Trinity United Church

Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)

Here is the link for Sunday November 9, 2025 worship service:    https://youtu.be/kUJujxCaruA 

Worship: Sunday November 16, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. 

Scripture to Ponder
Week of November 10

Scriptures for this week:
Isaiah 65:17–25; Isaiah 12:1–6; 2 Thessalonians 3:6–13; Luke 21:5–19

To ponder:
“See, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth.” — Isaiah 65:17
“By your endurance you will gain your souls.” — Luke 21:19

A brief reflection:
Isaiah paints a breathtaking vision of renewal — a world remade by God’s mercy where sorrow ends, work is joyful, and creation lives in harmony. His message was born among the exiled and broken, yet it bursts with hope: God is not finished. The prophet calls us to imagine and participate in this new order — one shaped by justice, compassion, and peace.

Luke brings a sobering counterpoint. Jesus reminds his followers that faith will not protect them from suffering. Temples will crumble, nations will rage, and loyalties will be tested. Yet he commands, “Do not be terrified.” Faith, in this light, is not comfort but courage — a fierce, enduring hope that refuses to yield to fear or hate.

Still today, people are imprisoned for their beliefs, silenced for truth, and persecuted in the name of religion. Yet the gospel whispers:

“Stand firm. Do not be afraid. Speak your truth in love.”

Together, Isaiah’s promise and Jesus’ warning are two sides of one truth:

Old worlds crumble, but God keeps creating.

Faith is not denial of loss — it’s trust that divine love persists through it.

Isaiah points to what God will make new; Luke names what must fall away first. Both invite courage: to endure, to hope, and to participate in the creation God is still unfolding.

Let us pray …
God of courage and compassion,
when fear surrounds us and faith feels fragile,
remind us that your Spirit endures within us.
Strengthen our hearts to speak truth,
to stand for justice, and to live with hope.
May your new creation begin in us today. Amen.