News and events for Advent, Christmas, Epiphany and beyond!

Advent 2018 THE PROGRESS Faith Conversations with Pastor Steve Schumacher Season of Advent, 2019 Christ Be Our Light, by Bernadette Farrell is the hymn we will sing during Advent to highlight our theme. In the refrain we sing, Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light! Shine in Your church gathered today. The darkness is laid out in each verse,

It is Christ who is our light, who also shines through us, and who shines in the darkness. Christ is the light of the world. And Christ shines through us, his Church.

Most of us are probably familiar with the 1st part of the verse,

Vibrant Worship 4 Growth & Teaching 6 Congregational Care 8 Outreach & Evangelism 9 Regular Features Jesus Christ is the light of the world whether we follow him or not. Faith Conversations 1 Birthdays & Anniversaries 8 Youth & Family 5 instead we walk in his light. In fact, the way the New Living (Continued on page 3)

The purpose of Pilgrim Lutheran Church is to glorify God by fostering:

 Vibrant worship—  Nurturing congregational Pilgrim is a prayerful place care— of vibrant worship where the Pilgrim members strive to gospel of Jesus Christ is STAFF faithfully proclaimed in a nurturing care to one family-oriented, another. Pilgrim is a family;

intergenerational care for one another is PASTOR: atmosphere. Varied evidenced in all aspects of Steven Schumacher worship expressions come congregational life. Pilgrim DIRECTOR, FAMILY & together to provide a rich is a place of health and YOUTH MINISTRIES: response to the love of healing where people of all Shannon Fleischfresser Christ in our lives. ages find help for their life journeys. DIRECTOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:  Bible-centered growth  Intentional outreach Kim Waterstraat and teaching— and evangelism— Pilgrim is purposeful about PARISH WORKER nurturing faith and spiritual the abundant life that they CARE & OUTREACH growth in all who enter its have received through faith Rachelle Lessard doors as well as for those in Christ and intentionally CHOIR who are not able to enter. reach out to people of all DIRECTOR/ORGANIST: Pilgrim is a place where, led ages with the love of Amy Boers by the Holy Spirit, all Christ beginning with MUSICIAN: children, youth, and adults South Hill, Washington, and Mark Reiman moving outward to the ends measure of the stature of of the earth through local, CONTEMPORARY national, and world-wide MUSIC COORDINATOR: outreach. Mike Peluso OFFICE COORDINATOR: Melody Rath The Progress is published seasonally for members and NURSERY ATTENDANTS: friends of Pilgrim Lutheran Church. It is available in Victoria Trivitt electronic (.pdf) and hard-copy formats. Marin Wilson Submissions may be sent to the church via e-mail. LITTLE PILGRIMS Comments and subscription updates for The Progress PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR: may be emailed to editor Melody Rath, Ruth Rhodes [email protected].

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Faith Conversations cont. from p. 1 on the road to life, and to have it abundantly. This light is not meant only for us, and is not experienced by us alone, but rather in community with others this is where abundant life is found and experienced. We walk in the light of Christ as we live generously, sharing our time, talents, and treasures. This life we are promised is life together. Who knows when we might be agents of light for someone else. And just as important, when someone else might be the light of Christ for us! We all can experience darkness, at times troubled or lonely, hungry and thirsty. Thankfully, we may not be literally homeless, but can feel displaced and unmoored; and maybe actual homelessness can occur. At these times a community that supports and loves one another is essential for life. Such a community is the light that leads to life. As we begin a new church year with Advent, the invitation is to commit to be a follower. How about, if in the year ahead, we commit - through our 4 Core Values (worship & prayer, reading our Bibles, being present in our community, and encouraging each other) to discover what it means to be a follower of Christ what that looks like and how that is lived. The truth is you will find it in the community of those around you. And so, may you have a blessed Advent season leading us to Christmas. And may you take light. Join us for Sunday worship, Pilgrim Wednesdays, Advent related studies offered already.

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Corporate Worship Worship Corporate Prayer ~ Glorify

4 New York City Mission Trip: We have a small group signed up to go to New York City this summer for a mission trip. We will be practicing service as accompaniment. This means that we will not be coming up with project ideas, we will be alongside of things already being done and offering our help in whatever ways we are needed. Our free time throughout the week will include exploring areas of NYC, learning in a variety of experiential ways, and having intentional faith conversations. There are many ways you can be a part of this trip experience, watch for more details to come!

