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He Is Risen!  Alleluia!   Fifth Sunday of Easter

Bob, Roxy, Katie, Christine and Pr. Tom at Dia De Los Muertos.   This Sunday we celebrate and say goodbye to Katie and Christine as they complete their time here at First Trinity.  Katie is going on to her internship in Minnesota, and Christine will be graduating from LSTC on May 17, and getting married in June. We will also be celebrating our own Bob Leone's first 10 years at First Trinity with a piano dedication and taco party after church.  Many of you know that Bob holds a weekly Books to Prisoners group and he pays for most of the postage out of his pocket.  We are asking those who can to make a donation to Books to Prisoners during the party.  $5 covers a letter and books to a person in prison, $10 can send as many as three packages.  Please help Bob in whatever way you can; including books, packing supplies and prayers.  The most requested books are dictionaries and books about prisoners rights/law.

This Sunday This Sunday's image of how the risen Christ shares his life with us is the image of the vine. Christ the vine and we the branches are alive in each other, in the mystery of mutual abiding that we read of in the gospel and the first letter of John. Baptism makes us a part of Christ's living and life-giving self and makes us alive with Christ's life. As the vine brings food to the branches, Christ feeds us at his table. We are sent out to bear fruit for the life of the world. Readings: Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8 Other News I have some exciting news!  We've talked about this at our annual meeting and in other conversations, but now it's happening:  We are updating some of the lighting in the community center. Read more on our blog! Want to know who's going to be interning at First Trinity next year?  Check it out!   Clay day was a blast!  Look for information about The Art Bowl coming soon. Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm!  Come by the God's Closet Yard "Sale" and help us clear out some of the overstock!   We can use helpers, shoppers and visitors!  Everything is still free... except: The kid's will be selling lemonade, crafts and baked goods to help pay for their trip to camp and beautiful weather is expected.

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He Is Risen!  Alleluia!   Fourth Sunday of Easter

This Saturday the amazing Pastor Liz Munoz is coming to First Trinity to do a Godly Play training for us! If you haven't heard of Godly Play it's a wonderful program that has gained a lot of popularity recently and is a whole new way to engage kids. It's a fun and interactive teaching method that will be a great asset for First Trinity as we move forward in developing a youth program! If you have not signed up but are interested, contact Katie right away!

This Sunday The image of the Good Shepherd shows us how the risen Christ brings us to life. It is the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, one of mutual knowledge and love, that gives the shepherd authority. The shepherd's willingness to lay down his life for the sheep shows his love. First John illustrates what it means to lay down our lives for one another by the example of sharing our wealth with a ny sister or brother in need. Readings Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23, 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18 Other News First Trinity Celebrates - Christine, Katie and Bob! What a year it's been for Christine Doidge and Katie Jacob at First Lutheran Church of The Trinity! On Sunday, May 3, come to celebrate their last day here, and wish them well. Christine will be graduating on May 17, and Katie will be going on her internship in Rochester, MN. Gifts are appropriate, but not expected :) And what about Bob!? Bob Leone will be celebrating his 10 year anniversary as the minister of music here at First Trinity! After church we will celebrate with a taco party. Please contact Rene or Marge if you would like to help with food. There will be a $5 suggested donation to Midwest Books to Prisoners for lunch. Want to know who's going to be interning at First Trinity next year?  Check it out!   1st Trinity Clay Day! With Eugene Barnett & Associates Saturday, April 25 - 10:30am - 1:30pm First Trinity Community Center - 643 W 31st Street This Saturday join local ceramic designer Daniel Pugh, of Eugene Barnett & Associates, as he teaches folks of all ages how to make clay pinch pots and bowls. All bowls produced will be glazed & fired in EB&A's kiln in time for the Trinity Art Bowl Fundraiser on Thursday, June 11th.* All proceeds from the Art Bowl go toward sending the kids of 1st Trinity’s to Lutherdale Summer Camp. No previous clay experience is necessary and all clay and tools will be provided by Eugene Barnett & Associates. *Children under 12 years of age who participate may ask to keep the finished bowls for themselves or donate theirs to the fundraiser. For more information about Lutherdale please visit -  http://www.lutherdale.org/

Celebration May 3

What a year it's been for Christine Doidge and Katie Jacob at First Lutheran Church of The Trinity! Come to celebrate their last day here, and wish them well. Christine will be graduating on May 17, and Katie will be going on her internship. Gifts are appropriate, but not expected :)

And what about Bob!? Bob Leone will be celebrating his 10 year anniversary as the minister of music here at First Trinity!

