Pastoral call...
by Pastor Michelle Sevig

Maybe you've noticed the growing number of infants joining us for worship these past few months. As the pastor for family ministry, I try to keep attuned to those who are expecting and to those who are welcoming new additions to their family. With great joy I celebrate with each family in their waiting, remembering my own time of pregnancy and all the hopes and fears associated with welcoming a new child. Once the baby is born or adopted it is a delightful pastoral call to provide a baby blessing in the family's home. And sometimes, with great sadness and empathy I accompany parents whose hopes have been shattered and they face their greatest fear--saying goodbye before they've even had a chance to say hello.

Prayers and presence from the faith community are important parts of our common life together--whether welcoming a baby or not. In times of deep grief and questioning, you are encouraged not to face it alone. Reach out to others for a helping hand or a listening ear. Contact the pastors so we can hold you in prayer and support you during times of transition.

And if you have good news to share, please tell us that too. It's impossible to share in your joy and celebrate with you if we do not know about it. When the baby is born, let us know right away, so we can send meals and announce it in the e-news, and stop in for a pastoral baby blessing. If you have a new job, you're engaged, or you've decided to go back to school, share with us how God is blessing you and your loved ones.

As we often say during announcement time at worship, our community of faith is ever-changing. That is the reality of being an urban church with the rich population of young adults. Beloved members leave, new ones arrive--even as babies! Together, let us celebrate-and support one another--through all of life's transitions.

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

UPCOMING SUNDAY

September 30 - Lectionary 26

September 30

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

THE SUNDAY FORUM ON OCTOBER 7 will be a study of the lectionary texts by Seminarian Marissa Sidars.

Prayer of the Day
Generous God, your Son gave his life that we might come to peace with you. Give us a share of your Spirit, and in all we do empower us to bear the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Alison Strickler  9/27
David Bonarigo  9/29
Karol Weigelt  9/29
McKenna Bonarigo  9/30
Rafael Jimenez-Rivera  9/30 
Curtis Lawrence  10/01
Steve Fanale  10/01
Emilia Buschmann  10/02
Jen Hopwood  10/03
Craig Mueller  10/03
Jack Stelter  10/03 

BAPTISMS:
Rebecca Pallmeyer  10/2
Steven Ransone  10/4

ANNIVERSARIES:
Ryan & Carol LaHurd  9/27
Patty & Mark Erickson  9/29
Scott Johnson & Dia Fornasiero-Johnson  9/29
Lars Stole & Audris Wong  9/30 

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

Menu (by Inspiration Kitchen): Assorted Fruit; Tomato Basil Provolone Quiche;
Smoked Salmon & Dill quiche; Turkey Sausage;
House-made Cheddar Biscuits w/salted molasses butter; Coffee, Milk and Juice

food4thought: Pizza, Beer and Making a Difference

Next Tuesday, October 2, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
OVER TWENTY HAVE SIGNED UP!
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 by next Tuesday morning.

Faith Reboot: open to all!

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. Led by Pr. Craig Mueller

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

Blessing of the Animals - Sunday, October 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.

One Book, One Chicago

The 2012 "One Book, One Chicago" selection is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. There are a number of booklets at the back of the church with helpful background and information about the book, and a number of programs and events in Chicago this fall. Holy Trinity members are invited to obtain and read the book and participate in these events as they can. In early 2013 we will offer several opportunities to discuss The Book Thief, so it would also be a good book to read over the Christmas break. In The Book Thief, a sympathetically drawn Death narrates the story of orphan Liesel Meminger, who finds friendship and a new family in a small town in Germany in World War II. She also discovers the power of words and books as Hitler's Nazi agenda threatens everything she has come to love. The book has received stunning reviews and a number of awards.

Click here for a number of resources and events.

