So I guess it snowed a week ago. You wouldn't know it by stepping outside; there is no snow. This time last year, we were gearing up for what would be one of the worst snow storms in recent Chicago history. And yet, as I write this, the current temperature is 53 degrees, heading north of 60 by the afternoon. You would think that April was just around the corner, and yet we have only barely said hello to February. We should be well into Lent given this weather, and yet we are still celebrating the birth of Christ.

The strangeness of this weather is compounded further by the fact that the days are still quite short (though getting longer) and we do not have much light! The juxtaposition of winter darkness and spring-like climate is unique, at least here in the north of the northern hemisphere. Though there is undoubtedly some fight left in winter before we truly emerge in spring, let us take this opportunity to reflect on not only the light of Christ in the world which is so prevalent in Epiphany, but the warmth of spring, which brings new growth and rebirth manifest in the death and resurrection of Christ.

These theological foci are typically separated by time and the seasons; but in this unique moment in time they can be celebrated together. The light of Christ in the world, which scatters the darkness of winter and reminds us of God's abundant gift of grace is the very same light that provides the warmth of spring-the catalyst of rebirth and new growth in the promise of God's gift of life.

Go out and enjoy the gift of light and warmth. Remember the Epiphany of Christ and look forward to the coming warmth.

Joshua Judd-Herzfeldt
Holy Trinity Parish Administrator

NEXT SUNDAY    

In Isaiah it is the one God who sits above the earth and numbers the stars-it is that God who strengthens the powerless. So in Jesus' healing work we see the hand of the creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service (diakonia). Like Simon's mother-in-law, we are lifted up to health and diakonia. Following Jesus, we strengthen the powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength in quiet times of prayer.

• 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 - "That's not in my Bible!" And Introduction to the Apocrypha

9:30 a.m. - Passavant Hall
Revered my many, rejected by others, the Apocrypha--those "extra" books in some Bibles --remains a mystery to many Christians. This short introduction promises to acquaint you with this wonderful collection of stories, poems, history, proverbs and apocalypse! Led by Joel Cruz.

Souper Bowl of Caring

Bring canned goods or make a donation in the soup pot this Sunday in support of the Lakeview Pantry. Learn more about the Souper Bowl of Caring here.

Antiracism Discussion Opportunity

You are invited to join other HT members in week 4 of a 6-week study of racism and white privilege on Feb. 5. We're using a workbook called "The White Elephant" to explore this subject. We'll meet from 11:45 to 12:30 in St. Mark's Room. While each lesson will build on the one before, you can come for one, two, or all sessions. Please see Karen Andersen Moran, Ken Duckmann or Barbara Wahler for more information.

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.
Tonight we will celebrate the Eve of the Presentation of Our Lord (and its connections to Groundhog Day!)   

Update from Claire Evans

A note from Claire:

Dear Holy Trinity Friends, I have been overwhelmed by your messages of love and support. Thank you! I feel we continue the journey together.

Last evening (1/26/12) I traveled by ambulance, as planned, to Lansing, Michigan for hospice care at my sister's home (address below). I am feeling amazingly strong today.

In Christ's love and peace,
Claire

You can reach Claire at:

Claire Evans
c/0 Sue C Wheeler
1915 Old Oakland Avenue
Lansing, MI 48915

Please keep her in your prayers.

Cookbooks still available!

Thanks to you, we sold over two-thirds of our copies of HTLC's cookbooks, Cook with Joy, this holiday season. For those who still do not have a copy or who would like a few extras, we have about 60 copies available. But...when they're gone, they're gone! You can pick up extra copies at the back of the church for $15 per book (cash or check made to Holy Trinity) while supplies last.

Mom's Night Out - February 10

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, February 10 from 7:30-9:00 p.m., at the home of Beth Mankowski. If you can make it, please RSVP to Beth (elizabeth.mankowski@gmail.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.

Sunday Forum: Paul and Community

Feb. 12 & 19 - 9:30 a.m. - Led by Seminarian Chris Brown
Join us for a two week Bible Study that will explore the "community" that the Apostle Paul envisioned when he was establishing churches across the Roman Empire. This Bible Study will look at several of the letters Paul wrote and highlight some of the key words Paul used in the Greek, which we have lost in our own translation today. Together we will discuss what implications this has for our contemporary society as well as the community at Holy Trinity, and how this informs our ministry.

Ash Wednesday, Feb 22, 7:30 p.m.

Join us as we begin the lenten season at the Liturgy of Ash Wednesday with Imposition of Ashes.

food4thought - February 26 - Stories: Faith and Work 

Mark your calendar for the Feb. 26 Food4thought. Hear from three Holy Trinity members about how their faith informs/shapes their fascinating careers. Food4thought meets after the 10:30 a.m. worship service in Passavant Hall and this "quarter" features not only a delicious meal, but faith stories from three faithful members. This is a "don't miss" event!

