March 26, 2006 A Publication of The Union Church of Hinsdale Volume 38, Issue 6

TheGood News

PLEASE RETURN.NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

Do you feel shy or reluctant totell others about your church? You arenot alone if you do. We live in a timewhen the world does not alwayswelcome talk about Christian faith. Atthe same time, more people than everbefore do not have a church home.When people do find their way to us,they tell us that they came becausesomeone invited them. Others tell usthat when they moved to town, theyhoped someone would welcome themto their church.

We don't hesitate torecommend a favorite restaurant toour neighbors and friends. We jump atthe chance to introduce someone tothe Community House, Graue Mill, orsome other neighborhood treasure.Yet when it comes to church, we actas if we might offend. What if theperson already has a church, ordoesn't go to church, or is part ofanother faith?

Invite boldly anyway. Weknow that more people are lookingfor a church during this season than atany other time of the year exceptChristmas. If they have been awayfrom church for a long time, or havenever attended, now is the time theyconsider their faith. We have printedsome wonderful brochures welcomingmembers who do not regularly attendto come back to church, and invitingneighbors to come for the first time.Please pick up a handful of thesebrochures this Sunday. There is nevera better time to invite people to comethan right now.

Here at the Union Church ofHinsdale, United Church of Christ,we have a unique voice to share. Inthe God is Still Speaking materialsabout to be launched through anational ad campaign, our uniquevoice is lifted up so that others mightunderstand who we are and what webelieve. The first thing we can affirmis that we are a people of God'sextravagant welcome.

“Jesus didn’t turn peopleaway, even those rejected by others.We don’t intend to either. We are likea company of strangers’, made familyby the grace of God. God welcomes,claims, and loves all people. God alsofeeds our hunger, forgives our sins,and frees us from aimlesswandering…”

“This is no idle chatter…” AtUnion Church we regularly extend awelcome to all who enter our doors:to new families visiting the EarlyChildhood Program who have justmoved to town; to the gentlemanstruggling without work who stops bylooking for rent assistance for hisfamily; to the retired executivegrieving the unexpected loss of hiswife of 50 years; to the recoveringaddict looking for the support ofcommunity. We mean it when we say,“No matter who you are or where youare on life's journey, you are welcomehere.”

This year, give your neighbora gift by welcoming them to UnionChurch. Tell them what the churchmeans to you and ask them to joinyou this Sunday. Share with them oneof the many exciting ways God is atwork in and through this church,whether through the exceptionalprograms of the Women'sAssociation, the opportunities to growin faith as families, or the growingprayer groups and Bible studies formen, women, and couples.

With the courage ofconviction, reach out to your neighborwith the invitation to “Come, shareyour journey with us.”

—Verlee A. Copeland

Messagefrom theMinistryTeam

THE GOOD NEWS is apublication of

The Union Church ofHinsdale

(United Church of Christ)

THE UNION CHURCH OF HINSDALE137 South Garfield AvenueHinsdale, IL 60521-4298

www.uchinsdale.org630.323.4303 (Telephone)

630.323.4407 (Fax)

Senior Minister:Rev. Verlee A. Copeland

Minister for ChristianFormation and Mission:

Rev. Dr. Thom Parrott-Sheffer

Minister for Membership andDiscipleship:

Rev. Julie Ruth Harley

Director of Youth Ministries:David Knecht

Director of Music Ministries:Michael Surratt

Director of Choirs:Gary Wilhelm

Director of EarlyChildhood Programs:

Jennifer Keldahl

Director of Children’sChristian Education:

Penny Johnson

Director of Administration:Mary Bock

Financial Manager:Chris Biank

WORSHIP SERVICES

Journey Contemporary WorshipSaturdays at 5:00 pm

Sunday Worship8:00, 9:00 and 11:00 am

Youth Worship2nd Sundays at 9:50 am

Prayer and Healing Service3rd Sundays at 7:00 pm

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Sundays8:30 am to 12:30 pm

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CONVERSATION WITH THE MINISTER:GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Please join us for the first in a series ofconversations about issues facing UnionChurch. Bring your questions fordiscussion. Each month we willhighlight issues that warrant conversationbeyond what you may read about in theGood News. The purpose of thesegatherings is to meet with the seniorminister and hear an update on currentissues facing the church, such as therecent proposed cell antennae, the agendaof the national body of the United Churchof Christ, or any number of other topicswhich may surface on a monthly basis.These meetings will be held on April 9(Palm Sunday), May 14 (Mother’s Day)and June 11 in the Lounge from 12:15-12:45.

