September  1,  2011                    A  Publication  of  The  Union  Church  of  Hinsdale,  U.C.C.                    Volume  43,  Issue  14  

Save the date – Make plans to attend  

Kick-Off Sunday

is

September 11, 20011

Details inside …

See You at a Cottage Meeting

Cottage  meetings  are  the  next  step  of  the  transition  process  to  move  into  the  future  of  Union  Church.    It  is  also  the  way  for  members  of  Union  to  have  maximum  impact  on  who  will  be  our  next  Senior  Minister  of  the  congregation.        If   you   have   not   received   an   invitation   to   attend   a  cottage  meeting   by   September   1,   call   Rev.   Dr.   Tom  Zoelzer   at   630   590.6695   to   schedule   a   cottage  meeting  you  can  attend.

In This Issue:

Worship With Us: Page 2 Newsletter Deadlines Changed: Page 2 Sunday School Class Locations: Page 3 Family Farm Fest Report: Page 4 Adult Education Opportunities: Page 5 Resale [Save The Date]: Page 6 School Items Needed: Page 6 Music Ministry Staff: Page 7 Kerygma Party: Page 8 Backyard Beer & Brat Party: Page 8 Letter from the U.C.C. President: Page 9

2012 Hank Maxwell Internship: Page 10  

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Our  Staff  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 Music Ministry Coordinator

and Director of Children and Youth Choirs: Roberta Wentling

Director of the Chancel Choir: Joanna Wernette

Director of Contemporary Music:

Brad Nye 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 Director of Music

Ministries Emeritus: Michael Surratt

WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship

9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Healing Prayer 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

 “Stone  Soup”  -­‐  Exploring  the  Church  as  Community  “What  We  Believe  –  Why  We  Believe”  

 

Sept.  4:   Works  of  Faith       Worship  is  led  by  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer  at  9:00         and  Jeremy  Hylen  at  10:30.    Sept.  11:   KICK  OFF  SUNDAY       Love  Is  the  Only  Way       A  Remembrance  of  Sept.  11,  2001       Worship  is  led  by  Tom  Zoelzer  at  9:00  &  10:30.    Sept.  18:   CHRISTIAN  SOCIAL  JUSTICE  SUNDAY       Worship  is  led  by  Rev.  Chris  Dorsey  

 Rev.  Chris  Dorsey  is  formerly  of  CTS  and  is  now  a  PhD  candidate  at  the  University  of  Chicago.  Through  his  preaching,  Rev.  Dorsey  will  introduce  himself  to  the  congregation  and  the  series  he  will  be  teaching  at  Union  Church  this  Fall  -­‐  "Social  Engagement  for  Christians  Today"  

 Sept.   25:   Living  in  the  Image  of  Christ       Worship  is  led  by  Tom  Zoelzer  at  9:00         and  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer  at  10:30.    

NEWSLETTER  DEADLINE  HAS  CHANGED!  

The  deadline  for  all  submissions    for  the  newsletter  is  the  15th  of    the  month.  Each  and  every    month  on  the  15th!!!!!!  

 Submit  your  articles  and  items  through  your  staff  liaison.    If  necessary  submissions  can  be  

sent  to:  newsletter@uchinsdale.org.  

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Nursery  Care  Program    Sundays,  8:45  a.m.  –  11:30  a.m.  

 We  offer  loving  kindness  and  support  in  our  nursery  care.    Nursery  for  infants,  toddlers,  and  2’s  is  located  in  Classroom  E  on  the  lower  level.      

 3’s  &  4’s  Sunday  School  

Sundays,  9:00  a.m.-­‐10:00  a.m.    Sunday  School  for  children  ages  3  and  4  years  is  in  a  traditional  classroom  setting,  which  is  located  in  Classroom  D  on  the  lower  level.    The  children  are  actively  engaged  

in  exploring  the  Old  and  New  Testament  stories  from  Genesis  in  the  fall  to  the  stories  from  Acts  in  the  spring.        

