It's summer for me today. Ernest and I are in Costa Rica enjoying a two-week honeymoon. The forecast is for highs around 90 and lows around 70. It is summer there (the dry season) which is confusing since Costa Rica is in the Northern Hemisphere. As I was trying to understand this, one website said: "Unless you're working on a degree in atmospheric science, it's better to just accept this quirk and enjoy it rather than trying to explain it."

In the Southern Hemisphere Christmas is celebrated in the summer, near the summer solstice. A Lutheran pastor from Argentina told me it is hot on Christmas Eve and they typically have a barbecue, yet at the same time sing Christmas carols about winter wonderlands and sleigh bells-a bit of Romanticism connecting some of them to their Northern roots.

Today is the eleventh day of Christmas. One of the high points of the year, Holy Trinity will bring the Christmas season to a close this coming Sunday in our annual Epiphany festival. Yet on the calendar it is the Baptism of Our Lord. Maybe it's a quirk you should just accept, but a short explanation for what we are doing is this: in the early Church, Epiphany sometimes referred to the threefold manifestation of Jesus' glory: in the Magi worshipping the newborn King, in Jesus' baptism in the Jordan, and in his first miracle of turning water into wine.

Summer in winter. At Christmas roses and evergreens, for example, proclaim the good news that in Jesus salvation dawns among us. It is like being in the Garden of Eden again.

It has been a moderate winter so far in Chicago, but it was only last January that Lake Shore Drive was shut down! Nonetheless, we celebrate the return of the Light after the winter solstice, and acclaim Christ as the Sun of Righteousness, the one who shines with grace and mercy. Merry Christmas!

Pr. Craig M. Mueller

CHRISTMAS/EPIPHANY SERVICES    

Epiphany means "manifestation." On this day we celebrate the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles-that is, to all nations. Some Christian traditions celebrate three great epiphanies on this day: the magi's adoration of the Christ child, Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle, in which he changes water into wine. The word and sacraments are for us the great epiphany of God's grace and mercy. We go forth to witness to the light that shines brightly in our midst.

• 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. - Festival Eucharist with baptisms and procession of the Magi 
• 11:45 a.m. - Anti-Racism Forum

Sunday Forum - Epiphany Mysteries

9:30 a.m. - Passavant Hall
We are familiar with the traditional, western celebration of Epiphany: three Magi from the east follow a star to visit the newborn Jesus, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The early church and many eastern Christians today, however, celebrate much more than just the Magi and the birth of the infant Jesus. Come learn about other 'Epiphany Mysteries' as we discuss many different Epiphany traditions. Led by Joshua Judd-Herzfeldt.

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.

Weekly readings 

Family Potluck with special guest, Dorothy Bass

Parents, grandparents and parenting mentors are invited to join us for a lively and spirit-filled conversation with Dorothy Bass, the Director of the Valparaiso Project on the Education and Formation of People in Faith. She is the author of several books in the Practices of Faith Series. Dorothy is actively involved with her own family as a mother and grandmother and is known to many in the Holy Trinity community through her leadership at Holden Village and her participation in the Yale Institute of Sacred Music Congregations Project.

Dorothy will host an informal and informative conversation that will be geared toward our parenting questions, concerns and hopes. A few questions to get us started may include:

~How do we remain faithful to our own tradition, while honoring and respecting the faith traditions of others?
~What rituals and practices can help to develop and nurture faith in both children and adults?
~What are some ways to help children identify injustices and stand up for those who are oppressed?
~How can we be open to viewing God and spirituality from a child's perspective?

Come with your own questions and topics of interest. Conversation begins at 3:00 p.m. and child care will be provided.

The meal will begin at about 5:00 p.m. and the children will join us at that time for our normal fun, high energy gathering. Bring an appetizer, salad or main dish to share.

Questions? Contact Pastor Michelle Miller mmiller@htchicago.org.

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

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

Thank You From The Staff

On behalf of the Holy Trinity Staff, we want to thank you for your generous gifts. Blessed Christmastime!

