Volume 39 Number 01

The Monthly Newsletter of Pilgrim

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

From the Desk of Pastor Pete

It’s winter: so what?

The pretty lights and baubles are packed away for another year. The visits with relatives are over and

we’re all regretting the extra calories we put away during the holidays. And now it’s . . . January. Long,

cold, dark, January.

The short dark days and low temperatures get us down. Patience runs short and tempers flare. God’s

word has some good counsel for these winter days. When the apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians his

audience didn’t know anything about the kind of winter we experience in Minnesota. But like people

everywhere they were a group of people that had to get along and live with other. Like people of all

times and places they tended to divide themselves into groups and judge those who came from another

cultural background. Paul reminded them that Jesus Christ united them into one body, one people. He

writes:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,

kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13

Bear with each other and forgive one another if

any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14

And over all

these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

(Continued on Page 2)

Jesus ca

January 2017

Table of Contents

Pastor Notes / Sermons…………………………. Page 1-3 family Fun Time..……………………………………Page 14

New Member Spotlight ………………………….Page 4 Children Fun time…………..……………………… Page 15

Bible Study………………………………………. Page 5 Church Calandar……………………………………..Page 16

Birthdays/Anniversaries .....…………………. ..Page 6

News You Can Use ..…….……………..... Page 7-9

Announcements / Prayers ……………………… Page 10-13

Forgive—as the Lord forgave you. Before we let the January doldrums drag us into holding a grudge

against somebody in our congregation or home let’s remember that the Lord forgave us. Forgiveness

wasn’t easy—it cost Jesus everything. So what’s it going to cost you to forgive? Some pride? Most of

us have plenty to spare! Is the grudge that you’re carrying really worth the emotional and spiritual

energy you use to feed it?

Paul goes on:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to

peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and

admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit,

singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,

do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians

3:15-17)

An article I read recently about beating the winter blues advised music as antidote. Sounds like good

advice to me, but the Scriptures take it further: “singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” When

the weather gets us down, those favorite hymns from church or music on the Christian radio station

deliver a message of comfort to our hearts in a powerful way. Try it! What do you have to lose, except

the blues?

Book review: Religion on Trial

By Craig A. Parton

“But isn’t the Bible just a bunch of myths collected over the years to keep the church in power?”

“But all religions teach us to be good and love each other—there’s nothing special about Christianity.”

If you’ve ever run into arguments like these and wondered what to say, check out Religion on Trial by

Craig A. Parton.

“As a lawyer, Craig Parton has been involved in some of the largest natural-resource cases and is also

to US Director of the International Academy of Apologetics. He has lectured and debated on the topic

of religious truth claims throughout university campuses. The author has published two works relating

to the examination and defense of the Christian assertions, and is a regular contributor to the Global

Journal of Classical Theology and Loggia: A Journal of Lutheran Theology, as well as a contributing

scholar to Modern Reformation magazine.” (from the Amazon.com page for the book)

All of that means that the author knows his stuff and knows the difference between a good argument

and a bad one. He gets to the bottom of the some of the most common arguments made against the

Bible and Christianity and exposes the faulty logic that supports them. He also shows that history and

logic are completely compatible with the claims of the Bible and Christianity.

[2]

We know that only the Holy Spirit works faith in human hearts and that the Spirit works through God’s

Word. The value of a book like this, then, isn’t that we’re going to argue somebody into the faith. But it

does help us in conversations with those who refuse to look at the Bible because they think it’s

outdated or illogical. If we can get somebody to take a second look at Scripture, then the Spirit can do

its work!

Sermons at Pilgrim 2017

January 2017

1 Finding Direction: How do I know if it’s God’s way? Matthew 2:1-12

8 Finding Direction: How do I know God approves? Matthew 3:13-17

15 Building a Life: Start with the end in mind 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

22 Building a Life: Be a team player 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

29 Building a Life: Stay humble 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

February 2017

5 Building a Life: Stay focused 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

12 Building a Life: Seek understanding 1 Corinthians 2:6-13

19 Building a Life: Do not deceive yourself 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23

26 Transfiguration: What are you looking at? Matthew 17:1-9

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

[3]

New Member Spotlight

This month our member spotlight shines out on Zoe Herzig. She was thrilled to share some fun facts

about herself so the next time you see her in church, be sure to stop and chat about something you

learned about her below!

