Pilgrim United Church

The Season of Lent -- A Change of Pace
As we begin this time of preparing for Easter, Pilgrim UC will be doing some experimenting with the way we come together in worship. Putting aside the traditional flow of reading-sermon-prayers (interspersed with music), we're going to try a model of engaging with God that involves more "I" (as in "I think/I hope/I will....") For the five Sundays in Lent, following the scripture reading, Ed or Erin will offer a brief reflection. Unlike "normal", this will only be to kick-start the conversation --- literally! The second step will be for the congregation to do the talking. The plan is that people will break into groups of 2 or 3, and using questions provided as a jumping-off point, engage with Christ in each other. (That said, if people choose to spend the time with Christ in private reflective prayer, they are welcome to do so.) Following this time of sharing, Ed/Erin will draw the congregation out of the small groups, into a closing time.

This plot, hatched by Erin and Ed (but approved by Session!), is an opportunity to put into real and concrete form PUC's conviction that we encounter God in each other, and in the whole of Creation. This isn't a test to see how well people can articulate their theology of the resurrection! It is a chance to experience the wonderful truth that when we sit together (even in "worship"!) and say things like "I wonder..." and "I wish..." the God we know in Christ pours into the moment, and into our hearts. Our hope is that you might experience this. Our faith tells us that should that happen, your instinctive reaction will be to turn your heart in love toward God, and God's children around you. And that, dear friends, is worship!

Recognizing that not everyone is as amazingly extroverted (read: comfortable leaping into this kind of conversation) as we are, we have provided below some information on each of the five Sundays PUC will be worshipping this way -- including the reference for the focus scripture text so you can get a head start if you like.

May this season be a time of turning -- deeper and deeper into God's loving embrace!
In Christ,
Ed & Erin

Feb. 10: Beginning the Journey

10:30am
We will be doing a modified annointing ritual this day to mark the beginning of Lent. (This will be done with the youth and children as they leave as well.) There will also be some time given to introducing the worship format for the season. Given PUC's penchant for chattiness, however, little introduction may be required. :)

This Sunday also sees the debut of our latest musical supply team: Beth and Kevin Goh.

Clergy: Ed
Central Texts: Matthew 28:18-19; John 21:15-17
Theme: Finding the balance between nurturing disciples, and reaching out

Feb. 17: Gifts for a Purpose

10:30am
Clergy: Ed
Music: Beth & Kevin Goh
Central Text: Ephesians 4:11-13
Theme: The role of the people, and the gifts God gives them

Questions for Reflection
1. What do you think it means to be a prophet? An evangelist? A pastor ? A teacher?
Which would you most likely expect God to call you toward?

2. God has given Pilgrim a unique combination of gifts.
What might be one of the special purposes God is hoping we will use them to fulfill?

3. What would it look like for you to grow more Christ-like?
What do you need from your church to grow in this way?

Feb. 24: Making Disciples
10:30am
Clergy: Erin
Music: Beth & Kevin Goh
Central Text: Acts 10:9-48
Theme: The call to make disciples

Questions for Reflection
1. Have you ever had a vision or an experience that led you to accept
something or someone you had previously rejected?

2. Peter has a vision, then "hears" from the Spirit. An angel appears to Cornelius.
God actively draws the two men together. Has someone come into your life
(home,school, work) for a similar reason - to share faith?

3. How can this passage help our congregation answer God's call to make disciples?

March 2: Tending the Sheep
10:30am
Today we welcome the fourth of our supply music teams/people.

Clergy: Erin
Music: Jeff Poynter
Central Text: Romans 12:6-18 and 1 Peter 5:2-4
Theme: Nurturing One Another in the Church

Questions for Reflection
1. Do you know what your particular spiritual gifts are?
Do they get used, or ignored, when you go to work/school/church?
2. What would it look like for us to hold each other accountable
for our Christian walk?
3. Is there a difference between how we live together as members of the body of
Christ, and how we live together as members of a family or a club?
Should there be?

March 9: God is at the Ready!
10:30am
Clergy: Ed
Music: Jeff Poynter
Central Text: Isaiah 43:19
Questions for Reflection:
1.What is the wilderness / where are the deserts in your life? in Canada? in the world?
2.In the midst of this, where is God making new paths, placing streams of life-giving water?
3.How can Pilgrim United Church be a more powerful part of what God is doing?