Volume 39 Number 03

The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim

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

From the Desk of Pastor Pete

Lent at Pilgrim

The season of Lent begins with ash Wednesday on March 1. It’s a time for us to consider the journey

that Jesus made to the cross, a time for us to reflect on our great need for a Savior. It’s a time to

remember that Jesus didn’t leave us in our need but gave himself to be the sacrifice that brings us back

to God.

This year our Lenten theme is “The Stones of Lent.” Each week a different stone we’ll use a stone to

symbolize the burdens that we carry to the cross of Jesus Christ. We’ll see how Jesus’ sacrifice answers

our greatest spiritual needs.

March 1: Ash Wednesday. “Written in Stone” The stone of idolatry. Maybe we remember the story of

the golden calf, when God’s people turned away from him in favor of a gold plated statue. But idolatry

isn’t just bowing down to a statue. Our hearts make idols of anything that gets in the way of our

relationship with God, and our hearts can make idols of just about everything.

(Continued on Page 2)

Jesus ca

Our own Pilgrm member Jennifer Koepke serves as client services director at the Center, and she’s

started to learn Nepalese from some of the clients from that part of the world. Her efforts to learn their

March 2017

Table of Contents

Pastor Notes / Sermons…………………………. Page 1-4 family Fun Time..……………………………………Page 19

Member Spotlight………………. ……………….Page 5 Children Fun time…………..……………………… Page 20

Bible Study………………………………………. Page 6 -7 Church Calandar……………………………………..Page 21

Birthdays/Anniversaries .....…………………. ..Page 8

News You Can Use ..…….……………..... Page 9-12

Announcements / Prayers ……………………… Page 13-18

March 8: “Rejected stones” Everybody knows what rejection feels like. So does Jesus. He was the

“stone the builders rejected.” But because he was rejected we’ve been accepted into God’s family and

we’ve become a living stone in God’s church.

March 15: “Sticks and Stones.” We love to say that “words will never hurt me,” but we know that’s not

true. We’ve been hurt by words and we’ve all hurt others with our words. Let’s talk to Jesus about the

hurt we’ve experienced, let’s confess to him the evil way we’ve used words and let’s commit to using

our words to build each other up.

March 22: “Hearts of Stone” Jesus tells us that real repentance is from the heart. We can all clean up

the outside and look good for people, but when Jesus works on us we get cleaned all the way through.

March 29: “Upon this Rock” Every building needs a solid foundation. When we build on sand the

house falls in the storm. Jesus is the sure foundation for our lives. The storms will come but with Jesus

as our foundation we’ll stand strong.

April 5: “Crying Stones” God created us with the ability to speak and we can use it to comfort, warn or

encourage a friend. We can teach. We can share the good news of Jesus. We can praise him. But all too

often we remain silent. Jesus told his detractors that if the children didn’t praise him the stones would

cry out. Let’s think about all the times when we should have spoken and didn’t.

EACH ONE REACH ONE!

During the Lenten and Easter season we encourage you to invite:

someone who you haven’t seen in awhile at Pilgrim’s worship or Bible studies;

a neighbor or coworker who does not know about God’s grace;

a family member who is struggling with their faith; or

a friend who does not have a church home.

Invite them to enjoy lunch served here at 1 pm each Wednesday in Lent and then to stay for worship. For those who bring a guest, you and your guest will receive your lunch free of charge! Let’s build each other up as we ourselves are built up by God’s Word.

Lenten Worship

March 1 – April 5

2:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Lunch at 1:00 on Wednesday afternoons

EACH ONE REACH ONE!

Ash Wednesday: March 1

Lent is a traditional season of repentance and preparation for Easter. But wait a minute . . . since we’re

living in the days after Easter, since we know that good news is it

really right for us to spend time on sorrow over sins?

Lent is a church tradition, not something commanded in Scripture.

It’s a time for us to dedicate ourselves to reflection on the story of

Jesus’ suffering and death. Repentance is a way of life for us as

Christians as each day we turn to God’s grace and his never ending

supply of forgiveness. Lent is an opportunity to think more deeply

about this aspect of our lives as Christians.

