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Hinsdale United Methodist Church

www.hinsdaleumc.com

The Flame April 2015

The Cross Symbolizes Our Connection

During the seasons of Lent and Easter, the cross is prominently included into the images of worship and

service. The cross reminds us of the suffering of Christ for the sins of the world. The empty cross reminds us of

Christ's victory over death and despair. It seems that more conversation should be devoted to the significance

of the accomplishment of transforming an emblem of torture into a symbol of hope. How rare is it that a symbol

that reminds us of death becomes the source of hope? Nevertheless, the cross is precisely that kind of symbol

that is universally recognized. I am always amazed by the numbers of crosses that still tower over cities across

the country and by the numbers of people of all ages who still wear crosses around their necks. I am especially

amazed by the numbers of signs, in some of the most obscure places, that bear the cross-and-flame image of

The United Methodist Church. These, often worn and faded, signs remind me of the hope that remains for the

revitalization of The United Methodist Church.

I am eagerly anticipating the sermons and lectures by Dr. Mark Teasdale, professor of Evangelism from

Garrett-Evangelical Seminary, on April 19th and 26th. Even though it is often noted that there are more

United Methodist Churches than post offices across the United States, many of them seem to be mere shadows

of their former selves. These congregations seem to gather for weekly sessions of nostalgic reflections rather

than transformative ministry. I was struck while reading his book, "Methodist Evangelism, American Salvation:

The Home Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1860-1920", by the reference to the exponential

expansion of the Methodist Church from 1800-1840 in which the church experienced a thirteen-fold increase

from a membership of 65,000 to over 855,000! I remember the wonderful history of my home church, St.

Stephen United Methodist Church, in Yazoo City, MS. I often felt that my home church seemed to become less

vital in the days of my youth. In fact, the trend within my home church, paralleled the experience of our

denomination--since 1968, we've experienced an overall membership decline every year.

Yet, the power of the cross is undiminished. It remains not only a symbol of our connection to God,

it also reminds us of our connection to each other. Even during this time of the year in which days

begin to become longer and the sunrise seems a little earlier (even if due to the mechanical

manipulation of time!), the image of the sun piercing through the gloom of darkness reminds of us the

promises, the abiding presence, and the power of God. While our circumstances personally, locally,

denominationally, institutionally, and/or globally, can appear to be hopeless at times, there are always

glimmers of hope on the horizons.

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One of the most powerful and provocative examples of the power of God to bring new life and renewed hope in

places where the "best days" seemed behind rather ahead is the story of Exodus UMC in San Diego, CA. The

pastor of Exodus UMC is Dr. Donald Owens. Dr. Donald Owens and his wife worshipped at Hinsdale UMC

on Sunday, February 8, 2015. Exodus UMC is significant to us in a number of ways on a variety of levels: (1)

Exodus UMC represents several vibrant congregations that have found renewed vitality within the walls of a

former EUB congregation; (2) although the former UMC congregation had witnessed years of membership

decline, Dr. William "Bill" Jenkins had a vision for the once-thriving congregation as a center for

transformational ministry through the MyFount initiative; (3) as a retiring United Methodist Elder, Dr. Jenkins

asked the bishop to allow him to continue to serve this congregation through a critical mission phase; and (4)

five vibrant, mission-driven congregations have emerged where once only a single, declining church had

stood. Dr. Jenkins vision of MyFount in which congregations and other service-related agencies serve as

sources of blessings (an idea based upon the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing") to connect those in

need with resources that are available in their immediate vicinity, has resulted in conversations within Hinsdale

UMC and the Northern Illinois Conference regarding ways this ministry can be introduced to our area.

My relationship with Dr. Jenkins extends far beyond the bounds of denominational affiliation to our shared

backgrounds as former residents of Yazoo City, MS. In addition to the fact that we were both members of the

Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church, we also frequently return to Mississippi to visit our

parents--his mother is in her early nineties and my father is in his mid-eighties. His father had been very active

in the church and the community before his death. My mother had been very active in my church, the schools,

and community before her death. Dr. Jenkins' dad used to work at a car dealership in Yazoo City that still

stands today. Although, the dealership closed many years ago as the local economy has declined, there are

now three repair businesses in the building--two for automobiles and one for small engines. There is also a

small church that holds there services there and a used car dealership--new life, renewed vitality in a building

that had been a community institution for many years.

