"Faith & Life" Series 2021

 “Faith & Life” Series Overview
In the Wesleyan tradition, faith is about incorporating the gospel of Jesus Christ into our daily lives.  Through personal and communal practices, our faith leads to spiritual growth and service to others.  The stained glass windows in Trinity’s Sanctuary present various biblical and theological beliefs that inspire and inform us.  The north windows focus on basic sources of Christian faith such as the Trinity, the Bible, the Cross, and the Church.  The south windows represent various settings for living faith, including Prayer, Home, Work, and the wider World.  This fall, through the beauty and truths of Trinity’s windows, God can illuminate our inner spiritual lives and encourage us to shine with the light of Jesus Christ.

October 3 - World Communion
TRINITY: In Jesus Christ, we encounter the divine Three-in-One: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17 offers a trinitarian portrait of love and encouragement in which God’s Son receives the blessing of the Father and the Holy Spirit.  When have you felt God’s encouragement? 

October 10
BIBLE: The Bible is God’s story of salvation for the world, and we read the Bible to know God’s will and purpose for our lives.  In Luke 4:1-12, Jesus relies on Scripture to maintain his identity and purpose.  What’s your favorite Bible story or verse?

October 17
CROSS: Representing Christ’s death and resurrection, the cross signifies God’s saving power.  In Luke 9:18-27, Jesus says we find our lives by giving them away, urging us to take up our cross daily.  What prevents you from carrying the cross? 

October 24
CHURCH: We need the church to keep our faith alive.  The church is a human institution, but it is also God’s instrument.  In Ephesians 4:1-5, 11-16, Paul describes the church as the Body of Christ.  He encourages us to grow in love and service to Jesus Christ.  What good is the church?

October 31 - All Saints
PRAYER: We pray to connect with God.  Through prayer, we place ourselves in both God’s heart and the heart of the world.  In Philippians 4:4-6, Paul commends prayer as a vital spiritual practice.  Who taught you the Lord’s Prayer?

November 7 - Consecration Sunday
Life is short.  We can be tempted to find security in all the stuff we have.  In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus invites us to invest in God’s bigger picture rather hoard for ourselves.  How can you be rich toward God?

November 14
HOME: Life at home provides endless opportunities for practicing the love of Christ.  Our interactions with a parent, spouse, child, roommate, or neighbor often call for patience, generosity, forgiveness, and service.  In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul promotes the values of Christ.  When has a family member exemplified Christ?

November 21 – Thanksgiving
WORK: Paid or unpaid, our work becomes meaningful when we see it as part of our Christian vocation.  The work we do can be an opportunity to glorify God by serving others with a Christ-like spirit.  In Isaiah 42:1-9, God’s servant carries out the divine benevolent purpose.  How do you serve Christ in your work? 

November 28 – Advent 1
WORLD: God’s love for the whole world expands our perspective.  We feel concern and a sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of people beyond our immediate circles.  In 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, Paul urges the church to help those in need beyond their borders.  Do you have friends in other countries?