Introduction by David Brackley, Holy Trinity Minister of Music

I recall when my children were very young and we used to go for walks at this time of the year. We would often make it an adventure and go looking for signs of spring. Of course, normally at this time of year those signs are not nearly as obvious as they are this year. A great find might have been a tree budding, a dandelion blossom hidden in the grass, sighting of the first robin or a violet poking its purple blossom up through a crack in the sidewalk. It turned a routine walk into an exploration and celebration of the new life that was emerging around us.

Spring is a gift, and a particularly special one for me this year, since winter seemed filled with loss. It all began with my closest friend's mother dying suddenly the week before Thanksgiving. She had been very active in her church, was a remarkable woman of great character, and for many years had lovingly "adopted" me as a part of the family for holidays, and we had spent time together when she and her husband would visit my friend here in Chicago. A few weeks later, just after Christmas, we all learned of Claire Evans' cancer diagnosis and followed her last days with our thoughts and prayers. On January 31st my former mother-in-law died quite suddenly. Having more than two decades of history with her as a part of my life made this a significant loss for me. She too was a godly woman who seemed never to miss an opportunity to pass on the love of Christ to all around her. One week later, my mother passed away at the age of 88 after dealing with Alzheimer's disease for several years. I never knew her to waver in her faith. She was a woman of prayer, and her devotion to her Savior was obvious to all. We had lost contact since my divorce and coming out, so in reality I had grieved her loss years back, but there was a sense of finality at her passing nonetheless.

I have always sought to seek the "silver lining" when clouds and storms have come to my life, and these events certainly brought me to a new level of thinking about my mortality. Hearing "remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" on Ash Wednesday was all the more sobering this year in light of all that had happened. But not long after Lent began, we started seeing unusual early signs of spring. The weather warmed up beyond anyone's dreams or expectations at this time of the year, and even driving to work this morning I was awed by the way new life has simply burst forth almost overnight. To me, this feels like a special gift. It is almost as if God is reminding me that these events, while they may be losses to me, represent "the ultimate spring" for these loved ones. They have made a new beginning in the presence of God, and transitioned to a new life that we can only try to imagine.

For me this year, spring comes as a reminder that even though I will someday walk "through the valley of the shadow of death", I need fear nothing. God is with me. Spring is all about resurrection, and that we will celebrate in high style very soon, but only after we walk through the "valley" of Holy Week. My hope and prayer for you is that you will sense the reassuring presence of God each day as we continue through our Lenten journey. The valley may be dark and cold, but spring--and resurrection--is just ahead! Thanks be to God!

NEXT SUNDAY    

March 25 - Fifth Sunday in Lent 

March 25 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 5 for March 25

Weekly readings 

Prayer of the Day
O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, that through life and death we may live in your Son, 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.

Spring is Here!

Shrubs, flowers and plants around Holy Trinity are up and growing. The Garden Committee is looking for volunteers to help with weeding, mowing, and other care of the plantings. If you are interested, please email or speak with Rita Schnell or Leon Stevens.

Film and Spirituality: Doubt

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: DEADLINE TODAY 

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.

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.

In order to be recognized in our Holy Week programs, please make your donation by Sunday, March 25 (donations can still be made after the 25th).  Thank you for your generosity!

PAWS Adult Volunteer Night

We've scheduled another PAWS Chicago Volunteer Night for Tuesday, March 27, from 6-8 p.m. It's another evening of socializing the dogs and cats or, if you prefer not to be around animals, PAWS will provide a task that is more administrative in nature.

Please sign up and bring a friend; the animals need you! No orientation is required for this activity.

Any questions can be directed to Beth Morris.

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.
 

Cooking with Joy: New Oven at Holy Trinity 

Each year, Holy Trinity volunteers prepare dozens of meals for church gatherings and for the needy in our community, including a monthly nourishing supper prepared in our kitchen and served by Team Trinity at the Crib shelter. The old oven was no longer heating properly, and it couldn't keep up with our busy volunteers, so a new double oven has been installed. Many thanks to Norm Kaiser and Leon Stevens for their time in researching the stove.

