March  20,  2011                    A  Publication  of  The  Union  Church  of  Hinsdale,  U.C.C.                    Volume  43,  Issue  6  

Inside  This  Issue:    

Easter  Sunday  Worship  Worship  Evenings  in  Lent  

Club  Español  

Ed  Hammer  to  Speak  Petite  Repeat  

Bread  for  the  World  

Sponsor  a  Youth  And  more!

Message From The Staff

“INTO  THE  WILDERNESS”  

Then  Jesus  was  led  up  by  the  Spirit  into  the  wilderness…    -­‐  Matthew  4:1  

 Most  of  us  are  not  keen  about  the  wilderness.    Oh,  there  are  a  few  who  prefer  the  outdoors  and  value  the  adventure  of  the  wild.    But  for  many,  many  people,  we  expend  a  great  deal  of  energy  to  conquer  or  avoid  the  wilderness  –  we  build  homes  to  keep  out  the  elements;  we  gather  in  communities  to  push  back  the  wilderness;  we  store  and  preserve  food  so  that  we  don’t  have  to  hunt  everyday  for  our  next  meal.  Wilderness  is  something  we  try  to  avoid.    Unfortunately,  wilderness  experiences  are  a  part  of  life  –  we  lose  a  job,  a  relationship  comes  to  an  end,  our  health  changes,  a  national  or  regional  crisis  develops  and  we  find  ourselves  out  in  the  cold  and  feeling  insecure.    These  are  wilderness  experiences.    Churches  go  through  wilderness  experiences  as  well  –  pastors  leave,  old  friends  die  or  move  away,  the  operations  of  the  congregation  changes.    At  times  we  feel  less  secure  and  less  certain.        This  is  where  faith  comes  in.    In  Matthew  4,  Jesus  went  to  the  wilderness,  but  he  did  not  go  alone.    He  was  led  by  the  Holy  Spirit  and  was  armed  with  the  scriptures  to  give  him  guidance  and  wisdom.    Jesus  came  through  his  wilderness  experience  stronger  because  he  put  his  faith  in  God  and  sought  out  the  ways  of  God.    Today  we  are  invited  to  put  our  faith  in  God  and  seek  out  the  ways  of  God  as  well.    Whenever  we  find  ourselves  in  wilderness,  we  ask  the  Spirit  of  God  to  be  with  us  and  to  seek  the  wisdom  of  God  through  scripture  and  prayer  to  help  us  find  our  way.    Lent  is  a  season  to  explore  the  wildernesses  of  our  lives  and  discover  that  even  in  the  wilderness,  we  are  not  alone.    I  invite  you  to  be  in  worship  at  Union  Church  on  a  regular  basis  during  Lent.      We  will  be  exploring  the  wilderness  of  our  lives  and  world  but  also  discovering  the  signs  of  help  and  love  God  leaves  for  us.    Eventually,  our  journey  will  put  us  on  the  road  to  Jerusalem  where  we  follow  Jesus  through  the  wilderness  of  desertion,  betrayal  and  death,  but  discover  that  even  in  these  moments  -­‐  God  has  new  life  for  us.    Faith  in  God  through  Jesus  Christ  is  about  finding  new  life  in  all  things,  even  in  the  most  powerful  things.    May  a  new  Spirit  of  love  and  hope  go  with  us  as  we  move  forward  in  faith.    

Tom  Zoelzer  Transitional  Senior  Minister  

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Invitation to Faith: Transformative Worship

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 Director of Music Ministries:

Michael Surratt Director of the Chancel Choir:

Todd Diehl Director of

Contemporary Music: Brad Nye

Director of Children and Youth Choirs: Roberta Wentling

Assistant Handbell Director: Elizabeth Jung

Director of Early Childhood Programs:

Jennifer Keldahl Senior Operations Manager:

Merrilee Hall Financial Manager:

Gaby Perez Project Manager:

Joel Gratcyk Communications Assistant:

Melanie Burton Buildings and Grounds:

Jim Vojtek, Bob Brija

WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship

9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Prayer and Healing 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

Easter  Sunday  Worship

We   have   prepared   a   Lenten   Booklet   for   the  enhancement  of  your  Lenten  journey,  as  a  family  or  an  individual.     The   booklet   uses   the   themes   of   Sunday  worship  while   integrating   them   into   the   full   life   of   the  church;   things   to  meditate   on,   challenges   to   our   faith  and   invitations   for   our   growth   and   formation   as  Christians.    As   a   part   of   this   program  we  will   be   having   a   Lenten  Food  Drive   for   the  HCS  Family  Services.    Shelves  are   in  the  sanctuary  for  your  donations.    

Pick  up  your  copy  at  the  church  today!  

