|
|
Double Issue: December 22 and 29, 2010
|
|
|
Reverent
Relevant
Real |
|
eNews
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
|
|
|
|
| Greetings! | |
The streets are empty on Christmas Eve. It's the very best time to find parking on the streets near the church, and throughout the Lakeview neighborhood. It seems that the vast majority of the young adults that live here leave the city to spend Christmas with their families in the suburbs, outlying small towns or other places around the country.
At first I was disappointed that so many people were away at Christmas, but now I am used to it. Last Sunday we bid farewell, knowing that we will see many of you you again for our Christmas/Epiphany service on January 2 or thereafter.
 Living in the city is exciting, but the bright street lights mean we can't see very many stars in the sky. Yet we still sing this line from "O Little Town of Bethlehem": yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For those living amid violence, for those who have recently lost a loved one, and for those whose hearts are weighed down by anxiety, these words hold the hope for a better tomorrow. Though most of us will be gathering with family and friends on Christmas Eve, we give thanks for places like the Night Ministry that provide hospitality and kindness to the nighttime street community, including those who are homeless.
Whatever streets you travel during this Christmas season, may the light of Christ shine upon your path and bring peace to your heart, even as we pray for peace in our world.
A joyous and blessed Christmas to you,
Pastor Craig M. Mueller
Pastor Michelle L. Miller
David Brackley, Minister of Music
Josh Judd-Herzfeldt, Parish Administrator
|
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS AT HOLY TRINITY
| CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, Friday, December 24 ˇ 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Eucharist (especially for families with young children) ˇ 10:00 p.m. The Christ Mass (Festival Eucharist)NO WEDNESDAY SERVICE on December 22 and 29
 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, First Sunday After Christmas
- No 8:30 a.m. service or Sunday School/Forum
10:30 a.m. Eucharist with Holy Baptism
SUNDAY, JANUARY 2, Second Sunday after Christmas
- No 8:30 a.m. service or Sunday School/Forum
10:30 a.m. Festival Eucharist
Join others back from their Christmas journeys. Sing great carols of Christmas. Children's participation. Arrival of the Magi for Epiphany.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5
7:00 p.m. Epiphany Eve Eucharist
|
|
MESSAGE FROM THE TREASURER
|
From Scott Johnson, Congregation Council member and treasurer I love this time of year. Dia and I are both school teachers whose last day of work was on Friday. I've got 180 teenagers who challenged me right up to the very last minute of school and still hung around for an extra hour! Dia dragged herself home late Friday night from the last high school basketball game until the new year We just got done with students, but now we need to Christmas shop, prepare and send Christmas cards and get ready for our annual trip to Michigan...did I mention we need to clean the house to get ready for our annual holiday party for our neighbors? I know you love it as well. On top of that this week each of us got an urgent e-mail from the Church council president about what, the Church is down $13K this year and 40K for next year!...OMG! (Note: though we are often this far behind at the beginning of December, next year's projected income is far below normal because of an unusually number of people moving, retiring or facing changes in their life situations--part of the reality of our young and transient congregation)  I told Dia that I was going to be speaking today and asked her what I should talk about. She said CENTERING. Six years ago when we were church searching, after our first worship service at Holy Trinity, she told me that the search was over.. This is the place! We come back and keep coming back to be centered, to be nourished, and this time of year we come back to wait, not in line at the check-out counter or the post office,...but to wait for the child, the child, born in a manger...To wait for the holy one who nourishes and centers us! Yes, we have some financial issues, and they will be challenges in the weeks and months ahead. If you haven't pledged yet and still wish to do so, we welcome your gifts. If you were fortunate enough to get a year- end cash award we welcome any gift you can provide. To make a donation for 2010, click here.To make a commitment for 2011, click here.Thank you for all your e-mails in response to the e-mail to members last week. Your church council has worked diligently to make sure that this place....this place where we are centered continues to do so. This is my last chance to speak to you as church treasurer and my message is to enjoy the blessings of this place...the joy of the wait! In the mean time allow God to keep you centered. The financial issues will be overcome. I love this time of year and Holy Trinity helps to keep me Centered as I hope it does you. May the blessings of Christmas be with you all.
