eNews September 28, 2011

September 28, 2011

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Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Greetings!

Before I get into the heart of this opener, I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Ben Adams and I am originally from Livonia, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Needless to say, I am an avid Detroit sports fan. This is a big part of who I am and I would like to encourage any Bears, White Sox, Cubs, Blackhawks, or Bulls fans to talk sports with me at any time. I am always up for some lively debate. Prior to moving to Chicago for seminary last year, I attended college at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. While in college I participated in football and wrestling. I still remain active in the sport of wrestling as an assistant coach at the University of Chicago. Additionally, while in school at John Carroll I met my fiancé Tara. We are getting married on October 22, 2011. It has been an exciting planning process for us both and once Tara and I are married she will be moving out to Chicago.

Tara and I have had to do the long-distance relationship for the past year of seminary and it has been difficult, but I think that the distance and time spent apart has only convinced me more that she is the one who I want to spend the rest of my life with. It is in the times that I miss and long for Tara that I realize the vital role she plays in my life. As a seminarian I couldn't help but find the theological insight from all of this.

After some reflection, I observed that my long distance relationship with Tara shared characteristics with my past relationship with God during my freshman year of college. I used to be in a long distance relationship with God. Sure, I would say an occasional prayer and attend church now and then, but my consistent attentiveness to God was missing. It reached the point where I could feel my life was out of balance. I was constantly trying to fill the void that I previously reserved for God with athletics, homework, and friends. It wasn't until I began to long for God that I realized the vital importance God plays in my life. So, I made some changes towards the end of my freshman year at JCU. I plugged myself into a church and I once again became intentional about reserving time to pray. As a result I felt that balance was returned to my life.

There are still times that I feel my relationship with God falls out of balance, but being intentional about my relationship with God can eliminate the distance that I intentionally or unintentionally place between myself and God. If you are feeling like your relationship with God is becoming long-distance I hope my testimony can help you in your search to reduce the obstacles on your way to a meaningful relationship with our good and gracious God.

~Seminarian Ben Adams

UPCOMING SUNDAY

October 2 - Lectionary 27, with Blessing of the Animals
Lectionary 27a

In today's gospel reading, Jesus tells a parable of the vineyard, an image of Israel, the prophets' mission, and Christ's death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks of God's love poured out in the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread, that we may share Christ's sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.

September 25 Schedule:

8:30 a.m. - Eucharist (about 45 minutes)
9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. - Sunday School and Sunday Forum (below)
10:30 a.m. - Sung Eucharist w/ Blessing of the Animals

francis Blessing of the Animals

Join us for Holy Trinity's 13th annual Blessing of Animals at the 10:30 a.m. service. The pet blessing is held each year on the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Francis which is October 4. Bring your pets or stuffed animals and invite your friends and neighbors. (The 8:30 service will be pet-free on that.)

Sunday Forum - October 2-30

Worship Matters: Centripetal Worship: The Evangelical Heart of Lutheran Worship. - Pr. Criag Mueller
As part of a year-long emphasis on worship formation, we will read and discuss Centripetal Worship, which examines how worship is, and should be at the center of a congregation's life. Themes include: Martin Luther's witness to the center of worship; music in worship; participation as faith construction; redefining evangelism. A Calvin Institute of Worship grant provides books for all participants at no cost. Books are available at the back of the church.

Weekly readings

Prayer of the Day
Beloved God, from you come all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance, help us to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

In This Issue

Quick Links

Next Week's Scriptures

ELCA Website

Purpose & Principles

Purpose Statement
Open to the Mystery...
Connect, Strengthen, and Serve with Joy!

Guiding Principles
--Act with courage
--Be radically inclusive
--Cultivate empowering relationships
--Delight in God's beauty
--Engage with intention

CELEBRATIONS

BIRTHDAYS:
Rafael Jimenez-Rivera 9/30
Curtis Lawrence 10/01
Steve Fanale 10/01
Emilia Buschmann 10/02
Jen Hopwood 10/03
Craig Mueller 10/03
Jack Stelter 10/03
Jessica Sime 10/05
Sonja Nordstrom 10/06

BAPTISMS:
Kim Duffy 9/21
James Perez 9/22
Adam Miller 9/22
Maxine Kreiter 9/28
Drew Knobloch 9/30
Phyllis Kreiter 10/1
Rebecca Pallmeyer 10/2
Steven Ransone 10/4

ANNIVERSARIES:
Scott Johnson & Dia Fornasiero-Johnson 9/29
Lars Stole & Audris Wong 9/30

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

Contemplative Eucharist - Tonight, 6:00 P.M.
MICHAEL AND ALL THE ANGELS will be celebrated.