Offering Envelopes Have Arrived

If you requested offering envelopes, or normally receive them, they are now available at the back of the church. If you did not request them, or think you did but don't see your name, and want a set, please see Josh in the office to claim one of the few remaining boxes.

Mom's Night Out - January 13

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, January 13 from 7:30-9:00 p.m., at the home of Rebecca Sims. If you can make it, please RSVP to Rebecca (rsims@1702.org) 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.

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, January 22. 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 (office@htchicago.org).

Movie Night - Departures

Saturday, January 21, 3:30 p.m. - Passavant Hall
Departures examine the rituals surrounding death in Japan with this tale of an out-of-work cellist who accepts a job as a encoffineer (the Japanese equivalent of an undertaker) in order to provide for himself and his young wife. Departures received the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film of 2008. Japanese director Yojiro Takita has created a cinematic masterpiece that is both funny and sad and all the emotions in between. The movie allows us to reflect on the ways ritual is used to honor the body after death. Since the movie is long we are beginning at 3:30 and will break for a light supper. Please bring snacks or side dishes to share.

Read a review of the movie here. 

January Book Club

The first book group meeting of the new year will be Tuesday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Becky Sims, 1702 W. Barry, 773-388-3590. We'll be reading A Book of Secrets: Illegitimate Daughters, Absent Fathers by Michael Holroyd. Intrigued? Please join us whether you have time to read the book or not!

Baptism Seminar-It's for Life!

Thursday, February 2, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
This seminar is offered for expectant parents, parents with newborns, those planning a baptism in the coming months, parents or others who would like a refresher on the meaning and theology of baptism. All parents planning to have a newborn baptized are asked to attend this seminar at some point before or after the birth of their firstborn child.

Baptism isn't a one-time event-it's for life! Topics of the seminar will include baptismal theology, the role of parents and sponsors, and scheduling a baptism. For more information talk to Pastor Michelle Miller or e-mail her.

Annual Meeting Of The Congregation

Sunday, January 29, following the 10:30 a.m. service
Please bring a main dish, salad, or dessert to share.
The annual meeting will follow the potluck and will include brief reports and elections of officers. The printed annual report will be available online by January 25.

Holiday Attendance

Christmas Eve: 4:30 - 153; 10:00 - 109
Christmas Day: 47
New Years Day: 58 

Hearing Assistance Devices Available

Thanks to a generous, anonymous donation, we are proud to make available two hearing assistance devices for use in church. They are simple to use and amplify sounds very well! For more information, speak to Josh in the office. To borrow one during a service, for yourself or someone you know, inquire with the ushers before services.

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. 

Name of Jesus - Year B
January 1, 2012
Pr. Michelle L. Miller

A New Year: Time to contemplate the past year and look toward the next one. And perhaps, a time to ponder and treasure-just like Mary.

Who knows what Mary was actually treasuring and pondering, but one thing she did not have to ponder was the name to be given to her newborn. Ask any parent about naming their child and there will likely be a story, or a meaningful reason the name was chosen. A family name, a characteristic or destiny to be fulfilled, or simply, 'it just sounded good with the last name.'

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

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

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7

    9:00 a.m. Meditation Retreat

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

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

    10:30 a.m.  Epiphany Eucharist Celebration

    11:45 a.m.  Anti-racism Discussion

    3:00 p.m.  Family Potluck with Dorothy Bass

MONDAY, JANUARY 9

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group  

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

    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.

Your prayers and well wishes for Holy Trinity member, Claire Evans, have been much appreciated during her recent illness. She has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and begins treatment this week. Please continue to pray for her and all those who are ill and in need of healing.

Repent!

by Nadia bolz-Weber - via Living Lutheran

John the Baptist marched to a different drummer. He may have been the first and last successful crazy, street-corner preacher.

Why did so many people come to him for his baptism? Our modern street-corner preachers who hold signs that say "repent" don't have nearly the same results.

Maybe you feel like I do: When I hear a preacher shouting "repent," what I really hear is he or she saying, "Stop being bad. Start being good or else God's gonna be mad at you.

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