September 19, 2010 A Publication of The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C. Volume 42, Issue 17

Here at church, these early days of fall have become a listening season: listening to burdens from too much excess, too much sorrow, even too much of a good thing. We humans seem to be the only species that, when given the whole wide earth in which to play, manage to chase our own tails into a ball so tight that we collapse on ourselves from exhaustion. Back in college I once took a poetry writing class. I love to write, but occasionally I would be stuck on a word and not be able to let it go. I would strain against it, plopped down in the middle of the poem, an obstacle to clarity. I couldn’t make it fit and I could not let it go. My professor taught us that good poetry requires a hard discipline. It requires letting go of an important word, thought or idea, in order to illuminate the

essential meaning at the center. When we finished our work, and handed it in, he gave it back to us, unread. “Now”, he said. “Pick up your poem and shake it. Let the unnecessary words fall out.” “You’ve got to be kidding,” I complained. “I cherish them all, every single one. I want what I want and I want it my way and I want it now. I created this poem, this thought, this dream and I’m not interested in letting it go.” The first thing that became evident was that the word “I” needed to end up on the chopping block floor. Meaningful poetry is meant to communicate, transform the hearer, transport thought and emotion to a fresh place. Like poetry, the work of writing our life requires a peculiar discipline of rejecting important things in order to create space for essential things to flourish. We struggle to discern the difference. A life well-lived is like fine poetry. However elegant the particular pieces, it can be ruined by too much clutter and unnecessary words. If you feel overwhelmed by your life right now, find yourself busier than you’d like to be, or if you end your days more weary than grateful and satisfied, there is hope for you. Let God pick up your life and shake it, like a mother dog grasping her wandering pups in

her teeth. Allow the aching marks to do their work, dragging you back to yourself, to a place you have forgotten or have not been before. If you experience anger because life is not what you want, hope or expect, consider releasing the important demand that is making you miserable. Psychologists know that most anger is the consequence of an unmet demand. “I demand that you pay attention to me in a particular way. I demand that you do what I want you to do. I demand that you listen to what I have to say. And, I become angry if you don’t.” If you want to know God’s’ peace beyond human understanding, you may want to consider letting this go.

Courage “Courage is the price which life

exacts for granting peace. That soul that knows it not,

knows no release From little things;

Knows not the livid

loneliness of fear Nor mountain heights, where

bitter joy can hear The sound of wings.”

- Amelia Earhart

Grace, mercy and peace, Verlee A. Copeland

Senior Minister Union Church of Hinsdale

United Church of Christ

Message from the Minister

Join a Choir at Union Church!

Chancel Choir rehearsals are SUNDAY MORNINGS : 8:15-8:45 a.m. warm up and

rehearse for 9:00 a.m. Worship.

Rehearsal 10:15 to 11 a.m. for the next weeks.

Call Todd Diehl at (630) 964.5654 with any questions.

The Joyful Noise rehearsals are every Thursday at 6:00 p.m. followed by a dress rehearsal for the following Sunday’s service at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Want to get involved? Contact Brad Nye via email at nyband@hotmail.com

Children's Choir Grades K–5th

Rehearsals Wednesdays • 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm in the Choir Room Director: Roberta Wentling (630) 991-6215

Middle School Choir Grades 6-8

Rehearsals Wednesdays • 5:45 pm – 6:30 pm in the Choir Room Director: Roberta Wentling (630) 991-6215

Youth Choir Grades 9–12

Rehearsals Wednesdays • 7:00 pm – 8:00 in the Lounge Director: Roberta Wentling (630) 991-6215

Allegretto Bells Grades 6–9

Rehearsals Wednesdays • 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm the Bell Room Director: Michael Surratt (630) 590-6690

Union Bells Open to All Adults

Rehearsals Tuesdays • 7:30 pm – 9:00 (except the 2nd Tuesdays) in the Bell Room Director: Michael Surratt (630) 590-6690

Allegro Handbell Ensemble Grades 9–12

There are currently no openings, but openings could occur during the year. High school students are welcome to join the Allegretto Bells. Call Michael Surratt at (630) 590-6690 for more information.  