Kindergarten-­‐1st  Grade  Sundays,  9:00  a.m.-­‐10:15  a.m.  

 Children  learn  the  faith  foundation  stories  from  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  as  well  as  the  rituals  of  our  faith.      At  the  beginning  of  our  Sunday  school  time  we  will  gather  with  

Roberta  Wentling,  Children’s  Choir  Director,  in  the  Chapel  for  some  singing.    Sunday  school  for  kindergarten  and  first  grade  is  located  in  Classroom  J&K  across  from  the  Gathering  Space  on  the  main  level.        

2nd-­‐3rd  Grades  Sundays,  9:00  a.m.-­‐10:15  a.m.  

 Our  2nd-­‐3rd  graders  begin  exploring  their  Bibles  as  we  go  deeper  into  the  stories  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments.    The  children  gather  in  the  Chapel  for  singing  with  Roberta  Wentling,  Children’s  Choir  

Director,  at  the  beginning  of  the  Sunday  School  time.  Sunday  school  for  2nd  and  3rd  grades  is  located  in  the  Faith/Hope  Classroom  on  the  upper  level.  

 4th  &  5th  Grades  

Sundays,  9:00  a.m.-­‐10:15a.m.      

Upper  elementary  is  about  digging  deeper  into  God’s  word  and  understanding  what  that  means  to  us  today.  At  different  times  during  the  year,  the  class  may  be  hearing  and  learning  the  same  stories  as  in  worship,  so  

families  can  share  their  faith  experiences.  Sunday  School  for  4th  &  5th  grades  is  located  in  the  Drama  Tent  on  the  upper  level.    

6-­‐8th  Graders    Sundays,  9:00  a.m.-­‐10:00  a.m.    

 Middle  school  will  be  exploring  the  concepts  of  Sabbath  and  Joy  during  this  year.  Our  goal  is  to  explore  the  different  ways  God  is  present  in  

our  lives.  Sunday  school  for  middle  school  is  in  the  youth  room.  

Where  is  My  Sunday  School  Class?  

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Family  Farm  Fest  was  a  great  success!!    

Over  $  20,000  was  raised  to  share  resources  with  needy  people  all  over  the  world.    Donations  will  become  chickens,  cows  and  other  essential  assets  for  daily  living  among  some  of  the  poorest  people  on  earth    

The  Fest  was  held  at  Holy  Nativity  Episcopal  Church  in  Clarendon  Hills,  with  Union  Church  creating  and  running  the  “Cow”  Booth.    A  milking  station  was  created  and  kids  tried  their  hand  at  milking  our  Union  Church  Cow.    There  were  also  alpaca,  a  camel  and  a  whole  variety  of  fun  for  families.    

Thank  you  for  everyone  who  worked  and  came  to  this  event,  and  helped  make  it  such  a  great  success.    

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Bible  &  Book  Studies:  Kerygma  Bible  Study:    “God  With  Us:  The  Gospel  of  Matthew”    Led  by  Rev.  Dr.  Tom  Zoelzer  

Thursdays  from  1-­‐3  p.m.,  beginning  Sept.  15    With  all  we  have  to  unite  us,  we  still  find  ways  to  create  division.  It  is  an  age-­‐old  question:  do  we  focus  on  what  sets  us  apart,  or  what  holds  us  together?  Find  out  starting  in  September.  Contact  Cathy  at    (630)  323.0850  or  scluvsmail@aol.com    

Simple  Supper  Bible  Study:    The  Parables  for  Today  Share  a  meal,  fellowship  and  a  time  of  study.  This  latest  book  in  the  popular  For  Today  series  introduces  the  reader  to  the  main  parables  of  Jesus  in  an  engaging  and  

accessible  way.  Professor,  author,  and  preacher  Alyce  McKenzie  makes  the  familiar  parables  come  alive  with  new  meaning,  using  the  best  of  biblical  scholarship  to  provide  an  easy  entrance  to  this  major  form  of  Jesus’  teachings.    Contact  Jer  at:  jhylen@uchinsdale.org  or  (630)  590.6656    

