by Seminarian Ben Adams

I began the process of writing this opener by looking for inspiration in my first e-news opener which I wrote in September of last year. It donned on me that when I wrote that opener, Tara and I had not even gotten married yet! What an amazing journey this past year has been, and Holy Trinity has accompanied Tara and I throughout it all. I cannot say enough about the community at Holy Trinity, and how Tara and I were welcomed with open arms from the start. We truly appreciate being included and cared for in this community.

A specific moment that comes to mind that exemplifies the type of community that Holy Trinity embodies was when Tara had just relocated to Chicago shortly after our wedding. So many people at HTLC were willing to go out of their way to help Tara find a job. It truly provided us with confidence that Tara would find work when we knew there were so many parishioners advocating for us. We had many doubts, but strengthened by this community, Tara did not become discouraged and was able to eventually find work at the Museum of Science and Industry.

So much of what Holy Trinity does well, such as deepening the welcome and practicing the liturgy, have become a part of my theology and my spiritual nourishment. I, like my counterpart Chris, have come to appreciate the liturgy especially when it reflects a core component of a church's identity. Liturgy truly mirrors our lives, and it is a realization that I came to in our adult forum this past week. The process of gathering as a community-hearing the word, sharing a meal, and going forth as witnesses-is truly a "life rehearsal."

Liturgy is like the story we heard this week from Luke's Gospel where the disciples encounter the resurrected Christ, then he offers an explanation using scripture. After eating with the disciples, Jesus enlightens them to his identity, and finally he exits, leaving the disciples to be witnesses to their experience. It reflects our lives when we look to encounter Jesus but fail to recognize, so we read and listen to the proclaimed word. But it is not until the meal we share at Eucharist that we actually encounter the physical presence of Christ. Through this meal we are enlightened to what Christ means for us, and we are prepared once more to go out in the world as Christ commanded the disciples in Luke 24:46-48: "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

As I depart for internship in Vancouver, WA, I am thankful for all of the witnesses at Holy Trinity who have been so formative on my journey of faith, spirituality, and ministry. I feel eternally blessed to have had the privilege of serving Holy Trinity this year, and I will always look back with great appreciation for the unquestionable growth I have experienced as a future leader in the ELCA.

Send a note to Ben with your comments or reflections!

NEXT SUNDAY

April 29 - Fourth Sunday of Easter
The Fifty Days of Easter Continue! 

April 29 Schedule:

• 8:30 a.m. - Simple 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 with Baptisms
• 3:00 p.m. - Music Series: Doug Williams - Organ

Sunday Forum|food4thought 
Advocating for a Slow-Prayer Movement

9:20 a.m. - Passavant Hall - (light breakfast provided)
When St. Paul says, "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17), it's easy to retort: "I don't have time." "I can't get up any earlier." "What does he mean by that anyway?" This presentation flows from the point of view that all life is holy, sacramental, a living dialogue with God, and will offer practices to support and explore that awareness. This is in hopes that just as you don't eat Fast Food every day but often enjoy locally- and sustainably-grown Slow Food, you also will come to relish regular personal prayer that expresses your personality and can be fit into your schedule.

Led by Rev. Joan Beck, Director of Spiritual Formation and Pastor to the Community at LSTC. Joan has more than 25 years of ordained ministry experience serving congregations and campus ministry, all in the Oregon Synod (ELCA). In work with groups and individuals, Joan encourages people to listen and talk to God and respond authentically. She uses the Bible, literature and the arts, worship and other spiritual practices as resources for this growth in faith. (continue reading bio)

3:00 p.m. - Doug Williams: Organ Recital

See below for more details

Weekly readings 

Prayer of the Day
O Lord Christ, good shepherd of the sheep, you seek the lost and guide us into your fold. Feed us, and we shall be satisfied; heal us, and we shall be whole. Make us one with you, for you live and reign with the Father 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

Tonight, 6:00 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist 

Come for some peace and quiet. Bask in resurrection joy in our beautifully decorated sanctuary!

