Liturgy at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church November 11, 2018 + 9am and 11am Third Sunday before Advent Widows are visible everywhere in today s readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn t see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance.
Prelude Gigue (from Cello Suite #3) J.S. Bach (1685-1750) Help Us Create SACRED SPACE by powering down Please do not use cell phones and other electronic devices. The ringing of the meditation bowl calls us to silence, centering and reflection as we prepare for worship. As you pass the baptismal font upon entering or leaving the church, and/or on the way to communion, you may dip your hand in the water and make the sign of the cross. This is an ancient body prayer to remember you are a baptized child of God. Simply touch your forehead to chest, then your left to right shoulder. GATHERING Gathering Hymn Greeting Stand Turn to face the cross as it enters; you may bow as the cross passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. OUR LITURGY IS MULTI-SENSORY and shows the significance of our bodies and all of God s creation. Used in many religions, the sweet smell of incense represents the rising of our prayers and the aroma of Christ spreading in procession throughout the world. We honor (cense) the primary symbols of the liturgy: the people, font, ambo (lectern), book of scriptures, cross, and table (altar). #854 Blessing and Honor During the greeting the presiding minister and assembly bow toward one another. We learn from Eastern cultures the deep significance of a bow as a sign of mutuality and the presence of Christ among us. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. Prayer of the Day Let us pray Amen. ~ be seated ~ [2]
WORD We join with the widow to honor the proclaimed word of God, and we willingly give what we have to feed the needy. The miracle story, yet another Old Testament story of God s providing food, is a metaphor for 1 Kings 17:8-16 Deuteronomic theology. Yet the contemporary Christian who receives the word is also mysteriously fed by God. We join with the widow to honor the proclaimed word of God, and we willingly give what we have to feed the needy. The miracle story, yet another Old Testament story of God s providing food, is a metaphor for Deuteronomic theology. Yet the contemporary Christian who receives the word is also mysteriously fed by God. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Kyrie First Reading Refrain: Psalm 146 Setting: Hal H. Hopson The cantor/choir sings the refrain and the assembly repeats. The cantor/choir sings the verses. O praise the Lord, God s pow r proclaim, with all your soul, now bless God s name. Go forth to sound God s praise abroad, and ever bless the Lord, your God. Refrain Trust not the temp ral things that die, but on the living God rely. Trust in the Lord who gave you birth, who made the heav n the sea and earth. Refrain God s truth unchanged shall ever stand, God saves you from the evil hand. In God the sad a helper find, God feeds the poor and heals the blind. Refrain Yes, God shall reign for evermore; Praise God, O Zion, come, adore. The Lord is heav n s eternal King, to God all praise and honor bring. Refrain [3]
Second Reading Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel Acclamation Setting: Carl Schalk The choir/cantor sings the Alleluia and the assembly repeats. The choir/cantor sings the verse. Gospel Mark 12:38-44 As the gospel is announced, you may trace a small cross on your forehead, lips and breast, a prayer that the Word may dwell in our minds, on our lips and in our hearts. Sermon Silence Hymn of the Day Like the widow in Mark, Christ gave all he had. In Jewish thought, the blood carries the life of the animal. Whether or not we anticipate a literal second coming of Christ, we daily await God s salvation. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Stand to welcome the gospel as Christ the Word of God as it is proclaimed among us in this place and time. Turn to face the book as the gospel is read in the midst of the assembly, a sign of Christ among us. Verse: Alleluia The LORD raises up the poor from the dust, to make them inherit a seat of honor. (1 Sam. 2:8) Probably marked by a growing anti-jewish polemic within the early Christian community, the story condemns the Jewish men wearing their fringed tallith outside of prayer as being religiously ostentatious and hypocritical. Repeatedly throughout the scriptures the widow is a symbol for social helplessness. The narrative of the widow takes place in the women s court of the temple, which had receptacles for offerings. She contributes one-sixty-fourth of a laborer s day wage. Mark uses the story to anticipate the death of Christ, when he gave everything he had. The holy gospel according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Alleluia (sung as above) ~be seated~ Following the sermon there is a time of silence for reflection and quiet meditation. Our liturgy is not only made up of words, gestures and music, but also moments of silence. ~stand~ #679 For the Fruit of All Creation [4]
