Worship This Sunday...Where Is God In The Pandemic?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, strength, and mind...and love your neighbor as yourself." (Jesus of Nazareth)
This week, we are going to put the "Jesus for President" campaign on hold and put "first things first." This pandemic is really getting old, amiright? Especially with the (unsurprising) increase in cases in the last week and old restrictions being imposed again in our area. In the scripture reading for this week, Jesus teaches us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, strength, and mind...", but in the midst of a pandemic that has killed at least 1.1 million people worldwide, many are wondering whether the Lord our God is worth loving. For many, we need to deal with this question first, before we can commit to loving God and our neighbor: Where is God in the pandemic?
While clear, satisfying answers are unlikely, Mike will help us dig deep into the question, and what a faithful response might be for those of us who want to follow Jesus' teaching by loving God and our neighbor.
Both services will be online and in-person. See below for more info about each service, and for the poor weather plan for 10:00.
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This Sunday, 9:07 service
This week our 9:07 service will continue online (led by Victoria Wick) and in-person (led by Penny Johnson). The online service can be found on our YouTube channel here. The in-person service is likely to be in Rowell Hall, with proper precautions - social distancing, masks, and open windows. For more information, contact Penny Johnson.
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This Sunday, 10:00 Service
This Sunday, if weather allows, we will have both online and in-person options for the 10:00 service. Join us, one way or the other.
The online service will premier at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, when the whole church can be "together." You can find the service on our YouTube Channel, here.
We will also have an in-person service, if the weather allows us to be outdoors, with proper precautions, of course: masks, at least six foot distance, and refraining from contact.
To be clear, while it will be wonderful to see others in-person, and while we believe the risk of coronavirus transmission at this outdoor service will be very, very low, still, remaining home participating in the online service remains the safest option. Please consider your risk factors and your risk tolerance, and make the best decision for your circumstances.
In case of rain or cold, we will cancel the 10:00 outdoor service. Look for an email no later than 9:00 a.m. on Sunday for the final call.
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Now More Than Ever!
Generosity Campaign for 2021
If you haven't yet, please take note of the materials you received in the mail a few weeks ago. Return your pledge card, and give us your input as we make decisions/priorities for next year!
You (along with God) make the life of Union Church possible, now more than ever!
Now, if you skipped it before, watch that video! It's pretty darn heartwarming!
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Dinner Dance Thank You!
Warm and huge thanks to everyone who made our virtual Dinner Dance event such a fun time and great success! Sharon Olson and Stephen Edwards carried the greatest load, and were "da bomb" as hosts! Thanks to the WE band, Adam Nakutis, and so many others for making the event possible.
If you have not yet seen the presentation from last Friday, well...you gotta see this. So much fun, and such good motivation to give! Watch it here!
You can still help us reach our big goal of helping the church budget this year and next by "purchasing" a playbill on the Wall of 300, so click here to donate.
Again, thanks to everyone who made the event possible, and most of all, to our wonderful church members who donated so generously!
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Boo! Scaring Up Gently Used Costumes
Through October 23
Lurking somewhere in your basement or attic, likely is a box of costumes and accessories from Halloweens past! Please help the youth of Willowbrook Corners by dropping off gently used costumes, witches hats, big clown glasses, etc. at The Community House at 8th and Madison, and treat the Willowbrook Corner youth to something sweet this season!
When you stop by The Community House, just check the front desk and drop your costumes in the box that says "WBC Halloween Costume Drive" between now and October 23rd! Costume sizes should be appropriate for children ages 3-13. Thank you!
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Volunteers Needed to Help Cook Meal for PADS on October 27
We need volunteers to assist local chef Paul Virant, owner and chef at three fabulous area
restaurants, prepare a meal for over 100 people being housed by our Mission partner, DuPage PADS, in local hotels. Work begins at 10:00 a.m. on October 27, in the Union Church kitchen. Sign up for 2 hour shifts here. Assistance needed for meal prep and delivery of meals to hotels. If you miss the October date, Paul will also be preparing meals on November 24 and December 22. Future emails will provide sign up details for those future dates. Questions: email Jane Grimm or email Heather Manning. Thanks!
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Helping Needy Families During the Holidays
With HCS Family Services
Our Mission partner, HCS Family Services, is looking for families and individuals who would like to help with its Holiday Gift Assistance Program. If you are interested in shopping for Christmas gifts for a family in need please email Michel Cogan or call 630-323-2500 x102 for details, before October 31.
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Cub Scout Pack 10 Pop-Up Popcorn Sale
This Saturday, October 24, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 24th, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Union Church circle drive (along Garfield St)
- Support your local Scout program
- Shop safely (all scouts will have masks and gloves)
- Enjoy some delicious popcorn or send some to military personnel
- Items start at $10, & cash, check, or credit cards accepted
Thank you for supporting Cub Scout Pack 10!
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Women of a Certain Age
Sunday, November 15, 11:15 ish
The next Women of a Certain Age meeting will take place on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 11:00 a.m. (ish) in The Gathering Place. Kristen Lugo, Union Church Member and Church Directory Guru will speak to us about the online word and threats: cyber-security hacks, phishing schemes, too many passwords to remember, email filters, plus helpful hints and programs to use. Bring your phone, tablets, laptops, and questions. ALL ARE WELCOME!!! We will wear masks and sit socially distanced. This group meets for fellowship, friendship, support and fun! For more information please email Melissa Barnes Mann.
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Weekly Bible Study Each Wednesday - Online
Wednesdays, 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
The truth is, the Bible is awesome. Not so sure about that? Then join us and give it another shot, at our weekly "everybody is welcome" Bible study. We meet online each Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. The sessions are about 75 minutes, and are led by Rev. Mike Solberg. All are welcome to join, consistently or sporadically, new to the Bible, or otherwise.
Email Mike if you have any questions. Again, all are welcome, and we look forward to learning together!
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Need something announced in the midweek email or online?
Send any requests to disseminate information to the Union Church congregation to communications@uchinsdale.org. This allows the email to be distributed to everyone involved in getting the word out.
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The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C.
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