Pilgrim Worship Sunday June 29, 2025

   

"Flevit super illam" (Latin for "He wept over it") by Enrique Simonet, painted in 1892.

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Third Sunday after Pentecost

June 29, 2025

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!  We're now in our Summer Schedule starting with our 9:30 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 this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Old Testament:  1 Kings 19:9b–21

                Psalm:   Psalm 16

               Epistle:   Galatians 5:1, 13–25

               Gospel:   Luke 9:51–62

THEME FOR WORSHIP
In today’s Gospel reading we find ourselves at the pivot point of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus sets His face to go to Jerusalem where He will suffer terribly and die a horrific death to save you from all of your ugly sins.
In your baptism, Jesus has claimed you as His own. As Christ followers & believes, we go about living our baptized lives, with our faces set on what Jesus did for us on Calvary’s cross. Today Jesus also teaches us some uncomfortable truths about what it means for us to bear our crosses and follow Him.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188   

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 LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Thursday Psalms: Beautiful Inheritance!

Blessed Thursday to each of you, in the name of Jesus, your beautiful inheritance!  

Psalm 16 

¹ Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge.

² I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord

     I have no good apart from You.”

³ As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,

     in whom is all my delight.

⁴ The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;

     their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out

        or take their names on my lips.

⁵ The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;

     You hold my lot.

⁶ The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

     indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.

⁷ I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;

     in the night also my heart instructs me.

⁸ I have set the Lord always before me;

     because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

⁹ Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;

     my flesh also dwells secure.

¹⁰ For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol,

     or let Your holy one see corruption.

¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;

     in Your presence there is fullness of joy;

        at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Verses 7-10 especially describe the baptized life a Christian, in whom God Himself lives and leads.  God constantly gives us counsel, instructing us as we walk our lives.  This amazing gift of God comes to us in our baptism and by the Word of God.  Nonetheless, we must constantly strive to set the Lord always before us, so we won't be shaken, and so Satan will not be able to pull us away.  What great joy is ours every day, what security we have, because we know that God has and does keep His promises!  

God has numbered your days on this earth, but your bodily death should neither frighten nor shake you.  Because Jesus sacrificed Himself on Calvary's cross, willingly taking the punishment for all of your sins, you will not be abandoned to hell as every one of us deserves.  Rather, you have a beautiful inheritance, to enjoy pleasures forevermore, at the right hand of Jesus in heaven!   

Dear Father in heaven, 

As I walk through many challenges and difficulties in my life, I often get discouraged.  When I turn away and set other things before me, I shake in fear and doubt.  Teach me to set You always before me.  Knowing You are at my right hand, keep me ever faithful and confident in the beautiful inheritance You have given to me, through Jesus Christ, Your Son and my Savior.  Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188 

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 LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Pilgrim Worship Sunday June 22, 2025

  

The Swine Driven into the Sea    James Tissot, 1886–1896

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

June 22, 2025

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!  We're now in our Summer Schedule starting with our 9:30 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 this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Old Testament: Isaiah 65:1–9

                Psalm: Psalm 3

          Epistle: Galatians 3:23–4:7

      Gospel: Luke 8:26–39

THEME FOR WORSHIP

The season of Pentecost is focused on the Word of God going out to all people.  It’s about the life of discipleship, where people from all walks of life and different sinful conditions are saved through the waters of Baptism.  During this time, the Church continues to grow and spread into Gentile territory.

The Gospel reading for today amplifies this theme, as Jesus enters into Gentile territory, confronts the powers of darkness and destroys them through water.  As a result, the demon-possessed man becomes a disciple and shares his story with his own village.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188   

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 LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Thursday Psalms: Many Foes

 

In our Psalm for today we hear the anguish of a father, being pursued by his son, who desires to kill him.  Ironic for us, thinking of "Fathers Day" just last Sunday.  But it is also a sad & important reminder that many people suffer attacks from many foes & enemies which you & I may not even be able to imagine.  David cries out to the Lord for help, remembering he can count on the Lord to save him.

Psalm 3     A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.

¹ O Lord, how many are my foes!

      Many are rising against me;

² many are saying of my soul,

      “There is no salvation for him in God.”

³ But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,

      my glory, and the lifter of my head.

⁴ I cried aloud to the Lord,

      and He answered me from His holy hill.

⁵ I lay down and slept;

      I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

⁶ I will not be afraid of many thousands of people

      who have set themselves against me all around.

⁷ Arise, O Lord!   Save me, O my God!

      For You strike all my enemies on the cheek;

          You break the teeth of the wicked.

⁸ Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people!

Whatever your specific circumstances, we all have many foes.  Some are external to us; people who attack us and situations through which we must suffer.  Some of our foes are internal; our own sinful desires and intentions.  Luther summarizes our foes this way:  the devil, the world and our sinful natures.  Last Sunday we focussed on our enemy of self-glory, a toxic foe which can blind us to our need for the Savior Jesus.  

But you and I have the hope of David, which he proclaims in verse three.  God is your shield, your glory and God lifts up your head especially in times of suffering.  And even more importantly, your salvation belongs to the Lord!   Jesus Christ has died and has arisen from death, taking your punishment and giving to you salvation!  He has given you a new life, right here among your enemies and this new life will continue for eternity in heaven!

How many are your foes, but far more powerful is the Lord, who gives you salvation!

