e-News

All Are Welcome! View this email in your browser

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

e-News

All Are Welcome! View this email in your browser

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!

E-News!

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

E-News!

All Are Welcome! View this email in your browser

This Sunday This week we'll (really) celebrate Camp Sunday!  Pr. Tom and the kid's are planning some special stuff for Sunday morning worship, 10:30 am.  It's going to be a good day all around with The Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group at 9:15, and Camp Games after worship! Readings: 2 Kings 4:42-44, Psalm 145:10-18, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 6:1-21 #MoralMondaysIL Our next action will take place on Monday, July 27 in Springfield. Details Here. New sink in the kitchen!  And the bathroom floor is still in progress. Join us Sunday, 9:15, as we discuss the recent issue of The Lutheran Magazine. Bring your own copy or share one of ours. Coffee, snacks, and conversation! Prayers of Thanksgiving for everyone who contributed to the building fund in the month of July.  We have raised $2962 toward our $3500 goal.  That is awesome!  If you had planed to contribute but have not done so yet, there's still time!  Click here to contribute online.

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: Aug 2 - Rev. Jonathan Breimeier preaches Aug 11 - August 14 - Jesus and Justice Camp Aug 16 - 10:30am Rally Day and Blessing of Back Packs Aug 30 - Rev.PeterV,PhD preaches,TriSox -White Sox Neighbor Game Night Sep 13 - Bishop Miller preaching Oct (TBD) 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

All Are Welcome! View this email in your browser

This Sunday A woman finds healing by touching Jesus' cloak, and a girl is restored to life when he takes her by the hand. In both cases a boundary is crossed: in Jesus' time the hemorrhaging woman was considered ritually unclean, polluting others by her touch, and anyone who touched a corpse also became unclean. In Mark's gospel Jesus breaks down barriers, from his first meal at a tax collector's house to his last breath on the cross as the temple curtain is torn in two. We dare to touch Jesus in our "uncleanness" and to live as a community that defines no one as an outsider. Readings:  Lamentations 3:22-33, Psalm 30, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Mark 5:21-43 This week we gather early for The Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group. Bring your own copy or share one of ours. Coffee, snacks, and conversation! See you at 9:15. In celebration of Pride Sunday we'll have RIC logo temporary tattoos for all who would like one on Sunday. After worship we'll celebrate June Birthdays! #MoralMondaysIL Our next action will take place on Monday, June 29at 4:00pm at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W Randolph St Community Meal at SLCM This Sunday, June 28, volunteers from First Trinity will be joining our friends at South Loop Campus Ministry to help serve their monthly community meal. Those interested in volunteering or donating food are encouraged to contact rene@firstrinitychicago.com. This is a very worthwhile experience that consists of preparing and serving a meal, and then joining in eating the meal with our guests. After clean up we gather to discuss the experience and what it means. If you can make it, you don’t want to miss this. Current and future college students are especially encouraged to come. Welcome Toby! On Sunday, July 5, we are pleased to welcome our new intern, Toby Chow! Please plan to stick around after church to get to know Toby... and let him get to know us! I know... last week I said this week... Had the date wrong.  July 5 is his real, confirmed start date! Storytelling Event! The Group Project is bringing storytelling to our auditorium!  Click the flier below for details.

E-News!

Trinity Sunday

If you are not following our instagram, you are missing out!

