Lenten Devotional: Living Well through Lent

This Lent season we are happy to be offering the devotional, Living Well Through Lent 2020: Practicing Courage With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind. The devotional includes reflections from: The Very Rev. Dominic Barrington, The Rev. Theodora Nmade Brooks, The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Anna Fitch Courie, The Rev. Jenifer Gamber, The Rev. Heidi Haverkamp, The Rev. Jan Kwiatkowski, The Rt. Rev. Samuel Rodman, and The Rev. Dr. Scott Stoner.

Print copies of the devotional are available at HTLakeview and HTLoop. You may enroll to recieve it as a daily email devotional here. A private Facebook group for Lent discussion may be found here.

The Chicago CROP Hunger Walk needs YOU.

The planning team for the Chicago CROP Hunger Walk is looking for a few new people for the team. The commitment is small and the reward is big! The team meets about 5 times to plan the Walk that happens in October each year. If you have a heart for justice and hunger or just like planning events, this is for you. Please contact Gail Angel (avanteangel@aol.com) or Jon Skogen (jskogen@cwsglobal.org)

Annual Meeting Sunday, January 26

JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING

ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 26 AT HTLakeview

following the 11am service

upstairs in Passavant Hall

bring a dish to share for the potluck

brief meeting to thank volunteers,

adopt the budget, elect new leaders,

and celebrate another year of grace at Holy Trinity

LINK HERE FOR THE ANNUAL REPORT AND MEETING MATERIALS

Winter Solstice (Pr. Craig Mueller)

The winter solstice this year will occur on December 21st at 10:19 pm. Following the shortest day of the year, days will lengthen and nights shorten.

During the final seven days of Advent the Church sings the O Antiphons during Evening Prayer. These antiphons are the basis of the beloved hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” which we will sing this coming Sunday. Read these reflections on all seven O Antiphons.

The antiphon assigned to December 21 is most appropriate for the winter solstice:

O Morning Star, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

During Advent we have been learning to sit in the darkness, savor the darkness, learn from the darkness.

In the darkness of the earth, a seed germinates. In the darkness of the night, sleep renews. In the darkness of a womb, new life emerges.

Winter has its own beauty for those who take some lingering moments to notice. May these lovely words from the sending hymn last Sunday be our solstice prayer as we long for Christ’s coming and the great celebration of the incarnation at Christmas.

Heavy clouds that block the moonlight

Now begin to drift away.

Diamond brilliance through the darkness

Shines the hope of coming day.

Christ, the morning star of splendor,

Gleams with a world grown dim.

Heaven’s ember fan to fullness;

Hearts grow warm to welcome him.

-       Mary Louise Bringle

Advent and Christmas blessings of grace and peace to you, whether you will be celebrating in Chicago or with loved ones in other places.

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: Jim and Kris Hiepler-Hartwig

Jim:     Hi, I’m Jim

Kris:    Hi, I’m Kris – Hiepler-

Jim:     Hartwig.  We are hyphenated,

Kris:    …and decaffeinated.

Jim:     We joined a year ago.

Kris:    Well I was here – you were sick so you joined via “picture on phone.”

Jim:     True enough.  So. About us - I was born in and grew up in the city of Chicago, population 2.7 million people.

Kris:    I was born in a farming community and grew up on a farm near my home town, Bellingham, 127 people.

Jim:     I was raised Missouri Synod Lutheran.

Kris:    I was raised Missouri Synod Lutheran.

Jim:     We were baptized Lutheran.

Kris:    We were confirmed Lutheran.

Jim:     And upon confirmation, we were considered “adults” so that meant…

Kris:  Ta dah!  Offering envelopes! We learned to tithe a portion of our allowance to put in the offering plate.  (mine was $.50 and Jim’s was a quarter😊)

Jim:     We mostly hung out with other Lutherans growing up and then again later when our own kids were involved in Lutheran youth groups.

Kris:    We actually met in a Lutheran church parking lot. That makes us “churchy” in some circles :--)

Jim:     We have spent our lives volunteering, working, and being a part of the church, mostly where everyone was pretty much like us

K/J:      And then we found Holy Trinity.

Jim:     There is a lot to be thankful for here –

Kris:    the welcome,

Jim:     the music,

Kris:    the sermons…

Jim:     But there is one thing that sort of found us. We joined the anti-racism team at Holy Trinity. We discovered something that we didn’t know we were missing and it has started something new that is growing within.