- Rev. Verlee Copeland

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF SPRING!

Honor a loved one on Easter Sunday withbeautiful spring blooms. Lilies, tulips,

daffodils and hyacinthswill make a gloriousdisplay on Eastermorning.

Each plant costs $16.00and orders areunlimited. Place yourorder with AudreyWoeltje in the churchoffice at 630.323.4303

before April 9. Plants may be taken homeafter the 11:00 am Easter service. Wewelcome volunteers to deliver donated plantsto the homebound.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING

MARCH 25 & MARCH 26, 2006

AT ALL WORSHIP SERICES

Through One Great Hour of Sharing, United Church of Christmembers reach out in the name of Christ to:

· Build sustainable communities: OGHS supports self-help programs in more than 80nations to build sustainable communities that enable people and communities to standagainst and rise above hunger, disease, illiteracy, and other forces of injustice that deny anddestroy dignity.

· Respond to disaster: OGHS provides emergency and long-term assistance to peoplein the aftermath of hurricanes, tornados, storms, floods, tidal waves, fires, explosions, tech-nological disasters, civil strife, war, or other natural or human-caused events. On average,OGHS responds to a disaster once every 2.5 days.

· Minister to refugees: OGHS responds with advocacy and help, hope and hospitalityfor people who have been uprooted from their home of origin. More than 30 million of theworld's people are uprooted at any given time.

Use the enclosed envelope to join the effort to bring clean water, safe environs, and basichuman dignity to those in need, with your generous gift to the

One Great Hour of Sharing!

SAYS THANK YOU!!!

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Well, you’ve done it! All 33 of our Spring Work TourYouth and Leaders have been Sponsored! Thank Youso much for your love, care, prayers and support. Staytuned for awesome reports back from the “front-lines”of Pearlington and Gulfport, Mississippi. We departon Friday, March 24th and return Sunday, April 2nd.See You then!

BTW- If you’re still interested in Sponsoring one ofour Summer Work Tour Youth for July, please dropme a SAY Card or give me a call! Lots left for thattrip!

SAY

Friday March 24th -Work Tour Send-Off 4 p.m. - Check-in

5 p.m - DepartAll Youth, Families, and Sponsors are invited to our Send-Off (In the Gathering Place)

-Spring Break Starts!!!

No TNT (Middle School Youth Group)

No Discovery (High School Youth Group)

Till Sunday April 8ththMondays April 3rd & 10thMondays April 3rd & 10th- PUSH 7-8 p.m. High School

Bible discussion

Sunday April 8th

-All other classes and youth programming

resumes.

Friday April 21-23

8 & 9th Grade ONLY

"YOUTH QUAKE" Retreat

Road Trip, Awesome Bands, Pool, 600 other kids,Faith filled Fun! Watch Your Mail for Info on thisCool Event!

COLLEGE SOPHOMORE

WALKS FOR BREAST

CANCER

Megan Lockhart is anextraordinary person. She grewup in this church, and pouredher heart into everything shedid here - and that was a lot! There was a big holeleft here when Megan took off for college at SouthernIllinois University. However; Megan always comesback to visit and participate with us, AND herexample of pouring her heart out hasn't ceased. Thissummer, Megan is pulling on her walking shoes andstriking out to help raise money and awareness forall women who have, have had, or have beenaffected by, breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer 3 Day is a 60 mile walkstarting from near the Wisconsin border,and ending in Chicago. 85% of netproceeds go towards the Susan G. KomenBreast Cancer Foundation, which fundsbreast cancer research and communityoutreach programs. 15% of the netproceeds go towards the NationalPhilanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund,

which supports breast cancer research, treatment,prevention and education.