After church we will celebrate with a taco party. Please contact Rene or Marge if you would like to help with food.

There will be a $5 suggested donation to Midwest Books to Prisoners for lunch.

Sunday, May 3at 10:30am

Catechemmunity!

CATECHEMMUNITY OVERVIEW:
 Building Relationships, Deepening Faith

BACKGROUND
So you’re here at First Trinity, a part of the family. You show up to stuff. Maybe you have a fancy certificate with your name on it, and you’ve seen The Lutheran Handbook, a cheeky book that has a picture of Martin Luther winking on the front cover. You’re kinda-sorta sure that you know what Jesus is all about and what that means for your life today.

Maybe you’ve been hanging out at First Trinity so long that you have no idea where that fancy certificate is anymore. And you know that Martin Luther wrote this thing called The Small Catechism but you haven’t looked at it in ages. But still, you’ve been around so long that you no longer feel the need to ask Luther’s favorite question, “What does this mean?”

Whatever the case is, Catechemmunity is for you because it answers the question, “Now what?”

Let’s be real, this can be a scary question to ask, because sometimes we know we would rather not hear the answer. Think about what the disciples did after Jesus’ crucifixion; they locked themselves in an upper room, totally sequestered from the world. But when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19.

Maybe you’re thinking that the difficult process of discernment and asking questions is behind you now that you’ve found a home at First Trinity. Maybe you’re thinking that this faith stuff will just figure itself out on its own.

Catechemmunity reminds us that the journey of faith is ongoing, and that we are called to attend to this journey seriously and with intentionality. When we leave our comfort zones behind and break down the walls of our own doubts and insecurities, we are able to witness to Christ’s resurrection in our own lives. Asking the question, “Now what?” is a major part of living out our faith on a daily basis, wherever we are, whoever we’re with, and whatever we’re doing.

Peace be with you as you begin this journey of faith and exploration!

GOALS
The goal of Catechemmunity is to deepen your individual faith while strengthening your relationships with others at First Trinity and in the Bridgeport neighborhood. This enhanced understanding of community will lead you to a fuller understanding of what it means to live as a disciple of Christ both in the church and out in the world.

Catechemmunity will challenge you to:

• Uncover and share stories about yourself, the Christian faith, First Trinity, and the Bridgeport neighborhood
• Strengthen existing relationships and develop new relationships with other people and organizations 
• Engage your spirituality in potentially new and different ways
• Listen, reflect, learn, share, and grow
• Take intentional time every day to engage in spiritual practice and reflect on your faith
• Be aware of your interconnectedness with others and your common unity in Jesus Christ

CATECHUMENATE + COMMUNITY = CATECHEMMUNITY
Catechemmunity is a made-up word that is a combination of catechumenate and community.

The catechumenate is the very first Christian Education program started by the early church that taught new believers about what it meant to be Christian. Often it was a process that took months or even years to complete, and culminated in full membership into the Body of Christ through baptism.

The word community is a little harder to define, but is generally a group of people who have something in common. It could be a neighborhood, a religion, or a social issue or cause, but whatever that “thing” is that holds people together makes them a community. You can be a member of a community either voluntarily or involuntarily, and often belong to many simultaneously.

Catechemmunity is a synthesis of both catechumenate and community that will help you answer the question “Now what?” by looking at your own faith, life, and the ongoing mission and ministry of First Trinity in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Actively learning about your faith (catechumenate) affects how you live in the world (community); the two are intricately connected.

Catechemmunity will engage this interconnectedness by:

• Channeling the memory of the early church as you study and learn with others about the Christian faith
• Exploring a few of the many communities in which you are a member of, and showing how these communities are directly impacted by your actions
• Showing that the Christian faith is one of justice, love, and serving others
• Sharing stories of individuals and communities who have successfully integrated their faith with the structures of the world
• Encouraging questions, especially “What does this mean?” and “Now what?”

OVERVIEW OF CATECHEMMUNITY UNITS
Jesus’ commandment sounds so simple: “Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.” But who is our neighbor? And how can we get to know and love them if we don’t know and love ourselves first?

