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eNews
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
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| Greetings! | |
by Pr. Criag M. Mueller
Pilgrimage to Cuba
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Many Vintage 50s cars
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University Methodist Church, Havana, where Ernest's dad served in the 50s
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Coco taxis
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Cuba is merely ninety miles from Miami, but a world away.
As part of the United States trade embargo against Cuba, Americans are not allowed to support the Cuban economy as tourists unless one has family members there or if you travel as part of a group for educational, cultural, or religious reasons. My partner, Ernest and I were part of delegation of 23 persons from the South Florida diocese of the Episcopal church on a five-day religious pilgrimage the first week of August. The group was led by Leo Frade, bishop of the diocese, who happened to be a Cuban-American, and knew Ernest's family and even attended the church that Ernest's dad served as pastor during the 1950s.
Destinations on our journey included a famous beach resort, several small towns with Episcopal churches, and Havana (including the famous Tropicana nightclub). An overall impression of the country is the crumbling, dilapidated buildings everywhere. Though the people have jobs, healthcare, places to live, and a high degree of literacy, few have money to keep their homes and other buildings in good repair. To travel to Cuba is like going in a time capsule back to the 1950s including vintage cars from that era. You won't see McDonald's or Coca Cola there!
Ernest had not been back to Cuba since his family fled in 1960. When asked his reaction, his answer usually includes the word "complicated." The original reasons for leaving coupled with the ramifications of the trade embargo and the relationship between the US and Cuba sparked a lot of conversation.
A highlight of the trip was visiting the seminary where Ernest's family attended church conferences and University Methodist Church in Havana where his father served in the 1950s. It was moving to imagine Ernest's family being there (he has three older sisters) and his father leading a vibrant ministry until rapidly leaving within a year of the revolution.
There is not much of a Lutheran presence in Cuba; however, many of the Christian churches are going through a sense of renewal and revival since some of the strictures have been lifted on religious observances. The Methodist church in Cuba has become more Pentecostal in recent times, and interestingly, in outlying areas the Episcopal denomination is the church of those who are poor and black. I was recognized as an ecumenical guest and a number of folks were intrigued by the full communion relationships of Lutherans and Episcopalians in the United States, in which ministers can serve in either denomination and there are a number of joint ministries.
Though we share a common faith, words like "hope" and "faith" take on new meaning in a country that seems a world away from our own context. The Sunday eucharist at the Episcopal cathedral moved me to tears as I experienced the deep faith and fervor of the people. To hear their songs of hope for a better world in light of their oppressive and somewhat hopeless situation is worth pondering on a whole number of levels.
If you'd like to hear a little more and see a few more pictures, Ernest and I will share some reflections on Sunday, August 26, following the 9:30 am service and social time (about 10:50 or so).  | |
Dilapidated buildings
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Small town Episcopal church
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Beach Sunset
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Send a note to Pr. Mueller with your comments or reflections! |
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NEXT TWO SUNDAYS
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August 19 - Lectionary 20
 Wisdom prepares a feast, sets her table, and invites all to come and eat her bread and drink her wine. The first chapter of John's gospel owes much to the biblical tradition that imagined Wisdom as existing before anything was created and having a role in the work of creation. Christ, the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24), today invites us to eat his flesh and drink his blood. John's gospel includes no account of the institution of the Lord's supper, but here we can't help hearing Jesus' words as an invitation to the meal of bread and wine we share.
August 19 Schedule:
- 9:30 a.m. - Eucharist
- 10:30 a.m. - Fellowship in Garden (Weather Permitting)
Prayer of the Day
Ever-loving God, your Son gives himself as living bread for the life of the world. Fill us with such a knowledge of his presence that we may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life to serve you continually, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Weekly readings
August 26 - Lectionary 21  In today's gospel many people take offense at Jesus' invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus' disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John's gospel for Peter's confession of faith. "To whom can we go?" asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. "You have the words of eternal life." In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel.August 26 Schedule:
***CUBS HOME GAME*** - 9:30 a.m. - Eucharist
- 10:30 a.m. - Fellowship in Garden
(weather permitting)
Cubs Home Game
Parking can be difficult--
If possible, carpool,
take public transit, or walk.
Prayer of the Day
Holy God, your word feeds your people with life that is eternal. Direct our choices and preserve us in your truth, that, renouncing what is false and evil, we may live in you, through your Son, 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:
Paul Sherry 8/15
Forrest Stewart 8/15
Dana Wurzburger 8/17
Leon Stevens 8/18
James Perez 8/21
Laurie Sullivan 8/21
Dave Wurzburger 8/25
Kara Devaney 8/26
Mike Thompson 8/26
Leif Melvin 8/27
Miranda Pless 8/28
Ann Sanders 8/28
Alison Sjovall 8/28
Anna Vicknair 8/31
BAPTISMS:
Ashley Kincaid 8/21
Emerson Miller 8/21
Michael Musgrave 8/23
Chris Bender 8/26
Ted Remus 8/28
Amy Fanale 8/29
Andrew Fredel 8/30
Beth Kregor 8/31
ANNIVERSARIES:
Josh & Caroline Judd-Herzfeldt 8/15
Matthew & Anna Petersen 8/15
Kimberly & Adam Miller 8/16
Kate & Aaron Berlin 8/18
Pat & Amy Buzby 8/20
Dan McAdams & Rebecca Pallmeyer 8/20
Ben & Beth Stewart 8/21
Chris & Kelely Bender 8/24
Jeffrey & Lisa McDaniel Stang 8/26
Heidi Mueller 8/29
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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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NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
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Last Two Week's Attendances
August 5, 9:30 a.m. - 106
August 12, 9:30 a.m. - 148
Financial Update through July 31, 2012
| Actual offering (through July 31): | $177,050 | | Budgeted offering (through July 31): | $187,158 | | Difference: | ($10,108) - behind | | Offering through August 2011: | $166,170 |
3 Ways to be a BIG help with Holy Trinity's Refugee Project
- Donate time. While we don't know much about the family we're sponsoring, or even the date they'll arrive, we do know that we can expect them in a few short weeks! Our biggest need is for volunteers to help with "move in day" and set up the apartment before they arrive. If you've got some flexibility in your schedule towards the end of August and are willing to help, please sign up on the forms at church or by emailing Laury Rinker.
- Donate household items. Sign up for household items at church, and deliver them to Passavant Hall by Sunday, August 17.
- Donate money. Our fundraising goal is $2,000 and we're still in need of financial donations to cover the first 3 months of rent for the family. Donate by dropping a check in the offering plate or mailing it to Holy Trinity with "Refugee Project" in the memo line, or by giving online now.
Questions? Contact Laury Rinker and Scott Hendrickson. Thanks for your help!
Energy Healing Workshop: This Saturday!
Anyone interested in or curious about metaphysical experiences are welcome to come learn about energy fields at this Intro to Chakras workshop this coming Saturday, August 18 from 10-12:30. You'll have an opportunity to experience your own energy fields and explore how modern science and Western medicine work together with these ancient healing modalities. Barbara Wahler (a member and part of our Spiritual Life Center) brings in Massage Therapist Heather McCutcheon for this special workshop. Cost is $20 in advance/$25 at the door and massage therapists can earn 2.5 CEs. Register at www.herestherubmt.com; contact Barbara if you have any questions. <Download the flier>
Eat, Drink, Read -- Book Group
 Currently for August we are reading the book Saffron Kitchen by Yasmin Crowther. This is a story about mothers and daughters, betrayal and retribution, set against a backdrop of Iran's tumultuous history, dramatic landscapes, and cultural beauty. We will meet to discuss it on Tuesday, August 28th at 7:30 p.m. at Becki Fiegel's house (3903 N. Hermitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60613). If you want to read ahead for September, we have selected the book The Shack by William Young. Hope to see you there!
Daytimers in August
Daytimers of Holy Trinity will meet for a salad lunch and conversation on Monday, August 20th, at 11:30 a.m. in the choir room. If you join us, please bring your high school yearbook, or a photo (at least one)of yourself. We'll take a look at "The Way We Were". Also, consider bringing a humorous, candid photo(s) from any era. Anyone free during the day is welcome to join us.
Daytime Psalms Study begins in September
If you are free on Wednesday mornings, consider attending a new scripture study of the Psalms. The new class will begin on Wednesday, September 5 at 10:00 a.m. and meets in Passavant Hall. The insights are rich and the discussion lively. If you haven't already been attending the study, please let Josh in the office know you are interested and we will order you a study book.
End of Summer Camping Trip
 Do you or your family like to camp? Never been camping but would like to try? We're planning a Holy Trinity Lutheran Church camping trip September 7-9 at the Richard Bong State Recreation Area just outside of Burlington, WI. We have reserved a group site at the park, which can sleep up to 50 people. We are limited to 10 vehicles at the site, so if you are interested, please contact Becki Fiegel to sign up. Once we know who all is going we will plan together for food and equipment needs. Plan now to join us for this fun adventure.
Learn more about the park and the recreational activities available.
"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 normally prepares and serves a meal once per month, but the shelter is closed for the summer months due to lack of funding. 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: September 30, November 18, January 13, 2013. More info.
Next Holy Trinity Orientation Dates: Thursday, September 27; Sunday, November 11. More info.
Office Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Sun., 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
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| Sermon - August 5 | |
 August 5, 2012
Lectionary 18b
John 6:24-35
Pr. Michelle L. Sevig
Bread kind of gets a bad rap these days. It's the carbohydrate's fault. Our daily bread sustained humanity for centuries, but now, sadly, it has too many carbs for our more sedentary ways. Now we are told to send back the bread basket that comes at the beginning of a meal at a nice restaurant. For a healthy breakfast we should load up on protein, instead of a quick piece of toast with jam before heading out the door. Even fast food sandwich shops offer a bread free option-a sandwich wrapped in lettuce.
Continue reading the sermon.
