Volume 37 Number 07

The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim

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

From the Desk of Pastor Pete

Getting into the Word this summer

How do we change and grow as Christians? If God loves us already do we even need to change?

During July we’ll continue our summer sermon series called Gospel in Life.

July 5: Idolatry: The Sin Beneath the Sin. We all know what idolatry is, right? That’s when heathen

people bow down to blocks of wood and stone! We don’t do that so we can scratch this one of our list,

right? Martin Luther observed that if we could keep the first commandment (“You shall have no other

gods.”) we wouldn’t need the other nine. The first commandment calls us to look deeply into our

hearts, lives and priorities. God wants to bless us in every facet of our lives and when we withhold

corners of our lives hearts from him we block the blessing that he wants us to have. The truth is we all

struggle with idolatry more than we think.

(Continued on Page 2)

July 2015

Table of Contents

Pastor Notes.….………………………………Page 1-4

Birthdays/Anniversariers...…………………..Page 5-6

Announcements/Prayers………………………Page 7-11

FamilyFunTime…….…………………………Page 12

Childrens Funt Time…………………………Page 13

Romans 1:18-25 New International Version (NIV) 18

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people,

who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19

since what may be known about God is plain to them, because

God has made it plain to them. 20

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal

power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that

people are without excuse.21

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to

him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22

Although they claimed to be

wise, they became fools 23

and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal

human being and birds and animals and reptiles.24

Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their

hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25

They exchanged the truth about

God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

July 12: Ask the Pastor. Get your questions to me by through Ask the Pastor link on the website or

email. Or call me on the phone or in person.

July 19: Community: The Context for Change. This summer at a backyard barbecue take note of

those charcoal briquettes. When they’re together they glow with heat. Pull one of the coals away from

the others and it will soon grow cold. The Christian community is just like that: we need each other if

we are to act as the light of the world that Jesus called us to be. Worshiping together on Sunday

morning is a good start but is it enough?

1 Peter 2:9-12 New International Version (NIV)

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you

may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10

Once you were not a

people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against

your soul. 12

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they

may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

July 26: Witness: An Alternate City We Christians tend to spend a lot of time and energy bemoaning

the fact that our culture is slipping away from its moral standards. There’s no arguing that morality in

the world around us is changing—right and wrong seem to be redefined every day. What’s our place on

this slippery slope? The salt of the earth, the light of the world, to use Jesus’ words. As we live out our

lives in reverence to Christ, we offer the world an alternative lifestyle based on God’s grace as our core

value. Acts 2:42-47 New International Version (NIV)

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to

prayer. 43

Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44

All the

believers were together and had everything in common. 45

They sold property and possessions to give to anyone

who had need. 46

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their

homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47

praising God and enjoying the favor of all the

people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

[2]

FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR STEWARDS

“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth who will trust you with true riches?”

--Jesus (Luke 16:11)

1. The American way of life has become: “Buy what you don’t need with money you don’t have from

people you don’t even know.” Things will never satisfy or fulfill you. Only God’s presence brings

peace and contentment.

2. When it comes to money matters there are three kinds of people in the world: those who make things

happen, those who watch things happen, and those who scratch their heads and wonder what happened.

You need to take control of your own financial life and future.

3. An old adage goes: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” In the same way approach

your financial future one step at a time.

4. Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles to financial planning. Too often we are willing to put

off until tomorrow what needs to start today.

5. Faithful and wise hearts empowered by Jesus’ love and forgiveness are as we live as Christian

stewards managing all that God has given us. The Holy Spirit working through Word and Sacrament

gives us strength and willingness to be generous people.

6. The “Rule of 72” is used in determining how long it will take you as an investor to double your

money. When you divide 72 by the rate of interest on your investment you can determine the length of

time needed to double your money. For example, if an investment pays six percent interest you will

double your money in 12 years.

7. Is God receiving your firstfruits?

[3]

Dave Ramsey on AM 1570 Every September and January Pilgrim offers “Financial Peace University,”

a course on financial planning from a Christian stewardship point of view. (The next one will start

September 15) Dave Ramsey, the author of the course, is now on the radio in our area. Some of us

have listened to his program in other parts of the country or online. We can also now hear it on AM

1570 weekday 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Capital Campaign is coming! Our congregation began in 1923 in South Minneapolis. Over the years

the Lord has continued to bless us with opportunities to be a blessing in our neighborhood. Under

God’s grace we believe that he’s calling us to continue in ministry and that he has a plan for us.

