by David Brackley, HTLC Minister of Music

"Sometimes I feel like a motherless child, a long way from home..."

Those words come from a familiar African American Spiritual, born from the anguish of a soul suffering untold grief and pain. Like most Spirituals, we will never know who the authors and composers actually were; we can only try to understand from history the plight of the individuals whose circumstances gave rise to these simple yet profound expressions of desperation, loneliness and longing.

"O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here..."

Another period in history, another part of the world, different circumstances and characters in this story--but the pain and the anguish comes from the same depths of the human heart.

Months ago as I was searching for music for this year's edition of Advent Lessons and Carols I came across a new piece of music that combined these two very different expressions: one from 15th century liturgy and the other from everyday life, probably three centuries later. It seemed an incongruous superimposition of music and text at first. But as I listened and thought about it, I began to see the parallels and even the connection to our lives in this 21st century.

You see, for many in our world, these weeks of festivity, waiting and celebrating are lonely, dark, and difficult. Perhaps you have experienced loss--loss of family, friends, health or job. Perhaps you are questioning the future, and having a difficult time tracing God's love, God's peace, and even God's justice in what is happening around you. Perhaps the last thing you feel like doing is celebrating. While no one can promise a "quick fix" to these circumstances, we can reach to the Savior whose coming we await, to the God who cares for us like a mother, and to the Spirit who indwells and brings peace. By faith we can rest in the truth that we are not alone.

Let me encourage you to reach to others around you this Advent. Seek out those in our faith community or in your workplace or neighborhood, and extend encouragement--perhaps in the form of a word, a simple favor, a gift or some other deed of kindness done in the name of Christ. And in the midst of all the busy-ness of these weeks, find time--make time--for quiet reflection, meditation, prayer and renewal. Perhaps one of those times could be our Advent Lessons and Carols this Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.! Come and hear these two expressions of longing fused together, and consider the joyous refrain...

"Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!"

David Brackley
Minister of Music

Send a note to David with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

December 9 Schedule:

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/ Blessing of Advent Wreath
• NO CHOIR
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum and Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/ Blessing of Advent Wreath and Baptism 
• 11:30 a.m. - Lunch and Conversation
• 1:00 p.m. - Labyrinth open
• 4:00 p.m. - Lessons and Carols

Special Advent Sunday at Holy Trinity

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.
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!

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 salad or dessert.

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

Prayer of the Day
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming give to all the people of the world knowledge of your salvation; 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:
Megan Whitaker  12/06
Fred Cadena  12/07 
Lincoln Ross  12/10
Blake Sims  12/10
Lisa McDaniel Stang  12/11
Patrick Buzby  12/13
Kelly Hurliman  12/14 

BAPTISMS:
Molly Beran  12/5
Patty Erickson  12/12
Greg Zinkl  12/12 

ANNIVERSARIES: 

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

Midweek Advent Service - Tonight, 7:15 p.m.

Join us tonight for the first Midweek Advent service. Use this as a great way to break through the clutter of the busy holiday season and enjoy the peace and quiet of our contemplative service.

Our very own Labyrinth will be available tonight from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Passavant Hall as a wonderful excercise to calm the body and mind in preparation for the evening service.

Christmas Boutique: Thank you to Holy Trinity

MANY THANKS to all who contributed time, baked goods, decorations, energy, creativity and support for the Christmas Boutique last Sunday. Not only were funds raised for ministries Holy Trinity supports (more details to come on this) but the event provided an important experience of community-building! (That is why we call them FUNdraising activities.)

 SPECIAL THANKS to Sarah Hanson and Erika Robeck for their overall coordination and to Amanda O'Brien, Kathy Lund, Jen Hopwood, Kara Grimme Popelas, Ed Popelas, Beth Kregor, Becky Fiegel, Ken Duckmann, Alison Strickler, Aana Vigen, Megan Eicchorn, Kristi Harreld, Kathryn Vigen, Karol Weiglet, Laura Feree, Erin Dauber, and Josh Judd-Herzfeldt for all they did to make the Christmas Boutique a success!

Fair Trade Goods for Sale

Missed the Christmas Boutique last weekend? Don't have your Advent Calendar yet? Still need to pick up some Christmas gifts? Along with the usual coffee, tea, and chocolate items, other assorted fair trade goods including Christmas ornaments, jewelry, scarves, baskets, musical instruments and more will be available for sale at the back of the sanctuary after the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday. Come stop by!

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. 

Meals for Newborns

The newborn hospitality group is seeking additional volunteers to provide meals to new families. Those first couple of weeks adjusting to a newborn in the home are quite hectic, and it is a blessing to receive prepared meals to help alleviate the stress. If you love meeting newborn babies and enjoy cooking/hospitality, please contact Pastor Sevig to be added to the list of volunteers. When a child is born, an e-mail with a link to a meal schedule is sent to you; then you can sign up if you are available. Please help us to welcome new members into our growing community of faith through this generous and tangible ministry.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

• 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. 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. - 32
10:30 a.m. - 172

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 p.m.. And then we sing it again at the Harris Theater on Sunday afternoon, December 16, at 3:00 p.m. 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!

50 Recent Works by Richard Bough

An artist's reception is being held for HT member Richard Bough at Mezz Gallery at the Mayne Stage, 1328 W Morse on Friday, December 14 at 6:00 p.m. Complimentary drinks and appetizers with vocal performance by Johanna Moffitt.

"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. 

December 2, 2012
First Sunday in Advent
Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-36
Pr. Craig Mueller

AN ALL-NATURAL ADVENT

I felt like Charlie Brown dragging home his spindly Christmas tree. Well, his branch, really. It's just that his had some green boughs on it.

It all started when I heard about another church that was going to get some bare branches to place in their worship space for Advent. Now, we have some twigs and sticks and small branches that we use for Advent and Lent. Decorations? Yes. But also saying something about the contrast with the abundance of Christmas and Easter. But I thought to myself: we need some larger, taller branches. More tree-like.

If you live in the city, where do you find bare branches? Someone suggested we should have saved some when we had the trees trimmed in our garden. My fellow friends-at-another-church checked with designer friends of theirs and found some cool, upscale, wholesale floral warehouses downtown. They were able to get three or so bundles for about seventy dollars. But not as tall as I wanted!

It was the day after Thanksgiving. I was running by the lake. And I was struck by the beauty of the trees. The bare branches. Usually I respond most to the autumnal reds, oranges, purples and yellows. But the trees were stunning in their simplicity. They seemed to be standing tall. Unadorned, yes. But dignified. And well, beautiful.

And then I began to see them: bare branches lying on the ground. Here and there. And I started getting excited. I took them as signs. Was I being stingy, not wanting to buy bare branches? Or was there something about bringing these natural things-these things directly from nature-into our worship space for Advent.

Now there were some challenges. They wouldn't fit in my Honda Civic. I had to stick them out of the sun roof. And I got some baffling stares. It looked like trees growing out of a car! At a time when people were bringing Christmas trees to their homes, I was hauling bare branches!
 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5

    10:00 a.m. Scripture Study - Psalms

    6:00 p.m.  Walk the Labyrinth

    7:15 p.m.  Advent Service

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6

    7:30 p.m.  Choir Rehearsal

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

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

    9:15 a.m.  NO CHOIR

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

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

    11:30 a.m.  Lunch and Conversation

    1:00 p.m.  Walk the Labryinth

    4:00 p.m.  Lessons and Carols for Advent

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11

    4:00 p.m.  Night Ministry Winter Party 

    6:00 p.m.  HTLC Serves at Lakeview Pantry

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

    7:15 p.m. Advent Service

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

    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.

This past Sunday we welcomed the following new members: Erin Crumrine; Jeff, Carrie and Leena Sipple.

We give thanks for the birth of three babies recently to Holy Trinity couples:   
+ Mary Hoerner Vicknair born November 15, 2012 to Kirsten and Brent Vicknair   
+ Grant August Wilson born November 30, 2012 to Laney and Ed Wilson   
+ Marabelle Elizabeth Collard born on December 1 to Santina Wortman and Martin Collard

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. 

  ________________________________________________

2012 Hubble Space Telescope Advent Calendar  Check it out

_________________________________________________________

Progressives, Advent and the End of the World

By Diana Butler-Bass in the Huffington Post
Check it out 

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>