After each petition: Let us pray: Come, Lord Jesus. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. ~ be seated ~ MEAL A special welcome to newcomers! We invite you to fill out the yellow slip in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate when you come up for communion or as you depart. We thank you for your generous support of Holy Trinity. We seek to do church differently as we address racial justice, climate change, and take stands for the rights and dignity of all people created in the image of God. Most of our congregation gives online and you can set up one-time or recurring donations at giving.htchicago.org. This week s loose offering is designated for the Lakeview Pantry. Checks and envelope offerings support Holy Trinity s overall ministry unless designated otherwise. Offerings may be put in the plate on the way to communion or as you depart. ~stand ~ #692 We Are An Offering (sung twice) Prayers of Intercession Peace The assembly is invited to share God s peace with one another saying, Peace be with you, or similar words. Setting the Table Offertory Hymn Great Thanksgiving The thanksgiving includes the following: Dialogue [5]
Preface It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, Holy This ancient song is the musical climax of the liturgy and uses texts from Isaiah and Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. At the words blessed is he who comes, some make the sign of the cross as a connection to our baptism into Jesus death and resurrection. Thanksgiving at the Table Great is the mystery of faith: all glory to you, O God, now and forever. [6]
The Lord s Prayer As a sign of openness to the divine presence, you may join the presider in praying the Our Father with the ancient gesture of extended hands. Breaking of the Bread Please remain standing. ~ be seated ~ [7]
Communion (9am) Communion Anthem Jesus, the very Thought of Thee Dale Wood (1934-2003) (11am) Communion Anthem Jesu, the very Thought of Thee Eric H. Thiman (1900-1975) All are welcome at Christ's table, including children. Bread is received in the hands. Wine is received either by drinking from the (silver) common cup, or by saving the bread and dipping it in the second (glass) cup. Gluten-free wafers are available from the presiding minister. Those not communing may come forward for a blessing, keeping your hands folded over your chest. For those unable to consume either wine or bread, communion is received fully in either element alone. Holy Trinity s radical welcome is also an invitation to baptism and a deeper connection to community. If you are not baptized, please speak to one of the pastors to learn more about the process of adult baptism. Jesus, the very thought of thee with sweetness fills my breast; But sweeter far thy face to see, and in thy presence rest. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, Nor mem ry find a sweeter sound than thy blest name, O Savior of mankind. O hope of ev ry contrite heart, O joy of all the meek, To those who fall, how kind thou art, how good to those who seek! But what to those who find? Ah, this nor tongue nor pen can show; The love of Jesus, what it is, none but his loved ones know. Jesus, our only joy be thou, as thou our prize wilt be; Jesus, be thou our glory now, and through eternity. (Text: Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153, trans. Edward Caswall, 1814-1878) Jesu, the very thought of thee with sweetness fills my breast; But sweeter far thy face to see, and in thy presence rest. Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, Nor mem ry find a sweeter sound than thy blest name, O Savior of mankind. Jesus, our only joy be thou, as thou our prize wilt be; Jesus, be thou our glory now, and through eternity. (Text: Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153, trans. Edward Caswall, 1814-1878) Silence Prayer Blessing ~ stand~ Let us pray. brief silence Amen. [8]
