Pilgrim Church Pilgrim Church

We’re starting a new sermon series, FLOURISH!   Over the next couple months, we’ll be exploring John 15-17 and how it relates to our vision of seeing our neighbours flourish.  This Sunday, we’ll ask what it means to flourish in a world filled with competing visions of fruitfulness.  How does abiding in Christ lead to true joy and fruitful living?  Join us this week as we dive into John 15:1-11!



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Home Church


Watch The Bible Project’s overview on the Gospel of John: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/john-1-12/  https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/john-13-21/ 



What stood out to you in the videos?


What do you love or appreciate about Jesus?


What do you love or appreciate about John’s style?


Read John 15:1-11.  How does this text fit in the overall narrative?



Discuss Mark Sayer’s 7 key belief statements of our age (below).  How do they help us relate or bridge the gap between Scripture and our modern context?  How do they affect the way we might evangelize or convey the Gospel?



The highest good is individual freedom, happiness, self-definition, and self-expression.


Traditions, religions, received wisdom, regulations, and social ties that restrict individual freedom, happiness, self-definition, and self-expression must be reshaped, deconstructed, or destroyed.


The world will inevitably improve as the scope of individual freedom grows. Technology —in particular the internet—will motor this progression toward utopia.


The primary social ethic is tolerance of everyone’s self-defined quest for individual freedom and self-expression. Any deviation from this ethic of tolerance is dangerous and must not be tolerated. Therefore social justice is less about economic or class inequality, and more about issues of equality relating to individual identity, self-expression, and personal autonomy.


Humans are inherently good.


Large-scale structures and institutions are suspicious at best and evil at worst.


Forms of external authority are rejected and personal authenticity is lauded.



Discuss the concept of discerning fruits in your life and in the broader culture. What are some indicators of true spiritual growth?


How can we maintain unity and focus on Christ as the center of our church community, especially during times of change and uncertainty?


Share about a time when God's pruning in your life led to greater spiritual fruitfulness. What did you learn from that experience?


As a church, how can we better embody Christ's love and joy to those outside our community?

Lean In #22: Matthew 7:7-12 with Guest Speaker Melissa Heerebout



Pastor Melissa Heerebout's sermon on Matthew 7:7-12 delves into the profound nature of prayer, challenging us to rethink our approach to communicating with God. She shares her personal journey with health struggles and how persistent prayer played a role in her experiences. By understanding the historical context of prayer and recognizing God's inherent goodness, we can cultivate a more vibrant and consistent prayer life. The sermon encourages us to see prayer as an ongoing conversation with our Heavenly Father, where authenticity and trust in his goodness lead to deeper spiritual growth and gratitude.

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Melissa Heerebout

Like many women, Melissa spends her days wearing many different hats! She pastors at Burnett Church, and her role there includes discipleship, communications, and mission. She is raising three kids and a dog with her husband Tim.



With a deep love for Jesus and the church, Melissa desires to see women step into their calling in all areas of their lives! Women and men are called to lead and play a part in the story that God is telling, and Melissa is passionate about helping people understand and pursue their story in the kingdom.

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Home Church

for reflection & discussion:


God’s Timing: How do you handle situations when God's answers to your prayers seem delayed or different from what you expected? What helps you to continue trusting in God's timing?


Role of Emotions in Prayer: How do you approach God with your honest emotions, including fears and frustrations? How does this authenticity affect your prayer life?


Transitioning to a Prayerful Life: What practical steps can you take to move from moments of prayer to living a prayerful life? How can you incorporate continuous dialogue with God into your daily routine?


Challenges in Prayer: What are the biggest challenges you face in your prayer life? How can you overcome these obstacles and maintain a consistent prayer practice?


Inspiration from Other Believers: How can learning about the prayer experiences of others, like Henri Nouwen or Martin Luther, inspire and strengthen your own prayer life?

Matthew 7:1-6 with Ryan GuerraMay 26, 2024



You can’t judge me… or maybe you can? But you shouldn’t! Or should… but in the right way? It can be a bit confusing. Join us on Sunday as we dig into what Jesus has to say about it.

Matthew 6:25-34 with Talasi GuerraMay 19, 2024



We live in a world dominated by worry and stress. But the teachings of Jesus invite us to overcome worry with worship. Join us this week as guest speaker Talasi Guerra unpacks Matthew 6:25-34.

Lean In: Matthew 6:16-18 with Ryan GuerraMay 12, 2024



Self-denial isn’t a popular practice in Canada in 2024. But deeply entrenched in the way of Jesus is an invitation to allow ourselves not to be mastered by our fleeting desires and to be willing to say “no” to ourselves. And what’s more is that the invitation is to trust that God’s reward is all the validation we need for such actions. Join us as we dig into Matthew 6:16-18 this Sunday.

Lean In #18: Matthew 6:19-24 with Joshua LiemMay 5, 2024



Dive into Matthew 6:19-24 with us this Sunday as we explore the complexities of wealth, stewardship, and ethical living. Join the conversation as we unpack biblical teachings and confront contemporary issues, challenging ourselves to align our values with the teachings of Jesus.