Pilgrim Church

Pilgrim Church

By Pilgrim ChurchReligion & Spirituality
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Pilgrim Church episodes

  • Discover light in a dark, heavy world: the Myth of Messiah with Guest Speaker Bronwyn Spilsbury

    Discover light in a dark, heavy world: the Myth of Messiah with Guest Speaker Bronwyn Spilsbury

    “Light” in Genesis-Revelation

    God shows us the pattern of light in the Bible and invites us to join Jesus on a shining path.  What will it take, and who can find it?  Is it even real?  


    This Sunday, we’ll look at Light in Scripture.  We’ll find God's pattern and see the path. So that when it's dark and heavy all around, we’ll know how to walk forward.  We’ll also discover the meaning and message of “Messiah” and we will have a choice, as Jesus did, to be the light of the world. Are you ready?


    Pastor Bronwyn Spilsbury is an explorer, storyteller, teacher, and leader who served as a pastor for more than 20 years. She leads groups on pilgrimage to Bible lands to experience God's life and history with His people. Bronwyn looks forward to sharing insight and delight in God's Word and Presence with our community. 


    For reflection & discussion:

    1. Comment on the pattern of God's light in Scripture. Does it seem to have a progression? What does that mean for us?

    2. Can you think of other Scripture that shows God bringing light to humanity? What difference did it make? 

    3. What words characterize God's light, with examples? (peaceful, creative, disruptive, pure, purposeful, expansive...)

    4. What does "Messiah" mean, and what are 3 blessings from the Messiah's obedience, from the message? 

    5. What does our collective name of "Christian" mean? How does it call us to be light, and what could result? 

    6.  What do you find most dark in the world? What prayer, pattern, or path of light can you embrace?

      7. 36 min
    7. "Why are you so afraid?" with Jessica Chan

      "Why are you so afraid?" with Jessica Chan

      Some storms will 'break over the boat' or 'nearly swamp' us, but like the disciples in Mark's gospel, the right question to ask is; "who is this?"  Who stands in the boat with us?


      For reflection & discussion:

      • Read through the passage again, Mark 4:35-41.  What stands out to you?  What kinds of questions/observations do you have about the text? 
      • This passage recognizes the authority Jesus holds.  [He holds the same authority as God/Yahweh]  What does it mean to give Jesus all the authority in your life?  
      • what or who tends to make you feel secure (especially in a storm)?  what helps you to “be not afraid!”?  
      • An idol is a good thing that we make into an ultimate thing.  It takes the place God alone should hold in our hearts/lives.  What good things are often made ultimate/treated as idols?
      • If an idol has been given authority in our life, how do we give it back to Jesus?
        • 23 min
      • God’s Gardeners with Joshua Liem

        God’s Gardeners with Joshua Liem

        Genesis 2:4-24

        What if the first thing the resurrected Jesus did was tend a garden? Join us this Sunday as we explore Genesis 2 and discover how God’s vision for humanity goes far beyond endless production or random cosmic happenstance. Let’s reclaim our calling as gardeners in a world that urgently needs hope and beauty.

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        1.  When you hear about the Anthropocene and eco-anxiety, what feelings arise in you—fear, guilt, motivation, or something else? 

        2. Have you ever felt that your worth is tied primarily to your productivity? How does Genesis 2 challenge that?

        3. “It is not good for man to be alone.” How does loneliness show up in our modern context, and where have you found meaningful community?  What are some of the best practices you’ve seen in fostering meaningful relationships?’

        4. What questions do you have about marriage, sex, gender, and roles?  What do you hope our church community would wrestle with? (Consider sharing the results of this discussion with a pastor)

        5. What small, concrete steps can we take this week to “tend the garden,” whether it is caring for creation, nurturing relationships, or cultivating beauty?

          6. More Resources:

          John H. Walton, Genesis (NIV Application Commentary), 2001

          Iain Provan, Discovering Genesis: Content, Interpretation, Reception, 2015


          The Bible Project, “Genesis 1-11”,  https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1-11/.

          29 min
        6. Creation Speaks with Rev. Laura Wiens

          Reading Scripture Well: Myths We (Should) Believe

          Creation Speaks with Rev. Laura Wiens

          Genesis 1-2:3

          This Sunday at Pilgrim, join us for a message titled "Creation Speaks" as we dive into Genesis 1 and explore how the beauty of creation declares the majesty of God. Together, we'll reflect on the mystery of creation, the majesty of our Creator, and the incredible value God has placed on each of us as His image-bearers.


          For reflection & discussion:

          Genesis 1 describes God as speaking creation into existence. What does this say about the power of God's Word, and how does that impact your faith?

