Pastor Brian's Blog

  “Faith and Film 2023” Series Overview Movies are dreams that you never forget, says filmmaker Steven Spielberg.   They can help us see who we are, where we come from, and what we are to do.   They may even reveal something about God.   In our Faith and Film series for June, we will consider the significance of several Oscar-nominated films for 2023, including The Fabelmans , Women Talking , Everything Everywhere All at Once , and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio .   Trinity Wilmette members voted for the movies, and the titles receiving the most votes are included in our series.   Our Faith and Film series invites us to reflect on our search for meaning and struggle for dignity.   June 4 THE FABELMANS: Young Sam Fabelman learns how to see and interpret life through the lens of a camera.   In Mark 10:46-52 , Jesus gives sight to a blind man, and it changes his perspective.   The lens of faith helps us see ourselves and the world as God se...

“Guided by Grace” Series Overview Artificial intelligence can make life simpler but not more meaningful.   As poet George Herbert puts it: “Knowledge is but folly unless it is guided by grace.”   John Wesley teaches that grace is God's unconditional love that enables us to love God, our neighbor, and ourselves.   As a free gift from God, grace can deepen honest faith and make it sturdy.   Like the instinct that draws turtle hatchlings to the sea, grace draws us to life with God.   When we feel lost, alone, or exhausted, we can find hope and significance on the path of Jesus.   Join us this Spring on a journey guided by grace. Apr. 9 -Easter BREAKING OPEN : The pain in our lives can make us bitter, but we really want healing and wholeness.   In Luke 24:1-12 , the women who went to Jesus’ tomb found that the stone at the entrance was removed.   Where they expected death, they found life.   What breaks your heart open? Apr. 16 | Easter 2 REC...

  “At the Cross” Series Overview (Feb. 22-Apr. 6) At the cross, we hear the soldiers’ taunts, feel the weight of a wooden beam, smell the combination of blood, sweat, and tears, and see the hope of those who turn to Jesus when they feel helpless.   Shaped by Amy-Jill Levine’s study Witness at the Cross , our series for Lent confronts us with what happened at the cross through the eyes of those who saw Jesus draw his last breath.   Their witness can help us better understand what kind of witnesses God wants us to be.   Join us this Lent for a season with Jesus at the cross. Feb. 22 | Ash Wednesday SIMON OF CYRENE:   While escorting Jesus to Golgotha, the soldiers compel a man along the way named Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:21).   Is Simon a victim or is he complicit in Jesus’ suffering?   In Luke 9:20-27 , after saying he is on a path of suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they must also take up their cross.   Are you ready t...

“Living with Doubt, Finding Faith” Series Overview Everyone has doubts.   Where is God when bad things happen?   Does God hear our prayers?   Does God really love me?   Is there a heaven?   But questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith but the path to a deeper faith.   Let’s ask the hard questions and wrestle with faith together. Jan. 8 | Baptism of the Lord WHY DO PEOPLE SUFFER?   We feel the unfairness of innocent people who suffer.   We struggle to understand senseless pain.   In John 9:1-7 , Jesus explains why a man was born blind.   Whose suffering upsets you? Jan. 15 IS THE BIBLE TRUE?   God speaks to us through the Bible, which contains all things necessary for salvation.   In 2 Timothy 3:10-17 , Paul teaches about the value of Scripture.   When is the Bible hard to believe? Jan. 22 IS JESUS THE ONLY WAY?   We live in a world of many religions.   Which one is right or are they all true?   In J...