Plant a bulb; get a garden
by the Worship Times Task Force

If you're a gardener, or even an urban apartment plant-owner, you can appreciate the delight in planting a sale bag of unmarked bulbs in the fall and finding they've become lovely lilies the next summer. That pretty well sums up the recent experience of the Worship Times Task Force. Our mission began simply: to survey those who attend Holy Trinity about their reactions to a possible schedule change from 8:30 and 10:30 worship services to 9 and 11 a.m. The survey's mixed results were followed by a well-attended forum on June 10, dialogue with the Congregation Council, and additional feedback from concerned members given to task force members.

We found that the content of worship means much more than the time of worship to most of our members. This process has revealed both the richness of Holy Trinity's worship and some broad issues facing our church. The Task Force is grateful to the people of Holy Trinity, the Congregation Council, and the staff for exploring with us the dynamics of the entire Sunday morning worship experience.

So where did the process lead us? Your questions, ideas, and feedback have moved those involved (1) to find ways to enhance both the 8:30 and 10:30 services, (2) to delay any decision about changing worship times, and (3) to continue the conversations.

Holy Trinity is growing in several new ways that will challenge us to provide worship and programming for potentially more people and proportionally more children and youth. Our thanks to all who are committed to planting our garden and sharing the results.

The Worship Times Task Force:
Tim Peterson, chair; Kelley Bender, Megan Eichhorn, Carol LaHurd, Meggen Saka, Becky Sims; David Brackley, Minister of Music; Pastor Michelle Sevig; Pastor Craig Mueller

UPCOMING SUNDAY

September 2 - Lectionary 22

September 2 Schedule:
***CUBS HOME GAME***

• 9:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 10:30 a.m. - Fellowship in Garden  
  (weather permitting)

Welcome to Our New Seminarian

On Sunday we welcome Marissa Sidars, a second year student from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Marissa will be with us during the coming year and will participate in worship, teach classes, preach several times and attend other parish events. Marissa is from Monrovia, California and graduated from St. Olaf College. She plays the harp and before attending seminary was a secretary at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis. You will learn more about her from her first enews article in several weeks.

Prayer of the Day
O God our strength, without you we are weak and wayward creatures. Protect us from all dangers that attack us from the outside, and cleanse us from all evil that arises from within ourselves, that we may be preserved through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Anna Vicknair  8/31
Elizabeth Ittner  9/01
Martha Kanthak  9/02
Paul Nicholson  9/03
John Reineck  9/04
Judy Mayers  9/05
Rob Schickel  9/05
Justin Stewart  9/05

BAPTISMS:
Amy Fanale  8/29
Andrew Fredel  8/30
Beth Kregor  8/31
Ruth Allin  9/1
Leif Melvin  9/1

ANNIVERSARIES:
Heidi Mueller & Mark Bala  8/29
Randy & Linda Johnson  9/2
Rachel & James Chapman  9/4
Dave & Dana Wurzburger  9/4

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

The cross is being cut, the mason is pulling permits and we are all ready to Lift High the Cross! In the next week or so, work should begin on the $20,000 masonry project approved by the congregation back in July to remove, clean and replace the limestone peak and some of the brick work as well as replace the cross which was taken down in the last ten years.

Gifts to this special project are welcome, thus allowing the congregation to use less of the newly established Reserved Fund. Please write "masonry/cross" on your check or give online now at Holy Trinity's website. Thanks for your support of this important work so that Holy Trinity's building may continue to support our mission and ministry.

Service Times Change on September 9

Don't forget that the fall Sunday schedule resumes on Sept. 9 with services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., education hour at 9:30 a.m., and choir rehearsal at 9:15 a.m.
NOTE: First day of Sunday School will be Sept 16.

Dream Group Meeting

Next Dream Group meeting will be September 6 at 9:00 a.m. in St. Mark's room. With questions, contact Karol Weigelt.

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 at the back of the church or 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.

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 Sunday, September 9 at 9:30 a.m. (upstairs in St. Mark's Room) 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.

Choir Begins September 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.

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

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.

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. RSVP at the back of the church or email the church office.

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."

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.

The Htoo Family Has Arrived!

Holy Trinity members set up the Htoo family's apartment on Sunday, while others met them at the airport Tuesday evening. Many thanks for all who donated, time, household items or financial assistance! Check out a few pictures below.

Sunday Attendance

August 19, 9:30 a.m. - 121
August 26, 9:30 a.m. - 130

Missing Meditation Bell:

The meditation bell/bowl kept upstairs Passavant Hall is missing. It is used by the meditation group and other gatherings. If you borrowed it from Holy Trinity and haven't returned it yet, please let us know.

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 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 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 Bus

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. With questions, contact Ken Duckmann (773.551.2573).

--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: 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. 

August 19, 2012
Lectionary 20b
Proverbs 9:1-6; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

ALL THINGS FOOD

Who doesn't love food? Or to talk about food? Whether you are a gourmet cook and whipped something up this week in honor of Julia Child's 100 th birthday. Whether you're a foodie who not only loves to eat but is intrigued with all things food, perhaps munching away while watching the Food Network. Whether you love to try new restaurants, especially the wonderful ethnic offerings in Chicago, and then pass on your findings. Whether you're always trying to find a way to lose a few pounds or eat less processed food. .... eating and drinking unites us.

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

August 26, 2012
Lectionary 21b
Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18; John 6:56-69
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

THE UNDECIDEDS

How hard is it for you to make decisions? Do decisions come to you easily or do you agonize over them? Think of a particularly difficult decision you've had to make in the last couple months.

Sometimes many of us just float through life, living from one day to the next. Avoiding the hard choices. Staying with the status quo rather risking a decision that may force change in us or someone else. No wonder we like the noncommittal answer - undecided - on personality or relationship inventories. Or when someone demands that we take a stand on something. Yet as they say: not to decide is to decide.

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29

    7:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30
    1:30 p.m.  Cubs Home Game 

    7:30 p.m.  Philanthropic Planning Meeting

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31
    1:30 p.m.  Cubs Home Game 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

    3:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

SUNDAY, SEPBEMBER 2

    9:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    1:20 P.m.  Cubs Home Game

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

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

Full Calendar of Events  

 

COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK

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

Former seminarian Carolyn Philstrom (nee Brostrom) and her husband, Rory, were called to serve as pastors at Prairie Lutheran Parish in Western North Dakota (American Lutheran Church in Stanley; Bethlehem in Ross; Faith in Palermo, and Knife River in Stanley). They were ordained on Thursday, Aug. 23, at Rejoice Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE

Member eric bjorlin will be performing in a self-written show.  From eric:

Sorry to Disappoint Me
A solo storytelling show written and performed by eric bjorlin at the 2012 Chicago Fringe Festival.

A house, a spouse, a baby and a mouse. For eric growing up, it seemed like a reasonable expectation for life on his 30th birthday. But when the day finally hits, he must reconcile his past dreams with his current reality. It's not always pretty.

5 show options: 9/1 @ 10 PM, 9/2 @ 7 PM, 9/3 @ 2:30 PM, 9/6 @ 10 PM, 9/8 @ 8:30 PM at Both Sides Art Gallery, 1840 S. Halsted. Ticket and show information.

eric bjorlin is a Chicago writer and performer. A Moth StorySLAM champion, he has also performed his stories at Essay Fiesta, Story Lab, Here's the Story, and Story Club.

10 Things the Church Can Learn from the Apple Store

The Congregation Council discussed this article and we share it with you. Some good things to think about. It is a blog post by the professor of preaching at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, MN.

Check it out.

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>