Volume 36 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

Empowering, Innovative

What makes us unique as a congregation? This summer I’ve been looking into that question in the June

and July sermons. We’ve identified six “core values” for our congregation. So far we’ve looked at the

biblical basis for four of them: Christ-centered, Loving, Friendly, Helpful.

Two are left: Empowering and innovative. I’ll present on those on July 13 and 20. The other two

Sunday’s in July we will hear from Will Dunn (see the story elsewhere in the newsletter)

Empowering: John 20:21-23 21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent

me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If

you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Continued on Page 2)

July 2014

Table of Contents

Birthdays/Anniversariers……………………..Page 3 FamilyFunTime…….…………………………Page14

Vicar Call for William Dunn..………………..Page 4 Childrens Fun Time..………………………...Page 15

Letter from Dorothy LaDue……………….…Page 5

Announcements/Prayers.\……………………. Page 6-9

School News…………………………………..Page 10-13

With these words Jesus gives his disciples the ultimate power—the power to forgive sins. It’s a power

that we exercise every time we come together in worship and the pastor tells us that our sins are

forgiven because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. How much do we understand or

appreciate what’s happening there? And how do we put this power to use in our conversations with one

another or our relationships with other people? When Jesus gave his disciples the power to forgive sins

he gave us all the ability to set people free from guilt and shame, to put them into a new and right

relationship with God! And Jesus also puts us in touch with the ultimate power source: the Holy Spirit

who calls us to faith in Jesus and gifts us to act as his representatives.

When we call ourselves an “empowering” congregation we always have to come back to Jesus and his

words. We can build one another up because of what he’s done!

Innovative: Isaiah 43:18-21

“Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past. 19

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland. 20

The wild animals honor me,

the jackals and the owls,

because I provide water in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland,

to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21

the people I formed for myself

that they may proclaim my praise.

God is the ultimate innovator. He is the Creator of all things and the more we learn about the world

around us the more we have to marvel at the divine spark of creativity that we see all around and in us.

And when we look to Jesus and the plan of salvation that he carried out, we see what Isaiah calls a

“new thing.” When humanity was trapped in the “same old same old” of sin and destined to live apart

from our Creator for eternity, He stepped in with a new plan. He sent Jesus to rescue and restore.

And the restorative mission of Jesus is our reason for existence as believers and as a church. The gospel

of Jesus may be the “old old story” as the hymn puts it, but it’s new in the hearts and lives of everyone

who hears and believes. We strive to be creative as a congregation, to be innovative because the

freshness of the gospel message drives us.

[2]

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

[3]

Vicar Call for William Dunn

William Dunn, you might remember, became part of our congregation when he married Lauren

Loescher a couple of years ago. Will and Lauren have one daughter, Aurora, and are expecting their

second child.

This month William will preach twice for us. Now that he’s finished his second year at Wisconsin

Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin he has received an assignment to serve as a vicar for one

year. The vicar assignment is typically the third year of our seminary’s four year post graduate program

of study.

William and Lauren are excited to serve in Irmo, South Carolina at Hope Lutheran Church for

William's vicar year. Hope is a mid-sized congregation in a Columbia suburb with members spanning

all ages. Hope has a number of young growing families which means William, Lauren, and Aurora will

fit right in! William will be involved with preaching and teaching as well as leading a young

professionals group and starting a campus ministry at the University of South Carolina. They will be

moving in August.

Will’s sermons in July:

Wrestle with God and Win! Genesis 32:22-30 July 6

Even Greater is God’s Wonderful Grace Romans 5:12-19 July 27

[4]

Letter from Dorothy LaDue

Many of us have been following the story of John LaDue, the 17 year old currently in custody after his

alleged plot to commit mass murder in Waseca, MN was discovered last April. The judge in his case

has set a hearing for July 30 to determine if John should stand trial as an adult.

The LaDue family were members of Pilgrim until they moved away. Many of us have kept in touch

over the years, and some have reached out to the family in recent months. We’ve had prayers in church

for John and the whole family during this difficult time.

