Week 1 – The Early Years: God Doesn’t Work for You

Date: August 10
Scripture: Genesis 28:10–22
Summary: Jacob tries to manipulate blessings from God, but this moment at Bethel reveals a deeper truth: God isn’t ours to control. He chooses to bless us, not because of who we are, but because of who He is. This week invites you to move from bargaining with God to simply trusting Him.
Reflection Question: Where in your life have you tried to control or bargain with God? What might it look like to surrender that area to His care instead?

Week 2 – Mid-Life Crises: You Don’t Do Sin, Sin Does You

Date: August 17
Scripture: Genesis 29:15–30
Summary: Jacob, once the deceiver, is now deceived. His story shows how sin has a way of catching up with us, and how God’s grace keeps pursuing us anyway. Even when things are complicated or unfair, God is still at work.
Reflection Question: How have the consequences of past decisions shaped your current season? In what ways is God still showing up for you even in the mess?

Week 3 – Finally Growing Up: Begging for Blessing

Date: August 24
Scripture: Genesis 32:22–33:17
Summary: Alone and afraid, Jacob wrestles with God and refuses to let go without a blessing. That night becomes the turning point of his life. This week explores how God sometimes meets us in our struggles, not to defeat us, but to change us. We don’t earn His blessing, but we learn to cling to Him for it.
Reflection Question: What struggle are you facing right now that feels like wrestling with God? How might God be using that moment to shape or bless you?

Week 4 – Growing Old: The Limp Becomes a Legacy

Date: August 31
Scripture: Genesis 49:1–33
Summary: At the end of his life, Jacob blesses the next generation. His legacy is not perfection, but faith passed on. This final week reminds us that God uses our whole story, limps and all, to impact the people who come after us. God’s grace is bigger than our past and continues through our life and beyond.
Reflection Question: When others look at your life, what kind of spiritual legacy will they see? How can you begin speaking grace and faith into the next generation?

This summer at Trinity, we’re exploring the Psalms of Ascent—ancient songs that guided God’s people on their journey and still speak to us today. Whether you’re traveling, resting, or reconnecting with faith, these psalms will help you tune your heart to God’s presence. Join us for Your Summer Playlist and discover rhythms of honesty, trust, joy, and worship that shape the journey ahead.

 

Start Here (June 1)

Psalm 120

The journey of faith begins with honesty, not perfection. Psalm 120 reminds us that God welcomes us just as we are—even in distress and frustration.

Reflection Question: What would it look like to be completely honest with God this week?

 

Eyes Up (June 8)

Psalm 121

Psalm 121 invites us to lift our eyes from fear to faith. Our help comes from the Lord—ever-present, ever-watching, never sleeping.

Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need to trust God’s protection right now?

 

Let’s Go Together (June 15)

Psalm 122

Worship is a communal celebration, not a solo activity. Psalm 122 reminds us of the joy and strength found in gathering with God’s people.

Reflection Question: Who in your life helps you grow closer to God?

 

Secure and Steady (June 22)

Psalm 125

Even in chaos, we are grounded in God. Psalm 125 paints a picture of His steady, unshakable presence surrounding us like mountains.

Reflection Question: What helps you feel secure in your relationship with God?

 

Overflowing Joy (June 29)

Psalm 126

Psalm 126 is a song of laughter and longing—remembering what God has done and trusting He’ll do it again.

Reflection Question: How has God brought joy into your life, even in hard times?

 

Sow and Build (July 6)

Psalm 127

Psalm 127 teaches us that life without God is empty striving. Our work and rest are both gifts when rooted in trust.

Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need to depend more on God than yourself?

 

The Long View (July 13)

Psalm 129

Psalm 129 doesn’t ignore pain—it testifies to endurance. We can face hardship without defeat when we trust God’s justice.

Reflection Question: How has God helped you keep going through difficult seasons?

 

Fear and Fruitfulness (July 20)

Psalm 128

Psalm 128 shows us that reverence for God shapes every part of our lives. Blessing flows from living in His way.

