GOOD  TO  BE  BACK!  

Hello  all!    By  the  time  you  read  this,  I  will  have  been  back  you  for  several  weeks.  I  was  able  to  do  more,  and  more  both  personally  and  at  Union  Church,  in  the  month  of  June  following  my  spinal  cord  surgery  so  that  I  was  able  to  resume  my  duties  full  time  as  your  Transitional  Senior  Minister  near  the  end  of  the  month.    Thank  you  for  all  your  support  and  care  during  my  surgery  and  recovery,  prayer  does  work!  And  your  prayers  helped  me  improve  steadily  and  recover  at  a  good  pace.  I  want  to  thank  the  staff  and  lay  leaders  for  all  their  extra  effort  during  this  time.    I  have  a  great  deal  to  be  thankful  for!  

 Now  it  is  time  to  look  to  the  future.  Because  I  was  off  so  much  in  May  and  June,  I  will  be  engaged  

in  ministry  throughout  the  remainder  of  the  summer  and  will  be  part  of  the  fall  and  winter  planning  that  goes  on.     I  will  also  continue  to  work  with  the  Transitional  Steering  Committee  to  plan  the  next  steps  of  our  transition.  

 The  next  major  step   in  our  transition  will  be  our  cottage  meetings.    During  the  month  of  August  

you  will  be  invited  to  attend  one  cottage  meeting  in  the  fall  that  will  meet  in  a  church  member’s  home  (or  possibly   at   the   church.)     Cottage   meetings   will   be   scheduled   during   the   day,   on   weeknights   and   on  weekends  so  that  every  member  of  Union  Church  can  find  a  cottage  meeting  they  can  attend.  

 Each   cottage   meeting   will   be   a   90-­‐minute   session   that   will   elicit   further   discussion   from   the  

discoveries   from   the  Open  Forums   in   the   spring  and  ask   the  question,   “Based  on  our  discussion  of  our  values   and   visions   for   Union   Church,  what   qualities   and   characteristics   do  we   need   in   our   next   Senior  Minister  to  move  forward  as  a  thriving  congregation?”  

 Thirty   cottage   meetings   are   being   planned   so   that   as   many   members   of   the   congregation   can  

participate  as  possible.    Through  the  information  gathered  at  the  cottage  meetings  and  the  open  forums,  the  Senior  Minister  Search  Committee,  which  begins  to  meet  in  January,  will  have  a  large  amount  of  data  to  construct  a  church  profile.    This  is  the  first  step  in  the  Senior  Minister  search  process.  

 So,  beginning  in  August,  when  you  get  a  call  from  a  host  inviting  you  to  a  cottage  meeting,  take  the  

call;  and   if  you  are  not  available  to  attend  the  date  the  host  gives  you,  the  host  will  have  a   list  of  other  dates   to   attend.     The   goal   is   maximum   participation   of   the   entire   congregation.   Please   accept   the  invitation  to  shape  the  future  of  the  Union  Church  of  Hinsdale!    Rev.  Dr.  Tom  Zoelzer  Transitional  Senior  Minister    

 

July  10,  2011                    A  Publication  of  The  Union  Church  of  Hinsdale,  U.C.C.                    Volume  43,  Issue  12  

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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 Administrator:

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

   

“The  Stories  of  Our  Faith”  Puzzling  –  Putting  the  Pieces  Together  

 

 

July  17:   Parable  of  the  Wheat  &  Weeds  Worship  is  led  by    Tom  Zoelzer  at  9:00  and  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer  at  10:30.  

 July  24:   Parable  of  “Lost  and  Found”       Worship  is  led  by  Tom  Zoelzer  at  9:00    &  10:30    July  31:   Feeding  the  5,000  Worship  is  led  by  Tom  Zoelzer  at  9:00         and  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer  at  10:30.    August  7:   Jesus  Is  Walking  on  Water  Worship  is  led  by  Thom  Parrott-­‐  

Sheffer  at  9:00  and  Tom  Zoelzer  at  10:30.    August  14:   Celebration  of  Michael  Surratt’s  ministry  with  us.  THIS  IS  

MICHAEL’S  LAST  SUNDAY.  ONE  SERVICE  at  10:00  a.m.    