The elementary school is named in memory of my mother, Jevonne Keller McCoy. She spent countless

hours throughout the school system as a choral music instructor in the high school. One of our family jokes is

that my mother said she knew it was time to retire when she realized she was teaching the grandchildren of

some of her former students. The schools that used to attend are still there. Most of them are still serving as

educational institutions--some are museums, Boys/Girls Clubs, and/or Head Start Centers. New life continues

to spring forth in the lives and minds of the children who learn there, the parents who bring them, and the

teachers that love and educate them. The organ that my mom used to play is still in my home church. It isn't

played much. When I return to my home church, the bench is usually empty. However, it reminds me not of her

death, but the joy of teaching for which she lived. I fondly remember all the youth who were able to travel to

other parts of the nation because of the school choir. Many of them later became teachers, judges, physicians,

and leaders in other capacities to continue to give hope to countless others.

The sign of the cross, the symbol of victory inspires us and transforms us. Easter is a celebration of our

timeless connection to that symbol. The crucifixion of Christ was intended to scatter, discourage and

destroy. However, the enduring symbol of the cross is now a symbol that shines through our deepest despair

to remind us that when all appears to be lost according to our human conceptualizations, God is still at

work. Imagine the families in the communities around our churches being transformed by our ministries and

our messages of hope--When the words of despair are replaced by songs of hope. When the injustice that fuels

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hate is replaced by the justice that leads to love. When the cross-and-flame is widely recognized as a symbol of

a connectional denomination that is as determined to reach out as it is to reach up. Many theologians have

suggested that the vertical beam of the cross symbolizes our connection to God, while the horizontal beam

represents our connection to one another.

Wherever you are, look for the symbols of the church: the cross, the fish, the fount, etc. Also, look for the

symbols of The United Methodist Church and its predecessor and affiliated bodies--the Methodist Episcopal

Church, the Evangelical United Brethren, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist

Episcopal Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and others. We are strengthened by

our witness through our connection. We are strengthened most of all by our connection to God.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dr. Jon E. McCoy

Holy Week Services

Maundy Thursday Service – April 2, 7:00 p.m.

Holy Communion will be served.

Good Friday Service – April 3, 7:00 p.m.

Service ends with the dramatic sound of the Strepitus: a harsh noise signifying

the closing of the tomb and the earthquake. Children will gather for a special Resurrection Egg Story.

Easter Sunday – April 5

Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. with an Easter Brunch and Egg Hunt between

services. Lori Bauer will sign “The Easter Song” at the 10:30 service and the

children will gather for a special Holy week wreath craft following Children’s

Time.

Join us for Easter Brunch in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 5th

at 9:30 a.m. The

brunch will include Egg and Cheese Soufflé, Sausages, French Toast Sticks, Fresh

Fruit Salad and assorted pastries. All are welcome, including extended family and

visitors. No reservation required and there is no charge.

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 4th

to set-up and prepare food and Sunday, April 5th

to serve and

clean-up. To sign up to help go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d4eafa82ba20-easter2 or contact

Amy Entsminger.

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Among Our People

Our continued prayers are with Helen Parkerson, Clydena Trembath, Ray Gustafson, Marge Kaczmarek,

Our condolences to The Entsminger Family upon the death of Dan’s grandmother, Lucille Entsminger; to John

& Nicole Sauer upon the death of John’s grandmother and Nicole’s grandfather and to Lennox Iton and family

upon the death of his uncle, Henry Neblett. Please keep all of these families in your prayers.

Dear Church Family:

Thanks to all of you for the many notes, kind words and other outreach to me, Zed and our family following the

death of my father in early March. It has been difficult to lose Dad after losing Mom only 60 days before. We

appreciate being a part of such a caring community, and have learned a great deal from your shared wisdom.

In Christ,

Cheryl Francis

The weather held out for

us and we were able to

have another wonderful

day of donkey rides.

Everyone got their rides

in and then we headed

indoors for hot cocoa as

well as finished coloring

Easter placemats for the Kairos Prison Ministry. We had 23

kids present and everyone went home with a plush lamb to

remind them that Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God.

Over the next few weeks there are many opportunities for your families to participate as we continue our

journey to the Cross and Easter.

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Children’s Ministry (cont’d)

April 3, 7:00 p.m. Good Friday – Resurrection Egg Story

April 5th

Easter Sunday - Easter Egg Hunt following 9:30 brunch and special Holy

Week wreath craft and Lamb cake after Children’s Time.

