Liturgy At Holy Trinity Lutheran Church September 14, 2014 + 10:30 a.m. Holy Cross Day
Prelude O crux ave ( O cross, all hail! ) Giovanni P. da Palestrina (1525-1594) Gloria in excelsis (Canzona) ( Glory in the highest! ) Claude Goudimel (1515-1572) Gathering Hymn Greeting #342 There in God s Garden ::: Gathering ::: The ringing of the meditation bowl calls us to silence, centering and reflection as we prepare for worship. Following the introduction to the hymn, please stand and face the font at the rear of the nave. Turn to face the cross as it enters; you may bow as the cross passes, honoring the mystery of our salvation. INCENSE, used in Christian and Jewish worship since ancient times, is part of our multi-sensory liturgy. The assembly, gospel book, and table all signs of Christ's presence among us are honored with incense, representing the rising of our prayers and praise. The presiding minister bows toward the assembly which is the body of Christ and the primary symbol of God s presence in the liturgy. 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. Canticle of Praise [2]
Let us pray Amen. ~ be seated ~ ::: Word ::: This enigmatic narrative, perhaps originally a memory of Asherah worship, is read alongside the gospel passage from John 3 because the fourth evangelist cites it as one image of the crucifixion. The sacred pole cured the Israelites from snakebite, and Christ's cross, although also an unspeakable method of execution, is the way through which God gives us life. Our sin is like snakebite, and it is killing us. We look to the serpent on a pole, Christ become poison for us, and we live. Prayer of the Day First Reading Numbers 21:4b-9 Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. [3]
Psalm Joy to the World The text of this hymn, though often associated with Advent or Christmas, is Isaac Watts paraphrase of Psalm 98, of which verses 1-4 are the appointed Psalmody for this day. Second Reading 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 Paul contrasts the Jewish hope for divine signs and the Greek preference for philosophical reasoning with the mystery of Christ's cross. There is much also in our world that demands miracles or trusts only human knowledge, yet as Christians we look to Christ crucified. Since Holy Cross Day comes near the opening of the academic year, the focus in this reading on the wisdom of Christ was useful for parochial schools beginning the fall semester and for students returning to their studies. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Gospel Acclamation Setting: John Helgen Sung by the cantor, repeated by the assembly Stand to welcome the gospel and turn to face the book as the gospel is read in the midst of the assembly. May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Gal. 6:14) Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. [4]
This beloved passage includes an example of early Christian exegesis of the Hebrew Scriptures, interpreting the old story as a way to understand the death of Christ. Christ's death is not his end, but is rather eternal life for all who believe. Rather than judge us at the end of time, this Son of Man saves us now. The holy gospel according to John. Glory to you, O Lord. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. (sung as above) Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. ~ 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. ~ please stand ~ Gospel John 3:13-17 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 We Glory in the Cross Text: Delores Dufner, OSB (b. 1939); Music [POTSDAM]: W. Mercer, The Church Psalter and Hymn Book (1854) After each petition: Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great. The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. ~ be seated ~ Prayers of Intercession Peace The assembly is invited to share God s peace with one another saying, Peace be with you, or similar words. [5]
::: Meal ::: Offering Offertory Anthem O love that wilt not let me go Richard Ellsasser (1926-1972) If this is your first time, or if you have been attending awhile and would like to get to know us better, please fill out the welcome slip in the pew and place it in the offering plate. Today s loose offering is designated for the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Checks and envelope offerings support Holy Trinity s overall ministry unless designated for LSTC. O love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, that in thine ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be. O light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to thee; My heart restores its borrowed ray, that in thy sunshine s blaze its day may brighter, fairer be. O joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, and feel the promise is not vain that morn shall tearless be. O cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; I lay in dust life s glory dead, and from the ground there blossoms red life, that shall endless be! (Text: George Matheson, 1842-1906) ~ please stand ~ The Great Thanksgiving [6]
The thanksgiving includes the following responses: 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. [7]
Communion Lamb of God 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 or extended over your chest. For those unable to consume either wine or bread, communion is received fully in either element alone. Communion Hymn Silence Prayer ~ be seated ~ #803 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross ~ please stand ~ [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. #660 Lift High the Cross Go in peace. Remember the poor. Thanks be to God! Blessing Sending Hymn Sending Postlude Toccata on Rathbun ( In the cross of Christ I glory ) David Cherwien (b. 1957) Join us for social time and refreshments following worship. Take this opportunity to meet someone new in our ever-changing community. Today s flowers are sponsored by Andy & Lisa Snyder in honor of their seventh wedding anniversary. [9]
