PILGRIM LUTHERAN CHURCH

44 CHAPEL ROAD – KENMORE, NY 14217

(716) 875-5485

A Congregation in Mission, Community and Service

PILGRIM’S PROGRESS JUNE 2014

PASTOR: Rev. Ben Eder SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 AM

EDITOR: Mary Werth TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY: 9:30 AM

ASSOC. EDITOR: WORSHIP: 10:00 AM

From the Pastor

“Faith ‘Lift’”

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city,

the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1

Since construction on the new elevator lift and the exterior of the church building is about to begin, I would

like to share my thoughts and observations of the project for this month’s newsletter:

1. First and foremost, this was a project envisioned and led by the people. All too often the pastor is

expected to come down from the Mount and cast a vision for the church. While this can be beneficial,

the church can become too dependent on the vision (or whims) of the pastor. Not so in this case: this

was a project initiated by the people, and I applaud and support you for your insight.

2. Along with that vision, the project is fully-funded. The costs are in excess of $180,000.00 and (as far

as we can determine) we do not anticipate taking out a loan to cover any remaining or unexpected

expenses. Gifts from generous contributors (who wish to remain anonymous) are funding the project.

Usually, where the vision is, the money will follow. This is clearly a God-pleasing vision which has the

full support of the benefactors and membership.

3. Who will the project benefit? At any given time, the elevator will be used by: the handicapped and

disabled; families with children (think strollers and other equipment); and other equipment and heavy

objects as necessary. It is our prayer and anticipation that more will be able to participate in worship and

other church activities because of the handicapped-accessibility of the building.

4. Finally, just because the project is fully funded please do not assume that your faithful and generous

financial gifts are no longer necessary. We rely on your giving to fund current expenses so that the

ministry of this congregation may continue to proclaim the Good News of the kingdom in word and

deed, to this community and beyond. The money that is being used on the elevator project is separate

from what you give on a weekly or monthly basis.

Every so often our faith needs a lift – something to encourage us and keep us going. The planning and

construction of the elevator gives our faith a “lift” in that we see how God moves and works among his people

and provides the means necessary to get things done.

+ Pastor Ben Eder

SUNDAY SERVER SCHEDULE

JUNE 2014

DATE June 1 June 8 June 15 June 22 June 29

READER Wes Wiers Gary Smith Beverly Cravak

Colvina Colvin

Karen Smith

USHERS Pat Watkins

* Roger

Watkins

Naomi George

* Harvey Caldow

Colvina Colvin

* Tyrone Bryant

George Alessi

* Peggy Clark

Eric Fellner

* Beverly Cravak

COMMUNION ASSISTANT

George Alessi

Frank Alessi

Eric Fellner

Jim O’Brien

Gary Smith

A matter of perspective

Pastor and author T.D. Jakes tells of visiting a community in Africa where a woman from

the local church welcomed him into her small home. Proud to have built the structure herself,

she swept her arm toward the door — a blanket — as if inviting him into a mansion. She

offered him a seat — on her bed — and graciously served a meal. As Jakes departed in a small

plane, rain began falling. The pastor looked down to see his host dancing in gratitude.

He was struck by the contrast between his African host and many Americans, including

himself. How often we let worries about our “small” house, lack of nice furniture or inability to

serve gourmet food get in the way of welcoming friends or new acquaintances into our home.

How often we view rain as an annoyance, complicating our day and depressing our mood.

Meanwhile, this woman was eager to share her humble house and grateful for God’s gift of

moisture in her dry homeland.

Marie Curcie

Jun. 10

Robert Schober

Jun. 10

June Pfohl

Jun. 13

Jim Rodgers Sr.

Jun. 18

Harris Bartz

Jun. 21

Scot LaFalce

Jun. 25

Betty Yesny

Jun. 26

Diane Jakubowski Jun. 27

Roger Watkins

Jun. 28

Mary Werth

Jun. 28

Jun. 17 Gary & Karen Smith

Jun. 22 Paul & Sue Holway

Jun. 27 Roger & Pat Watkins

ESTHER CIRCLE

The Esther Circle will meet on Monday, June 9th at 6:30 p.m.

The 2nd annual Basket Raffle (formerly known as Theme Tray) will be held on Friday,

September 26th from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Eldridge Bicycle Club in Tonawanda. There is a sign-up

sheet on the bulletin board at church for committees that we need in order to be successful.

A bin has been placed at the back of the church for basket raffle donations. We are

asking for donations of new items as well as any unwanted baskets people may have gotten

in the past. All items can be left in the bin. If anyone wants to donate a basket already put

together, we would appreciate that, too! If anyone has any questions, please contact

Rhonda Mohr at 716-352-3060.