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Invitation to Faith: Transformative Worship

Our  Staff  Senior Minister:

Rev. Verlee A. Copeland Minister for Mission

and Outreach: Rev. Dr. Thom Parrott-Sheffer

Minister for Christian Formation and Family Life:

Rev. Tanya Sadagopan 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 Executive 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

8:00 and 10:00 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.

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Invitation  to  Faith:  Christian  Formation  for  Children  

All God’s Critters Summer Sunday School for Kindergarten & 1st Grade

This summer our class explored Bible stories by focusing on the animals that play a part in them. We learned new stories not included in other curricula we use and explored some familiar stories in a different way. We learned additional new songs not included in the regular curricula. “Critters” shared familiar and new stories using Children and Worship storytelling scripts and props, picture books and craft projects. Puzzles, stencils, play dough and other art supplies were available for use. Many children created “parable bags” on the three occasions we shared Jesus’ parables. In July, Children’s Choir Director, Roberta Wentling, joined us as we sang about the plagues of Egypt. In August, one of God’s very special critters and companion to one of our flock visited our class, perhaps you too have met Mary Lou? On one of our last Sundays together, a particularly fun Sunday, ten of our students gleefully romped ‘round the Gathering Place sporting donkey tails from our stories about Mary’s journey to Bethlehem and Palm Sunday. One of our goals this summer was to encourage regular attendance, giving each child a special card with an animal stamp and Bible reference each week. Our cheerful and engaging classroom lent a special focus to our time together. There were many carry-over conversations from the weeks before as well as looking forward to the weeks ahead. Given the nature of summer, family vacations and enthusiasm for the beach & baseball, we were thrilled to welcome more than 30 different children to our classroom.

 

God is Still Speaking, Summer Sunday School for 2nd – 7th Grades

Using the identity piece of the United Church of Christ, the older children explored the lives of many people when they arrived at critical life crossroads. Stories from the Bible, modern history and current events stressed how individuals made choices that changed their lives, and often the lives of others, in profound ways. Some twenty-eight children participated in the class with an average attendance of eleven. They learned the stories of Jacob, Samson, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Jonah, Moses, Job and the twelve apostles through drama and games. They learned how to use the code Dietrich Bonhoeffer used to communicate while in prison. They heard about Nelson Mandela’s long struggle for freedom as related by church members who went on the recent mission trip to South Africa. The children were intrigued by a visit from Edward Moore and Connie Black about life before, during and after prison. Another focus of the class was the stewardship project that raised funds for disaster relief around the world through Church World Service. Every week the news provided stories about another area overwhelmed by Mother Nature. The long-term effects of these disasters were underlined when Fran Evans came to class to share her experiences helping to cleanup after Katrina. To help raise awareness about disaster relief, the children prepared and consumed foods representative of the countries we talked about each week. One highlight of the class was the opportunity to literally write on the wall. Take a moment to see the red chalkboard wall across from the Art Room on the upper level. Everyone who participated in the class signed the wall with chalk along with a listing of all the people whose stories we told in class. A favorite request was from a boy who asked, “Is it all right if I put a comma after my name?”

Never put a period where God has put a comma. God really is still speaking!

Middle School – Fall Events

September 19: Sardines!!

September 26: City Scavenger hunt (and ice cream)

October 3:

Dinner and a Movie October 10:

Gutter Sundaes October 17:

Blanket Making (and a little surprise) October 24:

Bowling Night (RSVP Required-Cost $10) October 31:

Halloween Party (location TBA)

November 7: Dinner and a Movie

November 14: Whirly Ball (RSVP Required-Cost $20)

November 21: Brown Bag Challenge

November 28: No TNT (Thanksgiving)

December 5:

Christmas Craziness December 12:

Christmas Cookies December 19:

Christmas Party (location TBA) December 26:

No TNT (Christmas)

