COME  ON  SAFARI  JOIN  US  FOR  VACATION  BIBLE  SCHOOL  

 

Jambo  to  All,    Jambo  means  “hello”  in  Swahili.      On  June  20-­‐24,  the  children  of  Union  Church  are  going  on  an  African  safari.    A  safari  conjures  images  of  adventure,  exotic  animals  and  a  different  language.    Kids  love  adventure  and  at  VBS  we  will  be  guiding  them  on  a  tour  of  the  Serengeti,  the  grassland  region  in  Tanzania  and  Kenya.    Each  day,  they  will  discover  exotic  animals,  learn  some  Swahili,  create  safari  crafts,  play  exciting  games  and  enjoy  safari  snacks  as  they  seek  to  know  God  through  prayer.      We  are  calling  this  year’s  VBS  -­‐  Kingdom  of  the  Son,  as  we  learn  about  God’s  kingdom  through  the  prayer  we  say  every  Sunday,  the  Lord’s  Prayer.    Each  day  children  will  learn  a  memorable  phrase  that  emphasizes  what  Jesus  taught  us  about  God  through  the  Lord’s  prayer.    The  stories  will  focus  on  Jesus’  life  and  the  parables  illustrate  each  aspect.    This  is  a  familiar  VBS  to  our  older  youth  because  many  of  them  learned  the  Lord’s  prayer  from  VBS  over  six  years  ago.      This  is  the  largest  community  outreach  for  the  Children’s  Ministry  at  Union  Church.    Last  year  we  had  over  200  children  in  the  program.    This  year  our  numbers  are  on  track  to  be  the  same.    Our  safari  crew  is  in  need  of  your  support.    If  your  children  are  signed  up  for  VBS  or  you  are  a  kid  at  heart–  we  want  you!    Volunteer  to  help  with  arts  and  crafts  for  a  couple  of  days,  partner  with  another  person  and  teach,  be  a  storyteller  or  help  in  our  nursery.    Please  think  about  where  your  talents  would  best  fit  in  the  program  and  get  involved.    VBS  is  one  of  the  best  ways  to  nurture  your  child’s  faith  and  lead  by  example.          Registrations  are  filling  up  fast,  so  don’t  monkey  around  and  join  our  prayer  safari  at  Kingdom  of  the  Son!      Asante  (Thank  you)  and  Peace,    Penny  Johnson  Children’s  Director  Union  Church  of  Hinsdale,  U.C.C.  

 

May  15,  2011                    A  Publication  of  The  Union  Church  of  Hinsdale,  U.C.C.                    Volume  43,  Issue  10  

2

Invitation to Faith: Transformative Worship

Our  Staff  

   

Sundays  in  May  and  June:    “Being  a  Witness”    

May  15:  Worship  led  by  the  members  of  our  Simple  Supper  Bible  Studies       at  both  9:00  and  10:30  a.m.    May  22:  CONFIRMATION  SUNDAY,  at  both  9:00  and  10:30  a.m.       The  Rite  of  Confirmation  will  be  held  at  9:00  and  the  Dedication         of  the  Confirmands  will  occur  at  10:30  p.m.           Come  for  both  services!    May  29:  Memorial  Day  Worship  led  by  Jeremy  Hylen  at  9:00    and  10:30.    June  5:   9:00  a.m.  –  DEDICATION  AND  CELEBRATION.     The  portrait  of  Rev.  Dr.  Verlee  A.  Copeland  will  be  unveiled  and       dedicated.    Rev.  Jonathan  Knight  will  be  providing  the  message.       10:30  a.m.  –  CHRISTIAN  FORMATION  SUNDAY     Penny  and  Jeremy  will  lead  the  worship  in  celebration  of  our       Christian  Formation  Ministry  and  an  appreciation  of  our  teachers    June  12:  PENTECOST  SUNDAY,  one  worship  service  at  10:00  a.m.       Join  us  as  we  celebrate  the  birthday  of  the  Church,  celebrate  New         Member  Sunday  and  Commission  our  Bell  Tour.           Special  liturgy  and  special  music  is  being  planned.    June  19:  Worship  is  led  by  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer  at  9:00  and  Jeremy  Hylen  at  10:30.       Special  liturgy  and  special  music  is  being  planned.    June  26:  VBS  SUNDAY!    Worship  is  led  by  Penny  Johnson  at  9:00         and  the  10:30  worship  will  be  led  by  our  VBS  children.        

The  All-­‐Church  Picnic  Pentecost  Sunday,  June  12,  2011  Immediately following the church service.  

 

 Bratwurst,  hotdogs,  buns,  water,    

lemonade,  iced  tea  and  dessert  will    be  provided  by  the  Parish  Life  Ministry.  

   

Each  family  attending  is    asked  to  bring  a  salad  to  share.  

 If  anyone  has  a  light  weight  pop  up  canopy  (tent  without  sides)  that  we  could  use,  please  contact  Diane  Oostendorp  at  (630)  655.9405.  

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

3

Invitation  to  Faith:  Community  &  Church  Life  

Women’s  Association  Annual  May  Luncheon  Please  join  us  for  a  Garden  Party!  

 Thursday,  May  19,  2011  at  noon.  

We  will  gather  for  lunch  in  the  dining  room  to  meet  the   WA  scholarship  recipients  for  this  year!

Along  with  our  Garden  Party  theme,  Rose  Ross  and  Dorothe  Ernest  will  present  "Creative  Containers."    Guests  are  urged  to  wear  garden  party  attire  and  hats.    Several  unique  centerpieces  will  be  auctioned  off,  with  proceeds  going  towards  Women's  Association  mission  projects.      

 The  cost  of  the  luncheon  &  program  is  $5.00.    Tickets  can  be  purchased  in  the  Gathering  Place  following  the  service;  otherwise,  please  email  susany123@aol.com  to  purchase  tickets.  

So  break  out  your  hat,  invite  your  friends,  and  join  us  on  the  19th!      

Calling  All  Authentic  Women  and/or  “Wannabes”!!    

Join  Us  for  our  Summer  Session  of  Authentic  Women!!    

Starting  Wednesdays,  June  15,  2011  7:00  –  9:00  PM  in  the  Kitchen  Classroom  

 

Gather  with  friends  to  -­‐    Discover  more  about  yourself!           Live  life  to  the  fullest!           Enjoy  new  friendships!    We  will  be  using  the  book  “What  I  Wish  For  You”    by  Patti  Digh  as  the  “springboard”  for  our  discussions  which  will  be  led  by  Jacki  Peterson  Sluder,  a  local  life  coach.    A  “peek”  at  the  6  themes:    Remember  who  you  are:  be  you!    Know  what  matters  most  :  be  passionate!    Make  peace  with  time  :  be  present!    Let  go  of  certainty  :  be  unsure!    Learn  something  every  day  :  be  curious!    Open  up  your  hand  :  be  free!    We  will  have  a  relaxed  summer  schedule  with  7  sessions  to  the  end  of  July.    This  is  a  program  for  all  ages  –  20’s  to  80’s!    Bring  your  friends!  Call  Sue  Nibeck  630-­‐638-­‐0540  or  Kim  Nibeck  Notaro  630-­‐750-­‐4516  for  more  information  and  to  reserve  a  spot  in  the  dynamic  conversation!!    

 

Summer  is  a  Time  to  Think  about  Making  Stockings    

It  is  never  too  early  to  think  about  Christmas  –  especially  if  you  know  that  in  early  December  the  Women’s  Association  will  be  stuffing  over  100  stockings.    The   Association   is   looking   for   donations   of   Christmas   material   and   4-­‐ply,  worsted   wool   or   acrylic   yarn.   We   can   use   a   few   people   to   cut   “stocking  patterns”  out  of  newspaper.    Volunteers  are  also  needed  to  sew  stockings.  Wondering  what  to  do  during  the  NBA  playoffs  or  on  a  rainy  day?  Consider  helping  with  this  worthy  project.        If  interested,  please  talk  to  Sue  Becker  or  Eleanor  Patterson.    

 

 

4

Invitation to Faith: Mission and Social Justice

Keep  an  eye  open  on  Facebook  for  details  for  Youth  Group  

Social  Justice  Engagement  Invitation    DuPage  United  will  hold  a  delegate  assembly  on  the  evening  of  June  16  (location  to  be  determined).    This  is  an  opportunity  to  come  together  with  representatives  of  the  DuPage  United  member  organizations,  along  with  public  officials,  to  identify  and  discuss  local  issues  and  engage  participants  in  a  “call  to  action”.    We  invite  you  to  come  to  learn  about  DuPage  United  and  to  help  give  a  voice  to  justice  issues.  DuPage  United  is  an  inclusive  group  of  non-­‐partisan  religious  and  civic  organizations  who  work  in  partnership  to  improve  the  quality  of  life  in  DuPage  County  by  engaging  in  democratic    action  in  the  public  arena  to  solve  challenges  in  our  communities.  It  was  founded  in  2003  and  is  affiliated  with  the  Industrial  Areas  Foundation,  an  international  network  of  community  organizations.    Member  organizations  include  churches,  mosques,  synagogues,  nonprofit  agencies  and  civic  organizations.    DuPage  United  develops  institution-­‐based  leadership  through  its  training  programs,  builds  relationships  among  institutions,  identifies    and  researches  issues  of  mutual  interest,  and  takes  disciplined,  organized  action  toward  a  more  just  society.  Although  Union  Church  is  not  currently  a  member  of  DuPage  United,  we  believe  it  presents  an  opportunity  for  our  congregation  members  to  be  engaged  in  local  justice  issues  and  hence  we  are  exploring  a  potential  relationship.      This  involvement  in  social  justice  among  interfaith  institutions  would  certainly  honor  the  work  and  memory  of  Hank  Maxwell,  longtime  UC  member  and  champion  of  peace  and  justice  in  our  community  until  his  death  in  2007.  Please  contact  Rev.  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer,  Bill  Sutton  or  Laurie  McMahon  for  more  details  about  DuPage  United  or  the  June  16  event.    

Food  Pantry  Volunteer  Help  Needed    The  food  pantry  at  HCS  Family  Services  in  Hinsdale  is  currently  looking  for  passionate  and  committed  volunteers  to  help  with  the  following  regular  basis:  Helping  client’s  shop,  stocking  shelves,  picking  up  local  weekly  donations,  mobile  food  pantry  support,  driving  to  Northern  Illinois  Food  Bank,  and  driving  to  Bartlett  once  a  week  for  produce  donations.    The  food  pantry  at  HCS  Family  Services  provides  low-­‐income  families  of  Southwest  DuPage  County  with  food  and  personal  care  items.  We  are  looking  for  adults  and  older  teens  with  a  few  hours  a  week  or  month  to  help.  This  is  your  chance  to  “give  back”  to  your  community  and  those  in  need.  HCS  Family  Services  is  located  at  19  E.  Chicago  Ave.  (Memorial  Building)  Hinsdale,  IL.  Please  contact,  Julie  Suarez  at  (630)  323.2500  x108  or  jsuarez@hcsfamilyservices.org  for  more  information.  

TNT  (Sunday  Nights  5-­‐6:30pm)     High  School    May  15:  City  Scavenger  Hunt     May  15:  Really  Bad  Movie  Night  @  7pm  May  22:  Whirly  Ball,  Cost  $25  (RSVP  w/Jer)   May  22:  Youth  Group  @  7    

 

5

Invitation  to  Faith:  Christian  Formation  for  Youth  

Confirmation  Retreat  Spring  2011    

Here  is  a  snapshot  of  the  past  year  of  confirmation.  Join  us  on  May  22nd  as  we  celebrate  the  Confirmands  as  they  affirm  their  faith  with  our  community.  

 

6

Invitation to Faith: Mission and Social Justice

 

Last  Market  Day  of  the  Season!    Orders  due  Wednesday,  May  18    

Thank  you  to  all  our  wonderful  Market  Day  customers!    We’ve  had  a  successful  year  because  of  you.    The  money  you’ve  helped  us  to  raise  is  essential  for  the  Allegro  Handbell  Ensemble  tour  to  Europe  this  summer.    Saturday,  May  21st  will  be  our  last  Market  Day  until  September,  so  take  this  opportunity  to  stock  up  on  all  your  Market  Day  favorites  for  the  summer.    If  you  order  online  at  www.marketday.com,  you’ll  be  able  to  take  advantage  of  lots  of  specials  available  only  to  online  customers.    Orders  for  this  month  are  due  Wednesday,  May  18,  at  5  pm  for  paper  orders  –  which  may  be  dropped  off  in  the  narthex  or  just  inside  the  north  parking  lot  doors,  or  11  pm  for  online  orders  at  www.marketday.com.      

PLEASE  NOTE:    PICK  UP  TIME  WILL  BE  EARLIER  THIS  MONTH  ONLY.  Because  the  Bell  Choir  is  leaving  immediately  following  Market  Day  pick-­‐up  to  play  a  concert,  we’re  asking  you  all  to  pick  up  your  orders  between  9:00  and  9:30  on  Saturday,  May  21.  

   Remember,  if  you’re  ordering  online  please  specify  the  Allegro  Handbell  Ensemble  as  “your  organization.”    Our  account  number  is  1359.      If  you  have  any  questions  or  problems  placing  your  online  order,  please  call  Lucy  Tarabour  at  630-­‐920-­‐0636  or  Mary  Jaworski  at  630-­‐734-­‐  1046.        The  Sweden-­‐bound  Allegro  Handbell  Ensemble  thanks  your  for  your  support!  

Memorial  Park  –  Wheaton  Free  food,  music,  and  

fun  and  games  for  the  kids.    

For  more  information  or  details,    please  contact  Tim  Walker  at  630  683-­3846  x222  or  twalker@dupagepads.org  

 

   

7

Invitation to Faith: Community Life

   

SUMMER  READING,  MOTHER’S  DAY  AND  FATHER’S  DAY    Through-­‐out   the  month  of  May,   there  will   be   tables   in   the   lower   level   alcove  with  used  books  and   frames.    Browse   through   the  material   for  books   to   read  on   the  beach  or  poolside,  while  waiting  out   the   rain   at   the  baseball  field,  for  mom  or  dad.    All  donations  received  are  added  to  the  money  in  the  Women’s  Association’s  scholarship  fund.    Come  several  times  as  the  stock  will  change.      

Save  the  date  Sunday,  June  26,  2011  

4:00  p.m.    

Allegro  Handbell  Ensemble  Coming  Home  Concert  

in  the  Sanctuary    

Following  their  concert  tour  of  Sweden  and  Denmark  June  12-­‐23  http://www.allegrobells.org  

     

Men’s  Club  Wednesday,  June  8,  2011  

Tom  is  home  and  recovering  –  getting  stronger  every  day.    He  is  attending  to  e-­‐mails  and  is  involved  in  the  work  of  the  church  

through  phone  calls  and  internet.    

Continue  to  hold  him  in  your  prayers,    as  we  look  forward  to  his  return  to  regular  ministry.  

The  June  meeting  is  our  annual  “Ladies  Day”    and  will  feature  Union  Church’s  own  chorale  ensemble    

Cantate!  as  our  entertainment  for  the  afternoon.    

Please  invite  your  wife  or  significant  other  to  join  you    for  this  wonderful  performance.  

 

 

Save  the  Date  Sunday,  June  26,  2011  

4:00  p.m.  in  the  Sanctuary    

Allegro    Handbell    Ensemble  

 Coming  Home  Concert  

 Following  their  concert  tour  to  Sweden  and  Denmark  June  12-­‐23.  

http://www.allegrobells.org