Organ Recital - Doug Williams

Sunday, April 29 - 3:00 p.m.

(Click for larger image)

Coming Soon: Service Times Survey

The Congregation Council has appointed a task force to look at our present worship schedule and whether a change in service times would better fit our community's needs. In a few days you will receive an email with a survey that we hope you will fill out to guide the work of the task force.

The Voices visioning process--concluded in January 2011--will help guide our deliberations, including these three strategic directions:

1) to increase support and programming for children, youth, and families.
2) develop networks through which we support and delight in one another.
3) engage together in service addressing unmet needs.

One of the leading options under consideration is having two full services at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. with Sunday School/Adult Forum at 10:00 a.m. We would continue having one service during the summer at 9:30 a.m.

One reason for considering this change is the near-capacity attendance at some of our 10:30 a.m. services. Studies show that guests may not feel as comfortable or welcome when seating is crowded or difficult to find. In addition, the survey results will help shape outreach to two growing demographics at Holy Trinity: families with small children, and the large number of young adults in the neighborhood who attend services.

The task force members are Tim Peterson (chair), Pastor Mueller, Pastor Sevig, David Brackley, Kelley Bender, Megan Eichhorn, Carol LaHurd, Meggen Saka and Becky Sims.

Mom's Night Out--THURSDAY May 10

This month we'll gather on Thursday night, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. Thanks to Michelle and Julie Sevig for hosting. Please let us know if you plan to join us for a little grown-up conversation and fun.

Children's Choir

Children's Choir Sings May 13 at the 10:30 a.m. service. Children who are at least 5 years old are welcome to participate. Rehearsals are Sundays at 10:00 a.m. on April 29, May 6, and May 13 in St. Mark's room.

Fed and Forgiven

Children of all ages and their parents are invited to participate in the Sunday School curriculum Fed and Forgiven on Sundays April 29 - May 20. Classes will meet at 9:30 a.m. in their classrooms. Whether your child already communes regularly or not, all are encouraged to come learn about God's grace made known to us in the sacrament.

Volunteer Opportunity: Night Ministry Outreach Bus

Wednesdays: May 15, August 15, October 17 @ 6:00 p.m.
Volunteers from Holy Trinity will be preparing "meals in a bag" for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth in Rogers Park. We will need volunteers for the purchase of food, drinks, and a snack and soft fruit. We will also need volunteers, who are aged 22 and up, for the serving of the 'meals in a bag' in Rogers Park. We will meet at Holy Trinity at 6:00 p.m. (if you would like to attend the worship service at 6:00 come up after it is done) to assemble the food and then carpool to Rogers Park to meet up with the Outreach Van and distribute the food. The event should conclude around 10:30 or 11:00 p.m.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

Each year the mayor's office sponsors Kite Day at Montrose Harbor, and this year you're invited to join other HTLC families for a fun day filled with crafts, games, and of course flying kites. The festivities go from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. Kite Day at Montrose Harbor is always loads of fun, but it will be even better shared with friends from church. Bring a picnic lunch and your own kite and let's play. Contact Pastor Sevig for more information and to make arrangements for a meeting place.

Calling all Kids (or parents of kids)!

Check out the new collection hanging in our sacred space gallery -- "The Children of Holy Trinity." We'd like to see this collection grow, so if you have 'kid pictures' to add to our space, please drop off framed, ready-to-hang pictures (up to 8 x 10 inches) in the church office. Contact Barbara Wahler (773.973.3785) if you have any questions.

Ordinary People/Extraordinary God

Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be August 6-10, at Luther Memorial Church in Ravenswood. Young adult counselors from Lutherdale Bible Camp will bring the camp experience to us in the city and lead the older children on a fun-filled faith adventure. The younger children will also have fun playing games, doing crafts and exploring Bible stories.

