Pastor Brian's Blog

In the weeks after Easter, I will lead a new series on the environment and care of creation based on Bishop Sally Dyck's book A Hopeful Earth .  Too often we think that spiritual matters are unrelated to physical and natural life.  When I was a kid, I learned Psalm 24:1: "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it."  The very first utterance of the ancient Christian creeds is: "I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth."  Creation is God's first act of grace, but what is our response to God's good gift?  Humans are befouling it in the name of profit and progress.  Through deforestation, harmful agricultural, mining and extraction practices, and overconsumption, we are polluting the water and air we need to survive.  The climate is changing and a sixth mass extinction of species may be underway.  But there is hope.  The God who raised Jesus from the dead can lead us aw...

This week, as we commemorate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, I met with a United Methodist missionary now leaving Jerusalem after 20 years of service in the Holy Land.   Janet Lahr Lewis, a lay woman from Ohio and a civil engineer, stopped for lunch with a small group at Trinity Church to share joys and concerns about working for peace and justice in the Holy Land.  Janet said that if one wants to take sides, it should be on the side of justice, on the side of human rights, on the side of international law.    She mentioned a 2009 call for awareness and action in the Kairos Palestine document .  Janet is concerned that the conflict is pushing Palestinian Christians out of their homeland (along with Palestinian Muslims).  Christians have lived in the Holy Land since the time of Jesus, but their future is threatened.   More information on her work is available on her page at the General Board of Global Ministry .  Please pra...

Easter Sunday...  Is it all about beautifully colored eggs and chocolate bunnies...or are you looking for something more? Unconditional love, for instance. What about a second chance? A more fulfilling life? Trinity United Methodist Church wants to help you find what you're looking for by opening our hearts; reaching out to others, and embracing the miracle of God's love. Easter/HolyWeek Schedule Palm Sunday, April 13 Worship @ 8:30  & 10:30 a.m. Procession with Palms Dedication of Imagine No Malaria pledges Maundy Thursday, April 17 Worship at 7:00 p.m. with Choir & Holy Communion Good Friday, April 18 Worship at 7:00 p.m. Tenebrae with Quartet & Violin Easter Sunday, April 20 Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Easter Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. Egg Hunt at 11:45 a.m. Following Easter Sunday, I will lead a new series called " A Hopeful Earth ," focusing on the environment and the care of creation.