by Seminarian Marissa Sidars

Dear Holy Trinity,
Thank you for welcoming me with open arms as your new MIC student.

I'm having a wonderful time getting to know you and learn all about your congregation. People have been telling me why they love Holy Trinity and they have a lot to say. For some it's the meditative worship, the music or because someone welcomed them so clearly that they stayed. For others it's the way questions are welcomed and kept alive, or the commitment to being an inclusive community. I've experienced all these things about Holy Trinity and am looking forward to spending more time this year getting to know you better.

I hope you'll keep telling me about you so I guess I'd better tell you a little bit about me. I'm a second-year M.Div. student at LSTC who lives on campus in Hyde Park. Home for me, though, is Minneapolis MN. My lovely partner Maggie lives there where she does lots of theater and improv. comedy things in addition to her 9 to 5. We have two obnoxious birds and a neurotic Basset-Border Collie mix named Luchi. I returned to Chicago last month for the new school year after completing a summer internship as a hospital chaplain in the Minneapolis suburbs. The hospital environment was fascinating but I'm so happy to be back in a parish setting.

I grew up in California, Ohio and Colorado, where my parents and younger sister live now. My sister and I were home-schooled all the way through high school so moving away to go to St. Olaf College in MN was a big adventure. It was also my first introduction to Lutherans. My family is a difficult to define - sort of Biblical fundamentalist - so I'd given up on church pretty young. Lutherans seemed serious, and yet also silly, about their faith and how it affected their lives. They made an impression on me, but I didn't get baptized until several years after graduation. My first job teaching English in Japan had disappeared and somehow I ended up working at a Lutheran church in Minneapolis. The grace in that place surprised me, and as I was getting to know the people and their faith I felt God reaching out to me. As soon as I was baptized it seemed that everyone assumed I'd go to seminary. At first that annoyed me, and then I thought and prayed about it, and then I did it.

Nobody told me how much fun seminary would be. In the midst of all the work, there's not a day I don't realize how blessed I am to be studying and preparing for ministry. When my placement for MIC turned out to be Holy Trinity I was delighted. You all have been so gracious and hospitable. I look forward to the whole year of learning about ministry from you.

Peace and thanks,
Marissa Sidars, your new MIC student

Send a note to Marissa with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

September 23 - Lectionary 25

September 23

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum & Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist and Blessing of the Cross and Masonry Work

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

Please join us on Sunday, September 23 at 9:30 a.m. (upstairs in St. Mark's Room). For adult forums on Sept 23 and 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, our teacher and guide, you draw us to yourself and welcome us as beloved children. Help us to lay aside all envy and selfish ambition, that we may walk in your ways of wisdom and understanding as servants of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Paulina Heilbrunn  9/20
Theodore Chapman  9/22
David Stahl  9/22
Lars Stole  9/22
Molly Beran  9/23
Lydia Kanthak  9/23
Justin Sjovall  9/24
Kathryn Vigen  9/24
Jonathan DeSouza  9/25
Rachel Schipull  9/26
Beth Stewart  9/26
Alison Strickler  9/27

BAPTISMS:
Kim Duffy  9/21
James Perez  9/22
Adam Miller  9/22

ANNIVERSARIES:
Beth & Brett Cline  9/22
Steve & Jen Hopwood  9/22
Mark & Amy Avery  9/23
John & Kelly Duncombe  9/26
Ryan & Carol LaHurd  9/27 

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

Holy Trinity Generosity Campaign Celebration Brunch

Sunday, October 14

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

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.

Free And Fun! Sept. 30 After Service

Come and experience a new skill with our Shawl Ministry members A.J. Yoeckel and Barbara Wahler as they teach ANYONE who is interested in learning how to knit or crochet. There is no charge! Any age is welcome but you need an open mind and willing heart! A.J. and Barbara will bring the supplies and the skill.

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.

Blessing of the Animals - Sun, Oct 7

Pets of all kinds are welcome for our annual blessing of the animals during the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct 7. The 8:30 service will be pet-free.

Events for Children and Families

Sunday, 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.

Saturday, 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.

Sunday, 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!

 

The Mormon Moment - Sunday Forum: Oct 21 & 28

From The Book of Mormon to Romney's presidential bid, Mormons have been in the news this year. This forum will begin with key beliefs of Mormonism and lead to a discussion of the Mormon faith within our current political, cultural and religious context. We will also discuss the role of religion in the upcoming presidential election. Led by Pr. Craig Mueller.

Calling all crafters, bakers and volunteers!

Holy Trinity will be holding a Christmas Boutique on Sunday, December 2, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This event will help raise money for our local charity outreach and there are several ways to get involved:

• Sell your work! Once again, we are seeking Holy Trinity's artists, artisans and bakers who would like to display and sell their work. There will be a $25 booth fee to participate.
• Contribute to the bake sale! This year, we will have a Holy Trinity Bake Sale as part of this event. Please consider donating some of your baked goods to this sale.
• Join the event committee! Whether you're interested in helping plan the event, promote it, set up the day before or man the bake sale or child activity center, you can help make this event a success.

Please contact Sarah Hanson or Erika Robeck to let us know that you'd like to participate in one or more of these activities. Please note that vendor space will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and the $25 booth fee is required to reserve your space. Contact us for more information: Sarah - skhanson100@gmail.com (773-551-6001); Erika - Erika.robeck@gmail.com (312-520-4867).

Last Sunday's Attendance

8:30 a.m. - 32
10:30 a.m. - 142

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: 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 16, 2012
Lectionary 24b
Pr. Michelle L. Sevig

TONGUE TWISTERS

"Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers." I used to love saying tongue twisters with my girlfriends when I was little. Though I can't say them very fast now, I remember how much fun it was to sit with others on the school bus or in our back yard and challenge each other to go faster and faster-until we messed up and collapsed into giggles.

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

    6:00 p.m.  HTLC at Lakeview Pantry

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

    12:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

SUNDAY, SEPBEMBER 23

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

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

    10:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

    7:00 p.m.  Ahmrein Rehearsal

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

    7:00 p.m.  Book Discussion

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

    7:00 p.m.  Holy Trinity Orientation

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.

Walking 

from Spirituality and Pracitce

Walking is a spiritual practice that yields so many dividends: replenishment of the soul, connection with the natural world, problem-solving, self-esteem, health and healing, and heightened attention. Movement seems to encourage dialogue and conviviality, leading to richer conversations with soul mates, friends, and even strangers. Artists report that walking activates the imagination and opens up the creative process. It is deeply restorative.

Keep Reading for more about the spiritual practice of walking.

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>