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Some images from our Peace Mural.  The mural was designed by local artist, Dawn Korman with help from First Trinity Kids during Jesus and Justice Camp.  Thanks to Dawn and Alex for all of their work!

This Sunday In today’s gospel many people take offense at Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus’ disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John’s gospel for Peter’s confession of faith. “To whom can we go?” asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. “You have the words of eternal life.” In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel. Readings: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18, Psalm 34:15-22, Ephesians 6:10-20 , John 6:56-69  Our next #MoralMondaysIL action is coming up Monday.  Click for details.  Pr. Tom, Ben and Vicar Toby went to visit Connie this week.  If you are interested in visiting Connie, Dolores, or any of our seniors, talk to Pr. Tom.   Cool Community Event Alert: Many of you know Garrett from Jackalope.  He is hosting a pop up movie theater in our auditorium this Saturday, with shows at 6 and 8:45.  Admission is $5 and I understand that singing along will be encouraged!  Click for more information!

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This Sunday This week we'll (really) celebrate Camp Sunday!  Pr. Tom and the kid's are planning some special stuff for Sunday morning worship, 10:30 am.  It's going to be a good day all around with The Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group at 9:15, and Camp Games after worship! Readings: 2 Kings 4:42-44, Psalm 145:10-18, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 #MoralMondaysIL Our next action will take place on Monday, July 27 in Springfield. Details Here. New sink in the kitchen!  And the bathroom floor is still in progress. Join us Sunday, 9:15, as we discuss the recent issue of The Lutheran Magazine. Bring your own copy or share one of ours. Coffee, snacks, and conversation! Prayers of Thanksgiving for everyone who contributed to the building fund in the month of July.  We have raised $2962 toward our $3500 goal.  That is awesome!  If you had planed to contribute but have not done so yet, there's still time!  Click here to contribute online.

Regular Activities: Sunday: Worship 10:30 am Monday: Office Closed Tuesday: Lectio Divinia 9 am, God's Closet 5-7, Books to Prisoners 5-9, Bible Study 7 pm Wednesday - Yoga 7 pm Friday - God's Closet 10-noon, Office Hours 10-Noon, AA 8:00 Last Saturday of Each Month - 7pm Ben's Movie Night Last Sunday of Each Month - 9:15am The Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group Check out some of the groups who meet or perform in our space: The Bridge, Bridgeport Alliance, The Glint, LGBT Neighbors in Bridgeport, Midwest Books to Prisoners, The Group Project, Windy City Opera, and more! If you have news for the benefit of the community, please send it to welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com   Coming Up: Aug 2 - Rev. Jonathan Breimeier preaches Aug 11 - August 14 - Jesus and Justice Camp Aug 16 - 10:30am Rally Day and Blessing of Back Packs Aug 30 - Rev.PeterV,PhD preaches,TriSox -White Sox Neighbor Game Night Sep 13 - Bishop Miller preaching Oct (TBD) Rev. Ronald Nitz preaching Oct 4 - St Francis Day Oct 25 - Reformation Sunday Nov 1 - Anniversary Celebration Nov 22 - Christ the King Sunday Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Day Nov 29 - December 24 - Advent Dec 24 - 7pm Candlelight Service, Lessons & Carols Dec 25 - 10:30 Christmas Day Worship & Brunch Dec31-NewYear'sEve * as part of our  year-long 150th anniversary celebration we have invited the bishop and former pastors to preach Did you know, First Trinity is a member of Concordia Cemetery?

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All Are Welcome! View this email in your browser This Sunday This week we'll celebrate Camp Sunday!  Pr. Tom and the kid's are planning some special stuff for Sunday morning worship, 10:30 am. Mark's gospel makes clear how great was the press of the crowd, with its countless needs to be met, on Jesus and his disciples. Yet in today's gospel Jesus advises his disciples to get away and rest, to take care of themselves. Sometimes we think that when others are in great need we shouldn't think of ourselves at all; but Jesus also honors the caregivers' need. We are sent from Christ's table to care for others and for ourselves. Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6, Psalm 23, Ephesians 2:11-22, Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 #MoralMondaysIL Our next action will take place on Monday, July 27. Details to come. Cool Neighborhood Event Alert - Saturday 2:00pm - 3:00pm Chinese Folk and Classical Dance Performance at Palmisano Park. Urban Gateways Dance Performance of Chinese Folk and Classical Dance: Discover the beauty of Chinese culture through the artistry of dancers Olinda Chang and Mei Xu. Experience China's rich heritage through the elegance and grace of the Tang Dynasty ribbon dance, the aggressive martial art style of dance and the Mongolian style of dance which celebrates the outdoors. All ages are welcome. This is a free event. The volunteers with the Chicago Urban League and the Boy Scouts have been working hard all week.  There is still time to meet them and help out today!  Thank you to Jeremiah Rupeika for leading this project and making it happen.  Learn more on the event page.   On Tuesday we had a visit from Redeemer Lutheran Church of Indianola, Iowa.  These emerging adults were on their way to the youth gathering in Detroit and spend a couple of days in Chicago on their way.  While in Bridgeport they visited Benton House, toured First Trinity and prepared and served a meal during God's Closet.   We had a great time with them and the spaghetti was fantastic! Prayers of Thanksgiving for everyone who contributed to the building fund in the month of July.  We have raised $2762 toward our $3500 goal.  That is awesome!  If you had planed to contribute but have not done so yet, there's still time!  Click here to contribute online.

