On April 26, 1847, 12 pastors representing 15 congregations signed a constitution that established "The German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and Other States." They were men of faith and conviction. Some were German immigrants who had come to the United States to preserve their Lutheran confession of the faith, free from government intervention. They were stirred for mission, especially to reach German immigrants, and, for some, the desire to bring the Gospel to Native Americans. Today, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (the name was shortened on the 100th anniversary) counts 2.6 million members in 6,145 congregations. The original constitution was written in German (and German continued to prevail in worship and writing until World War I). While English dominates now, on any given Sunday, there may be worship in at least 20 different languages--including Spanish, Hmong, Eritrean, Russian, Finnish, Slovak, Chinese, and even German.

Trinity Lutheran Church began worship and outreach in the Burr Ridge area in 1839. The congregation was officially formed in 1865 and began a Christian Day School in 1883.

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Lutherans for Life
	Mission Statement: Lutherans for Life believes that the church is compelled by God’s Word to speak and act on behalf of those who are vulnerable and defenseless. The crisis of our time is the repudiation of biblical truths, manifested in the wanton destruction of innocent human life through legalized abortion on demand and the growing threat to the lives of others through legalized assisted suicide and euthanasia. Therefore, as Lutherans for Life, we will strive together to give witness, from a biblical perspective, to the church and society on these and related issues. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod holds, as our Commission on Theology states in its report Christian Faith and Human Beginnings, that the Biblically based principle “always to care, never to kill” applies to human life at all stages of its development including pre-implantation human life. While our church supports stem cell research which does not involve the destruction of another human life, we do not believe that the “end justifies the means.” The destruction of a living human embryo, even for the noble purpose of seeking a medical remedy for others, is never morally justifiable. “Stem Cell Research: Understanding the Basics” is the title of a new brochure and DVD to help you understand the basic biology and theology concerning Stem Cell Research. For more information, contact Lutherans for Life. Check out their web-site today! Lutherans for Life (888) 364-LIFE or visit: www.lutheransforlife.org Check out their web-site today! Lutherans for Life (888) 364-LIFE or visit: www.lutheransforlife.org

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What is CONFIRMATION? Confirmation is a public rite of the Christian Church that is preceded by a period of instruction designed to help baptized Christians identify with the life and mission of the Christian community. Having been instructed in the Christian faith prior to admission to the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28), the rite of Confirmation provides an opportunity for the individual Christian, relying on God's promise given in Holy Baptism, to make a personal public confession of the faith and a lifelong pledge of fidelity to Christ (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9).

Who is CONFIRMED?
All Trinity children in the eighth grade who have been baptized and who have completed the requirements established by the congregation.

What are the REQUIREMENTS?
Fifth through Eighth grade students are required to attend Sunday School a minimum of twice a month. Seventh and Eighth grade public school students must attend confirmation instruction. All seventh grade students also receive acolyte training.

When is confirmation TAUGHT?
Trinity School: Four times per week during school as part of the school curriculum. Public School: Once per week on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:45pm in the school conference room.

When is confirmation DAY?
Confirmation for 8th Graders is held at the 11:00am Worship service on Palm Sunday.

Trinity Lutheran Church takes religious education seriously. Founded in 1865, Trinity began plans to educate people in the basics of the Christian faith as found in the Holy Bible. In 1883 Trinity established a Christian Day School which continues to this day. According to our church Constitution, parents are encouraged to participate in every opportunity for Christian education. We recognize that this is not always possible. To make certain that all of our children have received the best possible foundation for their lifelong journey in the Christian faith, our congregation has agreed upon certain basic requirements that must be met prior to being confirmed.

Preface of Martin Luther from his sermon on the Catechism This sermon has been undertaken for the instruction of children and uneducated people. Hence from ancient times it has been called in Greek, a "catechism" - that is, instruction for children. Its contents represent the minimum of knowledge required of a Christian. Whoever does not possess it should not be reckoned among Christians nor admitted to a sacrament, just as a craftsman who does not know the rules and practices of his craft is rejected and considered incompetent. For this reason young people should be thoroughly instructed in the various parts of the Catechism or children's sermons and diligently drilled in their practice. Therefore, it is the duty of every head of a household to examine his children at least once a week and ascertain what they have learned of it, and if they do not know it, to keep them faithfully at it. I well remember the time when there were old people who were so ignorant that they knew nothing of these things-indeed even now we find them daily-yet they come to Baptism and the Sacrament of the Altar and exercise all the rights of Christians, although those who come to the sacrament ought to know more and have a fuller understanding of all Christian doctrine than children and beginners at school….

