June 18, 2006 A Publication of The Union Church of Hinsdale Volume 38, Issue 12

TheGood News

SUMMER WORSHIP AT UNIONCHURCH

“I am the vine, you are thebranches. Those who abide in me and I inthem bear much fruit, because apart fromme you can do nothing…Abide in mylove.”

You know the story, youprobably learned it in church schoolwhen you were a kid, and your ownchildren are learning it now. The story isabout the vine and the branches, one ofmany told by Jesus throughout hisministry. Jesus wanted us to understandthat when we are grafted into his root,into the heart of God, our lives will bearfruit in abundance. Jesus also wanted usto know that apart from that lifeline, oursuccesses leave us empty.

I’ve been thinking about thismetaphor of how faith grows and howour lives flourish relative to the shifts wehave made at Union Church in summerworship. This summer we have joinedtogether the 9 a.m. family worshipexperience with the 11 a.m. Sundaymorning worship to create a familyfriendly, inviting and we think exciting

worship experience every Sunday at 10a.m.

Some people have asked how the9 o’clockers feel about “losing” theirworship service. In truth, we havesuspended the 9 a.m. summer service atcertain times in the past becauseattendance is low due to familycommitments, vacations, etc. The 9o’clockers haven’t lost anything, butrather are invited to worship as a familyat 10 instead of 9, just as the 11o’clockers are invited to worship at 10instead of 11. Given the story of the vineand the branches, we might well ask whatfruit we expect this move to bear. Whatgood things will come of this?

First, our worship team and layleaders are excited about opening up theSunday worship experience to fresh waysof communicating the story of faith, tovisual forms of expression, to dramaticsharing of scripture, and to broadeningthe selection of musical styles thatexpress our faith. If Pentecost Sunday isany indication, this summer experimentin expanding our worship expressionswill be exciting and energizing. People ofall ages felt buoyed and moved by theexperience.

Second, the families who usuallyworship at 9 represent the heartbeat ofthe church. Dynamic young familiesbring energy, talent, resources and freshfaith to the life of Union Church. Byinviting these families into worship at 10,we have the opportunity to be “grafted”into their vibrant faith, so that we may

grow and flourish as a church. Perhapsthese young families don’t need us olderfolks as much as perhaps we need them.Their presence strengthens the wholefamily of faith.

Third, as a young parentattending Union Church for the first time,we look around for other young familieswho share our experience and our faith.Summer worship is planned specificallyto draw into the life and practice of faithsuch young families who often visitchurches in the somewhat more relaxedsummer season looking for a new churchhome. We want them to feel welcomedand included here, and we want them tomeet other young families who sharetheir journey as couples and as parents ofactive children.

If you have been away fromworship for awhile, now is the time tocome back. Invite your friends to joinyou. You may be surprised at what youexperience. We believe the Spirit of Godis moving in this place. We affirm thatGod is speaking not only to us as achurch but to the world. And wecelebrate that the United Church of Christoffers a distinctive voice amongChristianity in our time, calling us tofaith life and leadership as thinkingChristians in troubled times.

If you are looking for aflourishing faith and a fruitful life, join usfor worship this summer at the UnionChurch.

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. 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

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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BUS SERVICE DISCONTINUED FORTHE SUMMER

Our thanks go to Carl Hanke fordriving and the Parish Life Ministryfor coordinating the shuttle bus serv-ice picking up worshippers in remoteparking areas each Sunday. Nowthat the weather is fine, the bus serv-ice will take a break until the fall.

TO OUR UNION CHURCHFRIENDS,Thank you one and all for yourprayers, cards, flowers, gifts andfood during this difficult timesince Jim’s stroke February 26.

We found out what loving, caringpeople you all are.

Thank you!Jim and Phyllis Bock

FORGET-ME-NOT

A garden party and open house will take place from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday,June 23 in Encore at The Birches Assisted Living located at 215 55thStreet, Clarendon Hills. Encore is a specialized, secure neighborhood ofapartments within the assisted living community. Encore is dedicated toproviding services for residents with memory loss or dementia. The eventis open to the public and light refreshments will be served. Kindly respondby June 21 by calling (630) 789-1135.

