Pilgrim Worship Sunday March 22, 2026

 

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Fifth Sunday in Lent

March 22, 2026

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've returned to our regular Sunday schedule, starting with Adult Bible class at 9:15 am and 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 on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Old Testament:  Ezekiel 37:1–14

                Psalm:  Psalm 130

               Epistle:  Romans 8:1–11

               Gospel:  John 11:1–45

THEME FOR WORSHIP

We’re still in the season of Lent, waiting for the salvation we so desperately need.  We’re waiting for Jesus’ death on Good Friday, which pays the price of our forgiveness.  But today’s readings point us beyond Calvary’s cross.  Ezekiel points the way perfectly, speaking these words of God:  “And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people.”    

In chapter 11 of the gospel of John, we read again the powerful resurrection of Lazarus.  But this text is not really about Lazarus; it points us to Jesus’ power over death as He opens Lazarus’ grave and calls him out.  But it also shows Jesus’ deep love & compassion for all who suffer & grieve.  Jesus has many gifts here for you and me to receive.

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 in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Thursday Psalms: Your Life, Forgiven!

Blessed Thursday to each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Savior!

When we read this short psalm, the memorable verses about waiting really jump out at us.  We wait so much, and waiting is such a challenge for us.  As Christians, we are very blessed to wait & hope in God's Word, by the faith God has given to us!  But first I'd like us to focus on another blessing the Lord reveals to us in this psalm.

Dr. Martin Luther included this psalm as one of his four "best psalms of all", because in it we find so clearly laid out the realities of our sin, God's grace and our salvation won for us on Golgatha's cross by Jesus Christ.

Psalm 130

¹ Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!

² O Lord, hear my voice!

     Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

³ If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,

     O Lord, who could stand?

⁴ But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared.

⁵ I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,

     and in His word I hope;

⁶ my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning,

        more than watchmen for the morning.

⁷ O Israel, hope in the Lord!

     For with the Lord there is steadfast love,

        and with Him is plentiful redemption.

⁸ And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. 

When we take a serious look at our sins, we join the psalmist in the depths of despair.  We plead for God's mercy, because without the mercy of Jesus Christ, we cannot even stand or come into God's presence.  In verse 3 the psalmist prays the Lord would not mark iniquities, which has the sense of writing down our sins as a legal record of offenses.  Unfortunately, this is our sinful habit; we're all too happy to remember, preserve and record others' sins for their future punishment.  If God did this for us, we'd be  hopelessly doomed!  But the psalmist quickly assures us God does not mark our iniquities, but with Him, there is forgiveness!  Thanks be to God!

And yes, we who ask the Lord's mercy must often wait.  We leave our requests to God's gracious will.  He will determine when, how, where, and by what means He will help us.  But remember, this is NOT a bad place to be, this is the BEST place to be!  Why?  Because we hope in His word where we find all of God's blessed promises to hear our prayers, to comfort and preserve us, and to never leave us nor forsake us!  We are so blessed to wait for the Lord, like watchmen for the morning;  joyfully anxious for the sun to arise, but never doubting that it will!

By God's mercy and grace, you can be JOYFUL today, living your life, FORGIVEN!  Be assured, for with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption!  He will redeem Israel [ & YOU!!] from all YOUR iniquities!  

Thank You God, for my life, FORGIVEN!

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 in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Pilgrim Worship Wednesday March 18, 2026

 

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Wednesday Evening Prayer

March 18, 2026

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

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

Here is information about this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Psalm:  Psalm 71:1-8

  Epistle:  Romans 8:9-11

  Gospel:  Mark 5:1-13

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP:   

Today, we confront very real demons, fallen angels who rebelled against God and His giving of Himself to us.  Demons, with Satan chief among them, seek to undermine everything God is and does.  Demons hate us, harm us and work to kill us.

In our sermon, we will hear how Jesus heals a man with a demon by casting the demon out of him (Mark 5:1–13).  Jesus’ work of healing by dominating demons continues today, for you.

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 in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Pilgrim Sunday Worship March 15, 2026

  

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 15, 2026

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've returned to our regular Sunday schedule, starting with Adult Bible class at 9:15 am and 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 on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

  Old Testament:  Isaiah 42:14–21

               Psalm:  Psalm 142

              Epistle:  Ephesians 5:8–14

              Gospel:  John 9:1–41

THEME FOR WORSHIP

We walk in darkness every day, in the darkness of our sins & failures.  We live in darkness, in the darkness of the depraved & faithless world around us.  Today God calls us to turn away from the lies of the devil and walk in the light of His truth.  We may have some success, but we cannot continually do these things by ourselves.