          How do you approach the "mystery" of Genesis 1? Do you see it as poetic, narrative, or something else? What do you see as the author’s main  intention when this portion of Scripture was originally spoken/ written? 

          When have you experienced a moment that you’ve noticed the amazing beauty of God’s creation? How can you use experiences like this to draw closer to God? Does the beauty of creation inspire you to praise God in your daily life?  Share your perspectives and experiences with the group. 

          4. How does knowing that all people are made in the image of God influence the way you treat others, especially those who are different from you?

          5. The sermon mentioned preaching to yourself during times of discouragement (Psalm 42:5-6) What are some truths about your identity in Christ that you can remind yourself of in difficult seasons?

          6. In what ways can you reflect God's image more clearly in your words, actions, and relationships this week?

          Resources:

          Books, articles and podcasts on the topics of Faith/ Science by Justin Brierly and William Lane Craig.
          Case for a Creator for Kids by Lee Strobel
          How Do We Know God Created Life? By Melissa Cain Travis (for children)

          32 min
        7. Reading Scripture Well with Joshua Liem

          Reading Scripture Well with Joshua Liem

          Luke 24

          This Sunday, we’re diving into an exciting new series that starts with one essential question: How should we read the Bible? With so many interpretations and debates, it can be overwhelming to know what to believe. But here’s the good news: Scripture points us to Jesus. It reveals who he is, shapes how we live, and helps us discover truth through the lenses of tradition, reason, and experience. Join us as we learn to read the Bible well before we begin our journey in Genesis next week.


          For reflection & discussion:

          1. What does it mean to say that all Scripture points to Jesus? How does that impact the way you read the Bible?  Is there any difficulty with this saying?

          2. What are some ways Jesus’ life, teachings, and actions challenge how we interpret Scripture?

          3. Think about myths or stories you’ve believed about life (e.g., success, happiness, identity). How does the Bible offer a counter-narrative?

          4. Which of the four elements (Scripture, tradition, reason, experience) do you naturally lean on most when interpreting the Bible? Why?

          5. Why is it important to interpret Scripture within the broader Christian tradition? How does this safeguard against misinterpretation?

          6.  Describe your current practice of Bible reading.  What is one step you feel challenged to take this week for reading Scripture?

            7. Further Resources :

            1. BibleProject — https://bibleproject.com/explore/how-to-read-the-bible/ 

            2. Iain Provan, The Reformation and the Right Reading of Scripture, also Seriously Dangerous Religion: What the Old Testament Really Says and Why It Matters


              3. 3. Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth

              34 min
            3. Looking for Spirituality with Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred

              Looking for Spirituality with Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred

              Luke 2:41-52

              Reverend Doctor Ray Aldred is a husband, father, and grandfather. He was first ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada and is now ordained with the Anglican Church of Canada. He is status Cree from Swan River Band, Treaty 8.  Born in Northern Alberta, he now resides with his wife in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada.  Ray is the director of the Indigenous Studies Program at the Vancouver School of Theology whose mission is to partner with the Indigenous Church around theological education.  Ray’s passion is to help as many as possible hear the gospel in their heart language.


              37 min
            4. ROOT TO FLOURISH 16 - A Rule of Life for the Return of Christ with Joshua Liem

              ROOT TO FLOURISH

              A Rule of Life for the Return of Christ with Joshua Liem
              Matthew 24-25
              What does it mean to be human? As we conclude our Root to Flourish series this Advent season, we will explore Jesus' words in Matthew 24–25 and consider how ancient Christian practices can shape us for a life of flourishing. Discover how a Rule of Life can help you prepare for Christ’s return with sustainable habits that align with his kingdom.


              For reflection & discussion:

              Resources 

              Designing a Rule of Life: 

              https://www.practicingtheway.org/ruleoflifebuilder 

              For Covenant Partnership (Church Membership):

              https://www.pilgrimchurch.ca/join.html 

              Covenant Member Commitments:

              Will you…

              Follow the leadership of Pilgrim Church?

              Lead where your giftings are?

              Keep one another accountable as they/we seek to accomplish the mission and vision of our church?

              Live a life that is consistent with Scripture (in the light of God’s love and grace)?

              Use your spiritual gifts in leadership/ministry at Pilgrim Church and the community of Vancouver?

              Worship God through regular (consistent) and generous giving *(aim for a grace-based) resulting in supporting the ministry of Pilgrim Church?

              Practice Biblical personal peacemaking in right relatedness (1) with God?

              Practice Biblical personal peacemaking (2) with others, maintaining relationships characterized by covenant trust and faithfulness, avoiding dissention, gossip, and self-centeredness, and doing all you can to heal broken relationships?

