Generosity 2013
by Don Marsh

Holy Trinity Lutheran is a community where visitors and members hear God's message and learn the examples God set for us through Christ. In four years of membership, I have experienced its welcoming environment on Sundays and at regular or seasonal group activities during the week.

The Holy Trinity experience peaks with the main Sunday service, whose energetic combination of music and song, coupled with message and prayer, reminds us of our many blessings and the needs of others in the immediate community and across the world. Holy Trinity supports local and global causes through direct measures and firm commitment to the ELCA and its Metro Chicago Synod. Members see their gifts of time and treasure positively impact neighbors who are less fortunate. We likewise learn of how the ELCA, with the support of communities like Holy Trinity, improves the lives of those we will never meet but know need our help.

The "Generation to Generation - A Legacy of Faith" theme for this year's generosity appeal is fitting for a congregation that assimilates lifelong Lutherans, myself among them, and newcomers to our denomination. By pledging during the appeal, I know Holy Trinity is a step closer to fulfilling its 2013 missional budget goals: providing meaningful worship; nurturing spiritual journey; and serving beyond the congregation. Support of "Generation to Generation" will enable Holy Trinity to perpetuate the welcoming, educational and supportive environment I have experienced from my first service on Addison.

Send a note to Don with your comments or reflections!

If you missed Kathryn Vigen's Generosity Moment in worship last Sunday, the text can be found below in the "Check it Out" section.

THANKS TO THE HOLY TRINITY community for the wonderful response to the Generosity Appeal and the dozens of pledges we have received so far. If you have not yet had an opportunity to respond, make your pledge for 2013, either online or by filling out a form at the back of the church.

UPCOMING SUNDAY

November 4

• 8:30 a.m. - Festival Eucharist
• 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum & Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m. - Festival Eucharist

Bring Photographs for All Saints Day

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.

Sunday Forum, 9:30 a.m. 
In the Sanctuary 
Criminal Justice

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. Aana Vigen, Professor of Christian Ethics at Loyola, will serve as moderator. Click here to read the statement and summary.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Taffi Schurz-Mitchell  11/01
Lisa Snyder  11/02
Jessica Ittner  11/03
Randy Johnson  11/03
Sarah Hanson  11/05
Travis Paul  11/06
Erika Robeck  11/06
John Richardson  11/07
Rob Hodge  11/08
Kirsten Vicknair  11/08
Susan Boin  11/09

BAPTISMS:
Parker Spalla  11/1
Austin Johnson  11/2
Forrest Stewart  11/2
Lynn Horn  11/6
Theodore Chapman  11/7
Nitza Rosario  11/7
Maggie Sjovall  11/7

ANNIVERSARIES:
David & Karol Weigelt 11/4
Matt & Heather Kissling 11/7

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

Thanks to all who have returned their 2013 commitments.

Click here to make your pledge online!

Movie Night: Saturday, November 10

Join us at 5:00 p.m. in Passavant Hall to watch the movie "Higher Ground." You are welcome to bring food or drink to share; a main course will be provided. "Higher Ground" depicts the landscape of a tight-knit spiritual community thrown off-kilter when one of their own begins to question her faith. Inspired by Carolyn S. Briggs' memoir, This Dark World, the film tells the story of a thoughtful young woman's struggles with belief, love and trust as she learns that no matter how many times she loses her footing, she has within herself all that is necessary to get to a higher place.

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. Lunch food will be available. Suggested donation: $5-10. All proceeds will go to organizations that Team Trinity supports!

Last Sunday's Attendance

8:30 a.m. - 28
10:30 a.m. - 161

Scarves R'Green! Etc!

The Shawl Ministry has decided to make GREEN SCARVES for the Crib's homeless youth awareness day in November! 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.

Racial Justice Outing

Anyone up for a field trip? Trinity UCC (400 W 95th) is screening the documentary The House I Live In this Saturday, Nov. 3, at 2:30 p.m.

Eugene Jarecki's new film, The House I Live In, delivers another powerful blow to the American prison industrial complex as he provides personal perspectives from every front of the War on Drugs - from the dealers to abusers, police, corrections officers, judges and prosecutors - and they all reach a common conclusion: The War on Drugs has failed, and we must do something.

Contact Barbara Wahler (773-973-3785) if you want to go or would like more information. 
--Download the flier.

