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eNews
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
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| Greetings! | |
What are you listening to these days?
There are voices telling us to shop more and buy more. There are inner voices reminding us of expectations for the month and for the holidays ahead. Maybe you have conflicting voices--a part of you wants to make the month of December less crazy, and another part of you doesn't how that is possible.
As the days grow darker and shorter, nature itself invites us to go inward and listen for our inner voice, a truth deep within us that will guide us not only through the season ahead, but throughout the year. It's hard to hear that voice, though, when we live with wall-to-wall sound: iPods, radios, television, computers, and cell phones.
I invite you to carve out some times of silence during these beautiful Advent days. Turn off all your gadgets. Savor the stillness. Read. Pray. Wait. Journal. Meditate. Draw. Walk. Paint. Listen. Pay attention to the darkness and light. Notice the changes in the season.
We are listening together on Advent Sunday mornings. We will hear the voices of Jesus, Isaiah, John the Baptist, and the angel Gabriel, to name a few. What is God saying to them in the sacred texts? What is the Spirit saying to us, as individuals and as a Holy Trinity community?
 Listening is hard work. We are in the midst of our "Voices" discernment process at Holy Trinity. We are listening to each other. We are listening to voices in the Lakeview community and other neighborhoods. We want to listen carefully, eager to discern what the Spirit is saying to us. We are deeply blessed as a congregation and we take seriously how God will lead us to whatever is next for us a community of faith.
Worship is the principle way we listen together. Make it a priority this Advent.
Pr. Craig Mueller
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UPCOMING SUNDAY - Advent II
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 At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the light of Christ's coming. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord's table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near. Schedule this Sunday:- 8:30 a.m. - Simple Eucharist
- 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
- 9:30 a.m. - Holiday Fair Trade Bazaar
9:30 a.m. - Adult Forum and Sunday School - 10:30 a.m. - Sung Eucharist
11:45 a.m. - food4thought:
Leap of Faith: A Journey from Marketing and Meetings to the Mountains of Montana What is it like to drop everything for a chance to follow a life dream? This spring Sarah Hanson decided to leave her marketing communications position to pursue her long-time passion for photography. Recently back from a five-month intensive training course in Missoula, Montana, Sarah Hanson will share photos, stories and lessons learned from taking a leap of faith in the quest for a new career.
Menu
- Roast Pork Loin with Sage, Rosemary and Brandy-Mustard Sauce; Vegetarian option as well
- Squash Puree
- Winter Greens Salad with Cranberries and Candied Walnuts
- Homemade Bread
Sunday ForumThis Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day
Seminarian Steven Dickens
9:30 a.m. (St. Mark's Room - upstairs) Lessons for Next Sunday
Prayer of the Day
Stir up our hearts, Lord God,
to prepare the way of your only Son.
By his coming nurture our growth
as people of repentance and peace;
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. |
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| CELEBRATIONS | BIRTHDAYS:
Ron Bogan 12/01
Rose Cline 12/01
Bruce Beal 12/02
Leslie LeSage 12/02
Kara Grimme 12/03
Kelly Duncombe 12/04
Grant Peterson 12/04
Megan Whitaker 12/06
Kristin Kenefick 12/09
Doug MacCallum 12/09
BAPTISMS:
Jessica Sime 12/1
Alison Strickler 12/1
David Easterbrook 12/2
ANNIVERSARIES:
Dorothy Klefstad 12/1 |
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NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
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Attendance Last Sunday 8:30 - 28; 10:30 - 122 Tonight, 7:00 p.m. Advent Vespers Service
Holiday Fair Trade Bazaar This exciting sale will be after each service on December 12, and in between services on December 5. This year we will be offering hand-selected goods from SERRV through the Lutheran World Relief Handcraft Project - Divine Chocolate advent calendars, toys for kids, cards, serving pieces, jewelry, ornaments and more! By buying Fair Trade you are supporting a more equitable distribution of the world's resources, promoting global economic stability and world peace. So give your loved one a beautiful hand-made item AND the gift they've always wanted: a bit of Peace on Earth.