Reflection Question: What would it look like to honor God more intentionally in your daily life?

 

Blessing on the Journey (July 27)

Psalm 133–134

Psalm 133–134 close the journey with unity, worship, and blessing. The destination isn’t a place—it’s deeper connection with God and His people.

Reflection Question: How are you being called to foster unity and worship in your community?

About Trinity

ONE CHURCH - MANY LOCATIONS

Trinity is a multi-site church: one church with many locations, serving the greater Chicago area. At Trinity, everything we do revolves around Worship, Connect, and Serve. We believe these three paths are key to helping us all grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

All of our worship sites focus on the same Big Idea each week and provide similar creative elements. The difference between the sites and worship settings is the style.

The Church Center App

Looking for some resources to help you go further in your study of Ecciesiates?  There are some helpful videos and book recommendations in the Church Center App for this series.  

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? This May, we’re diving into Abide, a four-week series rooted in John 15 where Jesus gives us a powerful image of discipleship: staying connected to Him like branches to a vine.

 

Remain in Me (May 4th) - Discipleship begins with abiding, not striving

John 15:1–2, 4–6
Jesus begins His teaching with a call to abide—“Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” This image of the vine and the branches sets the foundation for everything that follows. Before He speaks of pruning, obedience, or love, Jesus emphasizes the central truth of discipleship: apart from Him, we can do nothing. The life of a disciple is not about relentless spiritual effort but about ongoing spiritual connection. Fruitfulness is not achieved by trying harder, but by staying close to the source of life.

Abiding is not passive, though—it’s a daily posture of dependence, trust, and relationship. It means staying rooted in Christ through prayer, the Word, worship, and community. When we abide, we draw life from Jesus and become spiritually alive in ways we never could on our own. This first week is an invitation to rest in Him—to make our home in His presence. Before any pruning, before any obedience, before any call to love, we are first and foremost called to remain in Him.

Pruned to Flourish (May 11th) - Pruning is not punishment—it’s preparation

John 15:1–4
Jesus begins this section by declaring, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” It’s a picture of care, connection, and cultivation. Every branch that bears fruit, the Father prunes—not because it’s failing, but because it’s succeeding. This idea is counterintuitive to many of us. When hardship comes, we often assume we’ve made a wrong turn or that God has withdrawn. But Jesus reframes our understanding. He teaches that pruning is not a sign of failure but of fruitfulness. God lovingly removes what is unnecessary, unhelpful, or unhealthy—not to harm us, but to help us grow. The gardener knows what He’s doing. He sees not only what we are but what we can become.

For disciples, this means we must expect and even embrace seasons of pruning. It may be the loss of comfort, a shift in relationships, or a spiritual dry spell. But those very seasons are where God does some of His deepest work in us. He cuts away distractions, attachments, and attitudes that prevent us from bearing the fruit of the Spirit. When we abide in Jesus and trust the Father’s hand, we begin to see that even in our discomfort, God is near. Pruning may hurt, but it’s not rejection—it’s refinement. It’s how we are shaped to look more like Jesus and to bear lasting fruit that glorifies the Father.

Obedience Rooted in Love (May 18th) - Obedience is the fruit of love, not the price for it

John 15:7–11
Jesus says, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love,” and at first glance, that sounds like a conditional statement—as if His love hinges on our performance. But He immediately clarifies: “Just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love.” In other words, obedience is how love expresses itself, not how love is earned. Jesus obeys because He loves the Father, and He invites us to follow His example. The commands of Jesus aren’t arbitrary or oppressive—they’re an extension of His deep care for us. To abide in Him is to trust that His will is good, His Word is true, and His way is life-giving.

Many Christians wrestle with obedience, fearing it will lead them back into a works-based mindset. But Jesus turns that fear on its head. He assures us that His commandments are meant to lead to joy, not guilt. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” In Christ, obedience becomes a response to love, not a prerequisite for it. As we remain in His Word and walk in His ways, we discover a joy that the world cannot give and a freedom that comes from alignment with His heart. True discipleship means learning to trust that the One who commands us also cherishes us.