Zoe:

1. Where do you live now? Where did you grow up? I am currently living in Columbia Heights, I

grew up in Mound, MN.

2. What brought you to the Twin Cities area? I moved to the Twin Cities years after when my parents divorced.

3. What is your favorite summer activity? I like to go camping with friends and family. We also attend antique engine

shows.

4. Where do you work or what career field are you in? I work at the Federal Reserve Bank, in the IT department as a National Service Desk Senior

Information Systems Tech, I have been working at the bank since 1979.

5. What is one fun fact that most people at Pilgrim don't know about you yet? I was born 3 months early, and weighed 1 ½ pounds at birth. My father had to rush me to the

University of Minnesota (as he could not afford to pay for the ambulance) I needed a complete blood

exchange or I would die. I was there for 3 months in an incubator.

6. How long have you been a member at Pilgrim? I have been a member for 29 years, I joined when I met my husband Jon Herzig.

We are so happy to have Zoe in our Pilgrim family!

[4]

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.

L.I.F.T – End of the Year Holiday Party

Last month the ladies of the L.I.F.T Bible study had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the

end of another session and the wonderful time spent together growing in their faith and growing in their

friendships. It’s hard to believe the holiday party was already a month ago! For those of you not able to

attend, it was a delicious potluck with all sorts of goodies and we had a passionate speaker from the

Refugee Life Ministries who shared her experience with refugees and this purposeful organization. In

fact, if you want to be a part of the group at Pilgrim that is adopting a refugee family, you can reach out

to Melissa Rach or Pastor Pete about this opportunity.

As for the next Bible study session of L.I.F.T – stay tuned. The best is yet to come! We don’t have the

dates for the start of the next session yet, but feel free to contact Tammy Leyrer with any questions

about this amazing opportunity for women at Pilgrim. We would so love to have you join us next time!

[5]

January Birthdays

Navindra Prasad 3

Norma Kettner 10

Phyllis Martin 10

Thomas Kurth 12

Katherine Wasley 13

Geri Geiselhart 14

Zoe Herzig 15

Travis Moy 15

Nicole Minea 17

Jenessa Gronemeyer 18

Gunnar Maki 18

Guy Engelke 18

Arthur Wessels 22

Juniper Tyrrell 24

Milo Tyrrell 24

Solomon Tyrrell 24

Lori McGowan 27

January Wedding Anniversary

Duane & Karen Sonnenburg 7

[6]

Advent at Pilgrim

This past Advent season was the first ever advent service at Pilgrim and the worship committee

sure pulled out all the stops! It was fanstastic! It was held on the first Wednesday evening of Advent

and we had a cozy, warm, and reflective worship to kick off the Advent season. We had an engaging

speaker from St.Croix Lutheran, a guest choir, and all the best hymns and Bible readings that we are all

so fond of during the Advent season.

Afterwards, the committee had planned a lovely social hour with bars (lots of yummy bars) and coffee

for the members to connect in fellowship in the church basement. It was such a beautiful way to remind

all of us going into the holiday season to prepare our hearts for Jesus and to bring God with us

(Immanuel) throughout our Christmas events and preparations.

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.

2017 Camp Croix Registration is Here!

Camp Croix 2017 Registration will open on January 2nd, 2017. Don't miss this opportunity to brighten

your child's summer. Children going into 4th - 9th grade are welcome to take part in this wonderful

week of God's Word, swimming, sports, games, crafts, mission work, and more. Counselors and staff

are also needed! We offer three weeks of summer camp - July 9-15, July 16-22, or July 23-29. For

more information, and to register, go to www.campcroix.org.

[7]

Goals with Soul

It’s the New Year! It’s 2017! This is the time where many people dream big and set goals for their life.

Whether you believe in goal setting for the New Year or you like to focus on goals and your yearly

intentions at some other points throughout the year, here are a few things to consider as your start

dreaming about the possibilities for 2017 and beyond!