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188 

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 LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Pilgrim Worship Sunday June 15, 2025

 

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Holy Trinity

June 15, 2025

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!  We're now in our Summer Schedule starting with our 9:30 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 this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Old Testament:   Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31

        Psalm:   Psalm 8

       Epistle:   Acts 2:14a, 22–36

      Gospel:   John 8:48–59

THEME FOR WORSHIP

Today is The Holy Trinity Sunday, which ushers in the half of the church year reflecting the work the Lord is doing in His people, His Church.  Today’s readings certainly reflect the Persons and work of the Trinity.  

Solomon sings a poem of Wisdom, the Holy Spirit.  In his Pentecost sermon, St. Peter reminds his hearers it was the Father’s plan they crucified His Son, whom He raised from the dead and who on that day poured out the Holy Spirit upon them.  In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus proclaims to His Jewish attackers that He is one with God the Father, who glorifies Him.  Within this argument, Jesus calls out their sins of self-glory and calls them to glorify God the Father.  

Wisdom calls you to glorify the Father by living in the forgiveness of the Son and bearing the fruit of Holy Spirit.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188   

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 LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Thursday Psalms: God Is Mindful of You!

 

This coming Sunday commemorates The Holy Trinity, which is how God chooses to describe Himself to us.  The Triune God is all things, including majestic, indescribable and far beyond our understanding.  Yet God reveals much about Himself that we can understand.  We know who God is by what He says, and by what He does.  David seems to capture these ideas in the Psalm for today.

     Psalm 8  A Psalm of David.

     ¹ O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

      You have set Your glory above the heavens.

² Out of the mouth of babies and infants,

      You have established strength because of Your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.

³ When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,

      the moon and the stars, which You have set in place,

⁴ what is man that You are mindful of him,

      and the son of man that You care for him?

⁵ Yet You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

      and crowned him with glory and honor.

⁶ You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands;

      You have put all things under his feet,

⁷ all sheep and oxen,

      and also the beasts of the field,

⁸ the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

      whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

⁹ O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! 

The heavens and all things God created declare His power, love and majesty every day and in every way.  When David considers these marvelous things, his thoughts turn to himself and he asks this haunting yet revealing question in verse four:  what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?  

Well, sadly we all know who we are and God knows far, far better than we do.  We are sinful people, you are a sinful person and so am I.  We daily sin against all that God desires and commands us to do and be.  Isn't it a little scary, that God is mindful of us, that He knows how disobedient we are?  And so, we often try to hide our sins, pretending that God might not notice them, or care that much about them.  Yet, God is always mindful of you, He sees right through your silly attempts to run away and hide. 

But here is your good news from God's Word today:  God is mindful of you, not because He wants to punish you, but because God loves you beyond what you can ever understand!  God has already sent His Son Jesus, who has taken your punishment for you.  Because of what Jesus did, God forgives your sins and takes away your guilt and shame!  There is no better, or more loving "mindfulness" possible!

So today & every day, be super glad & thankful that your majestic Lord is mindful of you and forgives all your sins!

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188 

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 LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Pilgrim Worship Sunday June 8, 2025

  

“The Decent of the Spirit”   Gustave Doré  

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Day of Pentecost

June 8, 2025

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!  We're now in our Summer Schedule starting with our 9:30 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 this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

    Old Testament: Genesis 11:1–9

                 Psalm: Psalm 143

        Epistle: Acts 2:1–21

        Gospel: John 14:23–31

THEME FOR WORSHIP 

Today’s readings tie together the Tower of Babel and the gifting of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.  On one hand, the Holy Spirit scatters all people & language throughout the world.  On the other hand, the Holy Spirit draws people together through Jesus’ gospel of salvation.  Pentecost is a great reversal of Babel, the first corporate sin of mankind.

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus takes the work of the Holy Spirt from nations and peoples and focusses it on you and me.  It’s only by the Holy Spirit, living in you, that you can keep God’s Word and live in His peace.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188   

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 LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9 

Thursday Psalms: God's Steadfast Love

For you, these may be days of sadness, they may be filled with laughter.  Today may find you in sickness or in good health.  No matter what, dark & difficult days lie ahead for you; they await all of us.  We've seen them in the past, and as long as we live on this side of heaven, they will eventually return.  Sometimes our days of struggle & suffering seem to go on endlessly.  The four verses from today's psalm brought times like this to mind.  The following verses offer you remedy and hope.

Psalm 143:1-8a

¹ Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear to my pleas for mercy!

        In Your faithfulness answer me, in Your righteousness!

² Enter not into judgment with Your servant,

        for no one living is righteous before You.

³ For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground;

        he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.

⁴ Therefore my spirit faints within me;

        my heart within me is appalled.

⁵ I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done;

        I ponder the work of Your hands.

⁶ I stretch out my hands to You;

        my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.

⁷ Answer me quickly, O Lord!  My spirit fails!

        Hide not Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit.

^8a Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust.

      

When you are down and out, when the end to your sadness seems to be NEVER, God gives you this advice.  Remember the days of old, think of all that God has done for you.  Focus on God's works in your life, most importantly how God richly & daily forgives you all your sins!  Continue to stretch out your hands to God in prayer, trusting in His steadfast mercy.  He will heal you, the only question is when.  God's love, forgiveness and care for you will be like cool water in the parched land of your suffering!  

You can always trust in God; His steadfast love for you never fails, it never ends!

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188 

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 LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9