To support the meal making ministries at Holy Trinity, donations are welcome to help with the cost of the new oven. You can give online or write a check with "oven" noted on it. 

Easter Vigil Reception: Ways to Help

Our elegant champagne reception will follow the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 7 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 - 9 - 11 a.m., Saturday, April 7
• Clean-up - 1 hour following the reception, until approx. 12:30 a.m.
• Prepare hors d'oeuvres or other food:
• Meatballs - (2 volunteers-100 Swedish each; 2 volunteers-100 BBQ each)
• Cheese and Crackers - (4 volunteers - each 2 boxes of crackers and 4/5 blocks of cheese)
• Veggies - (2 volunteers to supply traditional veggie trays or veggies, like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cherry tomatoes and 2 volunteers to supply unique veggies, like baby corn, squash, zucchini, pea pods, etc.) Those bringing veggies may feel free to bring dip as well.
• Fruit Skewers - (5 volunteers to provide a variety of fruit, including strawberries, pineapple, apple, banana, grapes)
• Specialty Treats - (4 volunteers to supply among the following: 3 loaves poundcake, 3 bags of large marshmallows, 3 loaves of angel food cake)
• 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!

Attendance Last Sunday 

8:30 - 20; 10:30 - 149

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

"Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve--Rabbi Earl Grollman.

Because many HTLC members are grieving the death of a family member, a miscarriage, loss of job or relationships we are hosting a seminar on March 31 from 10-12. It will not a be a group therapy session, but an opportunity to learn about the process of grieving from a bereavement professional and to discover ways to stop ignoring the grief, and embrace it in healthy--even spiritually fulfilling ways.

Thom Dennis, M.Div., MAPC, LCPC, is the creator of the Grief River(r) model and a trusted colleague of Pastor Sevig. 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.

RSVP now with Pastor Michelle Sevig.

Special Congregational Meeting - April 22nd

Mark your calendars for a special congregational meeting following the 10:30 a.m. service. During this meeting members will be voting on amendments to the constitution, the allocation of money between the Mission Endowment Fund, Expansive Faith capital campaign loan, and a proposed Operating, Capital, and Opportunity Reserve.

Use the following links to access resources for the upcoming special congregational meeting:

--Amendments to the Constitution (amendments are highlighted)
--Reserve Initiative FAQs
--Reserve PowerPoint (presented at March 4th's forum)

Announcing Taizé Gathering for Young Adults

A Taizé gathering that is part of the "Pilgrimage of Trust across the earth" will take place in Chicago from 25 to 28 May 2012 (Memorial Day Weekend). The venue will be DePaul University in Chicago. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 from all over the United States and Canada will take part. Three Taizé brothers are now living in Chicago and will be coordinating preparations in the city and region. Among other things, they will be working with friends from Chicago to find accommodation with families for the young adults coming from outside the Chicago area. A volunteer will be present at Holy Trinity on Sunday, March 25 to give more information to Holy Trinity members, and to show a brief video after the 10:30 a.m. service.

For more information about the Pilgrimage of Trust please take a look at this site. Here you will find many resources explaining what the Pilgrimage of Trust is, as well as a provisional program for the Memorial Day weekend, and a short video promoting the event.

In addition to the preparations for the Pilgrimage of Trust, the Brothers are also hosting several events around Chicago as well as traveling outside of Illinois to gain interest for the Pilgrimage of Trust. These events include daily prayer services at DePaul University in St. Louise de Marillac Chapel on the first floor of the DePaul University Student center located at 2250 N. Sheffield Ave. These prayer services are open to everyone. The Brothers are also hosting Prayer around the Cross services at churches around Chicago, Friday evenings throughout Lent. For a complete schedule of the Prayer around the Cross services, please follow this link. In addition to these opportunities to see a Taizé style prayer, the Brothers are also hosting Evening Prayer services at 9:30 p.m., Tuesdays at DePaul University and Wednesdays at Loyola University.

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, featuring members Randy & Linda Johnson and their children Austin and Jake (only 3 and 6). 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. 