Catechemmunity is divided into six units that will help you understand yourself as:

• An individual
• A member of the Body of Christ
• A member of the First Trinity community
• A neighbor in the Bridgeport Neighborhood
• A global citizen

More importantly, you will discover how each of the identities and communities listed above are interconnected with one another. Jesus’ disciples had to learn how they would find the faith to venture out into the world after Jesus’ death. Likewise, Catechemmunity will challenge you to journey from the fearful isolation and crosses of Ash Wednesday to the joyous resurrection of Easter, from individualization to interdependence.

Because our journey is only six weeks long, your participation in all sessions is vitally important. Each session will build on what you learned and experienced the week before. Our journey, just like the early catechumenate process, will culminate with the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection at Easter. You will have the opportunity to participate in an Easter Vigil service where you can share mutual stories of community and faith with the entire First Trinity congregation.

Catechemmunity also has an accompanying daily devotional which you are strongly encouraged to use as a spiritual discipline during the season of Lent. This devotional will get you thinking and reflecting on the themes of Catechemmunity every day, which will deepen your experience and enrich the time you spend with others.

UNIT 1: What does this mean?
February 18, Ash Wednesday
In this unit, you will learn more about what Catechemmunity is and the overall objectives of the class. You’ll discover how and why our communities and identities are so intertwined with one another, and you will also get to meet your fellow catechumens who will travel with you on the Catechemmunity journey.

UNIT 2: Who am I?
February 25
In this unit, you will engage in reflection and activities to understand yourself more fully, including your strengths, gifts, and weaknesses. You will study Biblical examples of people struggling with their identity, and reflect on your own story and identity. Through analyzing how you spend your time each day, you will become aware of the many communities you interact with and relationships you have in your daily life.

UNIT 3: What is the Body of Christ?
March 4
This unit focuses on your identity as a member of the Body of Christ as you explore the concept of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) as a community. You will learn how we are called to be in relationship with one another as people of faith, and tools to help you engage in intentional conversation with others.
UNIT 4: Who is my neighbor?
March 11
This unit will focus on a unique kind of community organization: the congregation. You will explore First Trinity’s history and context and discuss its own distinct culture. As you deepen your relationships with other Catechemmunity participants, you will be able to reflect on what the First Trinity community means to you.

UNIT 5: Who else is my neighbor?
March 18
In this unit, you will be challenged to see communities and individuals in the wider Bridgeport neighborhood as being a part of your story, God’s story, and the First Trinity story. You will be reminded of the surprising ways and means in which God works to unite all of creation. You will also have an opportunity to get to know someone who was previously a stranger.

UNIT 6: Now what?
March 25
This unit will wrap up everything you’ve learned in the previous weeks. There will be time to share your Catechemmunity experiences with other participants and reflect on where God is calling you to live out your faith in the various communities of the world.

UNOFFICIAL UNIT 7: Easter Vigil
April 4
One way to answer the question, “Now what?” is, “Tell the story!” The liturgy for Easter Vigil will allow Catechemmunity participants to do just that: share the story of your shared heritage as Christians and anticipate the new life you share together in Jesus Christ with all of God’s creation.

CATECHEMMUNITY OBJECTIVES
Each Catechemmunity unit has specific objectives related to the theme. These objectives help you as a participant know what to expect for each unit, and will also provide accountability and direction for Catechemmunity leaders. You will be asked for feedback throughout the Catechemmunity journey to ensure that the program is meaningful for you now and for participants in the future.

CATECHEMMUNITY COMPONENTS
Each unit will be structured in approximately the same way, so that you will know what to expect each week. With the exception of Unit 1 and the Unofficial Unit 7, each unit will include the following components:

Bread for the Journey (a.k.a. Food)
One of the most natural ways in which you can enter into community with others is by sharing the same table at mealtimes. Each Catechemmunity session will begin with a shared meal of simple food, inviting you to get know your fellow catechumens in an informal setting while also taking in nourishment for the journey. Please sign up in the kitchen to provide food.

Check-In Time
Catechemmunity is structured so that you will experience and grow throughout the week, not only when you are in Catechemmunity sessions. Having a designated time to check-in with other catechumens and leaders at the beginning of each unit will help you process the full experience of the journey towards resurrection; questions that were raised in-between sessions or something you’re still thinking about from the previous unit.

Weekly Theme
Each unit will be an introduction to a theme that will carry over into your daily devotional readings until the next Catechemmunity session. The theme will be grounded in scriptural texts from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages will be supplemented with other writings, artwork, activities, and experiences to allow you to fully explore the weekly theme and its impact on your life and faith. Some units will have homework or specific activities you’ll need to complete for the following session.

