Friday's Update September 26th

Dear Pilgrims,

We have a lot happening at Pilgrim in our vital ministries to our congregation and community. I am grateful that so many of you are committed to seeing us move forward and help others in such a difficult economic climate. Daily, we have several people drop by Pilgrim requesting assistance. We do our best with each person, but realize that the needs are so numerous that we can't help everyone. Today we had a very elderly man stop to ask us for assistance, it was heartbreaking to realize that in his twilight years he is struggling. I can only imagine how he must feel and how his retirement years are very different from what he had imagined.

I want to thank you again for the tremendous response to Tony Caniglia's request for pasta. You generously donated over 350 pounds, plus other food articles, which were taken to the Salvation Army. Way to go !!!!!!

This Sunday we continue in our third week of study from 1 Peter. The Scripture reading is 1 Peter 2: 11 - 12, 21, and my message is titled, "In His Steps." We'll be receiving new members and installing the officers for Women's Fellowship. I would like to request that you bring your Bible each week as we study 1 Peter. Following along in your own Bible may be helpful for you.

We have a new class studying 1 Peter that gathers each Sunday morning, 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. in the library. Dr. David and Judi Wilson lead this discussion and invite you to attend.

Daily readings for next week were sent out Thursday; if you did not receive your copy please phone the church at 629-2633. You may pick up a copy this Sunday.

Tickets will be on sale again this Sunday for the bar-b-que dinner on Saturday, October 11 to support the missions team venturing to Biloxi , Mississippi . If you know someone who is having a hard time financially, why not consider purchasing tickets for them and give them as a gift. You would be assisting missions and being a blessing to a person, couple or family who could use a boost.

ATTENTION ALL MEN: You are invited to attend a men's breakfast at Pilgrim this Thursday, 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. in the youth room. This will be a great time of meeting and becoming better acquainted with other men in our church; I'll be speaking briefly on a topic that is relevant to our lives as men. Our cook for the morning will be the incomparable Bob Forst.

Pilgrim is investigating the possibility of opening a thrift store in Port Charlotte . If you know of anyone who owns a space for a store (at a really good price) please let us know.

The October newsletter is available on the website pilgrimonline.org. Several of our members have indicated that we don't need to send them a hard copy of the newsletter as they will be reading it online. This saves the church money as we use less paper, less printing on the copy machine, less electricity, less postage, etc. If you would like to receive the newsletter online, please email us or phone us at 629-2633. We have been able to reduce the number we send from 693 to 575 in one month.

God has always promised to be with us. He is as close to us in the valley as He is on the mountain. We may not feel His Presence, but He's faithful and true, and He loves you. May His peace and joy fill your heart this day.

In His Grace,

Pastor Matthew Neumann