Apollo Chorus Fall Preview Concert

Are you hungry for an afternoon of beautiful music in a beautiful setting at a beautiful price (free)? Apollo Chorus presents its Fall Preview Concert on Sunday, November 4, at 3:00 at First United Church in Oak Park (848 Lake Street). It will include excerpts from all upcoming concerts including lovely selections from Handel's Messiah, Haydn's Mass in Bflat Major, and a wide range of compositions by contemporary composer Stephen Paulus. HTLC members Paul Reineck and Beth Kregor will be singing, and Paul will be featured in the Haydn. Don't miss this FREE concert!

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.

Lutheran Volunteer Corps - Just Desserts Fundraiser

Sunday, November 11 - 6-9 p.m.
Chicago B.L.U.E.S. Bar, 2519 North Halsted
Just Desserts is a fundraiser that benefits the Chicago LVC, and this year we're having it at B.L.U.E.S. in Lincoln Park - 2519 North Halsted, near the red/brown/purple line Fullerton stop and lots of buses (www.chicagobluesbar.com). There is a suggested $25 donation, and your ticket includes a drink and admission to B.L.U.E.S and to Kingston Mines across the street for the night! We'll have desserts, a silent auction, and great music.

You can purchase tickets now by making a donation to LVC on their website and specifying "Chicago/Just Desserts" in the comments section. Visit the website and click on "please donate today." You can also buy your tickets at the door.

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)

Reinstatement of Pr. John Roberts

John Roberts, former Holy Trinity member, will be reinstated to the ELCA roster at a special Eucharist of Reinstatement and Installation on Sunday, November 18, 4:00 p.m. at Unity Lutheran Church, 1212 W. Balmoral (at Magnolia). Bishop Wayne Miller will preside. Members of Holy Trinity are welcome; if you are interested in singing in a joint choir for the occasion, please contact John.

"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 28, 2012
Lectionary 30b
Reformation Sunday, Generosity Sunday
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

Do you sometimes wish things were different? That you were living a different life? That the circumstances were, well, different?

From generation to generation ... we're all just trying to make the ends of our lives meet. To do the best we can. And if we're lucky, to make a difference.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3

    10:00 a.m.  Communion Retreat 

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4

    8:30 a.m.  Festival Eucharist - All Saints Sunday

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

    9:30 a.m.  Sunday Forum - Criminal Justice (sanctuary) and Sunday School

    10:30 a.m.  Festival Eucharist - All Saints Sunday

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8

    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.

Generosity Moment

by Kathryn Vigen, presented in worship on October 28 

Good Morning, dear friends, Today I want to tell you a story about a very fortunate woman; but thanks to Pastor Craig's skillful editing, it is now an abbreviated story. This woman's parents loved her unconditionally. Her mother was the faith bearer in the family and faithfully brought up her two daughters in the church. The sisters learned to sing hymns together as their mother often did while working in her kitchen. In her 90's the mother was still serving coffee to the "old people" in the nursing home.

The woman's faith was strengthened as a student in the first nursing class at St. Olaf College. She became filled with a pioneering spirit and a commitment to serve. Following a difficult divorce to a Lutheran pastor after a twenty year marriage, she became a single parent. Her second life began by going on to graduate school to become a nurse educator and administrator. Years later she met another difficult challenge. While teaching as a Fulbright professor in nursing in Malta, she received a letter from her youngest daughter telling her she was gay. Though it was difficult to handle this unexpected news without support near her, she eventually moved towards acceptance and continuing love for this beautiful daughter that God had seen fit to give her.

I know this story is true because this woman is me. But this is not the end of my story. God's best surprise was still to come. After moving from Kansas City to Chicago to accept a position at North Park University, my daughter, Aana Marie, and her partner, Alison, also moved to Chicago and found Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. All three of us joined this Reconciling in Christ congregation where the pastor boldly states each Sunday that "This is a place where ALL are welcome".

Being a member of Holy Trinity blesses my life. It offers me great friends, strength and a place to serve the Lord. I may be the only member of this congregation who worships most Sundays with a three-generation family, which now includes my five year old grandson, Benjamin as well.

We receive the blessings of being a part of this congregation through the amazing music, sermons, deeds and love that is extended to us. For example, following my retirement from a 50 year career in nursing, church friends helped me through two hip fractures by twice bringing me meals for two weeks.

Gratitude leads to Generosity. In response, we must give back to the church in the proportion to the blessings we have received. This becomes our Thanksgiving to God, which, by the way, is just around the corner.

Send a note to Kathryn with your thoughts or reflections.

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>