Pilgrim Church

Pilgrim Church

By Pilgrim ChurchReligion & Spirituality
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Pilgrim Church episodes

  • ROOT TO FLOURISH: Sabbath 02 | Rest and Resistance with Joshua Liem

    ROOT TO FLOURISH:
    Sabbath 02 | Rest and Resistance with Joshua Liem

    Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 5


    Ever feel like you're trapped in a hamster wheel of endless productivity and consumption? This Sunday, we will dive into the revolutionary practice of Sabbath - not just a day off, but a full-on rebellion against the "pharaohs" of our age. Discover how this ancient rhythm can be your secret weapon for finding rest, equality, and true flourishing in a world that never seems to slow down.  Come and join the resistance.


    Discussion Questions:

    • Where are you most tired? Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually? What is the greatest drain on your energies? 
    •  What is the strongest force of resistance in your life (external or internal) that attempts to keep you from Sabbath rest? 
    • What are the hardest things for you to say no to on the Sabbath?
    • Set aside the 6th day as a day of preparation.  Consider doing the following:
    • Grocery shopping
    • Errands: laundry, paying bills, cleaning the house
    • Planning Sabbath activities: games, books, meals with close friends or family
    • Answering all texts and emails; letting people know that you’ll be unable to be reached until after your Sabbath
    • Setting phones and devices to DND mode; scheduling it on Sabbath hours to turn on automatically
    • Check out www.practicingtheway.org for their Sabbath resources; watch a video, refresh yourself on what to expect, check out what they recommend for Sabbath rituals
    • Turn off your devices for a good portion, if not the full 24 hours, of your Sabbath day.


      • Homework:

      • Remember, resistance will come in internal and external forms.  Be prepared.  Expect it.

        • Reach Exercise:
        Check out www.practicingtheway.org for their Sabbath resources; watch a video, refresh yourself on what to expect, check out what they recommend for Sabbath rituals

      • Turn off your devices for a good portion, if not the full 24 hours, of your Sabbath day.
        • 37 min
      • ROOT TO FLOURISH: Sabbath 01 | The Rhythm of Life with Joshua Liem

        ROOT TO FLOURISH: The Rhythm of Life | Sabbath 01 with Joshua Liem

        Colossians 1:26-2:10; Genesis 2:1-3

        We seem to live in an unsustainably-accelerating world, out of sync with the created order.  What if God is calling us to a different rhythm— one of rest, joy, and deep connection?  Join us as we dive into a new sermon series this week, exploring the roots to flourishing, beginning with the biblical practice of Sabbath.  


        DQs :  

        • What stuck out to you from the sermon?  Was there a Scripture or thought that especially resonated with you?
        • Is Sabbath part of your current life rhythm or not?  If so, describe it.
        • What obstacles get in the way of practicing Sabbath for you, either practically or emotionally?
        • Pick a time to Sabbath.  Give it a try.
        • Sunday is the best day for most people because it is already a day we set aside to gather and worship.  Traditionally, Sabbath would be observed from sundown on Friday until sundown Saturday.  The midweek Sabbath (like Monday for most pastors) is best for those with non-traditional work schedules.
        • Start where you are.  If you cannot do a whole day, set aside 3-4 hours on a weekend and turn off your phone.  Just stop. 
        • Get into a rhythm of Sabbath keeping on the same day and time.  Your body will learn and anticipate it, living off of the energy and joy in the days after.
        • Pick a beginning and ending ritual.
        • Pick a few Sabbath activities to enter into the spirit of Sabbath:
        • Read Sabbath by Dan Allender, pages 1-32. 
        • Listen to episode 1 of the Sabbath series from the Rule of Life podcast by Practicing the Way
        • Sleep eight hours or more every night for an entire week.


          • Homework : 
          Examples: lighting two candles, praying, eating a meal with family and community, sharing a highlight of Sabbath at the end, praying in gratitude, taking a hot bath.
          Examples: blessing the children, feasting, singing, walking, napping, enjoying your spouse, reading Scripture, having alone time with God
          Reach Practice:

          • Read Sabbath by Dan Allender, pages 1-32.
          • Listen to episode 1 of the Sabbath series from the Rule of Life podcast by Practicing the Way
          • Sleep eight hours or more every night for an entire week.


            • Connect with us: 

            • Follow us on Facebook
            • Hang out with us on Instagram
            • See all the ways we can serve your church on our Website
              • 35 min
            • FLOURISH Series 9: Flourishing Together with Rev. Laura Wiens

              FLOURISH Series 9: Flourishing Together with Laura Wiens

              John 17:20-26


              Join us this Sunday as we conclude our summer series on 'Flourishing' by exploring Jesus' powerful prayer in John 17. Discover how unity in the church reflects God's love and strengthens our mission to love our city. Let’s come together as one, embracing the call to flourish in Christ. See you at Pilgrim Church!


              ----


              for reflection & discussion:

              1. In what ways have you experienced or observed unity in our church?

              2. How does sharing possessions, truth, and burdens contribute to unity?

              3. What is your experience of unity at Pilgrim Church?

              4. What practical steps can you take to live in unity with others at Pilgrim?

              5. How does our unity affect our witness to those outside the church?

              6. Have you shared your faith in Christ with others recently? Have you invited any of your friends or neighbors to Pilgrim or to one of our events here? If so, what has this experience been like?

              7. Do you think that people in Vancouver are becoming more open to spirituality and faith in Christ?

                8. 31 min
              8. FLOURISH: Divine Gifts with Joshua Liem

                FLOURISH: Divine Gifts with Joshua Liem

                John 17:9-19
                Have you ever paused to see the people around you as gifts from God? This Sunday, we're diving into John 17 to explore how Jesus cherished His disciples as divine gifts. It's easy to see others as challenges or burdens, but what if we viewed them as treasures to be loved and delighted in? Join us as we shift our perspective and learn to embrace each other with the same love that Jesus has for us.

                28 min
              9. FLOURISH Series #7: Fearless Connections: Embracing the Courage of True Friendship - Guest Dr. Mark Glanville

                Fearless Connections: Embracing the Courage of True Friendship - Guest Dr. Mark Glanville

                John 15:12-17


                “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.  No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command you.  I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.  You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.  I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.


                Mark Glanville is the Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, and an Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) scholar. Prior to coming to Regent, Mark pastored for 14 years in both Vancouver, Canada and Australia. Mark has been bi-vocational, combining reflective missional pastoring with biblical scholarship. His recent publications include Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics (co-written with Luke J. Glanville) and Freed to be God’s Family: The Book of Exodus. Mark is also a trained jazz pianist and is married to Erin with two children.

                35 min
              10. Flourish #6: What Jesus Wants with Joshua Liem

                Flourish #6: What Jesus Wants with Joshua Liem

                John 17
                How do we get to know what is on Jesus’ heart? Join us this Sunday as we explore Jesus’ prayer in John 17, as we define true glory and flourishing in the fullness of life and joy.

                22 min
              11. Flourish #5: Christ-like Victory with Joshua Liem

                Christ-like Victory with Joshua Liem

                John 16:16-33


                How does Christ's victory over darkness empower us to overcome in our daily lives? How can we cultivate lasting joy and peace in a world full of tension and conflict? Join us this Sunday as we explore Jesus' final words to his disciples, and his call for us to have peace and joy.


                ---

                Home Churches

                for reflection & discussion:

                1. How has your understanding of “winning” changed as you matured?

                2. How do you typically respond to periods of waiting or uncertainty in your life?

                3. Describe a time when you felt like you were part of something bigger than yourself. How did it impact your perspective?

                4. What was a struggle that you had to overcome in your work, school, or relationships?  What role did your faith play in that struggle, if any?  Or, did you have help in your struggle from someone?

                5. What does "conquering the world" mean to you in a spiritual context?

                6. What role do you think the community plays in maintaining joy and hope during difficult times?

                  7. 24 min
                7. FLOURISH Series #4: Spirit-Led Flourishing with Josh Liem

                  Spirit-led Flourishing with Joshua Liem

                  John 16:1-15


                  From assassination attempts to economic crises, how does the Holy Spirit guide and empower us to navigate these turbulent times with peace and purpose?  Join us this week as we dive deep into John 16, exploring how Jesus’ words to his disciples speak to our chaotic world today.  

                  ---

                  HOME CHURCHES

                  for reflection & discussion:

                  1. How does the idea of a Holy Spirit-infused world being "more advantageous" than Jesus physically present challenge your understanding of God's plan?

                  2. In what ways have you experienced cognitive dissonance in your faith journey? How did you respond?

                  3. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to trust in the slow work of God's kingdom versus immediate solutions?

                  4. What are some practical ways we can embody "nonviolent resistance that provokes heart change" in our current cultural context?

                  5. How does the imagery of the kingdom as a seed challenge our expectations of Christian influence in society?

                  6. In what ways can we cultivate a greater awareness and reliance on the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?

                    7. 26 min
                  7. An Unexpected Invitation with Guest Speaker Selene Favreau

                    An Unexpected Invitation with Guest Speaker Selene Favreau

                    Luke 19:1-10


                    The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus gives us a glimpse of God's extravagant love and unconditional acceptance.  Like Zacchaeus, knowing our identity as God's beloved children is always the starting point for transformation.

                    Selene has been on staff, serving in various roles, with Power to Change Ministries in Canada for the past 22 years. She is currently a member of Staff Care. She is a graduate of the Renovaré Institute for Christian Formation, has a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation from Portland Seminary, and is working on getting her certification as a spiritual director. Selene loves teaching, leading small groups, and journeying with people and helping them discover the with-God life. She lives in Montreal with her husband, Jeremy, and their three boys - Isaac, Levi, and Zachary. Together, they enjoy biking, swimming, going on nature walks, and reading.


                    28 min
                  8. FLOURISH: Spirit-Led Flourishing in a Hostile World System with Joshua Liem

                    FLOURISH

                    Spirit-Led Flourishing in a Hostile World System with Joshua Liem

                    John 15:18-6:1


                    What does it mean to truly flourish as Christians in a world that seems increasingly indifferent or hostile to the church? This Sunday, we'll explore Jesus' words about persecution and hatred, uncovering a radical vision of thriving that challenges our cultural norms. Join us as we dive into John 15 and discover how Christ's love empowers us to live differently in a burnout society.


                    --

                    HOME CHURCHES

                    for reflection & discussion:

                    1. In what ways might Christians today face persecution or opposition, if at all? How does this compare to early Christian experiences?

                    2. Reflect on the different visions of flourishing presented in the sermon (Zealots, Pharisees, Sadducees). What modern equivalents do you see?

                    3. How can we cultivate a "good death" perspective in a culture that often avoids discussing mortality?

                    4. What are your thoughts on the eulogy exercise? Have you done one before?  (Consider spending 7 minutes writing one out now.)  Share any reflections, as openly as you would like, about the exercise.

                    5. Discuss the concept of Sabbath. How might rethinking rest challenge our culture's productivity mindset?

                      6. 29 min

                    About Pilgrim Church

                    From the publisher's feed

                    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.