March 2, 2011                                                                                

Holy Trinity Lutheran  Church   





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One Book, One ChicagoThe Chicago Public Library sponsors the "One Book, One Chicago" series which seeks to "cultivate a culture of reading in our city by reinforcing the importance and fun of reading and highlighting the benefits of reading together as a community."

Did you know that for the past eight years Holy Trinity has had a "Book for Lent" series in which our community has read and discussed a book to deepen our spirituality and common faith. This year's book is Rediscovering Values: A Guide for Economic and Moral Recovery. The author, Jim Wallis, has been an integral voice in our country's dialogue in the areas of religion, politics, and social justice.

All of us have been affected by the economic downturn, as it has sometimes been called. Whether struggling with unemployment, the market, housing costs, or balancing saving and spending, it is sometimes challenging to reconcile our spiritual values with the voices of financial advisers, advertisers, family, and friends.

This year we encourage as many of you as possible to read our Lenten book during the coming weeks. Though Ash Wednesday is March 9, get started reading now! (Easter is April 24). We are providing three different discussion groups this year: Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m.; Sundays at noon (following the 10:30 a.m. service); and Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

In addition, being sensitive to busy schedules and to provide opportunities to connect electronically for those preferring this option, we have set up an online Discussion Group. We will provide some quotes and questions for you to read, respond, and engage with one another. We will provide you this information next week.

One last thing: don't forget the spirit of Mardi Gras during these final days before Lent. Have some fun amid the never-ending winter. Treat yourself to something decadent. Revel and make merry!

Pr. Craig M. Mueller

UPCOMING SUNDAY: Transfiguration of Our Lord
TransfigurationToday's festival is a bridge between the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle that comes to a close today and the Lent-Easter cycle that begins in several days. On the mount of transfiguration Jesus is revealed as God's beloved Son, echoing the words at his baptism. This vision of glory sustains us as Jesus faces his impending death in Jerusalem.

We turn this week to Ash Wednesday and our yearly baptismal journey from Lent to Easter. Some churches put aside the alleluia at the conclusion of today's liturgy. This word of joy will be omitted during the penitential season of Lent and will be sung again at Easter.


Schedule this Sunday:
  • 8:30 a.m. - Simple Eucharist
  • 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
  • 9:30 a.m. - Adult Forum and Sunday School
  • 10:30 a.m. - Sung Eucharist and Burial of the Alleluia 
    • Music: Choir
Sunday Forum

This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day
Seminarian Steven Dickens - 9:30 a.m. (St. Mark's Room - upstairs)

Come Discuss the texts for Sunday.

Lessons for Next Sunday

Prayer of the Day
O God, in the transfiguration of your Son
you confirmed the mysteries of the faith
by the witness of Moses and Elijah,
and in the voice from the bright cloud
declaring Jesus your beloved Son,
you foreshadowed our adoption as your children.
Make us heirs with Christ of your glory,
and bring us to enjoy its fullness,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
In This Issue
New And Noteworthy
Upcoming Events, Opportunities, and News
Calendar
Article Headline
Quick Links
VolunteerHub
CELEBRATIONS
BIRTHDAYS:
Evelyn Kreiter  3/04
Dee Downing  3/07
Felisa Leisinger  3/09

BAPTISMS:
Kristi Harreld  3/5
Marikka Pretz Anderson  3/7

ANNIVERSARIES:
Bob & Mary Nack  3/6
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
Attendance Last Sunday
8:30 - 20; 10:30 - 120

Tonight 7 p.m. -
Contemplative Service of the Word

Join us for at time of contemplation and meditation as we sing hymns, meditate, and reflect on scripture.

Commitment Ceremony on Saturday
The Holy Trinity community is invited to Pastor Mueller and Ernest Vasseur's commitment ceremony this coming Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Childcare will be provided from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. We anticipate many guests and parking may be hard to find; please allow enough time, or consider carpooling or taking public transportation.  


EVERYONE is welcome to the ceremony at 3:00 p.m. Based on the enthusiastic response from Holy Trinity members, family and friends by the RSVP date, Passavant Hall has reached its capacity, though it is possible that some guests may leave as early as 5:00 p.m. and space may be available for you.