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Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Youth

High School – Fall Events

September  12:  BBQ  at  Jer’s  House  (1423  N  Taft  in  Berkeley,  IL)  

September  19:  Really  Bad  Movie  Night  

September  26:  Sardines  

 October  3:  

Chicago  Bears  Party  (location  TBA)  October  9:  Apple  Picking  

October  17:  Really  Bad  Movie  Night  October  24:  Blanket  Making  

October  31:  Halloween  Party  (location  TBA)    

November  7:  Golden  Appreciation  Dinner  

November  14:  Harry  Potter  Night  November  21:  

Harvest  Party  (location  TBA)  November  28:  NOTHING  

 December  5:  

Really  Bad  Christmas  Movie  Night  December  12:  

Christmas  Cookies  (location  TBA)  December  19:  

Christmas  Party  (location  TBA)  December  26:  NOTHING  

“Walking Through the Scriptures”

Sept. 19, 2010 Art of Biblical Illustration by Shari LeMonnier will present a gallery show in the Youth Room on from 9:00 - 10:00 am. Gallery remains open until 12 noon. To find out more about her work go to http://sharilemonnier.com Led by Shari LeMonnier

Jacob Stories and The Red Tent

Sept. 26, Oct. 3 & 10 First Read Genesis Chapters 25, 27-35 for the biblical story of Jacob and his wives told from the male view. Then Read Anita Diamant's The Red Tent for an interesting female perspective on biblical times. Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Led by Rev. Tanya Sadagopan & Rev. Dr. Verlee A. Copeland in Helen Hall

Current Events & Faith

Sept.19 – Nov. 21, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Join us as we look through the week’s news events and discuss its impact on our faith. Led by Andrew Johnson in the Ktchen Classroom.

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Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Adults

Nooma DVD Discussion Group

Sept. 19 - Nov. 21, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. This is a series of 10 short films that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. Led by class members.

Sept. 19: How can we take care of our World?

Sept. 26: With so many things in our life, what does it mean to “will one thing”? Oct. 3: How does God help us through life’s storms?

Disciple Bible Study

34-Week Program Starting Sept. 20

Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study Monday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

There is still time to register if you are interested!

Led by Rev. Tanya Sadagopan.

Fullbright Scholars Keynote  Everyone is invited to the Fulbright Scholars keynote address at the Union Church of Hinsdale; Thursday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. The keynote address will be given by Dana H. Freyer, co-founder of the Global Partnership for Afghanistan. Ms. Freyer practiced law for 32 years in New York City and has worked extensively in international arbitration. From 1965-68 she was she was the assistant to the Afghanistan Ambassador to the United Nations. She has traveled extensively in Afghanistan. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She was named a 2009 Purpose Prize Fellow and awarded a 2010 Dr. Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award for her work with GPFA. She holds a B.A. degree from Connecticut College and a J.D. degree from Columbia University Law School. Come and share in this informative time and meet young scholars from all over Afghanistan and the Middle East.

A Just Harvest’s Annual Awards Banquet and Benefit

 Please join us for A Just Harvest's (formerly Good News Community Kitchen) Annual Awards Banquet and Benefit:

Sunday, October 10 from 5-9 p.m. Mid America Club

200 E. Randolph St, 80th floor Tickets are $100 each. There are advertising opportunities in our Annual Magazine, reaching 4,000 people in the greater Chicago area. For more information, call (773) 262.2297, contact Pastor Thom or visit http://www.ajustharvest.org      

       

Guatemala Trip 2011 January 8-16, 2011

 You are invited to experience God in action … while responding to the real human needs of a family in Guatemala. We will be returning to Rabinal, Guatemala in January of 2011. The Mission Team is forming NOW. Won’t you consider joining the team and experiencing first-hand the presence of God in good work, good friends and good faith. Contact Pastor Thom for a Mission Team Application. DEADLINE is September 19, 2010. We need a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 20. Join today!  

