by Ann Sanders

One of Holy Trinity's purpose statements is, 'Open to Mystery.' As a church and as a people, we are open to the mystery of God and God's presence among us. This past Sunday, Rev. Joan Beck led the Sunday forum and her topic was about a 'slow prayer movement,' making time to be present to God and the still small voice that is within us all.

Finding the time to be quiet and to center has always been a challenge for me; maybe not so much for many of you but definitely a challenge for me. After listening to Joan, I was drawn back to something one of my spiritual directors shared with me about prayer and making time with God. I was reminded that prayer is a relationship with God and we need to connect on a spiritual level with God. God is Spirit and we worship God in Spirit, trusting that God loves us completely and does not care about our words, remembering that prayer is a relationship with God and not a thing we should do. The Spirit of God is within us all and guides us to God; this is one of the many mysteries of God.

Send a note to Ann with your comments or reflections!

NEXT SUNDAY

May 6 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
The Fifty Days of Easter Continue! 

May 6 Schedule:

***CUBS HOME GAME***

• 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

Sunday Forum: Meaning and Metaphor

9:30 a.m. - Passavant Hall
If you think metaphor is something just for poets, think again. In normal conversation, we utter one metaphor for every 10-25 words. Metaphor is ubiquitous and fundamental. Not just a component of language, metaphor also plays a basic role in how we perceive our world, how we think, and how we act. Sometimes this influence is obvious, but it can also happen well below the level of our consciousness. Metaphor is an intrinsic part of religion, theology and values; this forum will discuss what metaphor is and how it helps shape our thinking about God, the meaning of life, and our dealings with fellow human beings. Led by Ryan LaHurd

Weekly readings 

Prayer of the Day
O God, you give us your Son as the vine apart from whom we cannot live. Nourish our life in his resurrection, that we may bear the fruit of love and know the fullness of your joy, 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

Tonight, 6:00 p.m. Contemplative Eucharist 

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

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. This task force has created a survey to gather information from the Holy Trinity community of members, friends and visitors.  If you haven't already done so, please take the survey, we very much appreciate your input! The deadline for completed surveys is Sunday, May 6.

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 May 6 and 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.

May Book Club Meeting

Please join us for the next book club meeting on May 23, the location is still TBD. We will discuss the book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot which should offer an engaging discussion on a controversial topic. Books for June and July are Cutting for Stone by Abraham Veghese and The Saffron Kitchen by Yasmin Crowther. Feel free to join us whether you have read the book or not!

Prayer Shawl Ministry

During the first month of ministry we have gifted 5 prayer shawls to member and friends of Holy Trinity. It's and exciting new venture and we invite you to join us on Sunday June 10th after worship for a brief meeting and some time to stitch and pray with others. HTLC's Prayer Shawl Ministry group is fun, creative and relaxing, and we welcome all people, whether beginner or advanced. If you have questions please contact Patrice Macken.

Last Week's Attendance 

8:30 a.m. - 32
10:30 a.m. - 140

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.

Voices Aloft: Chicago Chorale performs at Rockefeller Chapel

The Chicago Chorale, under the direction of Bruce Tammen, will perform a concert to include Bach's Komm Jesu Komm, Schoenberg's Friede Auf Erde and Vierne's Messe Solenelle with renowned Organist Thomas Weisflog - all in the magnificent Rockefeller Chapel at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 13. Holy Trinity members Clyde Andrew Walter and Kyle Severson will be among the "voices aloft." For tickets and more information, please visit www.chicagochorale.org.

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.

"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 29, 2012
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Psalm 23
Pr. Joan L. Beck

Prepare this table before us and you yourself be both guest and host. Amen.

Exactly a year ago a stray dog was brought into the Chicago Animal Care and Control Center on Western Avenue, and a week later my spouse and I took him home. Estimated to be about a year old, the shelter called him "Winchester"; we renamed him "Thor." He is about knee-high, 50 pounds. His back is black, his face, stomach, and legs are brown, and his tail is curly. The sign on his cage at the shelter suggested, "German shepherd cross." The vet took one look at him and said, "Rottweiler cross." The DNA test from the pet store came back saying, "Akita cross." Who knows? He does have beautiful brown eyes.

Continue reading the sermon sermon here

Listen to past sermons here
Listen to entire services here 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2

    6:00 p.m.  Contemplative Evening Prayer

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

THURSDAY, MAY 3

    10:00 a.m.  Weekly Bible Study

FRIDAY, MAY 4

    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

SATURDAY, MAY 5

    12:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

SUNDAY, MAY 6 - ***CUBS HOME GAME***

    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

    1:00 p.m.  Jared Metzger Studio Recital

    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

MONDAY, MAY 7

    7:00 p.m.  Meditation Group

    7:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

TUESDAY, MAY 8

    7:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9

    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

    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, May 2 - Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, died 373
Best remembered for defending the teaching that Christ was fully God against those who taught otherwise, Athanasius was an influential church leader around the time of the Council of Nicea. He was banished from Alexandria five times for his forthright views.

Friday, May 4 - Monica, mother of Augustine, died 387
Monica was married to a pagan husband who was ill-tempered and unfaithful, but whom she helped bring into the Christian faith. She repeated the influence on her son Augustine, who went on to become one of the greatest church teachers.

Tuesday, May 8 - Julian of Norwich, renewer of the church, died around 1416
When she was about thirty years old, Julian (or Juliana) reported visions that she later compiled into a book, Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love, now a classic of medieval mysticism. The visions declared that love was the meaning of religious experience, provided by Christ who is love, for the purpose of love.

Tuesday, May 8 - Victor the Moor, martyr, died 303 (TFF)
Also known as Victor Maurus, this native of the northwest African nation of Mauritania was a soldier in the Roman Praetorian Guard. Under the persecution of Maximian, Victor died for his faith at Milan.

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.

COMMENTARY: Survival of the fittest

by Tom Ehrich from Religion News Service  

Let's imagine you are running an enterprise. A shop, online vendor, political party, church, bank - you decide.

Now look at the trends happening around you. Let's say you notice these three:

-- Living as a single person is far more common today than it was in 1950.
-- Outer suburbs are struggling as home sales sag, younger residents choose rental and city-center destinations, and suburban schools are no longer a draw. -- Young adults are less likely to value car ownership than were earlier generations.

So what do you do? This is the dilemma facing countless leaders, from school principals to church pastors. The world around us is far more dynamic than our internal systems for adapting to it.

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>