Loss and Lent  

by Pastor Craig M. Mueller
 

We learn from change theory that what we people fear most is not actually change, but loss: the loss of identity, comfort, tradition, time, to name a few. None of would choose the losses that come our way, but rather, they seem to be part of the human condition. The more we live, the more we lose: friends, family, health, status, and mobility. In addition, there are the heartbreaking times when we are rejected by a significant other or spouse, or someone else is chosen for a job or important task. Maybe what we lose is a dream, or a hope, or the stamina to face another day. [Scroll down to learn more about a grief workshop that will be held at Holy Trinity on March 31.]

Jesus talks about losing our lives in order to find them. With such a paradox, as our sermon declared last week, we open ourselves up to the mystery-to things beyond our comprehension.

Perhaps we "practice" Lent so that the lessons we learn prepare us for the losses that life will inevitably bring. The liturgical seasons don't always line up with our emotional lives; rather, we enter the rhythm of each season, knowing that sooner or later we will live its contours.

Could Lent be a teacher with wisdom to offer amid the losses of life? Can the sparseness of our worship environment, the unadorned chant, the simplicity of the liturgy remind us that in the midst of trial and hardship we merely rely on what is most essential? After a death, it is customary for family and friends to bring food to the home of the bereaved. Life comes to a standstill and we simply live from day to day, gaining strength and energy until we resume the regular rhythms of life.

In times of loss we learn to rely on God as Jesus did in the wilderness when all comforts were stripped away. As one of our eucharistic table blessings puts it, "We give thanks for Jesus, who joined in our desert, pouring out his life for the world." Maybe loss also teaches us to focus on simple things, on the blessings of life that it would be easy to take for granted.

At such times we simply live one day at a time. At once it may seem like we have nothing and yet have everything. When our hearts are empty, we trust the promise of the spring. We place our trust in God's faithfulness and the assurance that tomorrow will be a new day. Or to use the language of our Lenten liturgy, we prepare ourselves with joy for the paschal feast of Easter, that renewed in the covenant of baptism, we will come to the fullness of God's grace.

NEXT SUNDAY    

March 11 - Third Sunday in Lent 

March 11 Schedule:

• 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 - Special Lenten Study:
A Watered Garden: Christian Worship and Earth's Ecology

9:30 a.m. - Passavant Hall Read chapter 3 for March 11

Weekly readings 

Prayer of the Day
Holy God, through your Son you have called us to live faithfully and act courageously. Keep us steadfast in your covenant of grace, and teach us the wisdom that comes only through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

President
Meggen Saka

Vice-President
Kelley Bender

Secretary
Megan Whitaker

Treasurer
Steve Hopwood

Outreach
Kristi Harreld, Sarah Hanson

Social Ministry
Ken Duckmann

Finance
Don Marsh

Property
John Flowers, Leon Stevens

Spiritual Life
Megan Eichhorn

Worship
Johanna Olson

Contemplative Eucharist - Tonight, 6:00 p.m.

Make this quiet, contemplative eucharist service part of your Lenten discipline.

Sponsor Flowers For Easter

We welcome special gifts to provide flowers for our Easter celebration. Please designate:
1. Either 'In Memory of...', 'In Honor of...', or 'In Thanksgiving for...'
2. Amount, gifts of any amount from $20 - $500 are welcome.
3. Send or bring a check to Holy Trinity with the above information, or give online now from our website.

Thank you for your generosity!

Mom's Night Out

New night! Join us Tuesday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m.at the home of Beth Mankowski for conversation with other moms and some reflections on the somber season of Lent. RSVP to Beth if you can make it. She will provide her address and directions.

HT Family Events for 2012

On Sunday, March 18 at 9:45 a.m. - while the kids are in Sunday School - join Pastor Sevig and other parents to discuss ideas and plans for family events at Holy Trinity. We'll cover Vacation Bible School, service projects, social outings, potluck dinners, as well as some new ideas! Can't make it on the 18th? Send your suggestions to Pastor Sevig.

New(er) Member Brunch

Did you receive an invite to the March 18 New(er) Members Brunch (for those who joined in 2010-1011) but have yet to RSVP? Not to worry...there's still time! Please let Josh know by March 15 if you'd like to attend this chance to experience Holy Trinity's fine hospitality, as well as the opportunity to mingle with other newer members and your Congregational Council.

Save the Date: Film and Spirituality

Join us for the next installment of the Film and Spirituality Series on Saturday, March 24 at 5:00 p.m.. We will be watching the film Doubt staring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. In a Bronx Catholic school in 1964 a popular priest's ambiguous relationship with a troubled 12 year old black student is questioned by the school's principal. The film provokes wonderful conversation! A light main course will be provided; you are welcome to bring snacks or side dishes to share.  

