October 23, 2005 A Publication of The Union Church of Hinsdale Volume 37, Issue 19

My involvement in the Ministry ofSocial Justice is rooted in the beliefthat we are all members of God’sfamily and have an obligation to beconcerned about the welfare ofothers. This sense of obligation tothe broader community, particularlythose most in need, is embedded inthe beliefs at Union Church and wasa key reason my wife and I decidedto join the church six years ago.

The Ministry of Social Justice is justone of many ways our church carriesout this calling. By providingopportunities for education,advocacy and philanthropy, we striveto remedy the root causes of injusticeaffecting people around the world.Over the last few years outsidespeakers have addressed ourcongregation regarding a broadspectrum of justice issues includinghealth care, hunger, globalization,

Native American affairs, same sexmarriage, and the causes of 9/11.

We help translate this knowledgeinto action by providing advocacyopportunities to a make difference.Through ourannual BreadFor The Worldletter writingcampaign wehavesuccessfullylobbied forfederallegislation thataims to cut world hunger in half by2015 and improve health care byimplementing HIV/AIDS programsin poor countries.

Finally, we provide financial supportto organizations that seek to remedythe systemic causes of socialinjustice. We sponsor organizationsat all levels—local, state, nationaland international. Organizations thatwe sponsor include Bread For theWorld, as well as ChicagoMetropolitan Sanctuary Alliance,Protestants for the Common Goodand Amnesty International. All ofthese groups rely on our funding tobring about social justice.

TheGood News

"I washungryand yougave mefood…"

Our responsibility to care about andhelp others in the community,particularly those most in need, is tome a fundamental element of beingChristian. As Matthew so eloquently

tells us: “I washungry and yougave me food, I wasthirsty and you gaveme something todrink, I was astranger and youwelcomed me, I wasnaked and you gaveme clothing, I wasin prison and you

visited me…truly I tell you, just asyou did to one of the least of thesewho are members of my family, youdid it to me.”

Kevin ViravecMinistry of Social Justice

If you share the experience of KevinViravec from the Ministry of SocialJustice, we invite you to feed thehungry and care for the least of theseour brothers and sisters throughinvesting in the ministry of the UnionChurch. Pledge generously onNovember 6, Commitment Sunday.

By providing oppor-tunities for education,advocacy and philan-thropy, we strive toremedy the root causesof injustice affectingpeople around the world.

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. 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

Newsletter Editor:Linda Foreman

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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CROP WALK • 5K OR 10K WALK AGAINST HUNGER

Sunday, October 23, 2005

1:00 pm Registration • 1:30 pm Step-Off

Redeemer Lutheran Church139 East First Street, Hinsdale, IL

All are welcome! 25% of the funds raised will help feedhungry persons in the area through the Hinsdale CommunityService’s food pantry. 75% of the funds will be used byChurch World Service and other international agencies fordisaster relief and self-help development throughout theworld. Such efforts include tsunami and hurricane victimrelief, as well as food and medical attention for childrendisplaced in Darfur and children in need in Iraq.

Contact Ann Suda in the church office or Margaret Owen-Tomei at 630.325.5755 for aCROP WALK Sponsor envelope. Raise extra money online at www.cropwalk.org. Our walkis named “Tri-Village Crop Walk.” Your CROP WALK message can reach friends andfamily across the U.S. with just a few clicks on the computer!

This is fun event for all ages! You get to take a nice fall walk with family and friendsaround Hinsdale while helping to fight hunger throughout the world! Join us!

HURRICANE RELIEF

We continue our ministrywith people devastated bythe hurricanes in the gulf region. We are focusing our efforts in a partnership with churchesand residents in Pearlington, Mississippi. This small, poor town of 1700 was truly hard it bythe storm. We are now working on two fronts.

1) We are working toward providing $500 Home Starter Kits and 5600 watt generators forthe area. If you would like to continue your support of this effort, or to begin a supportivepartnership with LovingNeighbor.net, feel free to send contributions to relief effort through

the church office. Make checks payableto Union Church and include the word“Relief” in the memo. At present ourefforts are focused on financialcontributions, we are not activelycollecting goods or furnishings. Thankyou.

2) We are securing volunteers whowould be able to go to Pearlington andassist in the distribution and set-up ofstarter kits and generators (as well asprovide emotional and spiritual supportfor those living in the area). Soon, wewill also be looking for people who can

go and work in the rebuilding efforts – put this is still a ways away. If you are interested inbeing in mission in the Pearlington area please contact Rev. Thom Parrott-Sheffer. We needto know when you are able to go, how long you can stay, and what skills you bring to thecommunity. We are seeking to be a presence in the area through rebuilding.

