Pilgrim Worship Sunday January 28, 2024

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

January 28, 2024

We're thankful you've come here to watch our service and to worship the one true God!

This was another exciting Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our Adult Bible study at 9:15 am, then our 10:30 am Worship service.  Afterward, we gathered for food and conversations, while the children enjoyed Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR SUNDAY

   Old Testament:   Deuteronomy 18:15–20

                Psalm:   Psalm 111
               Epistle:   1 Corinthians 8:1–13
               Gospel:   Mark 1:21–28

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP SUNDAY
Moses had been God’s great prophet to Israel for forty years.  He’d done exactly what a prophet of God was supposed to do:  deliver God’s Word to the people.  In today’s text, just before Moses dies and the Israelite nation enters the land long promised to them, God makes another promise.  God will one day raise up from among them another prophet greater than Moses, one who delivers a new teaching, with authority.  What does He say to you today?

To watch the video of today's service, please click HERE.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188     mobile:  248.881.7627

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

       Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..."  Psalm 111:10a  

Thursday Psalms: Gods Works for You!

In today's psalm God speaks to you of His works, His Word [covenant] and wisdom [faith].

Psalm  111

¹ I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,

      in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

² Great are the works of the Lord,

      studied by all who delight in them.

³ Full of splendor and majesty is His work,

      and His righteousness endures forever.

⁴ He has caused His wondrous works to be remembered;

      the Lord is gracious and merciful.

⁵ He provides food for those who fear Him;

      He remembers His covenant forever.

⁶ He has shown His people the power of His works,

      in giving them the inheritance of the nations.

⁷ The works of His hands are faithful and just;

      all His precepts are trustworthy;

⁸ they are established forever and ever,

      to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

⁹ He sent redemption to His people;

      He has commanded His covenant forever.

            Holy and awesome is His name!

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

      all those who practice it have a good understanding. 

            His praise endures forever! 

Through the psalmist, God tells us the works of His hand are great, full of splendor & majesty, remembered, faithful & just.  All of God's many works in His creation point to His greatest work, which only He could do.  We see this greatest work described in verse nine.  God the Father sent redemption to you in the person of Jesus:  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."  [John 3:16].  

In the life & death of Jesus, God kept His forever covenant, first made with Adam & Eve after their first sin.  Because Jesus was perfect and without sin, in His death Jesus took all the punishment you & I deserve for all of our sins.  Because of Jesus, God forgives your sins, and redeems you to Himself!  By faith, God gives you Jesus' eternal righteousness [verse 3b].  This is your inheritance, lasting forever and given to you as a free gift from God!  

Holy and awesome is His name!

Peace in God alone,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188     mobile:  248.881.7627

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

     Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..."  Psalm 111:10a  

Pilgrim Worship Sunday January 21, 2024

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Third Sunday after the Epiphany

January 21, 2024

We're thankful you've come here to watch our service and to worship the one true God!

This was another exciting Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our Adult Bible study at 9:15 am, then our 10:30 am Worship service.  Afterward, we gathered for food and conversations, while the children enjoyed Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR SUNDAY

   Old Testament:  Jonah 3:1–5, 10

                Psalm:  Psalm 62
               Epistle:  1 Corinthians 7:29–31
               Gospel:  Mark 1:14–20

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP SUNDAY
Today we meet again with Jonah, a reluctant prophet who failed to escape God’s call to preach God’s word in Nineveh.  All of us can relate with Jonah, probably more than with all prophets in the Bible.  In Jonah’s adventures, God doesn’t only teach us to be obedient to God’s calling.  God reveals His great mercy, saving Nineveh and you, too!  

To watch the video of today's service, please click HERE.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188     mobile:  248.881.7627

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

       Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come..."  Psalm 71:3a  

   

Thursday Psalms: God Alone Is Your Rock!

There is no doubt, our daily lives are difficult.  We are often shaken, attacked, battered, and tottering.  From all around us, Satan attacks us.  We cannot escape from an evil culture, from more diseases than can be counted, nor from the desires of our sinful flesh.  

Many times, I have come to the point of hopelessness and despair.  Have you done the same?  Perhaps you are despairing today, crying out: "O LORD, how long?"  In Psalm 62 God speaks through His servant David, telling us that HE ALONE is our hope, our fortress and our salvation.

PSALM 62  A Psalm of David.

¹ For God alone my soul waits in silence;

     from Him comes my salvation.

² He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress;

     I shall not be greatly shaken.

³ How long will all of you attack a man to batter him,

     like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

⁴ They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.

     They take pleasure in falsehood. 

     They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse.

⁵ For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

     for my hope is from Him.

⁶ He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress;

     I shall not be shaken.

⁷ On God rests my salvation and my glory;

     my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

⁸ Trust in Him at all times, O people;

     pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

⁹ Those of low estate are but a breath;

     those of high estate are a delusion;

     in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.

¹⁰ Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery;

     if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

¹¹ Once God has spoken;

     twice have I heard this:  that power belongs to God,

¹² and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.

     For You will render to a man according to his work. 

No matter who or what attacks you [vv 2-3]; God ALONE keeps you from being shaken.

No matter if you are poor, wealthy or any other label [v 9]; God ALONE is your salvation!

 

Chasing wealth by any means is temporary and meaningless [v 10]; God ALONE is eternal and everlasting!

David reminds us:  In all things and situations, place your trust in God ALONE!

Peace in God alone,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188     mobile:  248.881.7627

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

     Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come..."  Psalm 71:3a   

Pilgrim Worship Sunday January 14, 2024

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany

January 14, 2024

We're thankful you've come here to watch our service and to worship the one true God!