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Adult Membership Classes
Please call the church office, (708) 839-1200, for more information or to enroll.

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Sunday School

We find it a special privilege to guide children, ages 3-18, in an understanding of God's Word. Sunday School meets every Sunday, except in the summer, in the school from 9:50-10:45am. The high school age students meet every Sunday in the conference room of the school. We share the joy of God's gifts by singing during one of our church services. We also share a special service with our Christian day school during the Advent season.

High School Affiliations

Trinity is blessed to be affiliated with two excellent high schools, Christ Lutheran Academy and Walther Lutheran High School. See their websites for more information (links below).

Christ Lutheran Academy
Dr. Richard A. Block, Principal & Executive Director
Currently holding classes at Zion Lutheran Church, 11007 S. Book Rd., Plainfield
Future location: 23756 W. 127th St., 1/4 mile east of IL Route 59, Plainfield, IL 60544
Phone: (630) 922-6084
Fax: (630) 922-6610
Christ Lutheran Academy, Plainfield, IL
Website: www.christlutheranacademy.org

Walther Lutheran High School
900 Chicago Avenue
Melrose Park, IL 60160-4120
Phone: (708) 344-0404
FAX: (708) 344-0525
E-mail: walther@walther.com
Walther Lutheran High School, Melrose Park, Illinois
Website: http://www.walther.com

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Trinity Scholarships

The applications are available in the Narthex for anyone who is planning on becoming a Pastor or “called” church worker. Please pick up an application and turn it in to the Stewardship Board.

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MUSIC MINISTRY
Mr. Howard J. Eggert, Director of Music, Organist

Senior Choir
All adults, high school age and beyond, are eligible to join the joy and fellowship of singing praises to the Lord. We practice each Wednesday from 7:30-8:45pm from September to June. During Advent and Lent, we rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00pm

Mr. Howard Eggert, Director

Handbell Choir

Handbell choir rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:15pm.
Howard Eggert, Director

School Choirs:
Sharon Wendte, Director
Rejoice Choir
Proclaim Choir
Hosanna Choir

These three choirs are made up of our school children from grades 3-8 and rehearse during the school year. We sing in our worship services once or twice monthly and study music in unison and 2-part formats.

Other opportunities to sing/play
Our Sunday School, pre-school and day-school children sing in our worship services periodically. We also welcome children and adults alike to play instruments in church and sing praises to our Lord in solo, duet, trio and ensemble groupings throughout the year. Please contact Howard Eggert if interested.

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TRINITY ORGANIZATIONS

Board of Elders
Board of Evangelism
New Member Committee
Board of Human Care
Board of Stewardship
Board of Trustees
Board of Youth Ministry

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Our Phone System

With our automated answering system everything is on a verbal menu, from which you choose your extension. We decided to put it in writing for you, in case you’d like to keep a copy near your phone.

During the day on the church side, your call will ring in the selected person’s office. If they are not there, after three rings it will go to voice mail.

During the school day, teachers will have their phones on “do not disturb” and calls will go to their voice mail. After school, teachers can take calls in their classrooms.

On the church side:
After the initial greeting, you may select your party’s 1-digit extension at any time. These choices are:
1 – Worship Information
2 – Directions to Trinity
3 – Pastor Bob
5 – Rob Grady
6 – Rita Pawlowicz (Church Secretary)
7 – Pastor Albrecht
8 – transfers you to the school desk

On the school side:
After the initial greeting, you may press the star key (*) and your party’s 3-digit extension at any time.
Landgrave, Aaron – 222
Murray, Dana - 224
Shackel, Nancy (School Secretary) - 221

Arturi, Jeanne – 239
Ball, Carol – 231
Bowman, Katie – 232
Geaschel, Michele – 240
Haak, Lisa – 237
Hammes, Debbie – 227
Hammes, Neil – 230 (no voice mail)
Michaelsen, Kim – 234
Winterroth, Pam – 223
Wendte, Sharon – 236

Spanish teachers:
Dahms Sara (gr. 1-4)
Braxton, Deborah (gr. 5-8)

Extended Care – 236
Computer/Library – 226
Kitchen – 228
Copy Room (old office) 229

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Board of Elders
The Elders assist the pastors in ministering to the spiritual needs of our members, encouraging regular church attendance and participation in Holy Communion, through personal visits and phone calls. It is also their privilege to help the pastors by assisting with Baptism and Holy Communion. Each Elder represents approximately 75 communicant members. They meet on the first Monday of each month at 7:30pm.

