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Reverent
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eNews
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
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| Greetings! | |
Lift High The Cross
by Kelley Bender, Holy Trinity Vice-President
Have you noticed anything missing from HTLC? Here is a hint in the form of one of my favorite hymns: Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore his sacred name.  While I cannot claim to have been observant enough to know the answer to my own question until it was pointed out to me, many of you have noticed that the cross that used to sit atop the limestone peak of the church facing Addison Street has been gone for some time. Because the limestone peak itself is in need of work, we have not been able to replace the cross. It may now be time for us to lift high the cross in a very literal sense! After receiving multiple bids last summer but ultimately deciding to put the work off for another year, the congregation council is now recommending that the congregation approve the acceptance of a $21,000 bid for removing, cleaning and replacing the limestone peak, removing and redoing some of the brick work, and installing new flashing and waterproofing. The masonry contractor will also be able to replace the cross while working on the peak, and council has been informed that HTLC members have expressed interest in separately funding the cost of the cross replacement, a blessing for which we are very grateful. You may recall that earlier this year, the congregation established the Operating, Capital and Opportunity Reserve Fund. At the same time, guidelines were established for the use of the Reserve Fund, including that only $20,000 may be used from the Reserve Fund in any calendar year. Therefore, the council is recommending that the masonry work be funded with $20,000 from the Reserve Fund with the remainder taken from the annual operating budget. The congregation must approve contracts in excess of $10,000 by a majority vote. To facilitate this vote, there will be a congregation meeting immediately following the 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday, July 1. As I mentioned, Lift High the Cross is one of my favorite hymns. I look forward to singing it again soon as we celebrate the return of a sacred symbol to the face of our church!
Send a note to Kelley with your comments or reflections! |
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NEXT TWO SUNDAYS
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June 24 - John The Baptist
 The birth of John the Baptist is celebrated exactly six months before Christmas Eve. For Christians in the Northern Hemisphere, these two dates are deeply symbolic. John said that he must decrease as Jesus increased. According to tradition, John was born as the days are longest and then steadily decrease, while Jesus was born as the days are shortest and steadily increase. In many countries this day is celebrated with customs associated with the summer solstice.
June 24 Schedule:
- 9:30 a.m. - Festival Eucharist
- 10:30 a.m. - Fellowship in Garden
(weather permitting) - Noon - HTLC members march in the Pride Parade
Pride Parade
Holy Trinity members and friends are invited to walk with the Chicago Welcoming Churches in the Pride Parade today. The parade will begin at noon and this year will begin at Montrose / Broadway and walk south to Diversey / Broadway. Those interested in walking will leave following the 9:30 a.m. service and social time.
Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, by your gracious providence your servant John the Baptist was born to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Grant to your people the wisdom to see your purpose and the openness to hear your will, that the light of Christ may increase in us, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Weekly readings
July 1 - Lectionary 13  A woman finds healing by touching Jesus' cloak, and a girl is restored to life when he takes her by the hand. In both cases a boundary is crossed: in Jesus' time the hemorrhaging woman was considered ritually unclean, polluting others by her touch, and anyone who touched a corpse also became unclean. In Mark's gospel Jesus breaks down barriers, from his first meal at a tax collector's house to his last breath on the cross as the temple curtain is torn in two. We dare to touch Jesus in our "uncleanness" and to live as a community that defines no one as an outsider.July 1 Schedule:
***CUBS HOME GAME*** - 9:30 a.m. - Eucharist
- 10:30 a.m. - Fellowship in Garden
(weather permitting) - 10:30 a.m. - Congregation Meeting: Masonry Project Vote
Cubs Home Game
Parking can be difficult--
If possible, carpool,
take public transit, or walk. Masonry Project "Lift High the Cross" - Congregation Meeting Over the past couple years, the council has been aware of the pressing need to do some masonry work on the peak of the front of the church to address potential issues of leakage and safety. They have received bids and spoken with several contractors and have voted to recommend to the congregation to go ahead with the work, which would involve removing, cleaning and replacing the limestone peak, removing and redoing some of the brick work, installing new flashing and waterproofing, and likely replacing the cross. There will be a congregational meeting Sunday, July 1 at which members will vote to approve the expenditure which will total around $21,000 and be funded by the newly established Reserve Fund, donations and possibly a minimal amount from the annual budget. (See the enews opening article for more information)
Prayer of the Day
Almighty and merciful God, we implore you to hear the prayers of your people. Be our strong defense against all harm and danger, that we may live and grow in faith and hope, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Weekly readings |
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| Purpose & Principles | Purpose Statement
Open to the Mystery...