The Chicago Bach Ensemble at Holy Trinity

On Saturday, March 31 at 8:00 p.m., Holy Trinity will host this new ensemble for a concert of Bach cantatas.

The Chicago Bach Ensemble is a newly formed ensemble specializing in Baroque Music. True to its name, it will start its first concert cycle with four Bach Cantatas. Each musical part in the score will be represented by only one instrumentalist or vocalist. The chamber musical endeavor is guided under the baton of James Setapen and supported by the baroque expertise of concertmaster Martin Davids. The Chicago Bach Ensemble intends to become an anchor group within the Chicago area by performing four different programs each year in different churches.

For information about the program and other concert dates, please visit this site.
Admission is: Adults, $15; Students, $10; Children, free.

"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. 

March 18, 2012
Lent 4b
Pr. Michelle Sevig

I'm not much of a Bible quote-er. I mean there's not too much from the Bible I have memorized. A lot of it is familiar of course, but unlike my former chaplain colleague who could quote a scripture passage in any given situation, from any book in the Bible, I only have a small handful that I know by heart. John 3:16 is one of them.

Today's gospel reading contains the most famous verse in the New Testament, perhaps the entire Bible. John 3:16 doesn't just appear in our lectionary every 3 years, it travels. It's often chosen as a favorite confirmation verse, or gets printed on poster board and displayed in the bleachers at a ball game. Even people who don't darken the door of a church likely know what John 3:16 says. "For God so loved the world, that God gave the only begotten son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die, but will have eternal life.

Continue reading this sermon here 

Listen to past sermons here
Listen to entire services here 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

    7:00 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal
    7:30 p.m.  12-Step Groups (St. Mark's Room & Passavant Hall) 

THURSDAY, MARCH 22

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study 

    6:30 p.m.  Chicago Bach Ensemble Rehearsal

SATURDAY, MARCH 17
    5:00 p.m.  Film/Spirituality Series: Doubt

SUNDAY, MARCH 25 

    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 26

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group  

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28

    6:00 p.m.  Stations of the Cross 
    7:00 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal (Nave) 

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

Full Calendar of Events  

 

COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK
Wednesday, March 21 - Thomas Cranmer, Bishop of Canterbury, martyr, died 1556 Cranmer's lasting achievement is contributing to and overseeing the creation of the Book of Common Prayer, which remains (in revised form) the worship book of the Anglican Communion. He was burned at the stake under Queen Mary for his support of the Protestant Reformation.

Thursday, March 22 - Jonathan Edwards, teacher, missionary to American Indians, died 1758
A Puritan minister in Connecticut, Edwards is remembered as being a great preacher. Though his most famous sermon talks at length about hell, he was more concerned with God's love. He served both as missionary to the Housatonic people in Massachusetts, and as president of the future Princeton University.

Saturday, March 24 - Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador, martyr, died 1980
Romero was deeply concerned with injustices evident toward the poor and powerless in El Salvador, and worked forthrightly against political repression. He was assassinated while presiding at the eucharist in a chapel near the cathedral in San Salvador.

Sunday, March 25 - Annunciation of Our Lord
Nine months before Christmas we celebrate the annunciation, in which the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God. The ancient church believed that this was also the date of the world's creation and of Jesus' death on the cross.  

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2010 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26481.

Last Sunday we bid farewell to Natalie Ford and Andy Sadjak who have moved to Milwaukee where Andy works for his family's shoe business. Andy and Natalie has been an important part of the music program at Holy Trinity and we will miss their offerings of voice and cello! 

Following a brief hospital stay, Elvina Moen's new address is:
Astoria Place
6300 N. California
Chicago, IL 60659 

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

Read about Holy Trinity's Sects and the City Conference

160 pastors, musicians, lay leaders, and seminarians gathered on February 11 at Holy Trinity to reflect on what young adults find meaningful about worship, particularly in congregations with a large presence of Gen X and Y.  

Read Ryan LaHurd's reflections and observations from the day. 

Read the opening plenary remarks by moderator Ben Stewart. 

• 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>