The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim Lutheran Church

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Volume 38 Number 07

The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim

Lutheran Church

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

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From the Desk of Pastor Pete

Freedom means knowing there’s help

“Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” For those of you not of my generation, the line

comes from a 1971 song by Janis Joplin called Me and Bobby McGee. It’s a cynical definition of freedom from a cynical time in our culture.

On July 4 in our nation we talk a lot about freedom. We honor those who sacrificed to ensure the freedom that we enjoy. I think we realize today that freedom means there is a lot to lose—some lost everything so that we can have it. And if we lose our freedom we lose our way of life.

As I thought about freedom this month I thought about one of the questions suggested for our summer sermon series Actually it’s a number of questions that I summarized this way: “Prayer: how, when, where, why?” I thought about the connection between prayer and freedom. Of course, there’s the freedom of worship that we have in this country that means we can pray and believe according to our consciences without fear of government persecution. There’s a lot to be thankful for.

(Continued on Page 2) Jesus ca July 2016

And I thought of this definition: freedom means knowing there’s help. Here’s what I mean. We feel free in our communities and neighborhoods when we know that people like the police and the military are working to preserve our freedom and stand between us and those who would take our freedom. We know there’s help. Prayer fits into that definition. We think of King Solomon who saw that God had blessed him with a kingdom and the responsibility to go with it. So he prayed for the wisdom and discernment to rule well.

We think of Jesus who prayed that his Father would take the cup of suffering from him. As we all know, Jesus passed through that cup of suffering. Did prayer fail him in that hour? Did his Father? No—Jesus also prayed, “Your will be done” that night. And it was God’s will that he Jesus pay the price that won our freedom. But Jesus went into that terrible trial with the freedom of knowing that God’s loving will was being accomplished.

Enjoy your freedom, pilgrims. Jesus won it for you with his life. He guaranteed it to you with his resurrection. And he’s always there to help.

The Tyrrell triplets—Juniper, Milo and Solomon—were baptized on January 25 in the hospital. On July 10 we will publicly affirm their baptism in the 10:30 worship service. The Leyrer-Tyrrell family is very grateful for the prayers and support received in the past months so we’ll be hosting a special coffee hour between the worship services on July 10. You are all invited!

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June 28, 2016

Dear Pilgrim Friends!

Greetings from Milwaukee! This past May, Will graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and received an assignment to serve as the Spanish speaking pastor at San Pedro/St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. The Spanish side of the congregation is an existing mission supported by the Board for Home Missions. Will is very excited to be able to serve in this unique, multicultural opportunity (and looking forward to figuring out how to preach bilingual sermons). We are also looking forward to Will’s ordination and installation on July 3rd_.

In the transition time leading up to the installation, we have been searching for a house, which we just found and had our offer accepted! This means we’re looking forward to becoming first time

homeowners this August. Assuming everything goes through between now and the closing date, our new address will be 1609 S 37th St. Milwaukee, WI 53215.

In other news, Lauren is expecting our third child due in October (doing our best to catch up to Liana and Dan). Just a few weeks ago we found out that it’s a girl! The boys will once again be outnumbered! We should have just enough time to settle into our new house before the baby arrives.

We look forward to seeing many of you whenever we visit next. God bless you all in your work and mission in Minneapolis!

Love,

William, Lauren, Aurora, and Liam Dunn

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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).

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.

Wednesday evenings at 6:30 it’s time for Foundations class—learning Bible basics for those who have questions or want to review.

Pictorial Directory

The Ladies’ Guild is working with LifeTouch once again to produce a pictorial directory. (Can you believe it’s been more than four years since the last one?)

Portrait sitting dates will be July 18, 19, 20. Sign up at church or call the office. Later this month there will be online sign up available as well.

The pictorial directory is a great help for all of us to get to know each other. There’s no cost to us for the portrait sittings and every family gets one free portrait.

