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Our annual Thanksgiving Community Meal was great fun!  More photos will be posted on Facebook soon!

Bring Peace to the Earth Again In the season of anticipation, we both celebrate and long for God’s Something-New in this world. We join together in songs of longing, desire, and hope for a redeemed creation, finally at peace, were God’s justice shall reign, where all will be fed, where the lion shall lie down with the lamb. This year, our Advent hymn is Bring Peace to Earth Again. As we hear and experience daily the effects of war, disparity, displacement, and injustice—leaving many vulnerable, impoverished, or without shelter or refuge or home, we join the longing, crying-out hymns and spiritual songs of the ages. How long, O Lord? How long? (Psalm 13) O come, O Come Emmanuel! God of Mercy, Hear Our Prayer! As we sing and light candles each week on our wreath, we might or might not feel anticipation of something more. Yet we lift these prayers, state these longings, and name these desires for God’s Something-New. We claim these longings are our own, as we continue wait, look for, and work for a just world, satisfied and at peace. Each week we add a verse to the song as we light another candle, hoping that the word of John’s Gospel still ring true “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome to.” November 29 - Advent 1 + A Prayer for Deliverance December 6 - Advent 2 + A Prayer for Peace  December 13 - Advent 3 + A Prayer for Sanctuary   December 20 - Advent 4 + A Prayer for Redemption  First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 643 W 31st Street Chicago, IL 60616 312-842-7390 welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com FirstTrinityChicago.com All Are Welcome! ELCA presiding bishop encourages the support of refugee resettlement On Sunday, Pastor Ben Adams from South Loop Campus Ministry will join us for The Lutheran study group.  Be there at 9:15 for coffee and conversation before worship. Saturday is Ben's Movie Night.  Join him in the community center kitchen at 7.  Details here.

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! Nov 22 - Christ the King Sunday (Christian New Year) Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Day (And Community Meal)  Nov 27 - Grey Friday - God's Closet open as usual Nov 29 - The Lutheran Magazine group with Pr. Ben Adams Nov 29 - Advent 1 Dec 1 - Giving Tuesday Dec 6 -12:15PM - Annual Congregational Meeting Dec 6 - Advent 2 Dec 13 - Advent 3 Dec 17 - Beer and Carols Dec 20 - Advent 4 Dec 20 - Christmas Pageant  Dec 22 - Visit Seniors/Christmas Caroling Dec 24 - 7PM Candlelight Service, Lessons & Carols Dec 25 - 10:30 Christmas Day Worship & Brunch Dec 27 - Hymn Sing Sunday! 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