Reprinted below is a letter from Dorothy LaDue, John’s grandmother, addressed to all of us here at

Pilgrim

June 17, 2014

Dear Pastor and Members of Pilgrim Congregation,

I apologize for being slow to send a letter of thanks for prayers on behalf of me and my family. Your

prayers meant so much to me. I thank God for all of you.

There is so much sin and so much horrible stuff going on in the world, and sadly so much going on

here in our own country. When Christian family and friends rally their support for one of their own,

like you did for me, it is like a special ray of sunshine—God sent. Your cards, notes and prayers are

truly appreciated and have been a big help to me. I hope you will continue to hold us up in prayer. We

all need your prayers and especially John.

An example of prayer answered, a counselor at Red Wing gave John a book—the New Testament.

John is reading it and asking questions of his Dad. I prayed; “Father, send your holy angels to watch

over John and send your Holy Spirit to fill his heart and drive away demons of darkness that try to steal

his heart away from us.” That prayer is being answered, praise God. Now prayers are needed that our

Legal System does not destroy the work that the Holy Spirit has begun in John—and pray for strength

and comfort for his parents and sister—and me, his grandma.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Dorothy LaDue

[5]

Announcements

LIFT

Are you interested in studying the Bible in a relaxed atmosphere with other Pilgrim women? Do you

feel disconnected and want to get to know your church sisters better? Do you desire to live life with a

more worry- free, peaceful heart? Come to the L.I.F.T. Women’s Bible study on Wednesday nights.

7:00pm-8:30 pm, in the Pilgrim cafeteria. ALL Pilgrim women are invited and encouraged to attend.

Contact Tammy Leyrer at tleyrer@stcroixlutheran.org or call 612 229 6544 if you are interested.

SON Experience – Sunday Evenings in the gym at 6:00

Any of you here today that are just getting to know Jesus for the first time or even if church can make

you a bit uncomfortable, we invite you to come and join us for the SON Experience. The SON

Experience is a casual and relaxed environment in which a bunch of people gather and experience the

presence of God among us. Everyone is welcomed, but we are especially there to serve those in need of

something a bit different. We welcome you!

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!

Attention: ladies of pilgrim

Whether you are married, single, young, middle aged, a senior citizen, retired, or working, we invite

YOU to join the Pilgrim Ladies Guild. We meet at noon the first Wednesday of the month in the

fireside room during the school year. We have a dessert, a meeting (some times with very lively

discussions and always with humor), and a short Bible study with Pastor Pete. He also updates us on

all that is going on at Pilgrim and with our church members.

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!

[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

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.

PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS

Please pray for the United States military and the following enlisted and/or deployed service men and

women:

Paul Bandelin, Errol Belanger, Justin Brandt, David Chernohorsky; Jason Fahey, Brent Hassler,

Jennifer James, Nicholas Neumann, Andrew Rolston, 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.)

Gerald Belsaas; Connie and Bill Bonde; Amina Bushey; Michael Dieter; Kirsi Fischer; Brian

Florin; Ken Gostchock; Rebeccca Herzig; Zoe Herzig; Jean Loescher; Jim Petroske; Rick

Puterbaugh; and Pilgrim shut-ins.

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Announcements/Thank You

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.

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? Pilgrim is reaching out in love to bring all those who want to worship in person to our

church, beginning Sunday, February 10. The benefits of being present in God’s house, sitting with

others, singing, praying and praising God are huge. If you would like a ride to church one Sunday a

month to attend the 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship service, please call Pastor Leyrer or Tam in the church

office at 612-825-5375.

Church Nursery Supplies Needed

Please contact Rachel Josephitis at 954-554-2772 or rachel.josephitis@gmail.com if you have any

baby items (gently used) you would like to donate to the re-start-up of the nursery. Location to be

determined. Specific items looking for changing pad, baskets for under changing table, toys, rocking

chair, swing, rocking horse, bouncy chair. Also, any diapers (all sizes) or wipes. Thanks! Rachel

Josephitis

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!