Connect, Strengthen, and Serve with Joy!
Guiding Principles
--Act with courage
--Be radically inclusive
--Cultivate empowering relationships
--Delight in God's beauty
--Engage with intention |
| Celebrations | |
BIRTHDAYS:
Garrett Glawe 6/21
Aidan Bender 6/23
Richard Bough 6/26
Ashley Kincaid 6/26
Ania Moriarty 6/26
Chris Pirotte 6/26
Alicia Tegt 6/26
Keith Kanthak 6/27
Michael Moriarty 6/29
Caroline Nero 6/30
Curtis Duffy 7/02
Colin Fiegel 7/02
Veronica Fiegel 7/02
Amy Fanale 7/03
Elias Hopwood 7/03
Patrice Macken 7/03
Lars Jenner 7/05
BAPTISMS:
Mary Larkin 6/20
Ken Duckmann 6/21
Evelyn Stang 6/22
Muriel Tres 6/22
Colin Fiegel 6/26
Veronica Fiegel 6/26
Helena Paul 6/26
eric bjorlin 6/27
Alison Ferrari-Rio 6/30
Dia Fornasiero-Johnson 6/30
Rita Schnell 6/30
Dick Tribble 7/4
ANNIVERSARIES:
Kurt & Joyce Reichardt 6/19
Natalia & Rob Hodge 6/30
Tonya & Kurt Ames 7/4
David Brackley 7/5
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| Congregation Council | |
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
Stewardship and Worship
Johanna Olson
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Next Sunday: A Summertime Festival
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MIDSUMMER / ST. JOHN'S DAY
June 24 is a summer festival! June 24 is the feast commemorating the birth of John the Baptist, and in 2012 it falls on a Sunday. The feast brings together images of sun, solstice, and midsummer. According to Luke's gospel, John was six months older than Jesus, so this festival is exactly six months before December 24. The nativity of John was established very early in the church's history, about the same time as Christmas.
As Christmas takes place near the winter solstice when the nights are longest (in the Northern Hemisphere), St. John's Day occurs near the summer solstice when the sun is bright and the days are the longest of the year. Summer does not seem as reflective as a cold, winter night. The air is filled with sound, heat, birds, and bugs, for example. Yet the hum of summer and the abundant, green vegetation speak of fullness and even paradise.
In many parts of the world, St. John's Day is a major holiday connected to midsummer (which doesn't mean the middle of the summer, but the days around the summer solstice). The European tradition of spending the whole night outdoors was immortalized in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Both water and fire are emblems of John: the water of baptism and the fire of the sun. On midsummer's eve, in some places around the world, St. John's fires are lit along the water or people dance around huge bonfires. In Sweden people dance around a Maypole and in some places in Germany the village green is decorated with a "Johanniskrone" a woven wreath or "crown" of twigs and leaves decorated with flowers and ribbons.
At the winter solstice we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the sun of righteousness, and at the summer solstice we celebrate another birth: John, son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. The births are told in a parallel fashion in Luke 1 and 2. In pointing the way to the Messiah, John says, "he must increase and I must decrease." The sun shines brightest at this time of year, but in the next six months it will decrease, minutes a day, until the winter solstice.
As Christopher Hill writes, "At St. John's moment of midsummer, the cross, where time and the timeless intersect, its arms going off in four directions, takes on the completeness of the circle, the fiery wheel of the summer sun." And what is John's connection to the sun? In the words of the prophecy uttered by John's father, Zechariah (and the Benedictus canticle, sung in Morning Prayer): "You, my child ... shall go before the Lord to prepare the way. In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high (the sun) will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and sit in the shadow of death."
Join us this coming Sunday for a special St. John's Day, Midsummer festival liturgy!
~Pr. Craig M. Mueller
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NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
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Last Two Week's Attendances
June 10, 9:30 a.m. - 130
June 17, 9:30 a.m. - 131
Game Night--Success!
 THANK YOU! Our second annual game night fundraiser was another success! We have totaled the ticket sales and will soon submit our numbers to Thrivent Financial for a matching grant. Once we know our grand total (including matched amount) we'll share the news. In the meantime, the fundraising committee wishes to thank all game night attendees, supporters, event planners/workers, and sponsors: Anthony and the staff at Lincoln Tap Room, Jewel-Osco, Mariano's Fresh Market, Megan Eichhorn, Chris and Kelley Bender, and Thrivent. Come Hang On Our Wall! We're still looking for pictures of Holy Trinity kids (today and yesterday) for our Sacred Space Gallery. If you have children, or ever were a child, we'd like to see you in our Gallery. Please bring framed, ready to hang pictures to the office when you get a chance. Contact Barbara Wahler if you have any questions. Lakeview Pantry - Hunger Walk  On Saturday, June 23, the Lakeview Pantry will be having a Hunger Walk to raise awareness and funds for the Lakeview Pantry. The event starts at 8:30 a.m., with registration starting at 7:45. Participants from Holy Trinity will be walking with many different organizations who support the Lakeview Pantry. For every participant that walks, a credit of $12 will be given to the Lakeview Pantry by the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD). The walk is 5K, or 3.2 miles, at and around Soldier Field.
If you are interested in walking with members and friends of Holy Trinity, please register with Ken Duckmann. For more information, please go to the Lakeview Pantry's website, looking for the "50 for Food." For complete information on the Hunger Walk 2012, please use this website.
Free And Fun! July 8 After Service  Come and experience a new skill with our Shawl Ministry members A.J. Yoeckel and Barbara Wahler as they teach ANYONE who is interested in learning how to knit or crochet. There is no charge! Any age is welcome but you need an open mind and willing heart! A.J. and Barbara will bring the supplies and the skill.  Next Movie Night to be July 21 All are invited to enjoy a light supper and movie at church on Saturday, July 21, at 5 p.m. The film "Amélie" features a charming and unusual young woman, as well as the lovely Montmartre region of Paris. See and read more at Rotten Tomatoes. Please bring snacks and/or beverages to share. Discount Admission to Six Flags, Courtesy of Thrivent  The Chicagoland Region of Thrivent Financial is excited to offer a special ticket price for Six Flags Great America. Cost per ticket is only $31.00 compared to the normal rate of $63.85+tax. Purchase tickets online at www.sixflags.com with the promo code FunWithThrivent from June 14-July 21. Tickets are valid one day only from July 14-July 21. Children age 2 and under are free. More information can be found here, or contact your Thrivent Financial Representative.
Free Open Discussion for Parents Parents: Need help answering the tough questions? Member Barbara Wahler will be leading a FREE open discussion this Saturday on parenting. Learn to talk with your kids comfortably about difficult topis - from the "birds & the bees" to bullying to race, religion and identity issues. Barbara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with an office in our Spiritual Life Center; she has been working with students and families for over 15 years. So if you're in Andersonville this Saturday, stop by the Walgreens Health Corner at 5440 N Clark from 2-3 p.m. You'll get a free gift bag for attending - hope to see you there! Download the flier. Marriage Equality Faith Petition Equality Illinois is coordinating a people of faith petition in support of measures that would grant all Illinois families the right to marry. The petition along with the names and religious affiliation of its signers will be given to public officials, published on the Equality Illinois website and may be made public in a press release. Read more about it and sign the petition.
"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 PantryHoly 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 CribThe 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 BusHoly 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. With questions, contact Ken Duckmann (773.551.2573). --PAWS ChicagoSpend 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: August 26 (9:30 a.m.). More info. Next New Member Orientation Date: TBD. More info. Office Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Sun., 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. |
| Sermon - June 10 | |
 June 10, 2012
Lectionary 10b
Mark 3:20-35; Genesis 3:8-15
Pr. Craig M. Mueller
Modern Family
What family did you grow up with? I don't mean who your parents were, or whether you had brothers or sisters. I don't mean whether your parents got a divorce, or whether you were adopted. I don't mean whether it was a traditional family with a mom, dad and two kids, or whether you were reared by your grandparents or two moms. I don't mean whether you had a happy childhood or blame your parents for all your problems.
