June 1, 2008 Volume 40, Issue 11A Publication of The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C.

On a delicious summer’s night when I was fourteen years old, I went for a long walk with a boy I was crazy about and spent a con-siderable amount of time kissing. I didn’t think about it so much ahead of time. Nobody taught me what to do. Though there is no proof of it, I’m pretty sure I haven’t done it bet-ter since. Though I’ve grown older, loved more deeply and practiced a good deal since that day, it was that first moment of pure mystery and joy that changed my life.

I used to think I could preach. Now there is the ever more elusive dream and memory of that moment with God when the Word rings the body like a bell. To preach well is to will and to work for God’s good plea-sure, as written in Philippians 2:13, to know the mystery and joy of God’s company, uncomplicated, and unafraid. In this past year of work-ing on my doctorate in preaching, I have become a self-conscious lover. On the one hand, the Beloved might say I have never preached better, or

worse. Taking apart the sermon in order to observe its parts and then reconstruct it whole is rather like analyzing that first kiss. If you think about it too much, the power of the moment and the memory disappears.

There were awkward moments this year as I worked at strengthening the craft of preaching. There were holy moments as well, when the Word seemed to shine. Sometimes the same sermon produced radically different responses. As learn-ers, we tend to process information and experiences differently. Some of us are kinesthetic learners, needing to physi-cally engage in order to connect with the message. Others are visual learners, who remember what we see more than what we hear.

Visual learners respond well to pro-jected images on the screen, to props and gesture and movement in worship. Auditory learners find such movement distracting. They are inspired by mean-ingful content that they hear without interruption and are distressed by too much exterior noise.

As preachers we try to speak in ways that people can hear. Yet preaching is ultimately not about what people want or prefer. We worship to make a joyful noise to God. The Word of Life doesn’t invite us to create a joyful opera or contemporary worship in particular. It simply invites us to turn our gratitude and praise toward the one who uttered

us into being. If Søren Kierkegaard is correct that the first audience for worship is God, then the criteria for effective preaching shifts from pleasing us to pleasing God.

This summer, on sabbatical, I will enter the second year of study for the ACTS Doctor of Ministry degree. Upon the focus of this second year will be Preaching as Performance. I deeply appreciate your support in this endeavor. Special thanks is extended to the Human Resources Committee and Executive Council who approved the sabbatical study plan, and to Thom Parrott-Sheffer, Julie Ruth Harley and Merrilee Hall who will continue to minister and act on my behalf while I am away.

My deepest gratitude to the mem-bers of the Parish Project Group who regularly rise at the crack of dawn to talk about matters of faith and to pro-voke me to let the preaching shine: Penny Davey, Connie Black, Craig Schaefer, Susan Pedersen, Tina Por-terfield and Bruce Granger. God’s grace, mercy and peace be with you until we worship together again.

- Verlee A. Copeland

Messagefrom theSenior

Minister

The Union ChUrCh of hinsdale137 South Garfield AvenueHinsdale, IL 60521-4298

www.UCHinsdale.org(630) 323.4303 (Telephone)

(630) 323.4407 (Fax)

oUr sTaff

Senior Minister:Rev. Verlee A. CopelandMinister for Christian

Formation and Mission:Rev. Dr. Thom Parrott-Sheffer

Minister for Membership and Discipleship:

Rev. Dr. Julie Ruth HarleyDirector of Youth Ministries:

David KnechtDirector of Youth Formation

and Families:Jeremy Hylen

Director of Music Ministries:Michael Surratt

Director of Chancel Choir:William C. WhiteDirector of Early

Childhood Programs:Jennifer Keldahl

Director of Children’sChristian Education:

Penny JohnsonExecutive Manager:

Merrilee HallFinancial Manager:

Chris BiankProject Manager:

Joel GratcykSystems Manager:

Mary BockBuildings and Grounds:

Jim Vojtek

Worship serviCes

Journey WorshipSaturdays at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Worship8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.

Jesus And Me (JAM)2nd Sundays at 11:15 a.m.

