by Ken Duckmann

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Let our prayers rise like incense.
(From the Psalms) 

From the sermon on Sunday, 8 July, we heard Pastor Mueller state, "Oh, the assurance of familiarity. Knowing something or someone well. It's a bit like comfort food. We know exactly what it is and why we like it."

Consider familiarity or its synonyms - commonplace, customary, habitual, intimate, known, old hat, repeated, routine. At Holy Trinity this can be true and yet also, not true. We have seen and experienced growth both in the number of people on Sunday morning for worship, growth and change in our choir and organ/music ministry, and more specifically in the number of children in Sunday School. And yet, we haven't really changed the core elements of worship.

Worship at Holy Trinity is certainly multisensory, inviting us to a faith that goes deeper than our minds to engage the whole person. Yes, we use color to vest the altar to represent the various seasons of the church, and we use incense on festival days. We use different musical settings of the liturgy; strings, wind instruments, and voices; and the meditation bell followed by silence. We experience the liturgy through our senses - sight, smell, taste, touch and sound. However, when we look specifically to the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, we celebrate the meal in a similar way every Sunday. But the elements, the bread and wine, really haven't changed. We use unleavened bread and the same kind of wine. On festival Sundays we use banners and incense but the Eucharist remains the same; familiar (though recently, you may have tasted lemon zest in the bread on special feast days).

In an effort to deepen our sensory experience of worship, both leavened and unleavened bread will be used and vary by season. For instance, the bread in the season of Lent may not have honey (removing some of the sweetness) suggesting the Lenten dimension of simplicity and fasting. We will also vary the color and taste of wine by season. We hope all these variations will help us experience the unique fasts, feasts and seasons of the liturgical year and also give thanks for the ways we experience our senses in everyday life.(A small group of Holy Trinity folks had a fun wine-tasting event to determine which wine seemed well paired  with Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter, for example.) In addition we have obtained new varieties of incense from an Orthodox monastery in Massachusetts and you will experience different scents depending on the season or feast day.

We hope all these variations will help us experience the unique fasts, feasts and seasons of the liturgical year and also give thanks for the ways we experience our senses in everyday life.

Send a note to Ken with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

September 16 - Lectionary 24

September 16

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Adult Forum & Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 11:45 a.m. - Seminarian Committee
• 11:45 a.m. - Sunday School Pizza Party

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

Please join us on Sunday, September 16 at 9:30 a.m. (upstairs in St. Mark's Room). 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
O God, through suffering and rejection you bring forth our salvation, and by the glory of the cross you transform our lives. Grant that for the sake of the gospel we may turn from the lure of evil, take up our cross, and follow your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Ruth Allin  9/13
Rebecca Pallmeyer  9/13
Amy Wiatr-Rodriguez  9/13
Paulina Heilbrunn  9/20

BAPTISMS:
Paul Nicholson  9/19
Erica Spilde  9/19

ANNIVERSARIES:
Bob Anderson  9/14
Anna-Liisa LaCroix  9/14
Lisa & Andy Snyder  9/15
Becki & John Fiegel  9/16
Keith Kanthak & Judy Mayers  9/16
Ashley & Michael Kincaid  9/19
Denise & Michael Leach  9/19

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

by Patrice Macken

My first husband and the father of my two sons was Jewish. That allowed me to experience the rich and historic traditions of his faith: Passover, the prayer for the dead, lighting of the Sabbath candles but also sitting Shiva. Jews meet after a death for prayer and fellowship with the bereaved and that is sitting Shiva. The rabbi's message at one Shiva has stayed with me ever since: that the person who had died was one link in a chain that extended back to the 12 tribes and also linked all Jews together. It was a power filled message for me and I have found that I feel that linkage in my own faith's traditions: the music, the liturgy, the funerals and the weddings that I have shared with my fellow Christians over the years. All of these experiences transcend language and link us together, not just during the experience but back through time to our shared faith heritage and into a future that can now be filled with hope.

Now I am part of another type of ministry with other HTLC members; linking yarn together in chains to make a shawl, a blanket or a scarf for someone who needs it. Once completed these physical manifestations of our faith go to the outside community whether it be to our own members or their families, coworkers or friends who need to be comforted. Shawls are not only for those afraid or ill but can be used as a daily reminder of our shared faith and as a symbol of our linkage together in faith and hope and trust.

The Shawl Ministry team wants to share these gifts with you and your friends, family or coworkers who may benefit from a gift made with love and prayer; and in this tactile way connecting them to our faith community. Please let us know, or speak to one of the pastors, if you would like a prayer shawl for yourself or someone else. Shalom.

