Week of Sunday, January 21
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Installation of our 2018 Church Council
Stories of the call to discipleship continue as the Time after Epiphany plays out the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of fisherman brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people.
Readings and Psalm
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Repentance at Nineveh
Psalm 62:5-12
God alone is my rock and my salvation. (Ps. 62:6)
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Living in the end times
Mark 1:14-20
The calling of the disciples at the sea
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 