Thanks again to all the kids who participated in the “God Made You Special” musical.

What a great reminder of how God loves us, and can use us for his glory when we use

our gifts and work together. The next Flame article will highlight VBS details. If you have any questions,

please don’t hesitate to contact the church office.

It is a joy serving you,

Jennifer Austgen, Director of Children’s Ministries

Friday, April 10

th – 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Parents, how about an opportunity to inexpensively spend quality time

together as a couple, have your children and youth form meaningful, lasting

friendships with peers; and become better acquainted with other parents in

the church and the preschool?

Children ages six months to 5th grade are welcome. They need not be a

member of the church or attend preschool at HUMC. It will be a fun evening for kids of all ages!

Cost is $15.00 for the first child, $20 for two children and $25 for three or more in the family.

Pizza, cookies, and snacks will be provided. If your child has any dietary restrictions, please provide appropriate

food for dinner and snacks for them with any instructions. Young children are encouraged to bring their

blankets and lovies for cuddling up with as the evening winds down.

Registration is required and due by Tuesday, prior to event. The registration form may be turned into the

church office or given to Ms. Meg at HUMC Preschool. Contact the church office or Michelle Wierzbicki at

michelle.wierzbicki@hinsdaleumc.com with any questions.

Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 p.m., at Hinsdale Methodist Church

Do you remember the Irish tenor we had 2 years ago that sang Irish folk

songs for us and then he asked us if we would love to hear some

opera...and so impressed us with his operatic voice. Well Rob

Cunningham is back to thrill us with his ballads and light opera. You won't want to miss him! Questions..call

El Lober at the church office.

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Calling all moms of younger children! Would you like to get to

know other moms from HUMC and the community, enjoy breakfast

together, socialize without interruptions from your kids, and be

inspired spiritually? Then join us at the upcoming MOPS & Moms

Next Open House on Wednesday, April 29th,

from 9-11 a.m. at HUMC!

MOPS, which stands for Mothers of Preschoolers, is a nationally recognized organization providing a spiritual

and social outlet for moms of children up to five years old, and MomsNext is MOPS’s group for moms of

elementary-aged children. HUMC is considering chartering a joint MOPS/MomsNext group which would meet

at HUMC 1-2 times a month so moms of infants through fifth-graders could meet, eat, learn, and socialize with

childcare provided.

The April 29th Open House is a way to learn more about the MOPS organization and the potential for an

HUMC-chartered group, plus it's a free opportunity to “recharge your batteries” with other moms in a similar

season of life. This is open to HUMC moms, HUMC Preschool moms, and any interested moms from the

surrounding communities. More details will be forthcoming in April, including how to register. For now, mark

your calendar, spread the word to friends and neighbors, and direct any questions to Amy Entsminger,

Kristi Chadwick, or Tammy Roach. See you on the 29th!

Fireside Readers

Our next book discussion will be on Monday, April 13th

about the book, Please

Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin. “When sixty-nine-year-old So-nyo is

separated from her husband among the crowds of the Seoul subway station, her

family begins a desperate search to find her. Yet as long-held secrets and private

sorrows begin to reveal themselves, they are forced to wonder: how well did they

actually know the woman they called Mom?

Told through the piercing voices and urgent perspectives of a daughter, son,

husband, and mother, Please Look After Mom is at once an authentic picture of

contemporary life in Korea and a universal story of family love.”

We will meet in the Fireside Room for coffee and dessert at 6:30 p.m. and

discussion at 7:00 p.m. Please bring a fried and join us. Any questions, please

contact Mary Ann Darnaby.

April 12 & 26 - Regular Youth Group for 6th-12th grade

meets from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Announcing Youth Group Progressive Dinner!

Sunday, April 19

Come dressed to impress as we make our way to different homes for

appetizers, dinner, and dessert! More information to follow; if you

would like to volunteer to host or to be a driver please contact Christy Frees. RSVP by Sunday, April 12th

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Sunday, April 26th

- Youth will be leading the worship services this morning. We still need volunteers for

Ushers, Greeters, and Scripture reading at both services.

SAVE THE DATE! Youth Mission Trip – June 21-27

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Sunday Mornings at 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

“Parenting: Your Biblical Legacy” thru April 26th (no class April 5th).

Many parents today wonder, “Do I have what it takes to be a good parent?”