SENDING Having heard the word and shared the eucharist, we are sent to live our baptism through words and deeds, making known the love of Christ, and working for justice and peace in our families, communities, and world. Turn to face the cross as it recesses, you may bow as it passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. Please see pages 10-11 for the Sending Hymn. Sending Hymn Christ Is Coming Go in peace. Christ is coming soon. Thanks be to God! Following the liturgy, several things happen simultaneously: some folks greet one another and converse; others listen to the organ postlude; and others move to the front of the sanctuary for refreshments and social time. Today s flowers are sponsored by Peter Wong. Sending Postlude (9am) Postlude on Westminster Abbey Robert A. Hobby (b. 1962) (11am) Toccata in Seven John Rutter (b. 1945) Assisting in Today s Liturgies PRESIDING MINISTER--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pr. Michelle Sevig PREACHING MINISTER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pr. Craig Mueller MINISTER OF MUSIC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ David Brackley GUITAR ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Kregor CANTOR (9am) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kim Duffy ORGAN (9am)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Beau Surratt ASSISTING MINISTER ----------------------------------------------------(9am) Ryan LaHurd; (11am) Troy Medlin INCENSE------------------------------------------------------------------(9am) Megan White; (11am) Patty Erickson CRUCIFER-----------------------------------------------------------------(9am) Micah Cisneros; (11am) Oliver Sevig SACRISTAN--------------------------------------------------------------(9am) Megan White; (11am) Ernest Vasseur COMMUNION ASSISTANT (9am) James Perez, Carol LaHurd;(11am) Phyllis Geistlinger, Michael Schnell MEDITATION BELL --------------------------------------------------------- (9am) James Perez; (11am) Julie Sevig READERS------------------------------- (9am) Lisa Snyder, Colleen Hanna; (11am) Alison Strickler, Peder Sevig INTERCESSIONS------------------------------------------------------------(9am) Carol LaHurd; (11am) Aana Vigen ACOLYTE TORCHBEARERS ----- (9am) Katie Peyton, Kyla Cisneros; (11am) Grady Donnell, Parker Spalla ALTAR PREPARATION------------------------------------------(9am) Denise Mineck; (11am) Phyllis Geistlinger WELCOME HOSPITALITY--------------------------------------------(9am) Eric Breese, Mark Stolt, Andy Snyder ---------------------------------------------------------------------------(11am) Kelly and Michael Johnson, Michael Schnell BREAD---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] Lora Swanson COFFEE HOSPITALITY----------------------------------------------------------------------------The Cisneros Family
Sending Hymn Christ Is Coming [10]
Text: John Ross Macduff, 1853, alt. Music: WESTMINSTER ABBEY, Henry Purcell, c. 1680; adapt. Ernest Hawkins, 1843 NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Fair Trade Sales Today Following the 11am Liturgy Fairly traded coffee, tea, chocolate, and more will be available for sale in the back of the church following the 11am liturgy today. Sparkling Second Sundays after the 11am Service TODAY! Join us after the 11am service today for a festive sparkling beverage! [11]
WHAT S WITH THE BLUE??? Though the days have been getting shorter since the summer solstice, the end of Daylight Savings Time jars us with sunsets that creep earlier and earlier in the late afternoon. In the next seven or so weeks, we move into a season of longer nights, shorter days, and chillier weather. Sounds like Advent! Since 2013, Holy Trinity has been experimenting with an ecumenical proposal for an expanded season of Advent. In the early centuries of the church, the length of Advent varied, and for most Orthodox Christians, the season of fasting before Christmas lasts 40 days. Though we will not officially begin the season with the lighting of the Advent wreath until December 2, the next three weeks the pastors will be wearing blue vestments, and Advent themes will creep into the prayers and hymns. This is natural since November is a hinge in the church year calendar, and the lectionary texts highlight the last times, judgment, and preparation for Christ s coming. It becomes increasingly difficult to fully celebrate Advent in December when Christmas decorations have been up in stores since the day after Halloween. December is filled with Christmas parties, concerts, shopping, and decorating. Often Advent merely becomes a season to prepare for Christmas, rather than a spiritual reflection on the coming of Christ at the end of time or the end of our lives. An expanded Advent gives us more time to reflect on these themes before the onset of December s craziness. As the days grow shorter in November and throughout Advent, we pray for the light of Christ and long for his coming. We pray that we will be ready to meet him when he comes in our Sunday assembly, in the world, and every day of our lives. [12]