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Board of Evangelism
Members of our board, as well as the "calling" committee, visit or telephone all prospective members as obtained from the guest card/book, friends, district referrals, etc. We bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the unchurched in the community by promoting church service times, activites, and special events in the local newspapers, TV, radio, through mass mailings, and postings at local business sites. Finally, we strive to meet the spiritual needs of our members through an awareness of spiritual rebirth, renewal and daily coming to the cross. The board meets monthly to plan and communicate our past months' experiences; rotating members of the call committee meet Monday evenings to contact prospective members.

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New Member Committee

The New Member Committee helps new members become integrated into the worship,Bible Study, and activity life of the congregation. They help new members become familiar with the community, and notify the church organization or committee best suited to the new members' interests. The committee meets on the first Sunday of each month at 10:00am.

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Board of Human Care
Human Care Ministry is the love of God reaching out through His people, the Church, ministering compassionately to the entire spectrum of human need...spiritual, physical, emotional, social and economic. Some of the board's outreach includes monthly homebound Communion & lay visitation program, monthly blood pressure screenings at Church, community referrals and other supportive services, and sending cards and support to moms of new babies.

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Board of Stewardship

The Board of Stewardship encourages all members of the congregation to serve the Lord and His church with their time, talents, and treasures. Stewardship is more than financial support...it involves all parts of our Christian life. The board meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:30pm.

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Board of Trustees
Trinity has been blessed with beautiful buildings and grounds. As legal representatives of the incorporated congregation, the trustees supervise all the physical property of the Church and School. Approving all expenditures, they regularly report to Voters, comparing spending vs. budget. One of the members has the sole responsibility for the affairs of the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

This small group of men, both young and old, meets on Saturday mornings to do repairs and oversee improvements to the church, school and parsonage as needed, and have fun doing it. It gives these men an opportunity to use the blessings and talents that God has given them in the betterment of serving the Lord through the pastors, teachers, students and congregation. What better place to do this than in God's house?

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Board of Youth Ministry The Board of Youth is a group of adults who oversee the Youth Group, guide them in planning activities, etc. For information, contact Rob Grady..

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Trinity Service and Social Groups

Acolytes
Altar Guild
Greeters
J.O.Y. Club (Just Older Youth)
Ladies Aid Society
Lutheran Women's Missionary League
Parent Teacher League (PTL)
Stephen Ministry
GriefShare

Acolytes Seventh graders to sophomore, have the honor of serving Christ by assisting the pastor. They light the candles, help with offering, baptisms, and the Lord's Supper. We consider this service a real privilege.

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Altar Guild

Trinity Altar Guild would like to invite you to consider joining our faithful and devoted group of women. The Altar Guild is to serve. It serves by: - Making sure our place of worship is maintained and set up for the times and seasons of the church year. - Making sure that the paraments and linens are put out, cleaned, and stored appropriately. - Making certain that all the preparations are made for each service, and that whatever needs to be done after the service is taken care of...be it Sundays, Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms.

We serve for the glory of God and the building of His people. Right now we have five teams consisting of four women each. We work a month at a time, once or twice per year. Working means one hour or less on Saturday morning, and ten minutes to one half hour on Sunday after each service. We set up and take down after weddings and funerals. By having four women on a team, we can work around vacations.

If you would like to find out more about us, we invite you to come to our next meeting. Except in July and August, we meet on the first Monday of every month at 7:00pm in the narthex.

Directress- Jan Baranek
Assistant Directress- Spring Kneller
Secretary- Joanne Stastny
Treasurer- Kathy Howard; Wedding Coordinator- Kathy Howard

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Greeters
Every Sunday from February through December, a number of wonderful people accept an invitation to say good morning to our Trinity members and guests. These are our Trinity greeters who welcome you to services and who keeps us, the family of God, in touch with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Every year a number of wonderful ladies make special telephone calls. What's so special about them? These calls are to Trinity members, requesting that they serve as "greeters" before the 8:30am or 11am worship services. Calling is quite a job because all our families are busy people! But it is also fun to chat with folks.

So, when you are contacted by one of these ladies, please help them schedule "greeters" for their month. Or, tell them which Sunday you can serve, even if it's the next month. It only takes 15 minutes before the service, but it is a valuable gift of time. It keeps us, the family of God, in touch! Please welcome the opportunity to say "Good Morning" to your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Doris Neitzel
Trinity Greeter Program

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J.O.Y. Club
(Just Older Youth)

Right now our age group is from 70-92. Except January, July, and August, we meet the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:30am - 3:00pm in the lower level of the church. We have a pot luck lunch at noon with plenty of good food to eat.