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

Mark Your Calendars - Generosity Brunch, Sunday, October 9

Sunday, October 9 following the 10:30 service. The Generosity Task Force invites you to dine on the amazing food of HTLC's resident chef, Matthew Petersen, and his team, and hear some of the interesting thoughts of a fellow parishioner, Dan McAdams, a research psychologist at Northwestern University. Dan studies how people create happy and meaningful lives. Come to hear his thoughts, share yours, hear others and just enjoy yet another facet of this encouraging, generous community. We hope you join us.

Join the CROP Hunger Walk - October 16

- Date: October, 16, 2011
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: UIC Campus- Student Center East
750 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Contact: Pastor Michelle L. Miller

It's not too late to give or walk! See the links below or contact Pastor Miller for more info

Sign up to walk here (just search for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church),
Donate to this cause here!

RefugeeOne Winter Clothing Drive

Holy Trinity will be holding a winter clothing drive on behalf of RefugeeOne, one of our ministry partners, during the month of October. Please bring only Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Coats, and Boots by Sunday, October 30. They can be used, as long as they are clean and in good condition. Clothes should be dropped in the bin at the back of the church. Donations will help refugees in need as the winter months approach.

FURTHER UPCOMING EVENTS, OPPORTUNITIES AND NEWS

Worship Attendance

September 18: 8:30 - 17; 10:30 - 159

Children's Choir Dates

Next rehearsal is October 2 at 10:00 a.m.; the choir will sing on Saturday, October 8, 3:00 p.m. and Sunday morning, October 9 at 10:30 a.m..

Holy Trinity Christkindl Market

Mark your calendars for Holy Trinity's Christkindl Market, our holiday bazaar and fundraiser, on Sunday, December 4. There will be lots of fun activities for the whole family and many ways to get involved. Here is a way you can help make this a wonderful event:

Are you crafty? We are seeking Holy Trinity's artists and artisans who would like to display and sell their work at this event. In exchange, you'll be asked to donate one item to the silent auction. Please contact Sarah Hanson if you are interested in reserving space at the craft tables.

Watch your email and the bulletin for more announcements about this event. If you would like to volunteer on the event committee, please email Sarah Hanson.

No Parking We Need 383 Parking Permits!

Do you live in the 44th Ward? Zip code 60613 or 60657? If so, we are in need of neighborhood parking permits (zone 383). If you have any extra lying around, or can pick them up from Aldermann Tunney's office (1057 W. Belmont) or order them online (here), please bring them to Josh in the office. We are more than happy to reimburse the cost.

Advent Mini-Retreat: Transitions

Saturday, December 3, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The season of Advent is about endings and beginnings. Often we find ourselves in times of transition, whether it involves jobs, careers, relationships, family, location, living situation, or retirement. This retreat will provide a time for reflection and conversation around themes of change; waiting and preparation; endings and beginnings; spiritual resources for times of upheaval. To prepare, participants may read one of four recommended books. Information found here. Leader: Pr. Craig M. Mueller.

CPR Class at Holy Trinity

Ten people have now expressed a desire to enroll in a CPR class that will be held at HTLC on Saturday, October 29 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Passavant Hall. It will be conducted by Deft Resources who taught it for us about three years ago. It will include basic CPR, the Heimlech Manuver for choking and an introduction to the defibrillator or AED (automatic external defibrillator). The cost is $20. Please give this money to Kathryn Vigen or Josh in the office by October 16. If there are still people who would like to be included, there may be room for a few more. Please contact Kathryn by e-mail to register.

