Pastor Brian's Blog

  “Faith and Film ” Series Overview Movies are like “visual parables” that can help us understand our lives and the wider world.   They can also reveal something about God.   In a “Faith and Film” series for June, we will consider the significance of several recent films, including Nomadland , Minari , Moana , and Judas and the Black Messiah .   The series will be part of a United Methodist pulpit exchange among Trinity Wilmette, Northbrook, and Deerfield Christ.   The selected films invite us to reflect on how people search for meaning and struggle for dignity.   June 6   JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH: To escape prison, Bill O’Neal spied on Chairman Fred Hampton and the Black Panthers for the FBI, but true freedom was elusive.   In Matthew 26:14-16 , Judas Iscariot conspires with the religious authorities to betray Jesus.   Neither traitor can live with his guilt.   When have you felt persistent regret?      J une 13 ...

  May 23 – Pentecost THE SPIRIT OF LIFE: We can be impatient.   We want instant results.   In Romans 8:22-27 , Paul teaches the importance of waiting in hope for what we don’t see.   He says that in our waiting, the Spirit helps us.   When have you felt the Spirit of Life?        May 30 – Trinity Sunday BELIEVE!: Some people think the world is going to “hell in a handbasket.”   Yet, Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save it.   In John 3:1-17 , Jesus associates being born anew with believing in him.   What helps you to know that God is with you?  

“An Extraordinary Journey ” Series Overview The path we choose in life can bring unforeseen twists and turns.   Invariably, we ask “Where am I headed?   Who will go with me?   How do we get there?   How will we know when there is now here ?”   An experienced traveler named Jesus invites us: “Come, follow me.”   But why should we follow this nobody from nowhere?   Because he promises an extraordinary journey.     April 4 – Easter Sunday AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY: We do not find Jesus where we expect.   In Luke 24:1-3, 13-15, 28-31 , the disciples’ encounter with the risen Christ is not at his grave but on their journey.   In resurrection, Christ meets us where we are and invites us to accompany him on a path of greater love.   It is an extraordinary journey.   How does Jesus defy expectations?   April 11 – Easter 2B JESUS THE COMPANION: We all experience hurt and grief, and some pain never goes away. ...

“The Psalmist’s Cry” Series Overview When our hearts are breaking from grief, fear, anguish, or despair, we often conceal our true feelings. Our society tells us that all problems are solvable or manageable if we would try the right solution. In a self-help culture, we prefer to mask symptoms and call the mask a cure. But if we deny our pain, we lose the part of the gospel where we give up control and allow God’s mystery to unfold in our lives. With Walter Brueggemann as our guide, we will look at the Psalms as scripts of lament for those times when we need a way to cry out to God. As an honest expression of feelings, lament can help us discover the fullness of God as we let go of controlling or managing our way through life and trust in God’s healing. February 17 – Ash Wednesday HAVE MERCY ON ME : The Lenten season invites reflection and renewal. In Psalm 51, the psalmist trusts God for a fresh start. February 21 – Lent 1 DENIAL : Jesus lived a fully human life that included joy and ...