E-News - What's The Point?

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You've likely heard, Rev. Rob Saler, Ph.D., is joining us on Sunday.  Find more information on our blog, facebook, or in this email from Wednesday!
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“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. On Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, the nearly 10,000 congregations of this church gather to serve communities in ways that share the love of God with all of God’s people.

Locally, First Trinity member Jim Peters invites us to celebrate God's Work, Our Hands TOMORROW Saturday, September 20 from 9 am - noon at Palmisano Park. Tools, gloves, snacks, and training are provided. Contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com or if you know Jim you can contact him directly.

“When one congregation or a group of congregations gather for service in their local communities, they are the church in that place, taking care of that part of God’s vineyard.” says ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.
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Bible Study started back up - Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Potluck dinner! A study! On the Beatitudes! From Matthew and Luke! Next week - Blessed are those who morn.  Here is some prereading!
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Saturday night - Our friends at Christ the Mediator are having a contemporary concert.  See mediator-elca.org for more info.
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Matthew narrates one of Jesus' controversial parables, in which Jesus says the reign of God is like workers who get paid the same no matter when they start. When God changes his mind about punishing Nineveh for their evil ways, Jonah is angry. Yet God is gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love. In baptism we receive the grace of God that is freely given to all. As Luther wrote, in the presence of God's mercy we are all beggars.

Readings:  Jonah 3:10--4:11, Psalm 145:1-8, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16

E-News - August 31

Join us for Worship Sunday at 10:30

The prophet Jeremiah speaks of the incurable wound of his suffering, yet finds in God's words the delight of his heart. When Peter doesn't grasp Jesus' words about suffering, Jesus tells the disciples they will find their lives in losing them. Such sacrificial love is described by Paul when he urges us to associate with the lowly and not repay evil with evil. In worship we gather as a community that we might offer ourselves for the sake of our suffering world.

 Readings: Jeremiah 15:15-21, Psalm 26:1-8, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28

Next Sunday, September 7 - We are excited to welcome several guests, from Brazil, including Rev. Marcia Blasi, Felipe Gustavo Koch Buttelli, Dr. Roger Wanke, and our long-time friend of First Trinity, Dr. Vitor Westhelle (USA & Brazil)! We will have lunch after worship. Bring something yummy to share?

Happening This Week

Monday:

LGBT Neighbors in Bridgeport

Tuesday: 

Lectio Divina - 9 am sanctuary

God's Closet - 5-7

Books to Prisoners - 5 pm

Friday: 

God's Closet - 10-Noon

AA 8 pm

Saturday:

Church Council 10:30

Sunday: 

10:30 AM Worship! 

Coming Up

Sunday, September 7 - Brazilian Representatives to the Lutheran World Federation visiting
Sunday, September 21- Theology: What's The Point? Discussion and Book Release Party! Special Guest, Rev. Robert Saler, Ph.D.
Sunday, September 28 – Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 5 - St. Francis Day/Pet Blessing