SPIRITUAL

Life in the city can be busy, stressful, and even lonely. Come and find a place to gather with people who share your values and commitments. Come and receive insight to help you understand the world, yourself and God.

At Holy Trinity you will hear sermons that connect with your life, and you will have opportunities to attend workshops, classes or retreats on topics related to spirituality, theology and social justice.


WELCOMING

You may have wondered if you fit in at church and if you are really welcome. You may have had a bad experience with church and experienced judgment rather than acceptance and welcome.

Holy Trinity welcomes all persons, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. We celebrate the gospel of Christ that accepts all people and treasures the diversity of the human family.

Holy Trinity reflects the Lakeview community and the Northside of Chicago. This includes but is not limited to a growing number of young adults in their 20's and 30's, couples with infants and young children, gays and lesbians, as well as folks who drive from other parts of the Chicagoland area. Our community includes lifelong Lutherans/Christians, people returning to church after time away, and those exploring faith for the first time.


TRADITIONAL

Come and gather with others who find deep meaning in the rituals and heritage of the Church. Our worship draws on the fullness of the Christian tradition–words and silence, gestures and symbols. The rituals of our faith connect us to God's people through the ages. The experience of worship involves not just our minds, but our bodies and all five senses.

We celebrate the eucharist each Sunday as the heart of our life together. In Holy Communion the risen Christ comes among us as we hear the Word, and share the bread and cup of the Lord's Table. We go forth to live as the body of Christ in the world, sharing the good news through word and deed.

In fall 2006 we will begin using the new worship book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, which includes ancient chants and hymns, as well as those recently composed. The language is fresh, vibrant and uses inclusive language and expansive images for God. We are proud of our (soon-to-be) newly restored and enlarged organ, but also use the piano to accompany singing. We are proud of our great music and sing many traditional hymns, but also enjoy songs in diverse styles and from many sources.


PROGRESSIVE

Though our liturgy is Lutheran, it is similar to Roman Catholic and Episcopal services. But we are also eclectic! Our worship space includes a number of icons from the Orthodox tradition that open our eyes to the sacred made known not only through Jesus, Mary and the saints, but in our everyday lives. A meditation bell from Eastern traditions calls us several times during the service to a brief period of silence.

Our theology reflects the Lutheran emphasis on grace, and the need for a continuing reformation of the Church as it seeks ways to speak the gospel powerfully to contemporary culture. We value spiritual insights from Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Native Americans and others as we together work for peace and justice in the world.

Holy Trinity is also a place where questioners and skeptics are welcome. People have many questions about God, life, faith and beliefs, and it can be hard to move beyond the religion of our childhood to one that makes sense in today's world. Wherever you are in your spiritual life and being comfortable in organized religion, you are welcome at Holy Trinity.


URBAN

We are proud to be an urban congregation in the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Lakeview. We believe that we are called to live our faith in the world as we work for justice and seek the good of all.

Through the Lakeview Action Coalition we address issues such as affordable housing, hate crimes, youth homelessness, and access to health care. Each year we work with Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Ministries in sponsoring a refugee family. Other members volunteer at the Lakeview Pantry, the Night Ministry and other organizations.

We seek to be a community whose faith is active in the public square through care for those in need, and advocacy on behalf of those facing discrimination or injustice. Eleven percent of our offerings support local ministries in Chicago, world hunger and other ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Holy Trinity enjoys a strong connection to the Lutheran seminary in Hyde Park, and each year we have several second-year seminarians as part of our community during the academic year.