Worship Matters 
by Pr. Craig Mueller

What matters, therefore, is not whether God can be God without our worship, but whether humans can survive without worshipping. To withhold acknowledgement, to avoid celebration, to stifle gratitude may prove as unnatural as holding one's breath. - unknown

As summer comes into an end, as routines and rhythms change, use the opportunity to reflect on what matters most in your life. Do your priorities match the events on your calendar? September is a wonderful time to establish new patterns--whether Sunday worship, other rich opportunities at Holy Trinity, or in other areas of your life.

As we considered a possible worship change at Holy Trinity, it became clear that worship matters. We treasure the Sunday gathering. It forms us in the way of gratitude, reflection and service. Holy Trinity continues to experience rapid growth and change. As we live into the future, we will continue to discern what is best for the community in terms of staff, space needs, as well as the Sunday morning schedule.

This fall we continue with services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. A blend of organ and piano will be used at both services though organ will be the primary instrument at 10:30. From what we learned during the past months, enhancements will be made so both liturgies reflect these commitments:

Multisensory. We value the incarnation (God sharing our humanity in Jesus Christ) and believe that through bodies and their senses we experience God's presence. We delight in God's beauty through seeing symbols such as cross and candles, icons, color and, of course, people; tasting bread and wine; smelling incense; hearing scripture, music and silence; and touching one another as we share the peace, receiving anointing with oil, and use our bodies to kneel, stand, sit, bow and process.

Contemplative. The presence of the meditation bell is a unique feature of the worship at Holy Trinity. In the midst of busy urban life and near-constant connection to cell phones and computers, we treasure some time away to gather in sacred space for silence and reflection. Let us consider our sanctuary a device-free zone.

Welcoming. Our congregation is known for its hospitality. Let us continue to welcome all, regardless of religious/spiritual background, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, political persuasion or socio-economic status. Whether first-time guests, singles, couples, families with children, familiar or not with the liturgy, Lutheran or other. We will continue to make sure our bulletins are user-friendly. On crowded Sundays, please help guests find a seat by moving to the center of your pew, or better yet, sit near the front to leave the rear seats for newcomers and those who arrive late.

Worship matters. Make the Sunday gathering the center of your week. What a difference it can make to you. And to our world.

Send a note to Pr. Mueller with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

September 9 - Lectionary 23

September 9 FALL SCHEDULE RESUMES

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Adult Forum
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist

Sunday Forum, 9:30 a.m. -
Leymah Gbowee

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. Download the excerpts and other materials here, or pick them up at the forum on Sunday.

Prayer of the Day
Gracious God, throughout the ages you transform sickness into health and death into life. Open us to the power of your presence, and make us a people ready to proclaim your promises to the whole world, through Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Mark Avery  9/7
Cassie Moran  9/9
Megan Moran  9/9
Thalassa Millwood  9/11
Ruth Allin  9/13
Rebecca Pallmeyer  9/13
Amy Wiatr-Rodriguez  9/13

BAPTISMS: 

ANNIVERSARIES:
Jessica Ittner & John Richardson  9/8

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 likely cut, the mason is pulling permits and we are all ready to Lift High the Cross! Very soon 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.

Next Sunday: Fall Sunday Schedule

Don't forget that the fall Sunday schedule resumes on Sepember. 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 September 16.

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 let 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.

Choir Begins September 9

The Holy Trinity choir begins rehearsals next Sunday, September 9. 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. (There will be rehearsals the next two Sundays; the choir will sing the first time on Sunday, September 23). 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.

Eat, Drink, Read - Book Group

The next book group meeting will be Monday, September 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Becky Sims, 1702 W. Barry, 773-388-3590. We will be discussing The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. If you like to read ahead, our selection for October is The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff, a timely book about Mormonism in light of the current political campaign. We hope you can join us, whether you read the book or not!

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.

Sunday Attendance

September 2, 9:30 a.m. - 109

Contemplative Eucharist September 12

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 in an atmosphere of candles and incense. The next service will be next Wednesday, September 12 at 7:15 p.m. (new time) We will observe the feast of the Holy Cross (transferred from September 14). 

End of Summer Camping Trip: Next Weekend

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. 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. 

September 2, 2012
Lectionary 22b
James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

WORK IT

Things don't always work out the way we thought they would. Earlier this summer I read the short novel The Sense of an Ending by British writer Julian Barnes and winner of the Man Booker Prize in 2011. The protagonist Tony is haunted by his memory of a tragic event decades before. When presented with a spiteful letter he wrote then after breaking up with a girlfriend, his world is shaken. He can barely recognize his younger self. Had he deceived himself? In his words: "My younger self had come back to shock my older self with what that self had been, or was, or was sometimes capable of being."

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

    9:00 a.m.  Dream Group

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
    11:00 a.m.  LVC Programming 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

    6:30 p.m.  LOS Meal

SUNDAY, SEPBEMBER 9

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

    9:30 a.m.  Sunday Forum

    10:30 a.m.  Eucharist

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

    7:15 a.m.  Contemplative Eucharist - Holy Cross Day (Transferred)

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

    7:15 p.m.  Congregation Council Meeting

Full Calendar of Events  

 

COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK

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

We rejoice with...

-- Jen and Steve Hopwood on the birth of their second child, Emily Carolynn, born on August 8.

-- Justin and Alison Sjovall on the birth of their second child, Rebecca, born on May 25.

-- Matt and Felisa Leisinger on the birth of their first child, Emma Madison, born on July 23.

Congratulations all!

Moved to Sing

Last week someone commented on the strength of the the singing at Holy Trinity. What a unique thing we do on Sundays! Read the below reflections by Peter Marty, from the September 2012 issue of The Lutheran.

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>