Generations
by Pastor Craig Mueller

I am fascinated by generations. Our oldest member, Elvina Moen is in her 90s and part of the so-called "greatest generation." When I first arrived at Holy Trinity our young members were part of Generation X. Now those under 32 are part of Generation Y or the Millennial Generation.

Last Thursday evening Holy Trinity hosted an orientation for those new to our community of faith. The demographics reflected the clear pattern from recent years, but in this case I estimate that all twelve present were ages 22 - 35. This is more than fascinating when you consider recent studies that reveal Millennials as considerably less affiliated with religious institutions than previous generations were at the same age. In fact the fastest growing denomination, if you will, is the "nones," those not part of any church or religious group.

Holy Trinity is poised to provide a unique ministry to young adults when numbers are dwindling across the board and some people are asking what the future of mainline denominations, like Lutherans, will be in future decades. I am excited to tell you that a task force has been working on a proposal for a part-time Community Life Coordinator at Holy Trinity. Ideally a young adult, this person would connect and support our large group of young and new members. More details and information to come, but I wanted to share that headline with you.

Our 2013 Generosity theme is "From Generation to Generation: A Legacy of Faith." As Clyde Walter, one of the stewardship task force members has written, "We each have a unique story-- some of us are cradle Lutherans, some are entirely new to faith life; some of us are Lakeview residents, some come from farther out in the city or suburbs; some of us are 94, some are 22, some are 6 years of age (most are somewhere in between) - but we are all part of a greater story at Holy Trinity, and a greater Legacy of Faith.

This congregation has seen some radical things in its nearly 140 years - from the rapid development of the city, to moving from the Near North Side to the Lakeview neighborhood in the 1920s, to surviving turbulent times, and then re-emerging at the turn of the millennium to become the vibrant worship community it is today.  Indeed, Holy Trinity has a legacy of bold ministry from generation to generation."

Please join us on Sunday, October 14 for our annual generosity brunch following the 10:30 a.m. service. Also mark October 28 on your calendar. Not only will a Bach motet be performed during worship, we will celebrate our Reformation heritage by offering our 2013 commitments during the liturgy that day. During this month we invite you to reflect on the legacy of grace that you receive in baptism and is nurtured each week in word and meal. It is truly a gift for all generations.

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

UPCOMING SUNDAY

October 7 - Lectionary 27
w/ Blessing of the Animals

October 7

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum & Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/ Blessing of the Animals

Sunday Forum, 9:30 a.m. - This Sunday

Join Seminarian Marissa Sidars in a discussion of the lectionary scripture texts assigned for today. How do these ancient texts address our contemporary situation? What wisdom do they have for our spiritual lives and our call to live as God's people in the world?

Blessing of the Animals

At the 10:30 a.m. service. 

Held on the Sunday nearest October 4, the day of St. Francis.

Bring pets or stuffed animals.
The 8:30 service will be pet-free. 

Prayer of the Day
Sovereign God, you have created us to live in loving community with one another. Form us for life that is faithful and steadfast, and teach us to trust like little children, that we may reflect the image of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Demi Spalla  10/05
Lynn Horn  10/07
Reagan Fleckenstein  10/08
Russ Williams  10/10

BAPTISMS:
Steven Ransone  10/4

ANNIVERSARIES:
David & Sherrie Bonarigo  10/7
Michelle & Julie Sevig  10/8
Patrice & Michael Macken  10/10

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

with remarks by Ryan LaHurd - "I Shouldn't Be Here"

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

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.

Scarves R'Green! Etc!

The Shawl Ministry has decided to make GREEN SCARVES for the Crib's homeless youth awareness day in November! So, if you know someone who likes to knit or crochet or you would like to dabble in the art, we are asking for the scarves by the end of OCTOBER. Details about the date of the youth awareness will be posted when we know it. There are some skeins of green yarn in our bins in the choir room, so help yourself!

The other organization we are helping is THE CRADLE in Evanston. They place babies out for adoption and give a blanket to the families. They are asking for COTTON blue or pink blankets for their new babies. If you have any questions, please contact Patrice Macken.

Book Group Meeting

The next book group meeting will be Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Julius Meinl, 3601 N. Southport. We will be discussing The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff, a fascinating historical novel about Mormonism. If you like to read ahead, we will be discussing The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson in Nov. Please join us for delicious tea, decadent desserts, and great company!

Last Sunday's Attendance

8:30 a.m. - 27
10:30 a.m. - 121

Special Event Fundraising at Holy Trinity

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!

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.

Defamation

the take-no-prisoners drama where the audience is the jury.
Date: Friday, October 19
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Lutheran School of Theology (1100 E 55th St, Chicago)
Synopsis: At the close of the 70-minute trial, the judge will lead a 15-minute audience deliberation.

The judge will poll the audience twice - first before the deliberation begins and then when it ends. The final vote decides the outcome of the trial either 'for the plaintiff' or 'for the defendant'.

The audience will then have the opportunity to meet the playwright, and participate in a discussion led by Crossroads organizers.

<<More information and  trailer>>

This benefit is hosted by Crossroads and its regional partner CROAR (Chicago Regional Organizing for Antiracism), and will support ongoing antiracism organizing both in Chicago and throughout the country.

"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 30, 2012
Mark 9:38-50
Lectionary 26b
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

HEAVY

There was a lot of excitement and anticipation last Monday morning as we awaited the delivery of the new cross-the one that was to be raised aloft our roof. Though the bulk of the cost was the badly-needed masonry work, the new cross was the exciting part. The cross was heavy, no question. Josh helped two other guys unload it off the truck, and estimates its weight at about three hundred pounds, give or take a hundred!

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5

    11:00 a.m.  LVC Programming

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

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

    10:30 a.m.  Eucharist w/ Blessing of the Animals

    7:00 p.m.  Ahmrein Rehearsal

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11

    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.

David Easterbrook and Richard Bough were released from the hospital and are now staying with their friends through Friday. They then will be returning to Chicago via train. We would like to coordinate vegetarian meals for them when they return. If you can help, please email Josh and we will contact you. David and Richard are grateful to the Holy Trinity community for the support, prayers and greetings shared with them.

We extend sympathy to Tony and Geraldine Kruse upon the death of Tony's mother, Ingrid Kruse, who died on Tuesday. May you know the comfort of God's peace and the promise of the resurrection.

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>