***email office@htchicago.org and let us know if you can bring a pie*** [13]
Ordination of Josh Evans Saturday, December 1 + 1:30pm + HTLakeview By the grace of God and the call of the church, Josh Evans will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, December 1, at 1:30pm. Reception to follow in Passavant Hall. Josh has been called by the people of God at Unity Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin, to serve as Associate Pastor ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SCHEDULES Wednesday, December 5 + 7pm Holden Evening Prayer (HTLakeview) Sunday, December 9 + 4pm A Festival of Music for Advent and Christmas (HTLakeview) Fourth Sunday of Advent + Saturday/Sunday, December 23 + Normal Weekend Schedule 5pm Saturday at HTLoop; 9am and 11am on Sunday at HTLakeview + No Sunday School Christmas Eve + Monday, December 24 + 4:30pm Family Christmas Eve Liturgy (HTLakeview) + 4:30pm Family Christmas Eve Liturgy (HTLoop) + 9:45pm - Pre-service music (HTLakeview) + 10:00pm - The Christ Mass (HTLakeview) Christmas Day + Tuesday, December 25 + 10am - Christmas Day Eucharist (HTLakeview) First Sunday of Christmas + Saturday/Sunday, December 30 + Normal Weekend Schedule 5pm Saturday at HTLoop; 9am and 11am on Sunday at HTLakeview + No Sunday School [14]
LIFE TOGETHER Wherever you are in your spiritual life you are welcome YOU ARE INVITED TO COME AND EXPLORE YOUR SPIRITUAL QUESTIONS WITH OTHERS AT HOLY TRINITY. Life Together is a communal process of spiritual growth and renewal. Life Together is designed for those: who did not grow up Christian and/or have not been baptized; who are new to Lutheranism, liturgy, or a sacramental tradition; who are estranged from the church but are now drawn to community and communal worship; who are sensing a stirring of the Spirit, yet are filled with questions; who may have grown up Lutheran but didn t think about it when they were confirmed, and would like to learn more about Christian faith and life in community; who are parents wanting to grow in their faith as part of the baptismal promises they make on behalf of their children. LIFE TOGETHER will run from November 2018 May 2019. 1) There will be seven Wednesday evening sessions (7:00 8:30 pm) on November 28, January 16, February 6 and 20, March 20, April 3 and 24. 2) In addition, there will be two Sunday evening sessions with a meal: March 10 and April 7. 3) For more information go to: http://www.holytrinitychicago.org/ministries/formation If you are interested or would like to find out more, please speak to or email Pr. Craig Mueller at HTLakeview (cmueller@htchicago.org). Deadline: Sunday, November 18. Life Together is a place to bring questions, doubts, and hopes. Rather than being given answers (like a catechism), together we will seek wisdom for our lives from scripture, sacraments, liturgy and other Christian practices. Please share this information with others you know who may be interested in baptism, returning to church after a period away, or exploring questions of faith in a supportive, open community. [15]
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WHAT WE VALUE Our worship is ancient and new We celebrate a liturgy based on ancient patterns and rituals that go back to the early centuries of Christianity. We gather for worship to hear the scriptures and wrestle with their meaning for our lives today. We share the sacred meal of bread and wine and depart to serve a world in need. Though ancient, worship is always fresh and new as the gospel of Christ comes alive for our contemporary context. Time unplugged from electronic devices allows reflection and centering. Open to the Mystery we connect, strengthen and serve with joy. Things we re for Radical inclusivity regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, documentation or socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or religious/spiritual background. Welcoming refugees and immigrants as the biblical injunction to provide hospitality to strangers. Democracy as the means to support those who are marginalized or most vulnerable in society. Embodied gathering in real time and sacred space. Multisensory liturgy that helps us delight in God s beauty. Intentional engagement with contemporary social, theological and spiritual issues. God s creation, including human beings, that are wonderfully diverse. User-friendly liturgies. Preaching that is honest about the struggles of life and the grace of God. Robust congregational singing. Reverence and joy in worship that spills over into everyday life. Cultivating empowering relationships, not only at church but everywhere. Openness to questions and faith struggles.treasuring mystery above certainty. Things we re against Power and privilege that lead to prejudice and oppression. Systems that perpetuate white preference and advantage. Binary ways of looking at gender, sexuality, and other ways of being in the world. Political ideologies that pit love of country against service to the earth and all its people. Patriarchy and sexism that discriminate against women and gender non-conforming people. Senseless violence. Negative and hateful partisanship. Superficial responses to life s painful and difficult realities. Boring sermons. Church services that don t connect with everyday life. Equating Christianity with a particular political party. Indifference to injustice and suffering. Misuse of the earth and its resources. [17]