Five  Foot  Bookcase  -­‐  A  Series  of  Studies  on  the  Most  Influential  Books  on  Faith  and  Spirituality.  Led  by  Pastor  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer  at  his  home.  Second  Sunday  of  each  month  from  6:30-­‐8  p.m.,  beginning  October  

9.  Join  us  in  October  as  we  discuss:    "The  Velvet  Elvis:    Repainting  the  Christian  Faith"  &  "Love  Wins",  both  by  Rob  Bell.    Contact  Thom  Parrott-­‐Sheffer    at  tparrott-­‐sheffer@uchinsdale.org    or    (630)  590.6693    Authentic  Women  &  Authentic  Too!    

Led  by  Jacki  Sluder  Tuesdays  9-­‐11  am  -­‐or-­‐  Wednesdays  7-­‐9  p.m.,  beginning  Sept.  20.  Gather  with  friends,  find  yourself  and  live  life  better!    Come  explore  ten  simple  truths  from  the  book  “Life  is  Short-­‐  Wear  Your  Party  Pants”  by  Loretta  LaRoche.  Sponsored  by  Women’s  Association  Contact  Sue  

Nibeck  sue@nibecks.com  or  (630)  638.0540.      

For  More  Information  on  these  Adult  Formation  offerings,  please  visit:  http://uchucc.us/adultformation  

Sunday  Offerings:  Social  Engagement  for  Christians  Today    Led  by  Rev.  Chris  Dorsey,  Formerly  of  Chicago  Theological  Seminary  Sun.,  Sept.  25,  Oct.  2,  9  &16  at  10:30  a.m.    

This  course  will  examine  some  of  the  theological  foundations  and  ethical  paradigms  needed  to  help  develop  an  understanding  of  how  Christians  engage  with  contemporary  social  issues  related  to  race,  the    environment,  healthcare,  and  education.    Contact  Tom  at  tzoelzer@uchinsdale.org  or  (630)  323.4303.    

The  Waste  Land    Led  by  Alan  Becker  Sun.  Oct.  23  &  30,  Nov.  6  -­‐  20  at  10:30  a.m.  Join  us  for  a  discussion  of  T  S  Eliot’s  poem  “The  Waste  Land.”  Eliot’s  tremendous  knowledge  of  myth,  religious  ritual,  

academic  works,  and  key  books  in  the  literary  tradition  informs  every  aspect  of  his  poetry.  Contact  Alan  at  aibecker@comcast.net  or    (630)  887.7639.    

Parenting  Series:  Mindful  Parenting:  A  Parenting  Class    Led  by  ECP’s  Linda  Renzi,  MA,  LCP    Tuesdays,  Oct.  4,  11  &18    from  6:30–8  p.m.  

Mindful  Parenting  is  a  3-­‐week  class  based  on  the  book  Everyday  Blessings:  The  Inner  Work  of  Mindful  Parenting  by  Jon  and  Myla    Kabat-­‐Zinn.  This  class  offers  couples  and  single  parents  an  opportunity  to  connect  with  other  parents  of  preschool  and  school  age  children.  Sponsored  by  Adult  Formation  &  ECP.    Contact  Jennifer  Keldahl  at  JKeldahl@uchinsdale.org    

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Women’s  Fellowship  Gatherings  Last  May,  the  fellowship  units  of  the  Women’s  Association  were  “shuffled.”  If  you  have  never  been  part  of  a  fellowship  unit,  September  is  a  perfect  time  to  give  us  a  try  since  everyone  will  be  gathering  for  the  first  

time  as  a  new  unit.      Look  over  the  list  below,  pick  a  location  and  time  and  join  us.        

