by Pr. Craig Mueller

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU?

Earlier this week I heard a story on NPR on maps. Simon Garfield, a map expert noted that it's easier these days to use GPS on a smart phone than it is to look at an actual map.

Garfield regretted that one of the losses is that we lose the beauty and romance of maps. But his concluding comments had a spiritual ring to me:   The other thing we lose, is a sense of how big the world is. Because now we look at our map, there's a real sense of, 'Get me to where I want to go.' Now you get the feeling, actually, 'It's all about me' ... It's a terribly egocentric way of looking at the world. So I think the view of where we are in the world, in the history of the world, is changing. And I think in a way it's one of the biggest, if not the biggest impacts of the digital and technological revolution - is how we see ourselves in the world. 

As 2013 begins, it is good to reflect on the way we see ourselves in the world. Most of the time we are apt to reflect on our own financial situation, health, emotional landscape, and to-do list. Everything depends on how we are doing as an individual. It is a bit like looking on a Google map and seeing the dot in the middle showing where you are. Everything revolves around you.

Being in a faith community enlarges our worldview. We pray for the needs of others. We remember those who are suffering or crying out for justice. We are part of a web of relationships. Our baptism is into a community. Our mission is to embody a liberating gospel in the places we live, work, volunteer, and serve.

Put yourself in the middle of the Holy Trinity worshiping community each Sunday morning. For some, that means checking in on Facebook, revealing that Holy Trinity is where you are. And gather with other followers of Christ to see an alternative way of viewing your place in the world.

Send a note to Craig with your comments or reflections!

UPCOMING SUNDAY

January 13 Schedule:

• 8:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/Baptisms
• 9:15 a.m. - Choir Rehearsal
• 9:30 a.m. - Sunday Forum and Sunday School
• 10:30 a.m. - Eucharist w/Baptism

Sunday Forum, 9:30 a.m.
Developing Family Rituals: Establishing patterns for lifelong spiritual formation

Our congregation includes singles, couples, partners, widows, siblings, families with children and inter-generational groups. Our journey invites us to support one another and to mark the milestones that life brings. This forum welcomes conversation about how we can be effective in strengthening committed relationships across the generations through ritual and daily practice. Begin your year with renewed intention for spiritual vitality in your relationships. Led by Carol Schickel, LCPC.

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and revealed him as your beloved Son. Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful in your service, that we may rejoice to be called children of God, 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:
David Brackley  1/10
Jon Skogen  1/10
Aaron Berlin  1/11
Becki Fiegel  1/11
Lena Stole  1/11
James Chapman  1/12
Johanna Olson  1/12
Tim Peterson  1/12
Kyle Severson  1/14
Esley Stahl  1/15 

BAPTISMS:
Molly Moran  1/10
Grant Peterson  1/13
Jonathan DeSouza  1/16 

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

Sunday Forum: What's in the News

Sunday, January 20 - 9:30 a.m. + St. Mark's Room 

As 2013 begins, the popular media are full of projections and predictions for what may happen in 2013-with the economy, Congress, revolution and conflict in the Middle East, etc. Join Holy Trinity members Ryan and Carol LaHurd to explore some key news issues in the third week of the New Year.

Annual Meeting of the Congregation

Sunday, January 27, 11:45 a.m.
Congregational potluck--please bring a dish to share. The meeting will include election of officers and reports. A written book of reports will be available electronically later in the month.

The Lutheran Magazine:
Subscribe or Support 

For a number of years Holy Trinity has provided member subscriptions to The Lutheran magazine. One of our members, Julie Sevig, is an associate editor.  Each month, this print and online publication nurtures awareness of God's presence in our lives, connects ELCA members with each other and the global Christian community, and provides an open forum for lively discussion. Find out more about the magazine.

IF YOU ALREADY ARE RECEIVING The Lutheran, we invite you to make a special gift. $10 supports one subscription; $100 would support ten. If you do not read the magazine you receive and would like to discontinue and save the paper and mailing costs, let Josh in the church office know this.

IF YOU ARE A NEWER MEMBER or are currently not receiving the magazine and would like to, contact Josh in the church office and he will add you to the subscription list.

Photography as a Spiritual Practice

Would you be interested in either a one-day retreat or a multi-session exploration of photography as a spiritual practice? Eileen Crowley from Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park is on sabbatical and has offered to lead something at Holy Trinity this spring, if there is sufficient interest. Explore this link to learn a bit more.

If you would like to add your name to list of interested persons, please email Pastor Mueller. We will communicate by email or schedule a brief meeting to discuss meeting options.

Baptism Seminar--It's for Life!

Thursday, January 10, 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 or e-mail her.