Friends Who Love Like Jesus (May 25th) - Love is the defining mark of mature discipleship

John 15:13–17

Jesus’ final words in this section shift the tone from command to invitation—from servant to friend. He says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” and then He adds, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” The command He’s speaking of is love. This is not about blind compliance; it’s about shared intimacy. Jesus invites His disciples into a relationship of radical love—a love that lays itself down for others. And then He tells them that this is the mark of friendship with Him: to love one another the way He has loved them.

In the church, we often measure maturity by knowledge, leadership, or spiritual gifts. But Jesus redefines the standard: maturity is measured by love. Love that forgives, serves, sacrifices, and seeks reconciliation. In a divided world, the church is called to be a community of relentless love, bearing witness to the One who laid down His life for us. This week is a call to examine our relationships within the body of Christ. Are we loving well? Are we reconciling when wounded? Are we serving without seeking recognition? Discipleship is not lived out in isolation—it’s lived in community. And in that community, love must lead the way.

About Trinity

ONE CHURCH - MANY LOCATIONS

Trinity is a multi-site church: one church with many locations, serving the greater Chicago area. At Trinity, everything we do revolves around Worship, Connect, and Serve. We believe these three paths are key to helping us all grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

All of our worship sites focus on the same Big Idea each week and provide similar creative elements. The difference between the sites and worship settings is the style.

The Church Center App

Looking for some resources to help you go further in your study of Ecciesiates?  There are some helpful videos and book recommendations in the Church Center App for this series.  

Life is a journey, and Lent is a season where we intentionally walk with Jesus on His road to the cross and beyond. This year at Trinity, we are continuing our journey through the Gospel of Matthew in our Lenten series, Road to Redemption. Each step along the way reveals more about Jesus, His mission, and what it means for us to follow Him.

Let’s take a look at where this road will take us.

Ash Wednesday (March 5) – Starting in the Desert

Matthew 4:1-11

The road to redemption begins in the wilderness. Before Jesus begins His public ministry, He spends 40 days fasting and facing temptation. But unlike us, Jesus overcomes every test. His victory in the desert foreshadows the ultimate victory He will win for us on the cross.

Reflection: As we begin Lent, what distractions or temptations do we need to surrender to God?

Week 1 (March 9) – Divine Detour

Matthew 8:5-17

Not all journeys go as planned. This week, we see Jesus take a divine detour to encounter an unexpected individual—a Roman centurion. Through this encounter, we learn a powerful lesson about faith, humility, and trusting in God’s authority.

Reflection: How has God used unexpected detours in your life to deepen your faith?

Week 2 (March 16) – The Cost of the Journey

Matthew 10:5-42

Following Jesus comes with a cost. In His second major teaching block, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges ahead. He reminds them (and us) that the road of discipleship isn’t easy, but it is worth it.

Reflection: What sacrifices have you made—or need to make—to follow Jesus more fully?

Week 3 (March 23) – Understanding the Journey

Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-52

Jesus teaches in parables—stories with deep truths—to help us understand what God’s Kingdom is like. This week, we’ll explore these stories and why people respond so differently to Jesus’ message.

Reflection: What kind of soil is your heart? Are you open to what God wants to plant in your life?

Week 4 (March 30) – The Best Seat in the Car

Matthew 19:16-20:16

What does it mean to be great in God’s Kingdom? Jesus challenges our assumptions about power, position, and success. He flips our expectations upside down and invites us to serve rather than be served.

Reflection: How do you define greatness? How does Jesus’ teaching reshape that definition?

Week 5 (April 6) – Are We There Yet? (Baptism Weekend)

Matthew 24:1-25:46

As Jesus nears the end of His journey, He speaks about the future—what is still to come and how we should live in the meantime. This passage reminds us that our journey isn’t just about today but also about eternity.

Reflection: How does knowing the destination shape the way you live now?

