Pilgrim Church

The Table That Defies the Empire with Josh Liem

Daniel 1:1-21

In a world of military parades and propaganda, how do we resist empire without becoming what we oppose? This week we explore how Daniel and his friends found a surprising form of resistance - through what they ate. Join us as we learn how a simple meal can become a profound act of allegiance to the peaceful Kingdom of God, shaping us into a flourishing presence in our city.

For reflection & discussion:

Daniel chose a diet that made him distinct. In what practical ways can we, as a community, live more distinctly from the values of the "empire" around us?

Plant Gardens with Dr. Ed Ng

Jeremiah 29:4-7

What does it mean when God gives this word to the Israelites who had been carried away from their homeland? And what does it mean for us now?

Dr. Edward Ng is a Registered Psychologist in private practice in Vancouver and is the founder and director of Eastgate Psychological Services. He provides counselling services to individuals and some couples, and provides consultations for leaders looking for relational and cultural insight.

For reflection & discussion:

1. What stood out to you most from the sermon, and why?

2. How does this message challenge or affirm your current understanding of God or faith?

3. Was there a specific story, scripture, or phrase that you found especially meaningful or difficult?

4. How can we live this out together in our daily lives or as a group?

5. What is one step you feel invited to take this week in response to the sermon?

Hope & Resistance in an Age of Upheaval with Joshua Liem

Exodus 1:6-2:10

This week we begin a new sermon series exploring how God's people live faithfully in times of fear, empire, and uncertainty. We start in Exodus 1–2, where courageous women defy Pharaoh and lay the foundation for liberation, echoing the subversive power of Jesus' own birth. In a moment where global powers are shifting and anxiety is high, come be rooted in Scripture’s call to be a non-anxious presence and a people of peace.

For reflection & discussion:

What is one practical way you can be a non-anxious presence this week—in your family, work, or community

Exploring The Here and Now of Scripture with Guest Speaker Jenn Richards

 John 1:1-5 & 14

How do we come to an application of Scripture that is faithful to the text while also being good news for today? How can we assess if an application of a passage of Scripture is good?  This coming Sunday we’ll explore these questions and more.

For reflection & discussion:

1. What is one thing that stuck out to you from the teaching?

2. What is the good news you heard?

3. What remaining questions do you have?

4. Split into groups of 3-4.  Have each  group separately follow the steps below. Choose a “sticky”/controversial topic among Jesus Followers. Some ideas are:

• Is it ok for Christians to choose to fight in war?

• Should everyone attending a worship service be invited to take communion?

• One specific topic around sexuality or gender

• Women in leadership

• What is the “standards” for someone to be a church leader? 

• Have each person have the opportunity to share a brief personal connection to the topic (experience from their own story, someone they care about etc…).  

• Brainstorm parts of scripture that talk about this topic.  Use your Bible and  Google to find the exact reference to each example. 

• Consider one possible application (i.e. “here and now”) of the passage. Talk about what other passages or themes in scripture flow in the same direction as that application and if there’s are parts that go in a different direction. 

• Then consider another possible application and follow the same additional conversation step

Famines, Pharaohs, and Feasting on Christ with Joshua Liem

Genesis 47:11-27

This Sunday, we confront the devastating reality of famine—both the physical suffering seen in places like Gaza and the deep spiritual hunger for God's Word in our world. Journeying through Genesis 47 and beyond, we'll explore how empires have historically used hunger and how God calls His people to a different way, ultimately finding our deepest satisfaction in Jesus, the Bread of Life. Join us as we conclude our "Reading Scripture Well" series, seeking to nourish our Christ-like imagination and find actionable hope for a starving world.

For reflection & discussion:

1. The sermon opened with a story from Gaza. How did hearing about the physical famine and its impact on children make you feel? Did it challenge any of your perspectives?

2. The sermon contrasted Pharaoh's system with God's ideal in Leviticus 25 (Jubilee, no interest, support for the poor). Why do you think God's people, both in ancient Israel and often today, struggle to live up to these ideals?

3. As a wrap-up to the "Reading Scripture Well" series, how does this sermon illustrate the importance of understanding the broader biblical narrative and God's character when interpreting individual passages?

4. Amos 8 speaks of a "famine of hearing the words of the Lord." In what ways do you see this spiritual famine manifesting in our culture or even in your own life?

