It seems like every time I write the opener for the e-news is a time of great transition. The days are rapidly becoming darker, with the sun setting earlier and rising later, causing us to shift our clocks (internal and external) by an hour to squeeze as much daylight out of our days. The church year is coming to a close (Advent is only 11 days away!), and we prepare for the celebrations surrounding the birth of our Lord and the holiday season. Temperatures are plummeting and we are forced to bundle up... most of the time anyways. And in my personal life, Caroline and I are adapting to a life of a newly-found job for her and a move into a new apartment for both of us!

Maybe it's not that I happen to write during these transitional times, but that all times, no matter when, are transitional in nature. We live in a world that is ever-changing, always moving, never slowing down. It seems like anymore these days, all I have to do is blink and three months have passed by, leaving me scratching my head and wondering, "what just happened??" Enough energy is spent just trying to keep up that often we set aside or neglect things like volunteering, staying in touch with family and friends, or even attending church.

Things are only getting busier as the days darken and temperatures drop. Life is always in transition from one thing to the next, so be intentional every day about how you interact with those around you. I find that if I do not actively take the time to stop being active for a moment, I get overwhelmed and shut down. Reflection and self-care are important in times of transition, as are the connections we have with loved-ones, family members, friends and community members. I feed off of and am constantly grateful for those around me who give me strength to weather the inevitable changes that barrel toward me day in and day out. Be sure to take time and appreciate those around you.

~ Joshua Judd-Herzfeldt

UPCOMING SUNDAY  

On this final Sunday of the church year our gospel is Jesus' great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In the first reading God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. We gather this day to celebrate the reign of Christ and his victory over death, yet awaiting the consummation of all things yet to come. Acknowledging Christ as our merciful ruler, we go forth that his reign may be known in our loving words and deeds.

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist (about 45 minutes)
• 9:00 a.m. - New Member Orientation
• 9:15 a.m - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School and Sunday Forum (below)
• 10:30 a.m. - Sung Eucharist
• 11:45 a.m. - New Member Orientation (Cont...)

Seminarian Preacher This Sunday

Holy Trinity partners with the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago as part of the Ministry in Context program. MIC students are second-year seminarians who participate at Holy Trinity through leading worship, preaching, teaching and other special projects. They meet weekly with Pastor Mueller and several times each quarter with a Seminarian Committee. 

Sunday Forum - Habits Of The Heart

9:30 a.m. - Passavant Hall
'I am making all things new' is a promise we hear in the book of Revelation. When we feel discouraged, lost or stuck in our lives, the idea that change is possible and that we can acquire new rhythms in our lives can fill us with hope. If you are longing to become a creature of new habits, join this session for an exploration of spiritual resources you might draw on to make effective change a sustainable possibility for your life. Leader: Carol Schickel, a therapist in Holy Trinity's Spiritual Life Center.

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. To sign-up, email the office.

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.  

Please note the significant shortfall we have through October 2011. If you are behind in 2011 commitments and/or are able to make a special gift to Holy Trinity, it would be greatly appreciated.

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. 

These commitments will be used by the Congregation Council in developing the 2012 budget. Thanks for your generosity. 

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. 

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)

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.

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 - 30; 10:30 - 125

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.

"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 13, 2011
Lectionary 33a
Pr. Michelle L. Miller

You have probably heard the latest results from the U.S. Census about the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Areas with the highest inequality tend to be found in cities. Atlanta has the widest income gap; West Jordon, Utah, the smallest. The unemployment rate remains above 9 percent, the poverty rate above 15 percent. In short, the saying "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer" seems to be as true as it's ever been. Anger over this issue has resulted in protesters who call themselves "the 99 percent."

Now, I really don't know a lot about the Occupy Wall Street movement, and I'm certainly not going to preach about it. But it does appear that the latest numbers about wealth and poverty do support the observation that the rich are getting richer, the poor poorer. And it is certainly not looking good for those in between, called by some "the shrinking middle class."

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study - John 8

    6:00 p.m.  HTLC at Lakeview Pantry

    7:30 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal   

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19

    5:00 p.m.  Film and Spirituality Series: Of Gods and Men

    7:00 p.m.  HTLC at The Crib Youth Shelter

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist     

    9:00 a.m.  New Member Orientation

    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.  New Member Orientation

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group  

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 

    7:30 p.m.  Thanksgiving Eve Service (with pie reception)

    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.

Caroline and Josh Judd-Herzfeldt celebrate Caroline's new job as a counselor for Trilogy Behavioral Health in Roger's Park. They are also excited about moving to the north side this coming Saturday (if anyone is able or willing to help them move--loading, unloading or both--please email Josh for more details).

Elizabeth Milnikel was featured in an article in November's issue of Chicago Lawyer. Download and read the article here.

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

Film Recommendation: Miss Representation 

Pastor Miller and Julie Sevig viewed a screening of this film that was hosted by Women of the ELCA and the justice for Women working group of the ELCA. Our eyes were opened to the variety of ways that sexism still affects so many areas of our lives...in fact in some cases sexism is worse now than prior to the Women's Movement. We highly encourage you to watch this trailer and to see the documentary.

Read the review here.

Watch the trailer:

Miss Representation Trailer (2011 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection)