This Sunday we're invited to bring pictures of people we have known and loved to display in church for All Saints Sunday. It has become a treasured tradition for many of us in the congregation. Each year, we dig out the same photos of our parents and grandparents. Our kids never knew them, but when we take out the photos each year, we talk about them, tell stories and light candles.  

Grandpa Wayne

My dad, "Grandpa Wayne" didn't live long enough to greet any grandchildren or even see his own kids get married. But we tell them about how loving, kind and generous he was even though he lived with a crippling disease for most of his adult life. We tell them about Grandpa Alfred, Julie's dad, who loved Peder and would ask innocently when he held him who we thought he looked more like, Julie or Michelle; and that he was a preacher too, but his sermons were a lot longer than Mamma's.   

Alfred and Olive Sevig

And the kids tell us what they know about people in the pictures who they've never met, but with whom they share an intimate connection. As we share pictures and stories we are teaching them to love people who are part of their lineage, their family.

The other thing that pulling out the photos of loved ones does is remind us that saints are not just distant, holy people, but they're people we know and love. They are, indeed, the cloud of witnesses who surround us. And for their faith, their good work, their sainthood, we give thanks and honor their memory...at least once a year.

Gracious God, you have called us to various tasks in the world and in your church, and you give us all that we need. Grant us joy and a spirit of bold trust so that our work might stir us to lives of fruitful service. In gratefulness, we remember the saints who surround us--those who rest from their labors, those living saints who surround us as friends, family and colleagues. Bless us now and always with your presence and grace. Amen.   

- Pastor Michelle Miller

SEE THE NEXT SECTION FOR DETAILS ABOUT BRINGING PHOTOS NEXT SUNDAY 

UPCOMING SUNDAY  

All Saints celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord's table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.

• 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

Bring Photographs for All Saints Sunday 

When you arrive you will be given a small card to write the name of your departed loved one. Please keep the photograph with you until the time in the service when we will place them on tables throughout the worship space and light candles next to them. You may leave the photographs through November 20 or take them with you following the service. There will also be a Book of Remembrance to record names of the faithful departed. This All Saints we remember former member Paul Hanson who died earlier this year. 

Sunday Forum - Walking the Labyrinth

November 6, 9:30 a.m. - Passavant Hall
The labyrinth is an ancient tradition used across varied spiritual disciplines. It is one of the oldest contemplative and transformational tools known to humankind, used for centuries for prayer, ritual, spiritual and personal growth. Learn about the history of the labyrinth, its use as a spiritual pathway and its connection to experiencing one's own center. Holy Trinity will have a labyrinth to walk as part of our Advent journey. Leader: Karol Weigelt.

Weekly readings 

Contemplative Eucharist - Tonight, 6:00 P.M.

Take a break from the busy city life, and join us for this simple, contemplative eucharist.
We will observe the All Souls Day. 

2012 Generosity Appeal 

Thanks to the 72 giving units who made 2012 commitments at worship on Sunday, as well as through the mail and online. There were a significant number of persons making a pledge for the first time, as well as a large number of increases over last year's commitments.

If you have not yet made your 2012 generosity commitment:
* Give online here
* Download the Generosity Form and mail to the office.

Hearts of Gratitude

Thank you, Holy Trinity members, for all the ways you contributed to our civil union/wedding on Oct. 8. We clearly could not have done this without you--we so appreciated your gifts of food and volunteer service. Thanks to all who were able to worship and party with us, and for the monetary gift and the carefully-selected wine and candy that accompanied the gift card. You have blessed our family in so many ways and our hearts are filled with gratitude and love for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and you!

~ Pastor Michelle Miller, Julie Sevig, Peder, Oliver and Annika Sevig

Mom's Night Out - Nov. 11

Join us for Mom's Night Out. Not only do we learn and grow in faith, we also have a lot of fun with new friends. Please join us on the 2nd Friday of the month, November 11 from 7:30-9:00 p.m., at the home of Alison Strickler. If you can make it, please RSVP to Alison (alison@alisonarts.com) and she will send you her address and directions.
If you can't make it this week, please mark your calendar for the second Friday of each month and join us in the future.

Fair Trade Sales - Expanded Selection!

The next fair trade sale will take place on November 13 following both services. The selection of teas has been expanded, with both caffeinated and caffeine-free varieties. Chocolate bars are back, and with a wide variety to choose from. For the Advent season, Divine Chocolate Advent calendars will be available for $7.00 (only 30 in stock, first come first served). Stock up now!

