Uniting Personal Faith with Social Justice

Over the last several months, it has been common to ask what can I do about all of the hatred and violence that has seemed to only proliferate and become amplified. I think one place to start is to have a framework. In our own statement of faith, we affirm each week that we, “unite personal faith with social justice”. I often ask what does it look like to merge our beliefs with tangible actions. This is where I think a framework to guide our own personal actions is useful.

At the website www.racialjusticeallies.org, there is a particular framework that we may begin to use to help us “unite personal faith with social justice”. This group recommends the need to move from actor, to ally, to accomplice.

Photo from http://www.racialjusticeallies.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/from-ally-to-accompliace.pdf

If we are to unite personal faith with social justice, then a starting point is to look internally. Assess where I am in this framework and then decide how to move forward. No matter where one may fall on this framework, the other critical component is to learn, to read, to listen. I share this website as a starting point to gather multiple resources on ways we can begin to unite personal faith with social justice. https://www.dialoguesondiversity.com/social-justice-resources

I hope that this can spark more sharing and dialogue in our faith community so that we can be personal and communal in the work toward a peaceful and just world.

Mike Manderino

HOPE UCC Ministry Council Designated Moderator

11/01/2017

News & Notes

PADS – PLEASE HELP!

HOPE IS COOKING A GRILLED BBQ PORK CHOP DINNER On Wednesday, November 8th, HOPE will be providing the food for homeless guests at DuPage PADS. We will be serving grilled pork chops, corn, cheesy potatoes, salad, applesauce, and brownies. Would you please help?

Because of “Jesus Has Left the Building” this past Sunday, our sign-up is limited to just this coming Sunday, November 5th. If you’re willing to prepare a potato casserole, brownies, or purchase soda, please sign up this Sunday or feel free to text or email me (630-235-3042 or pndempsey@aol.com) and I will put your names on the volunteer list.

If you are unable to cook one of these dishes, any donation to help defray the costs would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

Bring Your “A” Game is November 12th This event will follow Sunday Worship from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bring an appetizer to share and a beverage and be ready for 2 hours of board games with a twist. This will be a fun mixer for all ages. We will be playing games from UNO to Pie in Your Face. The games will be familiar to most, but if not, they will be easy to learn. Be prepared to have fun!

Special “Jesus Has Left the Building and We’re Following Him”

Help Needed Would you please volunteer to help with this special Jesus Has Left the Building… on Saturday morning (not Sunday), November 18 starting at 9:00 am?

We have received a request from Ready-Set-Ride (RSR) to help them by putting up a windbreak around their arena. The work consists of moving plywood sheets from storage and screwing them to upright supports around the periphery of their arena. RSR has a tractor to carry the sheets. We need to provide

the labor and the screw guns. The work will go fastest with more helpers. All ages are welcome!! If you are unfamiliar with RSR the fine work they do, here is the link to their website: http://www.readysetride.org/

If you would be available to help, please contact Nick at 630 235 3042 or pndempsey@aol.com.

Thank you!!

-Laurie Fosen and Nick Dempsey

Thanksgiving and Stewardship Potluck - November 19th Following church on Sunday, November 19, we will be holding a potluck as part of our Stewardship time together. In order to create a "thanks" giving time, this potluck will include turkey and the trimmings. A turkey (or two) will be roasted and ready to serve. Therefore, we hope people will bring dishes that will add to the feast which could include dressing, vegetable dishes, salads and desserts. Items still needed are:

• cranberry sauce - two dishes • green beans - three dishes • dinner rolls - three dozen • tossed salad and bottles of dressing - two bowls • trays of stuffing - two trays one vegetarian and one regular • desserts - four different items. Perhaps a pumpkin pie and some pumpkin cookies as part of the mix.

There will be a sign-up sheet at church or let John Kroening or Lela Lauricha) know what you will bring so we can have a great feast together.

Looking forward to this time together - and sharing food together!

People’s Resource Center: Share the Spirit Holiday Toy Drive HOPE and People’s Resource Center (PRC) are working together to make the holidays hopeful and brighter for low-income DuPage County residents this holiday season. Each year, PRC collects children’s gifts to be distributed to client families during the annual Share the Spirit drive. This year, over 800 client families will be invited to pick out gifts for their kids through PRC’s Share the Spirit program. This program offers parents in need the opportunity to choose the gifts they want to give their children.

Here’s how you can help:

1. We will be collecting new and unwrapped toys, books, hats/mittens etc. and gift cards until December 3. The gift cards will be given to the older children. Requested gift cards are Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, Old Navy. Each family will also receive a grocery store gift card when they come in to shop for their toys. Remember to order HOPE UCC Scrip Gift Cards and you will be giving to both HOPE and Share the Spirit.

2. We will be providing volunteers on the distribution days at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. There will be positions for all abilities—from wrapping gifts to serving as a personal shopper with the families coming through. Distribution days are December 4, 5 and 6. Stay tuned for more information about this second opportunity.

If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Lane at shannonlane30@aol.com or Zach Jarabeck. If you would like more information on the amazing work of PRC, http://www.peoplesrc.org.

