Week of Sunday, January 14
2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Feast Day of Martin Luther King Jr., Renewer of Society, Martyr
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the Feast Day of Martin Luther King, Jr., Christian leader, renewer of society, martyr, 1968.
Hear again God’s call to love and justice.
All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just the clergy but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to the story of the vision of Jacob, who called the place of his vision “the house of God, and . . . the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.
Readings and Psalm
1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]
The calling of Samuel
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
You have searched me out and known me. (Ps. 139:1)
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Glorify God in your body
John 1:43-51
The calling of the first disciples
We are a faith community
Year End Fundraising
Many thanks for the generous gifts of time, talent and treasure of our many members and friends who worked to help us achieve our year end fundraising goal. Thank you to those who helped with phone banking, letter writing, thank you writing, grant requests, and social media. And thank you to those who were able to give. As of this week we were $623 short of our year end goal, but 98% of the goal is a wonderful achievement that was only made possible by those who participated in our fundraising efforts. We thank God for each of you!
Called to grow in the spirit
Storytelling Event
Those interested in participating in the next storytelling event, please speak to Rene in the office or email rene@firsttrinitychicago.com soon! The event will take place on March 1. While it is still in formation, the theme might have something to do with ashes. We’ll need storytellers, hospitality volunteers, and musicians for this event!
Tuesday Bible Study
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 month’s meeting, January 28.
Bring a copy of Living Lutheran or use one of ours! All Are Welcome + You Are Invited!
First Trinity Kids
Parents with youth ages 11-16 who are interested in participating in confirmation are encouraged to contact Vicar Samantha@firsttrinitychicago.com for more information. Additionally, plans are coming together for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering. Students entering high school will be eligible to attend and there are scholarships available. Speak to Vicar Samantha for details!
Youth 10 and under are invited to Godly Play, an innovative approach that helps children to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience though wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play method serves children through early, middle and late childhood and beyond. Come join us Sundays, 9:15 am.
Love as Christ loves us
God’s Closet
Hours:
Tuesday 5-7 pm
Friday 10 am – Noon
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.
Support our local Girl Scouts
Troop 20186 is selling Girl Scout Cookies! Click here to order cookies, here to learn more about our local Girl Scouts!
Redevelopment Process
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.
The latest redevelopment news is always available on our blog!
First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 