Help for Pakistan  Torrential rains and flooding that have affected Pakistan in recent weeks continue, with an estimated 1,600 dead and 17.2 million affected. Some 1.5 million people are now homeless. To find out how Church World Service is helping those in need and how to donate please visit: http://uchucc.us/pa

School Supply Donations Needed for Homeless Children

 As you prepare your family for the upcoming school year, we at Bridge Communities are preparing our families as well. With the help of gift cards, the families will be able to purchase all the necessary items needed to begin a successful school year. (Suggested increments $10-$15-$20-$25). Please contact Pam Howe to arrange pick-up of donation at (630) 699.1297 or pam.howe@bridgecommunities.org.

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Invitation to Faith: Expanding Mission and Social Justice for All People

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Invitation to Faith: Community Life

Dinner Dance

Plans are underway for our church's major fundraiser of the year. A lot of the success of this event will have to do with ALL OF YOU! We will have a Dinner Dance on Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Hinsdale Golf Club. Because of the economy, ticket prices will be $80.00, $100.00, or $200.00 per person. It has been 3 years since our last Dinner Dance and in the past the starting ticket price was always $100.00 per person. The event begins at 6:00pm with table check- in and viewing the silent auction items. There will be a Live Auction later in the evening. Please think about putting your table together. Tables will seat 8 to 10 people. DEJA VU, a Chicago based band will be our live entertainment, Black Tie is optional, and Valet Parking is available. MOST of the profit from this event will come from the live and silent auction. This is where we need YOUR HELP!!! We need auction items large, medium, and small. We are encouraging people to use their services, talents and to donate things that they already have. Perhaps you have a vacation home you could donate for a week or a weekend. Golf outings, dinners in your home, wine tastings, boat outings, family fun night baskets (i.e. movie tickets, Whirly Ball, or kid friendly gift certificates), sports outing tickets, Theater/Dinner gift certificates are always great. Maybe where you get your hair or nails done, oil changed, or car washed would offer gift certificates (please ask them!). Service items could be preparing a meal or baking for someone once-a-month, reading to someone, helping someone arrange their garden, tennis or golf lessons, walking their dog, being a wardrobe consultant, etc. Proceeds from the Dinner Dance will also benefit our MISSION MINISTRY which includes Erie House, The Pillars, Hinsdale Community Service, Interfaith House, Lifelink Charities, etc. Please help us help Union Church and let's have fun too!!!!

Thanks ,

Melissa Mann: mannmelissa@comcast.net

Mary Sue Honigschmidt: marysue@red-works.com

Prayer & Healing Service

Sept. 19, 2010 - 7 p.m. During this 45-minute service, participants join in the Chapel for prayer, meditation, music, scripture reading and a reflection on healing ministries. During the service, we pray for names of individuals in need of healing. We offer communion and laying on of hands for those who wish to receive it.

Lost & Found Please check the lost and found located near the volunteer desk in room 7 of the church offices. Any unclaimed items will be donated to Women’s Resale.

Practice Yoga with Candy and Friends

 Candy Stevens, R.Y.T. (Registered Yoga Teacher) and a member of the Yoga Teachers' Group, will be teaching 3 hatha yoga classes per week at Union Church. Classes will be held at 6pm (Advanced Beginner/Intermediate) and 7pm (Beginner) on Wednesdays, and at 8:30am (Beginner/Advanced Beginner) on Fridays. The fee is $55 for a 6 week session (one class per week for 6 weeks). Yoga improves flexibility, strength, focus and balance and is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Classes include pranayama (breathwork), asana (poses) and a relaxation period. Join us! Please call Candy with any questions (630-655-2027)

Moving On  After 12 or so years of serving Union Church and God as Nursery Coordinator I feel that it is time for me to move on. It has been my pleasure caring for all the children and mentoring the youth who have worked alongside me. Thank you. Pam Cole

 

Visit our website to get more information about upcoming events, listen to the Sunday

Morning Sermons podcast, read the blog, view current and past newsletters, plus much more!

http://UCHinsdale.org

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