"Team Trinity" Volunteer Opportunities

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

--The Crib

The Night Ministry has reopened their youth/young adult homeless shelter, The Crib. Holy Trinity will be preparing and serving a meal once per month. On the third Saturday of each month, volunteers will meet at Holy Trinity at 7 p.m. to prepare the meal, then will head to The Crib to serve the meal. For more information, speak with or email Ken Duckmann.

--The Night Ministry Outreach Van

Holy Trinity will be assembling and distributing 'meals in a bag' with the Night Ministry in Rogers Park on a quarterly basis. Stay tuned for more information and how to help out.

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

Next Baptism Dates: October 23, December 4. More info.

Next New Member Orientation Date: November 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.

Sermon - September 25

September 25, 2011
Lectionary 26a
Pr. Michelle L. Miller

I missed it completely. I had agreed to lead the memorial service that NorthShore hospice hosts every year. Thankfully I wasn't the preacher, but I was supposed to welcome the guests, write and lead the prayers, and assist my colleagues. But I didn't do what I promised I would do. It was a Sunday afternoon, and like most Sunday afternoons I quickly settled in for a nap after I got home from church. It wasn't until late that evening when I realized I had missed it.

Of course there is no good excuse for not doing what I promised. I was distracted. I had too many things on my plate (which made the nap even more necessary), and I wasn't focused enough to remember to be faithful to the commitments I had made.

Continue reading this sermon here

Listen to past sermons here
Listen to entire services here

CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

6:00 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

10:00 a.m. Weekly Bible Study

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2

8:30 a.m. Eucharist

9:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal

9:30 a.m. Sunday School and Sunday Forum

10:30 a.m. Sung Eucharist

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3

7:00 p.m. Meditation Group

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5

6:00 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist

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

COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK

Thursday, September 29 - Michael and All Angels
Michael the archangel, captain of the heavenly hosts, is remembered on this day along with the other angels and archangels. The word "angel" means messenger, and in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, these beings have a fully spiritual nature and no physical body.

Friday, September 30 - Jerome, translator, teacher, died 420
Jerome was a biblical scholar and translator, but rather than translating the original Hebrew and Greek scriptures into classical Latin, he worked in the commonly-spoken Latin of the day, creating a version called the Vulgate.

Tuesday, October 4 - Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, died 1226
Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and the task of preaching "using words if necessary." Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God's creation.

Tuesday, October 4 - Theodor Fliedner, renewer of society, died 1864
Fliedner helped to bring about a revival of the ministry of deaconesses among Lutherans. He was influenced in this by Moravian deaconesses he had met. The motherhouse he founded in Kaiserswerth, Germany, inspired many around the world to take up this ministry.

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:

Elvina Moen;
Barbara Wahler;
Yoshi Saka;
Mary Lynn Brooke;
Norma Brooke;
Kay Scott;
Phyllis Zangri;
Myleen Dunleavy;
Merri Pierce;
Mary Stoner;
Carol Stoner;
Norm Andersen;
Yanan Haring;
Maureen Zarrella;
Jeanette Zabel;

Marji Shannon's sister;
Ken Duckmann's nephew, Anthony Drago;
Paul Weber;
Lisa Bouzek;
Scott Johnson's mother, Virginia Johnson
Chris Stelter's grandmother;
those struggling with infertility.
Family and friends of Jose Somera, father of Amy Fanale;
Mark Avery and Amy Rouce;

Kathy Lund;
Susan Pare;
Sam Zangri;
Paul Geist III;
Christine, friend of Susan Twetten;
Mary Cannon;
Sam Patitucci;
Patti Ann Smith;
Brent Vicknair;
Mark Sauer;
Alan Stang, Jeff Stang's father;
Teah Barthalomew;
Victor Jimenez;
Vivian Carter;

Serving in the Military: Benjamin Brackley, back in the states after having served in Afganistan.

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

Rosh Hashanah is Tomorrow

shofar Rosh Hashanah is the two-day festival that marks the Jewish New Year, beginning at sundown. Neil Gillman of the Jewish Theological Seminary explains its significance: "This festival has evolved through our tradition to represent a season of personal and universal renewal. Every human being needs an opportunity to begin again, to wipe out the past and dream dreams about what his or her life can become. . . . We say goodbye to the old time and hello to the new. In the process we say goodbye to our old selves and hello to our new ones."