Pastor Brian's Blog

Dear Friends in Christ, As we turn the page on a new calendar year, I am thinking about the gifts that I am bringing into the new year. Two years ago, I began my academic studies in congregational leadership.  I have benefited from an interdisciplinary approach that combined courses at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.  As a bonus, I earned Kellogg’s executive education certificate in nonprofit management. I deeply appreciate the gifts of time and resources for learning new lessons to apply in parish life. Now that my coursework is finished, I am working on the final research and dissertation.  To that end, I am leading a workshop for members of the Church Council on Sat., Jan. 14 as part of my doctoral research.  The goal is to work with Gallup’s StrengthsFinder assessment and interactive group exercises to help people identify their “strengths” and imagine ways of using those strengths ...

January Sermons In January, we start the new year with reflections on Christ’s revelation to the world and our incorporation into Christ’s Body through baptism.   Then Rev. Smith will lead a new series for Trinity Church called “We’re Church Together.”  The title comes from the children’s song: “I am the church.  You are the church.  We are the church together.”  The series follows readings in 1 Corinthians from the Revised Common Lectionary.   The apostle Paul uses the early portion of this letter to help the church embrace its unity in Christ, which sometimes requires counterintuitive thinking and unconventional action.  Jan. 1 Reveal Matthew 2:1-12 Jan. 8 Baptism Matthew 3:13-17 Jan. 15 Called to Be God’s People 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Jan. 22 One in Christ 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Jan. 29 Saved by Foolishness 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Feb. 5...