"Refuge" Series 2026

 

“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 suburban lawns.  In Job 12:7-13, the teacher invites us to find God’s wisdom by paying attention to the wild creatures and the Earth itself.  Discipleship begins with the spiritual discipline of paying deep, localized attention to God's handiwork.  Where have you seen a salamander?

Week 1 Refugium and spotlight species: Oak Savannas (Harms Woods) and Blue-spotted Salamander.


Sept 6 | Season of Creation 2
LAKE MICHIGAN FLYWAY: Humans are not separate from nature; we are part of the “community of creation.”  The millions of migratory birds that stop along the North Shore remind us of our interconnectedness.  In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul proclaims that Jesus Christ holds all creation together in himself and reconciles the whole world through the cross.  Our church property and backyards can either be hostile barriers or lifelines of hospitality for our creaturely neighbors.  What birds visit your yard?

Week 2 Refugium and spotlight species: Lake Michigan Flyway (Gillson Park, Montrose Bird Sanctuary) and Great Lakes Piping Plover.


Sept 13 | Season of Creation 3 | Communion
LAKE MICHIGAN DUNES: Our culture views the North Shore primarily as a place for recreation, real estate, and consumption.  We can confront our consumerism by exploring the fragile, shifting sand dunes and bluffs.  In Leviticus 25:1-7, God establishes the practice of Sabbath not just for people but also for the land.  Ecological Sabbath demonstrates that true security relies on God’s provision rather than endless human extraction.  By shifting from consumer to caretaker, we can help restore the natural boundaries that protect our shared home.  What do you love about the beach?

Week 3 Refugium and spotlight species: Lake Michigan Dunes (Elmwood Dunes, Illinois Beach State Park) and Pitcher’s Thistle


Sept 20 | Season of Creation 4
CHICAGO RIVER WATERSHED: United Methodists are not afraid to address difficult realities.  The Skokie Lagoons represent a highly altered, heavily managed wetland plagued by pollution and invasive species.  In Hosea 4:1–3, the prophet blames human wrongdoing for causing wild creatures to languish and perish.  Because grief can lead to healing, we lament the effects of habitat degradation.  What is your favorite Skokie Lagoons memory?

Week 4 Refugium and spotlight species: Chicago River Watershed (Skokie Lagoons) and Blanding’s Turtle.


Sept 27 | Season of Creation 5
BACKYARD NATIVE GARDENS: Refugia faith requires active, eco-citizenship.  In Jeremiah 29:4-7, the prophet encourages the people in exile to trade passive despair for active cultivation of hope through gardening.  Imagine converting portions of the church’s landscape or your own yard into habitat for birds and insects with native plants.  What insects do you enjoy in your yard?

Week 5 Refugium and spotlight species: Backyard Native Gardens and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee.
 

Wild Church
Six Events

Join us for brief outdoor worship encounters as an extension of our 5-week creation series. “Wild Church” refers to a Trinity Wilmette gathering in a municipal park or forest preserve. “Pop-Up worship” is an informal time for prayer and singing, about 30 minutes.  After each pop-up worship, optional activities will be offered, such as a short hike, lawn games, beach clean-up, and paddling.  No RSVP needed.  The event is canceled if it rains. Bring your own lawn chair or request one from Pastor Brian (pastorbrian@trinitywilmette.org) at least 24 hours in advance.

• Sun., Aug. 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Harms Woods (North) parking lot at Old Orchard Rd. and Harms Rd. (Glenview) – optional short hike or salamander search
• Wed., Sept 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Gillson Park (Wilmette) [click here for map] – optional lawn games
• Wed., Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Elmwood Dunes Preserve with street parking at Elmwood Ave. and Michigan Ave. (Wilmette) – optional beach clean-up
• Sun., Sept. 20 at 2:00 p.m. at Skokie Lagoons-Tower Rd. (Winnetka) – optional paddling (boat rental available)
• Wed., Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Pastor Brian’s Backyard at 1010 Lake Ave. (Wilmette) – bring refreshments to share
• Sun., Sept. 27 at 2:00 p.m. at Pastor Brian’s Backyard at 1010 Lake Ave. (Wilmette) – bring refreshments to share