ELM TREES

The four elm trees located east ofthe garage at the north propertyline need to be removed. TheVillage determined they haveDutch Elm Disease. BergquistExpert Tree Service will removethe trees as soon as possible.

Tom HansonChair, Building and Grounds

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Christian Social JusticeMinistry needs volunteers to helptrack the domestic violence vot-ing records of candidates runningfor office in the fall. The CSJMinistry will keep the congrega-tion informed, so that educatedvoting decisions can be made.There are several web sites andinternet sources available so youcan track this from home.If interested call Marta Carlson at630/325-0550.

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Sponsor - A - Youth (SAY)And Be a Part of Summer Work Tour

Summer Work Tour 2006 is fastapproaching. On July 7th we headfor Cortez, CO with 30 Youth and 6Leaders. We’ll be working again with YouthWorks!doing house painting and Kid’s Club on the reservation.

S.A.Y costs you only $100..........which helps offset the mounting costs of Work Tour.

Your (Sponsor - A - Youth) sponsorship of $100 will pro-vide much needed financial help, but more importantly itwill help you to build a relationship with our youth in amore personal way. It is our goal to have every one ofthe kids and leaders going on Summer Work Tour to besponsored by a member of the congregation. Contactme at 323.4303 or dknecht@uchinsdale.org, or stop bythe S.A.Y Table in the Gathering Place for more info.Please fill out and send in a SAY Registration Cardtoday.

CARWASH(and Bake sale)

Sat. June 24th: 9am -1pm

Summer Work TourNeeds your Support!

The Good News... we’ve had more kids than ever sign up forSummer Work Tour this year!The Bad News... we now need to take planes, vans and rafts(at considerably more expense), to accommodate everyone.Please help us raise some extra money for Colorado, and getyour car cleaned at the same time!

Saturday, June 24, 9 am - 1 pmin the church’s Third St. parking lot.

Bring your car, bring your friends, bring your friend’s cars!

Eat & Be Cleaned!

uth Happenings!

TNT & DISCOVERY have ended their School Year Program. Watch for our cool

Youth Summer Events ScheduleIn the mail (and on our Web-site) Now!

A Word For Graduates and Non-Graduates Alike...How Do YouBounce Back?

Kelly McFadden writes... “As a junior in high school, Iwas devastated when I was cut from the top volleyballteam and sent to the second team. I felt disappointed,embarrassed and dejected. That evening, I spoke witha friend who passed on these words of wisdom, “It’snot how far you fall, but how high you bounce backthat matters.” I wrote the quote on my mirror andcommitted to doing my best for this new team, insteadof sulking over my personal loss. Instead of continuingto fall and spiral, I committed to bouncing back.

Kelly goes on to learn something that day that I too hadto learn in my own way. What I learned is that whathappens to me in life doesn’t count as much as how Ireact to those things. Kelly had a choice the day shewas cut from the team: she could wallow in misery andquit the team, or she could choose to fight through hercircumstances and work hard to improve.

Each day, choices like these present themselves

- When people are cruel, I can choose to accept theirapology or let my bitterness grow. - When I am treated unfairly, I can vengefully plot away to get even, or I can seek Christ’s wisdom anddemonstrate patience as He shows me what to do.- When I am fired from a job, I can learn from whythings didn’t work out or I can blame everyone elsearound me for my misfortune and never learn, grow, orchange.- When I don’t get into the schools I want, or getother things I want, I can stew about how unfair life is,or I can listen and be open to how God’s plan for my lifemight be revealed to me - using what I have generouslybeen given.-When I am congratulated for a job well done, I caneither pat myself on the back, or thank God for provid-ing me with the skills and talents to succeed.

Life throws different circumstances our way every day,both good and bad. Wherever you are in life, it isimportant to remember that people are watching andlooking to see how you are living your life. You will longbe remembered, not only for what happened to you inyour life, but for how you handled life’s circumstances.When those circumstances cause you to fall, I challengeyou to bounce back! (Thanks Kelly)

AROUND THE CHURCH

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WHY YOU SHOULD COME TO THE UNION CHURCH WEEKEND RETREAT AUG. 18-20

Reason #1: It’s hard to get to know people if you just see them in worship.Reason #2: It’s hard to make new friends if you only go to church meetings.Reason #3: Summer is a great time to relax and worship God in the beauty of

Creation.Reason #4: We’ll have great group activities and free time for fun.Reason #5: It’s cheap-a weekend of food and lodging for about $100 per person.