“The  Stories  of  Our  Faith”  Puzzling  –  Putting  the  Pieces  Together  

 August  21:   Word  Becomes  Flesh  Worship  is  led  by  Jeremy  Hylen  at    

9:00  and  Tom  Zoelzer  at  10:30.    August  28:   Being  Transformed  Worship  is  led  by  Tom  Zoelzer  at  9:00         and  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer  at  10:30.        

Taizé  Worship  July  20,  2011  at  7:00  p.m.  in  the  Chapel.

Michael Surratt will be leading his last Taizé Service

at the Union Church of Hinsdale.  

Prayer  and  meditation  service  in  the  style  of  the  Taizé  community.  

All  are  welcome.    

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Invitation  to  Faith:  Community  &  Church  Life  

 Children  Learn  What  They  Read  

   

“I  want  to  hear  a  story,”  is  a  request  familiar  to  parents  of  3s  &  4s.  This  summer  the  3s  &  4s  are  

exploring  the  presence  of  God  through  familiar  stories,  such  as  Goodnight  Moon,  The  Runaway  

Bunny,  and  many  more.    These  books,  many  of  them  award  winners,  demonstrate  God’s  love,  

presence,  care  and  principles  through  the  portrayal  of  nature,  families,  and  diverse  settings.    

Summer  is  a  relaxing  time  to  read  and  play  outside.  

 “Brown  Bag”  Children’s  Church  

   This  summer  we  will  offer  Sunday  School  for  Kindergarten  through  5th  grades  at  the  9:00  hour  of  

church.    It  is  in  the  format  of  a  Children’s  Church.    We  gather  in  the  Lounge  for  bagels  and  then  head  

to  the  chapel  for  singing.    Everything  sounds  familiar,  but  after  the  singing,  all  ages  go  to  Classrooms  

J&K  on  the  main  level  for  the  “brown  bag”  message.    Each  week  the  children  hear  a  message  based  

on  the  scripture  of  the  day  in  church.    Our  message  uses  objects  in  a  brown  bag  to  discuss  the  

scripture.  Families  then  have  a  common  message  to  share  together.    The  following  is  the  format  for  

the  morning:  

 

8:50-­‐9:00   Gather  in  Lounge  

9:00-­‐9:15   Music  in  Chapel    

9:15-­‐9:50   Classroom  J&K  

     

All  K-­‐5th  grade  children  can  be  picked  up  in  Classroom  

J&K  immediately  following  the  service.    Summer  Sunday  School  for  those  5th  grade  and  under  will  be  at  9  a.m.  each  Sunday  throughout  the  

summer  except  on  August  14  for  Mike  Surratt's  last  Sunday.  

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Invitation to Faith: Mission and Social Justice

Welcome to Our Newest Members  

Take  a  few  moments  to  introduce  yourself  to  them!

 

  Jon  &  Suzie  Koivun                        Ela  Koivun            JD  &  Judy  Ice        Live  in  Villa  Park  with  their  two                Just  completed  Confirmation.                  Live  in  Indian  Head  Park.                        children,  Ela  and  Julia.        Will  be  a  Freshman  in  High  School.          Have  joined  the  10:30  Worship                                  Team  &  Membership  Ministry.    

       

                             

Wendy  Jaglarski     Ruth  Sutter  &  Cherie  Long-­Sutter            Peggy  Townsend  Lives  in  Lombard  and  has  become       Live  in  Bolingbrook.            Lives  in  Burr  Ridge.                      active  in  our  mission  work.              Becoming  active  in  our  10:30     A  retired  school  teacher.                      Worship  Teams.  .  

                           

                     Nick  Jung                                  Jessica  Engelking                          Lives  in  Clarendon  Hills.           .                          Lives  in  Hinsdale                  Just  completed  Confirmation.                      Just  completed  Confirmation.                Son  of  Joe  &  Kristin  Jung  and                      Daughter  of  Kiki  &  Robert  Engelking.  Grandson  of  Virgil  &  Diane  Oostendorp.                        

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Invitation  to  Faith:  Christian  Formation  for  Youth  

Summer  Work  Tour  2011  Follow  us  online  at  http://uchucc.us/wt  

 

   

Middle School Events:

July 13: Mini-Golf and Bowling and Ice Cream (1-5pm) Cost $20

July 27: Kane County Cougars Game (5-9pm) Cost $15

August 10: Brookfield Zoo Trip (1-6pm) Cost $20

 

RSVP required for all events!

