September 1, 2011 A Publication of The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C. Volume 43, Issue 14
Save the date – Make plans to attend
Kick-Off Sunday is September 11, 20011
Details inside … In This Issue: Worship With Us: Page 2 Newsletter Deadlines Changed: Page 2 Sunday School Class Locations: Page 3 Family Farm Fest Report: Page 4 Adult Education Opportunities: Page 5 Resale [Save The Date]: Page 6 School Items Needed: Page 6 Music Ministry Staff: Page 7 Kerygma Party: Page 8 Backyard Beer & Brat Party: Page 8 Letter from the U.C.C. President: Page 9 2012 Hank Maxwell Internship: Page 10
See You at a Cottage Meeting Cottage meetings are the next step of the transition process to move into the future of Union Church. It is also the way for members of Union to have maximum impact on who will be our next Senior Minister of the congregation. If you have not received an invitation to attend a cottage meeting by September 1, call Rev. Dr. Tom Zoelzer at 630 590.6695 to schedule a cottage meeting you can attend.
Our Staff Transitional Minister: Rev. Dr. Tom Zoelzer Associate Minister: Rev. Dr. Thom Parrott-Sheffer Director of Children’s Christian Education: Penny Johnson Director of Youth Formation: Jeremy Hylen Music Ministry Coordinator and Director of Children and Youth Choirs: Roberta Wentling Director of the Chancel Choir: Joanna Wernette Director of Contemporary Music: Brad Nye Handbell Director: Elizabeth Jung Director of Early Childhood Programs: Jennifer Keldahl Senior Operations Administrator: Merrilee Hall Financial Manager: Gaby Perez Project Manager: Joel Gratcyk Communications Assistant: Melanie Burton Buildings and Grounds: Jim Vojtek, Bob Brija Director of Music Ministries Emeritus: Michael Surratt WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Healing Prayer Service 3rd Sundays at 7:00 p.m. CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Union Church of Hinsdale 137 S. Garfield Ave Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 323.4303 http://UCHinsdale.org
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“Stone Soup” -‐ Exploring the Church as Community
“What We Believe – Why We Believe”
Sept. 4: Sept. 11: Sept. 18:
Sept.
Works of Faith Worship is led by Thom Parrott-‐Sheffer at 9:00 and Jeremy Hylen at 10:30. KICK OFF SUNDAY Love Is the Only Way A Remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001 Worship is led by Tom Zoelzer at 9:00 & 10:30. CHRISTIAN SOCIAL JUSTICE SUNDAY Worship is led by Rev. Chris Dorsey Rev. Chris Dorsey is formerly of CTS and is now a PhD candidate at the University of Chicago. Through his preaching, Rev. Dorsey will introduce himself to the congregation and the series he will be teaching at Union Church this Fall -‐ "Social Engagement for Christians Today" 25: Living in the Image of Christ Worship is led by Tom Zoelzer at 9:00 and Thom Parrott-‐Sheffer at 10:30.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE HAS CHANGED! The deadline for all submissions for the newsletter is the 15th of the month. Each and every month on the 15th!!!!!! Submit your articles and items through your staff liaison. If necessary submissions can be sent to: newsletter@uchinsdale.org.
Where is My Sunday School Class? Nursery Care Program Sundays, 8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. We offer loving kindness and support in our nursery care. Nursery for infants, toddlers, and 2’s is located in Classroom E on the lower level. 3’s & 4’s Sunday School Sundays, 9:00 a.m.-‐10:00 a.m. Sunday School for children ages 3 and 4 years is in a traditional classroom setting, which is located in Classroom D on the lower level. The children are actively engaged in exploring the Old and New Testament stories from Genesis in the fall to the stories from Acts in the spring. Kindergarten-‐1st Grade Sundays, 9:00 a.m.-‐10:15 a.m. Children learn the faith foundation stories from the Old and New Testaments as well as the rituals of our faith. At the beginning of our Sunday school time we will gather with Roberta Wentling, Children’s Choir Director, in the Chapel for some singing. Sunday school for kindergarten and first grade is located in Classroom J&K across from the Gathering Space on the main level.