Prayer and Healing Service3rd Sundays at 7:00 p.m.

ChUrCh offiCe hoUrs

Monday through Friday8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sundays8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Invitation to Faith: Transformative Worship

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Sacred ConversationsRecent events in the United Church of Christ have sparked a series of important conver-sations about race and the role of prophetic preaching. Two weeks ago we held a Sun-day morning conversation with Rev. Verlee A. Copeland, during the current events class, to discuss the role of African American pro-

phetic preaching in light of the Jeremiah Wright controversy. Discussion was animated and thoughtful.

On June 1, we welcome Professor Lee Butler, an African American scholar from Chicago Theological Seminary who will be our guest speaker at the Union Forum at 11:15. He will continue this sacred conversation by helping us bet-ter understand the African American faith tradition and the role of preaching today.

For further information, you may wish to read Bill Moyer’s recent speech on this matter: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/05022008/transcript1.html Our church web site (http://www.uchinsdale.org/pastoralletter.htm) posts a pastoral letter on race from the United Church of Christ that invites us to continue this conversation on religion and race.

Worship in the NewsWorship will continue through the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Youth Room, 8:00 a.m. on Sunday in the Chapel and 10:00 p.m. on Sunday in the Sanctuary. The J.A.M. Service will continue on the second Sunday of June and the 9:00 a.m. Service will continue through June, both resuming again in September.

Allegro Handbell Ensemble Send-off ConcertSunday, June 8, at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

They will leave on June 9 to play concerts in Seattle, Spokane, Colville, Bellingham and Shoreline, Washington; Nanaimo and Chemainus on Vancou-ver Island, and Burnaby, a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia. They will return home on June 20. For more information see http://www.allegrobells.org/content/view/52/80

Make Time For GOD…For those of you who have given so generously of your time and talent… please update your survey and place in office area receptacle, youth room, or at Mela-nie Shafer’s desk in Gathering Place. We welcome the participation of ALL age groups! Please complete the 2008 “Make Time For GOD” surveys and leave in the any of the above locations. All forms should be received by June 15. Note: You may also register on line at www.UCHinsdale.org.

You Are Invited to an Ecumenical Worship ServicePlease join an Ecumenical Worship Service including members from Union Church and Christ Lutheran Church to be held on Saturday, May 31 at 5:00 p.m. The service will be held at Christ Lutheran at 60 55th St., Clarendon Hills, IL 60514. Hope to see you there!

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Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Children and Families

June 23-27, 12:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.Ages 4 – 5th grades

The lines are getting long at SonWorld Adventure Park. We are in need of teach-ers! Please let Penny Johnson know if you can help.

Registration is closing by June 8! If you are interested in being part of a fun, exciting week - please register before June 8. registration forms can be found online at: http://www.uchinsdale.org or in the church office.

Summer Sunday School Schedule...June 8 - August 31,

9:50 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Nursery: Room E Birth up to 3 years by August 2008

3s & 4s: Classroom C

K - 2nd grades: Classroom A

3rd - 7th grades: Faith/Hope Classroom

Attention All High School Youth

WHAT: This summer the 3s & 4s will be having fun with Bob and Larry and all the VeggieTales characters in Sunday School. It will be a fun way for the kids to experience God. We hope to have the youth lead the 3s & 4s Sunday School program again this summer.

WHEN: Summer Sunday School runs June 8 to August 31 from 9:50 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Two teachers are needed each Sunday.

HOW: If you are interested in teach-ing this Summer, please send Penny Johnson an email at pjohnson@uchinsdale.org or Jeremy Hylen at unionchurchyouth@gmail.com

FUNSHIP and Friendship

On Friday, June 6, elementary school students are invited to come to KLM from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. We will have a BBQ and enjoy this wonderful local park. Students are also invited to bring along their bikes, roller blades, etc. We will have a “Traveler’s Blessing” or a time to ask God to keep us, our family and our friends safe as we travel this summer.