Palm Sunday (April 13) – Arriving in Jerusalem

Matthew 21:1-17

Jesus finally arrives in Jerusalem, but not in the way people expected. Instead of coming as a conquering king, He rides in on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and revealing the true nature of His mission.

Reflection: Where in your life might you be expecting Jesus to show up one way, but He is doing something different?

Maundy Thursday (April 17) – A Holy Rest Stop

Matthew 26:17-35

Before the cross, Jesus pauses with His disciples for one last meal. He gives them a gift—His body and blood in the bread and wine. This holy rest stop reminds us of His love, His sacrifice, and the promise of His presence with us always.

Reflection: How does Jesus’ sacrifice shape the way you live?

Good Friday (April 18) – An Unexpected Destination

Matthew 26:36-27:61

The journey seems to come to a tragic end. Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and crucified. But even in the darkness of Good Friday, we see that this was always part of the plan. Jesus willingly took this road—for us.

Reflection: Take time today to sit with the weight of the cross. What does Jesus’ sacrifice mean to you?

Easter Sunday (April 20) – A New Beginning

Matthew 28:1-15

What seemed like the end was only the beginning. The tomb is empty, Jesus is alive, and everything has changed! The resurrection is the ultimate victory, proving that redemption is real, and new life is possible.

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection shape your faith and your future?

Week 6 (April 27) – Loved + Sent

Matthew 28:16-20

The journey doesn’t stop at the empty tomb. Jesus gives His disciples—and us—a mission: to go, make disciples, and share His love with the world. We are both deeply loved and sent out with purpose.

Reflection: What steps can you take to live as someone who is both loved and sent?

About Trinity

ONE CHURCH - MANY LOCATIONS

Trinity is a multi-site church: one church with many locations, serving the greater Chicago area. At Trinity, everything we do revolves around Worship, Connect, and Serve. We believe these three paths are key to helping us all grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

All of our worship sites focus on the same Big Idea each week and provide similar creative elements. The difference between the sites and worship settings is the style.

The Church Center App

Looking for some resources to help you go further in your study of Ecciesiates?  There are some helpful videos and book recommendations in the Church Center App for this series.  

What does it mean to live a meaningful life? Our culture offers countless answers—success, wealth, relationships, self-discovery—but often, these pursuits leave us feeling empty. In A Life Worth Living, we’ll explore Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, uncovering how to find true fulfillment by living in light of His Kingdom.

This eight-week series will challenge, inspire, and guide us toward a life that’s deeply rooted in God’s love, wisdom, and purpose. Join us as we discover how Jesus transforms every aspect of life—from our relationships to our priorities—and invites us to experience a life worth living.

Weekly Schedule

Week 1 (Jan. 5th): The Blessed Life

What does it mean to be truly blessed? Jesus redefines “blessed” as a life fully dependent on God, where true satisfaction is found. (Matthew 5:2-16)

Week 2 (Jan. 12th): Living from the Heart

Jesus calls us to a deeper righteousness—one that transforms our hearts and how we see others, addressing issues like anger and lust. (Matthew 5:17-30)

Week 3 (Jan. 19th): Living with Others

How do we love others—even those we disagree with? Jesus teaches us to approach relationships with integrity, generosity, and grace. (Matthew 5:31-48)

Week 4 (Jan. 26th): Living for One

Faith isn’t a performance. Jesus shows us that generosity, prayer, and fasting are about building a genuine relationship with God, not seeking others’ approval. (Matthew 6:1-7, 16-18)

Week 5 (Feb. 9th): A Focused Life

Where is your treasure? Jesus calls us to focus on God’s Kingdom instead of earthly possessions, trusting Him to provide all we need. (Matthew 6:19-34)

Week 6 (Feb. 16th): A Dependent Life

True transformation requires wisdom and humility. Jesus invites us to depend on God for the guidance to see ourselves and others clearly. (Matthew 7:1-12)

Week 7 (Feb. 23rd): A Discerning Life

How do we stay on the right path? By building our lives on Jesus, we can live with wisdom, trust, and discernment. (Matthew 7:13-29)

Week 8 (Mar. 2nd): A Life Worth Living

Jesus teaches us to pray with the Lord’s Prayer—a daily reminder of God’s love, forgiveness, and provision as we live for His Kingdom. (Matthew 6:9-15)

Join us on this journey and discover how Jesus leads us into a life filled with purpose, peace, and joy. Don’t just live—experience A Life Worth Living.