|
|
 |
| Quick Links |
 |
| CELEBRATIONS | BIRTHDAYS:
Kurt Reichardt 12/24
Peder Sevig 12/27
Steve Hopwood 12/28
Anna-Liisa LaCroix 12/29
Jeff Whitaker 12/29
Ava Duffy 12/30
Caroline Chapon 12/31
Kristi Harreld 12/22
Scott Johnson 12/22
BAPTISMS:
Kara Grimme 12/24
Abigail Egan 12/27
Bob Anderson 12/31
Curtis Lawrence 12/31
Anita Engh 12/31
Chris Hanna 12/31
Heather Kissling 12/31
Mike Schnell 12/31
Lars Stole 12/31
Kathryn Vigen 12/31
ANNIVERSARIES:
|
|
|
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
|
Attendance Last Sunday 8:30 - 18; 10:30 - 144 Holidays In The Church OfficeOur parish administrator, Josh, will be out of the office December 25 through January 4. Any emergencies or problems should be directed to Pastor Craig Mueller. Family Potluck Sunday, January 9 - 5:00 p.m.
Join us for the next family potluck.The atmosphere is casual, food hearty, and the kids love finding new playmates of ALL ages. This event will include a discussion of the VOICES program at Holy Trinity. Childcare will be provided during the conversation so parents can discuss the direction and focus of Holy Trinity's ministry to and with children and families. Set-up and play time from 4:30-5:30, dinner at 5:30, discussion at 6:00. food4thought: Conversation around Tables -
Listening to VoicesSunday, January 16 - 11:45 a.m.
Holy Trinity is a wonderful, diverse and interesting congregation! Come and meet some new people, and share conversation about our church. Why is Holy Trinity important to you? Where is God calling our congregation and where should we put our effort and energy? What are the gifts and needs of our community? We want to hear your voices, and the results will be gathered and used at a "Voices" leadership retreat.  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. Bach for the SemA benefit concert by Chicago-area professional musicians will be held for the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) on January 9, 2011, 4 p.m., at the Church of Saint Luke, 1500 West Belmont. Call 773-256-0712 for tickets. Prices are: adults $18 in advance, $20 at the door, and seniors and students $8 in advance, $10 at the door. In their 17th season this year the ensemble offers the second part of Bach's Christmas Oratorio, a carol setting by Herzogenburg, a new work by composer Robert Buckley Farlee, and a Chicago premier of Thomas Gabriel's jazz setting of "Silent Night" for piano, choir and soprano soloist. (A HTLC staff member will be singing in both concerts) Second Wednesday Event - January 12, 7:30 p.m.Tibetan Bowl Relaxation Session - Terri Drummond
The resonate sound of a Tibetan bowl brings healing, relaxation, a sense of well-being, and a connection to the earth. Participants will be lying down for about 45 minutes; please bring a sleeping bag, yoga mat, comforter and pillows and/or a blanket. Terri Drummond, Cardiac YogaŽ instructor and Reiki practitioner, will lead the session. The relaxation state that is created by the bowls activates the "internal physician" within each person and helps to heal and balance as needed. Please register in advance as there will be a limited number of spots available. Suggested donation: $10-20. Voices: Culminating Retreat
Saturday, January 22, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
After several months of listening together, interviewing members of Holy Trinity and our neighbors and community members, we are ready to gather the responses and develop an umbrella strategy for the next phase of our ministry. Council members, staff, and other leaders who attended the retreat in October will be encouraged to attend; others are welcome as well! To sign-up please e-mail the church office.
|
| LAST SUNDAY'S SERMON |  December 19, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Matthew 1:18-25
Pr. Craig M. Mueller
...We all dream. Sometimes we remember them, sometimes we don't. Sometimes our dreams seem like nonsense. Other times they are nightmares. But did you know that for the ancient Hebrews and early Christians, dreams were the primary way that God spoke to people? In the Hebrew scriptures Joseph was an interpreter of Pharaoh's dreams. And in today's gospel, we have another Joseph. Joseph often plays second fiddle this time of year. Mary will get all the attention in Luke's version of the Christmas story. It's like the children's Christmas pageant in which the boy playing Joseph was sick with nausea, probably from stage fright. A well-meaning Sunday School teacher motioned to a bored shepherd: "Go stand by the manger and be Joseph. No one will know the difference."...
Read the entire sermon here
Listen to the sermon here.
Listen to the entire service here.
|
FURTHER UPCOMING EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEWS
|
PAWS Food Bank Donations Needed PAWS Chicago has a Pet Food Bank to keep pets with their families during these difficult times and out of shelters. So far, PAWS has been able to keep over 400 dogs and cats with their owners, and the numbers grow everyday. To help support this mission during Advent, Team Trinity is having a PAWS Chicago Pet Food Drive. Please bring in any kind of dog or cat food that is unopened and unexpired, cat litter, and newspaper and place it in the collection area in the back of the church through and including New Year's Day. If you have any questions, please contact Beth Morris.