6:30  a.m.  Sunrise  Service  

in  the  Youth  Room    

9:00  a.m.  Traditional  Easter  Worship  

with  Gargoyle  Brass  and  Chancel  Choir    

11:00  a.m.  A  Blended  Easter  Worship  

with  Gargoyle  Brass  and  Joyful  Noise  Band    

Wednesday  Evenings  in  Lent  -­‐  7:00  p.m.  

In  prayer  we  talk  to  God.  Meditation  allows  time  for  us  to  listen  for  what  God  has  to  say  to  us.  

 Come  and  join  us  in  the  Chapel  for  services  of  prayer  and  meditation,   in  the  style  of  the  Taizé  community.    The  services  will  be  led  by  Michael  Surratt,  who  spent  a  week  in  the  Taizé  community  in  France  during  his  sabbatical  in  1999.  

 

Memorial  Services  You  are  invited  to  celebrate  the  life  of  two  pillars  of  our  church  …  

 Vivian  Peterson  

Saturday,  April  2,  2011  11:00  a.m.  -­‐  Sanctuary  

Goodie  Clark  Saturday,  April  9,  2011  11:00  a.m.  -­‐  Sanctuary  

2011 Lenten Booklet  

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Invitation  to  Faith:  Christian  Formation  for  Children  

Each   year,   local   families   and  businesses   generously   donate  new  and   gently   used   children's   clothing,  coats,  furniture,  toys,  strollers,  car  seats,  and  maternity  wear  for  the  sale.    Proceeds  benefit  the  UCECP  Scholarship  Fund  for  families  in  need.    

Please  join  in  this  special  fundraising  event  to  help  children  attend  our  widely  recognized  and  NAEYC-­‐accredited   preschool,   and   to   help   meet   our   shared   goal   of   ministering   to   the   needs   of   the   whole  human  family.      

You  can  help  by  donating   items   to   the   sale,   volunteering  your   time,  or   shopping  at  Petite  Repeat.    Donations  will  happily  be  accepted  starting  April  25  (receipts  will  be  available).    To  volunteer,  contact  Kristen  Ashby  at  TLFR36@comcast.net.    

See  you  at  Petite  Repeat!    

UNION  CHURCH’S  EARLY  CHILDHOOD  PROGRAM  

PETITE  REPEAT    

April  30,  2011    

Portrait of Former Senior Minster  

All  of  our  Senior  Ministers,  since  1918,  have  been  commemorated  with  painted  portraits    

which  are  hung  in  Rowell  Hall.  A  portrait  of  Rev.  Verlee  A.  Copeland  is  being  created  and  it  is  planned  to  be  presented  to  the  congregation  

on  Sunday,  June  5,  2011  Rev.  Copeland  and  her  family  will  attend  the  presentation.  

 The  cost  of  the  portrait  is  being  provided  by  individuals  

and  is  not  a  Union  Church  budget  item.  We  look  forward  to  bringing  her  portrait  to  the  congregation.  

 Ad  Hoc  Portrait  Committee  members:  Irv  Clarke,  Hadley  Pihl  and  Joyce  Skoog  

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Invitation to Faith: Mission and Social Justice

Holy Happenings in Christian Formation  On  this  page,  I  am  sharing  Holy  Happenings  in  Christian  Formation,  such  as  Sunday  School,  Confirmation,  and  LOGOS.    It  is  the  CF  Ministry’s  hope  to  provide  families  with  information  to  help  continue  the  Sunday  morning  learning  throughout  the  week  at  home.    The  vision  of  Christian  Formation  is  “A  Family  of  Christians  Growing  by  Embracing  God’s  Love  and  Passing  it  On.”        The  LOGOS  program  is  a  weekday  ministry  for  youth,  their  families  and  the  Union  Church  family.    Thirty  five  children  gather  on  Wednesday  night  for  choir,  Bible  study,  recreation,  dinner  and  worship.    Each  week  we  have  a  theme  such  as  Crazy  Hair  Day,  Beach  Night  and  other  fun  themes  that  tie  in  with  our  Bible  story  of  the  day.    This  year  we  have  been  studying  the  Gospel  of  Luke.    We  want  to  share  some  of  our  joy  with  you.      

Save the date: Vacation Bible School is

June 20-24. More information will be following.

 

Gospel   on   the   Go   is   a   special   Lenten   program  planned   for   the   middle   school   students.     We   meet   at  8:45   a.m.,   in   the   3rd   Street   parking   lot,   and   go   to  breakfast  in  the  home  of  a  church  member.    The  location  is  a  secret  until  parents  are  given  an  envelope  disclosing  where   they   can   pick-­‐up   their   child   at   10:05   a.m.   After  breakfast  we  will  explore  some  of   the  different  sides  of  Jesus  and  do  a  hands-­‐on  mission  project.    Please  bring  a  breakfast  item  for  Hinsdale  Community  Service  as  your  stewardship  donation.    