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thursday All are welcome to join in the Community Meal at First Lutheran Church of the Trinityon Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26. This is a potluck meal, and while a dish to pass is recommended it is not required. All are welcome, and we expect a fun mix of church members, students, homeless neighbors, community, and friends. Cooking and fellowship begin at 2, and dinner will be at about 5 pm. First Trinity is located at 643 W 31st Street. This is a free event, donations welcome! Those wishing to make a donation to help support this event are encouraged to contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com. If you are interested in how our community meal came to be, see Rene's essay Thanksgiving is a Word of Action in this 2013 newsletter.   Prayers of Intercession offered for Thanksgiving Day: United into one by the power of the Holy Spirit, let us pray with all God’s saints for healing, wholeness, and peace in all the earth. For all who seek you, gracious God, we give thanks for your goodness and their openness to the Spirit. Surround them with a community of love and guidance. Nourish them with your holy word. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. For the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, sustaining God, we give thanks for your creative act. Provide clean air, rich soil, and fresh water for all plants and animals. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. For nations with little and nations with plenty, gracious God, we seek your mercy. When we have an abundance of food, help us to share. When we are hungry, empower us to ask for food. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. For children with empty stomachs and grandparents with empty cupboards, eternal God, we seek your mercy. Stir up your Spirit and move your church to act for justice and peace. Give us our daily bread. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. For our local food pantries and all who strive to provide food for everyone who needs it, triune God, we rejoice in their service. Equip us to love you and our neighbors. Make us the hands and feet of Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We remember with gratitude family and friends who died this year and will not share our Thanksgiving meal, loving God. May their lives teach us how to share your love until we join them at your heavenly feast. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Into your care, Alpha and Omega, we entrust all for whom we pray. Be with us now and always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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This Sunday Even after Israel had experienced the vagaries of kings, they still longed for a true king to set things right. He would have the king’s title of Anointed One (Messiah); he would be the “one like a human being” (Son of Man) given dominion in Daniel’s vision. Jesus is given these titles, even though he is nothing like an earthly king. His authority comes from the truth to which he bears witness, and those who recognize the truth voluntarily listen to him. We look forward to the day he is given dominion, knowing his victory will be the nonviolent victory of love. This Sunday is Christ the King Sunday, and a celebration of the liturgical new year. Vicar Toby will be preaching. The color of the day is white. Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Psalm 93, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 18:33-37   Thanksgiving Our next big event is coming soon!  Our Thanksgiving community meal takes place on Thanksgiving day, and is a full day of fun!  Doors will be open for cooking and fellowship around 2 pm, and dinner will be ready around 5.  Come all or part of the day, bring a dish to pass if you can.  There is also a small pie baking party the night before, see Rene if you want to know more.   Advent  In the season of anticipation, we both celebrate and long for God’s Something-New in this world. We join together in songs of longing, desire, and hope for a redeemed creation, finally at peace, were God’s justice shall reign, where all will be fed, where the lion shall lie down with the lamb.  This year, our Advent hymn is Bring Peace to Earth Again.  Read more and see the lyrics here.   Christmas Stuff!   The kids will are rehearsing the Christmas Pageant on Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7 (during God's Closet) next week.  Adults who want to help out are encouraged to talk to Pastor Tom.  The pageant will take place on the evening of Sunday, December 20. A tentative date has been set for Beer and Carols.  Location is still being worked out, but we are planning on Thursday, December 17, after the Darst Center's Holiday Open House. A tentative date for Visiting Seniors/Christmas Caroling has been set for Tuesday, December 22.  See Pastor Tom if you are interested in going.   Pastor Ben and SLCM in The Lutheran South Loop Campus Ministry was recently featured in The Lutheran.  At November's Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group, Pr. Ben will join us to discuss the article and the work that is done at SLCM.  All Are Welcome!  The article is available here, or we will have copies available.  Sunday, November 29at 9:15am Facebook event page  We will also take a freewill offering for SLCM that morning, cash and sock donations are appreciated.   The End of the Year is Near!   Help us reach our 2015 fundraising goal! Click here to join the Facebook event  Click here to donate online  Click here to read more!

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This Sunday November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. So the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love. Readings: Daniel 12:1-3, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-25, Mark 13:1-8   Thanksgiving Our next big event is coming soon!  Our Thanksgiving community meal takes place on Thanksgiving day, and is a full day of fun!  Doors will be open for cooking and fellowship around 2 pm, and dinner will be ready around 5.  Come all or part of the day, bring a dish to pass if you can.  There is also a small pie baking party the night before, see Rene if you want to know more.   A Message from Dolores Dolores shared a story about coming to First Trinity for the 150th Anniversary.  Thanks to Chris for editing and uploading it, and to Zarana for interviewing.  See the video here!   Christmas Stuff!   The kids will begin rehearsing the Christmas Pageant on Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7 (during God's Closet) next week.  Adults who want to help out are encouraged to talk to Pastor Tom. A tentative date has been set for Beer and Carols.  Location and time are still being worked out, but the date will likely be Thursday, December 17. A tentative date for Visiting Seniors/Christmas Caroling has been set for Tuesday, December 22.  See Pastor Tom if you are interested in going.   Pastor Ben and SLCM in The Lutheran South Loop Campus Ministry was recently featured in The Lutheran.  At November's Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group, Pr. Ben will join us to discuss the article and the work that is done at SLCM.  All Are Welcome!  The article is available here, or we will have copies available.  Sunday, November 29at 9:15am Facebook event page  We will also take a freewill offering for SLCM that morning, cash and sock donations are appreciated.   31st Street Bus Monday, November 16 at 5:45pm - Join the coalition for the restored 31st St. and Lincoln Ave. routes, as we fight for fair transit and make our voices heard at the CTA's Budget Hearing. Rene and members of Bridgeport Alliance will meet at 5pm at Dunkin Donuts, 31 and Halsted, and take the #8 to the meeting!.  Details here! The End of the Year is Near!   Help us reach our 2015 fundraising goal! Click here to join the Facebook event  Click here to donate online  Click here to read more!