Megan told me this about her decision to walk… “Ipersonally decided to walk because of breastcancer's affect on my family. My grandmother, MaryJean King, and her mother Ruth Browning, were bothaffected by breast cancer. I am also walking for allfamilies who have been affected by breast cancer,and for all families who may one day be affected. -By September, I am hoping to raise at least $2,200. Iknow that I cannot do this alone, but I know that Ican do this with everyone's prayers and support.”

You can make a donation at her website, which is:http://www.the3day.org/Chicago06/mlockhart or, thereis a link to print out donation sheets if you wouldprefer to pay by check. Megan wanted me to tell youhow much she appreciates everyone's support, andshe thanks you so much. If you have questions, feelfree to email her at kitkatsway@yahoo.com or call at(708) 926-4669.

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ADVENTURES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Son Treasure Island is Coming! SAVE THE DATE

June 26 - 330 in the afternoon.

There�s treasure on this island, more p recious than gold, more lasting than diamonds.

It�s the greatest treasure of all, God�s Love. Discover the treasure at VBS.

Registration forms will be available April 2 in the CE Office. Please see Penny Johnson.

BOB AND LARRY GET A CLUE IN “SHEERLUCK HOLMES”

Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber are on thecase in the next hilarious installment of VeggieTales,

SHEERLUCK HOLMES AND THE GOLDENRULER!

Larry plays the world-renownedinvestigator Sheerluck Holmes, a cukewith an eye for clues and a tooth for slueth! His

trusty partner is Dr. Watson, played by Bob theTomato. Together they can solve any crime. Butwhen Sheerluck takes all the credit, their friendship

may be lost forever! SHEERLUCKHOLMES AND THE GOLDEN RULERteaches kids a lesson aboutfriendship.

It’s coming to Union Church SundaySchool on April 2 at 9:50.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULEMARCH / APRIL @ 9:50

MARCH 26 Family Sunday School after9:00 service—NoPreconfirmation, Rotationand Children in Worship.There will be 3’s and 4’s at9:50.

APRIL 2 Veggie Tales movie at 9:50 forSunday School (see details atleft). Children in Worship willmeet. Preconfirmation will notmeet.

APRIL 9 Regular Schedule

APRIL 16 Easter—No Sunday School

APRIL 23 Regular Schedule

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED MARCH 12, 2006

MEMBER NEWS

Tracy Bassett and her husband, Gib, are the parents of Chloe andDylan, and they live in Claredon Hills. Tracy is involved in our EarlyChildhood Program and is a former member of St. Paul’s UCC in Palatine.Her sponsors are Hugh and Mary Robinson.

Tim and Jande Hansen are the parents of Sarah and Whitney,and they are mortage bankers here in town with Wells Fargo. Jande isa member of the Christain Science church in Hinsdale and joins us asan associate member. You will see them at the 11 a.m. service. Theirsponsors are Pam and David Knecht.

Joanne Peele and Gary Krauter live in Hinsdale onSpinningwheel Road. Joanne is a realtor and decorator for LivingColors and Gary is in computer software sales with Solid Works.Joanne’s son, Jim, will be married at Union Church later this year.They are former members of St. Isaac’s Jogues Church. Theirsponsors are Jim and Sue Nibeck.

Jill and Matt Langan are the parents of Caroline and Anna,and they live in Clarendon Hills. Jill works for Mindshare, anadvertising company and formerly belonged to a Methodist Churchin Topeka, Kansas. They usually attend the 9 a.m. family service.Their sponsors are Jeff and Ingrid Ellithorpe.

Laura and Sheila Nash are the parents of Austin, and they live in PalosPark. Laura is a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools, and Sheila is a schooladministrator. They attend the 5 p.m. Saturday Journey service. Their sponsor isSusan Pedersen.