2nd-‐3rd Grades Sundays, 9:00 a.m.-‐10:15 a.m. Our 2nd-‐3rd graders begin exploring their Bibles as we go deeper into the stories of the Old and New Testaments. The children gather in the Chapel for singing with Roberta Wentling, Children’s Choir Director, at the beginning of the Sunday School time. Sunday school for 2nd and 3rd grades is located in the Faith/Hope Classroom on the upper level. 4th & 5th Grades Sundays, 9:00 a.m.-‐10:15a.m. Upper elementary is about digging deeper into God’s word and understanding what that means to us today. At different times during the year, the class may be hearing and learning the same stories as in worship, so families can share their faith experiences. Sunday School for 4th & 5th grades is located in the Drama Tent on the upper level. 6-‐8th Graders Sundays, 9:00 a.m.-‐10:00 a.m. Middle school will be exploring the concepts of Sabbath and Joy during this year. Our goal is to explore the different ways God is present in our lives. Sunday school for middle school is in the youth room.
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Family Farm Fest was a great success!!
Over $ 20,000 was raised to share resources with needy people all over the world. Donations will become chickens, cows and other essential assets for daily living among some of the poorest people on earth
The Fest was held at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church in Clarendon Hills, with Union Church creating and running the “Cow” Booth. A milking station was created and kids tried their hand at milking our Union Church Cow. There were also alpaca, a camel and a whole variety of fun for families.
Thank you for everyone who worked and came to this event, and helped make it such a great success.
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Bible & Book Studies:
Sunday Offerings:
Social Engagement for Christians Today Led by Rev. Chris Dorsey, Formerly of Chicago Theological Seminary Sun., Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9 &16 at 10:30 a.m. This course will examine some of the theological foundations and ethical paradigms needed to help develop an understanding of how Christians engage with contemporary social issues related to race, the environment, healthcare, and education. Contact Tom at tzoelzer@uchinsdale.org or (630) 323.4303. The Waste Land Led by Alan Becker Sun. Oct. 23 & 30, Nov. 6 -‐ 20 at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a discussion of T S Eliot’s poem “The Waste Land.” Eliot’s tremendous knowledge of myth, religious ritual, academic works, and key books in the literary tradition informs every aspect of his poetry. Contact Alan at aibecker@comcast.net or (630) 887.7639.
Parenting Series: Mindful Parenting: A Parenting Class Led by ECP’s Linda Renzi, MA, LCP Tuesdays, Oct. 4, 11 &18 from 6:30–8 p.m. Mindful Parenting is a 3-‐week class based on the book Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Jon and Myla Kabat-‐Zinn. This class offers couples and single parents an opportunity to connect with other parents of preschool and school age children. Sponsored by Adult Formation & ECP. Contact Jennifer Keldahl at JKeldahl@uchinsdale.org
Kerygma Bible Study: “God With Us: The Gospel of Matthew” Led by Rev. Dr. Tom Zoelzer Thursdays from 1-‐3 p.m., beginning Sept. 15 With all we have to unite us, we still find ways to create division. It is an age-‐old question: do we focus on what sets us apart, or what holds us together? Find out starting in September. Contact Cathy at (630) 323.0850 or scluvsmail@aol.com Simple Supper Bible Study: The Parables for Today Share a meal, fellowship and a time of study. This latest book in the popular For Today series introduces the reader to the main parables of Jesus in an engaging and accessible way. Professor, author, and preacher Alyce McKenzie makes the familiar parables come alive with new meaning, using the best of biblical scholarship to provide an easy entrance to this major form of Jesus’ teachings. Contact Jer at: jhylen@uchinsdale.org or (630) 590.6656 Five Foot Bookcase -‐ A Series of Studies on the Most Influential Books on Faith and Spirituality. Led by Pastor Thom Parrott-‐ Sheffer at his home. Second Sunday of each month from 6:30-‐8 p.m., beginning October 9. Join us in October as we discuss: "The Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith" & "Love Wins", both by Rob Bell. Contact Thom Parrott-‐Sheffer at tparrott-‐sheffer@uchinsdale.org or (630) 590.6693 Authentic Women & Authentic Too! Led by Jacki Sluder Tuesdays 9-‐11 am -‐or-‐ Wednesdays 7-‐9 p.m., beginning Sept. 20. Gather with friends, find yourself and live life better! Come explore ten simple truths from the book “Life is Short-‐ Wear Your Party Pants” by Loretta LaRoche. Sponsored by Women’s Association Contact Sue Nibeck sue@nibecks.com or (630) 638.0540. For More Information on these Adult Formation offerings, please visit: http://uchucc.us/adultformation
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Women’s Association Resale September 29, 30 and October 1, 2011 Save the date! Resale sorting is happening now. Please come on Tuesdays from 12:00 pm -‐3:00 pm or Fridays from 9 am-‐12 noon. Just show up and help organize items left in the church dining room for the sale.