 Take the Voices Online Survey
If you have not taken the Holy Trinity online survey, click here. It will take 5 - 10 minutes. All the responses will be used at a leadership retreat on January 22, 2011 as we develop an umbrella strategy to guide our future planning.
 Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 12 @ 4:00 p.m.
Come for an extraordinary musical service
Featuring our own choir and string ensemble
Sing some great hymns of Advent
Find some quiet space in the pre-holiday rush
Share the good news: invite someone to join you!
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ADVENT AT HOLY TRINITY
|  SUNDAYS IN ADVENT 8:30 a.m. Simple Eucharist 9:30 a.m. Sunday Forum Dec. 5 - This Sunday - discussion of scriptures for the day Dec. 12 - Icons: Touching the Sacred Dec. 19 - Annunciation to Joseph 10:30 a.m. Sung Eucharist and Blessing of the Advent Wreath WEDNESDAYS IN ADVENT- (Worship at 7:00 p.m.) December 1 - Advent Vespers December 8 - Contemplative Eucharist December 15 - The O Antiphons (service of prayer and song; the O Antiphons are the basis of the beloved hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.") Music by the St. Cecilia Consort, recorder ensemble. *** NO WEDNESDAY service on December 22 and 29.***LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR ADVENT Sunday, December 12, 4:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, Friday, December 24 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Eucharist (especially for families with young children) 10:00 p.m. The Christ Mass (Festival Eucharist) GIVING OPPORTUNITIES DURING ADVENT - Food for the Lakeview Pantry (most needed items: peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna, juice, canned meats, canned soups/stews, canned fruit, canned beans/chili).
- Donations to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal (click on "Donate Now" on our website or checks may be written to Holy Trinity)
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| food4thought | 
food4thought: this coming Sunday!
Select Sundays, 11:45 (following the 10:30 a.m. service)
Meet some of the great people of Holy Trinity
Enjoy a healthy, delicious meal
Engage a stimulating topic
The meals prepared for food4thought support local farmers, educate volunteers from the congregation in healthful cooking, and help us care for creation through organic and sustainable food systems. We still need help with the following:
- Help with the cooking and learn some new recipes/techniques with our chef, Matthew Peterson. Attend the 8:30 am service, and help prepare the meal from 9:15 - 11:45 a.m. (Four volunteers needed)
- Help clean-up from 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. (four persons)
Sign-up for one of the above.
Leap of Faith: A Journey from Marketing and Meetings to the Mountains of Montana
See description and menu under "Upcoming Sunday" above
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| LAST SUNDAY'S SERMON | |
 Advent 1
November 28, 2010
Seminarian Cuttino Alexander
I have a confession to make today. I am not nor have I ever been a . . . morning person. I hate getting out of the bed. Now, I know there are those here today who get up at the crack of dawn, go for a run, walk the dog, brew some coffee and read the news all before I roll over and hit the snooze button. I envy you. I want to be you so much . . . but . . . the bed is so warm and cozy and I just want to sleep a little bit longer. When I finally get out of bed, I am cranky, I am groggy, I am miserable.
You non-morning people, like me, may come to this morning's texts with a bit lingering of grumpiness. Paul tells us to "wake up from sleep" and Jesus urges us to "keep awake." It's Advent . . . where's our warm, cozy wait for the Christ child?
Instead, Jesus hits us with a splash of cold water: Wake up! The Son of Man is coming. Wake up! Don't be swept away by the flood. Wake up! I'm coming like a thief in the night. Judgment, wrath and death. Is this why we got out of bed today? Read the rest of the sermon here
Listen to the sermon here.
Listen to the entire service here.
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FURTHER UPCOMING EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEWS
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Thrivent Financial ElectionsSunday December 5th Holy Trinity will be the polling place for the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans North Cook County-Chicago Chapter Leadership Board. All Thrivent Financial Members are eligible to vote for the leaders of this important organization. Ballots will be available in the back of the church following each worship service. If you have any questions please contact Tim Peterson by email or phone (312-663-3917).
