Pastor Brian's Blog

  “Refuge” Series Summary (August 30-September 27) If you’re concerned about the environment, the psalmist offers encouragement: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).   What if God’s help is hidden under our feet within the unique ecosystems of the North Shore ?   In biology, refugia are the small, sheltered pockets of land where life stubbornly endures during a crisis, eventually emerging to restore the wider landscape.   In conversation with Debra Rienstra’s Refugia Faith , we will explore unique native species and learn lessons from ancient oaks, sandy dunes, local wetlands, and the Lake Michigan flyway.   Join this fall as we learn how faith can become a refuge for our neighbors, ourselves, and the unique Chicago wilderness we call home.   August 30 | Season of Creation 1 OAK SAVANNAS : We cannot protect what we do not know.   The remnant oaks in Cook County function as “refugia” from our manicured subu...

  “Overcoming Obstacles to Peace” Series Summary (August 2026) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declares: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).   Yet in our troubled world, peace is often easier to admire than to practice.   Obstacles to peace are not only found in nations and institutions but also within our hearts.   Join us in August as we overcome obstacles to peace and participate in God's work of reconciliation in the world. August 2 | - Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Communion OVERCOMING COMPLACENCY : We become complacent when we accept things the way they are.   But God wants more than business as usual.   In Amos 5:21-24 , the prophet declares that God wants justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.   Instead of just going through the motions, true worship results in action that brings God's peace into the world.   What injustice upsets you? Aug...

“Core Faith” Series Summary (July 2026) It is easy to feel empty in a world hollowed out by conflict and uncertainty.   In Romans 8, Paul calls us to be filled with the love of God.   In our Core Faith series, we will explore basic Christian beliefs alongside the wisdom of John Wesley, including the primacy of grace , life in the Spirit, hope for all creation, and the assurance that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.   Join us in July as we rediscover our “Core Faith” and find hope in a community of Christ’s love.  July 5 | - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time DELIGHT IN THE LAW : As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, we are right to feel a mix of pride in our ideals and humility in their unfulfilled promise.   In Romans 7:15-25a , when Paul admits, “I do not do the good I want,” he expresses the contradiction we all experience between our highest aspirations and our lived reality.   The teachings of Scripture and our United Met...