We play a dice game which we call Crazy Bunco. Each one brings a $1 prize for the game. It's an afternoon of fellowship that all enjoy. Stop by and share the joy of God's love!

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Ladies Aid
Ladies Aid Society invites women to be of service...at funeral luncheons, hosting coffee hour on Sunday mornings, or helping in Project Compassion, where we bring meals to shut-ins or "just home from the hospital" folks. We host a Rummage Sale in April and September, and our annual Salad Luncheon in May gives our ladies a chance to show off their culinary and decorating talents as they prepare salads and decorate the tables for this fun-filled afternoon of Christian fellowship. We meet the third Friday of each month at 7:00pm from September through June. While 90% of our funds are spent on our own Trinity causes, 10% (or more) is set aside for outside charities and mission projects. We extend a warm welcome to women of all ages to "Come serve the Lord with gladness!"

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Lutheran Women's Missionary League
All ladies at Trinity are considered members of the LWML. They encourage involvement in mission grants by the collecting of "mites" (monies). They also sponsor outreach projects such as a food drive for Chicago Uptown Mission, hygiene kits, and winter hats and gloves for Lutheran Child and Family Services. They also contact greeters for the Sunday services. LWML meets at 7:00pm on the 2nd Thursday of February, April, September, and November. A yearly calendar and mite boxes are available in the narthex.

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GriefShare
God’s covenant with his people is that he would greatly bless us so that we may then be a blessing to all the peoples of the world (Genesis 12:1-3).

It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you have lost a spouse, child, family member or friend, you've probably found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. That's the reason for GriefShare, a special seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of someone close.

GriefShare is a 13-week workshop. Each session includes a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos also include real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours.

After viewing the video, you'll participate in a small group discussion about what you have seen on the tape. You will also have the opportunity to interact with others who have experienced a recent loss, learn about their experiences and have the opportunity to share your own. There is a workbook for daily reading and journaling to do on your own which helps you stay focused during the week between sessions.

Please join us for the next GriefShare session. For dates and times, please contact the church office at 708-839-1200.

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Trinity Adult Sports Groups

Men’s Softball
Join a winning tradition at Trinity! Our team almost always brings home big trophies. Confirmed members are invited to join. We have Friday evening games May through August, with several pre-season practicesa on Sundays in April. We all get tood exercise and enjoy the fellowship. For information, contact Paul Wunglueck or Dave Straub.

Adult Volleyball

We are on the court every Monday night (except on Voters' meeting evenings) starting at 7:00 p.m. If you are out of high school, you are welcome to join us. This is a non-competitive "pick up" volleyball. The teams are formed at the beginning of the evening but may change several times during the evening to keep it even and fun. We use only the basic of rules and aren't too strict when it comes to hitting the ball "legally." But we will try and make you a better player. But most of all we have fun! Any questions can be directed to Lisa Haak at the school office. Come join us in the school gym! Contact Keith Wendte.

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YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S GROUPS
Trinity Youth Groups

Junior - The Focus (Grades 6-8) &
Senior - The Crossing

Trinity's Youth Groups are for young people 6^th grade through high school. They share such activities as trips to Great America and the dunes, hay rides, swim parties, progressive dinners, and open gym nights. Their congregational involvement includes the Easter breakfast, Church Picnic, and Youth Worship services. Occasionally, they join with similar groups from other churches. At the monthly meetings, they have devotions, activities, and plan their fund raisers and outings.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School welcomes all children of members, friends, relatives and the
community. Watch for next year's exciting program, Planet Zoom.

About the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

• The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod…
• Strongly in the Word
• Christ-Centered and People-Sensitive
• Reaching Out Boldly with the Gospel
• Faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions
• Marked by Peace and Unity in the Lord

For more information about the LCMS, write:

LCMS Information Center
1333 South Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, Missouri 63122-7295
Phone: 1-888-THE-LCMS (1-888-843-5267)
Fax: 1-888-LCMSFAX (1-888-536-7329)
E-mail: INFOCENTER@LCMS.ORG
Website: www.lcms.org

We are part of the Northern Illinois District

LCMS - Northern Illinois District Office
2301 S Wolf Road
Hillside, IL 60162
Phone: (708) 449-3020
Website: www.ni.lcms.org

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