Last Week's Attendance 

8:30 a.m. - 16
10:30 a.m. - 214

Lakeview Action Coalition Assembly

Save the date! Come together with other members of the Lakeview Action Coalition for this spring's biggest assembly for justice! It is time to advance our issues campaigns on access to healthcare, affordable housing, homeless youth, and economic justice, and celebrate our victories. Join us on Sunday, May 6, 2012. 2:00-3:30 p.m. (doors open at 1:30pm). St. Paul's UCC (2335 N. Orchard Ave.). See either Ken Duckmann or Steve Fanale for information on the assembly or for LAC information/to serve on any of the task forces.

Analyzing and Understanding Systemic Racism Workshop

This 2.5 day workshop will help you understand and analyze racism in our Church and society. Join us for an exploration of:
--The definition of systemic racism;
--The three manifestations of racism--individual, institutional, and cultural, and their effects on both communities of color and white communities;
--The issue of racism and the task of dismantling racism from spiritual, ethical, political and social perspectives, with the goal of equipping people to combat racism within their institutions and in the larger society.

April 26-28, 2012 - LUTHERAN SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AT CHICAGO, 1100 EAST 55TH STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60615

This workshop is conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect, caring and safety, and is not based on confrontation, guilt and judgment. Anyone who has an interest in developing a deeper understanding of racism and its impacts on our church and society is invited to attend. PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE - $35 PER PERSON (ELCA), $105 (Non-ELCA) Cost includes lunch, course notebook and workshop materials. See Barbara Wahler or Ken Duckmann for more information.

"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. Next dates are May 16, August 15, October 17.  Watch the e-news for details.

--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: June 3 (9:30 a.m.), August 26 (9:30 a.m.). More info.

Next New Member Orientation Date: TBD.  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. 

April 22, 2012
Third Sunday of Easter
Luke 24:36b-48
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

GOOGLE GLASSES OR GOGGLES?

My glasses can do a lot of things. Being of a certain age, mine are progressive lenses: bifocals! But with no lines. And they are transitional lenses. When I'm outside they become sunglasses. No need to carry a second pair for that. And the temples-they bend back without breaking. All pretty cool to me! Not to mention I think glasses give focus to those of us with high foreheads, or shall we say, receding hairlines!

But these are nothing compared to the so-called Google glasses under development. Imagine a smart phone turned into science-fiction-like spectacles!

Continue reading the sermon sermon here

Listen to past sermons here
Listen to entire services here 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

    1:30 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Evening Prayer

    7:00 p.m.  Endowment Committee Meeting

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 26

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

    5:00 p.m.  Common Solutions

SUNDAY, APRIL 29

    8:30 a.m.  Simple Eucharist

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

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

    10:30 a.m.  Sung Eucharist

    3:00 p.m.  Music Series: Organ Recital - Doug Williams

MONDAY, APRIL 30

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist

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

Full Calendar of Events  

 

COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK

Wednesday, April 25 - Mark, Evangelist
He was not numbered among the twelve apostles, yet Mark was probably a member of the early church community. The gospel that bears his name is the shortest and most direct, and many scholars think it was the first to be written.

Sunday, April 29 - Catherine of Siena, theologian, died 1380
This theologian was the first woman among Roman Catholics to receive the title "Doctor [teacher] of the Church." Catherine was a Dominican sister known for her mystical visions as well as her work on behalf of people who were poor and imprisoned.

Tuesday, May 1 - Philip and James, Apostles
Philip was one of the first disciples of Jesus, and called Nathanael to "come and see." He later responded to an Ethiopian official's request for teaching and baptism. Little is known of James, the son of Alphaeus, called "the Less" to distinguish him from another apostle named James.   

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

 Seminarian Chris Brown was engaged on March 27 to his fiance, Livier Graham.  

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

Mentioned in Sunday's Sermon: The Flight From Conversation

by Sherry Turkle from The New York Times
 
WE live in a technological universe in which we are always communicating. And yet we have sacrificed conversation for mere connection.

At home, families sit together, texting and reading e-mail. At work executives text during board meetings. We text (and shop and go on Facebook) during classes and when we're on dates. My students tell me about an important new skill: it involves maintaining eye contact with someone while you text someone else; it's hard, but it can be done.

Continue reading...

• 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>