For our July 5 worship service, we invite you to submit a photo of a loved one who has served or is currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Along with an optional photo, please share any details you would like included, such as:
Name, Branch of service, Years of service, Relationship to you, brief memory, note, or message of gratitude.
— Nancy R.
This past Sunday, Ben, Joe, David and I represented the Reconciling Committee and Trinity as we joined over 40 other churches to walk with the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches in Chicago’s Pride Parade. It was my first Pride Parade and the experience was amazing! I’ve been a participant in parades before, usually marching with a band, so I’ve seen joy on people’s faces as the band has played and marched by them. But this experience, although also filled with so much joy, felt completely different.
As I walked with our group, people were cheering, smiling andwaving at us, but if you watched carefully, you could see their faces change when they realized what our group represented – churches who affirm God’s love and acceptance of everyone. Their heartfelt reactions as they saw sign after sign naming welcoming churches in the Chicagoland area were overwhelming. Many people made a heart-shape sign with their hands, sending love to our group. I saw one man seated and eating at an outdoor restaurant while watching the parade, actually stop, stand and applaud us as we all walked by. I saw one woman say “thank you” over and over to our group. You could feel the power of our group’s presence and commitment and the impact it had on so many people.
All of this showed me just how important having a safe place to worship is, and it made me all the more empowered to keep shouting “Happy Pride” and smile and wave to as many people as I could while we walked, to let them know they are seen, they are beautiful and loved. We all chose to walk with the Coalition in the Pride Parade because we wanted to represent Trinity UMC – a place where everyone is fully welcomed, accepted and celebrated.
Explore the Lenten Resources available to you on the Display Table in the Narthex this Sunday. They include:
1. Lenten Bible Study: Join us for this Lenten journey as we examine the seven last words of Christ together. Beginning on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:30 pm in Trinity Hall, we invite you to deepen your connection with Jesus (and each other) over a six-week study using Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross by Susan Robb. Throughout this study, we will reflect on Jesus’ final words from the cross, uncovering their messages of hope, divine love, humanity, and trust during His most vulnerable moments. The book ($12) will be available for pickup at the church office next week.
2. Sanctified Art’s “Wandering Heart…Figuring out faith with Peter” devotional materials include: Daily Devotional Cards with a meditation and prayer each day. Available (changed daily):on our homepage www.trinitymp.orgOR sent in a daily text formatOR take-home card sets (limited number available)For a more in-depth daily dive on “Wandering Heart…Figuring out faith with Peter”, there is a supplemental devotional which includes art, reflections & poetry. There is a sample booklet on display. Sign up early to begin on day one: Feb 18!
See Ann Golding, our interim program facilitator, with interest in joining the volunteer team! Trinity’s Big Faith curriculum plan is organized, and available dates to teach are on a sign-up sheet in the narthex. There are also opportunities to volunteer your time in delivering a Children’s Message on Sunday, if that interests you instead / as well!
