Volume 38 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

The Mad Shepherd

It was just a plastic whistle, a child’s toy really. But it worked.

We were in Wenling, China on a blustery November day. It wasn’t a beach day but our hosts wanted us

to see the ocean. The steep path led down past small family farms. On our way back up we heard the

whistle. We weren’t the only ones who heard. The whistle belonged to a shepherd and every time he

blew it the sheep came from wherever they were—behind rocks and bushes, hidden in ravines. The

sheep were different sizes and colors, male and female. But there was only one shepherd.

Jesus used the same picture to describe himself. To the proud people in his audience who imagined that

only they could be God’s people, Jesus said that he had “sheep that are not of this sheep pen.” The

voice of the Good Shepherd continues to call his followers from people of all nations and walks of life.

It’s too small a thing for Jesus to sacrifice himself for one nation or group of people. So the Good

Shepherd continues to call. He speaks through his Word and the faithful witness of his people, calling

all to new life and hope and peace.

(Continued on Page 2)

Jesus ca

April 2016

Table of Contents

Pastor Notes.….………………………………..Page 1-4 FamilyFunTime…….………………………….Page 12

Birthdays/Anniversariers...…………………… Page 5 Childrens Fun Time……………………………Page 13

Announcements/Prayers……………………… Page 6-10 Calendar………………………………………..Page 14

School News……………………………………Page 11

I’m sure the man with the plastic whistle did a fine job of shepherding. But Jesus goes further than any

other shepherd. He lays down his life for the sheep. When Jesus said that his audience called him crazy.

Of course that’s crazy—a shepherd doesn’t die for his sheep. But Jesus did. And in his sacrifice we

find forgiveness and a new relationship with God.

This mad shepherd calls us to see the world through his, the change the world in his Name. In Jesus

Christ, people become opportunities for the gospel, friends that we can share the good news with. The

voice of the Good Shepherd has changed us. Can we be crazy enough to be his voice?

Good Shepherd Sunday is April 17

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

15 just as the Father knows me and I know the

Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also.

They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17

The reason my Father loves me is that I

lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority

to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” 19

The Jews who heard these words were again divided. 20

Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving

mad. Why listen to him?” 21

But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

John 10:14-21

Wednesday Bible Studies

Life’s Healing Choices is a biblical look at the promises of God and the attitudes that set us free from

hurts, hangups and habits. There are questions, memory verses, practical applications and more.

Wednesday’s at 10:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. in the fireside room.

The Eight Sessions Include:

Session One: Admitting Need - The Reality Choice

Session Two: Getting Help - The Hope Choice

Session Three: Letting Go - The Commitment Choice

Session Four: Coming Clean - The Housecleaning Choice

Session Five: Making Changes - The Transformation Choice

Session Six: Repairing Relationships - The Relationship Choice

Session Seven: Maintaining Momentum - The Growth Choice

Session Eight: Recycling Pain - The Sharing Choice

Are you using Instagram? If you have a picture of Pilgrim people or events,

share it with hashtag #pilgrimmpls

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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).

LIFT (Ladies in Faith Today) meets every other Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the fireside room. The

current study is called “Stuck.”

Do you feel stuck?

So many of us live stuck. Stuck in trying to seem perfect. Stuck in sadness. Stuck feeling numb. Stuck

pursuing more stuff to make us happy. Stuck in something we can't even name. These stuck places

often go unattended inside of us and they are shaping our lives more than we would like to think.

We've been trying to fix this feeling with everything but...

God. He has a plan for these spaces inside of us, the places we feel broken, but we have to go to

Him. Stuck is a journey to take an honest look at the fight going on inside, leading us to the God who

has a plan to restore it, to restore us.

The eight lessons are simple and interactive, offering projects, stories, and Bible study to dig into

Scripture, to deeply engage the mind and heart. Because as we realize that our stuck places are the very

places that make us ache for God, we find Him waiting there for us with hope and freedom.