Our annual prayer walk has become more popular each year. We walk

through our beautiful city, taking time to pray for the needs that we see.

The walks typically have been a couple of miles each time and we end at

Pilgrim to join together for supper.

This year’s walk is scheduled for Friday, September 5. Watch the

bulletin, newsletter and website for more details.

There are lots of ways to fit into the prayer walk. You could

walk with the group. help prepare supper, commit to praying for the walkers

drive a shuttle vehicle, or help promote the walk in the congregation

[8]

Announcements

Networking/Job Transition Group

Job Networking Group is taking the summer off and will meet again in September.

Thanks. Geri Geiselhart,

Eleven day tour to England and Scotland

Retired WELS pastor, James Humann, invites you to join him and fellow WELS/ELS members on an

eleven day tour to England and Scotland. The tour dates are July 14-24, 2014. Space is limited.

Twenty people have already joined the tour. For a colorful brochure with the daily itinerary, costs and

General Conditions, e-mail Pastor Humann at JHumann383@aol.com or call 253-839-9055. If you

would like a hard copy of the brochure, be sure to include your mailing address.

I teach part-time at Evergreen Lutheran High School in Tacoma, WA. We’re enjoying our new

campus.

Again, thank you, and blessings on your school year.

In Christ,

Pastor James Humann

Camp Croix Weekend

Keep this date open:

August 22-24th

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 days 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.

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 almost $2000 which is about $500 less then

last year but some good fellowship was had by all. West Lutheran High School donated a bunch of

stuff for our sale again this year.

[9]

What’s happening at West Lutheran…. 3350 Harbor Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 Phone: 763-509-9378, http://www.wlhs.net/

Summer Camps

West Lutheran High School invites you to participate in one of our 2014 Summer Sports Camps.

Summer camps are an excellent opportunity to keep students active during the summer months,

make new friends and develop lifelong athletic and fitness skills. Our experienced coaches are

dedicated to their sport and provide individual coaching for each camper.

We would love to share more information with you. The following provides information on the

various camps offered in the 2014 season.. For additional information, contact Steve Jensen at 763-

509-9378.

Volleyball

The Warrior Girl's Volleyball Camp will...

offer individual coaching by a staff of experienced volleyball coaches and players.

emphasize skills in passing, setting, serving, spiking and proper footwork for all skills

cover team offensive and defensive techniques and movement

When: August 12-14, 2014; 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Age: Girls entering 5-8th grade

Camp Fee: $40 ($10 less for each additional family member, including those enrolled in the soccer

camp).

Football

The Warrior Boy's Football Camp will...

offer individual coaching by a staff of experienced football coaches and players

emphasize skills in blocking, passing, receiving, and proper footwork for all skills.

cover team offensive and defensive techniques and movement

When: August 12-14, 2014; 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Age: Boys entering 5-8th grade

Camp Fee: $40 ($10 less for each additional family member, including those enrolled in the soccer

camp).

[10]

What’s happening at West Lutheran…. 3350 Harbor Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447 Phone: 763-509-9378, http://www.wlhs.net/

Soccer The Warrior Grade School Soccer Camp will...

offer individual coaching by a staff of experienced soccer coaches and players.

emphasize skills in dribbling, passing, kicking, heading and, moves with and without the ball

cover individual and team offensive and defensive techniques

When: August 12-14, 2014; 11:45-1:15 p.m.

Age: Boys or Girls entering 3-8th grade

Camp Fee: $40 ($10 less for each additional family member, including those enrolled in the

volleyball or football camp)

.

[11]

St. Croix Needs Host Families Please prayerfully consider being a part of St. Croix’s international ministry by hosting a

student or two during the 2014-2015 school year. Contact international advisor, Sue Galler

(sgaller@stcroixlutheran.org or 651-455-1521 ext 118) for more information and to sign up. A

monthly stipend is provided for hosting students.

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[13]

FAMILY FUN TIME

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CHILDRENS FUN TIME

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