by Carol Schickel, LCPC

Transitions

We all feel the effects of the changes that are taking place in these days. There is less daylight as the earth moves toward the solstice, the air is sharper, and we layer on more clothes. Change is part of our lives, but this time of year seems to embrace it so completely. Look around and you see how the 'season' is present everywhere you turn. We get caught up in the pressure of added activities and expectations, and life can quickly become a frenzy of stress.

The life of the church is ordered around transition...from one year to the next, from a season of stories about Jesus the man to the time of awaiting his birth at Christmas. The season of Advent is 'first' but also 'finally'. 'Soon' we will know Jesus, and 'then' the lightness will overcome the dark. 'Meanwhile' we make preparation and 'then' we are ready for the fullness. 'Next' is the excitement and joy, but 'later' we will have made this transition. And how will 'later' be for you...once you have raced through the transition one more time? I offer one suggestion for this process: SLOW DOWN and BREATHE! Savor the transition, notice the experience, soak in the spirit, and set some intention for your own journey through Advent. You won't regret slowing the time, quieting your mind, and taking a deeper breath of all the richness there is to notice. Taking that step back may provide perspective that brings new meaning to your own encounter with God.

Send a note to Carol with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

ON THE BEGINNING OF A NEW (CHURCH) YEAR, we will light the first candle of the Advent wreath and savor the texts and spiritual themes of Advent!

December 2 Schedule:

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/ Blessing of Advent Wreath
• 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - NO Sunday Forum; Sunday School meets in sanctuary
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/ Blessing of Advent Wreath 
• 11:30 a.m. - Christmas Boutique

Prayer of the Day
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Weekly readings 

BIRTHDAYS:
Hope Wilson  11/30
Ron Bogan  12/01
Rose Cline  12/01
Leslie LeSage  12/02
Keith Dombrowski  12/02
Kara Popelas  12/03
Kelly Duncombe  12/04
Grant Peterson  12/04
Megan Whitaker  12/06
Fred Cadena  12/07 

BAPTISMS:
Belle Craig  11/30
Aana Vigen  11/30
Rafael Jimenez-Rivera  11/30
Anna Vicknair  11/30
Kelly Johnson  12/1
Demi Spalla  12/1
Alison Strickler  12/1
David Easterbrook  12/2
Eleanor Ames  12/4
Abigail Wurzburger  12/4
Isaac Wurzburger  12/4
Molly Beran  12/5

ANNIVERSARIES:
Dorothy Klefstad   12/1

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 Christmas Boutique

Get holiday shopping done and support local charities at the same time! The Christmas Boutique features handmade gifts, art and crafts, including jewelry, pottery, ornaments, knitted goods, photography, fair trade items, baked goods and accessories. Kids can play in activity area while parents shop. Portion of the proceeds benefit local charities, through Team Trinity. Use this information and this flyer to promote this event to friends and family. And, don't forget to consider donating an item to the Boutique's Bake Sale. If you're interested in donating baked goods (and haven't yet told the team), please contact Ken Duckman or Laura Ferree. If you can help out during the event day or have any other questions, please contact Sarah Hanson or Erika Robeck. Thank you!

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. Description below.

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. Please RSVP to the office and indicate if you can bring soup, salad or bread.

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

Watch, Wait, Wonder: An Advent Spirituality

Sunday, December 9 - 9:30 a.m.
Using words, music, prayers and quiet reflection, we will explore traditional Advent themes. It is a time to nurture your own spirit and to prepare to welcome the Christ who comes. Sr. Louise Williams, who will lead the class, is a freelance writer, speaker and retreat leader and adjunct assistant professor of theology at Valparaiso University. For over thirty years she was executive director of the Lutheran Deaconess Association and served two terms as president of DIAKONIA, a global ecumenical association of deacons and deaconesses. The conversation will continue following worship with a light lunch, all are welcome!

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! 

Daytimers in December

Daytimers of Holy Trinity will meet for lunch and conversation on Thursday, Dec. 13, around 11:30 a.m. at Rick Boyum's condo on Wilton. Rick will provide a main dish and coffee. Those planning to attend are asked to bring an appetizer, salad, rolls, or dessert. Please RSVP to Rick. Each person is also asked to have a favorite Christmas memory of his/her own childhood to share with the group. NOTE: The Wednesday Bible Study group will NOT meet on December 12. 

Songs of the Season - Saturday, December 15

Christmas Decorating Party

On Sunday, December 23 following worship, come help us ring in the Christmas season while we decorate the tree, put up lights, arrange flowers, set up the creche and fellowship together! If you are able to help, please sign up at the back of the church or email Josh in the office.

