Volume 37 Number 04

The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim

Lutheran Church 3901 First Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55409 (612) 825-5375

From the Desk of Pastor Pete

“I tell you the truth . . . your grief will turn to joy”

In the year since we last celebrated Easter, have you known any grief? If you’re human, of course you

have! Did you suffer job loss or a broken heart? Whose death did you mourn this year? Or maybe the

death happened a long time ago and you’re still mourning. Grief—it’s a universal experience. Even

Jesus experienced grief when he was here.

As Christians we also experience an uncommon grief, a unique burden that belongs to us as followers

of Jesus. He said, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices.” (John 16:20)

At the time Jesus was talking to the disciples about his impending death—a time when they would

mourn while their enemies rejoiced. But there are other times when those words come true in our lives,

like when guilt sneaks up on us because we know we’ve done wrong. The world rejoices: “Well, it’s

about time he fell in with the rest of us!” “I knew all that Jesus talk didn’t make any difference.”

To people who know the truth of grief Jesus speaks a new and deeper truth. Easter guarantees it to us:

“Your grief will turn to joy.”

(Continued on Page 2)

April 2015

Table of Contents

Easter………….………………………………Page 3 School News…………………………………..Page 13-14

Sermons………………………………………Page 5 FamilyFunTime…….…………………………Page 15

Birthdays/Anniversariers……………………..Page 6 Childrens Fun Time..………………………….Page 16

Announcements/Prayers………………………Page 7-12 Church Calendar

Christ’s victorious resurrection from the dead means that a future resurrection waits for us. God has set

aside a day when there will be no more crying or mourning or pain. The grief that the disciples

experienced because of his death would turn to joy when they realized that even the awful crucifixion

was God’s plan of salvation. In light of the resurrection we too know that God is at work even in the

things that cause us grief and pain. The guilt that we feel over the past is a burden we need no longer

carry because the cross means the price is paid. Jesus is alive and his life means nothing can keep us

from the life that he has set aside for us.

Easter means the past does not control us. Easter means our future is certain. Easter means joy!

Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your

grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but

when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the

world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and

no one will take away your joy. --Jesus (John 16:20-22)

[2]

Easter is a natural time to invite people to church. It’s one of two days of the year (the

other is Christmas) when people are most open to an invitation. And that makes

sense—Easter is all about the central message of Christianity, the fact that we have a

living Savior and in him we have nothing to fear. Of course, “it’s not about church”

it’s about Jesus! Worship services are one way that we can expose people to the good

news of Jesus.

Holy Week and Easter

We call the week before Easter “holy week” and remember key events in Jesus’ life during that time.

As usual, at Pilgrim we’ll celebrate:

Maundy Thursday on April 2 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The word “Maundy” comes from

the Latin word for “command.” It was on this day that Jesus gave his disciples the

“new command” to love one another. This was also the evening when Jesus instituted

the Lord’s Supper so we celebrate the Lord’s Supper that day as well.

Good Friday on April 3 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. The day commemorates Jesus’

death on the cross. “Good” might seem like a strange name for an event like that,

but we remember that on the cross Christ made the ultimate sacrifice to pay for the

sins to the world. When Jesus said “It is finished” from the cross he let all who

heard know that he had accomplished his mission and that the guilt and shame of

our sins died with him.

Easter Sunday on April 5 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. SON Experience in the school gym

12:00 noon. The main event! The good news that Jesus’ story does not end in

death but continues with life! Our story doesn’t end in death either! Through faith

in Christ we have become heirs of heaven and eternal life!

Easter breakfast: If you’d like to contribute to our Easter breakfast at Pilgrim

we’re looking for donations of milk, juice, fruit, bars and colored hard boiled eggs.

If you’d prefer to donate cash for groceries that’s okay too. You can drop off your

donations in the church kitchen on the Saturday before Easter, April 4. If you’d

like to donate your help with serving or clean up there is also a sign up sheet in the

kitchen. Thanks for helping to make Easter a special event!

[3]

Enjoy the Convenience of Electronic Giving

Pilgrim wants to remind you that we offer electronic giving as a way to automate your regular weekly

offering. Electronic giving offers convenience for individual congregation members and provides

much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. Direct Debit Giving is used to automatically

transfer funds from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account. Credit & Debit

Card Giving lets you make offerings automatically on a predetermined schedule using a credit or debit

card. Online Giving lets you go to www.pilgrimonline.net at any time to set up an automatic donation

plan, change your donation plan, make a one-time donation or view your online donation history. As

you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Authorization forms and

additional information are available from the church office.

