August 23, 2009 Volume 41, Issue 15A Publication of The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C.

TheGood News

Yes. It is that time.

What time do you ask?

It is back to school time!

Yes. It is that time. What time do you ask? It is back to school time! We can’t avoid the ads from all the offi ce supply and clothing stores that have been in our newspapers, mail and email. Are we ready to make the shift from the relaxing summer schedule to the more frenzied pace of fall?

The shift has already happened in my house with the start of football. Football and band practice automat-ically remind me that the lazy days of summer will soon end. Growing up in Ohio, my family lived behind the high school. The fi rst week of August, the marching band was practicing at 8:00 a.m. everyday and the football players would practice in the afternoons and evenings. You can fi nd our high school players and younger Falcons practicing on the fi elds during the weekdays. Fall is coming just as the weather is getting hot!

As the fall approaches, I want to invite everyone back to worship and Sunday School. During the summer, Jer and I have been planning the fall schedule and getting ready for something new that is coming for the 4th through 7th grades called EDJ.

Last spring, the Christian Formation Ministry decided to change the Sunday morning programs to a more innovative method of teaching Sunday School. This style of Sunday School incorporates the theory of multiple intelligences, which engages the youth in ways they learn, whether through acting out the story, creative expression or listening.

The youth will move each week to a dif-ferent class with a different leader but all the activities are related to one story or theme. By studying the same story in various ways, the youth develop a deeper understanding of the story. EDJ will use art, drama, cooking, games, music and storytelling from our current curricu-lum. This approach to Sunday School is not new to Union Church, but we hope to use some of the best practices of last year’s curriculum along with this Sun-day School style to create a more engag-ing program for Union Church families.

The theme for this year will explore what it means to be “called.” One of our early stories will be the calling of Abram. I hope you will be as enthusiastic about this change as we are. Another change to the Sunday School will be the request for all parents to help in some way with the Sunday School programs.

Our programs continue to grow and we need everyone’s support in order to provide the best Christian forma-tion for our children and youth.

I’m asking parents to look at their schedules and plan to get involved in some way such as: a classroom helper, teacher, storyteller, a work-shop leader for cooking, music, or art or contribute in a way that is meaningful for you. I realize wor-ship is at the same time as Sunday School which is why I need every-one to help so all have an opportu-nity to worship.

If parents give an average of two Sundays a quarter our staffi ng will be complete. Information about all the Sunday School programs can be found on the Christian Formation page of the Good News and on our website, www.uchinsdale.org. Take a look at the Sunday School pro-grams and come prepared on August 24, CE Registration Sunday, from 9:30-11:30 in the Gathering Place to register your children for Sunday School. We are excited, I hope you are, too!

Peace & Smiles,

Penny Johnson Director of Children's Christian Education

Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C.

Messagefrom the Ministry

Team

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

www.UCHinsdale.org(630) 323.4303 (Telephone)

(630) 323.4407 (Fax)

OUR STAFF

Senior Minister:Rev. Verlee A. Copeland

Minister for Mission and Outreach:

Rev. Dr. Thom Parrott-ShefferActing Associate Minister for

Christian Formation and Family Life:

Tassie GreenDirector of Children’sChristian Education:

Penny JohnsonDirector of Youth Formation:

Jeremy HylenDirector of Music Ministries:

Michael SurrattDirector of the Chancel Choir:

Todd DiehlDirector of Early

Childhood Programs:Jennifer Keldahl

Executive Manager:Merrilee Hall

Financial Manager:Chris Biank

Project Manager:Joel Gratcyk

Buildings and Grounds:Jim Vojtek

WORSHIP SERVICES

Journey WorshipSaturdays at 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Worship8:00 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

• 2 •

Enough:Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

Stress. Anxiety. Fear. These words capture well the state of mind of many of us in America today. We have witnessed dramatic market losses, many bankrupt-cies and mergers. Economic uncertainly is still with us, though there might be a glimmer of a recovery.

A recent survey found that over three in four Americans are stressed about the economy and their personal fi nances. Half were worried about providing for their family’s basic needs. The report concludes that “the state of the economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on people nationwide”.

Please join us in worship, starting with the Stewardship Campaign’s Kick-Off Sunday, September 13, for a series of sermons entitled “Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity”. Our nation’s experience with an in-crease in consumer debt, a decline in personal savings, and a volatile stock mar-ket are all part of our economic insecurity. We have lived in a society that tells us “you deserve it now”, whether or not we can afford it or really even need it.