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Invitation  to  Faith:  Community  &  Church  Life  

TNT  (Sunday  Nights  5-­‐6:30pm)       High  School    March  20-­‐  Sticky  Head         March  19-­‐  WT  Training  Day  3  @10-­‐12n  (at  Fullersburg)  March  27-­‐  NO  TNT  (Spring  Break)     March  20-­‐  WT  Training  Day  4  @7-­‐9pm  (in  youth  room)  April  3  -­‐  NO  TNT  (Spring  Break)       March  27-­‐  NO  YOUTH  GROUP  (Spring  Break)               April  3  -­‐  NO  YOUTH  GROUP  (Spring  Break)    

Keep  an  eye  open  on  Facebook  for  details  for  Youth  Group.  

Be A Sponsor Today!  Watch  for  our  SAY  Picture  Boards  and  Sign-­‐up  Cards  in  the  Gathering  Place.  You’ll  find  all  the  information  you  need  on  helping  to  support  our  youth  as  they  go  out  and  do  God’s  work  during  their  spring  break!      The  Privilege  of  Sponsoring  a  Youth…    Costs  a  Sponsor  $100,  which  helps  to  offset  the  costs  of  Work  Tour.  We  ask  that  the  Sponsor  pray  for  their  Youth  or  Leader  every  day,  by  name,  for  the  work  they  have  chosen  to  do,  and  for  the  work  God  has  called  them  to  do.  

 

Summer College Assistant Wanted  JOB  DESCRIPTION:  The  summer  Youth  Assistant  position  is  a  part  time  summer  position  working  with  Jeremy  Hylen,  for  three  days  per  week,  approximately  4  to  5  hours  per  day  (10-­‐15  hours  a  week).      We  are  looking  to  hire  one  male  and  one  female  assistant  to  work  from  June  6th  through  August  12th.    The  candidates  should  be:  

  ~  members  of  Union  Church,             ~  have  completed  at  least  one  year  of  college,               ~  should  have  been  active  in  the  youth  program  at  Union  Church  in  the  past,  and               ~  be  at  least  18  years  of  age    In  addition,  the  candidates  should  have  experience  working  with  young  people  either  at  Union  Church  and/or  while  away  at  college.        Duties  may  include  clerical  functions,  assisting  with  video  productions,  organizing  for  Summer  Work  Tour;  attendance  at  youth  functions  and  other  such  assistance  as  may  be  required  from  time  to  time.    The  assistants  will  be  paid  a  stipend  of  $1000  for  the  summer  and  will  be  asked  to  commit  to  15  hours  per  week  for  the  10-­‐week  period.      

You  can  download  the  application  online  at:  http://youth.uchinsdale.org    

Please  submit  your  application  by  April  15  to  Jeremy  Hylen,  either  by  dropping  off  your  application  at  the  church,  or  via  email  to  

jhylen@uchinsdale.org    

Save  the  date:  Youth  &  Families  are  invited  to  a  Seder  meal  and  celebration  –  Sunday,  April  17  –  3:00  p.m.  

More  information  will  be  following.    

6

Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation

We  anticipate  the  Walk  to  end  around  10a.m.    However,  it  will  last  long  enough  to  effect  getting  to  the  church.    The  walk  is  scheduled  to  go  up  Third  Street  in  the  morning  –  YOU  MAY  WANT  TO  AVOID  THAT  STREET.  

Hinsdale  Central  High  School  4th  Annual-­‐Character  Counts!  

Walk The Walk for Autism Sunday,  April  10,  2011  

8:00  –  10:00  a.m.    

REGISTER  ONLINE  TODAY!  

One Great Hour of Sharing Coming April 3 On  Sunday  April  3,  you  will  be  given  the  opportunity  to  give  to  the  One  Great  Hour  of  Sharing,  part  of  the  UCC  -­‐  Our  Churches  Wider  Mission.    These  contributions  will  be  used  to  support  work  being  done  in  over  80  countries.    The  UCC  works  with  international  partners  to  provide  sources  of  clean  water  and  food,  education  and  health  care,  disaster  relief  (both  in  the  US  and  international)  and  funding  for  refugee  relief.    We  will  be  providing  OGHS  envelopes  that  morning  for  your  gifts,  please  give  generously  to  help  support  these  very  important  ministries.    

Bread for the World Coming May 1 By  calling  our  legislature  to  a  stronger  focus  on  reducing  poverty  and  its  causes,  a  clearer  accountability  for  how  aid  dollars  are  spent,  a  transformation  of  the  U.S.  development  agency  and  a  sensible  and  clear  plan  for  aid  that  meets  the  needs  and  wants  of  local  people.    We  can  do  this  through  our  annual  Bread  for  the  World,  a  campaign  of  support  and  letter-­‐writing  advocacy  on  behalf  of  those  who  are  living  in  chronic  need.    