Kris:    We are learning about the systemic racism that resides within -  us, our families, our community, our country. We are starting to understand our role in the marginalization of people who are LGBTQIA, people of color, of disparate economic means or no means, or who face mental and physical challenges.

Jim:     We have rediscovered purpose in our “been-there-done-that,-have-the t-shirt gave-it-away lives” We’ll admit, we were kinda tired Lutherans.  We might have been looking for a place to “rest.”  But Holy Trinity is not a place you come to hide out.

Kris:    At Holy Trinity there is great leadership, and fabulous programming…and we are Lutheran – so we eat well here, right?

Jim:     We know that there are many ways to plug in to good community service. There are many ways to help a broken world financially. People don’t have to come to a church to do good in the world. Social media has made it possible to plug in to every possible good cause.

Kris:    We have chosen to support Holy Trinity with our resources, both time and financial, along with talents, because the work here inspires us.  At HT there is also a spiritual challenge to grow in our faith, and in the understanding that Jesus loves us. ALL; we come here to fill that well – we need it to walk in the world waiting outside those doors.

Jim:     Building good solid foundations and relationships takes time and energy – something that God renewed in us when we committed to being a part of community here. Holy Trinity is not just a plug and play energizer bunny.  It’s the conduit for the energy and inspiration that God is waiting to give each of us.

K/J:     We are thankful for Holy Trinity.

Faith Story: Jonas Ellison

Hi, I’m Jonas Ellison and my family and I‌ have been members of Holy Trinity for a little over a year now. I’m a first-year, full-time seminarian pursuing a master's of divinity at LSTC and discerning my call to ministry in the ELCA. To make the distinction, I’m not a MIC resident seminarian like Troy, Melissa, Sarah, or Reed. I’m a member who happens to be a seminarian. I start my MIC next year, but I‌ hate goodbyes, so I’ll save it for then:)

I was raised Roman Catholic (hands?). Later in life, I started to question my faith altogether. Was God really an abusive father who killed his only son because of us? Did God truly despise people of certain sexual orientations and religions (and those who didn’t identify with any religion)? Why couldn’t priests be female or married? How could God be so disgruntled by His own creation?

In my early 20s, I identified as spiritual-but-not-religious and did so for almost two decades. A couple years ago, I found myself drawn to three seemingly paradoxical things: progressive Christianity, orthodox Christianity, and contemplative/mystical Christianity. How and where in the world would I‌ find a faith community that embraces all three? 

Holy Trinity was and is that place: A sacred space that welcomes all to the table (even a heretic like me). One that embraces a progressive worldview while remaining rooted in ancient orthodox theology. One that provides that holy comma every week where I can rest my weary soul and allow God’s grace to swoop in and soften my heart. One that encourages my endless questions - and even doubts. 

This is a community that my wife and I feel safe raising our daughter in and it’s the reason that I enrolled in seminary and devoted my life to carrying on this tradition in whatever ways that I can. This is why we financially support Holy Trinity and our mission - to help make this the new norm in the Christian faith. It’s a bold endeavor, for sure - but one that we feel divinely privileged to be a part of. Thank you.  

Faith Story: Ayriole Frost

I didn’t grow up going to church. My grandfather on my father’s side was a Methodist minister and my mother was raised Catholic, but my family was much more interested in mysticism and spirituality rather than organized religion. I’ve since found out that had much to do with how my grandfather was treated by the Methodist church, but that’s a story for another day. I studied many different faith traditions, and considered myself pagan for a while; even now, some of my spiritual practices are rooted in the ancient practices of West Africa that I’ve learned from my father. I’ve always felt the presence of a higher power, but was resistant to organized religion. Suffice it to say, I read the bible, but it was more like the same way I read Lord of the Rings; a book of epic tales where I desperately searched for the voices of women and was sorely disappointed. I still love the stories and the world they create, but neither of these sagas pass the Bechdel test.

My introduction to church life was through being a musician. I participated in a Methodist choir in college and have always loved sacred music, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that when my college friend Sean Diller asked me to play here at Holy Trinity in 2012, I was blown away and never wanted to leave. We can all agree that the music here is on a level unparalleled; however, the music alone would not have convinced me to become a member of Holy Trinity or give financially. As a professional musician with 5 different jobs, my funds are limited; but my mother and I made the decision to give regularly and to contribute to the capital campaign.