Friendship and FUNSHIP is not going on vacation this summer – we will con-tinue to meet one Friday each month. Our current plans include:

• an evening of music with Brad Nye on July 11 • movie/sleepover/dance party on August 8

Please note these fellowship events are on the second Friday of the month in-stead of the first as they were during the school year. This monthly activity is open to all elementary school students and their friends. Cost for the dinner and the activity is $5 per person.

Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Youth

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Go to http://youth.uchinsdale.org for all Youth event information!

ALSO, check the blog for Daily Photos: http://UCHinsdale.org/youthcmsblog

My Experience At Work TourBy Charlie Bell

Work Tour this year was the best thing I have done in a long time. I had so much fun helping people and it increased my faith in God. I have to say I met so many new faces and I loved it. I met new friends on the ropes course, hiking, and at the worksite. On the ropes course my team worked together to get through each part. I was so scared I could not even move, and I thank everyone for helping me out. On the work site, I had people holding the ladder for me, and I was really thankful for that. Everyone worked together. I saw God giving me the confi-dence and all the courage to do all of these things. One thing that really touched me was when I saw Mrs. B for the very first time. Everyone introduced themselves and told her their names. She was so grateful and so happy that we were there helping improve her home and her community. I noticed how well everyone else was working. God gave everyone the strength to get the job done and work together. I have to say I did not see one person get mad or impatient with anyone during the whole trip. I was very impressed with what I saw. After looking at Mrs. B’s house, I questioned myself and I thought, “Did we really do all of this?” This means a lot to me, and I can definitely say it is something I will never forget. Every day I saw God giving us strength that we put in to this house. I felt really good about myself for doing something that most people haven’t done. I feel all of us had made a difference in this family’s life. I loved seeing [Miss B’s and her daughter Jackie’s] face when we finished the house because they looked so happy and grate-ful. Work Tour was a great experience for me.

Charlie is a junior at Hinsdale South High School. This was Charlie’s second Work Tour experience.

Do You Know Someone who is Graduating?

Send us their info!On Sunday June 8, at our 10:00 a.m. Wor-ship, we will be honoring all graduates from high school, college, or beyond. We’d like to include as many names as we can in our bulletin for (especially for those who may not be living in the area). If you know someone graduation this spring who is connected to Union Church, please forward their name, and where they are graduating from, (even a picture if possible), to: Julie Ruth Harley at JRHarley@uchinsdale.org. Thanks for your help with this!

JAM Youth Worship

Sunday June 8, 11:15 a.m.

All youth, families are invited to join us in a very special “End of School Year” JAM wor-ship. This is our last JAM until September so come to this great celebration worship. Newly confirmed youth and their families are especially encouraged to attend this worship honoring you!

Summer Work Tour NEWS!Sunday June 1, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Parents Meeting for all parents of Summer Work Tour youth. (In the Youth Room)

Sunday June 1, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.: Youth Training Event #1 for all participants. (Yes, I know it’s the night before Finals Week. If you get there on time, we’ll promise to keep it short & sweet. We know you need to do a little “get the blood pumping” study break in too.

Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Adults

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Sundays from 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. in Rowell Hall

June 1 – “A Sacred Conversation on Race, Politics and Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.” led by Dr. Lee Butler, professor at Chicago Theological Seminary. Join us in Rowell Hall for this second conversation about Trin-ity UCC and Rev. Wright, led by a CTS professor of theology and psy-chology.

June 8 – “A New Voice Arising: The United Church of Christ Letter on Faith Engaging Science and Tech-nology,” led by Steve Davey and Thom Parrott-Sheffer. Listen to a scientist and a theologian present and respond to this new pastoral letter.

June 15 – “Teaching Children about Stewardship,” led by Susan Young. Designed for parents, grandparents and teachers who can guide children about saving, spending and giving.

IRS offers UCC complete vindication

Written by J. Bennett Guess

The Internal Revenue Service has concluded that the UCC did not vio-late tax laws when U.S. Sen. Barack Obama addressed the denomination's 50th anniversary General Synod in Hartford, Conn., in June 2007.