Send a note to Patrice with your comments or reflections!

Holy Trinity Generosity Campaign Celebration Brunch

Sunday, October 14

following 10:30 a.m. service, all are welcome

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.

Book Discussion: Digital Disciple

About Digital Disciple: Real Christianity in a Virtual World  This time in our society is unlike any other. People communicate daily without ever having to speak face to face, news breaks around the world in a matter of seconds, and favorite TV shows can be viewed at our convenience. We are, simultaneously, a people of connection and isolation. As Christians, how do we view our faith and personal ministry in this culture?  Adam Thomas invites you to explore this question using his unique, personal, and often humorous insight. Thomas was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood in 2008 at the age of 25, making him one of the first priests from the millennial generation. His unique voice in the faith community emanates from a combination of his youth, honesty, humor, and tech-savvy nature. 

This group, led by Pastor Mueller, will include discussion, bible study, and suggestions for spiritual practices. If schedules become difficult we may consider meeting a time or two by Skype or other online ways. Proposed schedule: 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.

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.

Check Out Our New Website!

Our administrator, Josh, has been working for months on our new website, bringing skill, tech-savvy, and creativity. We are excited to announce that it just went live! Many thanks to Josh for his vision and hard work. Take a look. Visit the new site now!

Last Sunday's Attendance

8:30 a.m. - 25
10:30 a.m. - 113

Financial Update through August 31, 2012

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!

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.  Descriptions of each session can be found here.

Thursday, October 4, 7:00 p.m. - MIND: We Don't Check Our Minds at the Door
Thursday, October 18, 7:00 pm - SPIRIT: Toward a (Lutheran) Spirituality with Vitality
Monday, November 5, 7:00 pm - BODY: Putting the Body Back into Christianity

"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 9, 2012
Lectionary 23a
James 2:1-10, 14-17; Mark 7:24-37
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

OPENING UP

I'm glad our eyes are closed. I wouldn't want anyone to see me or me them. I'm talking about an exercise we do at the end of my yoga class. The goal is for your body to first experience tension. And then relaxation. So first we tense our arms and legs and buttocks, then release them. Then we make a prune face. One teacher says to make a mini-lion. To roll our eyes back. To let out a little roar. Like this ...

It feels good. But I'm glad we don't make video recordings of sermons. It's not what I want on You-Tube.

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

    7:00 p.m.  Peer Supervision Group

    7:15 p.m.  Congregation Council Meeting

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

    12:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

    7:00 p.m.  HTLC Serves at The Crib

SUNDAY, SEPBEMBER 16

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

    9:30 a.m.  Sunday Forum & Sunday School

    10:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    11:45 a.m.  Seminarian Committee Meeting

    11:45 a.m.  Sunday School Kick-off Pizza Party

    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

    7:05 p.m.  Cubs Home GAme

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

    7:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

    7:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

    6:00 p.m.  HTLC at Lakeview Pantry

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.

From Sunday's Sermon:
Waking by Matthew Stanford 

  Matthew Sanford's inspirational story about the car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down is a superbly written memoir of healing and journey--from near death to triumphant life.

Matt Sanford's life and body were irrevocably changed at age 13 on a snowy Iowa road. On that day, his family's car skidded off an overpass, killing Matt's father and sister and left him paralyzed from the chest down, confining him to a wheelchair. His mother and brother escaped from the accident unharmed but were left to pick up the pieces of their decimated family.

This pivotal event set Matt off on a lifelong journey, from his intensive care experiences at the Mayo Clinic to becoming a paralyzed yoga teacher and founder of a non-profit organization. Forced to explore what it truly means to live in a body, he emerges with an entirely new view of being a "whole" person.

Waking is a chronicle of that process. By turns agonizingly personal, philosophical, and heartbreakingly honest, this groundbreaking memoir takes the reader inside the body, heart, and mind of a boy whose world has been shattered. The author allows us to follow with him as he rebuilds from the ground up, searching for "healing stories" to help him reconnect his mind and his body. To do so, he must reject much of what traditional medicine tells him and instead turn to yoga as a centerpiece of his daily practice. The author finds not only a better life, but meaning and purpose in the mysterious distance that we all experience between mind and body.

In searing candid, frequently poetic language, Sanford pulls back the curtain on what it means to survive devastating trauma, from returning to a broken life to the uncertainty of finding sexual intimacy with a paralyzed body. But first and foremost the author offers a powerful message about the endurance of the human spirit, and the body that houses it.

CHECK IT OUT: LISTEN TO AN INTERVIEW WITH MATTHEW, READ THE TRANSCRIPT OR VIEW OTHER RELATED MATERIALS

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>