NEXT TWO SUNDAYS 

June 19 - Holy Trinity Sunday
Though the word trinity is not found in the scriptures, today's second reading includes the apostolic greeting that begins the liturgy: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. In the gospel Jesus sends his disciples forth to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. More than a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in word and sacrament, as we profess the creed, and as we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith.

• 8:30 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• Music: Choir
• 10:30 a.m. - Coffee Fellowship in Garden (Weather Permitting)

The welcome of baptism is for all God's children. This baptismal gift sets us free from the power of sin and death. In today's gospel, Christ promises that the disciple who gives a cup of cold water to the little ones serves Christ himself. From worship we are sent on our baptismal mission: to serve the little ones of this world and to be a sign of God's merciful welcome.

• 9:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• Music: Cantor
• 10:30 a.m. - Coffee Fellowship in Garden (Weather Permitting)

Weekly readings 

June 5, 9:30 - 118
June 12, 9:30 - 144

Take a break from the busy city life, and join us for this simple, contemplative eucharist amid the Easter candle and flowers.

Would you be interested in watching a film together and then discussing some of its spiritual themes? A new Film and Spirituality group will meet every other month, and a kick-off event is planned for Sunday, July 10, 6:00 p.m. upstairs in Passavant Hall. Please bring a salad, fruit, or healthy snacks to share. We will watch the provocative film Lars the Real Girl, in which a delusional man has relationship with a life-sized doll and becomes an opportunity for those who know him to become a community of care and support. Even if you've seen the movie, it's one to see again! Following a brief discussion led by Pastor Mueller we will also discuss format and schedule for future events. If you are unable to attend this event, but interested in the group, let Pastor Mueller know and we'll get some of your ideas.

Mom's Night Out for a Little BS 

Got kids? Join us for Bible Study and discussion the 2nd Friday of each month. Mark your calenders now for July 8th and RSVP to Becki Fiegel if you plan to attend. She will provide you with the address, directions and additional information, if needed.

August 22-26 @ Lakeview Lutheran Church
Summer is just around the corner, and we are planning a very exciting Vacation Bible School (VBS) experience. Are you looking for a safe, friendly, and fun environment for your kids? Then sign up today for Vacation Bible School! This fun-filled VBS is for everyone between the ages of 4 and 12. This year, three Lakeview churches are participating and will meet at Lakeview Lutheran Church at 835 West Addison. The program begins on August 22nd and continues through August 26th, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

Together we will explore the bible and discover ways to celebrate who we are as God's creation and what it means to be blessed. All participants must pre-register by August 12. Cost per child is $15 to help cover expenses. If you are unable to pay the fee, please speak with your pastor about a scholarship. Register on-line now.

Pastor Mueller will lead a retreat for LGBT folks / supporters on Saturday, August 27, at Holy Wisdom Monastery north of Madison, WI. The retreat is from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and there is a guest house available for those who would like to stay overnight or stay for a longer time. "We often turn inward to reflect on our lives; and a number of spiritual paths and practices assist us on the journey. We who are LGBT often bring unique stories, challenges or struggles related to family, religion or society, and though there has been much movement in the past decade, we are in different places in being able to be "out" about our identity. Whether LGBT or supportive, come and reflect, share stories, and learn ways to be brought in to a deeper spiritual life even as we seek to be more out and fully ourselves in our everyday lives and relationships." For more information about the retreat or to learn more about this fascinating ecumenical community, go to this link.  

During the summer the e-news comes out bi-weekly. Look for double issues every two weeks!

Meditation Group at Holy Trinity

Mondays at 7:00 p.m. You are welcome as a beginner or as an experienced meditator trained in a specific method. This is a drop-in group and you can attend as you are able. For more information, and to RSVP for each session, click here  

"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!

 

New Members: View pictures/bios of recent new members: May here, February here, December here, October here.

Next Baptism Dates: June 26, August 21, October 23, December 4. More info.

Next New Member Orientation Date: Sept 25, Nov 20.  More info.

 

Office Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Wed., 12:00-7:00 p.m.; and Sun., 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 

• Two new Bible studies have started since Voices began-one for young adults and one for moms. Contact Josh for more information at office@htchicago.org.
• Do you have a great idea for fellowship? Let us know, and we will help you advertise it to other Holy Trinity members.

June 5, 2011
Easter 7
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

UP IN THE AIR

Let's play Family Feud. Or something like it. There's just one question. And two people from the same family playing against each other. And it's not based on a survey of 100 people. Top six answers, well, the ones I thought of...

Reasons People Look Up in the Air:
1. To look at clouds/sun/stars
2. To watch a plane take off
3. To look at fireworks
4. To catch a fly ball
5. To fly a kite
6. To look at a rainbow

Are there other times you look up into the air? Here's one probably not on your list: to watch for Jesus' return. Our first reading describes Jesus' ascension to heaven. Not that far from the psalmist's picture of God riding upon the heavens. The disciples watch Jesus ride up on a cloud and then vanish. But there's more. Two angels in white robes tell them to stop looking up into the air. For Jesus will come in the same way they saw him go. Get your eyes out of the clouds, they seem to be saying. Go out, get going. The Holy Spirit will send you to the ends of the earth. But first, spend some time in prayer, waiting to be clothed with power from on high.

June 12, 2011
Pentecost
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

EARTH, WIND, WATER AND FIRE

Earth, Wind and Fire. The American R & B and funk band will be in Chicago later this week. Anybody going? Earth, wind and fire-that's three! Next week we'll deal with three, as we celebrate Holy Trinity Sunday. But today, I'm intrigued with four. The four elements and four directions. The ancient Greeks believed that the world was made up of four elements: earth, wind, fire and water. This philosophy and understanding of the world would have likely influenced the writers of the New Testament. Before modern chemistry and the periodic table, these four elements were central to medieval and Renaissance thinkers, philosophers and theologians.

What does this have to do with Pentecost and the Holy Spirit, you ask? As one person said this past week at our Bible Study, until you delve deeper, the Holy Spirit seems rather remote, ethereal, and difficult to understand. We say that Jesus reveals the face of God for Christians. But what is this Holy Spirit, or in King James language the "holy ghost?"

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

    7:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game      7:30 p.m.  AA & SAA (St. Mark's Room & Passavant Hall) 

THURSDAY, JUNE 16    

SUNDAY, JUNE 19 - Cubs Home Game

    9:30 a.m.  Festival Eucharist - Holy Trinity 

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

WEDNESDAY, MAY 23

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study 

COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2010 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26481.

 Elvina Moen is recovering from a fall and hip surgery at St. Joseph Hospital. Please keep her in your prayers. 

Please send news about awards, new positions, life passages and other important events in your lives for this section of our e-news.

Check It Out!

The Tree of Life is an unconventional film that challenges moviegoers to stretch their minds and souls as they surrender to the drama that explores nature and spirit, past and present, and the abstract story of the universe set alongside the intimate story of one family. 

-- read more about the movie and spiritual reflections