For more information see: WWW.UCHINSDALE.ORG or WWW.LOVINGNEIGHBORS.NET

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Sleep Out SaturdayComing November 5

If you're in middle school orhigh school, want to have agreat time, and want to MAKEA DIFFERENCE in the fight against homelessness…youneed to join us. We'll be sleeping out "under the stars" onthe church lawn.

Check out the Bridge Communityweb-site at www.bridgecommuni-ties.org for some great info anddownload a Pledge Form to get youstarted! SIGN-UPS are startingNOW! All students and adults areinvited to join in. Please call Davidat 630-323-4303 to reserve yourplot of ground & to get pledgedetails. You'll be glad you did!

Halloween BonFire Sunday Oct. 30(Aren't afraid of a little fire, are you…Scarecrow???)

Attn: TNT & DISCOVERY

Okay, for all you ghoul's looking toget a jump on Halloween Night,here's the event you want to be apart of…

It's the Halloween Bonfire atDavid & Pam's House, SundayOctober 30. Please join us forHot Dogs, S'Mores, Bobbing forApples, and other tasty treats.

Please bring your Ghoulish friends too! If you wear acostume—all the scarier! But remember…Don't meet atthe church 'cause we won't be there! Here’s the 411:

TNT (6th-8th Grade) . . . . . . . .5:00 to 6:30 pmDISCOVERY (9th-12th Grade) . .7:00 to 8:30pmWHERE: David & Pam Knecht's (Back Yard)

233 Meadowbrook Ln., Hinsdale(630-789-9611 / 630-347-9611 cell)

(We're 3 blks south of 55th Street, turn right off of Elm St.)

Sunday October 23CROP WALK • 1:00 pm (Meet at Redeemer Lutheran)

TNT (Middle School Youth Group) � 5-6:30pm

DISCOVERY (High School Youth Group) � 7-8:30 pm

"Fantastic FOOD Scavenger Hunt"Monday October 24 (and every Monday Nite)

PUSH (High School Bible Discussion & Chat) 7-8 pm

Sunday October 30 Halloween BonFireTNT (Middle School Youth Group) � 5-6:30

DISCOVERY (High School Youth Group) � 7-8:30

Saturday November 5SOS: Sleep Out Saturday 6pm Sat �til 8am SunSleep out under the stars on the church lawn to help thefight against HOMELESSNESS! See David for details!

Don’t Forget...The Youth

Room is NowAfter School! (Daily 3:00–5:00 pm)

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ADVENTURES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

CE HOLIDAY BOOK SALE RETURNING SOON!

The popular Holiday Book Sale returns to the Gathering Placebeginning Sunday, November 6, and continues every Sunday forthe rest of November. Proceeds from this sale benefit UnionChurch libraries, classrooms and the Resource Center.

Featured are new and classic holiday booksfor Thanksgiving and Christmas,children’s books for toddlers throughteens and adult titles. Topics range fromparenting challenges to spirituality tojust good reads. New books are addedevery week so plan to stop by andbrowse more than once.

In the unlikely event you are unable to find anything of interest foryourself, please consider purchasing a paperback children’s bookfor donation to Aunt Marys Reading Program (where incarceratedparents select and record a book to be sent to their children inorder to help maintain stronger family ties).

CHILDREN IN WORSHIP OFFERS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

The Children in Worship Sunday morning program hasbeen offered to elementary-aged children at Union Churchfor the past fifteen years. It uses a Montessori approach tolearning Bible stories and worship rituals. Many childrenremain in the program for five or six years,increasing opportunities to develop strongrelationships with adult teachers and each other.

Children in Worship I meets in the BrookConference room. Ages range from four yearsup to third grade and the curriculum consists offoundational Bible stories and liturgical topicssuch as the church year and sacraments. Prettymuch the same stories, told in a variety ofdramatic ways, are offered every year. Therepetition is generally not a problem because atthese ages the children's perceptions of thestories matures from year to year. The worshipcenter classroom has an altar, a great array of artsupplies and many games and puzzlessupporting the stories covered. Each week, afterhearing the story, children are expected torespond to it by choosing to use these materialsto further explore the lesson of the story. Adult guidance isprovided as needed to help keep children on track! Afterclean up, Feast time offers opportunities for furtherdiscussion of the story, and/or world events, the currentstewardship project, a snack and prayer. Each child isdismissed with a special, secret blessing from the teacher.

Children in Worship II takes place in the Helen Hall roomand is geared for older children ranging from second to fifth

NEW ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY

(This week marks the end of the “What Does theU.C.C. Believe?”)

