Trinity UCC in Chicago - amidst controversy

From Pastor Jim Hollister -

Today we are hearing about Trinity UCC in the news because of one presidential candidate's membership in that church, the largest congregation in our denomination. I have worshiped at TUCC (www.tucc.org) at least 4 or 5 times and will drive a bus-load of members to worship there on March 30th. I hope we'll hear their new pastor, Otis Moss III, who is a gifted 37-yr. old preacher.

But I also have been very impressed and inspired by their outgoing preacher/pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. My experience is that yes, he is a trouble-maker, but a trouble-maker in the spirit of the prophets of old and others who have been persecuted. I'm sure that he has overstated things in his preaching, as many of us clergy have at times. But I have also heard some wonderful sermons from him from his pulpit and at conferences around the country.

Our UCC President John Thomas has written something about this current controversy that I commend to you. http://www.ucc.org/news/responding-to-wright.html

And I hope you will watch the video clip at the end of that article. It's of John Thomas speaking at Trinity UCC on 3/2/08 on the occasion of the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., pastor there since the early 1970s.

VIDEO-Group Workcamps

Our Middle School youth will be attending a GROUP Workcamp in Mattoon, Illinois. Here is a promo video from YouTube:

VIDEO-National Youth Event

The Big Thaw

Things are thawing out today - sunny and 25 degrees F!
But this little tree in the courtyard still wants to hold as big a snow ball as it can!

Francis on Valentine's Day

St. Francis is a very patient person, but even he is getting tired of the snow. Here he is on Valentine's Day, carrying the snow on his shoulders as if it is his favorite snow leopard.

Ash Wednesday Blizzard

The snow fell on Ash Wednesday - at least 16 inches. Here are some pics of our center courtyard: the snow blows in off of the roof, then gets trapped there. We'll soon be tunneling like hamsters in a Habitrail!

Ash Wednesday - activity update

Winter Storm Warning today...

A hardy group of 'pilgrims' did indeed meet for Wed. Morning Study Group today at 6:45 a.m.

A noontime Ash Wednesday service will be held today in Evans Chapel. All are welcome.

No classes this evening, however.

The "make-up" first session of the "Living the Questions" study will be offered this Sunday, Feb. 10th at 9:00 am in the Conference Room. Pastor Jim, leader.

The confirmation mentor/student dinner and discussion scheduled for this evening will held this Sunday, Feb. 10th following worship. All mentors and students are encouraged to attend this lasagna lunch and discussion of the "saint" visits. Please let Pastor Julia know if you can't attend.

May you feel God's presence and peace on this the first day of Lent!