All ages are invited to our Weekend Retreat at Pilgrim Park in Princeton, Illinois, sponsored by our ParishLife and Christian Education ministries. Fifty of us will arrive on the evening of Friday, Aug. 18, and returnhome on the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 20. The weekend will include group experiences and free time, withuse of Pilgrim Park's pool and other outdoor activities.

PRAYER AND HEALING SERVICE JUNE 18The Prayer and Healing Service will be held in theChapel at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 18. Our servicethis month will focus on Luke 7:1-10, and the theme is“Absentee Healing.” How is it possible that peoplecan be healed even when we pray for them from a dis-tance? All are welcome for communion, worship andprayers for healing for ourselves and others.

MEMBER NEWSDEATHSMary Kiser’s father passed away recently.Condolences to Mary and her family.BAPTISMSBaptized on 5/14/2006: Gregg CookeDehmlow, Heather, Lilly & Heide Stoffer. Baptized on 5/28/2006: Peter Fox Hester andTristan Timothy Hotchkin.

SUNDAY, JUNE 25 at 11:00AMIt’s an inside/outside party at the church

GAMES, FOOD, FUN FOR ALL AGESNO RESERVATIONS NEEDED

ICE CREAM FOR DESSERT FROM VBS!

Don’t miss the opportunity for casual funwith the folks you know at Union Church!

The Open and Affirming Summer Film Festivalkicks off on June 25 with the movie “MamboItaliano.” In the comic flavor of “My Big FatGreek Wedding,” Maria and Gino’s Italianworld is shattered when their son decides to geta place of his own. They are relieved whenAngelo’s childhood buddy Nino decides tomove in with their son. However, their relief isshort-lived when they find out that Nino andAngelo are more than just roommates--and thenthe fun really begins.

Please join us Sunday evening June 25 at 6:30in the lounge. Pizza, popcorn, and beverageswill be served. Due to the subject matter, youthunder 17 who wish to attend must be accompa-nied by a parent or guardian. We look forwardto seeing you.

TWO TO ATTEND NATIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCERev. Julie Ruth Harley and Susan Young will attend theMix in ‘06, a national UCC and Disciples of Christwomen’s event, in Indianapolis on June 21-24. Theevent includes workshops, mission projects, tours, andworship, as well as the opportunity to meet 5,000 otherwomen of faith and learn new ideas for mission andministry. Ask them what it was like!

FAITH COMMUNITY NEWS

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UNION CHURCH WEEKEND RETREAT REGISTRATION FORM

Registration with a $25 deposit per registration is due by Aug. 4, to the attention ofRev. Julie Ruth Harley. You may also sign up online, by visiting the church website:www.uchinsdale.org. See the home page or look under Parish Life Ministries.

Family Name:

First Names: (please provide ages for those under 18)

Address:

Phone Number:

Email:

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MINISTRIES IN ACTION

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

PADS - at Redeemer Lutheran ChurchOnce again we are supporting the work of PADS, at the Redeemer LutheranChurch. On Saturday, July 29, Union Church has committed to provide theevening meal and the personnel to staff the PADS Site. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!!!!!!

We need volunteers to:- Prepare the meal (3-4 volunteers, 2-3 hours Saturday afternoon at their own home)- Deliver the meal to Redeemer Church (1-2 volunteers, 1 hour late Saturday afternoon)- Set-up the shelter and serve the meal (8-15 volunteers, 3½ -hours from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.)- Evening Shift (4-5 volunteers, 3½ -hours from 7:30 - 11:00 p.m.)- Night Shifts (2-4 people, at least one woman and one man, in 3 hour shifts - 11:00 - 2:00; 2:00 -

5:00 or you can stay all night if you prefer.- Breakfast Shift (5-7 volunteers, 2 hours from 5:00 - 7:00)- Morning Clean-up (at least 8 volunteers, but more makes the work go fast; 2 hours from 5:30 to

7:30)- Laundry Volunteer (1-4 volunteers to do the laundry at their own home)

If you can help please contact Rev. Parrott-Sheffer, as soon as possible. Thank you.

