Pastor Brian's Blog

We celebrate Presidents Day on the third Monday of February.  The timing of this designation is in honor of George Washington, the nation’s first president, who was born on February 22, 1732.  This year we observe the changing of executive leaders in our federal government, as Barack H. Obama yields to Donald J. Trump.  It is right to give thanks for the accomplishments of Mr. Obama over the last eight years, even as we anticipate the achievements of Mr. Trump.  Regardless of who holds the nation’s highest office, the responsibilities of the president on behalf of the people are significant, and the president needs our prayers. In Psalm 72, the poet prays for the nation’s king: “Give the king your justice, O God…May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.” 1   The king had a duty to the people, just as a shepherd protects and keeps the sheep.  Historically, there were good kings, and there were evil kings.  The psa...

In February, I will begin a new series for Trinity Church called “So Will I Sing.”  The series is a partnership among several United Methodist pastors in the North Shore area.  It is based on Psalm 61:8 (KJV): “So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.”  My clergy colleagues and I have selected one hymn and several verses of Scripture to develop our sermons.  We will take turns as guest preachers for the various congregations.  The participating congregations are in Deerfield, Glencoe, Northbrook, and Wilmette. The songs that will be featured at Trinity include “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” by John Ylvisaker (1985); “A Place at the Table” by Shirley Erena Murray and Lori True (1998); and “How Can I Keep from Singing” by Robert Lowry (1869). The preface of The United Methodist Hymnal states that “hymn singing has been a vital and distinctive component of our worship o...