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This Week The psalm sets the tone this day: “Happy are they whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sin is put away!” Happy are those who have “become the righteousness of God” in the merits of Christ Jesus. Happy are those for whom the forgiveness of God has “rolled away . . . the disgrace” of former times. Happy is the father at the return of his prodigal son. Happy are we that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. Rejoice! Readings: Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 We also have a new newsletter this week - read it here.  Last year's Lenten Devotional is up on the blog - right here. And Pastor Tom is blogging a little more than usual during lent - here it is! Winter Appeal While we do what we can to reduce waste, the winter heating bill for our 100+ year old buildings are high! You can help us keep the building warm by donating here! Monday evening's Bow Tie Affair was a nice time.  The kids and their parents put on a special meal.  Extra thanks to Marge and Tom Fashing and Roseann Mostacchio for their help! The next camp fundraiser is coming up in April. See more photos here. Antiracism Training Rene here - Toby and I attended this training in the fall and found it quite valuable.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Analyzing and Understanding Systemic Racism Thursday-Saturday, April 28-30, 2016 Institute of Cultural Affairs in the USA 4750 N. Sheridan Rd., #1 Chicago, IL 60640 (773-769-6363) Online Registration at http://www.mcselca.org/what/ministry/antiracism. An in-depth look at race and racism in the United States, this workshop is designed to reveal how systemic racism creates barriers to true multicultural diversity and racial justice, and will: explore the historical development of systemic racism and its continuing effects in our society examine the ongoing realities of racism including the identity-shaping power racism has on People of Color and White people explore racism’s individual, institutional and cultural manifestations consider the link between racism and other forms of oppression. This is a 2 ½ day workshop–participants must commit to attending all three sessions: Day 1: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Day 2: 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Day 3: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration ELCA members: Early Registration (by March 28) — $75; After March 28 — $105 Non-ELCA: Early Registration (by March 28) — $360; After March 28 — $450 Registration includes workshop materials, snacks on Day 1, continental breakfast and lunch on Day 2 and Day 3. Register online at www.mcselca.org/what/ministry/antiracism. The workshop is sponsored by the Metropolitan Chicago Synod Antiracism Team (www.anotherpebble.org), and is presented by Chicago Regional Organizing for AntiRacism.

Sunday: Worship 10:30 am Monday: Office Closed Tuesday: Lectio Divinia 9 am, God's Closet 5-7, Books to Prisoners 5-9 Wednesday: Bible Study 6 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! 3/13/2016    Daylight Saving Time begins 3/15/2016    Election Day 3/20/2016    Seder 3/24/2016    Maundy Thursday 3/25/2016    Easter Egg Decorating 3/25/2016    Good Friday 3/26/2016    Ben's Movie Night 3/27/2016    Easter 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