This year our Lenten worship theme will be “Stones of Lent.” We’ll use stones as a visual reminder of

the burden of sin, and we’ll be able to lay those burdens at the foot of the cross.

Our theme on Ash Wednesday will be: “Written in Stone”

Other themes for the season include:

Rejected Stones

Sticks and Stones

Hearts of Stone

Upon this Rock

Crying Stones

[3]

Lenten Outreach to the Community with

Jesus Love – We’re planning an outreach

event to the community this Lenten season.

The plan is for a “FREE Family Friendly"

supper before our evening, Lenten service on

April 5th. Advertising will be done in the

neighborhood. Everyone’s involvement is

WANTED/NEEDED to make this

outreach work.

This is all part of our "Each One Reach

One" drive. Watch for more details about

this event.

Contact Bonnie or Joy to sign up to help and

be part of this GREAT opportunity to

witness the love of Jesus, to our

neighbors. Don't forget to invite a friend or

family member of your own or encourage

members to come and worship for all the up

and coming Lenten Services.

Sermons at Pilgrim 2017

March 2017

5 Finding God in the Dark: I messed up! Psalm 130

12 Finding God in the Dark: Too good to be true? Psalm 121

19 Finding God in the Dark: Not everybody likes me! Psalm 143

26 Finding God in the Dark: I’m depressed! Psalm 42-43

April 2017

2 Finding God in the Dark: I need direction Psalm 116

9 Palm Sunday: The Winner! Matthew 21:1-11

16 Easter: He’s Risen! Matthew 28:1-10

23 The Jesus Difference: Joy 1 Peter 1:3-9

30 The Jesus Difference: Hope 1 Peter 1:17-21

May 2017

7 Education Sunday

14 The Way, The Truth and the Life John 14:1-12

21 Confirmation

28 Ascension Acts 1:1-11

[4]

Member Spotlight:

This month our member spotlight shines out on Mike & Jenny Koepke. They were both gracious

enough to share some fun facts about themselves so the next time you see them in church, be sure to

stop and chat about something you learned about them below!

Mike & Jenny:

1. Where do you live now? Where did you grow up? We currently live in Little Canada, MN.

Mike grew up in Northern Minnesota, in the outskirts of Cherry, a small town within the larger city of

Hibbing. He jokingly refers to himself being raised as a “Minnesota Hillbilly”. Jenny grew up smack-

dab on the border between Minneapolis & Saint Anthony, MN.

2. What brought you to the Twin Cities area?

Jenny was born and raised in the twin cities. Mike was 17 when he came to the twin cities. With his

Mother’s recent and sudden passing, Mike found himself surrounded by family members who were

deliberately and persistently involved with drugs and alcohol. Upon many attempts at trying to help

put-back-together and help out his now broken family, while at the same time in grieving the loss of his

Mother, Mike made the decision to leave, alone. He chose the twin cities, as he figured that he would

find a job there, and he did; housing too. Later on, he received his G.E.D. It was quite the struggle for

him for quite some time, but eventually God made everything all come together. He has been living in

the twin cities ever since.

3. What is your favorite winter activity?

We mostly like to stay indoors during the winter, keeping warm and Watching TV sitcoms.

4. Where do you work or what career field are you in?

We both currently work full-time for a wonderful and helpful compassionate Ministry. The “Umbrella-

head” ministry, Christian Life Ministries is made up of New Day Pregnancy (and parenting) Care

Center, and New Day Thrift Store. Mike is Store Manager, while Jenny is the Client Services

Director/Educator/Mentor for the Pregnancy and Parenting Center.

5. What is one fun fact that most people at Pilgrim don't know about you yet?

We are a couple of goofballs, with a silly sense of humor J

6. How long have you been a member at Pilgrim?

About a year now

We are so happy to have Mike and Jenny in our Pilgrim family!

[5]

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

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.

