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This Sunday - Advent 4 - A Prayer for Redemption Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and the blessed virgin Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in the holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord's death.” Readings: Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:46b-55, Psalm 80:1-7, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]  Bring Peace to the Earth Again This year, our Advent hymn is Bring Peace to Earth Again. Read more about this tradition on our blog. 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    Beer and Carols Tonight! Friends, Neighbors, Aquaintences! Join us for an evening of Fa La La and Folderol! We will be taking over the back room of ledgendary local bar, Schaller's Pump. Their kitchen closes at 9, so if you plan to get food try to come early. We don't want to overwhelm them!  Cash only - buy your own drinks. Snacks and Songbooks provided. Donations Accepted. And, of course, Bob Leone will be playing keyboard.   Christmas Pageant The kid's are at it again! This year's pageant includes a modern twist! All are welcome to attend the show and stick around after for the cast party and to get their program signed. Suggested donation $5 (goes to the FT Kid's Activity Fund).  Sunday - 5 pm.   Christmas Caroling Our annual trip to visit seniors and sing carols is coming up next Tuesday.  Times and route are still being finalized, but we are looking at leaving around 9 am. Please contact Pastor Tom, Rene, or Vicar Toby if you plan to go.  We need to make sure we have enough seatbelt! First Trinity Last Minute Pop Up Sale Sunday at 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM We had a great time at Armour Elementary's Craft and Vendor Sale, but we had a lot of leftovers. Sunday, December 20 we'll be presenting them for your last minute shopping needs. Gift items available for purchase include: Holiday pins and jewlery Handmade scarves and hats Paper flowers Grab-bag jewlery Gift tags, boxes, cards and wrap Holiday decorations   First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 643 W 31st Street Chicago, IL 60616 312-842-7390 welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com FirstTrinityChicago.com All Are Welcome! There is so much going on in December, we thought a calendar would help!   Our Friends at The Bridge have a show this Friday that you want to see! Followspot Friday, December 18 @8PM $10 or PWYC* at the door *Pay What You Can At The Orphanage Preview performances of works by The Bridge's artists-in-residence, which will premiere at the IN TIME >16 Performance Art Festival coming in February:  - Dao Nguyen presents "Holzwege", which employs thought experiments, play apparatuses, and obstacle courses to respond to the existential question How do I live?  - Elise Cowan presents "Up to the Elbows in What They Call Adventures", a performance spurred by two sources: historical patents for inventions that attempted to bestow the body with extraordinary capabilities and Cervantes's Don Quixote. Onward!  - Drag superstar Chic Filet will transport us to a world where queens are kings and kings are queens...  - Puppeteer Kely Nesheim will delight and entertain.  - Madeline Pell will break out of hell with her piece entitled "Music Box", which examines the question: Who is the music box doll when no one is watching?

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 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! Jan 6 - Joint Feast of the Epiphany with Christ the Mediator 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 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!

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This Sunday - Advent 3 - A Prayer for Sanctuary The presence of the Lord “in your midst” in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the Lord in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with his winnowing fork in his hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent. Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18   Bring Peace to the Earth Again This year, our Advent hymn is Bring Peace to Earth Again. Read more about this tradition on our blog. 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    Santa vists God's Closet! We had so much fun on Tuesday night, when Santa stopped by God's Closet!  See all of the fun on our Facebook page or watch the slideshow here. Armour School Craft Fair First Trinity will have a table this Saturday, December 12, at Armour Elementary's First Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair.  All proceeds from our table will support support the mission and ministry of First Trinity. We encourage all of you to come by and shop!  The fair is Saturday, from 9 am - 4 pm at Armour Elementary, 950 W 33rd Place. If you are interested in donating some crafts to our table, please contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com or call/see Rene.  If you want to help staff the table, even for an hour or two, that would be awesome too!  Set up begins at 7 am, and we will need the most help during set up and clean up. This should be a fun day to shop local vendors, meet some neighbors and help the school and church!  Hope to see you there! First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 643 W 31st Street Chicago, IL 60616 312-842-7390 welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com FirstTrinityChicago.com All Are Welcome! There is so much going on in December, we thought a calendar would help!   Pastor Tom and Toby have added their reports (from the annual meeting) to the blog. Read it here! One of our efforts in the coming year is to get more people involved in the financial stability of the church.  I have to say, we are off to a great start!  Santa raised a few bucks for the church last Tuesday, and we are looking forward to the vendor fair at Armour this Saturday.  If you have an idea for a small fundraiser, talk to Rene (in the office).   We also need to create a list of volunteers that would help staff rentals in the community center.  These shifts could be anywhere from 2-10 hours, and can be split up.  If this is something that you are interested in learning more about, email welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com and we'll give you the details.   Thank you for your continued commitment to First Trinity.  Those who give their time, talent and treasures are a true blessing to our community.  Thank you!

An Evening with Santa!

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This Sunday - Advent 2 - A Prayer for Peace Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the Baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophesy could as easily herald the coming Lord Jesus as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.” Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79, Philippians 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6   Bring Peace to the Earth Again This year, our Advent hymn is Bring Peace to Earth Again. Read more about this tradition on our blog. 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    Annual Meeting Click here to learn everything you need to know about Sunday's meeting. First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 643 W 31st Street Chicago, IL 60616 312-842-7390 welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com FirstTrinityChicago.com All Are Welcome! There is so much going on in December, we thought a calendar would help!

Prayers of Thanksgiving for everyone who contributed to our ‪#GivingTuesday‬ campaign, especially the three folks who signed up for new reoccurring donations. Reoccurring online donations helps friends and members live generously, without having to think about it much, and it allows those of us working on the budget to have a good idea what to expect! Thank you all! To sign up for online giving visit firsttrinitychicago.com and click on donate!

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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

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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!

Bring Peace to 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

Where armies scourge the countryside,
and people flee in fear,
where sirens scream through flaming nights,
and death is ever near:
O God of mercy, hear our prayer:
bring peace to earth again!

December 6 - Advent 2 + A Prayer for Peace 
Where anger festers in the heart,
and strikes with cruel hand;
where violence stalks the troubled streets,
and terror haunts the land:
O God of mercy, hear our prayer:
bring peace to earth again!

December 13 - Advent 3 + A Prayer for Sanctuary  
Where homes are torn by bitter strife,
and love dissolves in blame;
where walls you meant for shelt'ring care
hide deeds of hurt and shame:
O God of mercy, hear our prayer:
bring peace to earth again!

December 20 - Advent 4 + A Prayer for Redemption 
O God, whose heart compassionate
bears ev'ry human pain,
redeem this violent, wounding world
till gentleness shall reign.
O God of mercy, hear our prayer:
bring peace to earth again!

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John called people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing would get in the way of the Lord's coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones. Isaiah calls us all to be heralds with John, to lift up our voices fearlessly and say, "See, your God is coming!" We say it to one another in worship, in order to say it with our lives in a world in need of justice and peace.

Readings
Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8

Color of the season is Blue.

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While we are worshiping in the chapel during Advent, we will be celebrating Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the sanctuary.  This Sunday, after worship, all are invited to help Trim the Tree (advent bush) in the sanctuary.