Pastor Brian's Blog

Do you ever wonder if God is absent from your life?  When terrible things happen in the world, have you felt that God seems indifferent? Fear not.  God is faithful, says the prophet Isaiah. In January, I will lead a new series for Trinity Church called "Fear Not."  It explores the ministry of all baptized Christians in light of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah. The prophet's poetry uses potent imagery like fire and water to paint a picture of the Lord who delights in the people, who is their strength, and who calls them to participate in the divine purpose. To me, the image of the Ludington lighthouse being scoured by waves in a storm evokes two aspects of baptismal living: faith and freedom.  The lighthouse stands on the firm foundation of faith and shines as a beacon of hope and help to others.  The freedom and power of the Holy Spirit, always moving upon us and propelling us. In conversation with Walter Brueggemann, one of my favorite biblical s...

Dear Friends in Christ,   What is the church?  Throughout the year, I’ve been exploring the church in terms of our location, nature, redemption, shape, ministry, mission, inclusivity, strength, and our challenge.  According to Everist and Nessan in Transforming Leadership , we may also describe the church in terms of gift.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer believed that a faith community is a concrete unity.  Our center of attention is not with each member, but in all the members together.  Of course, our life together is not always easy.  We can be demanding of each other.  We sometimes fail to listen to one another.  We wear each other out.   Yet Jesus calls us to repentance and turn to a new reality rooted in love.  God’s Spirit nudges us to be aware of ways we are alienated from one another and to realize our need of Christ’s forgiveness.  God’s grace heals us and restores our relationship with one another.  I...