Pastor Brian's Blog

  “Gift Exchange” Series Summary We sometimes face situations that can weigh us down and prompt feelings of despair, anxiety, regret, darkness, and meaninglessness.   Amid everything, God offers us life-giving gifts of hope, peace, joy, love, light, and purpose.   In this season of exchanging gifts with friends and family, reflect on the gifts we receive from the greatest Giver of all.   Join us in Advent as we exchange our emptiness with the fullness of God’s gifts.   Dec. 1 | Advent 1 HOPE FOR DESPAIR: In life, we go through dark valleys that can lead us into despair. In such times, God gives the gift of hope in God’s love and protection.   In Psalm 121:1-8 , the poet assures us that God watches over us and guides us throughout our lives.   What do you hope for? Dec. 8 | Advent 2 Saint-Säens Christmas Oratorio PEACE FOR ANXIETY: In the midst of troubling times, Jesus holds out the gift of peace. The peace Jesus gives is one that we cannot find...

Trinity Wilmette's West Window Each week of our fall "Sharing Hope" series, we are highlighting a different scene in our magnificent west window in the Sanctuary.  The central image of Christ and the disciples is surrounded by additional figures who have responded to the Great Commission in various ways.     Christ Giving the Great Commission : When Christ instructs the disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20), he lays the foundation for the global mission of spreading the gospel. It marks the start of the church’s mission to share the love and salvation of Christ with the world.   Philip Baptizing the Ethiopian : Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) highlights the breaking down of cultural barriers in the early church. The Ethiopian’s baptism represents the first recorded conversion of a non-Jew, symbolizing the expanding reach of the gospel beyond Israel.   Paul Hearing a Cry From Macedonia : In A...

“Sharing Hope” Series Summary So much seems at stake these days amid political tensions, economic and environmental concerns, and a loss of community.   The good news is that Christ offers us hope amid current challenges, such as biblical principles and practical strategies that help us live out the Great Commission.   Join us this fall as we explore how creativity, courage, and joy empower us to share hope with our community and beyond. Note: This series is grounded in Dr. Mark Teasdale's work on becoming a Great Commission congregation ( Teasdale, 2017 ).   Sept. 29 CHRIST ABOVE ALL : Christ is not Jesus’ last name but a call to action.   In Matthew 28:16-20 , Jesus gives the church a mission known as the Great Commission.   Shifting our perspective from "What now?" to "What if?" can open our future to imaginative faith.   What is Christ calling us to do where we are? Oct. 6 RETREATING FORWARD : Often, we think of mission as going out and doing somet...