Faith Story: Tom and Laura Spalla

Having kids changed our outlook on religion. Both of us growing up Catholic, the easy path would have been continuing the many generations of following the Catholic ways. We both felt we wanted something different. On our quest for a new faith tradition, we were seeking a place where the teachings were aligned with our beliefs. A place that had a strong sense of community, where integrity was a way of life and judgement wasn’t a by-product. We were looking for spirituality that would allow us to raise our children without hesitation of beliefs. A place to fully embrace, to be yourself or find yourself, characterized by compassion with a strong moral compass.

After visiting several churches on the north side, we eventually stumbled upon Holy Trinity. We were immediately struck by the inclusivity message as many are. It was also refreshing to see the commensurate partnership when it comes to leaders of the church, people of multiple genders equally taking part in the ceremony and duties. Everyone we met was genuine and welcoming. Sermons were thought provoking and relevant with an amazing choir and music unlike any church ceremonies either of us had experienced. It felt ‘right’ from the first visit. Somewhat like a successful first date, we knew we wanted to have a second, so we ended up attending the following Sundays. It didn’t take long to realize we found our place.

Holy Trinity has become an anchor within our lives. Youth activities including Sunday school and the youth group program have allowed our kids to be involved in something bigger than themselves, opening their minds and hearts. We have both taken on roles within Holy Trinity to get involved as much as we’re able, which is another great attribute within Holy Trinity. The unassuming nature of belonging and getting involved.

Holy Trinity is a special place with ineffable charm, genuine people with welcoming spirits, and talent among its members that has always awed us. We are proud to support Holy Trinity and its future and we are excited to see how it will continue to flourish with all it has to offer. We are proud to call Holy Trinity our spiritual home.

Faith Story: eric bjorlin

I grew up in the church. From my earliest of days, I recall myself in a pew on the left side, a few rows back from the front (where I still attempt to sit today). I was involved high school youth group and very active in my college campus ministry. When I graduated, I could have continued to attend my college church, but in starting my journey as a young professional, I sought community and connection with others in a similar life position as I continued my faith journey. Holy Trinity was recommended as a possible good fit, and I've been a member (though not always a local one) ever since.

Holy Trinity pulls together all that I value in worship and has been a comfortable place for me to find my spiritual home. The liturgy, the gospel message, but perhaps above all the music. Music digs deeper than words and logic (my usual go-to's) and stirs my soul. Whether on Easter morning, All Saints Day, or just a green summer Sunday, I know I can count on worship at Holy Trinity to touch me down to my spiritual core.

As my life has ebbed and flowed—different addresses, partners, jobs—my connection to Holy Trinity has held steady. Though my specific time and financial commitments to Holy Trinity have changed, dictated by changes to my external life and income, pledging and providing support is an important part of my commitment to Holy Trinity. Like any institution, Holy Trinity needs resources to survive and continue to provide the many opportunities it supplies us, which is why it's important for all of us to commit and pledge to support Holy Trinity in the year ahead.

Perhaps what I most value about Holy Trinity is it's openness to the voice of the Spirit and an openness to change. Holy Trinity is not perfect, but instead of letting that be something to run from, Holy Trinity continues to discern ways to be more committed to the gospel message. It's been a joy to see the specific statements of radical inclusion and mission developed in recent years, and I'm beyond excited for the deepening of anti-racism work of our congregation, an issue extremely important for me.

Holy Trinity commits to its values of love, inclusion, and anti-oppression in all we do, and that's why I commit to Holy Trinity with my time, talents, and treasure.

Faith Story: Kurt Reichardt

This is an "end of life" story. Of course it has a beginning, too. Just as the "no one lighting a lamp puts it under a bushel" (Matt 5:15) doesn't start there, but rather with "You are the light of the world." WOW! In Baptism, marked with the Cross of Christ forever, be THAT!

Well then, the beginning is this: as with many of you, we came upon Holy Trinity with a relocation. However, it wasn't for the kids or the neighborhood, but for that final room to light our flickering lamp. We were looking for authentic, reverent liturgy, great music, preaching that was forward looking and theologically sound, people who valued diversity (we are a mixed race family) and yes, where social ministry outreach blossoms, the poor and anguished are fed, and where LGBTQIA+ and "straight folks" worship and work side by side. Moreover, we wanted to realize that "impossible dream" before my spouse would suffer the end ravages of Alzheimer’s Disease. Good luck.

But you are not surprised that we found that congregation, that staff, those welcoming people who understand that the charge to be "the light of the world" means "Us. Here. Now." We found it because our daughter and son-in-law met our skepticism with Philip’s advice to Nathanael: "Come and see!" Joyce joined the choir, I prepared the Altar and we began to repeat that invitation just as others here do. There isn’t a supplied Evangelism program here. People come because they are compelled to tell others what they have found – what we are privileged to experience. That is why we return thanksgiving not only in service, but by financial support of Holy Trinity’s Word and Sacrament gathered hospitality, service and outreach ministries.

Since our second location’s genesis in the South Loop, you will most likely find me there with my family worshiping late each Saturday afternoon along with 30-50 members and seekers, perhaps reading a lesson or sharing hospitality. Joyce was committed in burial there almost two years ago, as she was commended to Eternal Life in a full Eucharistic Choral Service at our Lakeview site three months later. I’m now one of our oldest members; that is why I said "This is an end of life story." For we came here committed to this being where we will light our lamps to shine along with yours in the Winter of our earthly lives. It is where I implore you to join me in affirming Isaiah’s call (Is. 60:1) in a musical cacophony: "Arise shine; for your light has come..." – as a first cadre in support of those next century Holy Trinitarians, witnessing that "the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." Come and See.