Thursday,  September  1  9:15  a.m.        Unit  2:        Woods  Room,  KB            6101  S.  County  Line  Rd.  ,  Burr  Ridge  Unit  3:        Home  of  Mary  Bock              28  S.  Stough  –  Hinsdale        Thursday,  September  8  9:30  a.m      Unit  1:          Union  Church  1:00  p.m.  Unit  4:          Home  of  Mary  Shelwalter        301  Lake  Hinsdale  Dr.  #409,  Willowbrook  7:00  p.m.  Unit  5:        Home  of  Virginia  Robinson        504  S.  Lincoln  St.,  Hinsdale  

   Friday,  September  9        

  Unit  6:        Home  of    Barb  Voorhees            732  69th  St.  –  Willowbrook    Tuesday  mornings  1:00  p.m.  Union  Church  Contact  Kim  Nibeck  for  details  

School  Items    Needed  for  Women’s  Association  

 The  Women’s  Association  invites  you  to  take  advantage  of  the  “going  back-­‐to-­‐school”  sales,  that  are  in  full  swing  now,  to  buy  crayons,  pencils  and  pens  for  Christmas  stockings.  Last  year  we  filled  over  100  stockings,  at  our  annual  Christmas  Stocking  give  away.    There  is  a  container  designated  for  stocking  items  in  the  middle  closet  in  the  lower  level  alcove.      In  addition  to  school  supplies,  here  is  a  list  of  additional  items  we  try  to  include  in  each  stocking  (in  case  you  find  some  of  these  items  also  on  sale):    

 jump  ropes      match  box  cars    soft  animals      plastic  animals    cards        jacks      coloring  books      hats      foam  balls            lip  gloss    toothbrushes      marbles    paddle  balls      bracelets      small  dolls      gloves    toothpaste        wallets/coin      purses  

 Your  help  is  greatly  appreciated!  

Women’s  Association  Resale  September  29,  30    and  October  1,  2011  

Save  the  date!    Resale  sorting  is  happening  now.    Please  come  on  Tuesdays  from  12:00  pm  -­‐3:00  pm  or  Fridays  from  9  am-­‐12  noon.    Just  show  up  and  help  organize  items  left  in  the  church  dining  room  for  the  sale.        Volunteer  sign-­‐up  sheets  will  be  available  soon,  with  opportunities  for  set-­‐up,  working  in  departments  and  clean-­‐up.    Remember  those  who  lend  a  hand  can  shop  Presale  on  Thursday  evening,  September  29.      In  the  mean  time,  clean  closets/storage  areas  and  drop  off  items  in  the  church  dining  room  by  

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Union  Church  has  a  long  history    of  being  blessed  with  talented    

musicians  and  directors.      

We  are  confident  that  those  blessings  will  continue  as  we  move  into  our  future:  

 

Our  Music  Staff  2011-­‐12  –  and  Beyond  

On  Sunday,  August  14,  2011,  Mr.  Michael  Surratt  was  awarded  the  honorary  title  of  Music  Director  Emeritus  of  the  Union  Church  of  Hinsdale;  for  the  32  years  of  faithful  service  to  God  and  Union  Church.  Michael’s  ministry  has  truly  been  a  blessing  for  the  church.  

Helen  Mehler  will  be  serving  as  Organist  while  the  search  continues  

for  a  permanent  organist.  

Brad  Nye  is  our  Director  of  

Contemporary  Music  

Roberta  Wentling  is  our  Music  Ministry  Coordinator  and  

Director  of  Children/Youth    Music  Ministries.  

Joanna  Wernette  is  our  Director  of  the  Chancel  Choir  as  of  August  15,  2011  

 

Elizabeth  Jung  Handbell  Director

 

   

Have  you  lost  a  pair    of  glasses,  a  jacket,    a  piece  of  jewelry,    

or  perhaps  your  keys?    Please  check  the  Lost  and  Found  for  any   items   you   think   you  may  have  left  at  the  church  in  the  past  year.    Again,  we  will  be  donating  the  

abandoned  items  to  the  Women’s  Resale  by  September  20th,  2011.  