Sharing Joys & Concerns

Please keep these people & events in your prayers:

Lee and his Aunt Karen, as they journey to develop a relationship with the protection and guidance from God. (Courtney)

My friend, Laura, who is home recovering from surgery and ten days in the hospital. (Zach)

Jason and his family. Jason crossed over last Wednesday. He was a much-loved client who always had a smile on his face and a warm hug to give. (Tanya)

My sister, Kathy. She is deteriorating physically and psychologically. It’s turning into a desperate situation. (Zach)

Prayers and guidance on how to handle a serious situation. (Anonymous)

My sister, Lynn, and her daughter, Lauren, who are in Wisconsin for the Packer’s game. She also wanted us to keep Aaron R. in prayer for his broken collarbone. (Mark G.)

Thanks! My Grampa Ed is doing so much better. He is home and doesn’t need to be on an oxygen tank. He still has a way to go, so please keep him in your prayers still. (Nicole H.)

Edward S. as he flies back to Vegas today. Had a fun time at Columbia College days. (Mark G.)

Pray for the students of Columbia College, especially Zachary S., who are taking mid-terms. (Mark G.)

Tomorrow is Breast Cancer Awareness Day. I’m praying for strength and courage for those currently in treatment. And also, congratulations to survivors. (Mary A.)

☺ Thanks! Chris’ dad, Larry, is doing well and recovering after cardiologists put additional stents in last week. (Jolene)

☺ Praise that I start my new job at Amazon today! (Nicole H.)

Celebrating Birthdays

11/03 Ed Hapke 11/11 Gail Bassett 11/13 Danielle David 11/20 Mary Alessandri 11/23 Jeanne Smith 11/26 Erin Ley

If we’ve missed your birthday, please email HOPE’s Office Manager at HOPE@shareHOPE.org.

HOPE’S Leadership Pastor Lucas King Moderator Becky McCabe Des. Moderator Mike Manderino Past Moderator Jeanne Smith Treasurer Les Pierce Secretary Julie Hapke Registrar Jane Trotta Community Life Shannon Lane Education Marie Higgins Pastor-Parish Tim Higgins/Jay Hruska Marketing & Communications

Jenn Revoldt

Missions Zach Jarabeck Resource & Operations

Nick Dempsey

Worship Mary Kroening Librarians Les & Jackie Pierce Photo Archive Anna Ahonen Webmaster Jenn Revoldt

ADULT QUEST PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Adult Ed on Sunday, November 5. Adult Ed will resume on Sunday, November 12, with a new venue and topics for discussion.

~ Les Pierce - Adult Ed Facilitator

KID’S QUEST – Sundays during Worship

HOPE United Church of Christ

1701 Quincy Avenue, Suite 27 Naperville, IL 60540-6684

The Reverend Lucas King

Pastor Lucas’ Cell – 720-378-2858 Pastor Lucas’ Email – pastor@sharehope.org

Office Phone – 630-922-0470 Office Email – hope@sharehope.org

Website – www.sharehope.org

Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

HOPE LIBRARY

You may reserve items (books, videos or tapes) by calling HOPE’s Office

Manager at (630-922-0470) during office hours; by checking them out at HOPE UCC any time it is open; or by

calling Les & Jackie Pierce, HOPE Librarians, at (630) 369-0485.

Deadline for additions or corrections to the next issue of

HOPE Happenings is November 6, by 2 p.m.

Announcements for Sunday due by Wednesday of each week.

Thanks!

UPCOMING EVENTS @ HOPE UCC October 29 – November 4

Pastor Lucas – Out of Office

November 3, Friday

Youth/Parent Planning Meeting @ HOPE UCC (6-7:30 p.m.) Includes dinner!

November 5, Sunday

New Partner Class #1 (9 a.m. @ HOPE UCC)

November 5, Sunday

Quarterly Congregational Meeting (Following Worship)

November 7, Tuesday

Evening Explore Your Faith (7 p.m.) Meets at Dempsey’s residence, Naperville, on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

November 8, Wednesday

Explore Your Faith Breakfast (7:30 a.m.) Meets at Quincy's Restaurant, 1112 E. Ogden Avenue, Naperville.

November 12, Sunday

Talking Tables for Missional Budget (Immediately After Worship) If you have questions regarding HOPE’s 2018 Missional Budget, please stay after worship to get answers.

November 12, Sunday

Bring Your “A” Game (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) (See article for more details.)

November 12, Sunday

Rainbow Faith (1-3 p.m.) HOPE’s ministry to support those in the LGBTQ+ community who are looking for a place to wonder and explore their faith. Find out more at: www.meetup.com/Rainbow-Faith-LGBTQ-Christians/ If you have questions, would like to participate or support this ministry, please contact Pastor Lucas.

November 15, Wednesday

Explore Your Faith Breakfast (7:30 a.m.) Meets at Quincy's Restaurant, 1112 E. Ogden Avenue, Naperville.

November 16, Thursday

Women Out to Lunch (Noon) Join the women of HOPE on the third Thursday of each month. Lively conversation, great food & warm fellowship is waiting for you at Giordano’s Restaurant at 119 S. Main Street, in downtown Naperville. Parking is available in the lot across from the restaurant or the Van Buren Parking Building.

November 19, Sunday

New Partner Class #2 (9 a.m. @ HOPE UCC)

November 19, Sunday

Pledge Sunday (During Worship) Thanksgiving Potluck (Following Worship) (Please see article.)

November 26, Sunday

New Partner Class #3 (9 a.m. @ HOPE UCC)

December 24, Sunday

Christmas Eve Service @ HOPE UCC (10 a.m.)

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS (This is the spot to share your personal announcements.

Submit items to the HOPE UCC Office by Tuesday, 2 p.m.)