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This Week Witnesses to the glory of God in the face of Jesus will be unable to avoid reflecting that glory in the world. It was true for Moses. It was doubtless true for Peter, James, and John. We pray that it will be true of all of us who see the glory of the Lord in the word and in the supper and who are being “transformed into the same image” by the Spirit of God. Join us as we bury the Alleluia and Burn the Palms. Vicar Toby is preaching. It's going to be great! PS - Bring your palms! Readings: Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, 2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2, Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a]  Lent is here! The sign of ashes suggests our human mortality and frailty.  Wednesday, February 10 Imposition of Ashes: 7-9 am, 11am-1pm, 2-4 pm Worship at 7pm Our lenten series starts 2/17 The Servant Church: Building up the Body of Christ Each evening will include: 6-6:15 - Gather/Food 6:15-7:30 - Conversation 7:30-7:45 - Prayers/Songs   Since some of us are off for President's day it seems like a good day to clean up the church in anticipation of Easter. We'll do general cleaning in the community center and sanctuary. If there are special projects that you think you might want to do, please see Rene (rene@firsttrinitychicago.com) and we might be able to make them happen. Lunch, vinyl gloves, and fun will be provided!  Facebook Event Here. Bow Tie Affair Our first fundraiser for the 2016 Camp Fund is coming up on Leap Day, February 29! Every four years we get an Extra Day. Some call this bonus day Leap Day, but we are thinking of it as a Superlative Spaghetti Supper Day! A day where Calories Don’t Count! Join us for a BOW TIE AFFAIR to help send a bunch of Neat Kids to Camp! No dress code, non-pasta bowties are optional!     Building a Vocal Community Through a collaboration of seminaries in Hyde Park, Dr. YsayeBarnwell will be coming to Chicago to do one of her nationally-known workshops, "Building a Vocal Community." A lesson in music, African and African diaspora history, and activist history - her two-part workshop will go over the breadth of the African and African American singing tradition and show the ways that group singing can build, strengthen, and fortify community in such times as these. Just click on the EventBrite link here to reserve your spot and share this with friends.   Theater Happening Here!  First Annual Followspot Performathon Sunday, February 14 beginning at 6pm $10 suggested donation at the door at The Bridge in Bridgeport (643 W 31st St) Click for more information! Learn more about the In>Time Performance Festival.  Two events will be taking place in the Orphanage on February 12 and 13.  Hosted by The Bridge.

Sunday: Worship 10:30 am Monday: Office Closed Tuesday: Lectio Divinia 9 am, God's Closet 5-7, Books to Prisoners 5-9 Wednesday: Bible Study 6 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! 1/28/2016    7 p m Bridgeport Alliance 1/30/2016    6pm Ben's Movie Night 1/31/2016    9:15am The Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group 1/31/2016    Winter Warm Up Party 2/7/2016    Transfiguration of Our Lord 2/10/2016    Ash Wednesday 2/15/2016    Spring Cleaning 2/25/2016    7 p m Bridgeport Alliance 2/27/2016    6pm Ben's Movie Night 2/29/2016    Bow Tie Affair 3/1/2016    Camp Registration Deadline 3/13/2016    Daylight Saving Time begins 3/15/2016    Election Day 3/20/2016    Seder 3/24/2016    Maundy Thursday 3/25/2016    Easter Egg Decorating 3/25/2016    Good Friday 3/26/2016    Ben's Movie Night 3/27/2016    Easter 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!

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This Sunday November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. So the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love. Readings: Daniel 12:1-3, Psalm 16, Hebrews 10:11-25, Mark 13:1-8   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.   A Message from Dolores Dolores shared a story about coming to First Trinity for the 150th Anniversary.  Thanks to Chris for editing and uploading it, and to Zarana for interviewing.  See the video here!   Christmas Stuff!   The kids will begin 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. A tentative date has been set for Beer and Carols.  Location and time are still being worked out, but the date will likely be Thursday, December 17. 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.   31st Street Bus Monday, November 16 at 5:45pm - Join the coalition for the restored 31st St. and Lincoln Ave. routes, as we fight for fair transit and make our voices heard at the CTA's Budget Hearing. Rene and members of Bridgeport Alliance will meet at 5pm at Dunkin Donuts, 31 and Halsted, and take the #8 to the meeting!.  Details here! 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!

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!   Coming Up: 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 - December 24 - Advent Dec 6 -12:15PM - Annual Congregational Meeting Dec 17 - Beer and Carols 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 * 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?   If you have news for the benefit of the community, please send it to welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com

