November 22, 2019
a whole-hearted community,
feeding body, mind & spirit

Theme for November: Mission & Vision
Saturday, Nov 23
10am: A New Earth book discussion in the Rutherford room

Sunday, Nov 24
10am: Fair Trade in the Alice Warren room
11:45am: Sunny Solar Celebration in the Alice Warren room
3pm: Carolyn May Flute Recital in the sanctuary

Thursday, Nov 28
2pm: Thanksgiving at UCH in the Alice Warren room
Worship at 10:30am
Nov 24 – Gratitude & Grace
What makes a great meal? Is it the exact combination of flavors and ingredients or does the company make the difference? We count our blessings as a community and take time to appreciate the island of sanity that is our church. This day will feature our annual bread communion so feel free to bring in a favorite loaf from home. ~ Rev Pam Rumancik

Dec 1 - Revisiting Ourselves ~ Susan Hebble
COMMUNITY
Caring Corner
The ripples of our lives touch those around us. We keep in mind all of our members and friends including...

  • Rich Lomasney who is recovering from surgery
  • Jim Murray who has recently lost loved ones
  • Happy Birthday to Lorna Neuneker

Please let us know of folks we should add to our list and share with our Caring Circle Coordinators .
 
*You will find the Caring Circle list of Area Coordinators at the end of the Touchstone found on our website at http://www.hinsdaleunitarian.org/new/the-touchstone/
This Week In The
Religious Education Program

Play Group:  Will be available
Chapel Service:  Attend Family Thanksgiving Service
Coming of Age: Attend Family Thanksgiving Service
Senior High Youth Group: Attend Family Thanksgiving Service


One of the best things you can do to help your child(ren) benefit from the RE program and to enjoy church school is to provide regular attendance. Consistent attendance enables participants to build on previous experiences and develop a rapport with classmates and teachers. Each child is important and has unique contributions to make! See you soon!
Holiday Office Closing and News & Notes
The UCH office will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov 28 and Friday, Nov 29.
News & Notes will be sent out on Wednesday, Nov. 27 so please have all information to Linda, office@hinsdaleunitarian.org, by 12 noon Tues., Nov. 26.
We will resume normal hours the week of Dec 2. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday!!


Thank you again to everyone who supported this year's Harvest Home Event. We had an amazing time and gathered $13,546.09 for the church budget - $2000 more than anticipated! It was a successful event on every level and we thank both our organizers and everyone who offered events to share or purchased said events. This is truly a win-win for everyone. Thank you all!
Thanksgiving at UCH
UCH will host it's wonderful Thanksgiving dinner for Church members and friends this Thanksgiving. The event will be held in the Alice Warren room at 2pm. Turkey and vegetarian options will be available as well as fabulous side dishes and desserts made by our Church members. Everyone contributes by helping set up or clean up. Jonathan Hand will provide music during the cocktail party prior to dinner, and Barry Solberg will provide magic as entertainment for all ages. There are only a few spaces left so please call Laurie Pittelli at (630) 267-1848 or mail:  lauren.pittelli@gmail.com ASAP!
Christmas Giving Tree
Christmas Giving Tree Instructions
Thank you for so generously choosing to help provide holiday cheer for families in DuPage County.
Please bring your gifts as soon as possible as they need to be sorted, tagged and delivered.
 
1. Choose an ornament with a child’s name and gift wish on it.
2. Purchase a gift for around $25
3. Attach the gift receipt with tape to the back of the gift
4. Wrap it
5. Affix the ornament securely to the package
6. Bring the gift to church NO LATER than December 1 st and leave them under the tree in the living room.