MEMBER NEWS

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS WHO JOINED MARCH 12, 2006

Maragaret and John Swiess live in Indian Head Park,and they have been attending our Journey service for severalmonths. They both work in financial services, and John is alsoan attorney. They were members of St. Cletus in LaGrange.Their sponsors are Tina and Tony Porterfield.

Sarah Robertson is retired, but works part-time at ajewelry store. She has lived in Hinsdale for many years and hasseveral friends in our congregation. She is a former member ofthe Clarendon Hills Presbyterian Church, and her sponsor isCathy Schultz.

Mark Rathburn, husband of member Liz Rathburn, isthefather of Jack. Mark and Liz live in Clarendon Hills andown Duck, Duck, Goose. Mark is a former member of St. JohnBosco in Hammond, Indiana. His sponsor is wife, Liz.

Jane and David Tillinghast are longtime residents ofHinsdale, and David is in our Men’s Club. Jane is a homemakerand a great cook, and David works in management with PlumGrove Development. They know many of our members already,and they are sponsored by Chuck and Phyllis Armstrong.

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FAITH COMMUNITY NEWS

WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION SPONSORS VISIT TO CHICAGOTHEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

On Thursday, April 20th, you are invited to join our ownseminarian, Beth Dickerson, and other members ofWomen's Association for an insider's look at one of ourlong-time mission partners, Chicago Theological Seminary.

CTS is located in Hyde Park adjacent to the University ofChicago as well as the Oriental Institute which we will havethe opportunity to visit on April 20th as well.

We plan to gather at church at 9:15 on the morning of the20th, drive down to CTS for our tour, briefly visit theOriental Institute, enjoy lunch in Hyde Park, and be back atUnion Church about 3 pm.

Information about signing up and transportation will follow. National UCC Women's Conference

Dream on Sisters! The Mix in '06 will beheld June 21-25 in Indianapolis forapproximately 5,000 women in the UnitedChurch of Christ and Disciples of Christ.This event will include hundreds ofworkshops, exciting music and worship,ideas for women's ministry, and nationallyknown speakers. Rev. Julie Ruth Harleywill attend and lead a workshop. Pleasecontact her before May 1 to get moreinformation and the best price onregistration at 630.323.4303 orjrharley@uchinsdale.org.

BOOK GROUP HIATUS

Last Wednesday BookGroup takes a "springbreak."

There will be no drop-inbook discussion inMarch, but we will

return in April.

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION UNIT MEETINGS FOR APRIL 2006

Unit 1 4/06 10:00 AM South Parlor at church

Unit 2 4/06 9:00 AM Youth Room at church

Unit 3 4/06 9:00 AM Meet at South parking lot at church to carpool to Coptic Orthodox Church, 79th St., Chicago, andafterward at the home of Cathy Schultz 148 Easton Pl., Burr Ridge

Unit 4 4/05 12:30 PM Home of Susan Young132 E. Walnut St., Hinsdale

Unit 5 4/06 7:30 PM Home of Marion Mortimer924 S. Bruner, Hinsdale

Unit 6 4/07 1:00 PM Home of Barb Voorhees 732 69th St., Willowbrook

Unit 7 4/10 9:00 AM Youth Room at church

CELL ANTENNAE PROPOSALUPDATE

The Union Church is now in thefinal stages of its application to the VillageBoard for approval of cell antennae. Theoriginal proposal, which necessitated aheight variance, was withdrawn because theplan was revised and no longer required avariance. Nextel re-applied with a requestto approve the application for antennaebased on aesthetics. The Village Board willconsider this request at an upcomingmeeting in early April. We will keep youposted of the outcome.

SOCIAL JUSTICE VISITS SPRINGFIELD TO CAMPAIGN FOR BETTERHEALTH

On February 28th, Bill & Lucia Sutton, Ann Kleboe, GeorgeBauder, Cathy & Paul Schultz, and Thom Parrott-Sheffertraveled to Springfield on behalf of the Social Action Ministryto support the efforts of the Campaign for Better Health Care.As one of the three focus areas of the Social Justice work at

Union Church, this day of contacting legislators and attending a town hallmeeting on Heath Care was a special day for all of us.

