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Adult Forum Begins with Work of Nobel Prize Winner
Leymah Gbowee
Imagine a woman who has survived domestic abuse, civil war, and life in a refugee camp. Then imagine that this woman went on to mother six children and lead a national interfaith women's movement that helped bring down Liberia's corrupt and brutal regime. That woman is Lutheran Leymah Gbowee, one of three 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winners. We have much to learn from Gbowee and her life as we discuss her memoir, Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War.
Please join us on September 9 to hear a historical overview of Liberia by Holy Trinity member David Easterbrook and to view a portion of the documentary film, Pray the Devil Back to Hell. For adult forums on Sept 16, 23, 30 we will read and discuss portions of Gbowee's book, Mighty Be the Powers with leaders Meggen Saka, Ryan LaHurd, and Carol LaHurd. It will be helpful but not necessary to read the material in advance. Please email Josh at the church office if you would like a duplicated (or digital) copy of the pages for each week. You may pick up a copy for the next Sunday at the office or have it emailed to you.
Welcome to Holy Trinity! Come and Find Out More
(Holy Trinity - 101)
Fall is a great time to get connected ... to a church home
Would you like to find out more about Holy Trinity? Grow in faith, spirituality, and service? Come and learn about Holy Trinity and its ministry, and ways you can get connected. Whether you plan to be in the area a short or long time, whether you are a lifer-Lutheran, of another religious background, or even ambivalent about the whole church thing, you are welcome to make Holy Trinity your church home. No pressure at the orientation; you can get as involved as you want. Some may affiliate as members or associate members; others may attend as they are able. The next orientation is Thursday, September 27, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Just show up or email the church office to let us know you are attending. (The following orientation will be Sunday morning, November 11, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
Faith Reboot (Holy Trinity and more - 201)
 These three sessions are open to everyone, but especially those new to Lutheranism, those who have struggled with a conservative or fundamentalist religious background, or those curious how to be a person of faith in today's complex world. Considering the unity of mind-body-spirit, each session will delve into some theology and practices related to each of them. The three sessions are offered in the fall and spring; come to one, two or three of them, depending on your schedule and interest:
Thursday, October 4, 7:00 p.m. - MIND: We Don't Check Our Minds at the Door
Perhaps you have struggled with updating your faith from the more legalistic or literal ways Christianity was presented to you as a child. How much freedom do we have in interpreting the Bible and historic Christian creeds? Is it OK to doubt and question? Come and engage your mind (beyond sermons) and open your heart to some new ways to envision what it means to be a Christian.
Thursday, October 18, 7:00 pm - SPIRIT: Toward a (Lutheran) Spirituality with Vitality
We start with a little Lutheran theology and infuse it with some rather remarkable insights for a rich, spiritual life. What makes Lutheranism distinct and how does it relate to my everyday life? We'll cover grace, prayer/spiritual practices, and ways to live our faith 24/7 by making a difference in the world.
Monday, November 5, 7:00 pm - BODY: Putting the Body Back into Christianity
If Christianity deeply values the material, how can we live more fully as embodied people of faith? How does a healthy theology of the body relate to multi-sensory liturgy, sacraments and wholistic approaches to sexuality, not to mention care for the body and the earth? Come and get a whole new take on "Word made flesh."
food4thought: Pizza, Beer and Making a Difference
Tuesday, October 2, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
 Come after work for some pizza and beer and the opportunity to meet some of the great folks at Holy Trinity. Then we'll have a 45-minute presentation called "Making a Difference," which invites us to consider choices about how we use our 1) time; 2) skills, abilities and personality traits; 3) money, financial resources and possessions. As people of faith, how do we make decisions about giving in relation to our core values? Chris Brown and Pat Eggert from Thrivent Financial will lead the session; however, no products will be sold or discussed at this event.