BACK BAY MISSION HOUSING BLITZCOMPASSION EXPLOSION: DISASTER RECOVERY BLITZ!

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the need for skilled work teams along the Mississippi GulfCoast is more urgent than ever. Back Bay Mission is committed to being part of the solution to theimmense need for housing re-construction in our area. We need your talents and your help!

Compassion Explosion will take place October 29-November 11. It invites skilled, adult workteams from across the United Church of Christ to be part of a disaster recovery blitz during thesetwo weeks. Congregations, Associations, or Conferences of the United Church of Christ are invitedto register groups of 5-25 persons for either of these two weeks. We will be accepting registrationsfor up to 75 people each week, in addition to our already scheduled work teams. A modest partici-pant fee will be charged to assist with lodging and other program-related expenses.

This exciting collaborative effort will rely heavily on the skills within each group. Licensedplumbers and electricians, roofers, and persons with general construction skills are needed.

TO REGISTER NOW call or email Back Bay Mission’s volunteer coordinator at any time.Tel. 228-432-0301 or Email: bbvol@datasync.com. Sign up today!

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ADVENTURES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Ahoy First Mates,

Only two weeks until we shove offfor Son Treasure Island. We have

over 100 mates registered and 20 officers on board. Youwill soon be receiving your tickets in the mail. There are afew spaces left, so don't delay in letting Captain Johnsonknow.

According to the weather report, we will have sunshine allweek. So don't forget to pack your sun-glasses and sun screen. Just to wet yourappetites, our mess hall will have coolrefreshments. I heard the Cook mention icecream and tropical punch. Our ShipTrainer has a fitness program to keep us in shape for thetreasure hunt. Every adventure always has a song for thecrew, so the Program Director will keep our voices in tuneas we search for the precious treasure.

I've heard this treasure is AWESOME, something greaterthan coins and jewels. I'm sure we'llfind some trinkets along the way forour treasure chests. Some last minutedetails for our trip. On June 25, wewill have a BON VOYAGE party at theFamily picnic. Be sure to pick up yourT-shirt and packets for the adventure.I can't wait to see everyone. Get set to

sail to SON TREASURE ISLAND.

Captain Johnson

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...33 UTH GNUS

44 AROUND THE CHURCH

55 FAITH COMMUNITY NEWS

66 MINISTRIES IN ACTION

7 ADVENTURES IN CHRISTIAN ED.

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

CALENDER OF EVENTS

SUNDAY, JUNE 188, 10 a.m. Worship Services9:00 a.m. Prison Ministry7:00 p.m. Prayer and Healing Service

MONDAY, JUNE 197:00 p.m. P.U.S.H

TUESDAY, JUNE 201:00 p.m. WA Resale Sorting6:00 p.m. DISCOVERY Laser Tag7:00 p.m. Executive Council

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21Good News Submission Deadline7:00 a.m. Prayer Group

THURSDAY, JUNE 226:00 p.m. TNT Movie Night

FRIDAY, JUNE 239:00 a.m. WA Resale Sorting

SATURDAY, JUNE 248:00 a.m. Car Wash and Bake Sale5:00 p.m. Contemporary Worship Service6:00 p.m. High School Young Women’s Group Spa Night

1st Congregational Church, Fairmont, Minnesota OvernightStay at Union Church

SUNDAY, JUNE 258, 10 a.m. Worship Services10:00 a.m. Work Tour Commissioning Service11:15 a.m. Church Picnic

VBS Kickoff/ Ice Cream Social4:00 p.m. Good News Community Kitchen6:30 p.m. Open and Affirming Film Festival

MONDAY, JUNE 2612:45 p.m. Vacation Bible School7:00 p.m. P.U.S.H

TUESDAY, JUNE 2712:45 p.m. Vacation Bible School6:30 p.m. Newcomers Group7:00 p.m. Digital Ministry Team

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 287:00 a.m. Prayer Group11:00 a.m. Extreme Water Park Day12:45 p.m. Vacation Bible School8:00 p.m. Journey Worship Team

THURSDAY, JUNE 2912:45 p.m. Vacation Bible School7:00 p.m. DISCOVERY Benihana Night

FRIDAY, JUNE 3012:45 p.m. Vacation Bible School

SATURDAY, JULY 15:00 p.m. Contemporary Worship Service