Film and Spirituality Series: Of Gods and Men

Saturday, November 19, 5:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity
Of Gods and Men is a deeply human and spiritually enlightening French film about the mission of seven Catholic monks serving a poor Muslim community in Algeria. You're welcome to (but it is not necessary) to bring a healthy snack or light dish to share. A short discussion will follow the film. To read a review click here. 

New Member Orientation

Maybe you've attended Holy Trinity a few times or many. Maybe you are looking for a church home. Maybe you have mixed feelings about church and whether it is for you. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at Holy Trinity! Here is a special invitation to learn more about Holy Trinity, what makes Lutheranism unique, meet some other folks, and find out more about our mission and ministry. Orientation sessions are held four times a year. The next session is Sunday, November 20. We will meet from 9:00 - 10:20 a.m., followed by the 10:30 a.m. worship service. We continue upstairs in Passavant Hall over a light lunch, concluding before 1:00 p.m. Sign-up at the back of the church or email the office.

Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent

Join us on Sunday, December 11 at 4:00 p.m. for Holy Trinity's annual Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent. Scripture readings, anthems, Advent hymns, quiet meditation, candles, incense and prayer combine to provide a memorable service that will bring focus to your Advent experience. Music by the Holy Trinity Choir and Strings will include compositions by J. S. Bach, Thomas Ravenscroft and Healey Willan as well as traditional carol settings and the Collegium Regale setting of the Magnificat by Herbert Howells. Make Lessons and Carols a part of your Advent tradition!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

• Film and Spiritality Series - Nov. 19, 5:00 p.m. - Of Gods and Men
• New Member Orientation - Nov. 20, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
• Thanksgiving Eve Service - Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m. (followed by Pie Reception)
• Advent Retreat: Transitions - Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m.
• Christkindl Market - Dec. 4, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
• Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent - Dec. 11, 4:00 p.m.

8:30 - 18; 10:30 - 169

Advent Mini-Retreat: Transitions

Saturday, December 3, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
Registration deadline: November 20. Sign-up at the back of the church or email Josh. 

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.

Look What's Next for the Holy Trinity Christkindl Market:

Be sure to mark your calendar Sunday, Dec. 4, from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., for the Christkindl Market, Holy Trinity's holiday bazaar and fundraiser. As we're ramping up plans for this fun-filled event, there are many great ways you can help make this fundraiser a success and we need your help!

• Silent Auction: Please consider donating to the silent auction:
  • Your time (i.e. host a dinner party or pet-sit for a weekend)
  • Your talents (i.e. teach violin lessons or give a cooking demonstration)
  • Your treasures (i.e. athletic tickets or a weekend at your cottage)

• Kid's Corner: Sign up to play games and lead kids in a fun, holiday craft
• Event Support: Help the crew set up the event on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., or tear down on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
• Art, Craft and Bake Sale: We're still accepting reservations for artists, crafters or bakers who want to sell their goods at the event. To reserve your space, please fill out this form. A limited number of spaces are available for those who are not Holy Trinity members, so spread the word!

Contact the event committee if you can be a part of any of these activities. Email Sarah Hanson. Thanks!

"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.

Next Baptism Dates: December 4, January 8, February 12. More info.

Next New Member Orientation Date: November 20, January 22, April 15.  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. 

October 30, 2011
Reformation Sunday / Lectionary 31
Matthew 23:1-12
Benjeman Nichols, Brian Von Rueden, Craig Mueller

The Problem with Grace

CMM: Lutherans love to say grace. To declare that grace is at the heart of our faith. That ultimately it's not about us, but about God. It's not that other Christians don't talk about grace, but for Lutherans it seems to be all about grace. About God's unconditional love and acceptance.

Reformation Sunday is like a double shot of grace. The church decked out in red. Singing "A Mighty Fortress" with gusto. Giving thanks for Martin Luther and his "here, I stand." The reminder that there is always need for continued reformation. That we say grace by practicing what we preach.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study - John 6   

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5

    9:30 a.m.  Intro Dream Workshop

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6  

    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   

    11:45 a.m.  Seminarian Committee Meeting

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group  

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

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

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.

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

Icons of the Saints  

Julian of Norwich
Icon by Robert Lentz

This icon, used by permission of the artist, is one of more than 150 images of saints from all times and cultures created by Robert Lentz (Holy Trinity has a number of icons by Lentz in our worship space).

Born in rural Colorado of Russian and Irish parents, Lentz spent ten years in the Franciscan order. In the course of researching his Eastern European roots he began to study iconography. He apprenticed at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Monastery in Boston. He also has lived in Mexico City, Chile, and the American Southwest and has a great love for Native American cultures.

Robert Lentz's work has appeared in many religious magazines and books. Prints, plaques, and cards reproducing the icons are available from the online catalog of Trinity Stores, 1-800-699-4482.