Spring 2012 Dinner Groups

One of Holy Trinity's most popular offerings, these groups meet in a home for dinner in which the host provides the main course and others provide the side dishes. Sign-up as a couple, with a friend, or by yourself by filling out a form at the back of the church or by emailing the office and letting us know which dates you are available, if you are willing to host 8 - 10 people, if you are vegetarian, and if you request a location near an el stop. Over 50 people participate in dinner groups at Holy Trinity; it's a great way to meet new folks in our community! Sign-up by March 21; groups will meet April 15, 21, 22, 28, 29.

Stations of The Cross

Wednesday, March 28 - 6:00 p.m.
Special Lenten service
Features artistic renderings by Holy Trinity member, Richard Bough, and meditations that connect this ancient practice with social justice, and the needs of the world.
An annual liturgy at Holy Trinity; please join us.



 

Grief Workshop: Troubled Waters
March 31st, 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Contrary to what most people think, grief is not a "process." It does not progress through an organized set of stages to a clear identifiable end. Instead, the experience of grief is more like a river; dynamic, often turbulent and constantly changing. At times it will require that you learn new skills or to seek-out a more experienced guide who can teach you how to negotiate your way through some of life's most troubled waters.

Instead of using confusing clinical terminology, Thom Dennis uses nature's metaphors to help people cope with the death of a loved one and other significant losses. If you have experienced the death of a family member, a miscarriage, a loss of a job or another significant relationship, and even if your loss has not been so recent, this presentation will definitely change the way you view grief.

Thom Dennis, M.Div., MAPC, LCPC, is the creator of the Grief River® model. He has 20 years experience helping individuals and families come to terms with the stresses of life. His personable and interactive presentation style makes the topic of grief manageable and his vision offers hope for the future.

Contact Pastor Michelle Sevig for more information or to RSVP.

E-news for parents

There's a new monthly e-mail sent to all the parents at HTLC. It includes upcoming events for families and news or articles about raising kids in the Christian faith. If you'd like to receive these monthly e-mails, please let Pastor Sevig know.

Easter Vigil Reception: Ways to Help

Our elegant champagne reception will follow the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 8 at around 9:30 p.m. in Passavant Hall. It's a major event at Holy Trinity! The Easter hospitality team needs volunteers for the following:

• Set-up - 2 hours Saturday afternoon
• Clean-up - following the reception
• Prepare hors d'oeuvres or other food
• You may also provide financial assistance for the reception 

We are also preparing a brunch between services on Easter Sunday for staff, choir, musicians, teachers, nursery assistants and others and need volunteers to help prepare and serve that meal.

For more information please contact Kara Grimme (312.860.2954). To sign up, check the sheet in the back of the church or email Josh in the church office.  Thank you for volunteering and sharing in this wonderful event!

• The 2012 Congregational Council officers are:
  • President: Meggen Saka
  • Vice President: Kelley Bender
  • Treasurer: Steve Hopwood
  • Secretary: Megan Whitaker
• Join us for the March 8th council meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:15 p.m. in Passavant Hall. All are welcome.
• Do you have a great idea for fellowship? Let us know, and we will help you advertise it to other Holy Trinity members.

Attendance Last Sunday 

8:30 - 22; 10:30 - 139

ELCA Disaster Response: U.S. Sever Spring Storms

Between February 22 and March 3, 2012, a deadly series of storms raced across the Midwest and the South, spawning at least 64 violent tornadoes that killed more than 50 people and injured many more in 14 states from Nebraska to North Carolina, Alabama and Georgia. Hundreds of homes, farms and businesses were damaged or destroyed during the outbreak.

ELCA Response: Currently, the ELCA is monitoring the situation and gathering information. No ELCA congregations have reported severe damage. Discussions and evaluations have been made around the ability to respond, shortfalls of resources and emerging needs that are present. We will continue to be in discussion and assess the situation in the days and weeks ahead.

How Can You Help? Gifts to ELCA Disaster Response, designated to U.S. Severe Spring Storms will be used entirely - 100 percent - to help provide immediate and effective support to communities in need. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

It's Circus Time

Join us for a fun afternoon of circus fun with the Triton Troopers. Watch in amazement as Linda Johnson swings from a trapeze, be amused by young Austin and Jake (only 3 and 6) as they clown around with their dad in the big ring, and hold your breath as Randy Johnson juggles all kinds of amazing objects.

