Pastor Brian's Blog

    “I See You ” Series Overview God creates, knows, loves, and sees all of us in our full humanity.   But as people, we can fall into the habit of assuming everyone is the same or everyone is like us.   While we share a common humanity, these assumptions can be harmful and prevent us from truly seeing other people and listening to their perspectives.   By looking at biblical stories, we can learn how to listen to, respect, affirm, and act for and with others.   Doing so can help us to know God even more fully.    July 4 HEARING OTHER VOICES: We can be so busy that we stop listening. Yet, as Christians, we cannot fully engage in our mission without taking the time to hear the voices on the side of the road.   In Mark 10:46-52 , Jesus hears the voice of a blind man.   Who are the people nobody listens to? July 11 SISTERS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES: Certain social customs and public policies create inequality and result in unj...

  “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?