"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, January 16, food4thought - Conversation Around Tables
- Saturday, January 22 - VOICES Retreat, 9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday, February 6, Annual Congregation Meeting
New Members: View pictures/bios of new members from January here, May here, October here, and December 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.
|
CALENDAR
| |
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 and 29
No Wednesday evening service
7:30 p.m. AA (St. Mark's Room)
7:30 p.m. SAA (Passavant Hall)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24
4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Eucharist (for families)
10:00 p.m. The Christ Mass (Festival Eucharist)
The church office will be closed December 25 - January 4 as Josh will be on vacation. Pastor Mueller will be in the office a number of days during that time.
COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday, December 26, 2010 - Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Stephen was a deacon and the first martyr of the church. He was one of those seven upon whom the apostles laid hands after they had been chosen to serve widows and others in need. Later, Stephen's preaching angered the temple authorities, and they ordered him to be put to death by stoning.
Monday, December 27 - John, Apostle and Evangelist
The son of Zebedee and brother of James, John was one of the twelve disciples and witness to the transfiguration. Tradition has named him also the writer of the Gospel of John, the three New Testament letters bearing his name, as well as Revelation.
Tuesday, December 28 - The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
This day commemorates the young children killed by Herod in Bethlehem in his jealous attempt to murder the baby Jesus, a sobering reminder of the evil that led Christ to be born for our salvation.
Saturday, January 1, 2011 - Name of Jesus
By Jewish law, every baby boy was circumcised and named on the eighth day of life, so on the eighth day of Christmas the church celebrates this event in Jesus' life. The keeping of the covenant as well as Jesus' name are signs of God's salvation given to us through him.
Sunday, January 2 - Johann Konrad Wilhelm Loehe, renewer of the church, died 1872
A nineteenth-century German Lutheran pastor, Loehe worked to enliven the church with the eucharist at its center, from which would flow evangelism and social ministry. He sent pastors to North America, Australia, New Guinea, Brazil, and the Ukraine.
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2010 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26481.
|
AMONG OUR COMMUNITY
| Ross Heilbrunn, son of Holy Trinity member Patrice Macken, was joined in marriage to Paulina Restrepo on Saturday, December 18.
Please send news about awards, new positions, life passages and other important events in your lives for this section of our e-news.
|
| IN OUR PRAYERS |
Those ill or in special need: The family and friends of Donald Herzfeldt who mourn his passing; Bob & Carol Stoher; Sam Zangri; Paul Geist III; Christine, friend of Susan Twetten; Mary Cannon; Sam Patitucci; Patti Ann Smith; James Emery; Brent Vicknair; Sam Horcher; 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; Scott Johnson's mother, Virginia Johnson; Chris Stelter's grandmother; Rick Boyum's mother; Victor Jimenez; 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:
- Concordia Lutheran Church, Chicago IL
- Lutheran Church in Chile, Bishop Rolando Holtz
- Central/Southern Illinois Synod, Bishop Warren D. Freiheit
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).
|
 CHECK IT OUT!
| | There is a tendency to want to hurry from autumn to spring, to avoid the long dark days that winter brings. Many people do not like constant days bereft of light and months filled with colder temperatures. They struggle with the bleakness of land and the emptiness of trees. Their eyes and hearts seek color. Their spirits tire of tasting the endless gray skies. There is great rejoicing in the thought that light and warmth will soon be filling more and more of each new day.
 But winter darkness has a positive side to it. As we gather to celebrate the first turn from winter to spring, we are invited to recognize and honor the beauty in the often unwanted season of winter. Let us invite our hearts to be glad for the courage winter proclaims. Let us be grateful for the wisdom winter brings in teaching us about the need for withdrawal as an essential part of renewal. Let us also encourage our spirits as Earth prepares to come forth from this time of withdrawal into a season filled with light.
The winter solstice celebrates the return of hope to our land as our planet experiences the first slow turn toward greater daylight. Soon we will welcome the return of the sun and the coming of springtime. As we do so, let us remember and embrace the positive, enriching aspects of winter's darkness. Pause now to sit in silence in the darkness of this space. Let this space be a safe enclosure of creative gestation for you.
From "Circle of Life" by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr.
|
|
|
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
|
|
Josh Judd-Herzfeldt and Craig M. Mueller
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
|
|
|
|
|
|
