Pastor Brian's Blog

We all have dreams.   They may be comforting or confusing.   Eleanor Roosevelt said: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”   The ancients believed that dreams are messages from God.   Join us in July as we explore dream messages in the Bible and how our dreams can empower us today. July 2 DREAMERS : Dreams affect all of us; sometimes they are good, sometimes they are bad. Dreams can be vehicles of messages you may not perceive in your waking hours--from yourself or even from God.   In Matthew 27:15-23 , Pilate’s wife has a disturbing dream with an important message.   When has a dream deeply affected you? July 9 DREAMS ARE JUST A START : In Joel 2:28-29 , the prophet says that God’s Spirit will empower all people to dream dreams and see visions.   If we listen to the Holy Spirit, it will guide us along paths aligned with God to the benefit all Creation and all peoples.   When have you dreamed of better worl...

  “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...