Pilgrim Parish Pulse
School + Church + Community Friday, October 2, 2026
A Note from Pastor Bouman, Head of School
Dear Pilgrim Parish,
It's good to be back, after a few days of traveling! Thank you to Richell Mintzlaff, Chris Wallis, and Tim Heverin for coordinating last week’s worship service while Jan and I were in Minneapolis attending a conference of former bishops. It was a meaningful time of reconnecting with colleagues, sharing stories, and reflecting on ministry. We were also grateful for the chance to spend some wonderful time with family while we were there.
There’s much exciting and important work happening at Pilgrim. We are currently interviewing dynamic candidates for our Marketing & Development and Musical Director positions, and we look forward to updating you soon.
A reminder, too, that if your family includes young people ages 10–15, we’d love for you to join us for an informational meeting about the new Pilgrim/Concordia Youth Group on Sunday, October 11. We envision the group as an opportunity for our young people to connect, grow in faith, and build new friendships. You’ll find more information below.
Our teachers have also been busy nurturing our students’ curiosity and creativity this week. Mrs. Cardo's 5th/6th grade class has been testing "mystery minerals" in science class, and researching Southeast Asian countries in social studies. Our 3rd and 4th graders are practicing different multiplication strategies, and using them to solve problems. They also created flags of various Spanish-speaking countries for Hispanic Heritage Month. And, the kindergarteners have been writing their October journal pages and learning the differences between fiction and non-fiction books. This was great practice for the lower grade field trip to Sulzer Library!
Finally, I ask that you keep the Heintz family in your prayers following the passing of Wayne earlier this week. I was blessed to pray with Wayne recently, and to witness his strong faith. We give thanks for Wayne’s life, his years as part of our Pilgrim community, and the many people who loved him.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Stephen Bouman, Head of School
Weekly Teacher Newsletters
Ms. Kemppainen - 1st/2nd (Ms. K will share her newsletter with parents on Monday.)
Remembering Wayne Heintz
With resurrection hope, we share news of the passing of longtime Pilgrim parish member Wayne Heintz. Wayne was a Vietnam veteran, former business owner, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was a cherished member of the Pilgrim community, and will be deeply missed.
Wayne’s visitation will be held at Pilgrim on Saturday, October 17, from 2–3 p.m., with a service immediately following. Please keep his wife, Donna; daughter, Kelly; and their entire family in your prayers during this difficult time. We give thanks for Wayne and for the many ways in which he enriched Pilgrim Parish.
Top Five Things to Know This Week
1. Sign Up for a Parents Night Out Halloween Party!
School and Church Parents: Drop your kids at Pilgrim for a spooktacular Halloween party hosted by our Pilgrim Quest camp director, Kelly Keil, and team on Oct. 23! They'll enjoy pizza and games, while you enjoy a night out (or just relax at home!) Space is limited; so sign up now!
2. Pilgrim Student Photos are Oct. 8th!
Say cheese! School Picture Day is Thursday, October 8. Please look out for picture order packets from our photographer, Susan Ryan, which will be sent home with students next week. Complete your order packet, and return it to school by Picture Day, October 8. We’re looking forward to capturing some great smiles!
3. On Sale Now: Tickets for the Pilgrim Dads' Pancake Breakfast (Oct. 18)
Who doesn’t love a Sunday filled with pancakes? Join us for the Pilgrim Dads’ Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, October 18, at 9 a.m. in Maring Hall. Come hungry, bring the family, and enjoy one of Pilgrim’s favorite traditions! Get your tickets ahead of time here!
4. Save the Date for our Youth Group Kick-off Meeting!
We’re excited to get our joint Pilgrim/Concordia youth group rolling! Join us for an informational meeting on Sunday, October 11, at noon at Concordia Church (3855 N. Seeley). While parents meet with Pastor Bouman and Pastor Zook in the Sanctuary, kids will head downstairs for pizza, games, and some ice-breaker fun.
Ready to join us? Please RSVP using this form. Families with children ages 10-15 are welcome! We can’t wait to see you there!
5. The Pilgrim Turkey Trot Is Back on Nov. 8
We’re switching things up! To avoid a conflict with a Wildcat volleyball tournament, we’re moving our fall fundraiser to Sunday, November 8 -- and bringing back the Pilgrim Turkey Trot! Our students will rack up the laps, and have fun competing for prizes while raising money for our school. Mark your calendars for November 8, and stay tuned for more details and our fundraising website coming soon!
