Pastor Brian's Blog

  “Faith and Film 2026” Series Summary (May 31-June 28) Movies can be modern parables that reveal our deepest longings, struggles, and hopes. They not only reflect who we are, but they can also offer glimpses of God’s presence in our world.   In our annual Faith and Film series, we will explore how some of this year’s Oscar-nominated films speak to the human desire for healing, justice, and reconciliation.   The films that were chosen by Trinity Wilmette members include Hamnet , F1 Sentimental Value, Train Dreams, KPop Demon Hunters .   They reflect the stories that resonate most with our community. Join us in June as we engage these films through the lens of faith, discovering how they challenge, inspire, and point us toward God’s truth.   May 31 | Trinity Sunday HAMNET : In the wake of devastating loss, Agnes and William Shakespeare embody the disorienting, uneven journey of grief. Their story invites us to honor sorrow not as something to rush past, but ...

“Wholeness of Being” Series Summary for Eastertide (April 12-May 24) Easter reveals God’s commitment to the wholeness of the world.   T heologian Ilia Delio argues that science and faith are not rivals but essential partners in understanding the mystery of life and God's ongoing work.  She says: “We are one body, and we seek one mind and heart so that the whole may become more whole, more personal and unified in love” ( The Unbearable Wholeness of Being ).   Join us this spring as we explore connections between science and faith for a season of becoming whole so that we can live as agents of love’s unfinished future.  Apr. 12 | Easter 2 - Communion  LOVE IS COMMUNITY: One is the loneliest number, according to the 60s ballad.   In Luke 24:13–35 , Jesus accompanies the disciples to Emmaus and eats with them.   Resurrection is discovered in relationships, not isolation.   Delio argues that, in an evolving universe, Christ is found in communal belongi...

  “Healing Wounds” Series Summary (Feb. 18-Apr. 5) What do we do with wounds that won’t close—grief that lingers, shame we carry quietly, a world that feels fragile?   In Lent, we will take those questions seriously through an encounter with Jesus, not as a distant savior but as a wounded healer who knows pain firsthand.   Guided by Erik Varden’s Healing Wounds and a medieval devotional prayer by Arnulf of Leuven, we will linger with Christ’s scarred body and discover how God’s love works not by erasing suffering, but by entering it and transforming it.   Each week, we will recommend a different prayer posture.   Join us this Lent for a season of honest prayer and surprising hope as we open ourselves to the promise that what hurts most can become the place where new life begins. Feb. 18 | Ash Wednesday AFFLICTION: We are wounded people living in a wounded world.   In Mark 8:31-35 , Jesus says that following him means taking up a cross rather than chasin...

  “Breath of God” Series Summary The beginning of a new year can be a time for spiritual renewal.   The Bible speaks of God’s Spirit coming to us in ordinary ways, such as breath, wind, and vibration.   Theologian Grace Ji-Sun Kim suggests that the dynamic presence of God animates creation, empowers justice, and moves through every relationship.   Join us in January and awaken to the renewing work of the Spirit in us all. January 4 | Epiphany Sunday BREATH OF BEGINNINGS: As we start a new year, we return to the very beginning.   In Genesis 1:1–5 , the Spirit of God hovers over the waters.   This same Spirit-breath still moves through all creation and animates every living being.   What would you like to start this year? January 11 | Baptism of the Lord SPIRIT THAT CONNECTS : These days, many people feel isolated.   In Ezekiel 37:1-14 , the Spirit gives life to dry bones.   The same breath that raised Israel’s dry bones to life connects us to...

“His Name Shall Be Called” Series Summary (Advent-Christmas 2025) What's in a name?   This Advent, we will explore how Jesus lives up to the prophetic names he is called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).   Each name reveals the heart of the Savior who was born in Bethlehem yet still shines in our darkness and confusion.   Join us this Christmas to encounter Jesus, because whatever name you use, together we meet the One who is Emmanuel, God with us.   Nov. 30 | First Week of Advent WONDERFUL : In the darkest places of our lives, God shines an extraordinary light.   In Isaiah 9:2–7 , the prophet proclaims the child who will establish God’s kingdom of righteousness and justice.   God’s works far beyond human imagination, and Christ’s incarnation is pure wonder.   Where do you need Christ’s light?   Dec. 7 | Second Week of Advent – Pinkham's Christmas Cantata COUNSELOR : We do not expect great th...

  “Transforming Generosity” Series Summary (November 9-23, 2025) Generosity has the power to reshape us, like soft clay in a potter’s hands.   When we see giving as an investment in God's kingdom rather than merely meeting budgets, we become vessels shaped by divine love.   In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to prioritize the righteousness of God’s kingdom and trust God to provide for our needs as we commit ourselves to the Master Potter's loving work.   Too often, we settle for surviving and let our hearts harden like clay left out in the sun.   Join us this fall as we place ourselves in God's hands and discover the transformative power of generosity.    November 9 | Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time FROM SCARCITY TO ABUNDANCE : Imagine if your “not enough” could become “more than enough” in God’s hands?   Instead of clinging to a fear of scarcity, we can trust in God’s abundance.   In John 6:1-14 , Jesus takes a boy’s small...