If we’re going to continue carrying out that call our beautiful building will need some restoration and

renovation. The Council of Elders has secured bids for the work and has hired Cornerstone

Stewardship Consulting to help us launch a three year capital campaign.

There’s an exciting future ahead for Pilgrim and all of us have a part in it! Look for more information

about our capital campaign this fall.

Cradle Roll We’ve added a significant number of babies to our congregation

over the past few years. All of the babies that we baptize will be listed on our

“cradle roll.” The children and their parents will receive gospel centered

materials to help them build on the foundation that the Lord has given them in

baptism. Materials go out to them every six months or so until they reach four

years of age. If you happen to see Judy Fick or Darlene Moy be sure to thank

them for their work on this valuable program.

Costs for cradle roll material are about 25.00 per child. If you’d like to help support the program

financially contact Pastor Pete.

[4]

July Birthdays

Thomas Geiselhart 3

Shannon Gostchock 4

Jonas Jennrich 4

Harlan Johnson 5

Tyler Buck 6

Carol Grundl 6

Bethel Ehlenfeldt 7

Melissa Jackson 7

David Josephitis 7

Carl Vrieze 7

Ione Holmgren 8

Lauren Dunn 9

Jesse Kunz 10

Chuck Nelson 10

Christine Bedor 11

James Johnson 11

Stanley Wasley 11

Jason Zagrzebski 12

Amy Denn 13

Allison Loescher 14

Douglas Johnson 15

Rachel Ndekwe 15

Jane Neumann 15

Doris Belsaas 16

Jacqueline Bonde 17

Karen Sonnenburg 17

Shaun Bandelin 18

Anthony Holmgren 19

Isabelle Lecy 19

Rachel Josephitis 20

Cheyenne Petroske 20

Matthew Tucker, Jr. 22

Danica Cambrice 23

Allison McAghon 25

Jennifer Anderson 27

Temple Fischer 27

Rick Puterbaugh 27

Norm Rogers 27

Heather McAghon 28

Jeremiah Reinhardt 28

Trisa Fischer 30

Michelle Cambrice 31

Andrew Leyrer 31

Tiago Reese 31

July Wedding Anniversary

Ione & Timothy Holmgren 13

Silas & Heather McAghon 22

Corey & Tam Bandelin 24

[5]

ISABELLE LACY – 102 YEARS YOUNG

A GEM IN OUR MIDST

Isabelle Lecy, celebrates her 102nd

birthday on July 19 and has the honor of being the oldest (and

maybe one of the wisest) member of Pilgrim. She will celebrate the milestone with a family party on

the 19th

.

Isabelle, along with her husband, Bob (now deceased) has been a member at Pilgrim since 1934. They

had two children, Roger and Penny (now deceased.) They bought an apartment building on Nicollet

Avenue in 1963 and she still lives there independently. Her grandson, Scott, also lives in that

building, and her son, Roger, lives nearby so they both make sure she is safe and happy. Isabelle drove

herself to church each Sunday until age 99, occupying the same pew on the south side. Rena and Craig

Knutson picked her up for Sunday services for a few years and now Pastor Pete regularly visits her in

her home. She plans to be at church, God willing, on her 102nd

birthday on July 19.

Isabelle and Bob were avid square dancers and, along with other Pilgrim dancers, brought square

dancing to Pilgrim’s gym several times for all to enjoy. She goes to the YMCA three times a week for

Silver Sneakers workouts accompanied by her son Roger. She loves chocolates, her family and her dog

“Peppy.” Several years ago when the winters became too harsh for her she bought a home in Tucson,

Arizona, returning to Minneapolis each Spring. Tucson gives her the opportunity to step outside to

pick and enjoy oranges from the orange tree in her yard and Peppy can roam in the fenced yard.

Her smile lights up a room. God has blessed her with a deep faith, an optimistic spirit, and love of life.

May God bless you with many more years, Isabelle, you are loved!

Isabelle’s address:

4721 Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55409

[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.)

Amina Bushey; Joel Dahlberg; Eltune Erickson; Ken Gostchock; Dr. Scott Gostchock; Rebecca

Herzig; Zoe Herzig; Onyeka Jefferson; Stephanie Kern; Hazel O’Day; Rick Puterbaugh; Margaret

Rodmyre; Dan Steffan; Tom Strieter; Kathy Wasley; 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.

Ladies Guild Rummage

The Ladies Guild annual Rummage was again a great success. A big thank you goes to all who helped

with setup, running the sale, and breakdown. We raised $3014.58 before expenses which is over $1000

more before expenses then last year. West Lutheran High School donated a bunch of stuff for our sale

again this year.