Advent Meditations with a Holy Land Theme "Prince of Peace" 2010 Advent/Christmas Sunday Reflections from Christians in the Holy Land - link
Journey to Bethlehem in Advent by Denver ELCA lay leader Jan Miller - link
Share worship with Christians in BethlehemSaturday Dec. 18, 10:00 a.m. ET, simulcast service from Washington National Cathedral and Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, featuring Lutheran and Episcopal leaders from the U.S. and Palestinian churches (details) (link to live webcast).
Apollo Chorus Presents Handel's MessiahWhat better way to spend an Advent afternoon than meditating on the prophecies about the Messiah's coming and His passion, set to beautiful music? The Apollo Chorus of Chicago presents Handel's Messiah in its entirety, with fantastic soloists and orchestra musicians, on Saturday Dec. 11 at 3:00 at Orchestra Hall and Sunday Dec. 19 at 3:00 at Harris Theatre. It's a Chicago tradition dating back to 1879. And great discounts are still available if you subscribe to Apollo's full season, which also includes the magnificent German Requiem by Brahms and a Cathedral Concert in the spring called All Things Bright and Beautiful. To learn more and order tickets, check out the website or call 312-427-5620. Holy Trinity members Beth Milnikel and Paul Reineck sing with Apollo and would love to have you in the audience! PAWS Chicago Opportunity Each December, PAWS has an adopt-a-thon, and in anticipation of the large numbers of cats and dogs adopted, PAWS taps its foster network for people to care for dogs and cats before the adopt-a-thon. Fostering would be for a finite period of time (probably 2-4 weeks), and there is no obligation to do more, although people are obviously welcome to continue fostering if they wish. You can request dogs or cats of specific sizes, can already have pets or not have pets, and/or request pets that are child friendly, even for different age groups (eg, a dog great with kids 10+ but not preschoolers, cats who love to be around babies, etc.). If the pet has any medical conditions PAWS covers the cost of treatment.
If people are interested, they would need to attend a foster orientation and fill out an online application. However, PAWS said if we get 12 or more adults from Holy Trinity who are interested, then they will set up a special session for us. If we have fewer than 12, then Beth Morris can work with congregants to get them into the foster network. With questions, contact Beth.
"Team Trinity"Please consider joining Team Trinity today! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Check the 'Team Trinity' site for upcoming opportunites. It is Holy Trinity's goal to register as many members on-line to assist in helping with our ministry projects within the community. Simply log-in now and sign-up online to volunteer today: http://holytrinity.volunteerhub.com. Let's serve those in need together! Dates to Remember:- Sunday, December 5 - Food4thought - Leap of Faith (11:45 a.m.)
- Sunday, December 12 - Lessons and Carols for Advent (4:00 p.m.)
- Saturday, January 22 - VOICES Retreat (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
New Members: View pictures/bios of new members from January here, May here, and October here. Next Baptism Dates: Jan. 9, Feb. 27, Apr. 23, 2011. More info.Next New Member Orientation Dates: Jan. 30, May 1, 2011. More info.Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Wed., 1:00-8:00 p.m.; and Sun., 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
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CALENDAR
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1
10:00 a.m. Revelation Bible Study - Rossing Ch. 6
7:00 p.m. Advent Vespers
7:30 p.m. AA (St. Mark's Room)
7:30 p.m. SAA (Passavant Hall)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
10:00 a.m. Advent Breadbaking Retreat - cancelled
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5
8:30 a.m. Simple Eucharist
9:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Holiday Fair Trade Bazaar
9:30 a.m. Adult Forum, Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Sung Eucharist
11:45 a.m. food4thought - Leap of Faith
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8
10:00 a.m. Revelation Bible Study - Rossing Ch. 6
7:00 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist
7:30 p.m. AA (St. Mark's Room)
7:30 p.m. SAA (Passavant Hall)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9
7:00 p.m. Congregational Council
7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK
Friday, December 3 - Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, died 1552
A native of the Basque region of Spain, Xavier became a missionary to India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Philippines. He also helped to found the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
Saturday, December 4 - John of Damascus, theologian and hymnwriter, died around 749
A monk in an abbey near Jerusalem, John wrote many hymns as well as theological works. One of his works, The Fount of Wisdom, remained influential for centuries.