"Based on your response to the in-quiry, we have determined that the activity about which we had concern did not constitute an intervention or participation in a political campaign - and that the United Church of Christ continues to qualify as an organiza-tion described in section 501(c)(3)," according to a May 13 letter from the IRS.

To read the full version of this article please go to: UCHinsdale.org/irs.htm

The Union Forum

Summer ThemesOur sermons this summer will be based on 12 principles of progres-sive Christian faith from a book titled “The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity,” by the Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes. This book articulates where the Christian faith stands today and where it is headed in the future. We encourage you to read along with us this summer.

June 1 – “Science and Religion: Uneasy Cousins,”Thom Parrott-Sheffer preaching.

June 8 - “Listening for God,” Connie Black preaching.

June 15 – “Caring for Creation,”Jeremy Hylen and Thom Parrott-Sheffer preaching.

June 22 – “One Thing I Ask,” Julie Ruth Harley preaching.

June 29 – “Affirm Eternity,” John Biegert preaching.

Adult Learning OpportunitiesFor Fall 2008

with Rev. CopelandSimple Supper Bible Studies for Sin-gles and Couples will begin on Thurs-day, September 11 at 7 p.m. At Union Church in the Youth Room. Groups will be selected for the coming year to gather monthly in homes for a simple supper and Bible Study on the Life of Faith based on the book of Acts and the writings of Paul in his letters to the early churches. Save the Date!

Women members and friends of Union Church are invited to join a bi-weekly Bible study held on Wednes-day mornings from 9-10:30 a.m. This Bible study will be led by Rev. Verlee A. Copeland on Living the Good Life in Faith.

Rev. Copeland will also lead a Bible study on Friday mornings at 6:30 am on Life Purpose beginning Friday, September 19.

Summer Reading Group Begins June 3

Join Rev. Harley for a drop-in book discussion group on the first Tues-day of each month this summer, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Lounge (or in the Close, weather permitting). You don’t need to read the books in ad-vance, but it helps.

June 3 – “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time,” by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.Greg Mortenson is a mountain climber who got lost in Pakistan and ended up helping to build hundreds of schools in this vital part of the world.

July 1 – “Take This Bread: A Radi-cal Conversion,” by Sara Miles. The author was 46 years old when she first entered a church and received com-munion. Food and feeding others be-came the core of her faith.

Work and Family Systems Constellation

WorkshopsSunday, June 8, 2008 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The Union Church of Hinsdale will be offering FREE monthly work-shops for anyone in the community. Participants my attend one workshop or as many as they like.

Systemic Coaching uses the phenom-enological approach of constellations, to depict the dynamic relationships between people, concepts, family or work structures, policies and practic-es in a very simple way.

The workshops are lead by Marta Carlson, Pd. D. She has over 20 years experience in consulting, counseling and teaching a wide range of groups. Questions? Call (630) 975.0550

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Invitation to Faith: Expanding Mission and Social Justice

Cornerstone Family Health Needs VolunteersCornerstone Family Health is a medi-cal practice in Hinsdale which pro-vides health services to individuals with and without insurance. Dr. Irene Thomas Thevatheril and her staff are seeking individuals who are willing to commit one half day a week regu-larly for at least one or more months to help with simple tasks, such as an-swering phones and taking messag-es. They are also in continual need for nursing help, especially to notify patients of test results. The office is located at 115 E. First Street. Email cornerstonefamilyhealth@yahoo.com if you are willing to volunteer for this fine organization.

Bread For The WorldThe Christian Social Justice Minis-try Board would like to thank all who participated in the annual “Offering of Letters” on behalf of the Bread for the World campaign. Over 400 letters were signed and sent to congressmen and women following May 3 and 4th services. Mike Huck, the BFW speak-er on Sunday, writes: “It was my plea-sure to spend the morning with such a vibrant congregation! What a great turnout for the letters! You can be proud of our efforts.” And we are.