 

Our worship conference is fast approaching! On February 11, you are invited to join people from many different denominations around Chicago (and beyond) in this day-long event. Here are some details:
* February 11 from 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
* Free to Holy Trinity members.
* Eucharist service at 10 a.m. featuring the Holy Trinity Choir. (open to all, even if you don't attend the conference)
For more information, and to register, head to the conference website. Additionally, information brochures can be found at the back of the church.

Registration deadline is this coming Monday if you would like a box lunch. 

Attendance Last Sunday 

8:30 - 30; 10:30 - 153   

The Back Pews

We are very grateful for the very high attendance at the 10:30 a.m. service during the past five months. You may have wondered why the back pews are roped off. Simple reason: to offer hospitality for latecomers, many of whom are guests. It can be intimidating to enter a new church and not know the protocol, and it is clear that our first-time guests often prefer to sit in the back pews and chairs. A reminder to members and those who have been attending a long time: please move forward (always a challenge for Lutherans, we know) and help us to use our space well. Studies show that when guests attend and the church is over 80% full, they feel less comfortable and at ease. Many times the 10:30 a.m. service has two or three dozen attending who are guests. As our Visions principles remind us: Act with courage .... be radically inclusive ... cultivate empowering relationships .... which includes the many guests at Holy Trinity each Sunday!  

Support The Lutheran Magazine

Each January we seek special donations to cover the costs of providing The Lutheran magazine to Holy Trinity members. A gift of $10 would pay for one subscription but larger gifts are welcome as well! We are proud of our own Julie Sevig, who is a writer/editor on the staff. Write a check to Holy Trinity or donate now online. Please note, if you would like to subscribe, please email Josh in the office and let him know.

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 Sevig or e-mail her.

Paulus by Motti Lerner, a free staged reading

This event will take place on Friday, February 17, 2012, from 8:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., at Pierce Hall at The Historic Chicago Temple Building (77 West Washington St, Chicago)

Description: Motti Lerner's PAULUS explores Paulus of Tarsus, the founder of Christianity, and his vision to universalize monotheism in the face of strong opposition by the Jewish Establishment, the Jerusalem Church, and the Emperor Nero.

This historical drama weaves through Paul's past and present, guided by his fears and inspirations, and dramatizes the role that Jesus played on Paul's psyche after Jesus' crucifixion.

Written by one of Israel's leading playwrights, PAULUS examines the struggle Paul faced to achieve his vision and the impact of that vision on the world. More information here.

Cost:Free and open to the public.

Reservations: We expect this reading to be completely sold out. To assure you have seats, please make reservations in advance. To reserve your tickets, CLICK HERE.

"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: April 22. More info.

Next New Member Orientation Date: 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. 

January 29, 2012
Epiphany 4b
Mark 1:21-28; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF RELIGION

How do you feel about public displays of affection? I happened to hear a segment of Fresh Air last week in which a Japanese American mentioned that when growing up in Japan, her parents never kissed, even once, in front of her. The larger story, however, was the surprisingly low rate at which the Japanese engage in sex. That of course, is not the topic of this sermon!

Let's take it further. How public are you about your faith? Do you wear your politics on your sleeve? Do you announce your professional affiliations or the charitable organizations you support? Is it known whether you recycle and are committed to green issues?

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

    7:30 p.m.  12-Step Groups (St. Mark's Room & Passavant Hall) 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study (chapter 16) 

    7:30 p.m.  Baptism Class

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

    9:30 a.m.  Sunday Forum (Passavant Hall) and Sunday School

    10:30 a.m.  Sung Eucharist

    11:45 a.m.  Anti-Racism Conversation 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6  

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group  

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

    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

Thursday, February 2 - Presentation of Our Lord
Forty days after the birth of Jesus we mark the day Mary and Joseph presented him in the temple in accordance with Jewish law. There they were greeted by Simeon, an aged priest who offered the song "Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace," as well as by the prophet Anna, who spoke of the redemption of Israel.

Friday, February 3 - Ansgar, Bishop of Hamburg, missionary to Denmark and Sweden, died 865
A monk who helped bring Christianity to Scandinavia, Ansgar returned to Germany where he was named bishop of Hamburg. He is remembered for his love for poor people.

Sunday, February 5, - The Martyrs of Japan, died 1597

Christianity was brought to Japan in the sixteenth century by Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries. The religion was suppressed, however, and in 1597 twenty-six missionaries and converts were crucified. Nevertheless, Christianity survived and later prospered.  

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.

SNL - Tim Tebow

Watch the Saturday Night Live sketch referenced in Pastor Mueller's sermon this past Sunday!

<link>

• Living Lutheran: A Daily Blend of Stories, Culture and Community - <link>
• Spirituality and Practice: Resources for Spiritual Journeys - <link>
• Big Questions Online - <link>
• Religion dispatches - <link>
• Sightings (The Martin Marty Center) - <link>