              Regularly pray for Pilgrim Church worship gatherings and other teams that I am a part of? (Praying for pastor, elders, leaders, attenders, and those we are called to reach and love?

              Attend and be engaged as a regularly scheduled habit to be open to others and known? (Out of 52 weeks in a year (13 a quarter), attending at least 2/3 of the worship gatherings would be 35 weeks, 3/4 would be 39 weeks.)


              27 min
            5. ROOT TO FLOURISH #15 Authentic Fasting with Rev. Laura Wiens | FASTING 03

              ROOT TO FLOURISH #15 Authentic Fasting with Rev. Laura Wiens | FASTING 03

              Isaiah 58:1-11


              What does it mean to fast in a way that truly honors God? This Sunday, we’ll explore how authentic fasting includes fighting injustice, helping those in need, and living out God’s love daily. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into how true fasting can transform lives and lead to flourishing!

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              For reflection & discussion:

              1. Isaiah 58 describes the kind of fasting God desires. What stands out to you from this passage? Does this text challenge your current understanding of fasting?

              2.  How have practices like prayer, worship, Sabbath keeping or fasting affected your relationship with God? How can these practices help you grow in authenticity?

              3. How do you see God calling you to "loose the chains of injustice" or "share your food with the hungry"? What are practical steps you can take to live this out?

              4.  Reflect on Dorothy Day’s quote about giving up unnecessary things so that we can afford to help others. Is God inviting you to make some changes in your lifestyle?

              5. How can we ensure that our efforts to serve others come from a place of humility rather than superiority?  Have you ever noticed a type of ‘helping’ that may actually hurt people? 

              6.  In what ways can your home church or church community support one another in living out true fasting and caring for those in need?

              7. Isaiah 58 describes flourishing in the lives of people who live an authentic lifestyle as God’s children.  Have you experienced any of this flourishing in your own life as you care for others in need?

                8. Suggested Resources:

                When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor..  and Yourself  by  Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.  


                The Transforming Friendship: A Guide to Prayer written by James Houston

                30 min
              8. ROOT TO FLOURISH #14 Fasting for Whole(i)ness: Preparing for God’s Shalom with Joshua Liem | FASTING02

                ROOT TO FLOURISH #14

                Fasting for Whole(i)ness:
                Preparing for God’s Shalom with Joshua Liem | FASTING02
                Joel 2:1-15 NET

                This Sunday, we dive into the profound biblical concept of shalom—a peace that goes beyond the absence of conflict to encompass wholeness, flourishing, and God’s perfect design. Through the ancient practice of fasting, we’ll explore how God refines and purifies our hearts, aligning us with His holiness and preparing us for the fullness of His kingdom. Join us as we seek the Prince of Peace together, longing for the day when everything is made whole in His love.

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                For reflection & discussion:

                1. What comes to mind when you think of things in the world or your life that aren’t as they should be?

                2. How does the image of a refining fire resonate with your understanding of God’s work in our lives?

                3. The sermon discusses sin as a “parasitic fungus” (like in The Last of Us). How does this metaphor help you understand the nature of sin in your life?

                4. What kind of church do you think we need to be to prepare for a potential revival or crisis in the future?

                5. How can we as a community support one another in the practice of fasting and seeking God’s holiness?

                  6. 26 min
                6. ROOT TO FLOURISH #13 - Embodied Longing: Fasting and Worship  in Advent with Joshua Liem | FASTING01

                  ROOT TO FLOURISH #13 - Embodied Longing: Fasting and Worship  in Advent with Joshua Liem | FASTING01

                  Matthew 6:16-18 NET


                  What role does fasting play in your spiritual life? This week, we’ll explore the ancient practice of fasting and its significance in the life of a disciple, especially during Advent. Discover how fasting can deepen your worship, align your body and soul with God’s purposes, and increase your joy as we anticipate the ultimate feast with Christ in His eternal kingdom.


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                  For reflection & discussion:

                  1. Is fasting a new practice for you in your discipleship? What experience do you have with it so far? 

                  2. How does your current relationship with food—whether through feasting or fasting—reflect your spiritual life?

                  3. What fears for questions do you have as you begin practicing fasting? 

                  4. What would you love to see God do in your life or your community through this Practice?

                  5. What do you expect your greatest challenge will be as you practice fasting?

                    6. Further Resources :

                    • https://launch.practicingtheway.org/resources/fasting (requires login)
                      Arthur Wallis, God’s Chosen Fast,  CLC Publications, 2022

                      • 29 min

                    About Pilgrim Church

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                    If you are new here, we're so glad you found us! We exist to love our city and to invite our neighbours to flourish by rooting our lives in the outrageous love and life of Jesus.