There are 4 different performances to choose from, but a group from HTLC will be meeting at Triton College on March 31st for the 1:00 p.m. show. Come early to the pancake breakfast and help us save seats for the show. It's a blast! Tickets are only $6 each and it is a delightful and fun group activity. Children of all ages will enjoy this animal free circus. Questions, please contact Pastor Sevig or Linda Johnson. More information about the circus here 

Call for Sacred Space pictures

As the seasons change, it's time to change the exhibition in our Sacred Space Gallery (in the hall behind the sanctuary). As children have been such a visible sign of our growing congregation, it would be fun to see their bright, shining faces lighting up the Gallery. Please contact Barbara Wahler about bringing in your framed pictures of your Holy Trinity children for all to see!

Images of Sweden: From the Artist's Brush and the Photographer's Lens by Tord and Gunnel Harlin

At the Swedish Museum in Andersonville
The Rev. Tord Harlin is bishop emeritus of Uppsala, where he lives with Gunnel, his wife, who is an artist. The couple are in Chicago for the opening of a joint exhibit at the Swedish-American Museum, "Images of Sweden: From the artist's brush and the photographer's lens." Tord is the photographer, and the cathedral in Uppsala the subject of much of his work.

The Harlins were missionaries in Zimbabwe from 1964-75. Tord also has directed international studies and the board of inter church and ecumenical affairs for the Church of Sweden. He's been chairman of Church of Sweden Aid and of the foundation supporting the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe. He represented Lutheran World Federation at the Consultation of Religious Leaders on Global Poverty in 2005 at the Cathedral College of Washington National Cathedral.

The exhibit opens Friday, March 16, with a reception from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Harlins will lead a Gallery Walk on Saturday, March 17, at 11:00 a.m. The Swedish American Museum is at 5211 N. Clark St., 1/2 block north of Foster Ave. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. More information can be found at their website.

"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 Lakeview Pantry

Holy Trinity members help hand out food at the Lakeview Pantry on the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. For more information or with questions, contact James Perez.

--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.

--PAWS Chicago

Spend an evening socializing shelter dogs and cats! Attend periodic adult volunteer nights where you can spend time acclimating dogs and cats to a life with a family by playing with them, brushing them, petting them, showing them how to play with toys, or just letting them curl up on your lap. You are welcome to pick dogs or cats - or both! THERE IS NO NEED TO ATTEND ORIENTATION. For socializing, you will be shown what to do at the Center. If you would like to do more advanced things, like walk dogs, feed the dogs and cats, etc., contact Beth Morris to talk about scheduling a more advanced orientation. .

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. 

The Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012
Seminarian Chris Brown 

The Secret to Happiness?

What if I told you I had the secret to happiness? I can't even imagine the replies some of you might be thinking in your heads right now. I would guess some of them would sound like this: "Oh my God... not another spiritual promotion." Others might be chuckling, thinking, "This poor kid... give him a few more years." And still other might already know what the secret to happiness is. Regardless, I would imagine that it seems by me even asking this question: what if I told you I had the secret to happiness? that it would appear I'm either selling something, or just plain pretentious. At the very least, hopefully I've done my job and sparked your interest.  

Continue reading this sermon here 

Listen to past sermons here
Listen to entire services here 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study (chapter 21)

    7:00 p.m.  Peer Supervision Group

    7:15 p.m.  Congregation Council Meeting 

SUNDAY, MARCH 11

    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

MONDAY, MARCH 12

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group  

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14

    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
Wednesday, March 7 - Perpetua and Felicity and companions, martyrs at Carthage, died 202
Vibia Perpetua was a noblewoman, and Felicity her slave, who were catechumens at Carthage, northern Africa. They, with four other catechumens, had defied the Roman emperor who had forbidden conversions to Christianity, and were put to death in the amphitheater.

Saturday, March 10 - Harriet Tubman, died 1913; Sojourner Truth, died 1883; renewers of society
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery, helped about 300 others to escape slavery until the institution was abolished. Sojourner Truth, whose birth name was Isabella, was freed after slavery was abolished, and discerned a call to be a preacher. Taking the name Sojourner Truth, she set out on an evangelistic journey, where people found her testimony to be deeply moving.

Monday, March 12 - Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, died 604
Born into wealth and power, Gregory was for a time the chief administrator of the city of Rome. Giving this up for a life in the church, he was elected pope in 590. He influenced public worship through the establishment of a lectionary and prayers to correlate with the readings. Gregorian chant is named in his honor.  

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.

Online Lenten Devotionals 

At this link, scroll down to find a variety of online Lenten devotionals to check out!

Huffington Post features poems, prayers and reflections for Lent 2012. 

• 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>