant from Lilly Endowment provides,” said Maryn Olson, director, Lutheran Disaster Response. “While LDR has provided emotional and spiritual care over the years, this grant offers us the time and resources to formalize this work and intentionally expand our disaster emotional and spiritual care across the ELCA with regionally based teams.”
Thank you, LDR, for your wonderful ministry!
| | 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. | | Savvy Seniors Summer Camp | | |
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church is hosting a 6-week Savvy Seniors Summer Camp this summer for seniors who enjoy learning, staying active, and fellowship! Classes will include a variety of historical and community-centered topics, and lunch is included each week.
The camp will be held on Wednesdays at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 400 River Rd., Irmo, on the Irmo side of the dam. The cost is $45, and seating is limited.
For more information, click here or visit St. Michael’s website.
| | 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!
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Summer Giving
Just a reminder that many in our congregation have found the Simply Giving program to be the perfect way to make their regular contributions to the church. You can simply fill out and email this form or drop it off at the church office.
Another way is to contribute online from wherever you are. Regular giving is a faithful discipline that strengthens our relationship to God and our neighbors. Thank you for your generosity!
| | How Can I Give to Pilgrim? | | |
We offer multiple ways to give that make supporting us easy and convenient. You can give in person or online, 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 program.
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.
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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 or text Courtney Coker in the office, and she can make those needed changes online, in Pilgrim’s Progress, and in the Sunday Bulletin.
June 14, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Erica Conklin
Ushers — Scott Grosse and Jimmy Smith
Communion Assistants — Kathleen Shutt and Margie Bundrick
Counters — Don Kosanka and Todd Hendrix
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman and Lou Galloway
June 21, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Jackie Kaminer
Ushers — Carl Richardson and Mary Beth Hill
Communion Assistants — Lou Galloway and Kathy Boivin
Counters — Melissa Hendrix and Wally Steinhauser
Hospitality Table — LMM Father’s Day (Hot Dogs)
Children’s Time — Need Volunteers
June 28, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Ryan Mears
Ushers — Don and Jamie Kosanka
Communion Assistants — Myron Corley and Mary Beth Hill
Counters — Delores Steinhauser and Scott Grosse
Hospitality Table — Lou Galloway
Children’s Time — Allison Hallman
July 5, 2026, 10 a.m.
Worship Assistant — Peter Reinhart
Ushers — Scott Grosse and Brenda Sommer
Communion Assistants — TBD
Counters — Melissa and Todd Hendrix
Hospitality Table — Need Volunteer
Children’s Time — Jackie Kaminer
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Pilgrim’s Prayer List
Alan Addy
Myra Boyd
Mary Ann Crawshaw
Norma Drafts
Todd Hendrix and his family, as they mourn the death of his sister’s grandson, Gavin, age 11.
The family and friends of Claudine Hope, as they mourn her death.
Jimmy Metts
Bill Sanders
Greg Sommer
Ricky Wingard
Friends of Pilgrim
Bishop Ginny Aebischer
Joyce Czarnecki
Beth Davis, friend of Pastor Mary
Ben Green, Greg Sommer’s brother-in-law
Nadine Greene, friend of Karl and Carolyn Horner
Joyce Kirkland and Joanna Kirkland, sisters-in-law of Debra and Carl Richardson
Tina Krause, friend of Pastor Mary
Lars, Brenda Sommer’s Nephew
Eileen and Ronnie Leaphart, dear friends of Myron and Linda Corley
LeMaster Family, family of Melissa Hendrix
Donna McCullough, Steve McCullough’s mother
Louise Newton, friend of Ricky and Becky Wingard
Jill Sanders, Wally and Delores Steinhauser’s cousin-in-law
Heidi, Wolfram Schwabe’s sister
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: Exodus 19:2-8a
The Second Reading: Romans 5:1-8
Gospel: Matthew 9:35—10:8
| | Worship Service replay from Sunday, June 7, 2026 | | | | |