Look  for  your  chance  to  get  involved  on  May  1,  2011  More  on  this  to  follow  …  

Heifer Project – Family Farm Fair We   have   been   invited   to   work   with   Holy   Nativity   Episcopal   Church   in   organizing   and  participating  in  the  Annual  Heifer  Family  Farm  Fair:  August  7,  2011,  from  10  a.m.  –  3  p.m.    We  are  presently  looking  for  a  volunteer  to  work  with  the  committee  from  Holy  Nativity  as  our  liaison  and  be  the  coordinator  for  Union  Church’s  involvement.    If   you   would   be   willing   to   volunteer   for   this   very   worthwhile   Family   Ministry   please  contact  either  Penny  Johnson  or  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer.    Thank  you,  in  advance!  

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Invitation to Faith: Community Life

Progressive  Dinner  -­‐  May  14  Plans are underway for the Progressive Dinner, which will be held on Saturday, May 14. The Parish Life Ministry is looking for members to host dinner for 8-12 people in their home or who would like to host the appetizer or dessert portions of the evening for the entire group of 75-100 people. Thank you in advance for helping to make this fun evening a success. Please contact Jane Hogenkamp at 630.789.6326 or t.hogenkamp@comcast.net.

Ed  Hammer,  Men’s  Club  Speaker  April  13,  2011

 Ed  Hammer  is  the  author  of  a  new  book  titled,  One  Hundred  Percent  Guilty:  How  an  Insider  linked  the  Deaths  of  Six  Children  to  the  politics  of  Convicted  Illinois  Governor  George  Ryan.    This  book  is  the  story  of  how  one  corrupt  politician  had  a  stranglehold  on  a  state,  and  how  two  brave  men  risked  everything  to  stop  him.    Ed  is  a  retired  captain  from  the  Department  of  Police,  Illinois  Secretary  of  State.  During  his  career,  he  primarily  worked  investigations  on  auto  theft,  identity  theft  and  public  corruption,  which  culminated  in  a  federal  case  now  known  as  Operation  Safe  Roads.    Hammer’s  testimony  ultimately  helped  convict  former  Illinois  Governor  George  Ryan  on  charges  of  obstruction.  Hammer  has  a  B.A.  in  sociology  and  has  done  graduate  work  in  public  administration  and  criminal  justice.  He  is  a  graduate  of  the  FBI  National  Academy  and  a  Certified  Fraud  Specialist.  

Mark  Your  Calendars!    Easter  Egg  Hunt APRIL  16,  2011,  10  a.m.  -­‐  11  a.m.  

Children  ages  1-­‐8  invited    Bring  your  Easter  basket  and  join  us  for  refreshments,  an  

Easter  Story,  the  Egg  Hunt  and  the  Easter  Bunny.  Meet  in  the  Gathering  Place.    Friends  and  family  welcome.  Questions:  Contact  Diane  Oostendorp  (630)  655.9405  

 

It  has  been  a  pleasure  to  work  with  and  serve  the  congregation  of  The  Union  Church  of  Hinsdale.  The  generosity  of  the  congregation  is  over-­whelming  and  greatly  appreciated.  I  will  miss  seeing  and  talking  with  you.  Thank  you  so  much  and  God  bless  you.            Ann  Suda    

Club  Español  

The 2nd meeting of the CLUB ESPAÑOL is scheduled for March 23, 2011 – 7:30 p.m. at

Casa Parrott-Sheffer 1340 Laurie Lane –

Burr Ridge.

We will be having practice conversations!

 

Open  Forums  Continue  Second  Round  of  Open  Forums  April  3  or  10  Open  Forums  are  opportunities   for  the  people  of  Union  Church  to  give  feedback  and   insight  about  the   life  and  ministry  of  Union  Church.    Three  sets  of  Open  Forums  are  being  held  in  March  and  April  and  members  and  friends  of  the  congregation  are  invited  to  attend  as  many  as  possible.  This  is  your  opportunity  to  have  your  voice  heard.    The  second  set  of  Open  Forums  will  be         Sunday,  April  3,  10:15am  to  11am  in  the  Youth  Room  or       Sunday,  April  10,  11:45am  to  12:30  in  Rowell  Hall    You   choose   which   date   works   best   for   you.   Childcare   will   be  provided   so   that   adults   and   confirmed   youth   can   attend   an  Open  Forum.    The  Questions  for  the  April  3  or  10  Open  Forums  are:     What  brought  you  to  Union  Church?     What  keeps  you  at  Union  Church?    Please  take  this  opportunity  to  be  part  of  this  next  step  in  our    Transitional  process.    Tom  Zoelzer