Listen to the sermon.
Listen to full services.
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| Sermon - August 12 |  Feast of St. Mary (transferred)
12 August 2012
Dr. Benjamin Stewart St. Peter, the leader of Jesus' disciples, is mentioned by name around 170 times in the New Testament. In contrast, it would take just two of us to count all of the mentions of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the New Testament on our hands.
But when the church searches for someone who can stand as a symbol for all Christians everywhere--the whole church--it is not Peter (the most publicized of the apostles) or Paul (the most published), but it is Mary, with her few handfuls of references, who becomes the icon of the church. Continue reading the sermon. Listen to the sermon. Listen to full services. |
CALENDAR
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15
6:30 p.m. Volunteer with Night Ministry Bus (meet at HTLC)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16
6:00 p.m. HTLC at Lakeview Pantry
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18
10:00 a.m. Chakra Workshop
SUNDAY, AUGUST 19
9:30 a.m. Eucharist
10:30 a.m. Fellowship in Garden (weather permitting)
MONDAY, AUGUST 20
7:00 p.m. Chicago Sitting Meditation Group
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22
7:30 p.m. 12 Step Groups (Passavant Hall & St. Mark's Room)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23
7:15 p.m. Congregation Council Meeting
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24
1:20 p.m. Cubs Home Game
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25
12:05 p.m. Cubs Home Game
5:00 p.m. Common Solutions
SUNDAY, AUGUST 26
9:30 a.m. Eucharist
10:30 a.m. Fellowship in Garden (weather permitting)
1:20 p.m. Cubs Home Game
MONDAY, AUGUST 27
7:00 p.m. Meditation Group
7:05 p.m. Cubs Home Game
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28
7:05 p.m. Cubs Home Game
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29
7:05 p.m. Cubs Home Game
7:30 p.m. 12-Step Groups (Passavant & St. Mark's)
Full Calendar of Events
COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK Wednesday, August 15 - Mary, Mother of Our Lord The church (including Martin Luther) honored Mary with the title theotokos, meaning "God-bearer," for her role in giving birth to the Son of God. Her song, the Magnificat, speaks eloquently of God's lifting the lowly and feeding the hungry.
Monday, August 20 - Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, died 1153
Bernard, a Cistercian monk, was a man of great spirituality who wrote mystical works and criticized those whom he thought took an overly intellectual approach to the faith. He became an abbot, and wrote several hymns that are still beloved today.
Friday, August 24 - Bartholomew, Apostle
Mentioned as one of Jesus' disciples in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Bartholomew's name is replaced in John's gospel by Nathanael, leading many to believe that the two are different names for the same person. Little is known about his work, though some traditions place him later in India or Armenia. Tuesday, August 28 - Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, died 430
Augustine was one of the greatest theologians of the Western church. A native of North Africa, he recovered from a debauched young adulthood through the influence of his mother, Monica, and Bishop Ambrose of Milan. Besides writing influential theological books, he served as bishop of Hippo, in present-day Algeria.
Tuesday, August 28 - Moses the Black, monk, martyr, died around 400
Converted from life as a thief and a robber to Christianity, Moses was an Ethiopian who became a desert monk at Skete. His conversion had a great impact in his native country. Wearing a white habit, he said, "God knows I am black within." He was murdered during an attack by Berbers. 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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Pastors Mueller and Sevig recently visited Elvina Moen:
Andy and Lisa Snyder welcomed their baby boy, Evan Scott, on Thursday, August 2
Taffi Schurz gave birth to her son, Keating James, on Thursday, August 2. _________________________________________________________________________________ Ron Hoiberg, former Holy Trinity member, died peacefully last evening after being diagnosed with cancer last autumn. Ron was the chair of the organ committee at Holy Trinity in 2004-2006 and his twin brother, Dale, was also active in the congregation. The funeral is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 25 at the Church of the Atonement (Episcopal) in Edgewater. If you'd like to attend with other Holy Trinity members, be in touch with Pastor Mueller.
Cherub and Arthur Nebrich, former members of Holy Trinity, renewed their wedding vows on last Saturday with Pastor Sevig here in the nave. The Nebrichs were married exactly fifty years ago to the day, 11 August 1962 here at Holy Trinity. See them then and now below!  
Myrtle Hein, former member of Holy Trinity, died peacefully last Friday. She was 96 years old and had moved to the suburbs ten years ago.
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:Darryl & Margery Wahler;
Harold Hanson;
Will Crutcher and family;
Darryl Wahler;
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; Reconciling Works (formerly 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 | |
The Intouchables:
Movie Recommendation
Based on a true story,The Intouchables follows a paralyzed French aristocrat named Philippe (Francois Cluzet) who hires an unlikely caretaker - Driss, a charismatic young con artist (Omar Sy) - and they form a unique friendship.
This alternately hilarious and tear-jerking movie has already become the highest grossing foreign language film in North America for 2012, earned millions overseas, and racked up nine 2012 César Awards, the French equivalent of the Oscars.
Read a review from Spirituality & Practice
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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