Beginning next Sunday, October 23 a new classbegins at the 9:50 hour.

“WHAT WOULD JESUS HAVE ME DO? – CASESTUDIES IN THEOLOGY” is led by Rev. ThomParrott-Sheffer and asks the questions: How dowe think theologically? What are ways to bringthe Bible to bear on life-issues? Is there only oneright answer?

These questions are explored within specificcases, such as Intelligent Design, Euthanasia, andother issues. We meet from October 23 throughNovember 27, in Rowell Hall.

grades and the format is similar to that described above.Two different curricula alternate in this program. This yearfocuses on Jesus’ ministry mainly as told in the gospel ofMark. Next year begins with Old Testament stories untilChristmas and then continues with more about Jesus andearly church history. Art supplies, games and opportunities

for dramatic reenactment are all available forthe children to respond to the story of the week.

So, how is the Children in Worship programdifferent than other Sunday morning offerings?It meets for two hours, from 9:50 to 12:00. Thislength of time is generally not a problem foreven very young children. There is a good dealof moving around and changing of activitiesduring that block of time. The two hours allowsfor a slower, more relaxed pace. The materialsused in the room have great child appeal—oftenit is very difficult for children to wait until thestoryteller is finished to be able to handle whathas been used themselves. There is greatconsistency in both the children regularlyattending and the teachers they have over aperiod of years, allowing for strongrelationships to flourish. Stories are presented

chronologically and in historical context. There is a greatemphasis on wondering about the stories and expressingindividual responses and concerns as we work to developthinking Christians.

If you would like to observe a CIW session or if you haveany questions, please contact Sue Becker 630.887.7639.

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UNION CHURCH MINISTRIES

SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES

GOLDEN APPRECIATION DINNERSunday, November 13, 2005

The Parish LifeMinistry hosts adinner withentertainment forthose youngsters atleast 70 years old.

Appetizers areserved in RowellHall from 5:30 to6:00 pm followedby an AllegroHandbell Ensemble concert in the sanctuary. Dinner is thenserved at 6:30 pm in the Dining Room. Amy St. Luceprovides musical accompaniment to the dinner.

Look for your invitation in the mail soon!

ARE YOU CALLED TO A UNION CHURCH MINISTRY?

Consider making a real impact at Union Church byserving on a church ministry.

As you may know, Union Church is a layperson-ledchurch (in partnership with clergy and staff).

We have a need for all who worship at Union Church toparticipate in its numerous and varied ministries ineither small or large ways (as your time permits).

We need your help so that our church can run smoothlyas a special place of worship, fellowship, and outreachfor everyone.

Union Church has many “ministries” (formerly“boards” and “committees”) that provide for theessential needs of our church family. These include:

Elders Ministries (worship services)Parish Life Ministries (small group ministries,fellowship, hospitality)

WOMEN’S ASSOCIATIONUNIT MEETINGS FOR NOVEMBER 2005

Unit 1 11/03 9:00 am Rowell Hall at Church

Unit 2 11/03 9:00 am Rowell Hall at Church

Unit 3 11/03 9:15 am Home of Dorothy Carpenter745 Pinecrest Ct., Hinsdale

Unit 4 11/03 12:30 pm Home of Mary Shewalter301 Lake Hinsdale Dr., #409Willowbrook

Unit 5 11/03 7:30 pm Home of Beverly Schmidt815 S. Bruner St., Hinsdale

Unit 6 11/11 1:00 pm Home of Jane Morrison15W170 60th St., Burr Ridge

Unit 7 11/21 12:30 pm Youth Room at Church

Trustees Ministries (finances and fundraising)Christian Mission Ministries (outreach)Christian Social Justice Ministries (social activism)Christian Education Ministries (Sunday school and adulteducation)Music Ministries (music education, choirs and performances)Endowment Ministries (investments and gifting)Youth Ministries (youth worship, fellowship and outreach)

Ministry team meetings take place the second Tuesday of eachmonth at 7:00 pm.

Please volunteer today to share your enthusiasm, time, talentsand resources with Union Church by calling Melissa Mann ofthe Nominating Committee at 630.654.1430 or Rev. Julie RuthHarley at 630.323.4303.

“Many hands make light work!”

[The Nominating Committee meeting is on Wednesday,November 16, 2005 at 7:00 pm in Rowell Hall. All ministrychairs and one additional representative are requested toattend. Thank you.]

PARENTS OF “‘TWEENS”

Do you have a “‘tween” in your family? A “‘tween” is a child between 8 and 13 years old.This stage of life creates challenges for tweens and for their parents. Join us for a small groupmeeting from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Tuesday, October 25, in the Kitchen Classroom at church.

Rev. Julie Ruth Harley is the facilitator.

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AROUND THE CHURCH

FLU SHOTS AVAILABLETuesday, November 1 • 10:00–11:00 am

Do you need a flu shot? About 50 millionAmericans will catch influenza this year. Considergetting a flu shot if you’re too busy to take suddensick leave, you’re taking a winter vacation, you’reover age 65, you work around children, you havebeen susceptible to the flu in thepast, or you have specialholiday plans you don’t wantto miss. Studies have shownthe vaccine is 90% effectivein preventing illness.

Payment ($25/person) is dueon the day of the vaccination,with cash or a check madepayable to Union Church.The service is providedby Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare.

Please register before October 26 by calling LindaForeman at 630.323.4303.

HOW THE HOUSE BECAME A HOME

For much of human history,houses were just places to sleepand eat.

Jane Gralen, member of UnionChurch, gives a livelypresentation discussing how theidea of domesticity was born, andhow it has continued to changeover the course of history.

Jane, a former docent at TheChicago Architecture Foundation,gave this talk two years ago to members of Women’s Associationand gives an updated version of it at the Hinsdale HistoricalSociety on Sunday, October 23, at 3:00 pm. Cost is $4.00 formembers and $8.00 for non-members. Registration information isavailable at 630.789.2600.

CHRISTMAS TOYS FOR ERIE HOUSE

You are invited gain this year to help Erie House(one of our mission agencies) stock its“Christmas Store.” Gifts of toys, games, and newclothing for children ages 2-12 are needed for the325 children in various Erie House Programs.

The “Christmas Store” opens a few days justbefore Christmas. Parents come by appointmentto “shop” at the store. Each parent selects two

gifts for each child intheir family. ErieHouse volunteersthen wrap the gifts,which the parentstake home to give totheir children onChristmas Day.

We hope that to havethe usual enthusiasticresponse from UnionChurch members thatwe have experiencedin past years. Place

your unwrapped gifts in the boxes marked “ErieHouse Toys,” located in the Gathering Place nearthe receptionist desk.

If you are unable to deliver your gifts to thechurch, please call Chuck Armstrong at630.323.5669.

VIRTUAL TOUR OF WWW.UCHINSDALE.ORGSunday, November 20 • 12:15 pm

The Digital Ministry Team has spent several months renovatingand enlivening our church website.

But just in case you haven’t taken a look lately, here’s yourchance to take a virtual tour of the website.

See all the new features and content. Check out the latestinformation. Find archived information. Provide comments andfeedback.

Join us in the Youth Room after 11:00 worship on November 20(light snacks provided).

SPECIAL REQUEST

Please help us update our database by providing your currentemail address for each member of your household. Include yourname along with your email address. Send this information toAudrey Woeltje in the church office atAWOELTJE@UCHINSDALE.ORG.

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GROWING IN FAITH AND COMMUNITY

We have received several letters of thanks fromthe organizations which we support:

The United Church of Christ: “For BasicSupport of Our Church’s Wider Mission(OCWM).”

Family Shelter Service: “Please accept our heartfeltthanks for your continued generosity to FamilyShelter Service...With your help women andchildren will continue to realize momentous changeslike this every day. Thank you so very much.”

“ALL IN THE FAMILY” ON OCTOBER 30

The Parrott-Sheffer family had many attitude adjustments to makewhen Brandon revealed his sexual orientation to them. We arefortunate to have them share some of the difficulties and joys ofthat time and the journey that followed.

The Open and Affirming Task Force invites you to participate in aconversation with the Parrott-Sheffers at 12:15 pm in the 3rd floorYouth Room on Sunday, October 30.

A light lunch will be served and the discussion promises to becompelling.

HOLIDAYS…EASY AS PIE!

Let Market Day help you prepare a wonderful feast for your family and friends! Start with avariety of appetizers, such as Stuffed Appetizer Bread or Smoked Salmon. Choose the SpiralSliced Ham for your centerpiece, and add Sweet Corn Casserole, Prince Edward VegetableMedley and Homestyle Biscuit Dough.

Finish it all off with one of TWELVE special pies! Choose among French Silk, AppleCranberry, Pumpkin, Pecan, New York Style Cheesecake and many others!

Market Day benefits the Allegro Handbell Ensemble. Look for your Market Day flyer in themail or in the church narthex. Print orders are due in the narthex Sunday, October 30 (internet orders due Wednesday,November 2). Pick-up is in the Garfield Circle on Saturday, November 5, 9:00–10:00 am. Use the internet and pay by creditcard—it’s easy! As always, please pick up your orders in a timely manner. The Allegro Handbell Ensemble thanks you!