We spent the afternoon either talking with Senators and Representatives orleaving important information at their offices. Then, we attended aninformation/town hall meeting for the Springfield area. Ann, Cathy, and Thomall spoke before the State’s task force, created by the Health Justice Act passedin 2005. It was a powerful day for all who went, and serves as the beginningto what we hope is a long association with the Campaign for Better HealthCare here in Illinois.

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO PLAN . . . .

As we move into Spring, we are planningto celebrate our graduates on June 4, 2006.We are asking anyone who knows ofsomeone who is graduating from HighSchool, College/University, GraduateSchool, or a professional/trade school tocontact Thom Parrott-Sheffer in the ChurchOffice and let him know. We are starting tomake a list in preparation for a church-widecelebration of these milestones.

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MINISTRIES IN ACTION

PleasejointheOpenand

Affirming Task Force on Sunday, March 26as we kick off our 2006 Sunday Evening FilmFestival. We will be showing the film “ButI’m a Cheerleader” at 6:30 in the lounge,followed by a short discussion. “But I'm aCheerleader” is a hilarious, satirical look at aquestioning girl’s coming of age in middleAmerica and her parents attempt to make her“straight” again by sending her to a“rehabilitation camp” for the summer. That iswhere the fun begins...

Please join us for popcorn, beverages and anentertaining movie. Due to the subject matter,youth under 17 who wish to attend must beaccompanied by a parent or guardian.

MARKET DAY BRINGS YOU PIE MONTH!

April is Spring Pie Bonus time at Market Day. Choose from among eightdelicious offerings, each of which generates extra credits for the AllegroHandbell Ensemble. Help yourself to Cherry Deep Dish, Confetti

Cheesecake, Strawberries ‘n Cream, Apple,Key West Lime, Peach, Wild Berry and FrenchSilk.

Also, look over the Breathtaking BreakfastSpecials in this month’s insert. Start yourfamily’s day with Blueberry Muffins, GourmetCinnamon Rolls, Turkey Sausage Links,Microwave Pancakes and Orange JuiceSingles.

Market Day benefits the Allegro Handbell Ensemble. Look for your MarketDay flyer in the mail or in the church narthex. Orders are due in the narthexon Sunday, April 9 (internet Wednesday, April 12). Pick-up is from theGarfield circle driveway on Saturday, April 15, from 9:00–10:00 am. Usethe internet (account 1359) and pay by credit card—it’s easy! As always,please pick up your orders in a timely manner. The Allegro HandbelEnsemble thanks you!

ADVICE FROM THE ENDOWMENT MINISTRY

Did you know that mortgage interest is deductible only on debt (up to$1 million for a mortgage and $100,000 for a home equity loan)incurred in the purchase or capital improvement of a home? If yourefinance your mortgage for an amount greater than the previousbalance and this increase is not funding capital improvements to thehome, the interest on that increased amount of debt is not taxdeductible. Please consult your tax professional as to the deductibilityof your mortgage expense. This thought was brought to you by theEndowment Ministry.

FINANCIAL PLANNING CLASS

The Endowment Ministry invites you to join us during the AdultSunday School hour (9:50–10:50 am) on April 30, May 7 and May 14as we provide a series of overviews to help you determine howfinancially prepared you and others in your family might (or mightnot) be at various stages in your life. More information will beprovided in the next Good News, but plan to bring your coffee and joinus for any or all of these informative and thought-provoking sessions.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE INFORMATION ON APRIL 23

Dr. Lawrence LaPalio will speak on “Alzheimer’s Disease: What It Meansto You” at 9:50 a.m. on Sunday, April 23, in Rowell Hall. Dr. LaPalio isdirector of geriatrics for Adventist Midwest Systems, medical director ofKing-Bruwaert House in Burr Ridge, and associate professor of medicine atLoyola. He is a longtime resident of Hinsdale and an experiencedpractitioner in this field. This event is sponsored by the Mental HealthMinistry Team.