We still collect Dash’s Market grocery tapes (give to Sue Holway), used stamps and

used ink cartridges (give to Pat Watkins) and mites for LWML (give to Mary Werth). There are

some empty mite boxes on the credenza at the back of the church if you need one. When it is

full, you can empty the pennies into a sandwich bag and turn them in, keeping the box for

future use.

ALL women of Pilgrim are invited to join us – and BRING A FRIEND!

BOOK CLUB

The Women’s Book Club will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 16th, at church. We will

discuss In A Heartbeat, the book which inspired the movie “The Blind Side”. Please think

about joining us. For more information, please call Sue Holway at 773-3625.

In my two years as your

Music Director at Pilgrim I have not gotten to know nearly as many

of you as I would like. So I’m introducing myself here and hoping

you’ll come to the piano and say hi if we haven’t met yet. (And then

know that I may need you to remind me of your name about 6 more

times…)

I spent the first 21 years of my life in Washington, PA growing up

in a wonderful family, singing hymns in our Baptist church and walking to my grandmother’s house

for piano lessons twice a week. Right after graduation, Psychology degree in hand, I married, moved

to N. Tonawanda and spent that first decade working with physically and mentally challenged kids

and adults. Eventually, I shifted to teaching piano lessons and enjoyed receiving two amazing gifts

named Caleb and Levi. I marvel that, in a couple weeks, I will be the mom of a teenager. We love our

black lab and three black cats (I’m a push-over for a black animal in need of rescuing).

Eighteen years into this NY life, God brought me through a dramatic time that resulted in my

becoming a single mom. I also became much more trusting in my Heavenly Father. Needing more

income and needing to breathe life into the musical part of my soul that had long since been put

away, I responded to the need of a little church in Kenmore that needed an organist. I’d never

touched an organ. (It is NOT the same as a piano.) But God nudged, I tried, Pastor Ben encouraged

and the congregation welcomed. Pilgrim has been our church home ever since. This year I became

a health coach for people on the same journey that I’m on. I never thought I would be that! Or an

organist! But life is Good when I let God drive. If you’d like to know more about me, friend me on

Facebook or check out my blog at: www.beachbodycoach.com/cristinkrajnak. Or just ask. :)

(Editor’s Note: I hope to have a “Bio Corner” as a regular or semi-regular feature in future newsletters. It’s

a great way for long-time and recent members to get to know one another. You can give as much

background as you want to share with our readers. If you would like to contribute, please contact me at

534-6922 or via email at madragon99@yahoo.com. – Mary Werth)

GOOD NEWS! The every-other-month Community Dinners have been so blessed that we

are going to offer it every month, beginning June 6th, from 5 to 7 p.m. This month is Taco

Night.

Come and join us on Friday, June 13th at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of fun and friendly

competition. It’s a great way to “unwind your mind”. If you have a favorite game, bring it

along. Variety is the spice of life – and games!

The Pilgrim Active Laymen (P.A.L.s) will meet on June 14th at 8 a.m. at church. (This was moved from the original date of June 7th.) All men are welcome to join us! __________________________________________________________________________________________

• “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

—Robert Louis Stevenson

• “A God wise enough to create me and the world I live in is wise enough to watch out for me.”

—Philip Yancey

• “When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry.”

—William Shakespeare

Hit the road

When a teenager received his driving permit, he asked his father, who was a minister, if they could

discuss use of the car.

His father said, “I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible a little and get

your hair cut, and then we’ll talk about it.”

A month later, the young man returned to continue the discussion. “Son, I’ve been real proud of you,”

the father said. “You’ve brought your grades up and studied your Bible diligently, but you didn’t get your hair

cut!”

The teenager replied, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that. Samson had long hair, Moses had

long hair, Noah had long hair and even Jesus had long hair ....”

“Yes,” the father said, “and they walked everywhere they went!”

Vacation Bible School will be held the week of July 21st – 25th. The time will be from

5:45 p.m. – 8 p.m. The theme is Gangway to Galilee! Amazing Grace Adventures! The key

theme is Jesus gives amazing grace! The key Bible verse: “For by grace you have been

saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) We

will be exploring the ministry of Jesus along the Sea of Galilee. All children (from pre-K to 6th

grade) of members and friends of Pilgrim are encouraged to attend and bring a friend!

Spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors about this great experience. For

information and pre-registration, contact Carol Obot at 873-5303 or Carolyn Alessi at 913-

0187. There will also be an adult Bible Study with Pastor Ben during this time.

COME ON DOWN!

Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center, 9324 Lake Shore Road, in Angola, NY is hosting a

SUMMERFEST on Sunday, July 13th, 2014. A great day is planned starting with Worship by

the lake at 10:30 a.m. A Chicken BBQ, family games, a bounce house, Farmers’ Market,

Bazooka Ball, a water slide, boating, crafts, live music and more will follow.

Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids 4 – 12. Kids 3 and under are FREE!

Please see our Pioneer Ambassador, Mark DeFazio by July 7th to purchase tickets. For more

information and also to purchase tickets, call Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center at 716-549-

1420 or send an email to info@pioneercamp.org.

Pilgrim Lutheran Bake Sale

Fellow Friends in Christ,

Many exciting things are happening this summer; the Elevator

Renovations starting, Bathroom and Nursery renovations. Coming up this

month, we are having a bake sale. With your help we can have a fun and

prosperous day. The date is set for Saturday, June 21st from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

in the church parking lot. We are asking for any and all bakers to help provide

the goodies. There will be a sign up sheet on the bulletin board for those of you

that are interested in baking something for the sale. All goodies should be

baked and dropped off to the church no later than Friday June 20th by 6 pm. We

had such a great turn out last year that we are hoping for the same good time

and good weather. For all questions and inquiries please contact:

Melody (716) 603-9879

Pentecost power

Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit descended onto Jesus’ disciples. While they

were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Pentecost, the disciples saw flames among and on

them, heard a rushing wind and began talking in many languages. As a result, the disciples were able to share

the good news of Jesus in the native tongues of all the pilgrims assembled in the city.

Even today, the power of the Holy Spirit fuels the “flame” that ignites Christians’ outreach efforts. Only

by the Spirit’s power can we know Christ and make him known throughout the world.

Poet William Blake (1757-1827), who’s been described as a passionate, Pentecost kind of person, wrote

this poem about the Spirit’s power:

Unless the eye catch fire,

The God will not be seen.

Unless the ear catch fire,

The God will not be heard.

Unless the tongue catch fire,

The God will not be named.

Unless the heart catch fire,

The God will not be loved.

Unless the mind catch fire,

The God will not be known.

Fatherly reflection

Renowned actor Sidney Poitier once said, “I decided in my life that I would do nothing that did not

reflect positively on my father’s life.” If you’re blessed with a dad you admire and respect, how would it affect

your life to make such a decision? Would you be inspired to set sound priorities, live with integrity, be a

positive role model to the young people you influence? For all of us — children of the only perfect Father —

may our prayer and intent be:

God, while earthly fathers are a mix of strengths and flaws, you give yourself to us as our heavenly

Father, wholly loving, kind and passionate about our best interests. May we, in turn, seek to reflect positively on

you. May my life spread far and wide your love, kindness and passion for the best interests of all, and may

others see you in me. Amen.

Peace for today

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given

to you.

May you be confident knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance,

praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

—St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)

“God of all grace and mercy, bless those who serve as altar guild members that they may be faithful at Your altar. Grant that through their service Your Church may be built up in faith to the honor of Your most holy name ; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.” “This prayer is used in Lutheran Service Book: Agenda for the placing of altar guild members as servants of the congregation. It expresses three things about the nature of the work of the altar guild. Its purpose is to serve. Its service requires spiritual commitment. Its service has a spiritual goal.”

(taken from The Altar Guild Manual)

Since Sue Holway and I are now co-chairs of the Altar Guild, we have compiled a list of those who are still serving. Here it is: Peggy Clark, Sue Holway, Gary Smith, Mary Werth and Dolores Zeeb. Linda Eder now serves by handling the ordering and pickup of all weekly altar flowers (including the palms for Palm Sunday, Easter lilies, Mother’s Day flowers, and Christmas flowers (poinsettias). She also takes care of the pew cards and pencils. (Thank you, Linda!) Reminder: please don’t forget to sign up on the Altar Service chart at the back of the church.

If anyone else is interested in serving, please contact Sue Holway (773-3625) or Mary Werth (534-6922). Thank you.

A Youth Ministry has been started by Amber Groeller and Jim O’Brien. It is geared

toward kids ages 11 to 14. The first meeting was on Tuesday, May 20th, and the next will be

on Tuesday, June 3rd (every other week). The time is 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. PLEASE HELP

SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS AND RELATIVES!

(The Youth Ministry will focus on educating youth on the Bible and helping them to

create a stronger bond with God, all while having fun in a comfortable, accepting

environment. Please help support this new endeavor. If you have any questions, please

contact Amber Groeller at 604-6633.)

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE JULY

NEWSLETTER IS JUNE 23rd.