Monday, December 6, 2010 - Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, died around 342
Little is known about Nicholas, except that he was a bishop in present-day Turkey. According to legend, he was famous for his giving to the poor, and so has become a symbol of anonymous gift-giving.
Tuesday, December 7 - Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, died 397
While a governor of northern Italy, Ambrose was elected bishop of Milan on the same day he was baptized. He was a famous preacher, a writer of hymns we still sing today, and helped lead St. Augustine to faith.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2010 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26481.
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| IN OUR PRAYERS |
Those ill or in special need: Christine, friend of Susan Twetten; Mary Cannon; Sam Patitucci; Samuel Zangri; Patti Ann Smith; James Emery; Brent Vicknair; Sam Horcher; Leon Steven's father, John Stevens; Colin and Veronica Fiegel; Sam and Ang Zangri; Mark Sauer; Barbara Wahler's friend, Jim Haring; Jen Hopwood's friend Gabrielle; Bill Glawe, Garrett Glawe's grandfather; The Levine family; Alan Stang, Jeff Stang's father; Paul Weber; Kate; Scott Johnson's mother, Virginia Johnson; Chris Stelter's grandmother; Rick Boyum's mother; Victor Jimenez; Jonathan Chell's friend, John; Vivian Carter; Marji Shannon's sister; Ken Duckmann's nephew, Anthony Drago.
Those in leadership: President Barack Obama and members of congress; Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and Metropolitan Chicago Synod Bishop Wayne Miller; the pastors, staff and congregation council at Holy Trinity.
Serving in the Military: Benjamin Brackley, in Afghanistan.
Metropolitan Chicago Synod Prayer Rotation:
- Christ Lutheran Church, Vernon Hills, IL
- Evangelical Lutheran Church of Congo, Rev. Joseph Tchibinda Mavoungou
- Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, Bishop Michael W. Rinehart
Ministries Supported by Holy Trinity: ELCA World Hunger Appeal; RefugeeOne; Lakeview Action Coalition; Lakeview Pantry; Lakeview Shelter; Lutherans Concerned; The Night Ministry; Christian Peacemaker Teams; Arise Chicago; Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches; The Lutheran Volunteer Corps; Anti-Racism Team of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod; Holy Family Lutheran Ministries; Lutheran Youth on the Northside (LYONS).
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 CHECK IT OUT!
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"The seasons of Advent and Christmas offers us ample opportunities to embrace the spiritual practices of waiting, patience, hope, and joy. These are wise teachers but they come to us during the rush and clamor of the holiday season, a time when many of us are overwhelmed with obligations and extra work.
 Instead of caving in to the stress of the holidays, let us stop briefly during Advent and the twelve days of Christmas to refresh our mind, body, and soul with inspirational quotations that show us another path through the season."
Make it part of your Advent "listening." New Advent inspiration quotes posted each day at the Spirituality and Practice website.
Check it out.
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AMONG OUR COMMUNITY
| Congratulations to Dan McAdams on the publication of a new book, George W. Bush and the Redemptive Dream: A Psychological Portrait. Read more.
John Robert Reineck, son of Paul and Jessica Reineck, was baptized on November 27 at Holy Trinity.
Please send news about awards, new positions, life passages and other important events in your lives for this section of our e-news.
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HOLY TRINITY E-NEWS is the weekly electronic newsletter of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chicago. To unsubscribe click on "safeUnsubscribe" below. E-newsletter submissions and prayer requests should be sent to office@htchicago.org by Monday at 4:00 p.m.
Website: www.holytrinitychicago.org
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Josh Judd-Herzfeldt and Craig M. Mueller
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
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