Tuesday mornings is our “early riser” Bible study at 6:30 a.m. We meet in the board room (across

from the fireside room) Everyone’s welcome!

Wednesday Bible study will continue at 10:00 a.m. in the fireside room. Everyone’s welcome.

[6]

Join the Women of Pilgrim for the L.I.F.T. WINTER- SPRING 2017 Session Bible Study Group

Dates: January 28 through May 6, every other Saturday

Time and Place: 10:00am – 11:30am Pilgrim’s Fireside Room

Topic: Priscilla Shirer’s “Breathe” A video series with a study book. One of the greatest challenges

among women in our culture is taking time to stop and cease from all the activities and busyness and

just breathe. God instituted the Sabbath in the Old Testament to help his people experience true peace

and rest in God. This series will suggest guidelines and principles to help women know the true peace

that only comes through knowing and resting in God and his promises.

How to Join: Please notify Tammy Leyrer, tleyrer@stcroixlutheran.org , or 612 229 6544 if you will

attend and the book will be ordered for you.

Cost: $15.00 to cover the cost of the book and the video series.

Who: All women and friends of Pilgrim are invited to Pilgrim’s L.I.F.T. Women’s Bible Study.

There is no requirement other than wanting to connect with our loving Christian support community of

women. We have a range of ALL ages and experience. Study the Bible, be blessed, and be a blessing to

others!

AND… A SPECIAL OUTING: On Saturday March 4, we will attend the “Set Apart Conference” at

Northwestern College in Roseville to hear some great women’s speakers. The Cost is $55.00. Register

at www.setapartconference.com. We will discuss this more at our L.I.F.T meeting.

[7]

March Birthdays

Tyler Vrieze 1

Kaelyn Anderson 2

Thomas Nordby 3

Jett Knutson 6

Chris Davis 7

Elsie Jackson 11

Andrienne Bruess 12

Marikay Dahlin 16

Thomas Bonde 20

Michael Koepke 20

Quincy Ndekwe 20

Michael DeYoung 22

Debra Ndekwe 22

Emily Leyrer 23

Burnie Johnson 25

Seth Witte 27

Jacob Knutson 28

MacKenzie Maki 29

Joe Sorensen 29

Lila Aske 30

March Wedding Anniversary

Robert & Betty Helmen 5

[8]

“She is clothed with strength and dignity.” Proverbs 31:25

Women in our world have done some incredible things throughout history and in many ways they go

unnoticed because the things they did made a difference on the inside of people. Many times it’s not

the actions that these women in our world have done that make them extraordinary, but it’s the way

these women have made other’s feel that leave a lasting impression on the hearts of the people they

impacted.

In the eyes of our society and what is considered “successful”, many women wouldn’t get recognized

or acknowledged because what they have done doesn’t follow the worldly and material guidelines of

what is “successful” and what matters, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t making a difference in their

own impactful way.

As we live our lives of women in faith, I encourage you to think about how you are living your life.

What you want your legacy to be? What impact do you want to make on the lives of the people around

you before God calls you back home? Maybe you have been thinking, “I just don’t have any unique

God given gifts.” Or maybe you think “I can’t possibly make a big difference like the women in our

history did or like the women in the Bible did.” God created each of us with a purpose and a plan in

how He wants us to live our lives. Whether that means impacting those in our family or local

community or setting out to another country and impacting lives throughout the world! No one way is

more important than the other. So what are you waiting for? How do you want to use your blessings in

life to change the future for others?

Here are some women in history and some women who are currently movers and shakers in our world

today who all share a faith in Jesus and who have decided to live a bold life and to face their fears with

God on their side to carry out His plan for them.

Women in faith who made a difference and are still making a difference

Bonnie Wurzbacher – She is the Chief Resource Development Officer for World Vision,

where she brings greater global leadership and cohesion to rescue development in the World

Vision partnership. Bonnie served in senior roles for the Coca-Cola Company during her 28 year

career there. She also helped Coca-Cola build and launch a global initiative that will enable the

economic empowerment of five million women by 2020 across the developing world.