What convinced me to do both of those things is what Holy Trinity stands for; radical inclusivity. While we still have our work cut out for us with our Anti-racism covenant and ministry, I’ve never encountered an institution of any kind, faith-based or not, that was willing to do the hard work of anti-racism and that truly wants to be a place that is inclusive of anyone who wants to be a part of it. A place that has been patient with me as I learned the meaning and significance of liturgy and the liturgical year in order to contribute more fully as a musician and staff member. A place that brings new meaning and perspective to the stories I read as a child. A place that truly wants to be welcoming of anyone who walks in the door, and is never finished with the work it requires to do so. I never imagined a place like Holy Trinity existed, and I’m happy to be a part of it.

Advent/Christmas Schedule

Wednesday, December 11

+ 7pm – Holden Evening Prayer (HTLakeview)

Thursday, December 19

+ 6:30pm – Blue Christmas/Longest Night Service (HTLoop)

Saturday, December 21

+ 6pm – A Hygge Holiday at HTLoop following 5pm Worship (HTLoop)

Fourth Sunday of Advent + Saturday/Sunday, December 21/22

+ Normal Weekend Schedule – 5pm Saturday at HTLoop; 9am and 11am on Sunday at HTLakeview

+ No Sunday School

Christmas Eve + Tuesday, December 24

+ 4:30pm – Family Christmas Eve Liturgy (HTLakeview)

+ 4:30pm – Family Christmas Eve Liturgy (HTLoop)

+ 8pm – Grace Episcopal’s Christmas Eve Liturgy (HTLoop)

+ 9:45pm - Pre-service music (HTLakeview)

+ 10:00pm - The Christ Mass (HTLakeview)

Christmas Day + Wednesday, December 25

+ 10am - Christmas Day Eucharist (HTLakeview)

First Sunday of Christmas + Saturday/Sunday, December 28/29

+ Normal Weekend Schedule – 5pm Saturday at HTLoop; 9am and 11am on Sunday at HTLakeview

+ No Sunday School

Epiphany + Saturday/Sunday, January 4/5

+ Saturday, 5pm – Epiphany Festival Eucharist at HTLoop

+ Sunday, 9am – Epiphany Festival Eucharist at HTLakeview w/Choir and Children’s Participation

+ Sunday, 10:15am – Epiphany Reception with Three Kings Cake

+ No Sunday School

Giving Tree

The giving tree is back and this year the goal that Holy Trinity, with the help of Grace Episcopal, has set is to purchase two hundred $25 Target gift cards to benefit the guests of the South Loop Community Table! We will have 200 tags next to the tree. For each gift card you plan to purchase or for which you will make a donation, please write your name on a tag and hang it on the tree. Then, either make a donation online at giving.htchicago.org and we’ll buy the gift card(s) for you or bring your purchased gift cards to church by the night of December 21 or the morning of December 22. Cards may be placed in the offering baskets at either HTLakeview or HTLoop or given to Pr. Ben or Beau Surratt.

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.

Turkeys Needed!

On Sunday November 24, the South Loop Community Table is in need of four fully cooked turkeys for our Thanksgiving meal. Would you be able to cook and deliver a turkey on the 24th at 6:45pm at Second Presbyterian Church (1936 S Michigan)? If so, please contact Pastor Ben (badams@htchicago.org) and let him know!

An Anti-Racist Reformation

Perhaps like many of you, I look forward to celebrating Halloween this weekend and next week. Our neighbors host a fantastic Halloween party each year; costumes required, so it is sure to be spooky and crazy fun. 

But what I’m really looking forward to this weekend is wearing red on Sunday. Why? Because it’s Reformation Sunday, and at HTLC we only make a big deal about the Reformation about once every 500 years or so when there’s a big anniversary to celebrate. Recently a former pastor donated a beautiful red chasuble to us, so it’s time to celebrate with Reformation red again. 

Seriously though, a fun fashion opportunity is not the reason we are recognizing the Reformation this year. The church is constantly reforming, re-imagining itself and making changes to be more inclusive for everyone whom God adores. 

The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther challenged the church’s theology about salvation and sacraments. On October 31st he nailed 95 theses (statements or protests) which initiated a religious movement that became known as Protestantism (It’s not just for Lutherans).

