Pastor Brian's Blog

  “The Art of Faith ” Series Overview Art is for everyone, not just professionals.   Through art, music, literature, and other creative endeavors, we open ourselves to a future of hope and the new life God promises.   We use our imagination with inspiration from God’s Spirit to bring forth something new.   As artist Makoto Fujimura puts it, our creative endeavors invite “the abundance of God’s world into the reality of scarcity all around us” ( Art and Faith , 3).   In our series, we will train as apprentice artists with God the Master Artist to make a world of beauty and mercy in anticipation of God’s new creation.     January 9 – Baptism of the Lord GOD THE ARTIST: God’s artistry comes from love, not necessity.   Creation is a gratuitous act of generosity.   In 1 Corinthians 3:4-9, 16-17 , Paul describes us as God’s co-creators.   Fujimura asks: “What are we making?”   What helps people flourish beyond merely surviving?...

  “The Promise of Christmas” Series Overview We often have high hopes for happy holidays, but all the festivities can feel rather empty without the underlying promise of Christmas.   In December, we will revisit the inspiring message of Jesus, who came to fulfill God’s promise of hope, peace, joy, and love.   Discover how the story of Christ’s birth can make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year. November 28 – Advent 1 WORLD: God’s love for the whole world expands our perspective.   We feel concern and a sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of people beyond our immediate circles.   In 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 , Paul urges the church to help those in need beyond their borders.   Do you have friends in other countries? Dec. 5 – Advent 2 GOD LIFTS THE LOWLY : Sometimes the world seems set against us, but God is for us.   In Luke 1:46-55 , Mary gives thanks for God’s promise to bring justice to unjust world.   What uplifts you this season?...

  “Faith & Life” Series Overview In the Wesleyan tradition, faith is about incorporating the gospel of Jesus Christ into our daily lives.   Through personal and communal practices, our faith leads to spiritual growth and service to others.   The stained glass windows in Trinity’s Sanctuary present various biblical and theological beliefs that inspire and inform us.   The north windows focus on basic sources of Christian faith such as the Trinity, the Bible, the Cross, and the Church.   The south windows represent various settings for living faith, including Prayer, Home, Work, and the wider World.   This fall, through the beauty and truths of Trinity’s windows, God can illuminate our inner spiritual lives and encourage us to shine with the light of Jesus Christ. October 3 - World Communion TRINITY : In Jesus Christ, we encounter the divine Three-in-One: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.   The baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17 offers a trinitarian po...