Volunteer sign-‐up sheets will be available soon, with opportunities for set-‐up, working in departments and clean-‐up. Remember those who lend a hand can shop Presale on Thursday evening, September 29.
In the mean time, clean closets/storage areas and drop off items in the church dining room by
Women’s Fellowship Gatherings Last May, the fellowship units of the Women’s Association were “shuffled.” If you have never been part of a fellowship unit, September is a perfect time to give us a try since everyone will be gathering for the first time as a new unit. Look over the list below, pick a location and time and join us.
Thursday, September 1
9:15 a.m. Unit 2: Woods Room, KB 6101 S. County Line Rd. , Burr Ridge Unit 3: Home of Mary Bock 28 S. Stough – Hinsdale
Thursday, September 8
9:30 a.m Unit 1: Union Church 1:00 p.m. Unit 4: Home of Mary Shelwalter 301 Lake Hinsdale Dr. #409, Willowbrook 7:00 p.m. Unit 5: Home of Virginia Robinson 504 S. Lincoln St., Hinsdale
Friday, September 9 Tuesday mornings
1:00 p.m. Union Church Contact Kim Nibeck for details
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Unit 6: Home of Barb Voorhees 732 69th St. – Willowbrook
School Items Needed for Women’s Association
The Women’s Association invites you to take advantage of the “going back-‐to-‐school” sales, that are in full swing now, to buy crayons, pencils and pens for Christmas stockings. Last year we filled over 100 stockings, at our annual Christmas Stocking give away. There is a container designated for stocking items in the middle closet in the lower level alcove. In addition to school supplies, here is a list of additional items we try to include in each stocking (in case you find some of these items also on sale): jump ropes match box cars soft animals plastic animals cards jacks coloring books hats foam balls lip gloss toothbrushes marbles paddle balls bracelets small dolls gloves toothpaste wallets/coin purses
Your help is greatly appreciated!
Union Church has a long history of being blessed with talented musicians and directors. We are confident that those blessings will continue as we move into our future:
Our Music Staff 2011-‐12 – and Beyond
Roberta Wentling is our Music Ministry Coordinator and Director of Children/Youth Music Ministries.
Joanna Wernette is our Director of the Chancel Choir as of August 15, 2011
Brad Nye is our Director of Contemporary Music
Elizabeth Jung Handbell Director
On Sunday, August 14, 2011, Mr. Michael Surratt was awarded the honorary title of Music Director Emeritus of the Union Church of Hinsdale; for the 32 years of faithful service to God and Union Church. Michael’s ministry has truly been a blessing for the church. Helen Mehler will be serving as Organist while the search continues for a permanent organist.
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Have you lost a pair of glasses, a jacket, a piece of jewelry, or perhaps your keys?
Please check the Lost and Found for any items you think you may have left at the church in the past year. Again, we will be donating the abandoned items to the Women’s Resale by September 20th, 2011. The Lost and Found is in the Volunteer Office at the end of the hallway on the lower level.
You Are Invited to a Kerygma Party
This invitation is extended to anyone who is interested in learning about the 2011-‐2012 plans for Kerygma Bible Study on Thursday afternoons at Union Church. This gathering is all inclusive. It is not just for people who have attended Kerygma classes in the past. If you are even a tiny bit interested in what the classes are all about, this party is for you. It is also for long time students of Kerygma. Basically, the class concentrates on one book of the Bible at a time. Come learn which books we'll be studying this year. Party place: Home of Cathy Schultz Location: 148 Easton Place, Burr Ridge Date: Thursday, September 1, 2011 Time: 3:30 to 5:00 PM Please R.S.V.P. to Cathy at 630-‐323-‐0850. She really needs an idea of numbers. .