NEWCOMER OR FIRST TIME? WELCOME! + Whoever you are, wherever you're from, whatever the color of your skin, whomever you love or marry, or whatever your feelings about religion or spirituality, you are welcome here. + If the rituals and practices of our liturgy are new to you, please participate as you feel comfortable and are able. + Please fill out a yellow slip in the pew rack and place it in the offering basket. + More information on Holy Trinity, Lutheranism, worship practices, marriage and baptisms at the welcome table. Upcoming baptism dates: November 18, 2018; January 13, 2019 + To families with small children: We are glad you are here! If your child needs a break from the service, feel free to walk to the narthex/back of the church. Nursery: open 8:45am 12:15pm Use the garden entrance on Addison; nursery is inside the door. Special children's materials are on a rack at the back of the church. + Sunday School for children ages 4-12: Children age 4-12 are invited to join us for Sunday school each week. We begin promptly at 10am. Children age 4 through grade 2 meet upstairs in Passavant Hall. Children grades 3-6 meet in the Spiritual Life Center. Contact Pastor Sevig (msevig@htchicago.org) if you have any questions. + Offerings: We rely on the generosity of members and friends to support the programs, staff, building, and ministries of Holy Trinity and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. A large number of the congregation gives their offerings online. You can also donate online at giving.htchicago.org. We still have an offering basket available during worship as well! We appreciate your contributions of time, talent, and financial support! Welcome Dinner + TONIGHT, 5:30pm Join us for a fun and fabulous welcome dinner and get to know Holy Trinity New Members/Newcomers from the past two years. The dinner will take place at 5:30pm in Passavant Hall (upstairs, enter at 3609 N. Magnolia, neighborhood 383 parking permits provided). DO YOU CONSIDER HOLY TRINITY YOUR CHURCH HOME? Register by filling out the yellow slip in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate or register online at holytrinitychicago.org/register. You will receive our e-newsletter. [18]
HTGOALS In support of the growing ministries at Holy Trinity, please join the staff and Congregation Council in increasing your HTGoals for 2019. Name: Email: For 2019 my/our financial HTGoals are: $ weekly twice-monthly monthly annually (circle one) I/we plan to make offerings by check, cash, or manual online giving. I/we will use recurring online giving (to open an account, go to giving.htchicago.org). I/we are willing to defray the online processing fee in addition to our HTGoals noted above. HTIncrease I/we will discern increases each year and make adjustments. Sign me/us up for HTIncrease (for recurring online giving only). I authorize the church office to automatically increase my/our giving 3% 5% % in subsequent years. Please return your HTGoals by November 15. Pens are available in the back of the church. You may fill out this form and place it in the offering basket or complete it online at: htgoals.htchicago.org [19]
STAFF Holy Trinity: Lakeview 1218 W. Addison Street, 60613 office@htchicago.org Holy Trinity: Loop 637 S. Dearborn Street, 60605 info@htloop.org [20] 773.248.1233 holytrinitychicago.org Purpose Statement Open to the Mystery Connect, Strengthen, and Serve with Joy! Guiding Principles Act with courage Be radically inclusive Cultivate empowering relationships Delight in God s beauty Engage With Intention Lead Pastor Craig Mueller cmueller@htchicago.org Associate Pastor (HTLakeview) Michelle Sevig msevig@htchicago.org Associate Pastor (HTLoop) Ben Adams badams@htchicago.org Vicar Noah Herren nherren@htchicago.org Minister of Music (HTLakeview) David Brackley dbrackley@htchicago.org Administrator and HTLoop Musician Beau Surratt office@htchicago.org Music Assistant Ayriole Frost music@htchicago.org Administrator (Finance and Building) Paul Strome pstrome@htchicago.org Assistant Organist (HTLakeview) John Weit Children s Choir Director (HTLakeview) Lauren Haines Walerow Nursery Attendant (HTLakeview) Audrey Frost