Dorothy Chappell – She is an author and Dean of Natural and Social Sciences, and is deeply

committed to Christian Higher Education and has spent twenty-five years teaching. 17 of those

years were in teaching at Wheaton College. Following those years of teaching, she served a five

and half year term as Academic Dean at Gordon College (MA) while serving on the Board of

Trustees of Wheaton College.

Mavis Staples – She is a gospel singer and civil rights activist. Her most recent album,

2010's You Are Not Alone, won the Grammy Award for Best Americana Album. In December

2016, Staples and her contribution to the music industry were celebrated at the 39th Kennedy

Center Honors.

[9]

Sara Groves – Groves spent four years teaching high school in Rosemount, Minnesota before

recording her first album, Past the Wishing, in 1998. Groves has been nominated for three Dove

Awards including New Artist of the Year in 2002 and Special Event Album of the Year 2003 by

the Gospel Music Association. She was named one of the best Christian music artists of

2005 and the album, Add to the Beauty, was named Album of the Year for 2005 by CCM

Magazine. Groves and her husband have recently launched the "Art House North", a place for

all artists to gather and enjoy performances in St. Paul, MN.

Ann Voskamp – She is a wife to a farmer & Mama to 7. Author of NY Times Bestsellers: The

Broken Way, One Thousand Gifts, and The Greatest Gift.

Beth Moore – She is an American evangelist, author, and Bible teacher. She is the founder of

Living Proof Ministries, a Bible-based organization for women based in Houston, Texas.

Sojourner Truth – She was an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist.

Truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, Ulster County, New York, but escaped with her infant

daughter to freedom in 1826.

Fanny Crosby – She was an American mission worker, poet, lyricist, and composer. She was

one of the most prolific hymnists in history, writing over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, with

over 100 million copies printed, despite being blind from shortly after birth.

Amy Carmichael – She was a Protestant Christian missionary in India, who opened

an orphanage and founded a mission in Dohnavur. She served in India for 55 years

without furlough and wrote many books about the missionary work there.

Mary Slessor – She was a Scottish missionary to Nigeria. Her work and strong personality

allowed her to be trusted and accepted by the locals while spreading Christianity, protecting

native children and promoting women's rights.

Maya Angelou – She was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published

seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and was credited with a

list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. In June 1995, she delivered

what Richard Long called her "second 'public' poem", entitled "A Brave and Startling Truth",

which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the United Nations.

There is no doubt that each of these women has done phenomenal things in their life that have

impacted the hearts of many! Each one of them is worth celebrating and remembering not only this

month, during Women’s History Month, but throughout the year. And as we remember and think about

the incredible things these women have done, it’s important to remember one thing. We are all just like

them. We all have the same help and belief of God on our side who we can pray to and go to for

support and guidance as we do our best to live our lives to the fullest in the glory of His dear name.

[10]

A Special German Lenten Worship Opportunity

This Lenten season will be unlike any other at Pilgrim because we have the special opportunity to hear

the truth of Jesus’ life through the German lens. Patrick Ernst is a seminary student at Bethany and is

willing to come be a part of our Lenten worship on Good Friday at Pilgrim. I got the chance to pick his

brain a bit so we can learn more about him and the service he has uniquely planned for Pilgrim.

Patrick was so kind to share the following:

First, I would like to thank Pastor Leyrer, the Pilgrim council, and every Pilgrim member for their

willingness to allow an alternative service to be held this year as part of our Good Friday observance. I

am thankful for such generosity and support.

Will you share a little bit about you and where are you from?

I am from Shakopee, Minnesota, and so the Twin Cities feel like home to me. I studied at Bethany

Lutheran College in Mankato and graduated in December of 2015. I began attending Bethany Lutheran

Theological Seminary in January of 2016, and so I am currently in my second (we call it "middler")

year there.