BACKYARD BEER AND BRAT PARTY Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 6:30pm
The Honigschmidts’ Back Yard: 222 N. Adams Street, Hinsdale
The band, "TOAST", will perform (Jay Eigel, Larry Staat, and Ken Pletcher) The cost is $60 per person. Please make your check out to “Union Church” and send to Mary Sue Honigschmidt, 222 N. Adams, Hinsdale, IL 60521, by September 1! Proceeds will benefit The Union Church General Operating Fund. The event will take place rain or shine! And it will be fun! Not for couples only!! Everyone is welcome!!!! Please join us!!
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Pastoral Letter from General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Geoffrey Black on the Tenth Anniversary of September 11 Dear Colleagues and Coworkers of the United Church of Christ: Just about everyone can remember where they were the morning of September 11, 2001 and the days that followed. As New York Conference Minister, I was scheduled to preach in New York City the following Sunday. Since all of the United States was a no-‐fly zone, I took the long drive through the Catskills. Needless to say the drive gave me plenty of time to think. When I arrived, the congregation had gathered as usual on that Sunday morning. Not surprisingly, most of the folks were still in a state of shock. There was an abiding atmosphere of sadness and grieving, yet another emotion that I had not anticipated was the presence of deep gratitude. It was beginning to dawn on many of those at worship, including me, that as devastating and shocking as the attacks were, there was reason to be thankful that the tragedy could have been even greater. This awareness was accompanied by the stories of individuals who worked near the World Trade Center and could have lost their lives, but for various reasons were not there that fateful morning. Many more were grateful that, for the moment, the danger had passed. Even in the midst of mourning, our thanksgiving to God was fervent and deeper than usual. Now, almost ten years have passed. For some who experienced personal loss, the pain still feels as acute as if it happened yesterday. For others, there is emotional distance from the horror of that day, yet reverberations remain. Mere mention of the date September 11th churns up feelings and distinct memories. During these years our country has engaged in two long wars attributed in part to the events of September 11th. Most recently, the U.S. military apprehended and killed Osama bin Laden, the person who took credit for orchestrating the attacks of September 11th. The pain and suffering that we as Americans associate with terrorism began that day and has continued ever since. For that reason the date is etched in our nation’s collective consciousness. However, it is important to note that for others around the world, that day is the day we experienced the degree of pain other nations and peoples have experienced far longer. September 11th was a day the tragedies of the world came to our shores. As we approach this anniversary of our national tragedy, my prayer is that we do so recognizing that our national understanding of and response to terrorism have been inadequate thus far. If anything, some actions and policies of our government—from the crimes of Abu Ghraib, to Guantanamo Bay and the human toll referred to as “collateral damage”—have inspired more people to take up arms against the U.S. We are still challenged to perceive “the other” more fairly, and to pursue true security more faithfully. General Synod’s recent resolution “On Actions of Hostility Against Islam and the Muslim Community” urges us to build relationships of trust and understanding with our neighbors rather than be led by our fears and prejudices. My hope is that we use this anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on these ten years, the years of America’s longest war, and begin to chart a new direction. Our gathering as a UCC church in Queens, NY on that first Sunday after September 11th, 2001 was a moment in time filled with regret and grief. It was also tinged with hope emanated from thanksgiving to our living, loving and merciful God. Perhaps that is who we turn to and where we start as we contemplate beginning anew our work toward God’s just and peaceful realm “on earth as it is in heaven.” Peace and blessings, Rev. Geoffrey A. Black 9
Applications are now available for the 2012 Summer Internship provided by the Hank Maxwell Peace & Justice Ministry of Union Church. This internship is a full-‐time summer experience for an individual who is between junior year in high-‐school and junior year in college, who might be considering a vocation in advocacy.
The purpose of the internship is to provide an interested person an experience in the field of Advocacy and Social Justice. We are presently working with our partnership agencies to create this full-‐time position, so the exact agency with which you will be working will be announced soon. It will be an agency like Citizen Action IL or Community Renewal Society. The program will pay, at minimum $1000 @ month.
If you are interested please fill out an application and return it to Dr. Parrott-‐Sheffer by November 1, 2011. Applications are available in the Church Office or from Pastor Thom or Jer. Feel free to contact Pastor Thom if you have any questions; at (630 323-‐4303) or tparrott-‐sheffer@uchinsdale.org.