Special Projects Funds

AvailableThe Christian Mission Minis-try invites appli-cations for fund-ing of special projects. Each

year, the Ministry has discretionary funds available, primarily intended for “hands-on” mission work by mul-tiple Union Church adult members. The project should be for a specific one-time project or for a designated period of time and not for the ongo-ing funding of an agency. The project should help the less fortunate mem-bers of our society. These funds are not intended to supplement the pasto-ral fund nor are they intended to sup-plement current church programs. If necessary, preference will be given to Union Church mission agency part-ners.

Those interested in applying for these funds should submit a request that presents:

• Description of the project

• Date and the time frame (estimate if not known) • Amount of funds requested • Impact that it will have on the beneficiaries • Union Church adult members involved (or volunteers needed)

Applications are also available on the church’s website (uchinsdale.org/christianmission.htm). The applica-tions will be evaluated by the agency subcommittee of the Christian Mis-sion Ministry which will make rec-ommendations to the Ministry for its vote. Applications should be directed Rev. Thom Parrott-Sheffer.

Faith in Action

Coming Soon – Save the dates:P.A.D.S. – Saturday/Sunday, June 28-29. We

will once again be supporting the Re-deemer Lutheran PADS site with meal preparation, meal serving, overnight su-pervision and Sunday morning breakfast and clean-up. Susan Pedersen is coordi-nating our efforts.

Interfaith House Union Church is a proud partner of Interfaith House which provides resi-dential care for homeless men and women in medical recovery. Some exciting fundraising for the agency deserves special mention. Recently, the organization was the recipient of Oprah Winfrey’s support when her seed gift of $10,000 was turned into $458,496 in cash, goods and services through the efforts of volunteers who were challenged to stage a benefit in five days in March. The Interfaith House annual benefit is coming up soon and all are invited to support this meaningful organization. See their website for more information: www.interfaithhouse.org

ReSale Date ChangesItems to be donated can be left on the Dining Room Stage beginning June 16, 2008.

Tuesday Sorting begins June 17, 2008 from noon – 3 p.m.

Friday Sorting begins June 20, 2008 from 9 a.m. – noon

We still need garages for storage. Please call Fran Evans at 630.986.1438 if you have questions.

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Invitation to Faith: Community Life

Chicago, My Kind of Town

Wednesday, June 18, 20086:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Chicago History Museum1601 North Clark Street

Guests will enjoy a delectable selec-tion of food & drink, and entertain-ment reminiscent of the times in which Frank Sinatra first recorded the song by the same name. This festive event will feature a raffle, silent and live auctions, and awards to deserv-ing Chicagoans and supporters.

To purchase Tickets on line: http://www.interfaithhouse.org

Reservations will be held at the door. For more information call Joseph Leigh Designs at (847) 869.5423

Men's ClubMen’s Club next meets for lunch at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 11 in the Union Church dining room. This is our final program for the year and all spouses are invited! We will be entertained by the singing and danc-ing of the KB Adorables, which you won’t want to miss. The cost is $8 per person. If your caller does not reach you, please call the church office at (630) 323.4303 to reserve a place. See you on the then!

Have An Eye For Window Fashion?

The Music Ministry is looking for professional decorating assistance in selecting and receiving approval for window treatments for both choir rooms. The purpose of these will be to help dampen the sound in the rooms for better acoustics during rehears-als. A member of the Music Minis-try would work closely with you. If interested in making a difference for the choirs, please contact Dan Wood-le at (630) 655.4146. The choirs will thank you!

Annual Church PicnicSunday, June 22, 2008

after the 10:00 a.m. service

Join in the fun and fellowship at our annual church picnic. A delicious lunch will be served for $5.00 per per-son, $20.00 per family and under 4 free. There will be games and fun for all ages. Please buy your tickets early. They will be available after services in the gathering place.

Fourth of July Breakfast$3:00 per person

9:00 a.m. in the circle drive

Bring your chairs and join in the fes-tivities on the Fourth of July. The pa-rade begins at 10:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served beginning at 9:00 a.m. Sponsored by the Parish Life Ministry Board.