There is a song on the radio by Casting I think that it doesn’t matter if we want to or What is happening Dec-Feb? Crowns. It is called Only Jesus. I think it is in don’t want to, we leave a legacy behind us Pilgrim Wednesdays will follow response to a song from a few years ago by when we leave a place, when we leave people, the Advent season through Dec Nicole Nordeman called Legacy. and eventually when we die. with learning, worship, and Nicole says in her song, “I want to leave a We can be intentional about what that legacy caroling. January and February legacy, how will they remember me, did I is, or we can ignore the impact our lives have will be a focus on LOVE! Join us choose to love, did I point to you enough?” on those around us. Both Nicole and Casting for weekly events that we are Then Casting Crowns song says, “I don’t want Crowns have the same idea though. When we excited about! to leave a legacy, I don’t care how they make the decision to be Christ followers, an High School Youth are invited to remember me, only Jesus.” important and integral part of our legacy is a time of their own on Sunday about how we share Jesus in the world. As I’ve thought about these questions and afternoons! December 2, we will ideas these songs point to, I’ve been doing a lot Are you going to share Jesus with everyone or meet at 12pm for lunch and of thinking about those who have come before are there limits to who you share with? When activity—we will also discuss us. With All Saints Day just passed and Advent people look at you and your actions, will they some upcoming opportunities. starting soon, I wonder about this idea of see the love of God? We are not expected to Confirming Faith has sent out legacy. be perfect, but how will you be remembered? important dates for the winter and spring. Contact Shannon if you Family Fun & Fellowship Agua Viva En Fuego have not received them! Movie Night (Saturday, Dec Snowtubing and sledding in Lock-in (Fri, Dec 21-22) We Coffee+Talk in December will 15) Watch for information! January is becoming an all will have an evening of take a break from the video ages event. Look below for Christmas fun, from 8pm conversations to have an Advent Day in Seattle (Sunday, Dec more details. Friday to 9am Saturday. Sign bible study. Join us with your 30) We will spend the coffee or hot cocoa in the eagle’s up by Dec 19. afternoon on a photo Skating & Pizza party (Sun wing youth room. scavenger hunt, have dinner Mar 24) will be an afternoon Retreat at Lutherwood in Young Adult Ministry has had a together, and end the day with of fun! Watch for more details. January has been cancelled. regular gathering and will Compline at St. Mark’s Minimum of 2 parents are Afternoon Adventures (Sun continue to meet on Sunday Cathedral. All are welcome. needed for both activities; Feb 10) will be a Choose- evenings. We do not plan very far Details at the youth board. bowling might need more Your-Own-Adventure style in advance so that everyone is Chili Cook-off & Annual Mtg. depending on numbers. day. Sign up by Feb 3. involved in the planning. So Sunday, January 27 December 2 will be a bible study Snowtubing and sledding, skiing and snowboarding in at church and we will move our Winter Retreat (Feb 15-17) January is becoming an all ages youth event. Saturday, 3rd Sunday in December to the January 19 we will take all youth in grades 3-12 for a day in Details coming in January. 23rd in order to welcome our the snow. (If your youth is younger, they can come with a Polka-dots the Musical parent). Details are being finalized and information will be college youth, home for @TMP (Sat, Feb 23 @11am) available after Christmas. Sign up early to reserve your spot! Christmas, to join us for ice Tickets are $10 each. Fun for YouthQuake 2019 will be in Centralia at Great Wolf Lodge. All youth in grades 6-12 are the whole family. welcome to come. Price will raise as we get closer to the event. Early bird reg. ($150) Shrove Tues (Mar 5 @5pm) due Dec 9. There will be speakers, a band, bible study, dance party, food, a weekend away, & fun in the Great Wolf Lodge waterparks. Talk to Shannon for more info.

“Love God, Love One Another”… about you, but I tend to forget this many a time as I get so caught up in life! I try to control things, predict what should happen, and then get grouchy with others (ask my kids) when things

focus on this center theme, somehow things just seem to fall in place and be so much more in perspective! Crazy! For me, it requires being intentional, and believe me, prayer REALLY helps

God is full of grace and well, so is my family. So this theme we have for our church this year, I hope you find it positive to help guide you through this busy time of year!

Our Sunday School is off to a great start! It is pure joy to see the children come each week, full of smiles and eager to be there! Every week, we pray together at opening that we will go out and be a light

of young people, all created so unique, with their own print on the

have faced challenges with new curriculum, crazy schedules and yet each week, they come full of love and ready to positively and faithfully influence us all. If you know a family who you believe would benefit from attending our Sunday School, please invite them! That is

Sarah Lieu led our first Mission Sunday, where she intentionally taught the kids about offering, why we do it, where it goes, etc. All offering we collect goes towards our sponsor child in Sri Lanka, Ajanthan. Our next Mission Sunday will be in January.

Grow We enjoyed a fun Reformation Wednesday AND Sunday

learning about the life of Martin Luther, complete Bible Study ~ Faith Conversations Faith Bible~ Study with a surprise visit from Luther himself! I, for one, learned a great deal about how the Lutheran church came to be. A special thanks to Randy for his help making this happen, to all the teachers who participated, and to Shannon for creating a great Wednesday night activity.