UC SINGLES GROUP

Calling all (single) chefs!

In a never-ending quest for new and differentactivities, the Singles Group has come up withanother fun and interesting activity for April21st - a cooking class.

Are you someone who can’t boil water, or justin need of an idea, or two, to spice up yourculinary capabilities? Regardless of yourgastronomic aptitude, our April 21st cookingclass is perfect for you. Pati O’Connor, catererextraordinaire who made our mouths water atour progressive dinner last year, is going toteach the class at Kathy Martino’s house.

The menu is simple enough for beginners, yetinteresting enough for the more experiencedchef. We will learn to make, and then dine on,potato encrusted salmon, asparagus withhollandaise and raspberry shortcake for dessert.The cost is $35 per person, plus groceries(which Pati promises to be nominal).

Please contact Mary Concialdi at 847-421-8514, or maryconcialdi@sbcglobal.net, toRSVP for the event, ask a question or two, orput in a suggestion.

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AROUND THE CHURCH

Think about volunteering for the annualPETITE REPEAT sale. If you can help set

up before the sale, youwill be eligible to shop atPre-sale on Friday, April21st in the evening. Toys,strollers, car seats, highchairs, maternity clothingjust to name a few of the

fantastic items you will findat the PETITE REPEAT PRE-SALE. Formore information call Amy Wallace630-749-9294. Thank You!

HEY KIDS...HOP TO IT ANDFOLLOW ME TO THEEASTER EGG HUNT!Saturday, April 15, 2006

Kids ages 1 to 7 years areinvited to this specialevent. We meet in theGathering Place at 9:45 am

for refreshments; the actualhunt begins at 10:00 am. Bring your

Easter basket and collect lots of eggs,candies and other goodies! Take pictures

with the Easter Bunny!

Questions should be directed to Joan Wentlingat 630.323.0467.

MEN’S CLUB LUNCHEON AND PROGRAMWednesday, April 12 • 12:00 pm

The April program features NBC5’s Ryan Baker, presenting “Sportsand the TV Media—My View as a TV Sports Anchor.”

Ryan Baker joined the NBC5 sportsteam in August 2003 as weekend sportsanchor and NBC5 Sports Sunday co-anchor. He also plays a major role inNBC5 Bears coverage.

Join us at the Union Church of HinsdaleDining Room in the Lower Level. Costis $5 per person.

If you are not contacted for your reservation, please call the churchoffice at 630.323.4303 before noon on the Monday before theluncheon and make a reservation.

BRING A FRIEND!

MEMBER NEWS

DEATHS

LaVerne Skale’s memorial service is on Saturday, April 8 at2:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

Ellen Gianneschi’s memorial service is on Saturday, April22 at 2:00pm in the Chapel.

Dorothy Deke’s memorial service was held on Saturday,March 11th.

Bob Sharp, former member married to Phyllis MacGuffin,recently passed away in Fountain Hills, AZ.

BIRTH

Peter Fox Hester, son of Heather and John arrived onMarch 12th. Congratulations to mom and dad, andgrandparents Diane and Virgil Oostendorp and greatgrandmother Frances Forsek.

TAI CHI

A new Tai Chi class is ready to beginMarch 20. Contact Marietta Long forinterest and information.

UNION CHURCH GENERAL FUND FEBRAURY, 2006

Actual Budget Remaining

Pledge Collections $370,880 1,270,000 $899,120

Other General Fund 23, 547 180,300 156,753

Total $394,427 $1,450,300 $1,055,873

General Fund Expenses $205,835 $1,480,686 $1,274,851

Net Postition General Fund $188,592

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...33 UTH GNUS

44 ADVENTURES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

55 FAITH COMMUNITY

66 MINISTRIES IN ACTION

77 AROUND THE CHURCH

THE UNION CHURCH OF HINSDALEUnited Church of Christ137 S. Garfield Ave., Hinsdale, IL 60521