All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another. They are important issues that we cannot ignore. This is why, starting Sunday, September 13, we will be having a churchwide study and worship emphasis called “Enough: Discovery Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity”. During this time we will explore what the Bible teaches us about fi nancial management through worship and small group study. We’ll hear expert advice and stories about what others have learned by working though fi nancial challenges. Each week we will provide you with some practical tools you can use to assess your fi nancial situation and develop a fi nancial plan with a biblical foundation.

At the conclusion of the emphasis, we will have the opportunity to make per-sonal commitments of our offerings, for next year, to God through our church. I hope you will join us in the coming weeks, starting September 13, as we look at how we can manage our fi nancial resources and truly experience simplicity, generosity, and joy.

Schedule of Events:

September 13:Enough! Faith in the Midst of Financial Crisis

September 20:When Dreams Become Nightmares

September 27:Wisdom and Finance

October 4:Cultivating Contentment

October 11:Defi ned by Generosity

October 18:To Be A Blessing

EDJ - 4th through 7th grades: This school year our 4th-7th graders will be in the Upper Level Classrooms. They will participate in a different type of class each Sunday, but all the activities are related to one story or theme. The story or theme is taught in more than one way over a period of several weeks. This style of Sunday School incorporates the theory of multiple intelligences. By studying the same story in various ways, the youth develop a deeper understanding of the story. EDJ will use art, drama, cooking, games, music and storytelling from our Children in Worship curriculum. The theme over the next year will explore what it means to be Called.

• 3 •

Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Children

Nursery: Nursery care for infants through age 2 is located in Classroom E on the lower level. Our childcare staff are Pam Cole, a certifi ed nanny, Beth Lane, a former high school teacher in family sciences, Emily Johnson – a high school junior and other youth.

3’s and 4’s: Christian Education for children ages 3 and 4 year-olds is located in Classroom C on the lower level. Children will hear the familiar stories of the Old and New Testaments. In these classes, children are actively involved in responding to the message of Scripture in various ways, including music, storytelling and crafts.

Kindergarten through 1st grade: Sunday School for this group will be in Classroom J&K located on the main level off of the Gathering Place. This program is designed to provide children with a rewarding and hands-on way to learn about God. Children gather round a story teller and experience God’s word as if they were there. Children are encouraged to wonder and ask questions. Three kinds of stories are used: narrative Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments, Jesus’ parables, and liturgical stories dealing with worship, sacraments, and rituals of faith.

2nd through 3rd grades: Sunday School for this group will be in the Faith/Hope Classroom located on the up-per level. The curriculum is a combination of Old Testament and New Testament stories of faith. The stories of call and covenant will be the focus of the Old Testament stories and the life and ministry of Jesus and the disciples are the New Testament stories. Children are encouraged to wonder and engage in discussing the stories and how they relate to life today.

Sunday School BeginsSeptember 13, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.

Where is my classroom?

Upcoming Events - Teacher Training:K-1st grades September 1 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. OR 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

2nd-3rd grades September 2 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. OR 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Call Penny Johnson to confi rm at (630) 323.4303 ext. 6691

• 4 •

Invitation to Faith: Christian Formation for Youth

Confi rmation Camp at Pilgrim ParkThis year Union Church sent eight campers to the Illinois conference Confi rmation Camp. While I could tell you how much fun everyone

had, I think the pictures do a better job:

New Youth WebsiteComing This Fall

There is a new website in progress for the youth of Union Church. It will be faster, easier to use and full of youth related events and information. Make sure to sign-up online for our weekly youth e-newsletter to stay up-to-date through out the year if you have not already at http://youth.uchinsdale.org

August 2009 Events:For Middle School

Tuesday August 25 @ 7:00 p.m.Confi rmation Parent Only

Registration Night

Thursday August 27 @ 5:30pm8th Grade Only Benihana Night

Stayed tuned for the Fall '09 Schedule!

Sign up for all Mission Possible [MP]

events on the youth website at http://youth.uchinsdale.org

Spaces are limited for certain events so sign up soon!

Questions? Contact Jeremy Hylen at unionchurchyouth@gmail.com

OR Jane Grimm at jgrimm723@comcast.net

Green Fact:

Letting your engine idle for more than 30 seconds will burn more

gasoline than restarting the engine, so turn the engine off if

you expect a lengthy wait.

Instead of idling at a drive-through for several minutes, park the car and go inside.

Invitation to Faith: Community Life & Christian Formation for Adults

• 5 •

The Artist's Way:

A Spiritual Path to Higher

Creativity

Discover, recover your creative self, stroke by artistic stroke.

Based on the bestseller book, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, this 12 week class encourages you to ex-plore your life, your beliefs and may-be even discover a hidden treasure. This class is open to all. You do NOT need to be an artist.

Led by: Ann Kleboe, a recognized artist who has led this popular class at our church before.

The group starts Sep. 1, and meets on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. For more information, contact Kim Notaro.

Practice Yoga with Candy and friends!

Candy Stevens, R.Y.T. (Registered Yoga Teacher) and member of The Yoga Teachers' Group will be teach-ing 3 hatha yoga classes per week at Union Church, starting September 16. Classes will be held at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8:30 a.m. on Fridays. In addition, Vi Smith, R.Y.T. will be teaching a class, beginning September 20, on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. The fee is $45 for a 6 week session (1 class per week for 6 weeks).

Yoga improves fl exibility, strength, focus and balance, and is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Classes include pranyama (breathwork), asa-nas (poses) and a relaxation period.

Join us! Call Candy with questions at (630) 655.2027.

Be part of the conversation:What would it mean for Union Church to be an

“Open and Affi rming” congregation?The Executive Council and Christian Social Justice Ministry urge you to make time to participate in one of a series of sacred conversations about welcoming and affi rming people of all sexual orientations into the life of Union Church.

These informal gatherings are being held in people’s homes and here at church. Two have already taken place, but six more are scheduled. The times and locations are:

August 24, 10 am at Union Church September 1, 7 pm at Susan Young’s home in Hinsdale September 2, 7 pm at Winnie Leathers’ home in Hinsdale September 9, 7 pm at Lucy Tarabour’s home in Clarendon Hills September 16, 7 pm at Beth Dickerson’s home in Hinsdale September 20, 11:15 am at Union Church – Union Forum

These neighborhood meetings are a chance for you to express your ideas, ask questions and listen to others. Please call Melanie in the church offi ce, (630) 323.4303, to R.S.V.P. for the gathering you’d like to attend.

Women’s FellowshipIn the midst of all the activities that are on your personal or family calendar, take some time out for yourself. Women’s Association unit meetings provide a nice combination or fellowship, support, program and mission. Below is a list of where and when these fellowship meetings will be held in September. Please note that some units are meeting the fi rst week of the month and some on the second.

Unit Meetings for September:

Unit 1 – 9/10, 9:00 amUnion Church, 137 S. Garfi eld

Unit 2 – 9/10, 9:00 amMary Bock, 28 S. Stough St.

Unit 3 – 9/3, 9:00 amSusan Young, 132 E. Walnut St.

Unit 4 - 9/3; 12:00 noonEleanor Patterson, 322 N. Bruner St.

Give Women’s Association a try! Child care can be arranged for activities during the day by calling or emailing Jennifer Keldahl at least one week in advance. Women’s Association Unit or fellowship meetings are open to all women in the church. If you need child care to attend a meeting held during the day, please contact Jennifer Keldahl.

Unit 5 - 9/10, 7:00 pmBeverly Schmidt, 815 South Bruner

Unit 6 – To be announced

Unit 7 – 9/3, 7:30 pm Susan Young, 132 E. Walnut St.

This will be a planning session for "Moms on the Rail.” Come

to hear what Unit 7 has in mind for their meetings.

• 6 •

Invitation to Faith: Expanding Mission and Social Justice for All People

PADS is Looking for VolunteersUnion Church has volunteered to staff the Sat. Aug. 22, 2009 PADS program at Redemer Church on First St. This is providing dinner, packing a lunch for the next day and serving breakfast to approxi-mately 30-40 homeless people. Sue and Jim Nibeck are heading up this mission, but need about 40 people to help on various shifts.

Please call the Nibecks and see where you could help out! Shifts range from 2- 4 hours and some are appropriate for families with children. This is a great way to help others! Please call the Nibecks at (630) 323.0589

Art Simon Event in Chicago, IL University of Illinois at Chicago Campus, Barbara's BookstoreThis fall, Rev. Art Simon, the founder and president emeritus of Bread for the World, will travel across the United States to meet with Bread members and talk about his new book The Rising of Bread for the World: An Outcry of Citizens Against Hunger.

Art will share the surprising story of how God uses ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of hungry people. Join us in a city near you to hear him talk about his new book and refl ect of his decades of advo-cacy for hungry people.

With both humor and insight, Art recounts how he and his older brother Paul, the late renowned Senator from Illinois, grew up and began their remarkable careers. In the 1970s, Art served as a Lutheran pastor in New York’s Lower East Side. He brought together Catholics and Protestants in an organized effort to urge Congress to address the root causes of hunger. Today, 35 years later, Bread for the World is the nation’s foremost Christian voice against hunger.

He’ll share this amazing story—and talk about why urging our nation’s deci-sion makers to end hunger at home and abroad is as important now as ever.

All events are open to the public, but please let us know that you will be at-tending this event so we can reserve your copy of The Rising of Bread for the World.

Date: Friday, October 16, 2009

Time: 6:30 PM

Address:University of Illinois at Chicago Campus

Agape House, 1218 S HalstedChicago, IL 60607

If you'd like to attend this event you can RSVP online at: http://bit.ly/Asx98

Please Join Us

Please join us for one (or more) of our regularly scheduled worship

services:

Saturdays:Journey Worship - 5:00 p.m.

(Contemporary Style, Starts again September 12)

Sundays:Chapel Worship - 8:00 a.m.

Family Service - 9:00 a.m.(Starts again September 13)

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sanctuary Worship - 10:00 a.m.

Union Forum - 11:15 a.m.(Starts again August 30)

JAM - Youth Worship - 11:15 a.m.(2nd Sundays)

Prayer and Healing -7:00 p.m. (3rd Sundays)

• 7 •

Invitation to Faith: Community Life

Major FundraiserHullabaloo and BarbecueSunday, September 13, 2009

Put on your comfortable jeans, your toe-tapping shoes and join us for a fun evening at Katherine Legge Park!

The Trustee Ministry invites the congregation to an evening of food, fun and friends on Sunday, September 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Katherine Legge Park Lodge. It is a good old fashion Barbecue and part of the fun will be the musical entertainment by Brad Nye, Derek Berg and their friends. We will have a few special live auction items but we want to keep it simple this year so silent auction items will be saved for future events.

Everyone is aware of the economic situation and the tough budget year that Union Church is experiencing. Our 2009 budget included a fundraiser that would contribute $35,000 to our mission activities, our outreach efforts and programs. The Hullabaloo and Barbecue is defi nitely a fundraiser, aimed to meet that $35,000 goal so we ask everyone to contribute to the best of their abilities. No tuxedoes, no ball gowns, shoes, evening bags etc. but we do need everyone’s participation to achieve the goal of $35,000. In order to help meet this goal, the Trustees are personally covering the costs associated with this event.

A brochure with more information about the Barbecue was recently mailed to you. Please fi ll out the invitation page and mail it back as soon as possible. Bring friends and neighbors! It will be a good time!

This is an adult event, wine and beer will be served. For the kindergarten and school age children, there will be a program at the Church during the Barbecue. Please contact the Church offi ce if you have questions and to register your children.

We look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday, September 13!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...2 3 4 5 6 7

C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T SSunday, August 238:00 & 10:00 a.m. Worship Services10:00 a.m. Sunday School, Nursery9:00 a.m. Current Events and Faith Class11:15 a.m. No Union Forum Until Aug. 30

Monday, August 249:00 a.m. Soup Making Ministry

Tuesday, August 25Good News Submission Deadline for September 6 Issue12:00 p.m. WA Resale Sorting

Wednesday, August 2612:00 p.m. Middle School (TNT) Bowling Event8:00 p.m. Way to Live: High School Class

Thursday, August 275:30 p.m. 8th Grade Outing (Off-Site)

Friday, August 286:00 a.m. Men's Ministry Groups 1 & 2

Saturday, August 29No Journey Worship until September 12

Sunday, August 308:00 & 10:00 a.m. Worship Services10:00 a.m. Sunday School, Nursery11:15 a.m. Union Forum7:00 p.m. Prayer & Healing Service

Monday, August 319:00 a.m. Soup Making Ministry

Tuesday, September 17:00 p.m. ONA Sacred Conversation (Off-Site)

Wednesday, September 27:00 p.m. ONA Sacred Conversation (Off-Site)

Thursday, September 312:00 p.m. WA Resale Sorting

Friday, September 49:00 a.m. WA Resale Sorting

Saturday, September 5No Journey Worship until September 12

TRANSFORMATIVE WORSHIP

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR CHILDREN

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR YOUTH

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR ADULTS

EXPANDING MISSION FOR ALL PEOPLE

COMMUNITY LIFE