Pastor Brian's Blog

The Sermon on the Mount contains some of the most inspirational words attributed to Jesus.  It is a timeless message that deals with common human concerns – despair, resentment, temptation, superficiality, dishonesty, materialism, anxiety, and more.   In February, Rev. Smith will be leading a new series at Trinity Church on the Sermon on the Mount, which has been described as the heart and soul of the Christian faith and a new ethic for the world.  According to John Wesley, the Sermon on the Mount shows us the way to heaven, for in it, Jesus "is teaching us the true way to life everlasting."  Feb. 2 "Blessed" Matthew 5:1-12 Feb. 9 "Salt & Light" Matthew 5:13-20 Feb. 16 "Yes or No" Matthew 5:21-37 Feb. 23 "Extra Effort" Matthew 5:38-48 Mar. 2 "Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:24-34 Ash Wednesday, Mar. 5 "Treasure of the Heart" Matthew 6:1-21

On Sun., January 12 we celebrated -- with noise-makers, applause, and cheering -- the good news of being able to fulfill 100% of our 2013 apportionment.   It was no small feat: $69,540 ! But then, we will have no small impact:  (1)  reaching new people; ( 2)  improving health globally;  (3)  engaging in ministry with the poor; and  (4)  developing principled leaders for the church and the world .   Apportionments are the "portion" of our gifts that are "meant" for serving others through our global United Methodist connection.   Together, through our connected congregations, we accomplish what no single church, district or annual conference ever could hope to do alone.  We combine our efforts to make a significant difference in the lives of God's people. Plus, Rainbow Covenant Status! We gave more than the minimum.  Through second-mile giving to local, regional, national, and international mission efforts, we achie...

As the new year begins, I would like to share with you a very special message of peace from the Wilmette Interfaith Religious Leaders (WIRL).  Each of our faith communities contributed a message of peace from the sacred writings of our tradition for a greeting card to be shared with our community leaders.  For Trinity Church's contribution, Catherine Petersen and I selected Paul's teaching from Romans 12 in which he urges us to do everything in our power to choose to live in peace with all people.   Read all of Romans 12 to see what this involves.      We are also proud that original artwork by Maya VanderKamp was selected for the cover of the greeting card.    Maya is a 7-year-old from Trinity Church! Here's the full text of the greeting card...    The religious traditions of Wilmette wish to share their common yearning for Peace with you. ·          “May the One ...