Vacation Bible School at Pilgrim will be June 14 – 18.

The theme this year will be “Gone Fishing.” Jesus said, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers

of men.” (Matthew 4:19) As followers of Jesus he calls us to help others see the good news that he has

to offer.

The themes for the week will be;

Fishing for Love

Fishing for Help

Fishing for God’s Word

Fishing for Forgiveness

Fishing for People

There will be classes, activities and lots of fun for children of all ages. There

will be classes and activities especially for teens and adults.

Watch for more details in the newsletter, bulletin and website.

Spring Cleaning April 11 9:30 – 12:30

Come on out to clean and spruce up our beautiful building and grounds! Spring

cleaning day provides us all with an opportunity to work together with brothers and

sisters in Christ and show our appreciation and pride in the facilities that God has

blessed us with.

No special skill is needed—just your time and willingness to serve. Show up April 11

9:30 – 12:30 ready to work!

[4]

Pilgrim sermons: 2015

One for All, All for One

Christ-centered: It’s the first of our core values at Pilgrim and rightly so. Without Christ at the

center of our congregation and ministry we have nothing. One of the most important ways that

we stay Christ-centered is through the preaching of God’s word. Join us as we stay focused on

the One who is for all of us, the One who unites us.

2015

5 April: Easter Isaiah 12:1-6 He Lives!

12 April: His Life Our Confidence John 12:19-31 He Lives!

19 April: His Life Our Mission Luke 24:36-49 He Lives!

26 April: The Good Shepherd John 10:11-18 Good Shepherd

3 May: Remain in Christ John 15:1-8 Still With Us

10 May: Our Best Friend John 15:9-17 Still With Us

17 May: Confirmation Confirmation

24 May: Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost

31 May: Trinity Isaiah 6:1-8 Trinity

[5]

April Birthdays

Joe Bottensek 1

Anita Kurth 3

Justin McGowan 3

Steve Cambrice 5

Viola Jensen 9

Tarnue Jallah 10

Ethel Goplen 12

Paul Dahlin 14

Robert Helmen 14

Caroline Hardyman 16

Stephanie Miller 17

Benjamin Anderson 19

Caitlin Bandelin 19

Blanche Odegard 19

Robert Gunderson 20

Galen Sommer 20

George Cattle 21

Elaine Weber 21

Mia Puterbaugh 22

Yeane Kiazolu 25

Rose Hoppenrath 26

Allen Geiselhart 27

Cynthia Sroga 28

Adam Heilman 30

April Wedding Anniversary

Thomas & Anita Kurth 1

Darrell & Karla Sampson 22

[6]

Announcements Electronic News Letter

Did you sign up for the electronic version of our monthly newsletter but are not receiving it? If you

answered yes to this question please get in touch with me. It is due to the way you signed up so I would

like to get that fixed for you. Zoe Herzig 763-360-6150

Want to place an article in the News Letter?

If you want to place an article in the News Letter you may do so by handing it in to Zoe Herzig or

email it to her at Zherzig@yahoo.com. All articles are due NO LATER than the 20th of each month

LOST AND FOUND

Lost and found items are in a basket by the tracts in the narthex (1st Avenue entrance) of the church.

Call the church office at 612-825-5375 to inquire about lost and found items.

Lock doors and turn off lights

Pilgrim Church highly encourages the use of our facilities by groups: Pioneers, Ladies Guild, Bible

Study, etc. We ask for each group, upon leaving, to verify all lights are turned off and doors are shut

tight. Doors need to be checked by pulling on them as they may not lock unless forced shut.

Numerous times staff members have arrived to find the doors not locked and lights left on. Not

checking the doors puts our property in danger of vandalism, theft and a host of other issues. Leaving

lights on causes additional funds to be sent to Xcel Energy that could have been used to spread the

Gospel.

Do YOU need a ride to Church?