 
Ash Wednesday, March 9 

7:00 p.m. -Liturgy of the Word and Imposition of Ashes

Ash







Sacred Texts Conference - March 13

Sunday, March 13, 1 - 4 p.m. A Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice will be hosting its sixth annual Sacred Texts Conference, examining the role Jerusalem plays in several of the world's major faiths. The free conference, "Sharing Jerusalem as a Path toward Peace," will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 200 N. Catherine Avenue, in La Grange, IL. Presenters for the day are Peter Knobel, Rabbi Emeritus of Beth Emet the Free Synagogue; Dr. Carol Schersten LaHurd, an interfaith lecturer at LSTC; and Dr. Ghada Talhami, Professor Emerita of politics at Lake Forest College. The speakers will describe how each tradition's sacred scriptures contribute to the role that Jerusalem plays in the faith and imagination of believers, and explore how Jerusalem might be seen as a meeting place for peace rather than a place of conflict. For more information about the conference contact Sara Trumm, CCME program coordinator, by email or 773-256-0708.

Two Young Adult Lenten Groups 

This Lent Holy Trinity is offering two discussion groups especially for young adults in their 20's and 30's.
1. BIBLE AND LIFE: Tuesday evenings
Does the Bible contradict itself?  Why did only these gospels make the cut?  Did Paul really say that?? This Bible study will examine how we read scripture and use it in our everyday lives.  We will look at our sacred texts with both critical and faithful eyes.  We will discuss the broad biblical canon as well as specific texts.  Bring your tough questions and be ready for challenging answers. This group will have its first meeting in the St. Mark's Room at church and will subsequently meet weekly in participants' homes during Lent. Leader: Seminarian Cuttino Alexander. First meeting: Tuesday, March 15, 7:00 p.m. 

 

2. BOOK DISCUSSION ON REDISCOVERING VALUES: Sundays at noon

Read and discuss Holy Trinity's book for Lent, Rediscovering Values. We will meet Sundays after church beginning March 13. We will discuss meal options at the first gathering. Led by Seminarian Steven Dickens.

Sign-up for either group at the back of the church or
here.  

Help Team Trinity

Kimmie LouTeam Trinity is raising money for Kimmie Lou, a three-year-old American Bulldog mix from PAWS Chicago. She was brought in as an extremely malnourished stray who has a very sweet disposition. Now, to finish her healing process, she needs leg surgery. Her costs will be around $2000.

In order to finance her surgery and recovery, we will be sponsoring two fundraisers:

  • On Sunday, March 27th, we will be holding a bake sale in between and after services.
  • On Thursday, April 7th, we will be hosting an event at Small Bar at 1415 W. Fullerton. $20 at the door gets two-$5 drinks and an appetizer spread.

If you would like to volunteer baked goods or have any questions, please email Beth Morris.

 
LAST SUNDAY'S SERMON

WorryFebruary 27, 2011
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany
Seminarian Steven Dickens

WORRY BACK AND FORTH

When I was growing up, especially during my teenage years, I found myself getting into mischief. My mother, being very perceptive, would usually figure out that something was going on. The pace of her rocking chair doubled as I hurried toward the door. "

Don't worry mom... everything's going to be fine," I'd say.

"But I'm a mother," my mom always replied back, "worrying is what I do best!"

I think we all worry. Each of us has areas of stress, or concern, or people, or situations, or even things that we worry over. But in today's Gospel, we have Jesus saying, "Do not worry."

Read the rest of the sermon here
Listen to this sermon here
Listen to the entire service here 

FURTHER UPCOMING EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEWS
Books Available: Rediscovering Values

Each year Holy Trinity designates a book for our community to read together in Lent. Lent is still a month away, but we want you to get a head start on reading this wonderful book! Through a special sale we were able to get the hardbound books for $10. They are available at the back of the church! There will be several discussion options offered during Lent.

wallisRediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street and Your Street.
By Jim Wallis, bestselling author, public theologian, and international commentator on religion and public life.
Wallis invites us to use our economic uncertainty to find moral clarity. Too often we have been ruled by the maxims that greed is good, it's all about me, and I want it now. Those can be challenged only with some of our oldest and best values--enough is enough, we are in it together, and thinking not just for tomorrow but for future generations. Wallis challenges us to wrestle with the questions of values together: as families, friends, churches, mosques, synagogues, and entire communities.    

PARTICIPATE IN A LENTEN DISCUSSION GROUP on

Rediscovering Values:

1) Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. as part of the Sunday forum; beginning Sunday, March 13
2) Sunday noon - Special young adult (20's/30's) group, discuss over lunch after church; beginning Sunday, March 13; more information above
3) Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - for those free on Thursday mornings; beginning Thursday, March 10 

 


New Meditation Group Beginning at Holy Trinity

An existing meditation group will begin meeting at Holy Trinity every Monday at 7:00 p.m. beginning March 7. Holy Trinity members and friends are welcome! You are welcome as a beginner or as an experienced meditator trained in a specific method. Meditation brings a greater sense of peace, equanimity and physical health. The group uses the teachings of Buddhist writers to enhance an understanding of meditation, but there is no expressed requirement that you espouse any particular method, belief or faith tradition. They borrow liberally from them all in an attempt to enhance our own ability to navigate life through spirituality. Try the group out and see where it takes you with a meditation practice. The 90 minute session includes a check-in, two meditation periods, and a short teaching. If you prefer to sit on the floor for meditation, please bring your own cushion, blanket, yoga mat or foam blocks-
-whatever it is that makes you most comfortable when you sit. There are folding chairs there for those who prefer to sit in a chair. This is a drop-in group and you can attend as you are able. For more information, and to RSVP through the website for each session, click here  


Support Music at Holy Trinity

Help support the music ministry at Holy Trinity and the 2011 music series! Write a check to Holy Trinity with "Music Series" on the memo line, or give online now. Special music events this year:

  • Schubert Mass in G and more on March 20 
  • Brass quartet at both Easter services
  • Vocal recital by Dr. Steven Lancaster (teacher of vocal studies at Notre Dame)
  • Annual Advent Lessons and Carols
"Team Trinity"

Please consider joining Team Trinity today! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Check out Volunteer website 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!

VolunteerHub

Dates to Remember:

New Members: View pictures/bios of recent new members: October here, December here, February here.
Next Baptism Dates: May 15, June 26, August 21, October 23, December 4. More info.
Next New Member Orientation Date: 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, MARCH 2
    7:00 p.m.  Contemplative Service of the Word
    7:30 p.m.  AA & SAA (St. Mark's Room & Passavant Hall)
SATURDAY, MARCH 5
    3:00 p.m.  Mueller-Vasseur Commitment Ceremony
SUNDAY, MARCH 6
    8:30 a.m.  Simple Eucharist
    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal
    9:30 a.m.  Adult Forum and Sunday School
    10:30 a.m.  Sung Eucharist and Burial of the Alleluia
MONDAY, MARCH 7
    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9
    7:00 p.m.  Ash Wednesday Service
    7:30 p.m.  AA & SAA (St. Mark's Room & Passavant Hall)

 

COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK

Wednesday, March 2 - John Wesley, died 1791; Charles Wesley, died 1788; renewers of the church
These brothers led a revival originally intended to remain within the Church of England, one that involved frequent communion and advocacy for the poor. Except for a brief time in America, they worked in England. Charles was also a prolific hymn writer. After their deaths, their work led to the formation of the Methodist Church.

Monday, March 7 - Perpetua and Felicity and companions, martyrs at Carthage, died 202
Vibia Perpetua was a noblewoman, and Felicity her slave, who were catechumens at Carthage, northern Africa. They, with four other catechumens, had defied the Roman emperor who had forbidden conversions to Christianity, and were put to death in the amphitheater.

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
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: Amy Rouce's father, Phil, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer; Mary Nack and family, grieving the death of her mother; Kathy Lund, those struggling with infertility; Susan Pare, Bruce Beal's mother; Tish Depner and her family; Paul Hanson; Tish Depner, friend of Greg Zinkl; Liam Anderson; Victims of the shooting in Tuscon, Arizona and their families; our political leaders and our country; 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; 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, congress and judges; 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:
  
  • Faith Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madhya Pradesh, Bishop Dr Emmanuel Panchoo 
  • Southeast Michigan Synod, Bishop Stephen G. Marsh 
Ministries Supported by Holy Trinity: ELCA World Hunger Appeal; RefugeeOne; Lakeview Action Coalition; Lakeview Pantry; The Crib; 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!
Praying the News: for Libyan Refugees


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