I like to think of Goals as positive intentions you have for the year, I’m not all about S.M.A.R.T goals

because that limits you to what your current capabilities are right now in this

moment. Instead, what are your dreams? What are you big goals that people

may call crazy? What are those things you want to do that will require you to

grow, learn a new skill, and expand what you are capable of?

Now that you’ve got your mind going about what’s possible in your life, let’s

think about one way to view goals for the next year as you begin to decide what

yours are.

G.O.A.L.S

God Focused: First and foremost, think about what goals you may have and identify what role God

plays in that goal you have for yourself. Has God given you a talent in a certain area, is there Scripture

written about your goal to reference what God says about the topic, or how will you remember to keep

Him a focus in your goals on your journey to achievement?

Optimistic: Have the courage to try and believe in yourself as you begin setting goals. View the glass

as half full and that you can do this no matter how many times you have failed in the past at your goals.

You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.

Abundant: Before you begin goal setting, take a moment to think about how blessed you are.

Remember those gratitude practices from the November Newsletter? Pull that out and write down the

things you already have in your life and the blessings God has given you!

Limitless: With the help of God and hard work anything is possible. Put in the hard work to make your

goals happen. Be determined in the pursuit of your dreams. After all, everything was once impossible,

until someone did it.

Supported: Think about what support you will need as you set out on your journey of new goals and

intentions for 2017. What support can our Pilgrim church family provide, how can you dig into God’s

word for support, or how can prayer and meditation help you on your journey? Think about the people

and things you will need throughout this year and the years to come to support you and your goals.

[8]

As you begin setting your goals, it’s also important to take some time to reflect on this past year. Here

are some questions to help you with reflecting on how 2016 impacted you and your life.

1. What is going well in your life? What’s working?

2. What challenges did you face in 2016?

3. What role did God play throughout your life in 2016?

4. What did you do in 2016 that you are proud of?

5. Where did you let fear hold you back in 2016?

6. What are you grateful for in 2016

And after reflection, start thinking about the New Year of 2017.

1. What are you most excited for in 2017?

2. What do you want to see or do in 2017?

3. What would be worth trying in 2017 even if you fail?

God has given each of us many blessings. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow and praise Him

who has created us with many gifts and talents to go after our dreams and most importantly to share the

great news of eternal salvation to those around us!

May 2017 be your best year yet!

[9]

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.

[10]

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, 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.)

Rudy Alvarez; Renee Anderson; Lee Brandel; Ken Gostchock; Rebecca Herzig; Karla Sampson;

Tom and Matt Strieter; 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

[11]

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)

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! [12]

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!

[13]

FAMILY FUN TIME

[14]

CHILDRENS FUN TIME

[15]

PILGRIM LUTHERAN CHURCH

JANUARY 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

2

3

School Resumes

Early Risers Bible Study

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

4 Mornings with Mommy

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Bible Exploration 10 a.m.

Ladies Guild @ Noon

Worship Meeting @ Noon

Catechism Class 6 p.m.

5

6 The Epiphany of our Lord

7

New Day Pregnancy Center

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

8 Worship with Communion

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

9

Council of Elders

6 p.m.

10

Early Risers Bible Study

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

11

Bible Exploration

10 a.m.

Worship Meeting @ Noon

Catechism Class 6 p.m.

12

13

14

New Day Pregnancy Center

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

15 Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

No School

17

Early Risers Bible Study

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

18 Mornings with Mommy

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Bible Exploration 10 a.m.

Worship Meeting @ Noon

Catechism Class 6 p.m.

19

20

21

New Day Pregnancy Center

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

22 Worship Services

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

23

24

Early Risers Bible Study

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

25

Bible Exploration

10 a.m.

Worship Meeting @ Noon

Catechism Class 6 p.m.

26

27

Kindergarten Round Up

9 a.m. to Noon

28

New Day Pregnancy Center

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

29 Worship with Communion

8:30 & 10:30—Worship

9:45—7 E’s Bible Study

9:45—Sunday School

9:45—Coffee Plus 5

30 31

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod,

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has

been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to

worship him.”Matthew 2:1-2