Worship this Sunday, October 24, 10:00 a.m.
"Goodwill Hunting" Sermon Series - this week, "The Fear of Beggars"
I (Mike) am amazed at the wild fluctuations of my own heart when it comes to people asking for donations at the busy intersections around us. Their signs say things like, "Hungry. Anything Helps. God bless." Or, "Homeless. Two kids. Please help." At different times, and often at the same time, I feel guilty, sympathetic, defensive, curious, angry (at myself and society, not the person), and ashamed. And jsyk, I (almost) never give money.
The scripture reading this week is Mark 10:46-52, the story of a person asking for money as Jesus walks by. Unusually, we hear the person's name, Bartimaeus, and he is described as a "blind beggar." This story and our contemporary experience of people asking for money at busy intersections (and elsewhere) raise a whole host of emotions, economic issues, theological questions, and ultimately, a tough ethical question: Should we give? What does it mean to act with goodwill toward people who "beg" today? Such are the issues in my sermon this week, and, yes, I will tie this to our annual generosity campaign, "Union Church, Emerging."
Our service will be in the sanctuary and masks are required. With our fans on, windows open, and virus-killing filters at work, we feel the COVID risk is minimal for those who are vaccinated and masked.
The 10:00 service will be livestreamed online (with all our new camera angles!) on our YouTube Channel, here, starting just before 10:00 a.m. We hope to see you either in person or over the livestream this Sunday!
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Sunday, 9:07 Service - Worship in the Woods - Bemis
This is our last Worship in the Woods of the season. It's been a beautiful way to start the morning and give thanks. Join us as we take our service in the form of a hike at Bemis Woods. Meet near the Grove 7/8 Restroom (enter off Ogden, stay left at the fork and head all the way back until the road U-turns). We will embark on a short, flat, 25/30-minute hike with four stops along the way intended for worship, reflection and appreciation of the changing seasons and gift of nature all around us. Fresh air and movement is good for us all. Jogging strollers will work fine! All are welcome - no exceptions! See this map.
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A Live-Streaming Thank You!
We would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all who donated to make our live-streaming ministry upgrade a total success. If you have not had a chance to watch a service with all the new camera angles and incredible sound, we would encourage you to check it out on our church YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/UchinsdaleOrg (any service October 3 and later).
We started live-streaming because of the pandemic, of course, but have certainly found this to be an important point of connection for many (about 25 families are watching live each Sunday, and many more watch the service at a later time!), and we will permanently continue live-streaming each Sunday.
As with any project, there are last minute/unexpected costs that arise. If you appreciate this new ministry and would like to make a donation to help tie up all of the unexpected costs, we would be so grateful. We still need at least $2000 to complete this project. You can click here to donate (choose "Live-stream project" from the drop down menu), drop off or mail a check to the church with “Live-Stream” in the memo, or contact Ann Gleason with any questions about donating.
Thank you again to those who have already given! This is truly an amazing gift that we are able to offer to our congregation and to our world! (We know of at least two Angolans who regularly watch our service!)
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Walk and Talk With Rev. Ali K-K!
Every Tuesday and Thursday through October 28th
Rev. Ali K-K is here and would so love to get to know you! As a nature lover, Ali is looking forward to what fall looks like in the Midwest and has organized a few more time slots for “Walk & Talks” beginning next week. This can also be a sit and chat if you would prefer! If you would like to chat with Ali but don’t see a date/time that works for you or you would like more time or a different setting, please email her at akk@uchinsdale.org. She’s so looking forward to getting to know you and hopes that you feel comfortable reaching out to her at any point. Please schedule a date and time here.
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For the Love of Bach
Wednesday, October 27th, 10:30 to 12:00 p.m., the Chapel
Church members Michael Surratt, Lucy Tarabour, Becca Anderson and Patricia Deckert plus several other performers will be performing works by J.S.Bach. The program is presented by the Hinsdale Music Club which was established in 1935. "For the Love of Bach" invites you to attend.
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Union Church and UCECP Activities |
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Coco and Dia de los Muertos / All Saints Day
Trunk or Treat and Outdoor Movie
Friday, October 29, Trunk or Treat 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., the 3rd St. parking lot
Movie “Coco” 6:15 p.m., The Close
Join the UCECP for Trunk or Treat, then stay for an outdoor showing of the Pixar movie “Coco” in The Close! Bring your own blankets, chairs and get cozy. This will kick off a celebration incorporating the beautiful Mexican culture, the Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead / All Saints Day holiday and our November 9:07 sermon series, “Family is Funky”. We will talk about feeling connected to family members near and far, but also explore various family stories in the Bible over the month. Family can mean different things to each of us, but one thing is the same: family is FUNky! Join us Sundays, for outdoor worship in The Close. Click here for more details.