This was another exciting Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our Adult Bible study at 9:15 am, then our 10:30 am Worship service.  Afterward, we gathered for food and conversations, while the children enjoyed Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR SUNDAY

   Old Testament: 1 Samuel 3:1–20

                Psalm:  Psalm 139:1–10
               Epistle:  1 Corinthians 6:12–20
               Gospel:  John 1:43–51

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP
In the season of Epiphany, we focus how God reveals His true light in the world.  Today our Bible readings reveal God’s speaking to Samuel, Phillip and Nathaniel and their hearing of His words.  In our daily Bible readings this week, God spoke often to Abraham, revealing His will and directing him.  How is God calling you today?  What is God revealing about Himself to you right now?

To watch the video of today's service, please click HERE.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188     mobile:  248.881.7627

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

       Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come..."  Psalm 71:3a  

  

Thursday Psalms: God's Hand Leads You!

Today's Psalm reading included the first 10 verses of Psalm 139.  

PSALM 139:1-10

¹ O Lord, You have searched me and known me!

² You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

      You discern my thoughts from afar.

³ You search out my path and my lying down

      and are acquainted with all my ways.

⁴ Even before a word is on my tongue,

      behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.

⁵ You hem me in, behind and before,

      and lay Your hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

      it is high; I cannot attain it.

⁷ Where shall I go from Your Spirit?

      Or where shall I flee from Your presence?

⁸ If I ascend to heaven, You are there!

      If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there!

⁹ If I take the wings of the morning

      and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

¹⁰ even there Your hand shall lead me,

      and Your right hand shall hold me. 

How do you read these verses?  You may conclude:  "I can't run and hide from God!  He is everywhere and He is after me!  I am doomed!"  This reading is certainly true; God is everywhere, God knows everything and we most certainly can't hide from Him.  Also, left to our own devices and "goodness", we are doomed.  There is no way we can earn our salvation; the price of our sinfulness is death.  If we're judged only on our own merits, we would be separated from God in this life and we'd spend eternity in hell. These thoughts can be terrifying to us, and all who are sinners.  

But is this really what God is telling us in these verses?  While all the things mentioned above are true, God is giving us better news. The fact that God is all-knowing & present everywhere gives us great hope and comfort!  Above all else, this psalm proclaims God's love, which He expresses in His personal care and involvement in all of His creation.  Because Jesus died on the cross to take our sin punishment, and He rose from the dead on Easter morning, we know God is not chasing us everywhere to punish us!  There is no need trying to run and hide; confess your sins and they will be forgiven!  

These verses remind us that God loves us and His protecting, forgiving and loving presence is with us anywhere we go!  He "hems us in" with protection, and His hand "leads" us and "holds" us.  

Thanks be to God, for His great love for us!

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188     mobile:  248.881.7627

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

     Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come..."  Psalm 71:3a  

Pilgrim Worship Sunday January 7, 2024

The Baptism of Christ   Guido Reni  (1575–1642)

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Baptism of Our Lord

January 7, 2024

We're thankful you've come here to watch our service and to worship the one true God!

This was another exciting Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our Adult Bible study at 9:15 am, then our 10:30 am Worship service.  Afterward, we gathered for food and conversations, while the children enjoyed Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR SUNDAY

   Old Testament:  Genesis 1:1–5

                Psalm:  Psalm 29
                Epistle:  Romans 6:1-11
               Gospel:  Mark 1:4–11

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” [Genesis 1:1].  By the breath of His Word, from the chaos of the deep waters God created all things.  On the first day God created light; on the following days God created the earth, the seas and all living things, ending with Adam & Eve.  God continues to create new life today, and even more importantly, in baptism God continues to create & give the newness of life to you & me every day.  

To watch the video of today's service, please click HERE.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188     mobile:  248.881.7627

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

       Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come..."  Psalm 71:3a  

 

Thursday Psalms: Washed & Saved!

This Psalm certainly speaks of the Lord, the God of glory.  We join David, proclaiming the Lord is glorious, strong & powerful.  He is full of splendor & majesty.  He sits enthroned over all things, King eternal over all He has created.  Verse three reminds us of Genesis 1:1-3, where we see the Lord is over the waters and we hear the voice of the Lord creating all things.

PSALM 29    A Psalm of David.

¹ Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,

      ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

² Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name;

      worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

³ The voice of the Lord is over the waters;

      the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters.

⁴ The voice of the Lord is powerful;

      the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

⁵ The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;

      the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.

⁶ He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,

      and Sirion like a young wild ox.

⁷ The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.

⁸ The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;

      the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

⁹ The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare,

      and in His temple all cry, “Glory!”

¹⁰ The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;

      the Lord sits enthroned as King forever.

¹¹ May the Lord give strength to His people!

      May the Lord bless His people with peace! 

David opens this psalm, calling us to ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name and he ends this psalm praying God comes to His people and saves them.  

How does God save you?  Just as God sent the flood to wash & cleanse the sinful world, God has given us the holy Sacrament of Baptism to wash & cleanse us.  When Jesus was baptized (Mark 1, Matthew 3, Luke 3), the water of the Jordan river was combined with the voice of God the Father who said:  "This is My beloved Son..."   In our baptism, the Word of God is also combined with simple water to recreate us as forgiven & holy children of God.

So today, give thanks for the voice of the Lord, which both powerfully destroys sin and tenderly makes you His beloved child!

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188     mobile:  248.881.7627

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

     Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come..."  Psalm 71:3a