HOLIDAY BLUES: COPING WITHSTRESS IN A SEASON OF JOY

The holidays are wonderful, but forsome of us they are also stressful.“Too many gifts to buy, and notenough time to sit by the fireplace.”

For others, the holidays are difficultbecause of the loss of familymembers or friends. We think,“Thanksgiving won’t be the samethis year.”

Sound familiar?

Nancy Ging (sponsored by theMental Health Ministry) offers twoevents to help you prepare for andalleviate the stress of the season.The programs are offered onSunday, November 13, 12:15–1:30pm in the Youth Room, andThursday, November 17,9:30–11:00 am in Rowell Hall.

Join us on the date that fits yourschedule. Refreshments will beserved.

“YOU REMIND ME OF ME” • DROP-IN BOOK GROUP OCTOBER SELECTION

As always, on the last Wednesday of the month, October 26, at 1:30 pm in thechurch’s South Parlor, feel free to drop in for an informal conversation about DanChaon’s novel, YOU REMIND ME OF ME.

From School/Library Journal: “This first novel focuses on the disparate lives of afragmented family as they struggle with the harsh realities of poverty, depression,and dysfunction…highly readable, thought-provoking, and profoundly moving.”

Dorothe Ernest hosts our gathering. Join us even if you haven’t read the book.

ATTENTION YOUNG HOLIDAY SHOPPERS:RUDOLPH’S BOUTIQUE IS COMING!Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 19 for yetanother shopping extravaganza—Rudolph’s Boutique andBake Sale.

Rudolph’s is a unique shopping experience for children. Personalshoppers escort children through our “boutique” where they can selectgifts for everyone on their lists at very reasonable prices. Free giftwrapping is included!

More details on Rudolph’s Boutique will follow, but it’s not too early todonate items to be sold at the boutique. We especially need items for men: tie tacks,ties, any small item that would be appreciated by a dad, grandpa, uncle or brother.If you have items to donate, please contact Sue Becker at 630.887.7639.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...22 CROP WALK

33 UTH GNUS

44 ADVENTURES IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

55 SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES

66 AROUND THE CHURCH

77 GROWING IN FAITH AND COMMUNITY

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

THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE RESALE ‘05 A SUCCESS!RESALE ‘05 is a memory, but the good will generated andthe money raised will be making a difference for a longtime to come. Women’s Association extends many, manythanks to the following people for taking leadership rolesthis year:

STEERING COMMITTEEFran Evans, Liz Doucette, Lucy Tarabour, Holly LaSpina,Susan Young, Linda Van Schaayk, Eleanor Patterson

DEPARTMENT CHAIRSBetter Sportswear: Ruth FinlayBooks, Tapes and Games: Daisy PletcherChildren’s: Committee of ECP; Marcy Biala,Jennifer Stout, Kathy Florence, Kathy Anne Smith Collectibles: Candy Stevens and Sandy PoorDistribution: Bill RoperFrench Room: Cindy Wills and Jill MioGarage (Furniture and Sporting Goods): Bob and SallyManionHoliday: Roz OetkingHousewares: Sue Becker, Claudia Moffat, Karen SmithJewelry: Allegro Bell ChoirLinens: Barbara VoorheesMen’s Clothing: Jacqui Woolridge and Dorothy CarpenterSewing and Crafts: Penny Johnson and Judy HueserSweats and Sweaters: Fran Evans

Women’s Clothing: Jane Ballantine, Susan Young andEleanor PattersonCheck Room: Ginny Monroe and David Scott

SUPPORTAppliance Testing: Hadley PihlPublicity: Lucy Tarabour and Jane GralenLunch: Jim and Sue NibeckAgencies: Barbara KellerManpower: Holly LaSpinaTreasurer: Barbara Parlour and LaVerne SkaleSupplies: Katy BoyceKnock Down and Demobilize: Elizabeth and Terry KraincElevator Operators: Bert Early, Bill Moore, Bill Keller,Jim PlattsShirts: Fern Newton

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

To the Saints of the spring, summer and fall, mostespecially to Fran Evans, who has taken calls, arrangedpick-up, organized the sorting, storage and transfer fromstorage of merchandise, and ruined her back forever bylifting heavy boxes in and out of pick-up trucks, we owe ahuge debt of gratitude.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to Jim Vojtek, TonyPacheco and especially to Mary Bock who helped usthrough many small and large crises.