by Pr. Craig Mueller

HOPE AND CHANGE

Have you heard some people say that having cancer has been a gift--that it has helped them treasure the preciousness of life. In the November issue of The Lutheran, Deanne Thompson writes about the difficulty of having cancer and talking about cancer. She admits that if she had years of remission ahead, including living to see her daughters graduate from high school, she might be able to see it that way.

But where is the hope when the world as you know is passing away? During November the Church directs our attention to eschatology--the end times, heaven, the communion of saints, and eternal life. Progressive Christian theology suggests that we interpret those realities in light of a call to live in the present moment rather than direct our gaze on a heaven in the future. But what if the present is filled with agonizing illness, deep sadness, or extreme poverty? Where is the hope?

Our Lutheran theology of the cross continues to shock us with this answer: God is revealed in the very midst of suffering, whether it be those who feel abandoned by God or in our own times of anguish or doubt. By sharing in Christ's death and resurrection, and by bearing one another's burdens, hope dawns. If hell is "this world that is passing away," (a quote from last Sunday's sermon), our hope in Christ indeed enables us to see eternity in each day and each moment.

Both presidential campaigns spoke of hope and change. At his victory speech on Tuesday night the president said, "I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting."

As much as we trust that our leaders will bring about hope and change, we dare not put our ultimate trust in the political process, as important as it is for society. There may be more to life than prosperity and the American dream. Rather than asking whether we are better off than we were four years ago, we might ask how we might more adequately care for those most vulnerable in our society. I say this as someone who loves to follow politics: instead of spending billions on an election that lasts two years, what if a large portion of that money would be used to address poverty, climate change, our nation's infrastructure, and rising debt?

Ultimately, we trust that God is the giver of hope and change. Let us not place all our expectations on political leaders. Trusting in God's grace, let us become the hope and change that we so desperately long for.

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

UPCOMING SUNDAY

Schedule November 11

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist and Welcome to New Members
• 9:00 a.m. - Holy Trinity Orientation (Choir Room)
• NO CHOIR
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum & Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist and Welcome to New Members
• 11:45 a.m. - Seminarian Committee Meeting (St. Mark's Room)
• 11:45 a.m. - Team Trinity PechaKucha Volunteer Fair (Passavant Hall)

Sunday Forum, 9:30 a.m. 
What's in the News?

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 session will include the Team Trinity volunteer fair listed below). We will meet in the Choir Room at 9:00 a.m.

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!

Prayer of the Day
O God, you show forth your almighty power chiefly by reaching out to us in mercy. Grant us the fullness of your grace, strengthen our trust in your promises, and bring all the world to share in the treasures that come through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Rob Hodge  11/08
Kirsten Vicknair  11/08
Susan Boin  11/09
Aana Vigen  11/12
Randall Ortman  11/14
Laney Wilson  11/15
Finn-Henrik Jenner  11/16
Eleanor Stang   11/16

BAPTISMS:
Amy Boin  11/10
Steven Boin  11/10
Carol LaHurd  11/10
Craig Mueller  11/15

ANNIVERSARIES:
Richard & Laura Pless  11/12

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.
We are very heartened by the response, and thanks to your generosity, the Council looks forward to a 2013 budget that can assist us to more boldly live out our mission as we "connect, strengthen, and serve with joy." If you have not had a chance to make your 2013 commitment, we invite you to
turn in your generosity form as soon as possible or to pledge online now.

Financial Update Through October 2012

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.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

Wednesday, November 21 - 7:15 p.m. (note new time)
The liturgy will feature hymns of thanksgiving and holy communion.
A PIE SOCIAL will follow in Passavant Hall. Email Josh in the office if you can bring a pie.

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!

Special Advent Sunday at Holy Trinity - Dec. 9

December 9, the Second Sunday of Advent, will have special events in the morning and afternoon. Consider making it an Advent retreat, taking in the special forum, eucharist, lunch, labyrinth and service of Advent Lessons and Carols. Or come to whatever events you are able to. Mark your calendars now:

9:30 a.m. Watch, Wait, Wonder: An Advent Spirituality
Led by Sr. Louise Williams, Deaconess from Valparaiso, IN

10:30 a.m. Eucharist for the Second Sunday of Advent

11:45 a.m. Lunch and Conversation
We will consider conversation around themes of Advent spirituality, facilitated by Sr. Louise Williams and Pr. Craig Mueller.

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Walk the labyrinth in Passavant Hall

4:00 p.m. Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent
Led by the Holy Trinity Choir and Holy Trinity Strings

Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent

Join us on Sunday, December 9 at 4:00 p.m. for Holy Trinity's annual Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent. Scripture readings, anthems, Advent hymns, quiet meditation, candles, incense and prayer combine to provide a memorable service that will bring focus to your Advent experience. Music by the Holy Trinity Choir and Strings will include compositions by George Frideric Handel, Anton Bruckner, David Cherwein and Carolyn Jennings as well as traditional carol settings from a variety of times and places. Make Lessons and Carols a part of your Advent tradition!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

• HTLC Movie Night: Higher Ground - Saturday, Nov. 10, 8:00 p.m.
• Holy Trinity Orientation - Sunday, Nov. 11, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Team Trinity PechaKucha Volunteer Fair - Sunday, Nov. 11, 11:45 a.m.
• HTLC Family Potluck - Sunday, Nov. 11, 5:00 p.m.
• Thanksgiving Eve Service - Wednesday, Nov. 21, 7:15 p.m. (followed by pie reception)
• Christmas Boutique - Sunday, Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Midweek Advent Services - Wednesdays, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 7:15 p.m.
• Advent Mini-Retreat - Sunday, Dec. 9, 9:30 am 
• Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent - Sunday, Dec. 9, 4:00 p.m.

Last Sunday's Attendance

8:30 a.m. - 39
10:30 a.m. - 193

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.

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.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Wed., Nov. 14, noon at First United Methodist Church, Chicago Temple, 77 W Washington. Read the flier for more info.

"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. 

November 4, 2012
All Saints Sunday
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

LOOKING AT THE WORLD THROUGH TEARS

Nicholas Wolterstorff lost his twenty-five year old son in a mountain climbing accident. After that, he believed that for the rest of his life he would be looking at the world through tears. "Perhaps I shall see things that dry-eyed I could not see," he said.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8

    7:15 p.m.  Congregation Council Meeting

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10

    5:00 p.m.  HTLC Movie Night: Higher Ground

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist 

    9:00 a.m.  Holy Trinity Orientation 

    NO CHOIR

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

    10:30 a.m.  Eucharist

    11:45 a.m.  Seminarian Committee Meeting

    11:45 a.m.  Team Trinity PechaKucha Volunteer Fair

    1:00 p.m.  WANS Meal

    5:00 p.m.  HTLC Family Potluck

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13

    6:00 p.m.  HTLC at Lakeview Pantry 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15

    7:30 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal

~~Full Calendar of Events~~  

 

COMMEMORATIONS FOR THE WEEK

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Election News and Reactions

Click here to read several comments from Episcopal Cafe along with a number of links to interesting stories and commentaries!

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>