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All Are Welcome! View this email in your browser This Sunday When Amos told what he saw when God held up the plumb line of justice next to Israel—that the poor were being trampled—he was a threat to the power of priests and king. John the Baptist also spoke truth to power, and Herod had him beheaded. In Herod's fear that Jesus is John returned from the dead, we may hear hope for the oppressed: that all the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus. We are called to witness to justice in company with them. Readings: Amos 7:7-15, Psalm 85:8-13, Ephesians 1:3-14, Mark 6:14-29 And... Toby is preaching! #MoralMondaysIL Our next action will take place on Monday, July 13, at 10:30am at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W Randolph St.   If the return of the 31st Street bus is important to you, join us on    Wednesday, July 15at 10:00am, CTA Headquarters (567 W Lake St).     The kids are coming back from Lutherdale today!  We look forward to hearing all of their new games, songs, and prayers.  Thanks again to everyone who helped to make this trip happen! #FTP & #FTVP hanging out by the crumbling paint.  We're most of the way there!  If you've been meaning to donate to the building fund but have not yet done it, here's the link!  Let's make sure that our worship space continues to be a sanctuary and home!  Details here, Donate here.

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This Sunday Jesus does great deeds of power and gives his disciples authority over demons. Yet none of this power is unilateral; it all must be received by faith. Jesus asks his disciples to go out without money or supplies, so that they will be dependent on how others receive them. When we are sent from the assembly to witness and to heal, we are asked to be vulnerable, to be dependent on the reception of others. The Spirit always operates in the between: between Jesus and his Abba, between Jesus and us, between you and me, between us and those to whom we are sent. Readings: Ezekiel 2:1-5, Psalm 123, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10, Mark 6:1-13 We are also pleased to welcome our new intern, Toby Chow! Please plan to stick around after church to get to know Toby... and let him get to know us! #MoralMondaysIL Our next action will take place on Monday, July 13, at 10:30am at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W Randolph St.  Wednesday, July 8 we will be making props here in the community center, 6-8pm.   What a Week! Alicia, Elma, Erica, Giovanni, Isaiah, Rene, Roxy, and Yami had a great time at the SLCM community meal on Sunday night. Tuesday we were visited by Claudio Carvalhaes' from McCormic Theological Seminary and his class, ‪Preaching‬ from the ‪Margins‬ of the World.  The pastors joined us for conversation, a tour of the neighborhood and a community meal during God's Closet.  They have also made a very generous donation to the community meal ministry.  It was really wonderful to meet them! Lots of photos here!

#FTP & #FTVP hanging out by the crumbling paint.   We're most of the way there!  If you've been meaning to donate to the building fund but have not yet done it, here's the link!  Let's make sure that our worship space continues to be a sanctuary and home!  Details here, Donate here.

May God continue to shed His grace on the United States of America. - President Obama Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

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This Sunday A woman finds healing by touching Jesus' cloak, and a girl is restored to life when he takes her by the hand. In both cases a boundary is crossed: in Jesus' time the hemorrhaging woman was considered ritually unclean, polluting others by her touch, and anyone who touched a corpse also became unclean. In Mark's gospel Jesus breaks down barriers, from his first meal at a tax collector's house to his last breath on the cross as the temple curtain is torn in two. We dare to touch Jesus in our "uncleanness" and to live as a community that defines no one as an outsider. Readings:  Lamentations 3:22-33, Psalm 30, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 This week we gather early for The Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group. Bring your own copy or share one of ours. Coffee, snacks, and conversation! See you at 9:15. In celebration of Pride Sunday we'll have RIC logo temporary tattoos for all who would like one on Sunday. After worship we'll celebrate June Birthdays! #MoralMondaysIL Our next action will take place on Monday, June 29at 4:00pm at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W Randolph St Community Meal at SLCM This Sunday, June 28, volunteers from First Trinity will be joining our friends at South Loop Campus Ministry to help serve their monthly community meal. Those interested in volunteering or donating food are encouraged to contact rene@firstrinitychicago.com. This is a very worthwhile experience that consists of preparing and serving a meal, and then joining in eating the meal with our guests. After clean up we gather to discuss the experience and what it means. If you can make it, you don’t want to miss this. Current and future college students are especially encouraged to come. Welcome Toby! On Sunday, July 5, we are pleased to welcome our new intern, Toby Chow! Please plan to stick around after church to get to know Toby... and let him get to know us! I know... last week I said this week... Had the date wrong.  July 5 is his real, confirmed start date! Storytelling Event! The Group Project is bringing storytelling to our auditorium!  Click the flier below for details.

