Sometimes I tell people that Holy Trinity is a Sunday church. What I mean is that we don't have a lot of weekday programming due to busy schedules, commuting times in the city, and the fact that we don't have a parking lot.

However, these days there is a lot of momentum at Holy Trinity, and if you read below you will discover plans for a fundraiser next month; fair trade sales; a book group and a mom's group; an upcoming movie night and retreat. Volunteers serve monthly at an area pantry and shelter. Four of the last six Sundays we have had over 150 people at our 10:30 service. We continue to welcome many new members to our community. Our choir has grown in recent years and we are out of space on Sunday mornings now that we have four Sunday School classes!

At the same time, like most churches and other non-profit organizations, we face challenges. Though the initial 2012 financial commitments look very promising, there are many folks still to hear from. Our giving for 2011 is significantly under what was pledged and budgeted. Though we are a larger church than we were several years ago, our ministry remains dependent on the financial generosity of the entire community.

The thing is: we're not just a Sunday church. We gather on Sundays to be nourished by word and meal, and then we live out our faith as parents, spouses, teachers, attorneys, students, accountants, volunteers, etc. All over the Chicagoland area the people of Holy Trinity share in the healing and liberating mission of Jesus in the context of their everyday lives!

We need our time together on Sunday to be comforted and challenged, to be reminded of the common good, and to hear again the gospel of God's love for the whole world. Certainly our schedules get filled, but consider the uniqueness of a faith community and the ways it grounds us for the tasks before us. Simply being together as the people of God reminds one another of this common commitment we share.

This fall we are hearing challenging readings from the gospel of Matthew. Even the texts about judgment suggest accountability and remind us again that the call of discipleship is counter-cultural and is at odds with so much we take in from the media and advertising. In a world of injustice and so much inequity, our faith makes demands on us. No wonder we need to be together on Sundays! The rest of the week depends on it!

UPCOMING SUNDAY  

Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the Lord will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good. In a world filled with violence and despair, we gather around signs of hope-word, water, bread and wine--eager to welcome the good news of Christ's coming among us.

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist (about 45 minutes)
• NO CHOIR
• 9:30 a.m. - Fair Trade Sales
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School and Sunday Forum (below)
• 10:30 a.m. - Sung Eucharist
• 11:45 a.m. - Fair Trade Sales

Sunday Forum - Today's Readings

November 6, 9:30 a.m. - Passavant Hall
Join us for a discussion on the readings for the day. Led by seminarian Ben Adams

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!

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.  

2012 Generosity Appeal 

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

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.

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.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

Wednesday, November 23, 7:30 p.m.
In place of a sermon we will have a mini-hymn sing of Thanksgiving hymns followed by a pie reception (contact the office if you can bring a pie).

Book Group - November 21

Attention all readers! The Book Club will meet next on Nov 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Becki Fiegel. Our book for this month is Carolina de Robertis' The Invisible Mountain. It's out in paperback and there are several copies available from the library. Of course, as always, you're more than welcome to join us whether you've read the book or not! Please RSVP to Becki (beckifiegel@yahoo.com)

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!

Meditation Retreat: Holding Intentions With Wisdom and Compassion

Start your new year by joining the Chicago Weekly Sitting Meditation Group for a one day Mindfulness meditation retreat, Saturday, January 7, 2012, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. here at Holy Trinity in Passavant Hall. We will explore how the meditative practice of Mindfulness can help us embrace life with more joy. This retreat is appropriate for both newcomers to Mindfulness and meditation as well as for experienced practitioners. For more information, download the flyer here or head online for more information on the retreat and how to register.

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 - 34; 10:30 - 173

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.

"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. 

November 6, 2011
All Saints Sunday - Lectionary 32a
Revelation 7:9-17; Matthew 25:1-13
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

THE EVENING IS ADVANCING

It may catch you off guard later this afternoon: the early sunset at 4:40. Daylight Savings Time delayed it. Sure, the sunrise was nearly 7:30 a.m. yesterday! The winds of the past week have shaken more leaves from the trees. I had to dress for a chilly 43 degrees when I went running early Friday morning. We know it's coming every year. But it still brings a shock to our system. Maybe we are hard-wired with some of the primal fear and threat our ancestors must have felt with harsh winter conditions of cold and dark beyond their control.

The early sunset will catch our attention, no doubt. For the next several weeks we-on the far east edge of Central Standard Time-will watch the time of sunset creep back as early as 4:20. The evening is advancing.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study - John 7

    7:15 p.m.  Congregation Council Meeting   

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

    6:00 a.m.  Mom's Night Out

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13  

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist     

    NO CHOIR

    9:30 a.m.  Fair Trade Sales

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

    10:30 a.m.  Sung Eucharist   

    11:45 a.m.  Fair Trade Sales

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group  

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 

    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.

Member Paul Sehl was married to Catherine Dillon on Saturday, November 5 at the Newberry Library.

The ashes of Paul Hanson were placed in our Memorial Garden on November 8. A gift from his estate will be designated for Expansive Faith, especially appropriate since Paul was a former organist, sang in our choir, and was thrilled with Holy Trinity's new/refurbished organ. 

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

Why Do Men Stay Away (from church?) 

Thomas Long (from the Christian Century)

Gathered around the coffeepot in a church fellowship hall on a fall Sunday, a gaggle of men are talking with animation and passion, joking and bragging in the way of males. The topic? Football, of course. "How 'bout them Devils! D'ya see that pick six in the third quarter? Amazing! Hey, Joe, sorry about your Dawgs! Maybe you'll get 'em next week, if they don't fire your coach first!" In a few minutes, many will wander into worship, the married ones joining their wives. As the first hymn begins, some of them will stand and keep silent guard, staring mutely into space as the women beside them sing.

What is it with men and church? We men are famously outnumbered, to be sure. According to a recent survey, we make up only 39 percent of the worshipers in a typical congregation. This is not just because we die earlier and leave the pews filled with the sturdier gender. The percentages hold across the board, for every age category.

Continued reading the brief article.