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This Week: We had a really fun week!  Santa visited God's Closet (click for photos), #FTKids went to the tree lighting ceremony at Daley Library, and we had special guest chefs at God's Closet!  Next week brings Beer and Carols.  Join us! A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom. Jesus points to signs of God’s reign: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us. Readings and Psalm Isaiah 35:1-10  The desert blooms as God’s people return from exile Psalm 146:5-10 The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8) Luke 1:46b-55 (alternate) My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Lk. 1:47) James 5:7-10 Patience until the coming of the Lord Matthew 11:2-11 The forerunner of Christ Our MIC Students, Samantha and Malina, both wrote pieces for our recent newsletter about Advent.  If you have not read them, or want to read them again, click here!   Annual Meeting Notes Our new officers were elected as follows: Church council at large: Jill, Alicia, Yamara, and Diane Secretary: Christopher Treasurer: Will VP: Andrew President: Erika Cemetery: Alicia, Benjamin, Tom, Jill, Rich, Charlie Nominating committee: Dan, Claudia, Mary, Diane, Ben The budget was passed, and business of the old and new year discussed.  Minutes are available in the church office. Godly Play is every Sunday at 9:15 am. All kids, 11 and under are welcome. Coffee will be on for parents. We are looking for folks to provide snacks for youth on Sundays. If you are interested, please speak to Erika or Patti. I wonder, what is Godly Play?  Children have an innate sense of the presence of God. The Godly Play approach helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond. Come join us!

Last Saturday of Each Month - 7pm Ben's Movie Night Last Sunday of Each Month - 9:15am Living Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group Last Thursday of Each Month - Bridgeport Alliance - 7pm Confirmation Classes 2nd and 4th Sunday of Each Month - See Pastor Tom Check out some of the groups who meet or perform in our space: The Bridge, The Glint, LGBT Neighbors in Bridgeport, Midwest Books to Prisoners, The Group Project, and more! Did you know, First Trinity is a member of Concordia Cemetery? If you have news for the benefit of the community, please send it to welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com Sunday: Worship 10:30 am Monday: Office Closed, Books to Prisoners  Tuesday: Lectio Divinia 9 am, God's Closet 5-7, Bible Study 7 pm Wednesday: Yoga 7:30 pm Friday - God's Closet 10-noon, Office Hours 10-Noon, AA 8:00 12/15/2016 Beer and Carols 12/24/2016    Christmas Eve 12/25/2016    Christmas Day 12/31/2016    New Year's Eve