 The  Lost  and  Found  is  in  the  Volunteer  Office  at  the  end  of  the  hallway  on  the  lower  level.        

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You  Are  Invited  to  a  Kerygma  Party    

This  invitation  is  extended  to  anyone  who  is  interested  in  learning  about  the  2011-­‐2012  plans  for  Kerygma  Bible  Study  on  Thursday  afternoons  at  Union  Church.    This  gathering  is  all  inclusive.    It  is  not  just  for  people  who  have  attended  Kerygma  classes  in  the  past.    If  you  are  even  a  tiny  bit  interested  in  what  the  classes  are  all  about,  this  party  is  for  you.    It  is  also  for  long  time  students  of  Kerygma.    Basically,  the  class  concentrates  on  one  book  of  the  Bible  at  a  time.  Come  learn  which  books  we'll  be  studying  this  year.    Party  place:   Home  of  Cathy  Schultz  Location:     148  Easton  Place,  Burr  Ridge  Date:       Thursday,  September  1,  2011  Time:       3:30  to  5:00  PM    Please  R.S.V.P.  to  Cathy  at  630-­‐323-­‐0850.    She  really  

needs  an  idea  of  numbers.  .

BACKYARD  BEER  AND  BRAT  PARTY  Saturday,  September  10,  2011  at  6:30pm  

 

The  Honigschmidts’  Back  Yard:    222  N.  Adams  Street,  Hinsdale  

 The  band,  "TOAST",  will  perform  

(Jay  Eigel,  Larry  Staat,  and  Ken  Pletcher)    

The  cost  is  $60  per  person.          

Please  make  your  check  out  to  “Union  Church”    and  send  to  Mary  Sue  Honigschmidt,  222  N.  Adams,  Hinsdale,  IL    60521,  by  

September  1!    Proceeds  will  benefit  The  Union  Church  General  Operating  Fund.    

The  event  will  take  place  rain  or  shine!    And  it  will  be  fun!  Not  for  couples  only!!      Everyone  is  welcome!!!!    Please  join  us!!  

 

9

Pastoral Letter from General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Geoffrey Black