What made you want to get into ministry work and attend Bethany Seminary? I grew up in a Christian home, but my interest in pursuing the ministry really formed around the time

of my Confirmation. First, I had fantastic pastors who encouraged me to develop my academic gifts

and personal faith. Second, around that time my family experienced multiple hardships, but like Job

and David and Paul, the suffering was more useful than any success could have been in keeping me

reliant on Jesus and His Words. Seminary is my way of getting ready to teach about this Savior that has

made my life what it is!

What made you interested in German and holding a German based service for Pilgrim? We usually do not talk about German as being a very practical language to learn. But for me, I can

honestly say it is! I learned German, beginning in high school, because of my family's background and

because of its connection to our church. The Lutheran Church worked mostly in German for four

hundred years, and I use the language every day in my studies and preparing to teach and preach. It is a

key to the treasure house of Lutheran spirituality.

My interest in holding a German Good Friday service at Pilgrim comes from the potential I see for

such a service. Previously, a Missouri-Synod congregation in Minneapolis hosted a Good Friday

service in German, and it was supported especially by Deb Kellogg, a German professor at Normandale

Community College (and a Pilgrim grade-school grad!). That service is being discontinued this year

because of a lack of pastors with German ability. With Deb's support, I approached Pilgrim with the

opportunity so that I could provide this rare cultural opportunity, but even more so that perhaps people

would come into a confessional Lutheran church who never otherwise have a reason to enter one. I

pray it finds good support and can continue.

[11]

What can Pilgrim expect at the Good Friday service? The first thing I want to say is that all English speakers (and, of course, German speakers of any

ability) should consider themselves heartily invited! The service will take place at 11:00 am. The

service folders will be printed with parallel German/English pages, so even someone with no German

ability can follow along. You can expect a historic Good Friday liturgy, a sermon, and several hymns,

all in the German language. The elements of the service will probably be very familiar to the members

at Pilgrim, especially the hymn tunes, which we sing in our churches to this day. I would say someone

who cannot speak German might be surprised at how different and yet how comfortable such a service

"feels".

What are some of the things you enjoy most outside of your ministry work? German, for me, was a gateway to language learning of all kinds - I enjoy my courses in Hebrew and

Greek at the seminary, but I also study Norwegian on the side, and my fiancé’s fluency in Spanish is

motivating me to learn that also!

Outside of study, music, running, and cooking are all great fun. I am living in a wonderful time and

place, and so I enjoy Minnesota with my friends and family as much as I can.

There you have it! We are so excited to welcome Patrick into our Pilgrim family for his Good Friday

service. We hope you will all be able to join in on this unique and special worship opportunity!

[12]

Announcements

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you would like an announcement in the bulletin, please contact Bonnie in the church office (612-

825-5375 ext. 100) by Wednesday of each week. Thank you!

EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you would like an email announcement sent to the congregation, please email Joe Sorensen at

joe@pilgrimonline.net.

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

If you would like to place an article in the newsletter, email it to Zoe Herzig (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.

PILGRIM IS SPONSORING A REFUGEE FAMILY! - Although we still don’t know who our

family will be, we are beginning to collect housewares and other items to help our family get settled

once they arrive in Minneapolis. We have a list of items that we need to collect and would love

donations of either new or gently used items (some items are required to be new) or money to purchase

these items. We will have a basket as you leave church where you can select a piece of paper with an

object for donation or, if you’re cleaning out the closets and know you’ve got some extra home goods

sitting around, please contact Sarah Hagen at hanako.noriko@gmail.com or Melissa Rach at

mrach37@gmail.com for more information.

[13]

Announcements/Prayers

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.

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.

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, Thomas Bonde; Justin Brandt, Jason Fahey, Nicholas Neumann, and Cory

Williams,

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, Lee Brandel, Ken Gostchock, Rebecca Herzig, Karla Sampson, Tom Strieter,

Mary Ann Williams and Pilgrim shut-ins

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

[14]

Announcements

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.