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2016 at Pilgrim: Rooted and Growing

Our sermon and worship themes for 2016

April

3: Jesus Our Leader: Revelation 1:4-18

10: Jesus Our Song: Revelation 5:11-14

17: Jesus Our Shepherd: Revelation 7:9-17

24: Jesus Our Home: Revelation 21:1-6

May

1: Education Sunday ONE SERVICE at 9:30 a.m.

8: Mothers’ Day

15: Working Together . . . for Good (Pentecost) Genesis 11:1-9

22 Confirmation (Trinity Sunday)

29 Our Message to the World: Galatians 1:1-10

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April Birthdays

Joe Bottensek 1

Alexander Gronemeyer 2

Jakob Shaninghouse 2

Anita Kurth 3

Justin McGowan 3

Steve Cambrice 5

Viola Jensen 9

Tarnue Jallah 10

Ethel Goplen 12

Melissa Rach 12

Paul Dahlin 14

Robert Helmen 14

Caroline Hardyman 16

Stephanie Miller 17

Benjamin Anderson 19

Blanche Odegard 19

Robert Gunderson 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

[5]

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.

[6]

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, Jason Fahey, 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.)

Renee Anderson; Ramon Belanger; Lee Brandel; Dorothy DeYoung; Ken Gostchock; Rebecca

Herzig; Stephanie Kern; Leah Leyrer; Dan and Liana (Leyrer) Tyrrell and babies; Jennifer

(Anderson) Rotering; Tom and Matt Strieter; Mary Ann Williams; and Pilgrim shut-ins.

Early riser’s bible study – all are welcome!

All are welcome to join us for Bible study every Tuesday morning from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Coffee

and refreshments are provided. Digging into God’s word with fellow Christians is a great way to start

the day!

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.

Hello Pilgrim Family,

We are in the process of planning our annual VBS. This year we would like to switch it up a little and

offer a day VBS. We are looking for anyone who is interested in volunteering for all the days or some

day or even half days. We are willing to work with the time you have to volunteer.

Dates: June 20, 21, 22, and 23

Times: 8-3 pm

doors will open at 7:40 am and pick up is 3 pm

We will have lessons, art, science, games, gym, water exploration and a field trip on Thursday, snacks,

lunch, and breakfast

email: shannon@pilgrimonline.net

[7]

Announcements

FOOD SHELF ITEMS NEEDED

The food shelf DESPERATELY needs canned fruit and canned meats only. Thank you!

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

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!

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.

[8]

Announcements

NEW DAY PREGNANCY CENTER

We are looking for volunteers! If interested please contact Katelyn Witte (952-334-5990 or

k.witte7@gmail.com) or Joy Gostchock (651-207-8387 or bagostchock@hotmail.com). We also are in

need of more donations for the Center: diapers (sizes NB-6); strollers, portable crib/pack ‘n play;

winter clothes (all sizes, boys & girls); winter coats (all sizes, boys & girls); baby food; and formula.

NURSERY HELP

Thank you to ALL who have contributed to the church nursery. It is nice to have a safe place for our

young children, and I am sure the nursery is appreciated by visitors. Help is needed to keep the room

tidy. Please contact Rachel Josephitis (Rachel.josephitis@gmail.com) if you are interested in

volunteering to clean the nursery when needed. Very little of your time is needed—maybe only 30

minutes the whole month to sanitize/vacuum/pick up. Thanks for considering!

FORMULA DRINKS – New Day Pregnancy Center

New Day Pregnancy Center is giving away 9 ounce kid’s junior full-protein formula drinks. Some of

these drinks are expiring at Christmas time, and there are several cases with expiration dates all the

way up to October 2016. Please contact Katelyn Witte (952-334-5990 or k.witte7@gmail.com) or Joy

Gostchock (651-207-8387 or bagostchock@hotmail.com) if you would like to take advantage of this

opportunity. Thank you!

LUNCH ROOM HELPERS

Joni Shields, the school cook, is need of Thursday helpers from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. If you are

interested, please contact Joni at 612-806-1027. Thank you!

