Generosity 2013
by Matthew Steiner

The theme of this year's generosity campaign is Generation to Generation: A Legacy of Faith. When I began to reflect upon this year's theme, I immediately thought of my family's Lutheran heritage and how their faith has shaped my identity. My great-great-grandparents were immigrants from Sweden and Germany who settled in the northwoods of Minnesota and Wisconsin. They worked as farmers, loggers and school teachers and as their community grew, my grandfather helped build a Lutheran church in the area. A brick engraved with his name still stands in the foundation of the church where people gather to worship today.

I grew up attending a Lutheran church in San Francisco where attendance of forty would be considered a good turnout. My father served as a lay minister and for a year as president of the congregation. We didn't have a regular organist and members would take turns playing the piano on Sundays. My confirmation class was two people--including me. There was no Sunday school.

I attended church sporadically during my college years in Madison and after graduation; I attended church more regularly as I ventured forth in the working world to Washington D.C. and then Ann Arbor, Michigan. I always considered myself a "person of faith" and yes--possibly even "deeply religious," yet for some reason that I still don't know today, I never made an effort to make a commitment to the churches I regularly attended. I would attend two to three Sundays a month, proudly sing the hymns, do my best to listen during the sermon, regularly set aside a portion of my income for the collection plate, maybe grab a coffee and a lemon bar for the drive home after the service, but for the most part, that was it... even though I had been attending some of these places for years and most people in church knew my face--no one knew my name. It was like I was a "ghost parishioner."

As I ride the train to work I often think about life's challenges and I look at my fellow commuters and wonder what challenges they face in their daily lives. I scroll my smart phone and see 22 messages sent in the wee hours of the morning from frustrated colleagues. I think about a friend who is going through a tough divorce and other friends whose child recently has been diagnosed with a serious illness. I look at the homeless and those afflicted by mental illness and wonder if they have any hope or know how they are going to get through the day.

It is for reasons like these that two years ago I made the decision to formally join Holy Trinity after attending regularly for three years as a "ghost parishioner." I don't know why I waited so long to join and I may never know. But like my grandparents and the immigrants who built our church, I am grateful that I am a part of a community where all people are truly welcome to worship God, to give thanks for the blessings they have received and be a part of a community that helps us find God's peace as we go about our daily lives. As I make my pledge for the coming year, I do so with deep gratitude for those who have given over the years to build this community of faith and I give today knowing that my pledge will be used to build an even stronger foundation for the future.

Send a note to Matthew with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

October 21- Lectionary 29

October 21

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum & Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist
• 2:00 p.m. - Chicago CROP Walk

Sunday Forum, 9:30 a.m. 
Upstairs, St. Mark's Room 
The Mormon Moment

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. A number of links with reading material is listed below at "Check It Out."
Led by Pr. Craig Mueller.

Prayer of the Day
Sovereign God, you turn your greatness into goodness for all the peoples on earth. Shape us into willing servants of your kingdom, and make us desire always and only your will, 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 2013

On October 28, we will offer our 2013 generosity commitments during worship. Make your pledge online now!

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunity

» 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.

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.

Daytimers in October

The Daytimers of Holy Trinity will meet for lunch and a video program on Wed., Oct. 24th, around 11:30 a.m. in Passevant Hall. Lunch will be potluck - main dish, salad, or dessert. Anyone free during the day is welcome to join us.

Upcoming Music Series Event

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 Wifeby 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!

Sunday Forum, Nov. 4:
Criminal Justice: An ELCA Social Statement

9:30 a.m. - Held in the sanctuary
Come learn about and discuss the ELCA's proposed social statement on criminal justice. Joining us will be Ryan D. Cumming who teaches Christian Ethics at Loyola University and Lewis University, and is a member of the ELCA task force on criminal justice. Also present for the discussion will be Holy Trinity member Rebecca Pallmeyer, a federal judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern Illinois District. In the statement, the ELCA affirms the fundamental principles of the U.S. criminal justice system but also hears the cries that reflect the system's serious deficiencies. Drawing from the biblical witness to God's wondrously rich forms of love and justice, the ELCA is compelled by a "holy yearning" to address the need for change and improvement. Copies of the statement and summary are available here (link) or at the back of the church.

Holy Trinity Orientation

Welcome To Holy Trinity, Come and Find Out More!
Fall is a great time to get connected ... to a church home
Sunday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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 Sunday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (The session will include the Team Trinity volunteer fair listed below). Sign-up at the back of the church email Pastor Mueller to let us know you are attending: cmueller@htchicago.org. (The following orientation will be Sunday, January 20.)

Team Trinity PechaKucha: Volunteer Fair

Sunday, November 11, following the 10:30 a.m. service
Light lunch food will be served
Come and learn about ways you can volunteer at Holy Trinity through Team Trinity: PAWS, Lakeview Pantry, Night Ministry/Crib shelter, racial justice team, and the annual refugee project. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of "chit chat," PechaKucha involves a presentation format that is concise and fast-moving. The original format is 20 images X 20 seconds. We will use a shortened, modified version for our Team Trinity volunteer fair. Following the presentation those interested can talk with the various Team Trinity organizations.

Last Sunday's Attendance

8:30 a.m. - 20
10:30 a.m. - 154

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.

One Book, One Chicago

The 2012 selection is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Pick up a reading guide at the back of the church. Holy Trinity will discuss the book in early 2013. Pastor Mueller recommends it highly! Click here for a number of resources and events.

Holy Trinity Christmas Boutique

• 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.

"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 14, 2012
Lectionary 28b
Mark 10:17-31
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

iEverything

We put an "i" in front of everything these days. iPod. IPhone. iMac. We had a new addition last week. A member of my household got an iPad since his board is now providing them for its members to use at their meetings. iEnvy.

And with this dot over my head, you might imagine me as iCraig.

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18

    7:30 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20

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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

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

    10:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    2:00 p.m.  Chicago CROP Walk

MONDAY, OCTOBER 22

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25

~~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.

A note from David Easterbrook and Richard Bough:

We are so very grateful for the abundance of love, support and care we have experienced from our Holy Trinity family during these past weeks. Our gratitude is beyond measure. We are mending, but it will be several more weeks before we will be in church. We very much look forward to when we can express our thanks in person.

With sincere thanks,
Richard Bough & David Easterbrook.

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

Some interesting reads.
Join us the next two Sundays at the 9:30 a.m. Forum to discuss the Mormon Moment.

1. The Bible Plus: The Four Books of Mormonism
   (from The Christian Century)
   Mormon scriptures both echo and deviate from the Bible.
   Mormons cite New Testament support for proxy baptisms.
   Narrative is the preferred mode of teaching.
2. Why I Love Mormonism
   (from The New York Times)
   Why is it OK to say totally uninformed things about Mormonism?
3. What We Believe
   From their own website, in their own words.
4. Mormons Rock
   (from Newsweek/The Daily Beast)
   They've conquered Broadway, talk radio, the U.S. Senate--and they may win the White House. Why Mitt Romney and 6 million Mormons have the secret to success.

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>