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

COFFEE HOURS – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The sign-up sheet is taped on the door going into the kitchen. Thank you! Deb Ndekwe (612-810-

4650)

Summer “Ark Encounter” Tour Invitation

Have you heard about the newly constructed, Biblically proportionate Ark in Northern Kentucky? All

W/ELS members are welcome to join the MLC Alumni Association sponsored group tour that will

include a visit to the Ark as well as the nearby Creation Museum and many other scenic and historical

sites in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. Travel is via deluxe motor coach from New Ulm, MN (June

16-25) with additional parking/pickup points in Mankato, Rochester, Onalaska, Madison, and

Waukesha. You can also begin and end in Milwaukee/Oak Creek, WI (June 17-24) for a discounted

price. One bus is already full and the 2nd is filling fast. For more information or to register, check out

the tour website at http://mlcalumni.wixsite.com/tours or contact Steve Balza at 507-217-1731.

[15]

Announcements

Lenten Outreach to the Community with Jesus Love

- Pilgrim Worship Committee is planning an outreach event to the community this Lenten season. The

plan is for a “FREE Family Friendly" supper before our evening, Lenten service on April

5th. Advertising will be done in the neighborhood. Everyone’s involvement is WANTED/NEEDED

to make this outreach work.

This is all part of our "Each One Bring One"--drive. Watch for more details about this event.

Contact Bonnie or Joy to sign up to help and be part of this GREAT opportunity to witness the love of

Jesus, to our neighbors. Don't forget to invite a friend or family member of your own or encourage

members to come and worship for all the up and coming Lenten Services.

Update: Tree of life: Rooted and Growing

Current pledges over 3 years: $182,714

Gifts received as of 4/15/16: $86,264

The sanctuary restoration is completed with total expenses of $129,360.

God bless all those who have pledged to this project as well as reducing our debt. Thanks for making regular

offerings on your pledge amount.

If you haven’t completed a promise card and would like one, please contact me. Prayers for Pilgrim Church

and School can be your pledge.

With God’s Blessings,

Mark Heilman

heilmangv@comcast.net

763-593-2910

[16]

OWLS RALLY - MINNESOTA DISTRICT 2017

WHEN? Wednesday, April 19 (Right after Easter)

WHERE? Martin Luther College

REGISTRATION

Please contact Dale Markgraf by April 13

Registration Fee $5.00. To be paid at the registration table

SCHEDULE

9:00 - 10:20 Registration, fellowship, rooms and beverage in the chapel conference room.

10:30 - 11:00 Chapel with the MLC students

11:15 - 11:45 MLC Update by VP Steven Thiesfeldt Cafeteria conference room

11:45 - 12:45 Lunch in the cafeteria $6.00 paid to the cashier at point of service

12:45 - 3:15 Program in the cafeteria conference room

Services to Veterans and Others

Mr. Greg Peterson Greg

Peterson is a native of New Ulm and a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Ulm. He served in the Air

Force for over 23 years and now works as one of many County Veterans' Service Officers in the state. Greg will

join us to discuss how the system works in providing various benefits for Veterans, their widows and their

children. He will also talk about ways to get gently used wheel chairs and walkers of for you and your fellow

church members.

Does the Old Testament speak about modern Israel?

Prof. Tom Nass

Some evangelical Christians teach that the modern state of Israel, founded in 1948, is a fulfillment of Bible

prophecies, and that Christians have a divine obligation to support it. In this session we will look at the Bible

prophecies that are involved and their proper interpretation. We will see that the church is the focus of Bible

prophecy, and not the modern state of Israel.

OWLS Foundation Report - Prof. John Paulsen, OWLS' Executive Director

2017 OWLS Convention Update - Mr. Werner Lemke, Convention Coordinator

Closing Remarks

ORGANIZATION OF WELS LUTHERAN SENIORS - DALE MARKGRAF, MINNESOTA VALLEY

CHAPTER CHAIRMAN 507-354-2735. demarkgraf@gmail.com. 20 South Jefferson, New Ulm MN. 56073

[17]

Opportunities

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!

Help Needed

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!

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!

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FAMILY FUN TIME

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CHILDRENS FUN TIME

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