Fall 2012 Small Group Discussion:
Finding Focus Amid Distraction 
Do you find it hard to find spiritual focus amid the busyness, distractions and the forces of consumerism and technology that define our times? A number of recent articles note how frantic our lives are these days due to information overload, multi-tasking and over-stimulation. We will be reading the book Living Into Focus: Choosing What Matters in an Age of Distractions by Arthur Boers. Boers writes about "focal practices" that center our lives and refocus our attention. The book and sessions will provide valuable background, insight, and practical suggestions for living a more balanced and grace-centered life. The benefits are not only for you but also for your relationships, family, and work life. The group will meet five Wednesday evenings: September 26; October 10 and 24; November 7 and 28. Exact time and place (mixture of Holy Trinity and homes, for example) will be decided by the group at the first session (7:00 p.m. Wed, 9/26) Please sign-up at the back of the church or email the office
2012 Contemplative Eucharist Schedule
Join us for a bit of quiet contemplation in the midst of a busy city and busy life. These short, contemplative services will provide an opportunity for scripture readings, brief meditations, an occasional hymn, silent reflection and eucharist. Services begin at 7:15 p.m. (note the new time) on the below listed Wednesdays, so mark your calendars!
- Wed, September 12 - Holy Cross Day (transferred)
- Wed, October 17 - St. Luke's Day with Liturgy of Healing
- Wed, October 31 - Reformation / All Hallow's Eve (eve of All Saints)
- Wed, November 21 - Thanksgiving Eve Service
- Wednesdays December 5, 12, 19 - Advent Services
Choir Begins Sept. 9
 The Holy Trinity choir beings rehearsals on Sunday, September 9 and new members are always welcome! The choir rehearses Sunday mornings beginning at 9:15 a.m. and then sings at the 10:30 a.m. service. Approximately one Sunday a month the choir does not rehearse or sing for worship. Prior to special services or concerts an occasional midweek rehearsal is scheduled. If you'd like more information about choir, a new handbell choir beginning this fall, or if you are instrumentalist, please contact Minister of Music David Brackley.
Events for Children and Families
September 16--First Day of Sunday School
Children age 3 and up are encouraged and welcomed to join us for Sunday School classes every Sunday. Join us at 9:30 a.m. in Passavant Hall for singing and games before going to age specific classes. Questions? Please contact Pastor Sevig.
September 16--2nd Annual Pizza Party
Let's celebrate the first day of Sunday School with a family fun pizza party after worship. Loads of pizza and fun for the entire family! RSVP to Pastor Sevig before September 15th.
October 21--Crop Walk.
Once again a group of youth and adults will be walking in the CROP walk to raise money for hunger relieving programs of the ELCA. During this 30th anniversary year we'll recruit at least 30 walkers. Can we raise $3,000 too? Mark your calenders now and watch for more information to come soon.
November 3--Communion Retreat
At baptism, parents and sponsors promise to raise the newly baptized in the Christian faith, including a life-long learning process of God's grace made known to us through the sacraments. Whether your child already communes regularly or is seeking to prepare for his/her first communion, please set aside time to participate in this retreat from 10:00-11:30 a.m. The retreat is most appropriate for children who are at least 5. At least one parent/sponsor should plan to attend as well. Contact Pastor Sevig to register.
November 11--Family Potluck
Mark your calenders now for the Family Potluck at 5 p.m. More information to come.
 Fall 2012 Dinner Groups: Pan-Latin Theme
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. With a new concept this time, our theme will be pan-Latin food (e.g. Cuban, Mexican, Argentinian, Puerto Rican). Sign-up as a couple, with a friend, or by yourself by emailing the office to 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. Around 50 people regularly participate in dinner groups at Holy Trinity; it's a great way to meet new folks in our community! Sign-up by Sept 16; groups will meet Oct 20, 21, 27, Nov 3, 11.
 Save These Dates!
--October 7: Blessing of the Animals
--October 14: Generosity Brunch (following worship)
--November 10: Movie Night (film TBD)
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Pastor Mueller and Ernest Vasseur will share observations, reflections and pictures from their recent trip to Cuba on Sunday, August 26, following the 9:30 a.m. service and social time (about 10:50 a.m. or so for 45 minutes). They will talk briefly about the Church in Cuba, the political/socioeconomic context, and connections to Ernest's family (his dad was pastor in Havana in the 1950's).