Diana Butler Bass, American Christian historian, wrote

It strikes me as interesting that those who followed the teaching of the new reform movement did not come to be known as ‘Reformists,’ instead of ‘Protestants.’ Luther and his associates were protesters rather than reformers—they stood up against the religious conventions of the day, arguing on behalf of those suffering under religious, social and economic oppression. These religious protesters accused the church of their day of being too rich, too political... having sold its soul to the powerful. The original Protestants preached, taught and argued for freedom—spiritual, economic and political—and for God’s justice to be embodied in the church and the world.

It is time to put the protest back in Protestantism.

The heart of Protestantism is the courage to challenge injustice. Protestantism opened access for all people to experience God’s grace and God’s bounty, not only spiritually but actually. The early Protestants believed that they were not only creating a new church, but they were creating a new world, one that would resemble more fully God’s desire for humanity. The original Protestant impulse was to resist powers of worldly dominion and domination in favor of the power of God’s spirit to transform human hearts and society. Protestants were not content with the status quo. They felt a deep discomfort within. They knew things were not right. And they set out to change the world.

This Reformation Sunday we have the opportunity to get our protest on. To challenge injustice. To stand up against racism. To commit to learning about our own place in a racially unjust system.

Maybe you, like me, and like the early reformers, feel a deep discomfort within and know things are not right. Are you ready to set out to change the world? If not the world, to change yourself? We have an opportunity to engage with the Chicago Metro Synod working toward long-term anti-racist congregational transformation. This weekend we will sign a covenant with Another Pebble, the Synod Anti-Racism team, for a two year process of learning, engaging, advocating and changing.   

Join our staff, congregational council, the anti-racism team and the rest of the community in wearing red this weekend to worship. Bring a red pen too. Let’s sign this covenant and begin the good, holy work of protest and reformation that will transform us, our congregation and our world.

Play an instrument in worship!

Do you play an instrument? Or have you played in the past and would love a reason to dust it off again? The music ministry at Holy Trinity is asking for volunteers to play prelude music solo or as part of a small ensemble. This is open to musicians of all ages and levels! Ayriole Frost, Music Assistant, will work with you to find appropriate music or pair you with the right people. We are especially happy to include young people. See Ayriole after the service on Sunday or email her at music@htchicago.org.

Intersections

Intersections can be risky and dangerous. Whether on foot, on a bike, or in a car, extra caution is needed when approaching an intersection.

Recently I was a behind a car turning left and was already in the intersection. The other turned car so late that by the time I followed, a red-light camera got a picture of my car and license plate and I got a very expensive ticket!

At Holy Trinity we make connections between church and world—how our baptismal calling intersects with the way we live, work, vote, serve, volunteer, and pray. Holy Trinity has a long commitment to bringing our faith into the public sphere. For many this intersection is reflected in the radical welcome we announce in worship.

Our community began to work on inclusivity in the early 1990s when gays and lesbians were publicly welcomed into every aspect of parish life. This passion for justice naturally leads to others. In fact, intersectionality is the way that many describe forms of discrimination (racism, sexism, homophobia, classism) that overlap. Our commitment to environmental justice is another example as climate change usually affects the most vulnerable in society.

Holy Trinity’s commitment to antiracism work has grown gradually over the past 15 years. At least 24 persons have attended a 2.5 antiracism training event. We have had several council and congregational retreats focused on racial justice. A number of books have been read and discussed. A passionate antiracism team has guided this work.

The weekend of September 28-29 will mark the beginning of Holy Trinity's two-year partnership with the Antiracism Team of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA. Through this partnership, Holy Trinity will work with a leader from the Synod Team to discern and enact a plan for the future. What does it mean to do the work of dismantling institutional racism in our church? The Synod Team describes the process as follows: "Challenging racism requires us to look beyond individual acts of prejudice towards the systemic barriers that marginalize members of our family; barriers embedded in our policies and procedures, in our faith tradition, practices and beliefs."

We ask that you join us for an important forum this weekend: following HTLoop worship this coming weekend on Saturday, September 28 and HTLakeview worship on Sunday, September 29.

We will make a commitment as a congregation to this work on Reformation Sunday, October 26/27. The church’s call to continuing Reformation is an intersection worth our reflection and response!

Falling With Grace

You remember that scene in Toy Story when Buzz Lightyear shows up and shows off by flying around Andy’s bedroom? Woody, Andy's other toy, is threatened by Buzz’s abrupt and flashy entrance on the scene, and Woody quickly points out that Buzz wasn’t flying, he was “falling with style.”  Woody was right, Buzz couldn’t actually fly, but Woody also quickly found out how difficult it was to convince Buzz or any of the other toys who witnessed Buzz’s acrobatic display otherwise.