 

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Invitation to Faith: Mission and Social Justice

****** HELP NEEDED ****** FLEXIBLE 4-HOUR SHIFTS WEDNESDAY

THROUGH SATURDAY

ReStore is at 869 South ROWHLING ROAD (ROUTE 53), ADDISON, IL 60101

   

If  you  are  able  to  COME  OUT  AND  HELP,  please  attend  one  of  the  upcoming  volunteer  orientation  sessions  at  the  ReStore  in  Addison:  

INTERESTED?

SIGN UP FOR AN ORIENTATION SESSION June 15 through July 23:

WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00PM AND SATURDAYS AT 9:00AM After July 23:

WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00PM AND FRIDAYS AT 9:00AM  

To  reserve  your  attendance  please  RSVP  to  restore@dupagehabitat.org.  Thank  you  in  advance  for  your  support  and  hope  to  have  you  join  us  at  our  ReStore  this  summer!  

     

Calling  women  of  all  ages:    Two  ways  to  nourish  your  mind,  body  and  soul  this  summer  

 Healthy  Lifestyles  –  Tuesdays,  9:15-­10:30  am,  Newby  Room  through  August  9th    

Learn  about  the  four  pillars  of  health:  diet,  exercise,  sleep  and  skin  care.    There  will  be  discussion,  support,  occasional  guest  speakers,  plus  some  time  for  a  walk  each  Tuesday.  For  more  information,  contact  Susan  Young  at  (630)  325.4641  or  Karen  Schwarzbauer  at  (630)  655.3170.    

 Authentic  Women  –  Wednesdays,  7:00-­9:00  pm,    

Kitchen  Classroom,  through  July.    Join  the  ongoing  discussion  of  Patti  Digh’s  What  I  Wish  for  You,  led  by  life  coach,  Jacki  Peterson  Sluder.      Learn  about  the  six  themes  of  the  book:  be  you,  be  passionate,  be  present,  be  unsure,  be  curious  and  be  free.    If  this  does  make  you  curious,  join  the  group!    For  more  information,  call  Sue  Nibeck  at  630-­‐638-­‐0540  or    Kim  Notaro  at  630-­‐750-­‐4516.  

 

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Invitation to Faith: Community Life

Michael Surratt in Concert  

Organ  Recital  Sunday,  July  24,  2011  

4  p.m.    

Union  Church  Sanctuary    

Featuring  "Prelude  and  Fugue  in  E  flat"    by  J.S.Bach  and    

"Grand  Symphonic  Piece"  by  Cesar  Franck    

Come  enjoy  the  talent  and  musical  gifts  "Mike"    has  blessed  our  congregation  with  for  over  32  years!  

       

From  the  Endowment  Ministry    

Recent  Endowment  Blessing!    

In  the  past  several  months,  the  Union  Church  Endowment  Fund  has  been  blessed  with  two  significant  gifts.    A  bequest  from  the  Estate  of  Vivian  Petersen  for  $200,000  and  a  gift  from  Lee  Smithwick  for  $100,000.    These  gifts  to  the  general  Endowment  Fund  will  keep  on  giving  approximately  5%  of  their  total  ($15,000  per  year)  to  the  church’s  General  Fund.    Based  on  this  year’s  budget,  these  gifts  will  provide  $9,000  per  year  to  help  pay  for  staff,  over  $2,000  per  year  to  maintain  our  facilities  and  the  remaining  $4,000  to  be  split  between  Mission,  Youth,  Music  and  Family  Ministries  forever!!    This  year  the  church  will  receive  over  $100,000  from  the  Endowment  Fund.    We  are  so  grateful  to  those  who  have  included  Union  Church  as  part  of  their  legacy.                   Jeff  Zimmer  

Endowment  Ministry,  Chair    

 

10  Commandments  for  a  New  Age    

1. Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout.

2. So a Car's WINDSHIELD is so large & the Rear view Mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.

3. Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write. 4. All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If things are

going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either. 5. Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold!

Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold! 6. Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax,

sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end! 7. When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve

your problems HE has faith in your abilities. 8. A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He

replied: "Yes, losing your vision!" 9. When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are

safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. 10. WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE.