by Pr. Michelle Sevig, HTLC Associate Pastor

"I've been praying for toothpaste! Thank you," the man said as Benjamin and his moms gave the Love in a Ziploc© bag to him. He explained that he was hoping to see his mother for the holidays, and wanted to get cleaned up before he sees her again. He expressed deep gratitude, especially for the razor and toothpaste, saying "You answered my prayer!"

Not everyone has a powerful story like this one when a Love in a Ziploc© bag is shared, but many of us have noticed the immediate smile, an expression of thanks, or the recipient saying "God bless you!"

It has become a great tradition for the children in Sunday school to prepare these gifts of love for people who are in need. I enjoy seeing their faces light up as they think about who might get the gift or what they might like the best in the bag. Together we bless the gifts, asking God to open our eyes and hearts to those in need and to bless both the giver and receiver. After worship the children eagerly run to the Love in a Ziploc© bin so they can take one or two with them to give away.

It is a joy during this season of giving, and throughout the year, to be part of a mysterious giving and receiving. We hope that others will be blessed by our generosity and service; but the children are blessed as well. Their eyes are opened to the needs of others. Conversations about poverty and fairness are begun between parent and child. They understand that even though they are young, they are an important part of Christ's body in the world.

Thank you for being a part of this intergenerational service project through Holy Trinity. I hope that you are being an answer to someone else's prayer this Advent season, too.

Send a note to Michelle with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

December 16 Schedule:

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/ Blessing of Advent Wreath
• 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum and Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/ Blessing of Advent Wreath 

Sunday Forum, 9:30 a.m.
The Word Was Made Fresh

The basis of our beliefs and worship practice, just like all of our thinking, is language. The world has changed tremendously but our scriptural and worship vocabulary has not changed very much in two thousand years. Contemporary linguistics studies are revealing new insights into how language and brain work together. This discussion, led by Ryan LaHurd, will explore some of the ways these insights give new perspectives on the language of religious thought.

Prayer of the Day
Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the preaching of John, that, rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the fruits of repentance; 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:
Patrick Buzby  12/13
Kelly Hurliman  12/14
Ed Beach  12/16
Ginger Tanton  12/17
Natalia Hodge  12/19
Rachel Chapman  12/21 

BAPTISMS:
Patty Erickson  12/12
Greg Zinkl  12/12
Fred Cadena  12/18
Jen Hopwood  12/18 

ANNIVERSARIES:
Beth & Greg Morris   12/15
Ross & Paulina Heilbrunn  12/18

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 second 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.

Financial Update Through November 2012

Council Updates

• Thank you to everyone who made a commitment during the "From Generation to Generation" generosity appeal.
• Thank you to everyone who supported the Christmas Boutique.
• Please join us for our next council meeting. Council meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7:15 p.m. in Passavant Hall.
• Do you have a great idea for fellowship? Let us know, and we will help you advertise it to other Holy Trinity members.

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. 

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. 

Christmas Eve Worship Assistants Needed

We are in need of volunteers to fill the following roles for the two Christmas eve services:
--Assisting Minister (4 & 10)
--Crucifer (4 & 10)
--Communion Assistants (4 & 10)
--Usher/Greeter (4 & 10)

Advent & Christmas 

Sundays in Advent

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

+ 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum:
   - 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

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. - 29
10:30 a.m. - 176
Lessons & Carols - 125

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.

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.

The Artist's Way Introduction

Whether you embrace your creativity or aren't sure you have any at all, this introductory workshop will help you explore your passion. Barbara Wahler, LCSW, is offering an Introduction to The Artist's Way on January 26, 2013 (with the option of an ongoing group if people are interested in doing so). This book by Julia Cameron has been used by many over the past 20 years as a way to discover or recover the Creative Self.

The workshop will be held at Holy Trinity from 9-12; cost is $25 for Holy Trinity members ($45 for non-members) and includes all materials, except for the book itself. We will cover the first chapter in depth; you may wish to purchase your own copy.

Download the flyer and feel free to pass this on to others. Contact Barbara or 773-973-3785 to register or if you have any questions!

"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 second Tuesday 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.  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 9, 2012
Advent 2C
Pr. Michelle M. Sevig

Make a List, Check it Twice

Advent confession: We've been singing a lot of Christmas songs in our home lately, and it seems one of the favorites is, "He's makin' a list, checkin' it twice...gonna find out who's naughty and nice. Santa Claus is comin' to town." Even Santa has a list this time of year!

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

    7:15 p.m.  Advent Service

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13

    7:15 p.m.  Congregation Council 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15

    3:00 p.m.  Songs of the Seasons (at The Cenacle)

    7:00 p.m.  HTLC at The Crib

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16

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

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

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

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation Group 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19

    7:15 p.m. Advent Service

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20

    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.

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>