Generosity 2013
by John Flowers, HTLC Council Member

My name is John Flowers and I've been attending Holy Trinity with my wife, Celina, since 2001. As I think about the theme of this year's generosity appeal, "Generation to Generation: A Legacy of Faith", it makes me appreciate the differences in what that phrase means for the church I attended in my youth and what it means for Holy Trinity. My childhood church in rural central Illinois was made up largely of families who had attended there for decades--farming clans who share their last names with the country roads that crisscross the cornfields. It was a welcoming community, but even after more than a quarter century of attendance, my family was still considered "new folks." In that community the phrase "Generation to Generation" can be taken literally, as many members see their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren baptized into that faith family.

I appreciate the opportunity to have worshipped in a rural setting and now, in an ever-evolving urban church. In our church community at Holy Trinity, thinking about generosity and giving by reflecting on past and future generations takes on a somewhat different meaning: we are asked to make a pledge to ensure that the gifts we receive from participating in Holy Trinity will last for many generations of our church family to come. I feel blessed to have found such a warm, nourishing church home, and I am continually inspired by our pastors and lay leaders. When making a pledge for giving in the coming year, please be encouraged to consider the spiritual inheritance we've received from past generations, and then to consider what it will take to leave a mark and make sure those gifts endure.

Send a note to John with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

October 14 - Lectionary 28

October 14

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 9:15 a.m. - NO CHOIR
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum & Sundy School
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 11:45 a.m. - Generosity Brunch

Sunday Forum, 9:30 a.m. 
Hunger and American Politics

The current election season has emphasized the economy and unemployment, but has given less attention to hunger in the United States and around the world. Bread for the World reports that "Although every previous bipartisan deficit reduction package over the past 25 years has followed the principle that deficit reduction should not increase poverty, we're now seeing severe threats to programs that address hunger and poverty." Join Carol LaHurd to view short videos about the ELCA's global efforts toward sustainable development, including among the U.S. population, and to discuss implications for both congressional and presidential elections.

Generosity Brunch, 11:45 a.m.

See below for more information.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty and ever-living God, increase in us your gift of faith, that, forsaking what lies behind and reaching out to what lies ahead, we may follow the way of your commandments and receive the crown of everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Robert Anderson  10/12
Adam Dominowski  10/14
Joshuah Thurbee  10/14
Michael Leach  10/15
Kelly Wittich  10/15
Adam Mankowski  10/16
Jake Johnson  10/17
Tonya Ames  10/18

BAPTISMS:
Amy Wiatr-Rodriguez  10/13
Beth Stewart  10/17

ANNIVERSARIES:
Holly & James Dunkel  10/13
Laura & Tom Spalla  10/17
Alison Strickler & Aana Vigen  10/17  

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

Next Contemplative Eucharist - Wed, Oct 17, 7:15 p.m.

Take time from our busy, noisy world to enjoy the quiet space of our evening contemplative eucharist. We will be celebrating St. Luke's Day with a liturgy of healing.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

» Serve 'meals-in-a-bag' with the Night Ministry Outreach Bus.
Meet at church on Wed., Oct. 17 at 6:00 p.m. to help assemble sack lunches. From there head to Rogers Park to meet the bus and hand out meals. Sign up to help, or to provide food items, by logging on to holytrinity.volunteerhub.com.

» Prepare and serve dinner for The Crib youth shelter.
Volunteers will prepare a meal beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 20 here at Holy Trinity. From there, travel to The Crib shelter (835 W. Addison) to serve meal to residents. Sign up to help, or to provide food items, by logging on to the team trinity site.

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.

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.

Last Sunday's Attendance

8:30 a.m. - 19
10:30 a.m. - 151

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.

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. 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.

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. 

October 7, 2012
Lectionary 27b
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

Bless The Beasts And The Children

Jesus touching children. Blessing them. Maybe even kissing babies. It's one of the more endearing lines from today's readings. And probably in the top ten of favorite Jesus sayings. "Let the children come. The dominion of God belongs to children." A great thought for a congregation with several dozen little kids, and a dozen or more babies.

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11

    6:00 p.m.  HTLC at Lakeview Pantry

    7:00 p.m.  Peer Supervision Group

    7:15 p.m.  Congregation Council Meeting

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14

    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.  Generosity Brunch

    1:00 p.m.  WANS Meal

    7:00 p.m.  Ahmrein Rehearsal

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

    6:30 p.m.  HTLC Volunteers with Night Ministry Bus

    7:15 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist - St. Luke's Day w/ Liturgy of Healing

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18

    7:30 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal

~~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 have returned to Chicago, and we would like to coordinate vegetarian meals for them. If you want to help, please sign up for a meal. David and Richard are grateful to the Holy Trinity community for the support, prayers and greetings shared with them.

We extend sympathy to Kristi Harreld and family on the death of her mother, Mary, on this past Tuesday. The funeral will be on Saturday, October 13. May God comfort them the promise of the resurrection.

We celebrate with Shane and Keri Delsman who gave birth to their son, Finn, on Aug. 26

Another reason we turn logical with our gratitude is that it is terrifying. The wonder of a moment in which there is nothing but an upwelling of simple happiness is utterly awesome. Gratitude is so close to the bone of life, pure and true, that it instantly stops the rational mind, and all its planning and plotting. That kind of let go is fiercely threatening. I mean, where might such gratitude end?
Regina Sara Ryan in Praying Dangerously

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>