This Sunday When we say God is the triune God, we are saying something about who God is beyond, before, and after the universe: that there is community within God. Our experience of this is reflected in Paul's words today. When we pray to God as Jesus prayed to his Abba (an everyday, intimate parental address), the Spirit prays within us, creating between us and God the same relationship Jesus has with the one who sent him. It's going to be a great day! 9:15 - The Lutheran Magazine Study Group - Bring your copy of The Lutheran, or use one of ours. Read and discuss articles over coffee and pastry! 10:30 - Worship with guest preacher Connie Leininger After worship - Potluck Cookout and Celebration of May Birthdays!  Bring a dish to pass if you are able.   Readings: Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29, Romans 8:12-17, John 3:1-17   Facebook Oops! For a really long time we've gotten away with having a Facebook Profile (for people) rather than a page (for organizations).  Facebook caught us!  So we are in the process of moving all of our old profile stuff to our page.  Follow us!  And tell your friends! The Art Bowl On Thursday, June 11, hundreds of hand-made, ceramic bowls, created and donated by local artist and children, will be on offer to the public for a $20 (or 2/$30) contribution. After selecting a bowl people are invited to share a meal of soups and chili made by local chefs and foodies. There will even be vegetarian and vegan options! 100 percent of all contributions will go directly to the First Trinity Kid’s Activity Fund. Order tickets ahead of time for a 10% discount. Contact the church office at welcome@firsttrintiychicago if you would like to purchase raffle tickets ahead of the event or if you are interested in donating soup or bread for the event. This summer, the kids are raising money to attend Lutherdale Bible Camp, in Wisconsin. 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 Click to view email in your browser The first night of Catechemmunity was a lot of fun.  Be sure to join us next week!  The First Trinity Community Lenten Devotional is available for download, on the blog, on by following #FTLent on Facebook, Twitter and Google+, or you can just pick up a paper copy on Sunday! On Ash Wednesday the church began its journey toward baptismal immersion in the death and resurrection of Christ. This year, the Sundays in Lent lead us to focus on five covenants God makes in the Hebrew Scriptures and to use them as lenses through which to view baptism. First Peter connects the way God saved Noah's family in the flood with the way God saves us through the water of baptism. The baptismal covenant is made with us individually, but the new life we are given in baptism is for the sake of the whole world. Readings: Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-10, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15

Join our monthly early morning coffee hour. Bring your copy of The Lutheran, or we will have a few available. See you Sunday - 9:00 am, before church. All Are Welcome!

Everything you wanted to know about Lent (at First Trinity) but were not sure who to ask...

It starts now! This morning we buried the Alleluia (read Pr. Tom's blog here! to learn why we do this) and we'll use up any remaining Alleluia's at Bernice's tonight.  

Our Lenten Devotional is ready!  There are many ways to get it.  Follow #FTLent on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.  Check the Lenten Devotional page on our Blog.  Grab the PDF here on our website.  Pick up a paper copy from Rene on Ash Wednesday. 

Below is the calendar of all of the upcoming events with links (where applicable - more to come).  This calendar does not include God's Closet (Tuesdays 5-7, Fridays 10-Noon), Lectio Divina (Tuesdays 9 am), or AA (Fridays 8pm).  

Wed Feb 18, 2015 

•     Ash Wednesday!
•     Ashes 7-9:30, 11-1, 2:30-4:30
•     6:30 pm Catecummunity 
•     Ash Wednesday Worship 7:30

Sun Feb 22, 2015 

•     9:15am The Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group 
•     10:30am Worship with Communion 

Tue Feb 24, 2015 

•     6 p m Bridgeport Ecumenical Lenten Speaker Series - Darst Center

Wed Feb 25, 2015 

•     6:30 pm Catecummunity  - Who Am I?

Sat Feb 28, 2015 

•     7pm Ben's Movie Night - Racing Stripes

Sun Mar 1, 2015 

•     10:30am Worship with Communion 

Wed Mar 4, 2015 

•     6:30 pm Catecummunity - What is the Body of Christ?

Sun Mar 8, 2015 

•     Daylight Saving Time - Spring Ahead!
•     10:30am Worship with Communion 

Wed Mar 11, 2015 

•     6:30 pm Catecummunity - Who is my Neighbor?

Thu Mar 12, 2015 

•     6:30pm Bridgeport Ecumenical Lenten Speaker Series - Nativity of Our Lord Parish

Sun Mar 15, 2015 

•     10:30am Worship with Communion 

Wed Mar 18, 2015 

•     6:30 pm Catecummunity  - Who Else is my Neighbor?

Sun Mar 22, 2015 

•     10:30am Worship with Communion 

Tue Mar 24, 2015 

•     6:30pm  6 p m Bridgeport Ecumenical Lenten Speaker Series - First Trinity

Wed Mar 25, 2015 

•     6:30 pm Catecummunity - Now What?

Sat Mar 28, 2015 

•     7pm Ben's Movie Night - Shadowheart

Sun Mar 29, 2015 

•     9:15am The Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group 
•     10:30am Worship with Communion - Palm Sunday 
•     6:30 pm Seder

Thu Apr 2, 2015 

•     7pm Maundy Thursday

Fri Apr 3, 2015 

•     7pm Service of Darkness 

Sat Apr 4, 2015 

•     Easter Vigil - TBD

Sun Apr 5, 2015 

•     10:30am Easter Sunday Worship
•     12pm Easter Egg Hunt

If you still have questions, send them on over to welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com or call 312-842-7390.