Generosity 2013
by Katherine Mertens

'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me'
(Matthew 25:40)

My family knows mental illness. I am blessed with unipolar, moderate depression - and all the support and resources available at my fingertips. Not everyone in my family is so lucky. My uncle fought bipolar depression his whole adult life. It's a miracle he made it to 50. When he was able he worked, but there were a lot of years where my parents quietly paid for his living expenses. If they hadn't, he would be among the mentally ill living on the street. He was the best uncle in the world, but if you met him on the street... quick heuristics would tell you he's just another addict looking for a handout.

I try to give money on the street to anyone who asks. I give to organizations that help these men and women find health and dignity. I try to ask their name and I sometimes pray for them for months or years after a quick encounter. That man could be my Uncle Tim.

As David and I were looking for a neighborhood church last year, we were glad to find that Holy Trinity is a place that ministers to those within and outside of its own walls. As a congregation giving to The Crib, the Night Ministry Van, sponsoring a refugee family and as individuals giving to the church and to causes that resonate with us individually, we embody the love of Christ.

Holy Trinity is a place that fills us up and sends us out. Both are essential to a vibrant body in Christ. As you go out to be Christ's love in the world, remember that everyone you meet - no matter how rough around the edges - has a family and a God who loves him or her dearly.

Send a note to Katherine with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

October 28

• 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/ Bach Motet and Generosity

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
Eternal light, shine in our hearts. Eternal wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance. Eternal compassion, have mercy on us. Turn us to seek your face, and enable us to reflect your goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Elijah Duncombe  10/20
Audris Wong  10/20
Edward Wilson  10/21
David Biggs  10/22
Greg Zinkl  10/22
Daniel Boin  10/26
Oliver Sevig  10/27
Annika Sevig  10/27
Olivia Wilson  10/27
Michael Schnell  10/29
Reid Peterson  10/30
Kerry Fleming  10/31 

BAPTISMS:
Connor Egan  10/20
Rachel Schipull  10/21
Adam Boin  10/23
Rilla DeSouza  10/23
Olivia Leach  10/23
Dylan Lindley  10/23
Kendell Lindley  10/23
Steve Fanale  10/25
Martha Kanthak  10/27
Paul Sherry  10/30
Mike Thompson  10/31  

ANNIVERSARIES:
Paul & Jess Reineck  10/31  

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

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!

Next Wednesday Contemplative Eucharist

October 31, 7:15 p.m.
Join us for a quiet, contemplative service in the midst of a busy, noisy world as we celebrate Reformation Day and All Hallow's (Eve of All Saints)

Bring Photographs for All Saints Day

On November 4 members and friends are invited to bring photographs of deceased loved ones for our All Saints / Day of the Dead remembrance. Please place them on the tables at the center of the church and write their name on a small card. During the liturgy there will be an opportunity to light votive candles next to the photos.

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 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 or email Pastor Mueller to let us know you are attending. (The next 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. - 36
10:30 a.m. - 152

Prop 8 in Minnesota

Minnesota currently has a constitutional amendment on the ballot which would define marriage as between one man and one woman. Watch this video, forward it to folks who live in Minnesota, and stand in support with the six ELCA synods in Minnesota (along with countless other people/organizations) who have taken a stand against this proposition.

Why Marriage Matters to Us

Friends of Dorothy: LGBTQs of Unity Lutheran Church

All Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender members of Norhtside ELCA congregations are invited to a monthly social gathering. The next gathering is Sunday, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Unity Lutheran Church (1212 W. Balmoral). Come have fun, meet people, share your ideas and learn about the future activities for LGBTQ Lutherans on Chicago's Northside. Refreshments provided, bring your friends! With questions, contact Pr. John Roberts (773.260.1402)

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

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 21, 2012
Lectionary 29b
Pr. Michelle L. Sevig

First = Last, Least, Lost

First. Who doesn't love being first-first born, first place, even something as simple as first in line? This word, "first," shapes our social relations, it orders our values and our world; it tells us who we are in the bustling sea of humanity. Our lives are spent striving to be first, to be better than someone else, to be known for our successes. Whether we seek first prize for the Halloween costume contest, first chair in the violin section, or it's our first time taking a risk and trying something new, being first is how we know where we are and where we are going.

Continue reading the sermon.

Listen to the sermon.

Listen to full services. 

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27

    5:00 p.m.  Common Solutions 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28

    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/ Bach Motet and Generosity Sunday

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

    7:15 p.m.  Contemplative Eucharist - Reformation / All Hallow's Eve

    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.

Some interesting reads.
Join next Sunday 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>