Emergency Relief Fund
Most every life faces at least one of those moments when just about everything seems to have gone wrong. Often, family and friends can help but sometimes no assistance is forthcoming – that’s why we have the UCH Emergency Relief Fund .
If a crisis swamps you or a family member and temporary financial assistance would make a difference, please contact Rev Pam and let her know what you need. All requests are confidential. This fund was established for our church to be able to support one another in times of need. We refill the fund each year with the offering at our Christmas Eve services.
If you or someone you know needs help – please do not hesitate to talk to Rev Pam.
Fair Trade Table Opens for the Season
Are you out of fair trade coffee and chocolate? Are you thinking about holiday gifts already? We'll be open again before and after church on Sundays from now through Christmas - come stop in and say hello and see what's new and different for gifting that makes a real difference for the artisans who create them in developing countries. Stories also make a difference in our world, and a limited number of books will be available as well. We're happy to special order books if you'd like to benefit the church with your purchase - just let us know.
Second "A New Earth" Class - based on the book by Eckhart Tolle will be Saturday Nov 23rd at noon in the Rutherford Room (living room) in the church.  
Join Rev Pam in exploring Tolle's insights to help us grow a new earth in our own community. Read through chapters 3 & 4 of the book for Saturday Nov 23rd. You can listen to a discussion of the chapters by Oprah and author Eckhart Tolle here.
The final classes will be Dec 7 & 21st - All are welcome to attend!
Solar Celebration!! 
Please join the Green Home and Green Sanctuary committees as we celebration the completion of the Green Home project… as well as the congregation who made it happen!
We will have solar powered snacks and drinks, and will be available for questions or discussion. Thinking of installing solar panels or performing energy upgrades at home? We’ll also be available to discuss our process to help you on your way. See you there!
 
Sunday, November 24 after service in the Alice Warren Room!
2019 Christmas Schedule of services & events!
Check the Christmas Page on our website by clicking on the button below and see the many great things we have planned for December! Mark your calendars and don't miss out!
Chalica – a UU Holiday Celebration: Chalica begins on the first Monday in December and lasts seven days. Each day,  a chalice  is lit and the day is spent reflecting on the meaning of that day’s principle and doing a good deed that honors that principle. Not all Unitarian Universalists celebrate Chalica, but it has a growing following. There is a Chalica  Facebook page blog , and many Chalica-themed  videos on YouTube . We have Chalica coloring books available for our families at the back of the sanctuary on Sunday.
New Small Group Ministry Night Being Offered! Looking for connection and deep, satisfying, and thoughtful conversation? A new SGM meeting will be offered the first Thursday of the month with the next meeting on Dec. 5. Contact Lenny Edgins ledgins@gmail.com if you are interested in participating. All are welcome to attend!
Join us on Sunday, December 8 th at 4:00pm
 to decorate the church for the holiday season.
Stay for delicious vegetarian stew and great conversation with church family .
Then spread holiday cheer with a sing along!
All ages welcome- please RSVP to Pam Fodor
re@hinsdaleunitarian.org or 630-323-2885
Let the Force be with UU!
Saturday Dec 21 st @ Don your Wookie suit and light saber and join fellow UU’s from across the area on Saturday, December 21st at Classic Cinemas Lake Theater on 1022 Lake Street in Oak Park for a private showing of “Rise of Skywalker”. The organizers are looking at meeting earlier to make light sabers and share some UU fellowship before heading over to the movie. Cost is a reasonable $6. Find more information here
Child Dedication on Christmas Eve:  We have a tradition of welcoming children into the loving care of this church during the peace and beauty of the holiday season. Meet with Rev Pam and Pam Fodor to find out more and plan your participation. Invite friends and family, celebrate the care that this community has for its tiniest members. 
Our New Heating / Cooling System is high Tech
Do Not Change the Settings!
Feel free to adjust the temperature slightly but NEVER, EVER, EVER
change mode from heat to cool
or cool to heat.
All units must be in the same mode to avoid shutting down the system. Thank you for helping us adjust to this new system!
SOCIAL JUSTICE

Styrofoam collection is Sunday, Dec. 1 or you can take yours to the Theatre of Western Springs parking lot on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9-noon.
The Black Lives Matter Initiative / Beloved Conversations Alumni team meetings will now be scheduled on THIRD TUESDAYS.
Black Lives Matter Initiative Weekly Link:


To view the full Race Resources page on our website, please click HERE
and More.......
Emergency Exit Map
Please note that in the back of every Singing the Living Tradition hymnal there is an emergency exit route map. In case of an emergency, refer to this guide and please assist others who do not have a map.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Check Us Out and “Like" the UCH Facebook Page!
In addition to News and Notes and The Touchstone, we will be using our Facebook page to keep the congregation and the community informed about upcoming events and initiatives. Share our posts with your family and friends. Just click on the logo above and search for “Unitarian Church of Hinsdale” in the search bar.
You can also find us on Twitter at @UUHinsdale .