Week of Sunday, July 30

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Click here to read with photos!

As Solomon prays for wisdom, we seek to more deeply know the treasures of faith. In today’s gospel Jesus offers everyday images that reveal to us the reign of God: a tree that becomes a sheltering home, yeast that penetrates and expands, a treasured pearl, a net that gains a great catch. Even as we seek the riches of God’s reign, the great surprise is that God’s grace finds us first!

Readings and Psalm
1 Kings 3:5-12 Solomon’s prayer for wisdom

Psalm 119:129-136 When your word is opened, it gives light and understanding. (Ps. 119:130)

Romans 8:26-39 Nothing can separate us from God’s love

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Parables of the reign of heaven

Redevelopment Process

Focusing on our mission

First Lutheran Church of the Trinity has entered into a redevelopment partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the ELCA.

The redevelopment process is focused not only on sustainability of resources, but on creating a culture where our congregation is participating in the work of the spirit.

Each month our redevelopment team will identify something new to focus on, or we will continue to work in the areas recommended by the Synod. These areas are Growth, Shared Leadership, Discipleship, Stewardship, Contextual and Relevant Worship, and an Inclusivity Plan.

We are a faith community

Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest time is coming up soon. Would you like to help make it happen? Please speak to Rene (in the office) soon!

Everything that Rises
Everything that Rises is one of the many incredible art organizations that use our auditorium for performances. They perform an unscripted storytelling show with live music, visual projections and more! On Sunday, August 6 they will be doing a performance that I encourage our (adult) members to attend. They are a great example of the oral storytelling tradition that we will learn about in our upcoming Storytelling workshop (see below!)

Called to grow in the Spirit

Tuesday Bible Study

Bible Study is on break until September. Every Tuesday we meet to read and discuss the Bible and share prayer together. All Are Welcome + You Are Invited. Tuesdays 7 pm in the Community Center Kitchen.
Living Lutheran Discussion Group

Living Lutheran is a publication of the ELCA that is distributed free to all members. Each month we gather on the last Sunday of the month at 9:15 am to discuss the recent issue. Join us in the community center kitchen for this months meeting, July 30.

Bring a copy of Living Lutheran or use one of ours! All Are Welcome + You Are Invited!

First Trinity Kids

Godly Play – For youth ages 3-11, every Sunday (during the school year) at 9:15 am.

Confirmation – For youth ages 12-16, 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Speak to Pastor Tom to sign up!

FTKids Announcements:

We are looking forward to restarting Godly Play in the fall, but we need more leaders. If you would like to learn more about leading Godly Play, please speak to Erika. Leaders will need to take part in a training which will be scheduled soon.

Jesus and Justice Camp, our summer’s evening camp is back once again at First Trinity in Bridgeport. 6-9PM, August 1-4. Join us for food, fun, arts, crafts, games, and worship for kids 6-16. And Real Talks (for kids 12+). Want more info? Wanna register? Visit Facebook, email welcome@firsttrinitychicago.com or call us at 312.842.7390. We suggest a $20 donation to cover 4 meals, but of course NO KID WILL BE TURNED AWAY! Promise.

Worship Leaders Training
Calling all current and aspiring worship leaders! Join us on Saturday, August 19 for a Worship Leader Training. All are welcome.

What’s Your Story Workshop
We’ve been sharing our stories in worship, and it has been a great experience for many who have shared and listened. Pastor Rebecca teaches storytelling workshops and has agreed to lead one here at First Trinity to help us get more comfortable with sharing. Please join us! Saturday, September
16, 10am-1pm.

Love as Christ loves us

God’s Closet

Hours:
Tuesday 5-7 pm
Friday 10 am – Noon
Sundays after worship until 1 pm

God’s Closet is our free, volunteer run clothing pantry. All are welcome to take clothes, donate, share or serve a meal. If you are interested in serving a meal please contact gcloset@firsttrinitychicago.com.

Participate in God’s liberating work of justice and peace.

Bridgeport Alliance
Those interested in working to bring justice and peace to our community are encouraged to join Bridgeport Alliance. BA was founded in part by members of First Trinity and continues to meet in our kitchen (at least) monthly. If you are interested contact info@BridgeportAlliance.org or visit their Facebook page.

Books to Prisoners
Midwest Books to Prisoners has been meeting at First Trinity for several years now, under the leadership of Bob, our Director of Music. They are always looking for help sorting and packing books, reading and responding to letters, donating books (especially dictionaries) and donations for postage. See Bob or visit their Facebook page for more information.

Weekly Activities:
Sunday: Worship 10:30 am
Monday: Office Closed
Tuesday: Lectio Divinia 9 am, God’s Closet 5-7, Bible Study 7 pm
Friday – God’s Closet 10-noon, Office Hours 10-Noon, AA 8:00

Monthly Activities:

Last Sunday of Each Month – 9:15am Living Lutheran Magazine Discussion Group
Last Thursday of Each Month – Bridgeport Alliance – 7pm

Check out some of the groups who meet or perform in our space: The Bridge, The Glint, LGBT Neighbors in Bridgeport, Midwest Books to Prisoners, The Group Project, and more!

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

Upcoming Dates:
Sun, Jul 16 Tri-Sox
Sun, Jul 23 – Fri, Jul 28 – FT Kids at Camp
Tue, Aug 1 – Fri, Aug 4 – Jesus and Justice Camp
Sat, Aug 5 – Thu, Aug 10 – FTKids in Iowa
Sat, Aug 19 – Worship Leaders Workshop
Sun, Sep 3 – Rally Day
Mon Sep 4 Labor Day
Sun, Sep 10 Godly Play Begins – Tentative
Sat, Sep 16 – Share Your Story Workshop
Sun, Oct 1 Pet Blessing
Sun, Oct 8 – FTKids Volunteer at South Loop Community Table
TBD – Oktoberfest
Sun, Oct 29 Reformation Sunday
Tue Oct 31 Reformation Day
Sun Nov 5 All Saints Sunday, Dia De Los Muertos
Sun, Nov 5 Daylight Savings Time
Thu, Nov 23 Thanksgiving Day
Sun Nov 26 Christ the King
Sun, Dec 3 Advent 1
Sun, Dec 10 Advent 2
Sun, Dec 17 Advent 3
Sun, Dec 24 Advent 4
Sun, Dec 24 Christmas Eve
Mon, Dec 25 Christmas Day