E-News

All Are Welcome! View this email in your browser

This Sunday Worship this Sunday will be special.  It's St. Francis Sunday, and we will hold our annual pet blessing at the end of worship.  Pets are welcome during worship, on a leash or in a carrier.  We will also celebrate the baptism of Louisa Wind Holmes, and Rachel Wind will be preaching. Sunday's gospel combines a saying that makes many of us uncomfortable with a story we find comforting. Jesus’ saying on divorce is another of his rejections of human legislation in favor of the original intent of God’s law. Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples who are fending off the children should challenge us as well. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does? Readings: Genesis 2:18-24, Psalm 8, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16   Why I Go To First Trinity Erika Hobbes I was born and raised a German Lutheran in the Missouri Synod. I grew up in white, conservative suburban churches, and in country ones the kind people pay top dollar to be married in -- clapboard-sided A-frames with steeples soaring over cornfields and haystacks. The kind that did not allow women in the congregation to vote until the 1990’s. The kind where the minister insisted my mother stay married to my father long after it became clear that she might have died if she did. But I loved God and I loved Jesus, and I firmly believed in the Golden Rule.  Click to read more... Thanks to Erika for this moving reflection. Erika teaches yoga classes at First Trinity, see the flier below. A new Bible Study, Luther's Greatest Hits, starts October 26. Leading up to Reformation Day, and our 150th Anniversary, join us for the month of October as we read from works by Martin Luther. "Martin Luther's Greatest Hits." Tuesdays 7-8:30 in October. You know you'll love it. Cool Community Event Alert:   LAST CHANCE - DO NOT MISS    OUT!  SERIOUSLY SO GOOD!!!   The Bridge Opens Fall Season with Mac Wellman's The Hyacinth Macaw, Sept.18-Oct. 4 Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30pm - The Bridge, 643 W. 31st Street

Alicia and Rene had a last minute opportunity to visit Connie this week. She's looking great and seems to enjoy herself, as always!

E-News

This Sunday Someone is casting out demons in Jesus’ name who isn’t part of Jesus’ own circle, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus’ word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn’t do it, by people we can’t keep tabs on. Readings: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29, Psalm 19:7-14, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50  God's Closet named Bridgeport's Best Closet by Southside Weekly! The Bridge will have a couple of guests in our community center for the next couple months. Their names are Dao Nguyen and Elise Cowin. They are recent graduates of the MFA performance program at SAIC, and are on internships related to the IN TIME>16 Performance festival. Be sure to say hi! If you have any questions ask Rene or Kestutis! The flier for the anniversary celebration is below.  There are three things we currently need for the event: 1 - If you know a business or organization who would want to sponsor the event or donate a raffle prize, please contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com or share this link. 2 - We also need volunteers to help the day of the event and for tasks such as distributing fliers, picking up donations, and decorating. There is a sign up sheet in the kitchen. 3 - We need to know where to send the invites!  If you know former members, friends, or students we would like to have their address or email to invite them to the anniversary.

St Francis Sunday! October 4, the Blessing of the Pets, Baptism of Louisa Wind Holmes, and guest preacher, Rachel Wind.  Worship at 10:30.

A new Bible Study, Luther's Greatest Hits, starts October 26. Leading up to Reformation Day, and our 150th Anniversary, join us for the month of October as we read from works by Martin Luther. "Martin Luther's Greatest Hits." Tuesdays 7-8:30 in October. You know you'll love it.

Cool Community Event Alert: (I've seen it... it's really good!) The Bridge Opens Fall Season with Mac Wellman's The Hyacinth Macaw, Sept.18-Oct. 4 Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30pm - The Bridge, 643 W. 31st Street

E-News

All Are Welcome! View this email in your browser

This Sunday This week we hear James warn against selfish ambition, while the disciples quarrel over which one of them is the greatest. Jesus tells them the way to be great is to serve. Then, to make it concrete, he puts in front of them an actual flesh-and-blood child. We are called to welcome the particular children God puts in front of us, to make room for them in daily interaction, and to give them a place of honor in the assembly. Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20, Wisdom 1:16--2:1, 12-22, Psalm 54, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37  The flier for the anniversary celebration is below.  There are three things we currently need for the event: 1 - If you know a business or organization who would want to sponsor the event or donate a raffle prize, please contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com or share this link. 2 - We also need volunteers to help the day of the event and for tasks such as distributing fliers, picking up donations, and decorating. 3 - We need to know where to send the invites!  If you know former members, friends, or students we would like to have their address or email to invite them to the anniversary.   A new Bible Study, Luther's Greatest Hits, starts October 26. Leading up to Reformation Day, and our 150th Anniversary, join us for the month of October as we read from works by Martin Luther. "Martin Luther's Greatest Hits." Tuesdays 7-8:30 in October. You know you'll love it. Cool Community Event Alert: (I've seen it... it's really good!) The Bridge Opens Fall Season with Mac Wellman's The Hyacinth Macaw, Sept.18-Oct. 4 Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30pm - The Bridge, 643 W. 31st Street

E-News!

On the anniversary of September 11, we continue to pray for peace. Today (Friday) we will hold a memorial to celebrate the life of our brother, Walter Riley, in the chapel at noon. Walter was a regular at God's Closet, and often came to worship on Sundays.  This Sunday This Sunday we will be joined by guest preacher, Bishop Wayne Miller.  Bishop Miller is about to embark on a sabbatical, the first of his career.  We'll also welcome Rocky Torres to the family through baptism.  After worship we'll have a potluck meal, featuring homemade brats (by James Ravnic).  It's going to be a great day and one you don't want to miss!  Worship starts at 10:30. Oh!  And we're moving back to the sanctuary!  We could use some help getting it ready on Friday.  Anytime between 10-4. Three weeks ago we heard John’s gospel’s version of Peter’s confession of faith. This week we hear Mark’s version, when Peter says, “You are the Messiah.” In John, the stumbling block is Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh, given for the life of the world. In Mark too the scandal has to do with Jesus’ words about his own coming death, and here Peter himself stumbles over Jesus’ words. But Jesus is anointed (the meaning of “messiah”) in Mark only on the way to the cross (14:3); so we are anointed in baptism with the sign of the cross. Readings and Psalm: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 116:1-9, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38  The flier for the anniversary celebration is below.  There are three things we currently need for the event: 1 - If you know a business or organization who would want to sponsor the event or donate a raffle prize, please contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com or share this link. 2 - We also need volunteers to help the day of the event and for tasks such as distributing fliers, picking up donations, and decorating. 3 - We need to know where to send the invites!  If you know former members, friends, or students we would like to have their address or email to invite them to the anniversary.   A new Bible Study, Luther's Greatest Hits, starts October 26. Leading up to Reformation Day, and our 150th Anniversary, join us for the month of October as we read from works by Martin Luther. "Martin Luther's Greatest Hits." Tuesdays 7-8:30 in October. You know you'll love it. And.. our mural made the news.  Read it here! Cool Community Event Alert: The Bridge Opens Fall Season with Mac Wellman's The Hyacinth Macaw, Sept.18-Oct. 4 Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30pm The Bridge, 643 W. 31st Street

Regular Activities: 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! If you have news for the benefit of the community, please send it to welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com   Coming Up: Sep 13 - Bishop Miller preaching Oct 11 - Rev. Ronald Nitz preaching Oct 4 - St Francis Day Oct 25 - Reformation Sunday Nov 1 - Anniversary Celebration Nov 22 - Christ the King Sunday Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Day Nov 29 - December 24 - Advent Dec 24 - 7pm Candlelight Service, Lessons & Carols Dec 25 - 10:30 Christmas Day Worship & Brunch Dec31-NewYear'sEve * as part of our  year-long 150th anniversary celebration we have invited the bishop and former pastors to preach Did you know, First Trinity is a member of Concordia Cemetery?

e-News

This Sunday A house divided against itself cannot stand. Jesus makes this observation in light of charges that he is possessed. He is possessed, not by a demon, but by the Holy Spirit. We who have received the Holy Spirit through baptism have been joined to Christ's death and resurrection and knit together in the body of Christ. Those with whom we sing and pray this day are sisters and brothers of the Lord. With them we go forth in peace to do the will of God. Readings: Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 130, 2 Corinthians 4:13--5:1, Mark 3:20-35 The Art Bowl Next week is The Art Bowl.  If you are planning to donate soup or bread, please see Dan Pugh or Rene for delivery instructions.  This promises to be a great time!  Details in the flier below. Bible Study From Pr. Tom - Great times reading Athanasius of Alexandria tonight. Seriously. Completely awesome conversation around ancient texts. We've got an awesome group! Join us Tuesdays, 7 pm.   School to Summer Service + Worship and Celebration Sunday, June 21at 10:30am - Come help us celebrate the good work of our students as they complete another year of school. They have worked hard to get good grades, and now get a much needed break!   #MoralMondayIL Monday, June 15, Lutheran Bishop Wayne Miller will be joining faith leaders, people of faith, and all people of good will as we stand on the side of the poor, the downtrodden, the vulnerable, the 99%. Join us as the #MoralMondaysIL movement moves.    Monday, June 15at 10:30am - 12:00pm James R. Thompson Center 100 W Randolph St, Chicago, Illinois 60601