Falling with style, I was thinking about that phrase as we fall back into another academic year, and as the season of Fall approaches. How might we apply that phrase, falling with style, to this new school year and season that we are about to embark upon?  Falling with style reminds me that even though our lives might be in free fall, and even though we might be falling though on some of our commitments and responsibilities, we can still exercise some intentionality and try to spot and stick our landing.

I was reminded of this idea of spotting and sticking landings as I watched American Gymnast Simone Biles win her sixth national title. She did so by completing what no other gymnast had ever done before, a double double (two flips and two twists) off the balance beam, and a triple double (three flips and two twists) during her floor routine. Watching her in slow motion shows just how much awareness she possesses to be flipping and spinning in the air while still managing to spot and stick her landing.  

Talk about redefining falling with style, and while we might not have as much talent as Simone Biles, we can still be inspired to spot and stick our landings as we attempt to fall with style through life. And as people of faith, maybe our theological spin we could put on that phrase is to say, “falling with grace.”  I like that more. Because it’s hard to look as stylish as Simone Biles or Buzz Lightyear when we fall, but we can relax into our fall trusting in God’s abundant grace to catch us. Maybe knowing that, we’ll scream and flail a bit less because the gentle embrace of God will receive us and put us back on our feet.

Leadership Lab 2019

Close to 1,000 attendees from 2 countries (USA and Australia), 21 states, the territory of Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia converged on the campus of Augustana College in Rock Island, IL for Leadership Lab this summer. I was able to be one of those attendees for the week long camp. Leadership Lab (LL) is a collaborative effort of the 3 Illinois Synods of the ELCA. The mission of LL is “To be an active LABORATORY, practicing church leadership for the future”.

Leadership Lab is designed to teach students leadership skills as they encounter Jesus within the community. The mission is that students will grow in the faith while learning skills they can take back to their churches, schools and communities. There are six unique levels of learning, all designed for high school, young adult and adult ages.

Last year I was able to attend the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston, TX. My experience at lab reminded me of the fun times our youth group had together at the Gathering. Every day we gathered in small groups, enjoyed free time on the campus and participated in contemporary worship in the morning and the evening. Coming from a church that practices traditional, liturgical worship this whole contemporary worship thing was a bit of a shock to my system but I enjoyed the music and appreciated a different perspective of worship.

Aside from the daily events my week at Augustana was a really cool way to experience living on my own on a college campus. Every walk I took was like a self-guided campus tour. I was able to use all of the campus facilities. The athletic facilities, classrooms, auditorium, library, coffee shop, book store and my favorite part…the cafeteria. There were so many options for great food. Italian, Asian, American, soups, salad, sandwiches…you name it, they had it. I could see why people are concerned about the dreaded “Freshman 15”.

I had a great time at Lab and enjoyed my experience. I wanted to write this piece for the eNews because I see so many kids at Holy Trinity these days. It’s never too early for them to start thinking about Leadership Lab. Any youth from Holy Trinity going into their freshman year of high school can attend. I wish I had become a “labber” prior to heading into my senior year. The other thing that would have been nice is having other youth from Holy Trinity attend. My hope is that in future years Holy Trinity can send a group of kids to Lab. (Luckily our very own Ken Duckmann has been a Lab volunteer for 20 years so I had a friend around to show me the ropes)

If you’d like to learn more about Leadership Lab feel free to reach out myself or Ken.

Super Sundays in September at HTLakeview

Join us for a special forum after the 9:30am liturgy at HTLakeview the last three Sundays in September. On these Sundays when we’re getting back to our normal routines at school and home, we enjoy the opportunity for post-liturgy forums before we return to our two-service schedule on October 6.

• September 15 – Faith and Mental Health with Pr. Brooke Petersen, LPC

• September 22 – Byzantine Iconography with Pr. Craig Mueller

• September 29 – Antiracism Initiative Kickoff

Sing with the Holy Trinity Choir!

The 2019-2020 Holy Trinity Choir season is under way! If you have been thinking about becoming a part of the music ministry at Holy Trinity in this way, this is the year to do it! Extensive experience is not required, although note reading ability is important. Rehearsals convene on Sunday mornings at 8:30am or 9am, depending on which service we sing. The schedule is available for the entire 2019-2020 season. For further information, speak to David Brackley or Ayriole Frost, or email David at dbrackley@htchicago.org.