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Our Christmas Play is quickly approaching! PLEASE mark your calendars for Dec. 8 and 9 at 4:00 as we share this gift of learning about Jesus with our entire community! I can attest to the fact that all of our cast members have been HARD AT WORK preparing under the direction of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (always a crowd pleaser) and we ask that you invite you kids how proud we are of all their hard work and dedication! Proceeds from the free will offering will benefit Little Pilgrims Preschool. Following each performance, we will have a cookie reception. Yum!

Bible Study ~Bible Faith Conversations

I encourage you to give Pilgrim Wednesdays opportunity! We have dinner at 5:45, followed each week by a different

activity. It is a lot of fun for the entire family! Grow Blessings through this Advent season as we lead up to the birth of Christ and remember the reason for the season! Warmly, Kim

Registration for Fall Preschool and Pre- Kindergarten opens in

January. Due to schedule changes, spots will be limited, so contact Little Pilgrims to ensure you get one 253.770.1543.

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Fellowship Brunch Come enjoy brunch and carols of the season following worship on Sunday, December 16th. We will also be putting together our Christmas food

miss the fun, festive fellowship event! Pilgrim Wednesdays During December Join us Wednesday nights during December as we gather, grow, worship and go! Dinner is at 5:45, with activities following at 6:30. December 5 GATHER for a potluck and Advent festival. December 12 GLORIFY with Holden Evening Prayer. December 19 GO! Join us as we take our voices out for some Christmas caroling! Pilgrim Wednesday Winter Schedule Pilgrim Wednesdays will resume January 9th, with dinner at 5:45 and

activities!

Chili Cook-off and Bingo

Start dusting off those chili recipes and save the date of Sunday, January

27th for our annual chili cook-off and bingo! Will you be the one taking home the honors of best chili this year? Parish Registry December Birthdays 01 MichaelAnn Wilson 13 Denise Woodbury 22 Judy Whitley 02 Adrian Jones 15 Bob Cudney 22 Phil Yates 04 Judy Payne 16 Carole Williams 25 Barbara Bina 05 Cindy Holland 17 Chuck Larsen 27 Beth Hack 07 Susan Ashpole 18 Jennifer Altrichter 29 Marty Kogle 07 Joanne Stein 18 Araceli Estrada 29 Mike Peluso 08 Mike Schmidt 19 Michael Whitley 30 Debbi Hall 10 Julie Halpin 19 Stephen Whitley 30 Duane Rhodes 13 Elise Schumacher 22 Carolline Mills 30 Rob Trivitt December Anniversaries Gather 06 Chris & Ingrid Staeck 25 Loren & Norma Heyne

Fellowship ~ Encouragement Fellowship~ 20 Mark & Lori Reiman 28 Rick & Mary Eastman 22 Dick & Sharon Larson 28 Paul & Sandi Endter

Gone to glory… Lu Swanson, September 1, 2018. Memorial service held at Pilgrim September 29. Nathan Rath, October 28, 2018. Memorial service held at Pilgrim November 10.

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Pilgrim’s Holiday Basket Program Thanks to your generous giving and loving hearts, we are able to sponsor 25 families for both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year! At Thanksgiving we provided food for Thanksgiving dinner and the week beyond, and for Christmas food and gifts for each family. In addition we were blessed by a request to provide Thanksgiving food bags for 5 additional families who otherwise would have gone without!

Names for Christmas gifts are now available! Please take a moment to stop by the table in the narthex for a name or two or maybe you are interested in taking a whole family! We will put together food bags and gifts following worship on December 16th. We will need lots of hands

to make quick work! Again, thanks for your generous support of this Serving ~ Giving important ministry of Pilgrim Lutheran Church! Go!

Lunch at New Hope Resource Center Pilgrim continues to provide and service lunch at the New Hope Resource Center on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 11:30. Thank you to the faithful volunteers who so generously give of their time, talents and treasure by donating food, preparing food and

helping serve the guests who come in for a warm lunch. If you would like to help or want more information, please contact Rachelle.

Seafarer’s Center Thanks to your donations we were able to deliver fifty Christmas Gift Boxes to the

the KPPC for their generous support and for the beautiful handmade caps (see a photo on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall). Thanks also to Victoria, Natasha, and Logan for helping pack and gift wrap the boxes. It is a joy to share Christmas with a mission field at our doorsteps.

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10510-136th St. E., Puyallup, WA 98374 Phone - (253) 848-3680, ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED FAX - (253) 840-5224 Email - [email protected]

NEW Sunday Morning Schedule Worship: 9:00 AM Fellowship: 10:00 AM

Sunday School: 10:15 AM Adult Education: 10:30 AM (September - May)

Little Pilgrims Preschool (253) 770-1543 Mission Statement We are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, to We’re on the Web: www.pilgrimpuyallup.org live as God's servants and to reach out to all people. Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/

Proceeds benefit Little Pilgrims Preschool