Presiding Minister Michelle L. Sevig Preaching Minister Craig M. Mueller Minister Of Music David R. Brackley Cantor Caitlin Miller Trumpets Lauren Haines, Craig Mueller French Horn A.J. Diller Trombone Michael McCain ::: Serving in this Liturgy ::: Assisting Minister Joel Cruz Sacristan Patty Erickson Incense/Intercessor Megan Clausen Crucifer Forrest Stewart Torchbearers Grant & Reid Peterson Communion Assistants James Perez, Kristin Vicknair Readers Dan McAdams Alison Strickler ::: Holy Cross Day Sept. 14 ::: Bread Baker Josh Judd-Herzfeldt Altar Guild Mary Buschmann Ken Duckmann Meditation Bell Katie Mineck Coffee Hospitality Ken Duckmann, Ed Beach Russ Williams Welcome Hospitality Adam Damerow, Belle Craig, Ross & Paulina Heilbrunn In the fourth century, Queen Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, oversaw some archaeological digs in Jerusalem, during which was excavated what she and others believed to be the true cross of Jesus. A long delightful medieval legend narrates this tale, in which the wood cross that Helen found had originally been the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. The excavated true cross was displayed in Jerusalem for the people's reverence on Good Friday, and splinters of it were sent throughout the Christian world as relics that meant to connect people with the mercy of God. At one of the excavations in Jerusalem, Constantine ordered the construction of a church, and on September 14, 335, the Church of the Resurrection was dedicated. Subsequently this date became more attached to Helena's finding of the "true cross." Since then some Christians have kept this date in honor of the cross, on which Christ brought about the life of the world. The Orthodox call the festival the Elevation of the Cross. [10]
::: Parish Notes ::: Welcome To Our New Seminarians Megan Clausen and Paul Eldred are second-year students at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and will be with us from now through early May. A third student, Marcus Lohrmann, is at the University of Chicago Divinity School and will begin later in the month. New Scripture Study Begins Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - beginning September 18 The Letters of the Apostles of Paul The course will include brief videos to watch online at home and both biblical and non-biblical original source material. All are welcome! Choir Rehearsals Begin Sunday, September 21 The 2014-2015 Choir season begins on Sunday, September 21 with rehearsal in the Choir Room at 9:15 a.m. If you have been thinking about becoming a part of this exciting ministry at Holy Trinity, this is the year to do it! There are always vacancies to be filled, and new voices are welcome! Perhaps you could be one of them! Most rehearsals are held on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. Weeknight rehearsals are only occasional, and the schedule is already available for the entire 2014-2015 season. For further information, speak to David Brackley or Sean Diller, or email David at dbrackley@htchicago.org. Holy Trinity Introduction Thursday, Sept 25 Want to get connected or put down some roots in the city? Grow in faith, spirituality, or service? Holy Trinity offers INTRODUCTIONS several times a year (next session: Thursday, September 25, 7:00 8:30 pm). Come and learn about Holy Trinity and its ministry, and ways you can get connected. Whether you plan to be in the area a short or time, whether you are a lifelong Lutheran or of another or no religious background, or even ambivalent about church, you are welcome here! No pressure at the introduction; you can get as involved as you want. Some may affiliate as members or associate members; others may attend as they are able. Future Introduction Session: Monday, November 17, 2014 Contemplative Eucharist: September 29 Join us for a quiet, contemplative eucharist service as we celebrate the feast of St. Michael and All Angels on Monday, September 29 at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. [11]
Music Series Event: Save the Date Sunday, October 26th at 4:00 p.m. Classical Guitarist John Kregor will present a program of varied color, featuring music of J. S. Bach, twentieth-century Spanish composer Federico Torroba and Cuban composer Leo Brouwer among others. Admission is free, and a free-will offering will be received. Plan now to come and enjoy a quiet respite, and let your soul be refreshed! Holy Trinity Offers Saturday Night Services 5:00 p.m. at Grace Place, 637 S. Dearborn (South Loop) Join us if you are downtown, cannot attend Sunday, or would like to avoid the busy Lakeview neighborhood on Cubs home games. Plus, it s Air Conditioned! More info: htloop.org NO SERVICES AT GRACE PLACE ON SATURDAYS, SEPTEMBER 20 & OCTOBER 4 Due to other events previously scheduled. Holy Trinity Interfaith Field Experiences Please join fellow Holy Trinity members for Fall interfaith field experiences. Email Carol LaHurd (cslahurd@comcast.net) if you'd like to attend any of the following. Public transport and/or car pools will be arranged. [12] 1) Tibetan monks will be at Lake Forest College Sept. 30 through Oct. 4 to create a Tibetan Buddhist Sand Mandala. Wednesday, Oct. 1 7:00-8:30 p.m. "Traditions in Conversation: Tibetan Buddhism and Christianity" First Presbyterian Church, 700 N. Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest IL Panel discussion by Tibetan Monks and Dave Bianchin, Assoc. Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, moderated by Catherine Benton, Assoc. Prof., Religion Thursday, Oct. 2 7:00-8:30 p.m. "Tibetan Cultural Pageant" Gorton Community Center, 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL Monks perform traditional Tibetan folkdances, music, Central Asian throat-singing, and their dramatic choreographed debating style. 2) Observe Muslim Friday prayers at the American Islamic College Friday, November 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 640 W. Irving Park Rd., and meet afterward with leaders and worshippers. A related Adult Forum will be held on Sunday, Nov 9 here at Holy Trinity.