No, I mean what sit-com families did you grow up with? ...
Continue reading the sermon.
Listen to the sermon.
Listen to full services.
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| Sermon - June 17 | |
 June 17, 2012
Lectionary 11b
Mark 4:26-34
Dr. Aana Vigen
Don't ask me about plants. No green thumbs here. Benjamin, our 5 year old, has more talent-and enthusiasm-for gardening than I do.
Yet, the scriptures often immerse me into the wild world of horticulture. As in this passage from Mark, they overflow with vibrant images of trees and soil; branches and vines; sun, rain, and water. And that's not surprising given that these earthy elements were the very means of survival for the people who left their gardens for a few hours to come and hear Jesus teach.
Continue reading the sermon.
Listen to the sermon.
Listen to full services.
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CALENDAR
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20
7:30 p.m. 12-Step Groups (Passavant & St. Mark's)
THURSDAY, JUNE 21
10:00 a.m. Weekly Bible Study
6:00 p.m. HTLC at Lakeview Pantry
FRIDAY, JUNE 22
SATURDAY, JUNE 23
8:30 a.m. Lakeview Pantry Hunger Walk
SUNDAY, JUNE 24
9:30 a.m. Festival Eucharist: Birth of John the Baptist / Midsummer
10:30 a.m. Fellowship In Garden (weather permitting)
MONDAY, JUNE 25
7:00 p.m. Meditation Group
7:05 p.m. Cubs Home Game
TUESDAY, JUNE 26
7:05 p.m. Cubs Home Game
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27
1:20 p.m. Cubs Home Game
7:30 p.m. 12 Step Groups (Passavant Hall & St. Mark's Room)
THURSDAY, JUNE 28
10:00 a.m. Weekly Bible Study (St. Marks)
FRIDAY, JUNE 29
1:20 p.m. Cubs Home Game
SATURDAY, JUNE 30
12:05 p.m. Cubs Home Game
5:00 p.m. Common Solutions
SUNDAY, JULY 1
9:30 a.m. Eucharist
10:30 a.m. Congregation Meeting - Masonry Project Vote
1:20 p.m. Cubs Home Game
MONDAY, JULY 2
7:00 p.m. Meditation Group
TUESDAY, JULY 3
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
OFFICE CLOSED FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
7:30 p.m. 12-Step Groups (Passavant & St. Mark's)
Full Calendar of Events
COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK Thursday, June 21 - Onesimos Nesib, translator, evangelist, died 1931 Onesimos was born in Ethiopia. Captured and taken as a slave to Eritrea, he was there freed by Swedish missionaries. He translated the Bible into his native Oromo and returned to preach there. Sunday, June 24 - John the Baptist
John said, "[Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease." And so his birth is celebrated half a year before Jesus', just as the daylight in the northern hemisphere begins to wane. Jesus honored John as being the greatest prophet.
Monday, June 25 - Philipp Melanchthon, renewer of the church, died 1560
Though he died on April 19, Philipp Melanchthon is commemorated today because of his connection with the Augsburg Confession. Colleague and co-reformer with Martin Luther, Melanchthon was a brilliant scholar, known as "the teacher of Germany."
Monday, June 25 - Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, 1530
On this day in 1530 the German and Latin editions of the Augsburg Confession were presented to the Emperor Charles of the Holy Roman Empire. The Augsburg Confession was written by Philipp Melanchthon and endorsed by Martin Luther, and consists of a brief summary of points in which the reformers saw their teaching as either agreeing with or differing from that of the Roman Catholic Church of the time.
Wednesday, June 27 - Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, died 444
Cyril defended the orthodox teachings about the person of Christ. After a conflict involving all of the major Christian leaders of the time, it was decided that Cyril's interpretation, that Christ's person included both divine and human natures, was correct.
Thursday, June 28 - Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, died around 202
This important early church leader tried very hard to hold to the faith handed down by the apostles. An opponent of the movement known as gnosticism, Irenaeus was one of the first to speak of the church as catholic, or linked together.