Wildcat Sports Corner
Thanks to all Wildcat athletes and their families for keeping up with our VERY FULL fall schedule. We are not slowing down anytime soon!
VOLLEYBALL: CONGRATULATIONS to our volleyball team for their amazing performance this past week! Bringing home the 3rd place trophy at the Girls tournament last Saturday, and a win at Walther on Tuesday. We split the matches against St. Johns yesterday. Our coed team lost in two close sets, and the girls team won in two! Here's a look at what's coming up next:
- Saturday, 10/3 at Bethesda (6803 N. Campbell Ave., Chicago, IL). Coed/Boys Tournament. Please arrive between 8:30-8:45 a.m., so we can be ready to play as soon as the first game ends. We can expect to play at least three games, possibly additional one(s), if we advance in the bracket
- Tuesday, 10/6 at St. Phillip (2500 W. Bryn Mawr, Chicago, IL) v. Bethesda/St. Phillip. Both the Girls and Coed team will play. The girls team will play first, starting around 4:15, and the coed match will begin immediately afterwards.
- Thursday, 10/8 at Holy Family (3415 W. Arthington St., Chicago, IL) v Grace Christian Academy. Both the Girls and Coed teams will play. The coed team will play first, starting around 4:15, and the girls' match will begin immediately afterwards.
CROSS COUNTRY:
- Monday, 10/5 at Cricket Hill, (approx. 4500 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL) Start/finish line is at east side of the hill. Please arrive by 4pm for warmups. First race starts at 4:25 p.m.
- Tuesday, 10/6 at Notre Dame College Prep (7655 W. Dempster, Niles, IL). Please arrive by 4pm for warmups. First race starts at 4:30 p.m.
GO WILDCATS!!!!
The full calendar of 2026 Pilgrim Fall Sports can be found here!
Coming Up at Pilgrim...
THIS WEEK
October 3 – Saturday
8:30 a.m. Prayer Time
Pilgrim's Zoom Room
Meeting ID: 430 019 5500
Passcode: 1 Then, press the # key.
11:30 a.m. Hot Meals
October 4 – Sunday
10:30 a.m. In-person Worship and on Pilgrim Chicago Facebook and Pilgrim Chicago YouTube
October 6 – Tuesday
7:30 a.m. Jesus Calling Devotions
Pilgrim's Zoom Room
October 7 – Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Pilgrim School Chapel (all welcome!)
October 8 – Thursday - SCHOOL PICTURE DAY
12:00 p.m. Multi-Parish Bible Study at Zoom Link
NEXT WEEK
October 10 – Saturday
8:30 a.m. Prayer Time
Pilgrim's Zoom Room
Meeting ID: 430 019 5500
Passcode: 1 Then, press the # key.
11:30 a.m. Hot Meals
October 11 – Sunday
10:30 a.m. In-person Worship with Sunday School
and on Pilgrim Chicago Facebook and Pilgrim Chicago YouTube
October 13 – Tuesday
7:30 a.m. Jesus Calling Devotions
Pilgrim's Zoom Room
October 14 – Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Pilgrim School Chapel (all welcome!)
October 15 – Thursday
12:00 p.m. Multi-Parish Bible Study at Zoom Link
To go to Pilgrim’s full public calendar click Pilgrim Calendar.
2026-27 Academic Calendar
Order Lunch with Yay!
YAY lunches offer a daily rotating menu of kid favorites -- including pizza, pasta, burgers, quesadillas, and more! Orders are due each Sunday by 12 p.m. for the following week. New to YAY? No problem! Use this link to set up an account: www.theyaycompany.com/get-started
Before and After Care at Pilgrim
Our Early Birds Program and Pilgrim After School (PAS) have been thoughtfully crafted to create spaces where children can engage in exploration, learning, and play in a safe and nurturing environment outside of typical school hours. For more information and pricing, visit https://pilgrimchicago.org/before-after-care/. To register your child, contact Program Director, Arlene Calderone, at acalderone@pilgrimchicago.org.
Pilgrim Cub Club
Pilgrim Cub Club is an exciting new program for little ones ages 18–36 months and their parents or caregivers! It's a wonderful way for young children to learn, play, and make new friends, and it's hosted by Mrs. Duffy, our preschool aide. Please help us spread the word! Registration is here.
Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School
Email: office@pilgrimchicago.org
Websites: pilgrimchicago.org and pilgrimchurchchicago.org
Location: 4300 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
Phone: 773-477-4824 Facebook and Instagram: @pilgrimchicago