Anti-Racism Analysis Training Oct 16 Thursday, October 16 Saturday, October 18 The Metro Chicago Synod and the Episcopal Diocese's Anti-Racism teams are co-sponsoring an Analysis Training event at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Thursday 6 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. 5p.m. Holy Trinity will pay for your registration to the event. Plan to attend if you wish to further your understanding of systemic racism and move beyond the discussions that we explored at our retreat in March. Questions should be directed to: Ken Duckmann, Barbara Wahler, or Meggen Saka. Chicago CROP Walk October 19 On October 19 at 2:00 p.m., members of Holy Trinity will be walking in the annual Chicago CROP Walk. The walk starts at 2 p.m. from St. James Cathedral (Episcopal), 65 E. Huron. If you are interested in walking or sponsoring a walker, please see Ken Duckmann, who is our CROP Walk recruiter. We are working to get as many youth from Sunday School and their families along with our Sunday School Teachers to walk in the CROP Walk. You may sponsor a walker or sign up to be a part of Team HolyTLC via our website: hunger.cwsglobal.org/goto/htlc2014cropwalk. Job Opening: Parish Finance Administrator Parish Finance Administrator, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chicago, IL (.25 FTE) Holy Trinity Lutheran Church requires a part-time Parish Finance Administrator to perform all accounting and disbursement duties for a growing, dynamic congregation based in Lakeview and the South Loop. 7 10 hours per week. Ideal qualifications: accounting or financial background, experience with financial reporting processes, knowledge of ACS or similar software, active faith life. Download the full job description on our website. Job Opening: Nursery Attendant Holy Trinity is in search of a new person to care for infants and toddlers in the nursery on Sunday mornings. Please direct qualified candidates to the position description on our website and encourage them to apply ASAP. if you have any questions or referrals, please contact Pastor Sevig (msevig@htchicago.org). [13]
::: Calendar at a Glance ::: September 15 (Mon) September 18 (Thu) September 21 (Sun) @ 7:00p Meditation Group @ 9:30a Scripture Study **Cubs home game** @ 8:30a Eucharist @ 9:15a Choir rehearsal @ 9:30a Sunday School @ 10:30a Eucharist Cubs Home Game Next Sunday Take public transit, carpool or arrive early Parking can be challenging!! Worship Acknowledgements Text and music for the liturgy is reprinted from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2007 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License # 26481. Holy, Holy, Holy, Acclamation, Amen. Music: A Community Mass, Richard T. Proulx (b. 1937) 1971 GIA Publications. Unless otherwise noted, all other music and text reprinted under permission of OneLicense.net #A-707777. [14]
::: Newcomer or First Time? Welcome! ::: + Whoever you are, wherever you're from, whatever the color of your skin, whoever you love or marry, or whatever your feelings about religion or spirituality, you are welcome here. + Please fill out a yellow slip in the pew rack and place it in the offering plate. + More information on Holy Trinity, Lutheranism, worship practices, marriage and baptisms at the welcome table. Upcoming baptism dates: November 9 + 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 8:15-11:30 a.m. Use the garden entrance on Addison; nursery is inside the door. Special children's bulletins are on a table at the back of the church. + Assisted hearing devices are available for those hard of hearing. Speak to an usher for details. + 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 through Electronic Funds Transfer. You can also donate online at giving.htchicago.org, or just scan the QR code to the left with your smartphone. We still pass the offering plate as well! We appreciate your contributions of time, talent, and financial support! MEET KATIE Meet Katie Mineck, our Community Life Coordinator, at the back of the church following worship. She would be happy to answer questions or make an introduction. Contact her at clc@htchicago.org or Pr. Craig Mueller at cmueller@htchicago.org. NEW TO HOLY TRINITY?: Intro to Holy Trinity Event Thursday, September 25, 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 17, 7:00 p.m. 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. [15]
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 Holy Trinity: Lakeview 1218 W. Addison Street office@htchicago.org Holy Trinity: Loop 637 S. Dearborn Street info@htloop.org phone: 773.248.1233 web: holytrinitychicago.org Pastor Craig M. Mueller cmueller@htchicago.org Associate Pastor Michelle L. Sevig msevig@htchicago.org Parish Administrator Joshua R. Judd-Herzfeldt office@htchicago.org ::: Staff ::: Minister of Music David R. Brackley dbrackley@htchicago.org Community Life Coordinator Katie Mineck clc@htchicago.org Accountant Lynn Horn lhorn@htchicago.org Music Assistant Sean Diller music@htchicago.org [16] A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America