About Trinity

ONE CHURCH - MANY LOCATIONS

Trinity is a multi-site church: one church with many locations, serving the greater Chicago area. At Trinity, everything we do revolves around Worship, Connect, and Serve. We believe these three paths are key to helping us all grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

All of our worship sites focus on the same Big Idea each week and provide similar creative elements. The difference between the sites and worship settings is the style.

The Church Center App

Looking for some resources to help you go further in your study of Ecciesiates?  There are some helpful videos and book recommendations in the Church Center App for this series.  

Series Starts: December 1, 2024 

Week 1: Family

The story of Jesus begins with a genealogy—a reminder that God’s promises are deeply rooted in real people and real history. This week, we’ll discover how Jesus invites us into a new family, one shaped by grace and the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.

Week 2: Presence

In Jesus, God’s presence moved from distant to near, from the temple to among us. Join us as we reflect on how the birth of Christ fulfills God’s promise to dwell with His people in a tangible, life-changing way.

Week 3: Light

In a world filled with darkness, Jesus comes as the Light that cannot be overcome. This week, we’ll explore how His arrival brings hope, clarity, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Week 4: Nations

The birth of Christ is good news for all people, fulfilling God’s promise to bless every nation. Together, we’ll celebrate the global reach of God’s love and our role in sharing His light with the world.

Week 5: Savior

The promises of God find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, our Savior. On Christmas Eve, we rejoice in the One who came to rescue us, bringing peace, joy, and life to all who believe.

About Trinity

ONE CHURCH - MANY LOCATIONS

Trinity is a multi-site church: one church with many locations, serving the greater Chicago area. At Trinity, everything we do revolves around Worship, Connect, and Serve. We believe these three paths are key to helping us all grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

All of our worship sites focus on the same Big Idea each week and provide similar creative elements. The difference between the sites and worship settings is the style.

The Church Center App

Looking for some resources to help you go further in your study of Ecciesiates?  There are some helpful videos and book recommendations in the Church Center App for this series.  

New Series - I'm Glad You Asked

Join us for I'm Glad You Asked, a thought-provoking new series that dives into some of life's biggest and most challenging questions—questions like "Why does God allow suffering?" "Is there real purpose in life?" and "Can we trust the Bible?" Each week offers a safe space to engage in honest dialogue, seek answers, and explore faith with openness. Whether you’re navigating doubts, seeking deeper understanding, or simply curious about what Christianity teaches, this series is for you. Bring a friend, bring your questions, and together we’ll discover hope, clarity, and truth. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to grow and connect!

What does it mean to be a “citizen of heaven” but still be a citizen of the United States? Can we be patriotic and proud of our country and yet remember that our first allegiance is to God? How does a Christian deal with the hostility that seems to weave it’s way through politics in our country today?  

Join us as we explore these questions and more in our series One Nation Under God?

Week 1: Blessed are the Peacemakers

Week 2: Dual Citizenship

Week 3: Obedient Citizens

Week 4: One Nation Under God?

June 9 | Enduring Friendship in a Cancel Culture World

June 16 | Truth

June 23 | Repentance

June 30 | Grace 

This longing to encounter God, especially when He seems so absent, has not dwindled. But where is He? In the ancient world, people would go to Temples, shrines, and other holy places. Today, we try to encounter God through religious experiences and mountaintop retreats, in which we try to get away from the mess and the chaos around us.

But what if God was a lot closer than we might think?  Join us for our series, Nearness to God, starting May 19.

Week 1: Where Is God? (May 19th)

Week 2: Christ in Community (May 26th)

Week 3: The Whole of Creation (June 2nd)