by Barbara Wahler

SLOWING DOWN

While I may not be the best example of it, I am an advocate for the stillness and quietude that November can bring. As days grow shorter I find myself with less desire (and energy) to go and do - and more yearning to just BE. When it's too chilly to go out, it's good to just sit in the sun porch with coffee or tea and watch the leaves turn. My cats - who are always around somewhere - seem especially attracted to my being still. These little beings are great reminders of how important it is for me to just take the time to lie around in the sun or snuggle together when it's blustery out.

My honey, Will, always makes time at the start of each day - even if it's only 10 minutes - to sit and meditate. How unlike me! I stay in bed until the last possible minute. Then I'm up and going till I drop into bed, exhausted and way too late.

How different are my life, my mood, my health when I take more time to be still, be quiet, and listen. Listen to the wind rattle the windows. Listen to the traffic chug past or the purr of the cats. Listen to that still small voice of God saying, "I am here. You are loved."

Send a note to Barbara with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

Schedule November 11

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

Sunday Forum, 9:30 a.m. 
The End of the World

Jesus warns of the pending destruction of the temple and foreshadows the coming of false prophets, wars, famine, earthquakes and great sorrows or birth pangs. Join Josh Judd-Herzfeldt in discussing Mark's apocalyptic discourse between Jesus and the disciples. Jesus' words of comfort to the disciples to not be alarmed are more applicable than ever only weeks before the supposed end of world.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth. Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done 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.

Baptism Seminar--It's for Life!

Thursday, November 15 - 7:00 p.m.
This seminar is offered for expectant parents, parents with newborns, those planning a baptism in the coming months, parents or others who would like a refresher on the meaning and theology of baptism. All parents planning to have a newborn baptized are asked to attend this seminar at some point before or after the birth of their firstborn child.

Baptism isn't a one-time event--it's for life! Topics of the seminar will include baptismal theology, the role of parents and sponsors, and scheduling a baptism. For more information talk to Pastor Michelle Sevig. Next Baptism Seminar is January 17, 2013

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.

Sunday Forum - Christ the King Sunday

November 25, 9:30 a.m.
Christ the King Sunday was established in the 20th century amid a rising tide of nationalism. What does it mean for Christ to be king of the nations? How does the affirmation of Christ's sovereignty speak to our ideas of church, state and nationalism today? Discuss these questions and more with leader Seminarian Marissa Sidars.

Love in a Ziploc©

The Holy Trinity children are collecting items to put in bags that will be given to homeless people. The bags will be blessed at worship and given back to you, to keep in your car or carry in your backpack or briefcase. When you come across someone who looks like he or she could use a lift, hand them a gift bag of necessities.

Bring any of these items no later than November 25 to the office or place in the designated box in the back of the church:

• Gloves, mittens, hats or headbands
• Boxes of raisins
• Granola or protein bars
• Cough drops
• Lip balm
• Travel size tissues
• toothpaste/toothbrush combos
• Small bottles of lotion and sanitizer
• Gifts cards ($5 each) for grocery stores or fast food.

Eat, Drink, Read

The next book group meeting will be Tuesday, November 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Becky Sims, 1702 W. Barry, 773-388-3590. We'll be discussing The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, the fascinating true story about the migration of African Americans from the South during the first half of the 20th century. Please join us whether you read the book or not!

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! 
Download the flier

Mark Your Calendars: Songs of the Season

Come and sing the music of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany in an ecumenical, informal, sing along atmosphere. Sponsored by Holy Trinity, Church of Our Savior Episcopal (Lincoln Park) and the Sisters of the Cenacle (Roman Catholic). Saturday, December 16, 3:00 p.m. at the Cenacle, 513 W. Fullerton. Childcare provided. Reception following. Songfest leaders: Dent Davidson, from the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago and Scott Weidler, from the national office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Click for more information.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

• 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. - 24
10:30 a.m. - 144

"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: January 13, 2013. More info.

Next Holy Trinity Orientation Dates: January 20, 2013.  More info.

Office Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Sun., 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

November 11, 2012
Lectionary 32b
Mark 12:38-44
Pr. Craig M. Mueller

PEOPLE WATCHING

People watching may be a thing of the past. In earlier times If I were delayed at an airport, taking a rest in the atrium of a mall, or hanging out in a large waiting area ... I may have engaged in that interesting way of passing time. Just watching people. Noticing. Observing. Wondering.

Now I'm more apt to go on my smartphone to make the time pass.

Yet, we are more prone to pay attention and notice things and people when we travel. Particularly if the place is new, strange, or even exotic.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15

    7:00 p.m.  Baptism Seminar

    7:30 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17

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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist 

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal 

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

    10:30 a.m.  Eucharist with Baptism

    1:30 p.m.  Jared Metzger Studio Recital

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study: Psalms 

    7:15 p.m.  Thanksgiving Eve Service & Pie Reception

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22

    Church office closed for Thanksgiving

~~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.

Film Review: Lincoln

Click here to read a review of the film Lincoln. First reports suggest it is a must-see!

Excerpt from the review:

"Thanks to Spielberg's skillful direction and Kushner's masterful screenplay, we find ourselves drawn into the political maneuvers of the times. We can't help by notice how fears and prejudices permeate the debate over the amendment even as they seep into the halls of Congress today. It's fascinating to see what it really took to secure Lincoln's legacy as the "Great Emancipator." Today's politicians would do well to emulate his vision and tenacity in confronting the injustices, slavery, and poverty of our time."

- Spirituality and Practice Film Reviews

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>