Detroit Comeback

DR. EBERHARD SPEAKS OUT - “Detroit Comeback”
The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard  presents an article called “Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out”. He  challenges us with his thoughts and experience as a leading churchman in America. While we may agree, or not agree, he  shares with us what he has learned that works in the local parish. Over his fifty years of experience in the ministry, and 24 years in the political arena, he has always tended to be ahead of the current curve  and is always “pushing the envelope” to get us to expand our thinking.

The City of Detroit is under going a resurgence of energy, hope, and rebuilding. It no longer is popular to “bad mouth” Detroit. More and more people, companies and investors are finding that Detroit is a great investment. Cities recycle themselves. Presently we are siting as the seventh version of Detroit, six other previous Detroit’s have been recycled.  The city began along the Detroit River Front, moved up Woodward Ave, was bounded by West Grand Blvd, Grand Blvd. on the north, and East Grand Blvd. Then came West Outer Drive, Outer Drive to the north, and East Outer Drive. Then “Eight Mile” Road was considered the northern  most boundary. Then came I-696 as the next ring. People kept moving out further to Hall Rd. , to 16 Mile Road, to 23 Mile Road., to 30 Mile Road, etc. People from each inner ring moved out further and further. This left a city of over 1 million people to now be around  700,000 persons.

But today! We find persons moving back into the Grand Blvd. ring. This is the only part of the city that gained residents in the last US Census. Companies, institutions, foundations, non-profits, local developers, small-business owners, universities, hospital, local and state government are making grant to person who move back in the city to buy or rent. Riverfront, Lafayette Park, Corktown, Eastern Market, Midtown, Woodbridge, New Center, etc. People are gravitating into the city. Detroit is getting a reputation as a very lively, hot place to live. One urban leader says, “More and more people feel stuck in the suburban lifestyle - they want something unique and vibrant.” The Kresge Foundation said, “We wouldn’t invest ($50 Million in 2010) in Detroit if we didn’t recognize its potential as a vibrant city.”

Detroit is the city on the move! Historic Trinity Lutheran Church is at the center of the geographical base of this new reinventing of the city. That is why we are searching for ways in which the faith based community can become a part of this new equation. Its nice to have new housing units, new restaurants, new cultural sites, new schools, new rapid transit (Woodward Ave.), additional theaters, thriving sports arenas, and new start business businesses. Into this mix we feel deeply there must be avenues for individuals to reconnect with God, to reconnect  with churches that will uphold and strengthen their values and faith. This is what LCC  - “Lutheran Church in the City” is all about. We welcome you opinions, suggestions, and participation.

PARISH NURSE NEWS- by Nancy Jones

PARISH NURSE NEWS- by Nancy Jones

Greetings in the name of our Merciful Savior, Redeemer, and Physician.  I hope you are able to spend some time enjoying your family and friends, and the blessings which come to us in the summer months.  This month, I would like to share with you the importance of taking care of your eyes.  In the summer months we love to be outside, but this is the time that our eyes especially need protection.  Be cool and wear your shades!  Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.  A number of scientific studies indicate that spending long hours in the sun without eye protection can damage your eyes by contributing to cataracts and growths on the eye, including cancer.  Based on these studies, ophthalmologists (Eye M.D.’s) recommend that you wear 99 percent and higher UV (ultraviolet radiation)- absorbent sunglasses and a brimmed hat whenever you’re in the sun for long periods of time.  Proper sunglasses are key to protecting your eyes from sun-related damage, and they should be worn anytime you are outdoors, particularly,   *during the summer, when the level of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) is at least three times higher than during the winter; When at the beach or in the water; When participating in winter or summer sports; When using medications that can cause sensitivity to light.  Give your eyes a rest!  If you spend a lot of time at the computer, reading, or focusing on any one thing, you sometimes forget to blink and your eyes can get fatigued.  Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. Also, take time to close your eyes and rest them. This can help reduce eyestrain.  And last, make sure to get regular eye exams.  Many common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration often have no warning signs.  A dilated eye exam is the only way to detect these diseases in their early stages.

Happy Father’s Day!

Check out the great article entitled “5 Ways Fathers Can Inspire Their Children” by Karen Anderson

http://www.christianfathers.com/father-leadership.htm



Happy Father’s Day!  See you in church!!


5 Ways Fathers Can Inspire Their Children
by Karen Anderson


They’re both called parents, but mothers and fathers bond with their kids differently. For the mom, the relationship begins at conception and grows through the pregnancy and throughout life. For the father, the bond is forged at birth, when he first lays eyes on and holds his child. Most dads have to work harder than moms to sustain and nurture the bond they have with their children, and when they share a special relationship, it’s easy to inspire their kids to go on to do great things in life. If you’re a father, here are a few ways to inspire your children:

• Set an example: Rather than teach your children with words alone, show them what needs to be done by setting an example. If you want them to be healthy, eat healthy food and exercise regularly. This way, it’s easier to get your kids involved in sports and also make them realize that junk food is not good for them. When you’re hardworking and responsible, you teach your kids to be so too. They look up to you and want to emulate you when they grow up.

