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This Week This Sunday we will officially welcome our  new seminary students, Samantha and Malina!  Worship at 10:30 followed by a breif "getting to know you" fellowship time. The grumbling of the Pharisees and the scribes in today’s gospel is actually our holy hope: This Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. That our God wills to seek and to save the lost is not only a holy hope, it is our only hope. As Paul’s first letter to Timothy reminds us, “The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” Thanks be to God. Readings and Psalm Exodus 32:7-14 Moses begs the Lord to turn from anger against the Hebrews Psalm 51:1-10 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. (Ps. 51:1) 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Christ Jesus came for sinners Luke 15:1-10 Looking for the lost sheep, silver coin: Jesus eating with sinners September 5-11 is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week - National Suicide Prevention Week (NSPW) is a week-long campaign to inform and engage health professions and the general public about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide. The campaign strives to reduce the stigma surrounding the topic as it raises awareness. As part of the campaign, health organizations conduct depression screenings, including self-administered and on-line tests. The Mission of the Lutheran Suicide Prevention Ministry is to reduce the number of people who die by suicide through awareness, education and advocacy actions that reduce the stigma of suicide. The website lists a number of helpful resources. www.lutheransuicideprevention.org Seeking Volunteers to Build Community! Our community meals have become one of the highlights of each week at First Trinity.  They are free meals, shared by community members, and enjoyed by everyone who is able to come.  Community meals are a safe place for our homeless neighbors to rest and have something to eat, a gathering place for our seniors, and a great way to meet neighbors, volunteers, and others in our community. We need some help!  We need volunteers to help prepare,  serve, and clean up after meals, twice a week.  Volunteers can donate food for the meal or use items from our pantry to create a meal. If you think this is something you are interested in doing, please contact Rene at welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com.  We hope to find volunteers to sign up once a month, or as able.  We also welcome youth groups, church groups, groups of friends, community organizations, and others to participate as able. September Calendar If you would like me to include your birthday (or your children's birthdays) please let me know!  welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com Click for info on a celebratory opening week party TONIGHT!!!

Mark your Calendars! Sunday, September 25 at 10:30 AM - 12 PM - Solidarity Sunday - Dalit Christian Solidarity in India - Special Guest Rev. Chaks  - In the recent months, there has been an incredible and frighteneing increase of violence, and atrocities done to Dalits in India under the present BJP government.  As a result, and in response, there has been a powerful surge in protest and human rights movements, calling those in power to be accountable to the Dalit community, and to neither allow nor encourage such inhuman violence and persecution.  Join our special guest, Rev. Chakravarthy Zadda, Ph.D., who will be returning to India in October to organize Dalit Empowerment Workshops for clergy and lay leaders, building solidarity among the Indian Christian community for the Cause. Sunday, October 9 at 10:30 AM - First Trinity Pet Blessing - In honor of St. Francis, patron saint of animals and ecology, we will again bless pets at the end of worship on October 9. Pets are welcome to attend worship. Sunday, November 6, 2016 - All Saints Sunday and Dio de los Muertos.  We celebrate with pan de la muerto, and hot chocolate, followed by a festive procession and worship with communion.  All are welcome to add memories to our community offerenda.   Thursday, November 24 - First Trinity’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Potluck.  All are welcome to cook, eat, share, give thanks and enjoy! Date to be determined - St Martin's Day vendor sale. This will take place November 12 or 13 - We should know soon.  Those interested in vending: tables will be $20 and we ask that you do not sell clothing unless it is handmade.  Contact rene@firsttrinitychicago.com. Date to be determined - Our annual Beer and Carols event is held at a local tavern.  Join us for FaLaLa and Folderol as we sing carols.  There is no cover charge, though donations are accepted to support Midwest Books to Prisoners.  Follow us on Facebook for details. Date to be determined - Our annual sing along Christmas Pageant featuring children from the community.  Kids who are interested will begin rehearsing mid-fall.  See Pastor Tom to sign up! December 24, 7 pm - Christmas Eve - Candlelight Service with Lessons and Hymns. December 25, 10:30 am - Christmas Day - Worship and Potluck Brunch! 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 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 Living 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! 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 8/13/2016  Kids & Family Open House  9/24/2016    Ben's Movie Night 9/25/2016    Living Lutheran, Guest Preacher 9/29/2016    Bridgeport Alliance 10/9/2016    Pet Blessing 10/27/2016    Bridgeport Alliance 10/29/2016    Ben's Movie Night 10/30/2016    Reformation Sunday and Oktoberfest! 10/31/2016    Reformation Day 11/6/2016    All Saints Sunday and Did de los Muertos 11/6/2016    Daylight Saving Time ends 11/8/2016    Election Day 11/13/2016    St. Martin's Day Sale 11/20/2016    Christ the King 11/24/2016    Thanksgiving 11/26/2016    Ben's Movie Night 11/27/2016    Living Lutheran 12/24/2016    Christmas Eve 12/25/2016    Christmas Day 12/31/2016    New Year's Eve