[8]

Announcements

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 canned meat, cereal, ramen noodles, peanut butter, and boxed and canned

meals. 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

CAMP CROIX

Keep this date open: Camp Croix August 21-23th

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 cover

staying in the cabins or lodge and food for all day sat and Sunday AM. Come and enjoy

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.

[9]

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!

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.

[10]

Announcements

Christian Life Ministries Employment Opportunity

Christian Life Ministries, located at 2756 Lakeshore Drive in Little Canada, MN - is seeking to hire a

Client Services Director for New Day Pregnancy Care Center. This is a 35 hour per week paid

position. She must be a member of WELS/ELS and have strong commitment and dedication to pro-life

principles. Social Work, counseling and/or teaching type background a plus, but not necessary. She

must have good listening/interpersonal skills and be able to provide spiritual leadership, mentoring,

support and encouragement to the clients. This is a unique opportunity to share the Word of God

while serving an important role “Honoring God’s Gift of Life”. Some responsibilities include teaching

a mentoring class, one-on-one counseling, training, Helpline, etc. At this time no additional benefits

are available.

If you have any questions or would like a full job description, please call the office (651-649-3538) or

email Laura (laura@clmonline.com). Please submit your resume on or before July 13, Attn: Laura

Gruetzmacher.

SCL Job Opening

St. Croix Lutheran Grades 6-12 is seeking a candidate to serve as a Donor Relations Counselor. The

position is full time. Position details can be found at www.StCroixLutheran.org/jobs. Interested

candidates may submit a resume to Mr. Glenn Will at GWill@StCroixLutheran.org or by U.S. mail to

1200 Oakdale Avenue, West Saint Paul, MN 55118. Applications are being accepted until 7/27/2015.

Part-time Dormitory Janitor Needed

St. Croix Lutheran is seeking a part-time janitor to clean the dormitory facility and maintain an

attractive, sanitary, and safe facility for students, staff, and public. Background check, a valid driver’s

license, and the ability to bend and lift 50lbs are required. Interested candidates may submit a resume to

Mr. Glenn Will at Gwill@StCroixLutheran.org or by U.S. mail to 1200 Oakdale Avenue, West Saint

Paul, MN 55118 or pick up an application in the main office. Applications are being accepted until

7/24/2015.

Part-time Janitor Needed

St. Croix Lutheran is seeking two part-time janitors to clean the school facility and maintain an

attractive, sanitary, and safe facility for students, staff, and public. Background check, a valid driver’s

license, and the ability to bend and lift 50lbs are required. Interested candidates may submit a resume to

Mr. Glenn Will at GWill@StCroixLutheran.org or by U.S. mail to 1200 Oakdale Avenue, West Saint

Paul, MN 55118 or Pick up an application in the main office. Applications are being accepted until

7/24/2015.

[11]

FAMILY FUN TIME

[12]

CHILDRENS FUN TIME

[13]

July 2015 Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

*Go to www.sonexperience.com or

Follow FACEBOOK/Son Experience

for specific events.

1

Worship Meeting @ Noon

Bible Exploration

10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

2 3 4

New Day Pregnancy Center

Contacts:

Katelyn Witte or Joy Gostchock

5 Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

2:00—Youth Group

6

Youth Group Event

Valli-Hi Drive-in

7

Early Risers Bible Study

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

Foundations Class

6:00 p.m.

8

Worship Meeting @ Noon

Bible Exploration

10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

9

10 11

New Day Pregnancy Center

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

12 Communion Services:

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

13

Council Meeting

6:00 p.m.

14

Early Risers Bible Study

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

Youth Group Event

MLB All Star Game

Foundations Class

6:00 p.m.

15

Worship Meeting @ Noon

Bible Exploration

10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

16

17

18

New Day Pregnancy Center

Contacts:

Katelyn Witte or Joy Gostchock

19 Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—No 7 E’s Bible Study

20

21

Early Risers Bible Study

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

Youth Group Event

St. Paul Saints Game

Foundations Class

6:00 p.m.

22

No Worship Meeting

No Bible Exploration

Pastor Vacation

23

Pastor Vacation

24

Pastor Vacation

25

New Day Pregnancy Center

Contacts:

Katelyn Witte or Joy Gostchock

26 Communion Services:

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

27 28

Early Risers Bible Study

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

Foundations Class

6:00 p.m.

29 30 31