• Treat their mom well: Kids are very attached to their mothers as they grow up, so if you don’t treat their mom well and accord her due respect, they’re not going to like you or respect you, leave alone be inspired by you. The best thing you can do for your children is to love their mom and be nice to her.

• Spend time with them: Fathers who are absent most of the time from their children’s lives don’t have much of an impact on them. So if you want to inspire your children, be around for them and spend time with them; help them with their homework, play games with them, drive them around for their activities, and get to know what they like and who their friends are. This way, the bond between you becomes stronger.

• Encourage them without finding fault: Kids have a natural enthusiasm that cannot be curbed. They are full of energy for the things they are passionate about, and as a father, it’s up to you to encourage your children to reach for the stars and achieve their goals. Don’t push them to do more than they want to or are capable of; rather, be there for them and offer support when asked or needed. Don’t find fault because they don’t live up to your expectations. There’s nothing like negative criticism to curb enthusiasm.

• Teach them right from wrong: The best way to do this is to be a moral and ethical person yourself; when your kids see that dad doesn’t lie, cheat or treat other people badly, they pick up these traits naturally. You’re an inspiration as to how they want to live their lives and treat their children.

Parish Nurse News by: Nancy Jones

Greetings! Happy Mental Health Month! This month I want to share some thoughts with you
on Depression. What is Depression? Depression refers to feelings of sadness, isolation, discouragement, or hopelessness that persist. It is a serious illness which affects a person physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and vocationally. What are the Symptoms of Depression? The following are the common symptoms of depression. If you experience four or more of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, or if your symptoms interfere with your daily life, you may be experiencing depression. If you have any concerns about depression, please visit with your Parish Nurse or
your Doctor.

* Ongoing feeling of sadness, anxiety or emptiness
* Loss of interest in usual activities
* Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness or pessimism
* Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
* Difficulty sleeping or eating
* Decreased energy, persistent fatigue
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering and making decisions
* Thoughts of death or suicide

How can Depression be Treated? Depression can be effectively treated in several different ways. The vast majority of people with depression recover and lead meaningful and productive lives. Both medications and counseling or psychotherapy are used in the treatment of depression. It is also very important for family and friends to recognize the symptoms of depression, and encourage treatment for persons suffering from depression. Remember the Bible encourages us with these words, ....Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6, 7). In spite of the difficult times in which we live, God's peace can help us to be whole emotionally.

PROCESSION OF THE PALMS - in downtown Detroit - April 17

PROCESSION OF THE PALMS - in downtown Detroit - Sunday, April 17, 2011

Since the early days of the Christian Church, palm leaves were blessed at Worship Services on Palm Sunday and carried home by the faithful as a symbol of Christ’s presence among them. Before Ash Wednesday, the blessed palm is burned and its residue is used in the distribution of ashes as a symbol of penance during Lent. On Palm Sunday, April 17th , there will be the Procession and a Blessing of the Palms, in each of the three Worship Services, at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown Detroit. The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard will preach and will be assisted by the Cathedral Ministry Pastors. The Sunday School children, each carrying palms, will lead the Procession from Eastern Market (weather permitting) into the church at 9:30 a.m. and they will sing at the beginning of the Worship Service. Each person present at any of the three Worship Services, will receive a blessed palm to take home.

Lenten Passion Play

A Lenten Passion Drama will be performed on Sunday, April 10, 2011, at 8:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. The dramatic presentation in the cathedral includes: Mary Magdalene, Isaiah, the Dying Thief, the Centurion, Mary of Bethany, Miriam the Gatekeeper, Judas, the Angel, and others, all telling their story of the Passion. You can check out last year's performance pictures at http://www.historictrinity.org/2010passionplay.html Hope to see you there!!!

LCC - Lutheran Church in the City

"LCC - 'LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE CITY' The presence of the Lutheran Church in Detroit, like the city, has been shrinking for the last 50 years. We cannot continue to do what we have in the past but must change, and do so now. As the State of Michigan and the City of Detroit are engaged in reinventing themselves, so also must the church in the city engage in a process to reinvent itself. Within this context, urban pioneers are beginning to move back into the city. The Shared Ministry of Historic Trinity and Our Shepherd is promoting the Lutheran Church of the City (LCC) via the Historic Trinity Cathedral Ministry as a self supporting flexible organization to work within revitalization zones that are being established by the City of Detroit. It is fostering contacts with developers and community representatives to allow LCC to become involved at the ground floor of these communities. Using existing community, civic, and business resources, LCC will develop programs to engage urban pioneers in discussion intended to maintain and improve their values of life. It will assist the participants to become involved in service and worship opportunity."