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!   Coming Up: Nov 22 - Christ the King Sunday (Christian New Year) Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Day (And Community Meal)  Nov 27 - Grey Friday - God's Closet open as usual Nov 29 - The Lutheran Magazine group with Pr. Ben Adams Nov 29 - December 24 - Advent Dec 6 -12:15PM - Annual Congregational Meeting Dec 17 - Beer and Carols Dec 20 - Christmas Pageant Dec 22 - Visit Seniors/Christmas Caroling Dec 24 - 7PM Candlelight Service, Lessons & Carols Dec 25 - 10:30 Christmas Day Worship & Brunch * 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?   If you have news for the benefit of the community, please send it to welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com

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First Trinity E-News Click to read more  After a fantastic Thanksgiving Feast we had to burn off some calories... wait until you see the chapel! And speaking of Thanksgiving:  We were blessed with so much wonderful food and friends who brought food, gave thanks, danced, sang, cleaned, and ate we are very blessed... Thank you. Stir up your power, and come! The psalmist's plea in Psalm 80:2 has become familiar to us in the Advent prayers. Isaiah wants God to rip the heavens open. Both cry out for an apparently distant, angry God to show up, to save, to restore. When we hear Jesus describing the coming of the Son of Man with stars falling from heaven, it can sound dire and horrible, not like anything we would ever hope for. But when we really look at the suffering of people God loves, we can share the hope that God would tear open the heavens and come. Readings: Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37 Color of the season is Blue. Happy Birthday this week to Charlie Rumppe!

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First Trinity E-News Click to read more Thank you to all who attended our annual meeting on Sunday.  We passed the budget, acknowledge the extraordinary leadership of the outgoing church council members, discussed the coming year and voted in a council for next year.  Minutes from the meeting will be available soon.  We have a new newsletter for autumn/advent.  You don't want to miss two great stories (by Roxy and Barbara) about growing up at First Trinity!  Read it here. On this final Sunday of the church year our gospel is Jesus' great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In the first reading God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. We gather this day to celebrate the reign of Christ and his victory over death, yet awaiting the consummation of all things yet to come. Acknowledging Christ as our merciful ruler, we go forth that his reign may be known in our loving words and deeds. Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 95:1-7a, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 Happy Birthday this week to Claudia!  Since we've had so many birthdays in November, we'll be celebrating with Cake after worship this Sunday.

Can you believe it's Thanksgiving already!? Give Thanks and share a meal with friends, family and community members at First Trinity. We are shooting for dinner at 5:00 but will be at the community center for cooking and fellowship from 11-7, so come by anytime! Click here or contact Rene in the office for details.

Thanksgiving

Give Thanks and share a meal with friends, family and community members at First Trinity. We are shooting for dinner at 5:00 but will be at the community center all day, so come by anytime!

This is a potluck, and like all of our community meals your "dish to pass" can be:
Side dish
Dessert
A donation to the church or God's Closet (cash, coats, can goods, etc...)
Help with set up
Help with clean up
Bringing a friend

Traditional and nontraditional dishes are welcome. 


BYOC - Bring Your Own Container (for leftovers!)
BYOB - Bring Your Own Beverage, and if you can bring some to share!