COFFEE HOUR – SERVERS NEEDED

Thank you to everyone who has signed up and/or served at our coffee hour(s) between Sunday

services. There are open spaces in need of servers. Please sign up (the sheet is on the door going into

the kitchen) or contact (text or call) Deb Ndekwe @ 612-810-4650. Blessings!

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

[9]

Announcements

WELS WOMEN’S MINISTRY CONFERENCE

July 21-23, 2016

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, WI

Join your Christian sisters involved in mentoring and women’s ministry to be nurtured, encouraged and

equipped in Christ. For information and questions, contact Linda at wmconference@wels.net or (815)

540-7463.

WILL YOU BEFRIEND AN MLC STUDENT?

Martin Luther College (MLC) students would greatly appreciate receiving an encouraging card or e-

mail or visit from you during this school year. To get more information on how you or your church

may befriend a student, please e-mail your questions to mlcauxiliary@mic-wels.edu.

Camp Croix

Keep this date open:

August 19-21th

2016 is Pilgrim’s Family time at Camp Croix. Please mark your calendar

and plan to come and have a great time with family and friends. Cost will be adults 35.00

and kids(ages 5-14) 25.00. This cost will coverstaying in the cabins or lodge and food for all

day sat and Sunday AM. Come and enjoy the volleyball, the beach, hiking, swimming,

or just enjoy the peace of the camp. To sign up or if you have question please call

Jodi Nelson 612-861-1260.

Ladies Guild Rummage Sale

Mark your calander, our annual rummage sale will be June 15th

– 18th

, and help will be needed to set up

starting Sunday June 12th

, At this time we are not taking donations yet as there is no place to put them

yet, more information will be provided when you may start dropping things off. If you know you can

help during this week please contact Zoe Herzig @763-360-6150.

[10]

UPCOMING EVENTS – PILGRIM LUTHERAN SCHOOL

www.pilgrimschoolonline.net

Lutheran Grade School Fine Arts Festival April 16

Book Fair April 29

Science and Fine Arts Fair April 29

Band & Piano Concert @ 6 p.m. May 19

Awards & Graduation @ 6 p.m. May 26

UPCOMING EVENTS – ST. CROIX LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

1200 Oakdale Avenue, West St. Paul, MN (651-455-1521) www.StCroixLutheran.org

Friday-Sunday, April 1-3 Spring Musical Bye Bye Birdie

UPCOMING EVENTS – WEST LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

3350 Harbor Lane North, Plymouth, MN (763-509-9378) www.wlhs.net

Saturday, April 9 Gala & Auction – Day at the Derby (Benefiting tuition assistance and

security improvements) Crowne Plaza, Plymouth, MN Event Tickets $50 – Student $40 – Table of

Eight - $360

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FAMILY FUN TIME

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CHILDRENS FUN TIME

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APRIL 2016 Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

New Day Pregnancy Center

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

L.I.F.T.

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

3 Worship

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

4

5

Early Risers Bible Study

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

6 Mornings with Mommy 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Bible Exploration

10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Ladies Guild @ Noon

Worship Meeting @ Noon

7

Commission on Parish

Schools Visit

8

NO SCHOOL

Parent/Teacher Conferences

9 a.m. to Noon

9

New Day Pregnancy Center

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

10 Worship with Communion

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

1:00—The SON Experience

11

Council of Elders

6 p.m.

12

Early Risers Bible Study

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

13

Bible Exploration

10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Worship Meeting @ Noon

14

Shut-in Visits

15

16

M.O.V.E. Cleaning Day

9:30 to Noon

New Day Pregnancy Center

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

L.I.F.T.

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

17 Worship

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

18

19

Early Risers Bible Study

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

20 Mornings with Mommy

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Bible Exploration

10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Worship Meeting @ Noon

21

Shut-in Visits

22

23

New Day Pregnancy Center

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

24 Worship with Communion

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

1:00—The SON Experience

25

26

Early Risers Bible Study

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

27

Bible Exploration

10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Worship Meeting @ Noon

28

MLC Urban Education

Program Visit

Noon to 3 p.m.

29

Science & Fine Arts Fair

6 p.m.

30

New Day Pregnancy Center

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

L.I.F.T.

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.