Spiritual Practice
Each Catechemmunity unit will include a spiritual practice component that will introduce you to potentially new and different ways of praying or reflecting on your faith. You are encouraged to continue experimenting with these practices at home so that you can ultimately discover the ways in which practicing your faith is most meaningful for you.

Questions
Each Catechemmunity unit is based on a question, and throughout the journey you will likely have other questions to ask, too. Asking questions is a key way to learn about yourself and others, and is central to the Lutheran understanding of faith. So asking questions is strongly encouraged in Catechemmunity, even if the answers aren’t so readily accessible!

Communal Worship
Each Catechemmunity unit will end in a brief time of worship and prayer. This component will be grounded in the theme for the day and give you a chance to participate and even lead worship in a comfortable, informal setting.

Daily Devotional
The experience of Catechemmunity does not end when a session is over; it is rather intended to carry over into all aspects of your life. The daily devotional readings will help you be mindful of the themes of Catechemmunity and your own journey of faith every day.

METHODOLOGY
Catechemmunity isn’t just talk. It’s action that begins with you and your experience, and then moves to how you share and translate that experience with and to other individuals and communities. Just as the disciples were eventually able to conquer their fear after Jesus’ death and spread the good news all over the world, so you will be able to acknowledge your own insecurities and confront them alongside your fellow catechumens in a supportive environment. Catechemmunity is a journey you are undertaking with others, where everyone has questions and “right” answers are few and far between. You will be responsible for engaging Catechemmunity on a level appropriate to you, one that will challenge you and sustain you throughout the season of Lent and beyond.

PARTICIPANTS
Ideally, Catechemmunity participants will commit to and be able to attend every session. But you know, life happens, so if you need to miss one or two that’s okay, just let Catechemmunity leaders know. Because everyone matters in a community, and if you don’t show up then everyone else will wonder where you are and if you’re okay! Plus, all the awesome things that you have to share and say will be missed. Try to make it as often as you can.

If you have a friend who you think might be interested in coming to Catechemmunity with you, invite them along!

Also, each catechumen will have a sponsor who will commit to praying for you throughout the Catechemmunity process. Prayer sponsors may or may not be doing Catechemmunity themselves, but they will be walking alongside you throughout the season of Lent to remind you that you are not alone in this journey of faith. If you have a baptismal sponsor or godparent, you might consider inviting them to be this person.

LEADERS
Catechemmunity will be led mainly by Pastor Tom and Diaconal Ministry Intern Christine. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to pitch in and help out with leadership, from providing food for weekly meals to helping lead closing worship or anything in-between. If there is a certain area or activity that you feel called to help lead, let Tom or Christine know.  

SCHEDULE
Catechemmunity is scheduled for six weeks during the season of Lent. Each session will take place on Wednesday evening, with the exception of the Easter Vigil, which takes place on the Saturday night of Holy Week, right before Easter Sunday.

February 18
6:30-7:30pm Catechemmunity Unit 1
7:30pm Ash Wednesday Worship

February 25
6:30-8:30pm Catechemmunity Unit 2

March 4
6:30-8:30pm Catechemmunity Unit 3

March 11
6:30-8:30pm Catechemmunity Unit 4

March 18
6:30-8:30pm Catechemmunity Unit 5

March 25
6:30-8:30pm Catechemmunity Unit 6

April 4
Time TBD Catechemmunity Unofficial Unit 7, Easter Vigil Worship

CREATING A SAFE SPACE
Every effort will be made to ensure that Catechemmunity is a safe space for you and your fellow catechumens. All participants will covenant together to create this space and maintain it through all Catechemmunity units. If you have specific concerns about confidentiality or creating a space where you can share and be emotionally open with others, please talk to Catechemmunity leaders.

CONGREGATIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Not everyone will be able to participate in Catechemmunity at First Trinity, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not involved, too! Everyone at First Trinity will be encouraged to use the daily devotional, so that you can engage anyone in conversation about something you found particularly unsettling or insightful during the week, even if they don’t actually attend the Catechemmunity sessions.

Catechumens will be recognized in worship at the beginning of the Catechemmunity process and will also be prayed for each week during worship. This seeks to remind you and the congregation that you are united in your common faith and membership in the Body of Christ.

