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This Week These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues; to receive the gifts of God’s grace; to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus; and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us. Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13 We also have a new newsletter this week - read it here.  Last year's Lenten Devotional is up on the blog - right here. And Pastor Tom is blogging a little more than usual during lent - here it is! 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. 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! 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 Copyright © 2016 First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, All rights reserved. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Why We Chose First Trinity

Thank you to Diane Mack for her heartfelt reflection.  This was published in our Lent 2016 Newsletter.  View more here

It was years before I even stepped into the church but I knew that First Trinity was a unique place. I had met Pastor Tom and Rene at different social functions around Bridgeport and heard about their…how shall we say…unorthodox church functions. Now, I was coming to terms with a very strict Christian organization that I had been a part of for years and an activity like “Beer and Carols” would be unheard of. However, when I was dating my now fantastic husband, Andrew, he told me about his experience a few years ago when he was going through a hard time and having a downer day. That night, he went to the “Beer and Carols," and he told me that there was so much joy, cheer, and light from the people of Trinity that it was an awesome experience. So when we decided to get married, we wanted to have the service at First Trinity because we believe in the people of the church and what they are doing. Even on the honeymoon we excitedly talked about how we wanted to become members and become more involved, for we had many ideals and beliefs that we wanted to put into action and First Trinity does just that. They actually feed and clothe the poor, stand up for social justice with protest and activism, accept and show grace to those who otherwise feel like outcasts. We feel God’s spirit move in the people of Trinity. We like that it’s not the picture of the “perfect church” that society presents to us. We like that it’s diverse, that there are people from all walks of life and with that, it can sometimes be uncomfortable, challenging and frustrating.

Yet, it is in those times when we can truly grow. For instance, I was able to help with the kid’s Christmas pageant this year. Now growing up in suburbia and helping out with many children’s activities inside and out of the church, the kids would usually sit and listen and for the most part, go along with the program. For all that, trying to get the kids to get on stage and practice their lines for the pageant was another story. When we were ready and I called the kids to the stage, they would just disappear, every one of them left the one time. I couldn’t believe it and I didn’t believe we could pull this off. Yet, I had no choice, I had to be patient. At the end, while we danced off the stage, I think I was more proud of them for pulling through and doing an amazing job than if they had gone along with it the whole time. The kids (probably not knowing they were doing this) completely changed my belief of what it should look like (perfect) to what it could be (awesome) if I just believed in their abilities and who they were. It was, to say the least, an eye opening experience and I would gladly do it again.

To conclude, we want to thank First Trinity for letting us be a part of the church, it is an honor and we are grateful for the people there. You challenge us, change us and move us to be closer to who God is. The people of Trinity strive to live out the beatitudes even when it is tough and that is truly a blessing.

We are grateful
Andrew and Diane

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

Summer Newsletter

Click hear to read our Summer 2015 Newsletter!

This quarter's edition includes:

•   A letter from Pr. Tom
•   God's Closet volunteer, Roseann's reflection on her experience serving those in need
•   An update on planned renovations
•   An update from Amie and Kevin
•   Have ya met... Toby Chow?
•   A preview to our upcoming history book
•   And, as usual, plenty of announcements and photos!

e-News!

First Trinity E-News

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!

Join us as we process from the chapel into the church and celebrate Palm Sunday.  We'll gather in the chapel at 10:15, and the procession will start at 10:30.  Color of the day is Red!

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We've got a few baptisms Easter Sunday,
And, I think, a new member or few.
Wanna join in the fun?
Of course you do. 

New Member Class March 28 - Tomorrow!  Click or contact Pr. Tom for details! 

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New Newsletter!  Just in time for Holy Week!  The summer edition will be coming out in May, please contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com if you would like to contribute!

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Sunday starts Holy Week!  It's going to be a good one.  Look at the events below for the full schedule.

E-News

First Trinity E-News God promises Jeremiah that a "new covenant" will be made in the future: a covenant that will allow all the people to know God by heart. The church sees this promise fulfilled in Christ, who draws all people to himself when he is lifted up on the cross. Our baptismal covenant draws us to God's heart through Christ and draws God's light and truth into our hearts. We see God's heart most clearly in the way Jesus shares human suffering, in an agony both the John and Hebrews readings describe. Readings:  Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 51:1-12, Hebrews 5:5-10, John 12:20-33 Tickets for Seder are now available online or by contacting the church office at 312-842-7390. We've got a few baptisms Easter Sunday, And, I think, a new member or few. Wanna join in the fun? Of course you do. New Member Class March 28.  Click or contact Pr. Tom for details!  New Newsletter!  Just in time for Holy Week!  The summer edition will be coming out in May, please contact welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com if you would like to contribute!

Congratulations to friend of First Trinity and Nagelspielen champ, Ben Adam, on his upcoming ordination.  Ben has accepted a call as assistant pastor / mission developer at HTLoop, and will continue to serve at South Loop Campus Ministry.  His ordination is set for  May 9th at Shalom Lutheran Church in Pinckney Michigan

e-News

First Trinity E-News Click to read more Thank you to all who attended our annual meeting on Sunday.  We passed the budget, acknowledge the extraordinary leadership of the outgoing church council members, discussed the coming year and voted in a council for next year.  Minutes from the meeting will be available soon.  We have a new newsletter for autumn/advent.  You don't want to miss two great stories (by Roxy and Barbara) about growing up at First Trinity!  Read it here. On this final Sunday of the church year our gospel is Jesus' great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In the first reading God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. We gather this day to celebrate the reign of Christ and his victory over death, yet awaiting the consummation of all things yet to come. Acknowledging Christ as our merciful ruler, we go forth that his reign may be known in our loving words and deeds. Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Psalm 95:1-7a, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46 Happy Birthday this week to Claudia!  Since we've had so many birthdays in November, we'll be celebrating with Cake after worship this Sunday.

Can you believe it's Thanksgiving already!? Give Thanks and share a meal with friends, family and community members at First Trinity. We are shooting for dinner at 5:00 but will be at the community center for cooking and fellowship from 11-7, so come by anytime! Click here or contact Rene in the office for details.