on the Tenth Anniversary of September 11 Dear  Colleagues  and  Coworkers  of  the  United  Church  of  Christ:    Just  about  everyone  can  remember  where  they  were  the  morning  of  September  11,  2001  and  the  days  that  followed.    As  New  York  Conference  Minister,  I  was  scheduled  to  preach  in  New  York  City  the  following  Sunday.    Since  all  of  the  United  States  was  a  no-­‐fly  zone,  I  took  the  long  drive  through  the  Catskills.    Needless  to  say  the  drive  gave  me  plenty  of  time  to  think.      When  I  arrived,  the  congregation  had  gathered  as  usual  on  that  Sunday  morning.    Not  surprisingly,  most  of  the  folks  were  still  in  a  state  of  shock.    There  was  an  abiding  atmosphere  of  sadness  and  grieving,  yet  another  emotion  that  I  had  not  anticipated  was  the  presence  of  deep  gratitude.    It  was  beginning  to  dawn  on  many  of  those  at  worship,  including  me,  that  as  devastating  and  shocking  as  the  attacks  were,  there  was  reason  to  be  thankful  that  the  tragedy  could  have  been  even  greater.    This  awareness  was  accompanied  by  the  stories  of  individuals  who  worked  near  the  World  Trade  Center  and  could  have  lost  their  lives,  but  for  various  reasons  were  not  there  that  fateful  morning.    Many  more  were  grateful  that,  for  the  moment,  the  danger  had  passed.    Even  in  the  midst  of  mourning,  our  thanksgiving  to  God  was  fervent  and  deeper  than  usual.    Now,  almost  ten  years  have  passed.    For  some  who  experienced  personal  loss,  the  pain  still  feels  as  acute  as  if  it  happened  yesterday.    For  others,  there  is  emotional  distance  from  the  horror  of  that  day,  yet  reverberations  remain.    Mere  mention  of  the  date  September  11th  churns  up  feelings  and  distinct  memories.  During  these  years  our  country  has  engaged  in  two  long  wars  attributed  in  part  to  the  events  of  September  11th.    Most  recently,  the  U.S.  military  apprehended  and  killed  Osama  bin  Laden,  the  person  who  took  credit  for  orchestrating  the  attacks  of  September  11th.    The  pain  and  suffering  that  we  as  Americans  associate  with  terrorism  began  that  day  and  has  continued  ever  since.    For  that  reason  the  date  is  etched  in  our  nation’s  collective  consciousness.    However,  it  is  important  to  note  that  for  others  around  the  world,  that  day  is  the  day  we  experienced  the  degree  of  pain  other  nations  and  peoples  have  experienced  far  longer.    September  11th  was  a  day  the  tragedies  of  the  world  came  to  our  shores.    As  we  approach  this  anniversary  of  our  national  tragedy,  my  prayer  is  that  we  do  so  recognizing  that  our  national  understanding  of  and  response  to  terrorism  have  been  inadequate  thus  far.    If  anything,  some  actions  and  policies  of  our  government—from  the  crimes  of  Abu  Ghraib,  to  Guantanamo  Bay  and  the  human  toll  referred  to  as  “collateral  damage”—have  inspired  more  people  to  take  up  arms  against  the  U.S.    We  are  still  challenged  to  perceive  “the  other”  more  fairly,  and  to  pursue  true  security  more  faithfully.    General  Synod’s  recent  resolution  “On  Actions  of  Hostility  Against  Islam  and  the  Muslim  Community”  urges  us  to  build  relationships  of  trust  and  understanding  with  our  neighbors  rather  than  be  led  by  our  fears  and  prejudices.      My  hope  is  that  we  use  this  anniversary  as  an  opportunity  to  reflect  on  these  ten  years,  the  years  of  America’s  longest  war,  and  begin  to  chart  a  new  direction.    Our  gathering  as  a  UCC  church  in  Queens,  NY  on  that  first  Sunday  after  September  11th,  2001  was  a  moment  in  time  filled  with  regret  and  grief.  It  was  also  tinged  with  hope  emanated  from  thanksgiving  to  our  living,  loving  and  merciful  God.    Perhaps  that  is  who  we  turn  to  and  where  we  start  as  we  contemplate  beginning  anew  our  work  toward  God’s  just  and  peaceful  realm  “on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven.”  

Peace  and  blessings,  Rev.  Geoffrey  A.    Black    

 

 

   

Applications  are  now  available   for   the  2012  Summer  Internship   provided  by   the  Hank  Maxwell  Peace   &   Justice   Ministry   of   Union   Church.   This   internship   is   a   full-­‐time   summer   experience   for   an  individual  who  is  between  junior  year  in  high-­‐school  and  junior  year  in  college,  who  might  be  considering  a  vocation  in  advocacy.    

The  purpose  of   the   internship   is   to  provide  an   interested  person  an  experience   in   the   field  of  Advocacy  and   Social   Justice.     We   are   presently   working   with   our   partnership   agencies   to   create   this   full-­‐time  position,  so  the  exact  agency  with  which  you  will  be  working  will  be  announced  soon.    It  will  be  an  agency  like  Citizen  Action  IL  or  Community  Renewal  Society.    The  program  will  pay,  at  minimum  $1000  @  month.    

If  you  are  interested  please  fill  out  an  application  and  return  it  to  Dr.  Parrott-­‐Sheffer  by  November  1,  2011.    Applications  are  available   in   the  Church  Office  or   from  Pastor  Thom  or   Jer.     Feel   free   to   contact  Pastor  Thom  if  you  have  any  questions;  at  (630  323-­‐4303)  or  tparrott-­‐sheffer@uchinsdale.org.