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July Birthdays

Daniel Tyrrell 1 Thomas Geiselhart 3 Shannon Gostchock 4 Harlan Johnson 5 Carol Grundl 6 Melissa Jackson 7 David Josephitis 7 Carl Vrieze 7 Chuck Nelson 10 Christine Bedor 11 Stanley Wasley 11 Amy Denn 13 Allison Loescher 14 Rachel Ndekwe 15 Jane Neumann 15 Doris Belsaas 16 Jacqueline Bonde 17 Nile Edwards 17 Karen Sonnenburg 17 Isabelle Lecy 19 Rachel Josephitis 20 Cheyenne Petroske 20 Matthew Tucker, Jr. 22 Danica Cambrice 23 Joni Shields 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

Silas & Heather McAghon 22

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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.

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.

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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, 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; Lee Brandel; Ken Gostchock; Peg Heilman; Rebecca Herzig; Ila Janisch; Sandy Puterbaugh; Karla Sampson; Tom and Matt Strieter; 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!

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

Musically Gifted Members

Worship Committee is "Just Wondering"---Is there anyone who is musically gifted? Do you play an instrument? eg. guitar? banjo? drums? etc. We would love to put together a Pilgrim Praise Band for occasional Contemporary Services in the Fall and after. Please share your hidden talents with your fellow Pilgrim Family.

ALSO " WONDERING"---

Is anyone in our Pilgrim Family fluent in Spanish? We are trying to do an out-reach to the Latino Community in our neighborhood. Any help with this exciting out-reach would be most appreciated. If you can help in any of the above "Wonders" please contact ---Pastor Pete or Joy/Barry Gostchock Blessings as you consider our "Wonders".

The Worship Committee.

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Announcements

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

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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.

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

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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!

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.

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

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Announcements

PILGRIM PRAISE SINGERS (PPS)

If you have a heart for praising our Lord in song, come join us. All ages are welcome! Don’t feel you have talent? Come “make a joyful noise” to the Lord. No commitment necessary, one hymn at a time. Can’t make both services? That’s OK. Sing at the service time that works for you.

Check your calendar for our next PPS event. We plan to sing Amazing Grace on July 10. That means “practice” will be July 3 between services at approximately 9:30 a.m. We hope to sing at the end of the first service and at the beginning of the second service, as usual. Warm-up is at 8 a.m.

Again, same rules apply. Sing when you can, one or both services. Everyone is welcome. Praising God is our ultimate goal!

Blessings one and all to our Pilgrim family! The Worship Committee

PICNIC! - Pilgrim L.I.F.T. Women’s Bible Study and Fellowship Group

Who: ANY women members and friends of Pilgrim and their families

When: Saturday, July 9, 2016

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Josephitis’ Home

4901 Thomas Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55410

Please bring a side dish to share and/or dessert. We will provide paper products, drinks, and meat to grill. Remember swimsuits if it is a hot day! I have a water bounce house and water play toys. Rain or shine  Please RSVP to Rachel or Tammy.

Rachel: Rachel.josephitis@gmail.com or 954-554-2772

Tammy: tleyrer@stcroixlutheran.org or 612-229-6544

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY DVDS MISSING

The FPU DVDs have been removed from the church office. If you borrowed them, please return them as they are needed to conduct classes. Thank you. Dale Mueller

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FAMILY FUN TIME

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CHILDRENS FUN TIME

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JULY 2016

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

3 Worship

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:30—Pilgrim Praise Singers 9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

4 5

Early Risers Bible Study 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. 6 Bible Exploration 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Worship Meeting @ Noon 7 8 9

New Day Pregnancy Center 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

L.I.F.T. Picnic 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

10 Worship with Communion

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

No 7 E’s Bible Study No SON Experience 11 Pastor on Vacation 12

No Early Risers Bible Study

Pastor on Vacation 13 No Bible Exploration No Worship Meeting Pastor on Vacation 14 Pastor on Vacation 15 Pastor on Vacation 16

New Day Pregnancy Center 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pastor on Vacation 17 Worship 8:30 & 10:30—Worship

No 7 E’s Bible Study Pastor on Vacation 18 Portrait Sittings 2 p.m. to 9 p.m 19

Early Risers Bible Study 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Portrait Sittings 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. 20 Bible Exploration 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Worship Meeting @ Noon

Portrait Sittings 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. 21 22 23

New Day Pregnancy Center 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 24 Worship 8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7E’s Bible Study

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 29 30

New Day Pregnancy Center 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

31 Worship with Communion

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7E’s Bible Study

The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim Lutheran Church