Winter...seems you either love it or hate it.

I happen to be one of those people who really enjoys winter. Each year I look forward to the first real snowfall, and I dream of a white Christmas. Through the years I've even learned to enjoy some winter sports, like ice skating, down hill and cross country skiing.

As we near the Winter solstice, and days are shorter and the nights longer, our daily rhythms change. Each year I appreciate the extra quiet and contemplative space that this season can offer.

I invite you to read this poem by Macrina Wiederkehr and be open to and listen for the gifts the season of Winter may offer.

~Pr. Michelle Miller

UPCOMING SUNDAY  

God keeps the promise made to David, to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David's throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel's greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, "Count me in." We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, "Count us in."

• 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 

Sunday Forum
The Jesus of Mark

9:30 a.m. - Passavant Hall
Though the shortest of the Gospels, the portrait of Jesus in this year's readings is dynamic and diverse, ranging from the heroic demon-buster to the enduring martyr. Come and discover Mark's unique portrait of Christ as we begin our new liturgical year. Led by Joel Cruz.

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. 

Holy Trinity's Cookbook

Still searching for the perfect holiday gift for that special someone? There's still time to purchase Holy Trinity's cookbook, "Cook with Joy"! Each book costs $15 and makes a great gift. Cookbooks will be available for purchase via cash or check at the back of the church next Sunday, as well as at both Christmas Eve services.

Walk The Labyrinth This Advent

There are several times during the next two weeks that Passavant Hall will be open for Holy Trinity members and friends to walk the labyrinth. A brief guide is available. Walking the labyrinth is a way to reflect on our life journey; some people bring a particular concern or intention to the experience. Up to three persons can be walking at the same time. Please enter at 3609 Magnolia and Passavant Hall is upstairs.
+ Wednesday, December 14, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (before or after the 6:00 contemplative eucharist) 

Sponsor Poinsettias and Greens for Christmas

Sponsor the greens and poinsettias that will decorate our church at Christmas in honor or in memory of a friend or relative. To donate now, head to our online donation page and enter an amount from $20 - $100, as well as a designation. You can also bring or send a check to the office or place it in the offering plate on Sunday morning, just indicate "Christmas Greens" in the memo line.

Help The Sunday School Children Buy A Farm

This Christmas, the children are thinking about a big gift - not for themselves, but to help a family get a fresh start. Their goal is to raise $715 by Christmas to purchase the gift of a Family Farm through the ELCA's Good Gifts catalog. This will provide a family with a cow, a couple of goats, 10 chicks, two pigs, a duck, farming tools plus training and market support. The kids will be collecting donations after church, or you can talk to Pastor Miller or Becki Fiegel to learn more.

Holy Trinity Book Club

Our December meetings are our semi-annual dinner out evenings. This month we'll meet at Deleece on Southport (3747 N Southport) on December 19, at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome, even if you haven't read the book... oh, wait! There's no book for this month!! Instead, bring any ideas you have for what we could read over the next six months. See you there! Contact Susan Boin if you have any questions.

Winter Solstice Ritual and Christmas Decorating Party

On Wednesday, December 21 you are invited to join us for any or all of these: our regular 6:00 p.m. eucharist will be our final Advent service; at 6:30 p.m. there will be a brief winter solstice ritual (on the shortest day of the year), at 7:00 p.m we decorate the tree, put up lights, arrange flowers, set up the creche and fellowship together! If you are able to help decorate, please sign up at the back of the church or email Josh in the office.  

Antiracism Discussion Opportunity

You are invited to join other HT members in a 6-week study of racism and white privilege. We're using a workbook called "The White Elephant" to explore this subject. We'll meet on Sundays, Jan. 8 ,15, 22, Feb, 5, 12, 19 from 11:45 to 12:30. While each lesson will build on the one before, you can come for one, two, or all sessions. Please see Karen Andersen Moran, Claire Evans, Ken Duckmann or Barbara Wahler for more information. You can get your own copy of the workbook from Claire for $15; there will also be some common copies to share.

The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA)

UAFA - a critically important bill that would provide much-needed relief to gay and lesbian families facing separation and exile under our discriminatory immigration laws - has been introduced in this Congress.

Will you help us build the support we need to ensure UAFA is a success?

The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) would allow gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor their foreign-born partner (or spouse) and children for residency in the United States in the same manner as straight couples, along with the same penalties for fraud. UAFA's passage would immediately help all families with foreign-born partners. For families whose relationships aren't recognized by state or local law - and for families currently living in exile - UAFA offers the only permanent solution for remaining together.

Help us honor those families by ensuring your lawmakers know you support UAFA today!

Link to send an e-mail about this: link 

Please e-mail the office if you are able to help with any of these Christmas services:
Christmas Eve, 4:30 p.m. - Ushers, crucifer, communion assistants
Christmas Eve, 10:00 p.m. - Ushers, torchbearer, reader, communion assistants
Christmas Day, 10:30 a.m. - Ushers
New Year's Day, 10:30 a.m. - Ushers, coffee hospitality 

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: January 8, February 12. More info.

Next New Member Orientation Date: 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. 

December 11, 2011
Advent 3b
Pr. Michelle L. Miller

• Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has ransomed captive Israel.
• Rejoice, rejoice believers and let your light appear.
• Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice

• The prophet Isaiah announces good news for the oppressed and brokenhearted; comfort for those who morn; and release of the captives. Cheerful hope overflows as the passage continues proclaiming "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord. My whole being shall exult in my God"
• The psalm is beaming with joy as well. The word joy is used 3 times in six verses. And this joy arises out of suffering and loss. Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of great joy.
• And in Thessalonians, Paul writes, "Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances."

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14  

    5:00 p.m.  Labyrinth open - Passavant Hall (through 7:00 p.m.)  

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist
    7:30 p.m.  AA & SAA (St. Mark's Room & Passavant Hall) 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15    

    10:00 a.m. Weekly Bible Study - John 11

    4:30 p.m.  Night Ministry Holiday Party (Passavant) 

    7:30 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal (Nave)   

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

    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, DECEMBER 19

    6:30 p.m.  Book Group (Deleece on Southport) 

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group  

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21   

     6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

     6:30 p.m.  Solstice Ritual

     7:00 p.m.  Christmas Decorating Party   

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

Full Calendar of Events 

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.

Two Reflections for Advent