Or, do you know someone who would like to attend a worship service at Pilgrim but has no

transportation? The benefits of being present in God’s house, sitting with others, singing,

praying and praising God are huge. Many of us are already giving rides to those who need it,

but there are still some drivers who would be willing to pick others up on a regular basis or

occasionally. If you would like a ride to church some Sunday please call Pastor Leyrer or Tam

in the church office at 612-825-5375.

[7]

Announcements

PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for the United States military and the following enlisted and/or deployed service men and

women:

Chris and Ryan Altema, Paul Bandelin, Thomas Bonde; Justin Brandt, David Chernohorsky; Jason

Fahey, Jennifer James, Nicholas Neumann, Cory Williams, and John Zimmerman.

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR OUR MEMBERS

People to pray for (Please call the church office if you would like a name added to this list.)

Bill Bonde; Amina Bushey; Joel Dahlberg; Brian Florin; Ken Gostchock; Rebecca Herzig; Jallah

Family; Onyeka Jefferson; Stephanie Kern; Rick Puterbaugh; Margaret Rodmyre; George Scott;

Tom Strieter; Kathy Wasley; Mary Ann Williams; and Pilgrim shut-ins.

NEW DAY PREGNANCY FLYERS

Now that the weather is getting nicer, please consider delivering flyers for the New Day Pregnancy

Counseling Center. The flyer delivery is using the block maps from the Proclaimer that can be found

in the cabinets at the end of the old school hallway by the bathrooms. Pick your block(s) and note your

name on the listing of block numbers for this valuable outreach. Please contact Mark Heilman 763-

593-2910 with any questions.

ALTAR FLOWERS

If you would like to beautify the altar with flowers, contact Dale Mueller for more information at

dalem9999@yahoo.com or 612-554-9121.

SPRING CLEANING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers from MOVE will be at Pilgrim on April 11 from 9:30 to 12:30 to help us with spring

cleaning. We need Pilgrim people to help out as well. We’ll clean, paint, spruce up our building and

grounds. Come on out and serve your church and Lord!

[8]

Announcements

COFFEE PLUS 5 VOLUNTEERS

Please contact Deb Ndekwe at 612-810-4650 or dndekwe@icloud.com if you are interested in

providing treats and/or serving coffee between services on Sundays in 2015 (9 a.m. set-up; 10:30 a.m.

clean-up). Thank you!

LET’S NURTURE OUR PILGRIM FAMILY

If you haven’t seen someone you know in church for a while, please reach out to them with a

phone call, text, email, or card. Everyone needs to feel loved and appreciated.

Pilgrim Ladies Guild

We are looking for new members to join our Ladies Guild. We are a service organization and

we need and invite you to bring in new thoughts and ideas. Please mark your calendar for the

1st Wednesday of any month to attend and see what we are about. All Pilgrim women are

encouraged and welcome to attend. Many think we only cater food; but the truth is, very few of

us cook or bake. We have many areas of interests and our committees are: sanctuary, flowers,

annual garage sale, food shelf, cards, annual craft sale, and catering. We are a Guild of many

ages, thoughts, words, and actions. Please consider joining us. We would be pleased to see

you! Thank you!

Catering – your help is needed

The Ladies Guild needs help with catering events (mostly funerals). Both men and women can

help! There are several areas that you can help with: setting up tables, serving, clean-up, and

furnishing bars. Whether you work or not, bringing a pan of bars is always greatly appreciated!

If you are willing to serve Pilgrim and the Lord in this way, please contact Sherry

Schochenmaier at 763-416-5003 or contact the church office. Thank you!

FOOD SHELF ITEMS NEEDED

The food shelf is in need of food. Thank you for your kindness and generosity! A generous man will

himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9

[9]

Announcements

ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF HOPE – ON A MISSION

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join us for an evening of intrigue and adventure!

Join the Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities for an amazing evening that includes dinner, music by the

Changed Lives Choir and incredible testimonies of hope. Our guest emcee, aka Special Agent 86, is

Ben Utecht…former Minnesota Golden Gophers football star and Super Bowl Champion with the

Indianapolis Colts under Coach Tony Dungy.

Please register by Monday, April 6, 2015. You may register by going online at ugmtc.org or by

contacting Virginia Fenrick at 651-789-7561. Seating is limited.

WHEN: Monday, April 20, 2015

Event check-in @ 5:30 p.m.

Program @ 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Saint Paul RiverCentre

175 West Kellogg Boulevard

COST: No Charge – Donation Opportunity

Spring is here and it’s time again to do some sorting out of items we no longer

want. Ladies Guild will be having their rummage sale June 17th

– 20th

. Start setting your items aside

but PLEASE DO NOT drop anything off yet. Watch for more in the next few months. Usually we do

not have the rummage sale the same week as VBS but was given the ok to do so. Those that attend

VBS will be given a coupon to be used at the rummage sale.

[10]

Announcements

God’s Word through Bible studies.

As always we have opportunities to grow in understanding God’s Word through Bible

studies. Every Sunday you can join Dr. Scott Gostchock with the 7E’s Bible study between

worship services in the fireside room.

On Tuesday mornings we have the “early risers” study at 6:30 am in the board room (across

the hall from the fireside room). On Wednesday’s we have a NEW TIME for Bible study:

10:00 am in the fireside room. At 6:00 on Wednesday evening we repeat the morning study.

They’ll be based on the sermon from the previous Sunday.

Lots of opportunities to grow in fellowship and understanding of God’s word!

Pilgrim Youth Group is an exciting and fun opportunity for our Pilgrim youth and for any other

youth from anywhere! We have a chance to meet and discuss our business, do a

Bible study, have a snack, and do an activity. It is awesome!

The youth group meets the first Sunday of every month from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

We then all go to the SON Experience and have pizza after the SON Experience.

It is open to any youth from anywhere – we target our Pilgrim youth, but we love

it when we have guest youth from anywhere! The age for participation is anyone in or above 7th

grade. We welcome you all!

There are also many volunteer opportunities with the youth group. If you would like to

volunteer or be a part of our youth group, please contact Dr. G at any time – 612-825-5375 ext.

106. We look forward to having you all there and seeing the Lord at work in and through us all!

[11]

Announcements

Networking/Job Transition Group

If you are looking to network or possible help with your job search, join us for a great interactive

supportive group meeting. We meet once a month at 6 pm on the 2nd

Thursday of each month at St.

Michael’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington (Address: 9201 Normandale Blvd; 952-831-5276).

The group is open to anyone wanting to network or those seeking help with their job search. You do

not have to be a member of Pilgrim or St. Michael's Church to join this networking group. The group

is listed on www.Linkedin.com under St. Michael's Networking Group. Paul Dahl is listed as the

owner of the group. The Co-Chairs of the group are Ruth Arves (St. Michael's member) and Geri

Geiselhart (Pilgrim Lutheran member). For more information, contact Geri at 612-822-2318 /

geiselhart27@msn.com or Ruth Arves at 612-869-0393 / ranna630@gmail.com.

Also, if you are currently employed and your company has job openings, please let us know and we

can post them on the LinkedIn group site. We are interested in any openings because our group is very

diverse.

UPCOMING EVENTS – PILGRIM LUTHERAN SCHOOL

School Musical, Alladin May 1 6:00 PM

Pancake Breakfast May 3 8:00–9:00 AM

Education Sunday May 3 9:30 AM

School Musical, Alladin May 3 1:00 PM

Band/Piano Recital May 14 6:00 PM

[12]

What’s happening at St. Croix Lutheran School

SCL Job Opening - Seasonal Lead Grounds Keeper

St. Croix Lutheran is seeking a seasonal lead groundskeeper. This position is active from the beginning

of April to the end of October or beginning of November depending on the season. Go to

www.StCroixLutheran.org/jobs to download the complete job description. Contact Glenn Will at

GWill@StCroixLutheran.org or 651-455-1521 to apply.

Call for Nominations – St. Croix Lutheran President

Candidates are being sought for the position of president at St. Croix Lutheran and your assistance in

the nomination process is requested. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, March 27, 2015.

Visit our website for more information.

SCL Dorm Clean-Up

The new 152-bed dormitory at SCL is near completion, but there is lots of cleaning, painting,

organizing, and moving that needs to take place first. In an effort to be good stewards, we are doing

much of the work ourselves, but we need your help. If you have a heart for service or know of a youth

or other group looking for a service project in mid-late April, please contact Al Holmes at

AHolmes@StCroixLutheran.org to sign up or call the school at 651-455-1521.