Moms' Night Out

The things we don't want to talk about, but our children do...death and sex. That's right, we're going to open up the discussion about having "THE DISCUSSION." Our kids are asking us about serious stuff, so how do we answer in a way that is faithful, fun and open to the mystery? Join us at the Sevig home for a lively discussion and a good night out.

+ Friday, January 11 @ 7:30 p.m.
+ 1530 W. Thorndale Ave. #2w
+ 773.294.9901 or e-mail the Sevig family to RSVP

Movie Night - Lives Of Others

Saturday, January 12, 5:00 p.m.
Come on a quiet wintry evening for a film, light meal and discussion! Bring a side dish or snack to share; a light main course will be provided. The Lives of Others is a 2006 German thriller film,and involves the monitoring of the cultural scene of East Berlin by agents of the Stasi, the GDR's secret police. Read the New York Times review.

Holy Trinity Orientation

Sunday, January 20, 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, January 20, 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!

Special Book Discussion: The Book Thief

Wednesday, January 23, 7:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity
Looking for a wonderful novel to read over the holidays? The Book Thief was the One Book, One Chicago selection last fall and a number of Holy Trinity folks highly recommend the book. In The Book Thief, a sympathetically drawn Death narrates the story of orphan Liesel Meminger, who finds friendship and a new family in a small town in Germany in World War II. She also discovers the power of words and books as Hitler's Nazi agenda threatens everything she has come to love. The book has received stunning reviews and a number of awards. Read more about The Book Thief.

Ensemble in Residence: The Lakeview Orchestra

Holy Trinity is pleased to announce a new musical collaboration. Rehearsals have begun here at Holy Trinity for the newly formed community orchestra: The Lakeview Orchestra. Their mission is to educate, engage, and entertain audiences through music, provide an opportunity for Chicago area musicians to perform, and to strengthen the understanding of and appreciation for classical music in the Lakeview community and beyond. Gregory Hughes will serve as Artistic Director of the forty-five piece full orchestra.

The Lakeview Orchestra will kick-off its Spring concert season on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (1218 West Addison Street) with Music Discovery: Elgar's Enigma. The concert will tell the unique story of Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations through collaboration with visual artists and interactive audience participation. Assistant Conductor Josh Mather will lead the orchestra for the performance.

Read the whole press release, and visit the Lakeview Orhcestra website for further information.

Ash Wednesday Daytime Service

Are you interested in a half-hour Ash Wednesday liturgy at noon? Currently Holy Trinity offers one service at 7:15 p.m. Please email Josh in the office if you would appreciate a daytime option. Ash Wednesday is February 13 this year.

Attendance

January 6: (8:30) - 30; (10:30) - 170 

Bach for the Sem

Sunday, January 13, 4:00 p.m.
A benefit concert for the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago presented by professional singers and instrumentalists and held at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1500 W Belmont (free parking). On the program: Johann Sebastian Bach, Christmas Oratorio, Part 4 and Concerto for Violin and Orchestra featuring Heather Boehme, soloiost; David Cherwien, O Rejoice, You Christians (world premier); and Morten Lauridsen, O Magnum Mysterium.
Tickets: $20 ($22 at door), Students and seniors: $10 ($12 at door). For tickets call 773-256-0712 or email Ruth Ann Deppe.

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 Saturday, 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 noon; 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!

StarDreamers' Land of YesYouCan!

Sunday, February 17 - 4:00 p.m.
Larger-than-life mythical characters compete in a struggle for the very future of humankind. Evil minions use stolen mystical powers to de-throne a king by instilling fear in the people of his usually peaceful and positive nation. The king must find a way to help the people believe in themselves ... but how?

See Will Crutcher's book come to life in this fun & inspiring theatrical production for all ages! Download the flier.

"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. 

THURSDAY, JANUARY  10

    7:00 p.m.  Baptism Seminar

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11

   7:30 p.m. Mom's Night Out

SATURDAY, JANUARY 12

    5:00 p.m. Movie Night: The Lives of Others

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13

    8:30 a.m.  Eucharist w/ Baptisms

    9:15 a.m.  Choir Rehearsal

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

    10:30 a.m.  Eucharist w/ Baptism

MONDAY, JANUARY 14

    7:00 p.m.  Chicago Sitting Meditation

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16

    10:00 a.m.  Scripture Study - Psalms 19, 36

    7:00 p.m.  Endowment Committee Meeting

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17

    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.

Why You Won't Be the Person You Expect to Be

by John Tierney, The New York Times, 4 January 2013

When we remember our past selves, they seem quite different. We know how much our personalities and tastes have changed over the years. But when we look ahead, somehow we expect ourselves to stay the same, a team of psychologists said Thursday, describing research they conducted of people's self-perceptions. Keep reading.

Holy Trinity member Dan McAdams is quoted at the end of the article. 

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>