E-News

He Is Risen!  Alleluia!   Sixth Sunday of Easter

This Sunday The gospel for Easter's seventh Sunday is always taken from the long prayer Jesus prays for his followers in John's gospel on the night before his death, and always includes Jesus' desire that his followers will be one as he and the Father are one. This oneness is not mere doctrinal agreement or institutional unity, but mutual abiding, interpenetrating life, mutual love and joy. This oneness is the work of the Spirit whom we have received but also await. Come, Holy Spirit! Readings Acts 1:15-17, 21-26     Matthias added to the apostles Psalm 1     The LORD knows the way of the righteous. (Ps. 1:6) 1 John 5:9-13     Life in the Son of God John 17:6-19     Christ's prayer for his disciples Bible Study starts May 12   Jesus disguises himself as "bait" to "catch" the Devil on ahook??? Jesus is a triumphant victor, demolishing the gates of hell??? Jesus is a sacrifice, a lamb slain to atone for our sin? Jesus is a high priest, a mediator between the Christian community and God? The Bible and Christian tradition offer a variety of possibilities for how we might think and speak of Christ--and what Christ does.  Come. Learn about different ways different folks have thought about the wonderfully loaded word "salvation" and its relatives in the Bible and in the Christian tradition. We'll focus mostly on the New Testament and then move into the Early Church Patriarchs. As always, we'll read right from the Bible or from other ancient texts as we explore this topic (a.k.a "Soteriology"). And we'll chat. And pray. It'll be nice. Full list of what-we're-gonna-read COMING SOON! Raffle! As part of the fundraising efforts for the kid's trip to Lutherdale, we are assembling prizes for a basket raffle.  The prizes that we have so far can be seen here.  We could use a couple more prizes.  If you would like to donate or purchase tickets($3 each or 4 for $10) contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com, 312-842-7390  Winners will be drawn at random at The Art Bowl on June 11.  Tri-Sox I have the tickets! If you have paid for a ticket you may pick it up from Rene in the office at any time. If you have not paid for a ticket, but signed up, you may pay for it and pick it up at any time. If you have not signed up, or paid for a ticket but want one, talk to Rene in the office... there may be a couple of extras! Thanks!

E-News!

He Is Risen!  Alleluia!   Sixth Sunday of Easter

Last Saturday was the God's Closet Spring Yard "Sale"  We had a great time, and gave away a whole lotta clothes!  Thanks to all of the volunteers, shoppers and donors.  Especially Girl Scout Troop 20186 for the clothing donation and all of your help!

This Sunday This Sunday's image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John's gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit. Readings: Acts 10:44-48, Psalm 98, 1 John 5:1-6, John 15:9-17 Sunday is also Mother's Day.  Thanks to Fasan Florist for providing flowers for all of the mothers and those women who care for children even if they are not their own.  Bible Study starts May 12   Jesus disguises himself as "bait" to "catch" the Devil on ahook??? Jesus is a triumphant victor, demolishing the gates of hell??? Jesus is a sacrifice, a lamb slain to atone for our sin? Jesus is a high priest, a mediator between the Christian community and God? The Bible and Christian tradition offer a variety of possibilities for how we might think and speak of Christ--and what Christ does.  Come. Learn about different ways different folks have thought about the wonderfully loaded word "salvation" and its relatives in the Bible and in the Christian tradition. We'll focus mostly on the New Testament and then move into the Early Church Patriarchs. As always, we'll read right from the Bible or from other ancient texts as we explore this topic (a.k.a "Soteriology"). And we'll chat. And pray. It'll be nice. Full list of what-we're-gonna-read COMING SOON! Raffle! As part of the fundraising efforts for the kid's trip to Lutherdale, we are assembling prizes for a basket raffle.  The prizes that we have so far can be seen here.  We could use a couple more prizes.  If you would like to donate or purchase tickets($3 each or 4 for $10) contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com, 312-842-7390  Winners will be drawn at random at The Art Bowl on June 11.  Tri-Sox I have the tickets! If you have paid for a ticket you may pick it up from Rene in the office at any time. If you have not paid for a ticket, but signed up, you may pay for it and pick it up at any time. If you have not signed up, or paid for a ticket but want one, talk to Rene in the office... there may be a couple of extras! Thanks!

E- News

First Trinity E-News Read More Here

All the baptized have a calling in God's world. God calls not just the clergy but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn't important; it's where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to the story of the vision of Jacob, who called the place of his vision "the house of God, and ... the gate of heaven" (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20], Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51

---

Bible Study Starts Tuesday, 7 pm  - Come study the readings for the upcoming Sunday after the Epiphany! Details here! 

---

Community Devotional submissions are coming in.  Click here or see Pr. Tom to get involved.  

---

Next week is RIC Welcoming Sunday.  This year, we welcome Professor William R. Host, friend of the congregation to share the message during worship. 

E- News

First Trinity E-News Read more here! This Sunday is our Annual Meeting.  This is our opportunity to vote on officers, budget, and to review and celebrate the past year.  Members and non members are welcome, but only voting members may vote.  The meeting will begin shortly after worship on Sunday.   Last week, Will Tanzman announced the Reclaim Chicago Launch Event.  It is this Saturday (tomorrow) 9:30 - 11:00 am followed by door-to-door canvassing for endorsed candidates.  National Association of Letter Carriers Hall, 3850 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago. Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the Lord will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good. In a world filled with violence and despair, we gather around signs of hope—word, water, bread and wine—eager to welcome the good news of Christ's coming among us. Readings: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18, Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30 Happy Birthday this week to Ben H., Judy, and Eliot! 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

E-News

First Trinity E-News click to see the whole thing!

     

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!

---

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

---

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. 

---

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.