eNews 3.16.2011

ELCA Response:

The ELCA stands in solidarity with its companion on the ground, the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church (JELC), as they assess the safety and security of its members and communities served by the church. Through its predecessor bodies, the ELCA has been present in Japan since 1892 and will accompany the JELC in its planned response to this disaster. Elsewhere in the Pacific region, the ELCA remains in contact with companions in the Pacific Islands, South America and throughout the coastal region of the U.S. to respond as needed to the tsunamis caused by the earthquake.

What you can do:

Pray:

As the news of the earthquake was announced at the leadership conference in Malaysia, a representative from the Australian Evangelical Lutheran Church, a church that has recently had to deal with massive flooding and an earthquake in New Zealand, shared that of all the outpouring of help from the international community received, "prayer was the most important gift." Ally Streed, an ELCA missionary deployed by the Global Mission unit and stationed in Saitama, stated, "Please keep the people of Japan (and just Japan in general) in your thoughts and prayers. This is the biggest earthquake they've seen since the Kobe earthquake of 1995."

Give:

Those who give to shared mission support and ELCA World Hunger are already helping to fund the ongoing work in Japan and the deployment of mission personnel through ELCA Global Mission. Special needs and opportunities have arisen in response to the current crisis. The ELCA invites gifts to ELCA Disaster Response in order to continue its work in Japan and surrounding region.

You may provide support in the following ways:

Give by phone at 800-638-3522

Donate online

Make a check out to HT with 'Disaster Relief' in the memo

Attendance Last Sunday
8:30 - 21; 10:30 - 120

Tonight 7 p.m. - Evening Prayer

Includes homily and favorite songs from Holden Evening Prayer

Volunteer With Other HT Members!

Volunteers are needed on Thursday, March 17 at 6:00 p.m. to help at the Lakeview Pantry, as well as on Saturday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. to serve food at The Crib, a shelter for youth at LakeView Lutheran Church. There will also be another adult volunteer night at PAWS Chicago on March 23, at 6:00 p.m. For more information, head to our volunteer website.

Baptism Seminar--It's for Life!

Baptismal Shell Thursday, May 5, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
This seminar is offered for expectant parents, parents with newborns, those planning a baptism in the coming months, parents or others who would like a refresher on the meaning and theology of baptism. All parents planning to have a newborn baptized are asked to attend this seminar at some point before or after the birth of their firstborn child.

Baptism isn't a one-time event--it's for life! Topics of the seminar will include baptismal theology, the role of parents and sponsors, and scheduling a baptism. For more information talk to Pastor Michelle Miller or e-mail her.

Online Discussion of Rediscovering Values

Has the market become our god? Have we put our trust in things that can't deliver? How does our faith and the practices of Lent provide a counterbalance to the values society has put before us? Discuss our provocative Lenten book Rediscovering Values in an online discussion group.

Follow the below steps to get set up:

1) Follow this link to the group: HTLC Discussion Group.
2) Click "sign in to view this group."
3) Use an existing Google account or create one, it's quick, easy and free. To create an account, click the button, and follow the steps on the next page--you can use any email address you like.
4) Once you finish signing in/up, you should be returned to the group. Simply click on 'Join Group', choose your options, then click 'Join this group'
5) You should see 'HTLC Discussion Group' listed under My Groups now. You can click on a post and reply to discuss on various questions, or start a new topic and ask your own question!
6) Bookmark this page and/or look for the link on Holy Trinity's homepage and in the e-news each week.

If you have any problems with this process (it can be a bit tricky), feel free to call Josh in the office (773.248.1233) or email him.

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. To find out where the next meeting will be click below.

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. Led by Seminarian Steven Dickens.

Sign-up for either group here.

Annual Easter Party

Saturday April 23, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Families with young children are invited to join us for a fun gathering at Holy Trinity. Children and their parent(s) will enjoy the craft activities, decorating Easter eggs, and searching for treasures in the garden. Please e-mail Pastor Michelle Miller if you plan to attend.

Easter Party Volunteers
4 - 6 more volunteers are needed to host the Easter Party. We need craft helpers, egg fillers and hiders, and snack preparers. Having non-parents participate in the celebration enables parents to be with their own children and fully enjoy the party. E-mail Pastor Michelle Miller to volunteer.