Congregational members who cannot participate in Catechemmunity will be encouraged to be a sponsor for a catechumen, thereby participating in a very important way in the journey towards resurrection.

You and all Catechemmunity participants will also be recognized during Easter Vigil, where you will have the opportunity to reaffirm your baptism. This practice will connect you to catechumens in the early church, who were historically baptized and received into the Body of Christ during the Easter Vigil. It will also deepen your relationships with other catechumens, your prayer sponsor, members of First Trinity, and potentially other individuals in the Bridgeport neighborhood that you have come to know during Catechemmunity.

E-News

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We had a great weekend for Halloween, Dia De Los Muertos, and All Saint's Sunday.

This Sunday we are pleased to announce Diaconal Ministry Intern, Christine Doige, will be preaching.  You won't want to miss this!

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This week the prophet Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters. Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ's coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory—the marriage feast of the lamb.

Readings: Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13

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In preparation for the upcoming voter's meeting on November 16, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the First Trinity Constitution and Bylaws. 

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Bible Study - Tuesdays at 7 Explore the story of two young women from the early church, who became martyrs and saints of the faith. Co-lead by Katie Jacob and Pr. Tom Gaulke. 11/11, 11/18, 11/25

Why on earth would we paint our faces and make ourselves to look like dead people in church? Read Pr. Tom's recent sermon on his blog.

Meet our new Ministry in Context Student and Diaconal Intern!

Christine Doidge

Christine will be completing field work hours and her final senior project at First Trinity this academic year, fulfilling requirements for her Masters of Arts in Ministry degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC). Christine is following a call to diaconal ministry, which is the ministry of Word and Service (unlike pastors, who provide the ministry of Word and Sacrament). Diaconal Ministers seek to connect the church and the world, and Christine feels called to work with congregations to enhance their understanding of and participation in the communities in which they are located. She is especially passionate about gathering ecumenical partners together around common goals and shared ministry sites.

She is also passionate about ice cream, reading, traveling, spending time with family, and exploring the great outdoors. Christine’s boyfriend, Joe Yucha, is also a student at LSTC and is completing his final year of studies in Chicago before going on pastoral internship in 2015.

Prior to living in Chicago, Christine worked as the Minister of Communications and Outreach at St. James Lutheran Church in Portland, OR and served as a volunteer with the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program in Southern Africa. She grew up in southwestern Minnesota and attended college at Pacific Lutheran University and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Katie Jacob

Hello, I am Katie Jacob.  This fall I am starting my second year of the Master of Divinity program at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.  I am studying to become an ordained pastor with the ELCA.  This past summer I interned as a chaplain at Bethany Retirement Community.  I loved working with the senior citizens who live at Bethany.  I heard so many incredible stories and experienced how much seniors have to give in knowledge, joy, sorrow, new ideas, and so much more!

I grew up in Strongsville, Ohio (a suburb of Cleveland).  I have two older brothers, Andy and Dan, and my parents are named Bob and Brenda.  Before attending LSTC I studied sociology and religion at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.  While I was at Ohio Wesleyan I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador and went on three mission trips to a Children’s Home in El Salvador.  During the summers of my undergraduate studies I worked at a Lutheran Summer Camp in Ohio.  I loved working with youth.  I got to help them recognize their gifts and gain the confidence to use them!

I am very excited to be at First Lutheran Church of the Trinity this year.  I cannot wait to learn from and be in ministry with you all!

E-Newsletter - Third Sunday in Easter

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Sisters and Brothers! Christ is Risen! Still! Alleluia!

I pray that last Sunday was great! I saw some pictures of Josh, Matt and Ben online. With worship leaders like that...

Our trip to DC was great! We also had the opportunity to worship, as well as to bring the message of God's love for all people to the streets. Drew and I also had the opportunity to preach at a couple of rallies. 

We were introduced to our new Ministry In Context (formerly known as Teaching Parish) student from the seminary this week. Her name is Katy Jacob, preparing for ordained ministry in the ELCA. We will have seminarian Christine Doidge with us next school year, as well, in a similar capacity. Christine is a candidate for ELCA diaconal ministry. More about them this summer! 

Worship this Sunday will be at 10:30AM.

South Loop Campus Ministry Sandwich Delivery at 6pm at Grace Place - 637 S. Dearborn!

See you Sunday!

Peace and Love. 

Some Bridgeport-at-NPA-in-DC photos: