July 1, 2007 Volume 39, Issue 13 A Publication of The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C. A Pastoral Letter on the Iraq War From the Collegium of Officers United Church of Christ “God expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry.” -Isaiah 5.7 The war in Iraq is now in its fifth year. Justified as a means to end oppression, this war has imposed the new oppression of terror on the people of Iraq. Justified as the only way to protect the world from weapons of mass destruction, this war has led to the massive destruction of communal life in Iraq. Justified as a means to end the rule of terror, this war has bred more terror. Every day we look for justice, but all we see is bloodshed. Every day we yearn for righteousness, but all we hear is a cry. Thousands of precious American lives have been lost; thousands more have been altered forever by profound injuries. We grieve each loss and embrace bereaved families with our prayers and compassion. Tens of thousands more innocent Iraqi lives are daily being offered on the altar of preemptive war and sectarian violence. They, too, are precious and we weep for them. In our name human rights have been violated, abuse and torture sanctioned, civil liberties dismantled, Iraqi infrastructure and lives destroyed. Billions of dollars have been diverted from education, health care, and the needs of the poor in this land and around the world. Efforts to restrain the real sources of global terrorism have been ignored or subverted. Trust and respect for the United States throughout the world has been traded for self-serving political gain. Every day we look for justice, but all we see is bloodshed. Every day we yearn for righteousness, but all we hear is a cry. We confess that too often the Church has been little more than a silent witness to evil deeds. We have prayed without protest. We have recoiled from the horror this war has unleashed without resisting the arrogance and folly at its heart. We have been more afraid of conflict in our churches than outraged over the deceptions that have killed thousands. We have confused patriotism with self- interest. As citizens of this land we have been made complicit in the bloodshed and the cries. Lord, have mercy upon us. In the midst of our lament we give thanks – for pastors and laity who have raised courageous voices against the violence and the deceit, for military personnel who have served with honor and integrity, for chaplains who have cared for soldiers and their families with compassion and courage, for veterans whose experience has led them to say, “no more,” for humanitarian groups, including the Middle East Council of Churches, who have cared for the victims of violence and the growing tide of refugees, for the fragile Christian community in Iraq that continues to bear witness to the Gospel under intense pressure and fear, for public officials who have challenged this war risking reputation and career. The Gospel witness has not been completely silenced, and for this we are grateful. Today we call for an end to this war, an end to our reliance on violence as the first, rather than the last resort, an end to the arrogant unilateralism of preemptive war. (continued on page 7) Minister’s Message: A Letter from the President of the United Church of Christ
Transcript
July 1, 2007 Volume 39, Issue 13A Publication of The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C.
A Pastoral Letter on the Iraq WarFrom the Collegium of OfficersUnited Church of Christ
“God expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but
heard a cry.” -Isaiah 5.7
The war in Iraq is now in its fifth year. Justified as a means to end oppression, this war has imposed the new oppression of terror on the people of Iraq. Justified as the only way to protect the world from weapons of mass destruction, this war has led to the massive destruction of communal life in Iraq. Justified as a means to end the rule of terror, this war has bred more terror. Every day we look for justice, but all we see is bloodshed. Every day we yearn for righteousness, but all we hear is a cry.
Thousands of precious American lives have been lost; thousands
more have been altered forever by profound injuries. We grieve each loss and embrace bereaved families with our prayers and compassion. Tens of thousands more innocent Iraqi lives are daily being offered on the altar of preemptive war and sectarian violence. They, too, are precious and we weep for them. In our name human rights have been violated, abuse and torture sanctioned, civil liberties dismantled, Iraqi infrastructure and lives destroyed. Billions of dollars have been diverted from education, health care, and the needs of the poor in this land and around the world. Efforts to restrain the real sources of global terrorism have been ignored or subverted. Trust and respect for the United States throughout the world has been traded for self-serving political gain. Every day we look for justice, but all we see is bloodshed. Every day we yearn for righteousness, but all we hear is a cry.
We confess that too often the Church has been little more than a silent witness to evil deeds. We have prayed without protest. We have recoiled from the horror this war has unleashed without resisting the arrogance and folly at its heart. We have been more afraid of conflict in our churches than outraged over the deceptions
that have killed thousands. We have confused patriotism with self-interest. As citizens of this land we have been made complicit in the bloodshed and the cries. Lord, have mercy upon us.
In the midst of our lament we give thanks – for pastors and laity who have raised courageous voices against the violence and the deceit, for military personnel who have served with honor and integrity, for chaplains who have cared for soldiers and their families with compassion and courage, for veterans whose experience has led them to say, “no more,” for humanitarian groups, including the Middle East Council of Churches, who have cared for the victims of violence and the growing tide of refugees, for the fragile Christian community in Iraq that continues to bear witness to the Gospel under intense pressure and fear, for public officials who have challenged this war risking reputation and career. The Gospel witness has not been completely silenced, and for this we are grateful.
Today we call for an end to this war, an end to our reliance on violence as the first, rather than the last resort, an end to the arrogant unilateralism of preemptive war.
(continued on page 7)
Minister’s Message:
A Letter from the President of the United
Church of Christ
Forth of July Continental BreakfastParish Life will be serving a continental breakfast in the circular drive in the front of the church before the Fourth of July parade. We will be serving coffee, orange juice, sweet roll and fresh fruit. The price is $3, and we will begin serving at 9:30 (or earlier if the coffee gets brewed in time!) Join us there.
THE UNION CHURCH OF HINSDALE137 South Garfield AvenueHinsdale, IL 60521-4298
www.uchinsdale.org630.323.4303 (Telephone)
630.323.4407 (Fax)
OUR STAFF
Senior Minister:Rev. Verlee A. Copeland
Minister for ChristianFormation and Mission:
Rev. Dr. Thom Parrott-Sheffer
Minister for Membership andDiscipleship:
Rev. Dr. 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
Executive Manager:Merrilee Hall
Financial Manager:Chris Biank
Project Manager:Joel Gratcyk
Systems Manager:Mary Bock
WORSHIP SERVICES
Journey WorshipSaturdays at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship8:00, 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Jesus And Me (JAM)2nd Sundays at 11:15 a.m.
Prayer and Healing Service3rd Sundays at 7:00 p.m.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Friday8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sundays8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Invitation to Faith: Transformative Worship
Intergenerational Mission EventSaturday to Sunday, August 11-12, 2007!
Everyone is invited to join Pastor Thom as we journey to St. John U.C.C. in Chicago; where we will assist the church in their an-nual sale, do yard work and perform some long overdue repairs. We will hear from their pastor, Dr. Charlotte Nold, about their on-going ministries. We will eat at a local Mexican restaurant (it is yum-my). And we will worship with them on Sunday morning. This is a perfect op-portunity for middle-schoolers, families, and anyone interested in doing some local mission. Contact Pastor Thom for information and registration.
Call to ServeUnion Church has begun listing current volunteer opportunities on the website un-der the heading “Call to Serve.” Minis-tries may request volunteers for immedi-ate, current, short-term needs using the sample format available on the website at: http://www.uchinsdale.org/calltoserve.htm
These “Call to Serve” opportunities should be submitted to Merrilee Hall, Execu-tive Manager, at (630) 323.4303 ext. 10 or [email protected]
• 3 •
Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Children
VBS '007:Mission Successfully Completed
We completed a successful VBS mission last week. All 132 SonForce agents graduated to Level 5 Special Agent Status. We want to thank all the teachers and leaders of VBS especially, our Mission Commander, Jill Barker, and our Mission Program Leader, Laura Culbertson, for an exciting, fun-fi lled week.
We had over 22 youth helpers and 30 leaders that helped make our mission successful. We expect to reach our goal of buying a cow for a family in India. Thanks to all our agents and families for a wonder-ful experience.
GO SONFORCE KIDS, AGENTS ON A MISSION FOR GOD.
Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Youth
Uth Happenings!
TNT & DISCOVERY have ended their School Year program. Check out our cool
Youth Summer Events ScheduleIn the Mail (and on our Web-site @ www.uchinsdale.org)
Can You Help Us Find a HOME for Jer?
The Youth Ministry Team and Christian Formation Ministry are looking for help securing Rent Free, temporary housing for Jeremy Hylen, for Aug-Dec 2007. The need could possibly extend to June 2008.
Jer, our Youth Ministry Intern for the last 2 years, is currently away in Michigan running a summer camp. However, he’s returning to Hinsdale to continue
on with Union Church for the fall as lead Pre-Confirmation Teacher. He’ll remain active in other parts of our youth ministry as well. We’re trying to make his extended stay with us as financially feasible as possible, and we need your help. If you have an available coach house, basement apartment, or perhaps just a big ol’ house with a couple extra rooms that you’d be willing to share with Jer - that would be great. He’d be a great “house sitter” or companion to have a round. (He’s also a pretty good cook).
Jer is 28 years old, and has just finished seminary at CTS. He holds 2 Master’s Degrees, and is a significant part of our youth ministry - AND WE WANT TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO KEEP HIM AROUND!
If you think you can help out, or have questions please contact David Knecht at 323-4303. Thanks!!
Summer Work Tour Heads to Coahoma, MS July 6th – 14thThis summer 30 high school youth and 6 adult leaders head off to Coahoma, MS to do mission work with the YouthWorks organization. Ourwork will include doing house painting, Kid’s Club and the NEW Outrageous Sports Camp! We do this because we feel we have been called to “ be the Christ others will see – out in the world.” Please keep all the kids and leaders in your prayers. Here’s who you can pray for by name:
Joe Kelly Zach Miller Anna KuhnNick BradyAmanda GravelineJenna KauppiJack Nicholson John PalumboEric OsgoodEric WrobleAnna TuggleChristie SchuesslerLdr- David KnechtLdr- Pam Knecht Ldr- Laurie Meyers Ldr- Heather Stoffer Ldr- Doug Stoffer Ldr- Craig Schaefer
David GravelineAbby Davis Lauren Bramson Megan BergerCydney Stein Greta OsgoodOlivia Aavik Maria Bublitz Tori SimsAlex Kazer Dan SheehanMartha ParsonsChris DaveyBrandon WoodleCharlie BellMackenzie NicholsonWill MorganBill Moran
Thank You Work Tour SPONSORS!Bauder, George Day, OliMcNichols, Jill & Jim Porterfield, Tina & Tony Pyle, Carole Tillinghast, David & Jane Van Schaayk, Frank & Linda Kilander, Sig Newton, Bob & Fern Nelson, Scott & Susan Jacobs, H. Louise Hood, Joanne & D.E. Parrott-Sheffer, Adam Mark & Jeanne Osgood
Newby, Dorothy Herbert, Larry & Lattner, Kevin Kazer, Beth & Philip Jaworski, Mary, Stan & Erik Early, Bert and Elizabeth Stickler, Eleanor Monroe, Ginny Mullinix, Ilse Pjeski, Steve & Sandy Meyers, Laurie Parsons, Barbara Derrington, Andi Keller, Barb & Bill Peterson, Vivian L.
Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Adults
• 5 •
11:15 a.m. each Sunday
in Rowell Hall
Our Adult Forum has changed its name to The Union Forum. We choose this name to invite children and youth to attend the presentations that interest them.
July 1 – “Energy Medicine and Energy Psychology for Balance and Well-Being,” led by Nancy Ging, L.C.S. W. and holistic psychotherapist. Redefine how you think of and care for yourself with a glimpse into the power of consciousness, your electrical nature and Divine self-healing capacities.
July 8 – “Our Stained Glass Windows: A Guided Tour,” led by Rev. Julie Ruth Harley. We will view the windows in South Parlor and Rowell Hall, learning the meaning be-hind their symbols.
July 15 – “Our Stained Glass Windows: A Guided Tour,” led by Rev. Verlee A. Copeland. We will tour the windows in the Sanctuary and Chapel.
Child care is provided each week for chil-dren from birth through age 4 in the
nursery. If you would like child care for children ages 5 through 5th grade, please contact Rev. Julie Ruth Harley one week in
advance at (630) 323.4303 ext. 14.
Do you have other ideas for The Union Forum?
The schedule through the summer is posted online at the church website: www.uchin-sdale.org. We are now scheduling Forums for the fall. If you have a suggestion, please contact Rev. Harley at 630.323.4303 ext. 14 or [email protected].
• 6 •
Invitation to Faith: Expanding Mission For All People
Fill the Suitcase!Pain killers and vitamins desperately needed.
Beth Dickerson and Winnie Leathers will be leaving on July 6 to visit a number of Ke-nya’s (Africa) HIV/AIDS clinics through the HARAMBEE organization. Vitamins and pain killers for adults and children are desper-ately needed. Our goal is to completely fi ll up one suitcase with these necessities. Any kind of pain killer or vitamin is acceptable! We would appreciate it if you would clean out your medicine cabinets or make a quick trip to Walgreen’s in order to help us meet our goal. A drop box, labeled “AFRICA” is in the offi ce area of the church. Additionally, we will be taking pencils, pens, and chalk to give to chil-dren. Feel free to add those to the box. Thank you for your help!
Breaking the Cycle of Family PainThe Family Constellation Approach of Bert Hellinger, A workshop with Mark Wolynn
Sometimes our way of being connected in our family is to suffer like those who came before us. When, for example, there’s been a painful event in one generation, someone in a later generation may attempt to carry its weight, taking on the suffering of a parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle. Illnesses, depression, anxiety, recurrent fears, addictions, aloneness and failed relationships can all be forms of this unspoken family loyalty. Constellation Work allows us to break unconscious patterns and reestablish our vital strength, tranquility and dignity.
Mark Wolynn, Director of the Bert Hellinger Institute of Western PA, conducts Family Constellation Workshops and Trainings in the USA, England, Canada, Latin America, and for the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Social Work's Continuing Education Program. He is also a Board-Certifi ed Regression Therapist, a Medical Hypnotherapist and a Family Systems Therapist who trains and supervises psychotherapists throughout the United States. For more informa-tion please go to www.hellingerpa.com WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, August 25-26, from 10:00 to 6:00
WHERE: Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 SO. Garfi eld Ave, Hinsdale, 60521
COST: $285
REGISTER BY MAIL: Send check (payable to "Hellinger Institute") to Marta Carlson, 822 W 58th St, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Today we call for the humility and courage to acknowledge failure and error, to accept the futility of our current path, and we cry out for the creativity to seek new paths of peacemaking in the Middle East, through regional engagement and true multinational policing. Today we call for acknowledgement of our responsibility for the destruction caused by sanctions and war, thereby, we pray, beginning to rebuild trust in the Middle East and around the world. Today we call for repentance in our nation and for the recognition in our churches that security is found in submitting to Christ, not by dominating others.
To this end may we join protest to prayer, support ministries of compassion for victims here and in the Middle East, cast off the fear that has made us accept the way of violence and return again to the way of Jesus. Thus may bloodshed end and cries be transformed to the harmonies of justice and the melodies of peace. For this we yearn, for this we pray, and toward this end we rededicate ourselves as children of a loving God who gives “light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Rev. John H. Thomas
The President and General Minister of the United Church of Christ, John Thomas, and the leaders of the various ministries wrote the
attached letter on the Iraq war and invited the seminary presidents to sign it with them. Since it is so compatible with our Vision, Mission and Commitment Statement I, of course, did so. I thought you would like to know this as some of you may be at Synod or be asked about this when
it is read at the opening worship at Synod and wish to be informed.
- Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite President and Professor of Theology at Chicago Theological Seminary.
DeathsAlan Hurst passed away on June 12th, his Memorial Service will be on June 30th at 11:00 in the Sanctuary.
Mary MacKenzie’s dad died suddenly on June 15 while playing tennis. His service was held on Tuesday June 19 in Rockford.
Attention:Book Worms
Summer Work Tour is collecting new or gently used children's books appropriate for 4-12. We hope to start a Children's Library in Coahoma, Mississippi. There is a drop-off box located in the Gathering Place at Union Church or you can call Heather Stoffer at (630) 794.9161. Thank You!
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...2 3 4 5 6 7
TRANSFORMATIVE WORSHIP
CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR CHILDREN
CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR YOUTH
CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR ADULTS
EXPANDING MISSION FOR ALL PEOPLE
COMMUNITY LIFE
C A L E N D E R O F E V E N T S
Sunday, July 18:00 & 10:00 a.m. Worship Services11:15 a.m. Union Forum
Monday, July 2GOOD NEWS Submission Deadline for July 15 Issue7:30 p.m. Tai Chi Ch'uan
Tuesday, July 312:00 p.m. WA Resale Sorting
Wednesday, July 47:00 a.m. Prayer Group8:00 a.m. 4th of July Breakfast
Thursday, July 58:30 a.m. WA Resale Sorting6:00 p.m. TNT Movie Night
Friday, July 64:00 p.m. Youth Work Tour Departs
Saturday, July 75:00 p.m. Journey Worship
Sunday, July 88:00 & 10:00 a.m. Worship Services10:00 a.m. JAM at the Intergenerational Service 11:15 a.m. Union Forum
Monday, July 97:30 p.m. Tai Chi Ch'uan
Tuesday, July 1012:00 p.m. WA Resale Sorting7:00 p.m. Faith Initiative Team II
Wednesday, July 117:00 a.m. Prayer Group9:00 a.m. Golden Friendship
Thursday, July 128:30 a.m. WA Resale Sorting6:00 p.m. Newcomers Dinner
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