Household Helpers Available

Do you need child care or elder care or someone to help with cooking and cleaning? How about lawn mow-ing? A couple being supported by the Women’s Association is willing to work for you. Ghadi and Ron Ham-den are seeking employment, and they can be contacted at 630-269-7446. For references, call Cathy Schultz.

Thank Yous#1.) Cathy Schultz is most grateful for the notes, calls, and treats she received from members of the congregation fol-lowing the mishap with her wrist.

#2.) Thank you all for all the love and support that you have given Jim and I through my bout with breast cancer. I finished the tough chemo! Yeah! From the cards, the phone calls and good-ies to the beautiful prayer shawl, your love was greatly appreciated.

-Sue Nibeck

ECP NewsSummer Programming will begin June 2. There is availability in all pro-grams with significant flexibility and new activities this summer! For more information, call Union ECP Director Jennifer Keldahl at (630) 323.3314.

End of the Year Celebration was held on Friday, May 23. Thank you to ECP Director Jennifer Keldahl and all ECP teachers for another fantastic year at Union ECP. A special thanks to Tonya Lawson for her leadership of the ECP Parental Committee and Governing Board this year. The ECP Parental Committee members and ECP Governing Board spent another year working behind the scenes again this year. Thank you to all for your efforts.

Union ECP staff celebrated the 15+ years of service of Judy Herbig. Judy retired from Kid’s Club at the end of this school year. Other staff-ing changes include the resignation of Laurel Wood from Kid’s Club. She will be pursuing a career in social services after 6 years at Union ECP. Sandy Poor has resigned from the Mother/Child program after 5 years at Union ECP.

We are excited to announce the addition of Tracy Bassett to the Union ECP teaching team. Tracy is a Union Church member and ECP parent who has served in many posi-tions within the ECP Parental Com-mittee and ECP Governing Board. Tracy has been hired as a teacher in the Older Kid’s Club program. In addition, current ECP teacher Gayle Bueser will be joining the Older Kid’s Club team and Kara McBride-Brophy will be increasing her time at Union ECP by joining the Mother/Child program.

Union ECP will be interviewing for a teacher to assist in the Younger Kid’s Club program. This position will be Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Resumes can be submitted to Union ECP Director Jennifer Keldahl. Please call (630) 323.3314 with questions.

InsIde thIs Issue...2 3 4 5 6 7

TransformaTive Worship

ChrisTian formaTion for Children

ChrisTian formaTion for YouTh

ChrisTian formaTion for adulTs

expanding mission for all people

CommuniTY life

C a l e n d e r o f e v e n t sSunday, June 18:00, 9:00 & 10:00 a.m. Worship Services9:50 a.m. Sunday School11:15 a.m. Union Forum

Monday, June 29:30 a.m. Yoga7:30 p.m. Tai Chi Ch'uan

Tuesday, June 37:00 p.m. Summer Reading Discussion Group

Wednesday, June 4 GOOD NEWS Submission Deadline for June 15 Issue7:00 a.m. Prayer Group

Thursday, June 57:30 p.m. CODA

Friday, June 66:00 a.m. Men's Ministry Group #16:30 a.m. Men's Ministry Group #26:00 p.m. TNT Lock-in Saturday, June 75:00 p.m. Journey Worship

Sunday, June 88:00, 9:00 & 10:00 a.m. Worship Services9:50 a.m. Sunday School11:15 a.m. Union Forum, J.A.M. Worship

Monday, June 99:00 a.m. Allegro Bells Tour Departs to West Coast

Tuesday, June 10 7:00 p.m. Ministry Night

Wednesday, June 117:00 a.m. Prayer Group 9:00 a.m. Golden Friendship

Thursday, June 129:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study Friday, June 136:00 p.m. Discovery Lock-in

Saturday, June 148:00 a.m. Caring and Sharing5:00 p.m. Journey Worship

For our full events calendar please visit:http://uchinsdale.postman.com/