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This Sunday This week's gospel starts with disciples obsessing over who’s number one, which leads Jesus to say something about God's take on importance and power. Here Jesus makes it explicit that the reversal of values in God’s community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over others is what makes you great. When we pray “your kingdom come” we are praying for an end to tyranny and oppression. We pray this gathered around the cross, a sign of great shame transformed to be the sign of great honor and service. Readings: Isaiah 53:4-12, Psalm 91:9-16, Hebrews 5:1-10, Mark 10:35-45  November 1st we will celebrate 150 years, All Saints' Day and Dia De Los Muertos.  Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a festival to welcome the souls of the dead.  The living prepare an offerenda (offering) for the dead including favorite foods, candles, religious artifacts, and other remembrances.  We welcome you to bring remembrances of loved ones who have passed to add to our offerenda.   During the anniversary celebration we will remember those who founded and sustained the church over the past 150 years, as well as celebrate the diversity and culture that makes First Trinity an exciting and vibrant congregation today. With the anniversary celebration fast approaching it is time to make sure that we have help! Please email rene@firsttrinitychicago.com, speak to Rene about if/when you can help. This is all-hands-on-deck time. Thursday, October 29, 5-7- Set up auditorium Friday, October 30, 4-7 - Decorate auditorium and Kitchen Saturday, October 31, 10-1 - Decorate sanctuary Sunday, November 1: 9 am - Set up breakfast/kitchen 10 am - help with facepainting/crafts Noon - play an instrument or take a role in the Dia De Los Muertos procession. After worship - Help at reception. After reception - Help with clean up! We appreciate all the help we can get.  Thank you! Cool Events in Our Auditorium: The Bridge presents, Followspot, Friday, October 16 - Details here! The Glint is back with its final edition of its 2015 season with the "Halloween" show. Saturday, October 17 - Details here! A new Bible Study, Luther's Greatest Hits, is going great! 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.

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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

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This Sunday Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In Ephesians Paul tells us what this life Jesus gives us looks like, this life we live as those marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit in baptism. We live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. The whole purpose of life is giving yourself for the other. Readings: 1 Kings 19:4-8, Psalm 34:1-8, Ephesians 4:25--5:2, John 6:35, 41-51  If you missed the #ELCAConfrontingRacism Webcast, you can see the recorded version here. First Lutheran Church of The Trinity's annual Jesus and Justice Day-Camp is coming soon. Details are coming, but what we can tell you now is that there will be fun games, good food, fascinating speakers, and campfire worship every evening.   This is multigenerational: All Are Welcome! August 11 - August 14 6:00pm to  9:00pm Cool Community Event:  Henry C. Palmisano Nature Center Advisory Council presents the 3rd Annual Bridgeport Air and Water Show.   on Saturday, August 15. Features will include: stunt kites, kites for sale, free paper kites, activities for kids in Palmisano and McGuane Parks, tours of the native plants and migratory birds in Palmisano, catch and release fishing, a scavenger hunt and more.  Admission as always is FREE.

A Community of Open Doors!

See more photos from Holy Week below or on Facebook.  He Is Risen!  Alleluia!  read more here! Doubting Thomas Sunday With Special Musical Guest, John Urban The Easter season is a week of weeks; seven Sundays when we play in the mystery of Christ's presence, mostly through the glorious Gospel of John. Today we gather with the disciples on the first Easter, and Jesus breathes the Spirit on us. With Thomas we ask for a sign, and Jesus offers us his wounded self in the broken bread. From frightened individuals we are transformed into a community of open doors, peace, forgiveness, and material sharing such that no one among us is in need. Readings: Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133, 1 John 1:1--2:2, John 20:19-31 This Week: Sunday: Worship 10:30 am Monday: Office Closed Tuesday: Lectio Divinia 9 am,  God's Closet 5-7, Books to Prisoners 5-9, Office Hours 5-7 Friday - God's Closet 10-noon, Office Hours 10-Noon,  AA 8:00 Sunday - Worship10:30 am Last Saturday of Each Month - 7pm Ben's Movie Night Last Sunday of Each Month - 9:15am The Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group If you have news for the benefit of the community, please send it to welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com If you are interested in writing for our May newsletter, send your submissions to welcome@firsttrinitychicago.comor speak to Rene after church on Sunday! Coming Up: Sat Apr 18 - Bridgeport Clean & Green Sun Apr 19 - Matt Holmes preaches* Sat May 9 - Ben Adams Ordination in Pickney, MI Sun May 3 - Bob Leone 10 Year Anniversary! Sun May 10 - Mothers’ Day Sun May 17 - Joe Hopkins Graduates from Chicago Theological Seminary Sun May 24 - Pentecost Mon May 25 - Memorial Day Fri May 29 - SYNOD ASSEMBLY Sat May 30 - SYNOD ASSEMBLY Sun May 31 - Rev. Connie Leininger preaching * The Jun 11 - The Art Bowl Wed Jun 17 - LSTC Alumni Awards Ceremony and Reception  Sat Jun 20 - Upcylce/Resale Fair Sun Jun 21 - Fathers' Day Sun Jun 28 - Pride Sunday Sat Jul 4 - Independence Day Sun Jul 5 - Trinity Kids at Lutherdale through July 10 Sun Jul 19 -10:30am Camp Sunday Tue Aug 11 - August 14 - Jesus and Justice Camp Sun Aug 16 - 10:30am Rally Day and Blessing of Back Packs Sat Sep 12 - TriSox - White Sox Faith & Fellowship Game Night Sun Sep 13 - Bishop Miller visits * October (TBD) Rev. Ronald Nitz visits* Sun Oct 4 - St Francis Day Sun Oct 25 - Reformation Sunday Sat Oct 31 - Halloween Sat Nov 1 - Anniversary Celebration Sun Nov 22 - Christ the King Sunday Thu Nov 26 - Thanksgiving Day Sun Nov 29 - Advent Sun Dec 6 - Advent Sun Dec 13 - Advent Sun Dec 20 - Advent Thu Dec 24 - 7pm Candlelight Service, Lessons & Carols Fri Dec 25 - 10:30 Christmas Day Worship & Brunch Thu Dec 31 - New Year's Eve * as part of our  year-long 150th anniversary celebration we have invited the bishop and former pastors to preach