5. The "paradox" of Jesus being a free gift yet requiring the surrender of everything (like the Egyptians or the merchant with the pearl) was discussed. How do you reconcile these two ideas in your own walk with Christ? What does that surrender look like for you today?

The First Theologian: God Through Hagar’s Eyes with Josh Liem

Genesis 16 + 21

This Sunday, we’re exploring the story of Hagar: the first person in Scripture to name God. Through her eyes, we encounter El Roi, the God who sees, even in the midst of suffering, abandonment, and oppression. Join us as we reflect on how this ancient story challenges us to see God more clearly and notice those whom the world overlooks.

For reflection & discussion:

1. What stood out to you as we read through Genesis 16 and 21? Was there a word, phrase, or moment that surprised or moved you?

2. The sermon mentioned that Hagar is the Bible’s first theologian. What might it mean to let marginalized voices shape how we talk about God?

3. In what ways do you think this story has been misused or misunderstood in the past? How can we read it responsibly today?

4. Have you ever had a moment where you felt truly seen by God or by another person? What was that like? Or the opposite: have you felt unseen, unheard, or forgotten?  If you’re willing to be vulnerable, share that experience..

5. Who in your life right now might need to be seen? What would it look like to offer them your full attention this week?

6. How might our church embody the eyes of Christ for those who feel overlooked, oppressed, or dismissed?

A Jazz Homily: How Old Testament Law Shapes Beautiful Communities with Guest Dr. Mark Glanville

Exodus 3:7-12

This jazz-talk uses blues and jazz music explore the biblical law in the Old Testament, unpacking the significance for incarnational churches today. There are parallels between the development of blues and jazz and the development of biblical law: both have their roots in the atrocity of slavery. Blues and jazz developed in the oppression of slavery and of the reconstruction era in the U.S. Biblical law emerged from the atrocity of slavery in Egypt. This talk unfolds the invitation in biblical law by looking at three laws in Deuteronomy, reflecting how they can shape the church today to reflect the tenderness of Jesus.

Dr Mark Glanville (PhD, Trinity College, BristolI, UK) is the Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership at St. Andrews Hall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Mark trains leaders for post-Christian contexts, using biblical scholarship and jazz piano.Before pastoring, Mark worked full time as a jazz pianist. He currently plays on the Vancouver jazz scene, and he hosts the Blue Note Theology podcast. Mark is an Aussie: he likes to express his masculinity by snapping a crocodile’s neck with two fingers.

Entertaining Angels?  Exploring Hospitality and the Sin of Sodom with Josh Liem

Genesis 18-19 NIV

This Sunday, we explore one of scripture’s most haunting and revealing stories—Genesis 18–19. From Abraham’s lavish hospitality to the destruction of Sodom, this tale confronts us with questions of justice, compromise, and how to live as people of love in a world of brokenness. Come reflect on what it means to entertain angels, resist the myth of consumption, and live toward the kingdom Jesus revealed

For reflection & discussion:

1. What stood out to you in this week’s sermon or the Genesis 18–19 story?
2. How does Abraham’s hospitality challenge our approach to strangers and guests today?
3. Why do you think Lot compromised so much? Have you ever felt caught in a similar situation?
4. What continuities and discontinuities do you see with our city and Sodom?  What does it look like to be a faithful resident or alien of this city in light of that?
5. What is one act of radical hospitality you could try this week?
   

A Way Forward with Rev. Laura Wiens

Genesis 12:1-5

Ever feel like life keeps hitting dead ends? This Sunday, we’ll explore how God reroutes

our lives with purpose and hope through the story of Abram and Sarai.

Into the Waters: Easter and Resurrection Hope with Josh Liem

Romans 8:18-39

This Easter Sunday is extra special as we celebrate Christ's resurrection AND witness the baptisms of Sean and Phil! Join us as we explore what baptism meant for early Christians who risked everything to follow Jesus.  Why pledge allegiance to Christ?  Discover the costly, unbreakable hope of the resurrection that empowers us to live differently, even through suffering. Come witness new life!

For reflection & discussion:

5. Reflecting on your own journey, what is one step the Spirit might be inviting you toward today – remembering your baptismal vows, considering baptism, or living out your allegiance more fully in a specific area?