2012 Chicago CROP Hunger Walk

Join us this year for the 30th Annual Chicago CROP Hunger Walk. We've set some high goals and need your help. Will you be one of the 30 walkers from Holy Trinity on October 21st? Enjoy the company of others who care about hunger and poverty, while also enjoying a beautiful fall day walking through a gorgeous city. Sign up for Team Holy Trinity. We also hope to raise $3,000 this year, double last year's HTLC donations. It's a special anniversary year for CROP walk and collectively we can certainly meet the challenge to end hunger one step (and donation) at a time. To make a donation to Team Holy Trinity go to the team site or write a check to Holy Trinity with "Crop Walk" in the memo.  If you want to learn more about the CROP Hunger Walk, head to the Church World Service YouTube page.

Special Event Fundraising at Holy Trinity

Good news: Counting our combined June 8 game night ticket sales with a generous match from Thrivent, we were able to give RefugeeOne $1,800 in addition to the over $2,500 raised in August from the refugee project. MANY THANKS to all who have made these donations possible.

MORE good news. There are three upcoming fundraising opportunities, all to help further support Team Trinity: our local benevolence organizations:

1. Cook with Joy (2011's cookbook): limited copies of the first-ever edition are still available...but when they're gone, they're gone forever. See Josh in the office or Kristi Harreld to get your copies. These make awesome gifts for many occasions!
2. Pet Blessing Bake Sale: Who doesn't love our annual pet blessing service? This year, in conjunction with Pet Blessing Sunday (October 7, 10:30 service only), treats for pets and their human friends will be available for purchase.
3. Calling all crafters, bakers, and volunteers! Holy Trinity will be holding a Christmas Boutique on December 2, 2012 from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This event has a new name, but is similar to last year's Christkindl market. Here's how you can get involved:
   • Sell your work! We're seeking artists, artisans and bakers who would like to display and sell their work. There will be a $25 booth fee to participate.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.
   • 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! We'd love your help in planning, promoting, setting up the day before, and helping run the bake sale or child activity center. Those with no prior experience are welcome!!

Please contact Sarah Hanson (773-551-6001) or Erika Robeck (312-520-4867) to lend a hand!

Last Sunday's Attendance

8:30 a.m. - 30
10:30 a.m. - 139

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.

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.

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.

"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: 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 23, 2012
Lectionary 25b
James 3:13-4:3; Mark 9:30-37
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

WHY DID THEY DO IT?

Why did he do it? It's a question everyone asked immediately after the shooting in the Aurora, Colorado theater last July.

Why did they do it? It's what we wondered as we watched a musical called "Assassins" a week ago in Milwaukee. Assassins is not one of the most popular works by Stephen Sondheim, but this was an amazing production. Strange as it was to have guns pointed in our faces throughout the whole show! If you were already jumpy from too much caffeine or too much time online, watch out! Quirky the theme may be, Assassins is a provocative reflection on the American dream and the various ways we pursue happiness. Greatness. Fame.

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

    7:00 p.m.  Holy Trinity Orientation

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

    10:30 a.m. Social Ministry Meeting

    5:00 p.m.  Common Solutions

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

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

    10:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    12:00 p.m. Power/Privilege Advisory Meeting

    7:00 p.m.  Ahmrein Rehearsal

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

    7:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2

    7:05 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

    1:20 p.m.  Cubs Home Game

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4

    7:00 p.m.  Faith Reboot - MIND

~~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.

In our prayers we hold David Easterbrook and Richard Bough who were in a serious car accident last Friday. Both of them have broken ribs but are doing better than they were last weekend. Unfortunately, a lifelong friend of Richard's was killed in the accident. They are hospitalized in Syracuse, NY but will be staying with friends for about a week before returning to Chicago. Here is their address if you would like to send cards in the next immediate days:

David Marcus/Wendy Bousfeld
118 Circle Road
Syracuse, NY 13210

It is fine to call to their cell phone: 773-255-9927

Yom Kippur 2012

from HuffPost Religion

Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, observed in 2012 from sundown Sept. 25 to nightfall Sept. 26. The Hebrew date for Yom Kippur is 9-10 Tishrei 5773.

The Day of Atonement -- also known as the Sabbath of Sabbaths -- is the most important day of the Jewish year. More people go to temple on Yom Kippur than any other holiday.

Keep Reading for more about the Jewish Day of Atonement.

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>