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An Extension Activity and Invitation from the UCECP
Tuesday, November 2
The UCECP school community is studying sound and music as an overarching theme this year. As a follow-up to the outdoor movie, a mariachi singer has generously volunteered her talents to share the beautiful music of Dia de los Muertos with the students of the UCECP. The Close will be decorated with marigolds, sugar skulls and papel picado projects made by the students for this celebration. If you are out taking a walk on November 2nd and would like to stop in for a bit and listen, please feel free.
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Rudolph's Boutique is Back - Now Collecting Treasures
Saturday, December 4
We are now collecting new and gently used items for the boutique! Collection bins are located in the Gathering Place. Children will be able to shop the boutique for Christmas gifts for their families, pets, and loved ones. We are also looking for volunteers and youth helpers to assist our young shoppers. See our flyer for details or sign up here to help.
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What a TREAT to Get to Know Our Summit Neighbors!
Saturday, October 30, 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Union Church Early Childhood Initiative will be coordinating with a Summit creative arts studio, Artfinix Studios, for a community Halloween Festival, Saturday, October 30th, 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the site of Artfinix and Pillars of Love Community Fellowship, UCC, Summit. Our theme appropriate Pop Up Preschool will accompany pumpkin carving, costume contest, and trick-or-treating. This is one more opportunity to stay engaged in the community. Everyone at Union Church is invited to join in for a portion of the day to get better acquainted with our Summit neighbors. Please email or call Mary Sue Honigschmidt, 630-986-1853, for more details and to participate.
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Children's Christmas Pageant |
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Children's In-Person Christmas Pageant
Our Christmas Pageant is one of the sweetest traditions at Union Church. Children, ages 4 through 5th grade, each play a role in telling the Christmas Story by learning a few short lines and traditional songs. We have three weekday rehearsals beginning on December 1 and a dress rehearsal, before sharing our pageant with the congregation on Sunday, December 19, at the 10:00 service. See details and register by scanning the QR code with a smart phone or by clicking here. Please email Penny Johnson with any questions.
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Stocking Stuffer Donation Opportunity
The Ministry for Change will be filling 200 Christmas stockings for children served by the South Chicago Christian Center. In some cases, the stockings will be the only gifts the children receive.
To fill these stockings, we need your donations of:
- Children's toothbrushes and travel-size toothpaste. Please ask your dentist for donations or purchase them yourself (toothbrushes must be individually packaged)
- Leftover wrapped Halloween candy
- New beanie babies or other new small stuffed animals
We are also collecting new and used children’s and adult shoes for their thrift shop. Please deposit these items by November 29th in the designated boxes in the Gathering Place. Thank you for your generosity! Questions? Contact Jane Grimm.
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Be a Part of a Union Church Ministry |
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Opportunities to Serve In 2022
Looking for a way to get more involved, meet new people, and make a difference in 2022? As a “lay-led” church, members are key contributors to the ongoing work and future direction of Union Church. Each fall, we nominate members to fill new openings on our 8 Ministries created as existing members complete terms. For 2022, we have at least 1 open slot on Trustees, Worship, Parish Life, Membership, Christian Education, Music and Executive Council. Interested in learning more? See this great brochure for a description of each group (pages 3-6) and contact David Hess with questions or to get involved!
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Christmas Joy with the Chancel Choir
Looking to add some joy to your life? Chancel Choir has started working on Christmas music and we would love to have you join us!! We rehearse Wednesday Nights from 7:30-9:00 p.m. If you have ever considered being a part of the music ministry, this is a perfect time to try us out! For more information, email Stephen C Edwards!!
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For Adults Who Never Stop Learning |
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Women of a Certain Age
Sunday, October 24, 11:15 a.m., Rowell Hall
Dr. David Plourde, Ph.D - Nutrition Scientist and Exercise Physiologist - will speak to us. He has directed The Plourde Institute in Lisle for over 30 years. Dr. Plourde will present principles of nutrition, exercise physiology and psychology that have helped thousands of people from all over the US improve the quality of their lives.
ALL ARE WELCOME! Men, women, children are invited to attend this one-hour presentation. For more information please email Melissa Barnes Mann at melissamann403@gmail.com.
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The Helen Mehler Memorial Bridge Group
Every Friday, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., in the Gathering Place
All levels of bridge players are welcome! We ask for a $5.00 donation per person, each time you play. All money collected is donated to our beautiful church.
May the cards be with you! :)
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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. Please put "Email Blast" in the subject line. Thanks!
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The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C.
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