God proclaims to you today:  “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead”, but how are we supposed to do those things?  What does God mean here for you and me?

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 in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Thursday Psalms: A Great Start to Your Day!

Blessed Thursday to each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Savior!

How do you usually wake up and start a typical day?  Do you jump right up and bound off to the day's tasks?  Do you awaken more slowly, enjoying a relaxing cup of coffee, tea or something to eat?  At some point, it's a good bet you turn your thoughts to...  "What do I need to do today?".  Consider this wonderful Psalm, especially verses 8-12.

   Psalm 143   A Psalm of David.

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.

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

   Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.

⁹ Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!

     I have fled to You for refuge.

¹⁰ Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God!

     Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

¹¹ For Your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life!

     In Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble!

¹² And in Your steadfast love You will cut off my enemies,

     and You will destroy all the adversaries of my soul,

        for I am Your servant. 

David gives us this great example, a blessed way to start each day!  First, acknowledging our sins and unworthiness as we plead for God's mercy [vv 1-2].  Second, we can't hide or escape our troubles, be they sickness, oppressing enemies or any other harsh thing [ vv 3-7].  Then, we remember [vv 5, 8] all that God has done for His people and for us, which leads us to trust in Him, to guide all our ways.  And lastly, we join David in praying for our day; the tasks to be done, and the presence of  God with us!  

I know that this or a similar "first-of-the-day" prayer would be a great blessing to me, and I suspect to you also!  

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

         In Your faithfulness answer me, in Your righteousness!

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 in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Pilgrim Worship Wednesday March 11, 2026

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Wednesday Evening Prayer

March 11, 2026

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

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

Here is information about this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

    Psalm:  Psalm 80:1-7

   Epistle:  Romans 10:8-17

   Gospel:  Mark 1:35-39

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP

Jesus talks all about seeking us in our texts this week. He does not wait passively until we get up the gumption to ask Him for help. Nor does He act out of selfish gain; everything Jesus does, He does for us.  

Praying, teaching, working, are all ordinary things Jesus did for us.  In today’s ordinary things such as water, bread & wine, and His written words, Jesus seeks us out, looks for ways to help us, and ultimately saves us.

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 in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Pilgrim Worship Sunday March 8, 2026

 

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Third Sunday in Lent

March 8, 2026

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've returned to our regular Sunday schedule, starting with Adult Bible class at 9:15 am and 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 on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

  Old Testament:  Exodus 17:1-7

               Psalm:  Psalm 95:1-9

              Epistle:  Romans 5:1-8

              Gospel:  John 4:5-26

THEME FOR WORSHIP 

In today’s Old Testament Reading, God shows mercy instead of judgement on the quarreling, grumbling Israelites.  In the Gospel, Jesus shows mercy to the marginalized & sinful Samaritan women, who comes to know Jesus as her Savior.

Paul claims to rejoice in his sufferings, promising endurance, character and hope will come from them.  Do these words help your suffering life?  Are God’s grace & mercy for you, as you stumble & stagger through your suffering life?

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 in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Thursday Psalms: Who'd Want To?

 

Blessed Thursday to each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Savior!

Our psalm reading for today is from Psalm 81 which calls us to worship the one, true God.

Psalm 81:1-10

¹ Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob!

² Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp.

³ Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.

⁴ For it is a statute for Israel, a rule of the God of Jacob.

⁵ He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt.

      I hear a language I had not known:

⁶ “I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket.

⁷ In distress you called, and I delivered you;

      I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah.

⁸ Hear, O my people, while I admonish you!

      O Israel, if you would but listen to Me!

⁹ There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.

¹⁰ I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

       Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

 

Praise!  Sing!  Make music to God your strength!  For those who God has called into His family & given faith, these are uplifting and beautiful commands.  We feast and remember God who has given us all things, the same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  You're reminded that God also relieves your burdens, He delivers you from your distress & troubles.  Most importantly, God sets you free from sin, death and the power of the devil!  Who wouldn't want to shout for joy & raise up songs of thanksgiving?

I love the image in verse seven:  I answered you in the secret place of thunder.  God answers our prayers, especially those as we suffer alone and struggle with powerful temptations and failures.  God loves you more than you can ever understand or even imagine!

God gives you all things and does all these things for you; and He has one warning.  Don't worship anyone or anything else, other than Him.  ...but who'd want to?

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 in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9