Do you have a heart for missions? Thirteen students will be traveling to China in July to serve as

VBS leaders in Beijing, China. Each student pays $2,500 to participate. Visit

www.StCroixLutheran.org/givenow if you’d like to help.

SCL Gala/Auction

Get tickets now for the SCL Gala on Saturday, April 11! All proceeds benefit SCL students. New this

year is mobile bidding! Visit www.StCroixLutheran.org/gala to order. For more information about the

event, to volunteer, or to donate items, contact Ashley Gilleland at 651-455-1521 x105

High School and Middle School Open House

On Sunday, April 12 from 2:30-4:30 p.m., St. Croix Lutheran Grades 6-12 will host an open house

for families curious about SCL. Faculty and staff will be present to give tours and answer questions.

Contact Ric Gibson at RGibson@StCroixLutheran.org or 651-455-1521 x 120 to schedule a tour.

High School Sacred Concert

Join us in the St. Croix chapel for a sacred concert presented by the Crusader Choir, Crusader Chorus,

and the Croixaliers on Sunday, April 12 at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. The concert will stream live at

www.StCroixLutheran.org/sacredconcert

[13]

What’s happening at St. Croix Lutheran School

Spaghetti Supper

A spaghetti supper will be served in the St. Croix commons between concerts on Sunday, April 12

from 4:30-6:00 p.m. A freewill donation will be collected.

What’s happening at West Lutheran….

3350 Harbor Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 Phone: 763-509-9378, http://www.wlhs.net/

Spring Production – of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Willy Wonka is opening the doors of his

world-famous chocolate factory to five lucky children and their parents-and you’re invited! Join

Charlie, Augustus, Veruca, Violet, and Mike on their delicious adventure through the amazing

chocolate factory. Many surprises await you, including Willy Wonka’s group of mischievous Oompa-

Loompas who love to sing and dance at any moment!

Show times

Friday April 17th

and Saturday April 18th

at 7:00 PM

Sunday April 19th

at 2:00 PM

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors, free for kids under 5.

Annual West Lutheran Garage & Bake Sale is scheduled for May 7-9 watch for more info in the up

coming Church bulletins.

Graduation 2015 – Will be held at WLHS on Saturday May 23rd

, at 2PM, doors open at 1:30.

[14]

FAMILY FUN TIME

[15]

CHILDRENS FUN TIME

[16]

APRIL 2015 PILGRIM LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Bible Exploration

10:00 a.m.

Ladies Guild @ Noon

Worship Meeting @

Noon

2

Maundy Thursday

2:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Parent Conferences

3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

3

Good Friday

2:00 & 7:00 p.m.

No School

Parent Conferences

9:00 a.m. to Noon

4

New Day

Pregnancy Center

9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

5 Resurrection of Our Lord!

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:30-10:30—Pancake Breakfast

No Sunday School

9:30—Egg Hunt

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

Noon—SON Experience Event

*Go to www.sonexperience.com or follow

FACEBOOK/Son Experience for specific events.

6

No School

7

School Resumes

Early Risers Bible Study

6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

8

Bible Exploration

10:00 a.m.

Worship Meeting @

Noon

Bible Exploration

6:00 p.m.

9

Pastor Visits Shut-ins

10 11

New Day

Pregnancy Center

9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

12 Communion Services:

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

Go to www.sonexperience.com or follow

FACEBOOK/Son Experience for specific events.

13

Council of Elders

6:00 p.m.

14

Early Risers Bible Study

6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

15

Bible Exploration

10:00 a.m.

Worship Meeting @

Noon

Bible Exploration

6:00 p.m.

16

17

18

New Day

Pregnancy Center

9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

19 Worship Services

King of Grace Handbell Choir

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

*Go to www.sonexperience.com or follow

FACEBOOK/Son Experience for specific events.

20

21

Early Risers Bible Study

6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

22

Bible Exploration

10:00 a.m.

Worship Meeting @

Noon

Bible Exploration

6:00 p.m.

23

Pastor Visits Shut-ins

24 25

New Day

Pregnancy Center

9:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

26 Communion Services:

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

Go to www.sonexperience.com or follow

FACEBOOK/Son Experience for specific events.

27 28

Early Risers Bible Study

6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

29

Bible Exploration

10:00 a.m.

Worship Meeting @

Noon

Bible Exploration

6:00 p.m.

30