Friday, June 29 - Peter and Paul, Apostles
These two strong-willed apostles are the pillars of the church in the first generation after Christ. Peter was one of the Twelve, one who both offered a glorious confession of faith and later denied knowing Jesus. Paul once led the persecution of Christians, then was converted and helped bring the faith to non-Jewish people. Sunday, July 1 - Catherine Winkworth, died 1878; John Mason Neale, died 1866; hymn translators Neale was an English priest who specialized in the translation of Latin and Greek hymns into English. Winkworth lived in Manchester, England, and devoted herself to translating German hymns. Almost all English-speaking hymnals include many of their translations.
Tuesday, July 3 - Thomas, Apostle
Though frequently remembered as "doubting Thomas," this apostle also demonstrated a willingness to suffer and die with Jesus (John 11:16), and finally claimed the risen Christ as "my Lord and my God!" By tradition, he later worked as a missionary in India. Long commemorated on December 21, Thomas's celebration is moved to July 3 in agreement with ecumenical calendars. From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2010 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26481. |
AMONG OUR COMMUNITY
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 Alison Strickler and Aana Marie Vigen, along with their son Benjamin Gabriel, warmly invite all members and friends of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicago to celebrate the renewal of our vows and Civil Union during the 9:30 a.m. worship service on July 22, 2012. We will host a festive champagne and dessert celebration following the service.
The Holy Trinity faith and friendship community is a powerful, gracious, and joyous presence in our lives. You help nourish and sustain us as a couple and family. So, we hope many of you can join us in this time of promise-making, blessing, and celebration!
Please send news about awards, new positions, life passages and other important events in your lives for this section of our e-news.
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| IN OUR PRAYERS |
Those ill or in special need:Marji Shannon's mother;
Will Crutcher and family;
Darryl Wahler;
Those grieving the death of Jeanette Zabel;
Kyrsten Downing;
Sarah Coddington;
James Perez;
Elvina Moen;
Dana Johnson's mother, Diana Johnson;
Maria Devins;
Barbara Wahler;
Kay Scott;
Phyllis Zangri;
Myleen Dunleavy;
Merri Pierce;
Alan Stang, Jeff Stang's father;
Mary Stoner;
Carol Stoner;
Paul Weber; Scott Johnson's mother, Virginia Johnson;
those struggling with infertility;
Ron Hoiberg;
Kathy Lund;
Susan Pare;
Sam Zangri;
Paul Geist III;
Christine, friend of Susan Twetten;
Mary Cannon;
Sam Patitucci;
Brent Vicknair;
Mark Sauer;
Teah Barthalomew;
Victor Jimenez;
Vivian Carter;
Ellen Brotzman-DeSart;
Karen Swanson;
Rev. F. Leonard Peterson;
Eric Osborn
Ministries Supported by Holy Trinity: ELCA World Hunger Appeal; RefugeeOne; Lakeview Action Coalition; Lakeview Pantry; The Crib; Lutherans Concerned; The Night Ministry; Christian Peacemaker Teams; Arise Chicago; Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches; The Lutheran Volunteer Corps; Anti-Racism Team of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod; Holy Family Lutheran Ministries; Lutheran Youth on the Northside (LYONS).
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| Check It Out | |
Cheers to the Summer Solstice!
To see the Summer Sky
Is Poetry, though never in a Book it lie -
True Poems flee.
~Emily Dickinson
Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
~Henry James
And summer's lease hath all too short a date.
~William Shakespeare
 Then followed that beautiful season... Summer....
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Warm summer sun, shine kindly here. Warm southern wind, blow softly here. Green sod above, lie light, lie light. Good night, dear Heart, Good night, good night.
~Mark Twain
Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.
~Russell Baker
Check Out These Links for more interesting discussions, conversations, questions and ideas!
- 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>
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HOLY TRINITY E-NEWS is the weekly electronic newsletter of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chicago. To unsubscribe click on "safeUnsubscribe" below. E-newsletter submissions and prayer requests should be sent to office@htchicago.org by Monday at 4:00 p.m.
Website: www.holytrinitychicago.org
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Josh Judd-Herzfeldt and Craig M. Mueller
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
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