A lot of times parents need help, but nobody likes to ask for help. This

class uses a six-part DVD series led by husband and wife team Drs. Les

and Leslie Parrot, who are best-selling authors and are passionately

devoted to Christ. Their teaching delves deeper than simply trying to get kids to eat their broccoli and clean

their room. It takes a Biblical approach into the traits parents want their children to have and the traits parents

want their children to see modeled in themselves. This DVD series uses footage of 20 real-life families (and

their real-life struggles) to spark discussion on what it means to be a parent who is Affirming, Patient, Attentive,

Visionary, Connected, Celebratory, Authentic, Comforting, Insightful, and Prayerful. Whether you are a

married couple, single parent, or in a blended family, this class will give moms and dads practical advice and

encouragement because we all know kids don’t come with instructions! Meets in Conference Room 119.

April 12 - Learning about HUMC’s Rainbow Covenant - MYSI

MYSI, formerly Methodist Youth Services, has been a part of HUMC's Rainbow Covenant for many years.

Started by a Methodist Men's group, it has helped needy youth, families, and seniors in the Chicago area for

over 50 years. Come to learn more about MYSI directly from its President & CEO, Toleda Hart. We will also

have an opportunity to hear from one of the youth who are participating in MYSI programs. Room 109

April 19 & 26 – Evangelism Cycle: Nurturing people in the church in order to go out and transform the

world. These sessions will be facilitated by Mark Teasdale, Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical

Theological Seminary. Room 109

May 3 – Dementia and the Aging Process - We welcome guest speaker, James Curto, CEO and Founder of

The Birches Assisted Living Community in Clarendon Hills. Mr. Curto’s presentation will focus on

applications in dementia and memory care. Sponsored by HUMC Stephen Ministries.

May 10, 17 & 24 – Religion and the Classical Composer’s Music – Facilitated by Jackie Peterson Sluder.

More details to come. Room 109

Save the Date! HUMC Concert Series presents Jaime Jorge, violinist on Mother’s

Day, May 10 at 4:00. We are thrilled to have Jaime return to HUMC. Many may

remember the amazing concert he gave at our church several years ago. Plan your

Mother’s Day to include this talented and inspirational musician!

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Join our Rebuilding Together One Day Home Make-Over on Saturday

April 25th

Rebuilding Together’s mission is to improve the homes and lives of elderly,

disabled, and low-income homeowners so that they may continue to live in

warmth, safety and comfort. Our team has been planning our 2015

participation since our homeowner was selected in December.

For those who want to make a huge difference in a person's life and quality of living, please plan to join your

HUMC team for a "one day" home make-over on Saturday, April 25th.

We will be helping a very nice woman in Maywood. She has lived in her home for seventeen years. Cathy has

fought off two cancer diagnoses in the past four years. Despite her continuing battle with cancer, she maintains

a light-hearted and optimistic personality. Cathy enjoys singing in her church choir and teaching Sunday school.

We will be working primarily inside, remodeling a kitchen and bath, replacing flooring in the kitchen and bath,

painting the kitchen and living room and bedrooms, and other odds and ends! We’d like at least 30 people to

take part in this day!

We have important work for every skill level — and are led by professionals, so don't be bashful about signing

up!

We have a sign-up sheet on the Mission’s bulletin board. You can sign up for the full day or a ½ day if you

have other conflicts or you can sign up by email to Bob Hooks at robert.hooks@hinsdaleumc.com.

Please take the opportunity to participate in this truly "hands-on" mission! Contact Bob Hooks with any

questions at robert.hooks@hinsdaleumc.com.

Spring Mission Trip

April 26 to May 2, 2015 our adult missions’ team will be working with

the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in Johnson City, TN where we will

participate in ASP’s Tri-City Program. These adult work trips focus on

helping families in need whose homes have been damaged or destroyed

by natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes and floods. All skill

levels are needed and appreciated.

If you are interested in joining our team, please contact Dick Kingman at

richard.kingman@hinsdaleumc.com.

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Chicago Books to Women in Prison is a volunteer collective that

distributes paperback books free of charge to people incarcerated in

women’s prisons nationwide. They are dedicated to offering women

behind bars the opportunity for self-empowerment, education, and

entertainment that reading provides.

What They Do Incarcerated women send them their requests for books directly. They furnish the requested

materials from our stock of donated books.

You Can Help this Ministry - HUMC will have a box in the library for those wishing to donate paperback

books for this important ministry. Terri M. Johnson volunteers at this ministry in Chicago and will be taking all

books collected from HUMC to the Chicago Books for Women in Prison non-profit location in Chicago.

There are dozens of ways you can help by giving your time, books or a monetary contribution. They especially

welcome money for postage, which is their largest expense. You can also donate scotch heavy duty shipping

packaging Tape. Learn more including a detailed list of needed/popular books on their web site www.cbwp.org.

General List of type of paperback Books Needed: Dictionaries, Thesauruses, Grammar, GED study books,

Bibles, Joyce Meyer books, Puzzle books, Word Search, Sudoku, Law, Self Help, Cookbooks, Health and

fitness, Books about Addiction, True Crime, Rural-books about the street life, Career books: books on all areas

of Business strategies, bookkeeping, starting your own business etc. They have an influx of fiction books.

Make A Difference! You will be glad you did!

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Trustees Report:

We welcomed three new members to our committee in February (Paul Greene, Shari Noland, and Todd Ritz)

and appreciate their willingness to serve. We elected officers at our first meeting of the year with Bill Somers

serving as Vice Chair and Caroline Godellas as Secretary. Along with the normal workload and some key

technology upgrades in the sanctuary, I will be working to continue to improve documentation of our activities

and preparing the committee to transition to new leadership in 2016.

Here are some updates:

Technology:

We approved a plan for significant upgrades to technology in our sanctuary at our March meeting. This

will be a significant investment (approximately $ 37,000) for HUMC and will be funded from a

combination of budget and reserves. This is the first technology upgrade to the sanctuary since it was

built approximately ten years ago. We will be purchasing a “switcher” to make transitions from various

media platforms more seamless and provide for more flexibility in using a variety of visual elements in

the worship service. It will also allow Pastor/speakers to control the screens from an electronic device

(tablet, smartphone) without connection to the AV booth. We will be upgrading wireless microphones.

One will be dedicated to Pastor McCoy who routinely experiences breakups and muffling sounds when

he moves away from the pulpit. Finally, we will be moving from analog to digital format. This will

require rewiring the sanctuary. This upgrade package will also include training, maintenance, and

warranty package.

We continue to search for solutions to better secure the AV area at the back corner of the sanctuary.

Accessibility:

We are going to install handrails at three entrances to the church. The three locations, all on the north

side of the building, are the sanctuary entrance, pastor’s office entrance, and pre-school door. We are

checking with the village to make sure we are following any codes that exist for outdoor handrails.

We are also aware the “warning strips” at the sidewalk entrances on the north and east side of sanctuary

are in need of replacement. We are contacting a contractor to replace them.

Parsonage:

We have had a good experience in renting the parsonage in the past year and are hopeful the current

renters will extend in June for an additional year providing for an uninterrupted flow of income for the

church.

We are working on several projects at the parsonage. The first is an attempt to alleviate drainage issues

in the front yard that is affecting one of the neighbors. The second project is repairing some cracks in

the basement walls which have appeared in the past six months.

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Trustee Report (cont’d)

Church Interior:

Over the past six months, Trustees have been working to address concerns with our cleaning company.

As part of this process, we went out and searched for other companies to compare cost and service.

With issues continuing, we have decided to switch providers to a firm with solid references, equal cost,

but a contract structured with additional cleaning services and some set up assistance for some groups

that meet routinely in the church (Stepping Stones). The transition will occur on May 1.

We approved the use of memorial funds from the Helen Suchy funeral to purchase storage cabinets for

paraments in the sacristy. Trustees will be working in the first half of the year to discuss balances in

memorial funds with families to find productive uses for these funds that honor those we remember.

There have been issues with the church office door in terms of access. We are working to replace the

door to correct the accessibility issues along with a new style of door which has a glass center so staff

has better visibility of the outer hallway.

We will be placing a new flat screen TV screen above the Welcome Center to better advertise events

going on at HUMC.

Jim Chadwick

Chair-Trustees

April Calendar: Hinsdale

2nd – 9:30 a.m. UMW Board Meeting – Fireside Room United

9th – Circles Meet Methodist

Women 9:00 a.m. Mary Circle – Fireside Room

1:00 p.m. Priscilla Circle (Fireside Room)

7:00 p.m. Lydia Circle

25th

– Aurora District Meeting at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church