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We pray for our brothers and sisters at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., as they mourn the tragic deaths of nine of their community members, including the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, a graduate of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, S.C. We pray for all those who grieve and that our houses of worship be places of peace and refuge. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

This Sunday Come help us celebrate the good work of our students as they complete another year of school. They have worked hard to get good grades, and now get a much needed break!  10:30 am worship followed by water ballon fight! Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation! Now we are in the storm, the boat almost swamped; but Jesus is here now, and when we call him he will calm the storm. Even the wind and waves listen to him as they would to their creator. We also listen to him and are called to believe in the power of God's word in him, a power greater than all that we fear. Readings: Acts 9:1-19, Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41   #MoralMondaysIL Our next action will take place on Monday, June 29at 4:00pm.  Details coming! Community Meal at SLCM On Sunday, June 28, volunteers from First Trinity will be joining our friends at South Loop Campus Ministry to help serve their monthly community meal. Those interested in volunteering or donating food are encouraged to contact rene@firstrinitychicago.com. This is a very worthwhile experience that consists of preparing and serving a meal, and then joining in eating the meal with our guests. After clean up we gather to discuss the experience and what it means. If you can make it, you don’t want to miss this. Current and future college students are especially encouraged to come.   Mary, Rene, Christine H, Tara, Pr. Ben, Zarana, Tom G, Gerald and Pr. Tom at the LSTC Distinguished Alumni Awards Reception.  Pr. Tom was the recipient of the 2015 Emerging Voice in Ministryaward.

Yami, Alicia, Rene, (not pictured: Pr. Tom, Pr. Ben, Mary) presented at a workshop at LSTC's 2015 Leadership Conference.  The workshop was titled "Community over Charity". ELCA Clergy and Leaders pictured with Bishop Miller at last Mondays #MoralMondaysIL action.

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More murder this week in the neighborhood. Prayers for peace. Prayers for reconciliation. Prayers for families and friends of the young man who died and for those who took his life. Prayers that we stop killing each other and begin to fight battles worth fighting for the good of all of us. Prayers for a just world where oppression and poverty no longer live, and no longer give birth to violence and fear.

This Sunday Join us for worship on Sunday (10:30 am) as we welcome the amazing Lauren Mache.  Since her time as an occasional preacher at First Trinity, Lauren has served as a full time hospice chaplain for several years, and a hospital chaplain for 4 1/2 years working with the psych unit, and with maternity, intensive care, same day surgery and emergency. She's rad. You'll love her. The mustard seed becomes a great shrub that shelters the birds, recalling ancient images of the tree of life. We'd expect a cedar or a sequoia, but Jesus finds the power of God better imaged in a tiny, no-account seed. It's not the way we expect divine activity to look. Yet the tree of life is here, in the cross around which we gather, the tree into which we are grafted through baptism, the true vine that nourishes us with its fruit in the cup we share. It may not appear all that impressive, but while nobody's looking it grows with a power beyond our understanding. Readings: Ezekiel 17:22-24, Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15, 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 [11-13] 14-17, Mark 4:26-34 The Art Bowl Thanks to all those who came out last night.  Photos will be up on Facebook and the Blog soon! School to Summer Service + Worship and Celebration Sunday, June 21at 10:30am - Come help us celebrate the good work of our students as they complete another year of school. They have worked hard to get good grades, and now get a much needed break! #MoralMondaysIL Monday, June 15, Lutheran Bishop Wayne Miller will be joining faith leaders, people of faith, and all people of good will as we stand on the side of the poor, the downtrodden, the vulnerable, the 99%. Join us as the #MoralMondaysIL movement moves.    Monday, June 15at 10:30am - 12:00pm James R. Thompson Center 100 W Randolph St, Chicago, Illinois 60601 Community Meal at SLCM On Sunday, June 28, volunteers from First Trinity will be joining our friends at South Loop Campus Ministry to help serve their monthly community meal. Those interested in volunteering or donating food are encouraged to contact rene@firstrinitychicago.com. This is a very worthwhile experience that consists of preparing and serving a meal, and then joining in eating the meal with our guests. After clean up we gather to discuss the experience and what it means. If you can make it, you don’t want to miss this. Current and future college students are especially encouraged to come.