Sponsor Poinsettias/Greens 

Sponsor the greens and poinsettias that will decorate our church at Christmas in honor or in memory of a friend or relative. To donate now, head to our online donation page and enter an amount from $20 - $100, as well as a designation. You can also bring or send a check to the office -- indicate "Christmas Greens" in the memo line. 

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

• 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.
  (The labyrinth in Passavant Hall will be open Wednesday, December 5, 6:00-7:00 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.

Advent & Christmas 

Sundays in Advent

+ 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/Blessing of Wreath

+ 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum:
   - Dec. 2 - No Forum
   - Dec. 9 - Watch, Wait, Wonder
   - Dec. 16 - The Word Was Made Fresh
   - Dec. 23 - Ave Maria for Lutherans?

+ 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/ Blessing of Wreath

Wednesdays in Advent

+ 7:15 p.m. Worship

+ Dec. 5 - Labyrinth open from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Monday, December 24

+ 4:30 p.m. - Christmas Eve Eucharist
   (especially for families with children)

+ 9:45 p.m. - Pre-service music

+ 10:00 p.m. - The Christ Mass

Sunday, December 30

+ 10:30 a.m. - Christmas Eucharist

   (No 8:30 a.m. service or Sunday School)

Sunday, January 6

+ 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist

+ 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School and Adult Forum

+ 10:30 a.m. - Epiphany Festival Eucharist

Last Sunday's Attendance

8:30 a.m. - 20
10:30 a.m. - 114

Apollo Chorus Performs the Messiah

Apollo Chorus (including multiple HTLC members) is performing the Messiah as it has done for well over a hundred years. This could be the perfect year for you to get a taste of this classic Chicago tradition. For the first time ever, we're performing it up at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, where parking is free! That's Saturday night, Dec. 8, at 7:00. And then we sing it again at the Harris Theater on Sunday afternoon, December 16, at 3:00. It's the perfect event to pair with ice skating in Millennium Park or tea at The Drake or Walnut room!

We're singing almost all of the First Part, including most of the Christmas music, from memory this year, and the soloists are excellent, so I think it should be moving and grand! Head online or contact Beth Kregor for tickets!

"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, April 7, 2013. More info.

Next Holy Trinity Orientation Dates: January 20, April 7, 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 25, 2012
Christ the King, year B
Pr. Michelle Sevig

A New Kind of King

As a mother of three, I have read a lot of children's books. So it's no wonder, really, that I immediately thought of the delightful fairytale from Norway's Princess Martha Louise when contemplating the texts for Christ the King Sunday. Several years ago, my niece Mari translated the Norwegian fairytale into English, and we've enjoyed reading to our children our signed copy of the book, Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28

    10:00 a.m. Scripture Study - Psalms

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

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29

    7:00 p.m.  Endowment Committee Meeting

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1

    5:00 p.m.  LOS Meal

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

    8:30 a.m.  Advent Eucharist w/ Blessing of the Wreath

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal 

    9:30 a.m.  NO Sunday Forum and Sunday School meets in Sanctuary

    10:30 a.m.  Advent Eucharist w/ Blessing of the Wreath and Baptism

    11:30 a.m.  Christmas Boutique

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

    6:00 p.m.  Walk the Labyrinth in Passavant Hall

    7:15 p.m. Advent Service

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

    7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

~~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.

Clyde Andrew Walter and Kyle Severson celebrated a holy union ceremony at Holy Trinity this past Friday, November 23.

Esley Stahl and Tom Yeates were married at the Church of Saint Luke on Saturday, November 17.  

When you attend the movie Lincoln, stay to see Holy Trinity member Jeffrey Stang's name in the credits. The John Williams soundtrack was recorded by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra where Jeff works as Production Manager. 

Turn Your Christmas Upside Down:
The Advent Conspiracy    

We all want our Christmas to be a lot of things. Full of joy. Memories. Happiness. Above all, we want it to be about Jesus. What we don't want is stress. Or debt. Or feeling like we "missed the moment". Advent Conspiracy is a movement designed to help us all slow down and experience a Christmas worth remembering. But doing this means doing things a little differently. A little creatively. 

Turn Christmas upside down:
Worship more. Spend less.
Give more.
Love all.
Click here to read ideas, suggestions, reflections, an online Advent calendar and MORE from the Advent Conspiracy website. 

  ________________________________________________

Celebrating our freedom in Christ
By Ken Wheeler | from Living Lutheran

I've been thinking a lot about freedom in light of the most recent presidential election.

Freedom is such a priceless gift. It is the longing of every human being. But I grew up in a time in this country when if you were black your freedom was precarious at best, and if you had the courage to stand on the meaning of your freedom, you could lose your life.

>>Continue Reading

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>