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Maundy Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday, 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Worship this Holy Week, March 28-31
The next few days are important for Christians. At the heart of who we are is the story of Jesus' death and resurrection, and these days are dedicated to telling the story truthfully.
On Maundy Thursday, we join the disciples in sitting at table with Jesus, and dealing with the fact that the disciples (then and today) all "betrayed him, and ran away." As a sign of God's unfathomable grace, this is also the service where we offer words of forgiveness and freedom for each individual.
On Good Friday, we try to process the fact that God-in-human-form was executed, as if humanity just couldn't tolerate God's love breaking into the world.
On Easter, we...well...we celebrate that Jesus is raised from the dead, but we share the same reaction as his original followers: confusion. Raised from the dead? What? That's not a thing. What could it mean?
The Easter story this year will come from the Gospel according to Mark, which may well have the greatest and most confusing ending in the history of human literature - and maybe confusion is the point.
Please join us this Thursday, Frida, and Sunday. If you can't be here in person, here's the livestream link for Sunday. We had some problems with the livestream feed last Sunday, but we'll have everything back to normal for Sunday.
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9:00 Worship
In the Chapel
This family-friendly service embraces the busy energy of young children. It is held every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in our Chapel with wonderful live guitar or piano music. And if you're running late - that's ok! Who actually gets places on time with kids in tow? Like God, we give grace. We embrace movement and busy curious little minds at this service that lasts 25-30 minutes. While it is designed as a teaching opportunity and introduction to Christian worship for young children, we welcome anyone of any age or family stage.
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The church offices will be closed on Friday, March 28 in observance of Good Friday. We will be back to our normal office hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 1.
Also, just a "heads up" that any email you receive from the church on April 1 could, maybe, possibly be an April Fools Day message. Just sayin'.
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In the Pipeline
March 31: Easter - Brass!
Apri 28: Music Sunday - a worship celebration led by Chancel Choir, Cantate, Union Bells, Children's Chimes, WE, Organ, and the glorious Steinway
May 17: Heidelburg University Concert Choir
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Special Easter Offering: San Lucas UCC
Late breaking news: a member of the church has agreed to match any gifts given to San Lucas for our Easter Offering! Read below, give generously, and it will be doubled!
For our Easter Offering this year, we encourage you to make a special contribution to our long-time partner, San Lucas United Church of Christ (San Lucas UCC), located in Humboldt Park, Chicago.
Union Church has worked with San Lucas UCC for many years, assisting with food donations for the wonderful Thanksgiving meals they prepare each year for the community as well as the weekly deliveries of delicious, homemade soup made lovingly by a longstanding crew of talented Union Church congregation members. You may give online or in person at service – please note your intent for proceeds to be donated to San Lucas.
See this video of Sunday's service for a really great message from Craig Schaefer about San Lucas and our long involvement there. We had some video trouble on Sunday, so the feed is very jerky, but the audio of this message is good.
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Ministry for Change: Volunteer Opportunity
The Ministry for Change’s new agency, Green Halo Scholars, is looking for volunteer mentors to support its college access program. Green Halo supports first-generation and low-income high school seniors in the western suburbs on their paths to and through college.
Mentors meet with their assigned scholars at least twice a month (more frequently from August to October) and are in contact regularly outside of meetings. Mentors join one scholar meeting per month to learn about college admissions alongside their scholars. Some knowledge of the college admissions process and/or experience working with high school seniors is helpful, but not necessary. A bachelor’s degree is required. Mentors commit to one year of volunteering (May 2024-May 2025). Green Halo staff supports mentors and scholars every step of the way.
Mentors will receive training during orientation on April 18 and 25.
Interested? Contact Sara Miller, executive director, for more information, Jane Grimm or Desiree Tucker-Sorini. Click here for more information about this program and opportunity.
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Women of a Certain Age
Sunday, April 21, after 10:00 a.m. worship, in Rowell Hall
June Scott, Union Church Member, will present her latest trip, "Semester at Sea". June has traveled to all 50 states, the seven continents, and 109 countries. No food or beverages will be served.
The purpose of WOACA is for fellowship, friendship, and fun! ALL are welcome!!!
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Mark Your Calendars!
March 30: Easter Egg Hunt, 10:00 a.m. Meet in the Gathering Place
April 7 and 14: Worship in the Woods, 9:00 a.m. Meet at Fullersburg Woods
April 28: Music Sunday
May 26: Blessing of the Bicycles (or anything that rolls), 9:00 a.m.
June 2: All Church Picnic, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Pass this flyer to a friend or neighbor!
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Community Events
(Not UCH Sponsored)
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Hinsdale Recycle and Shred Event
Saturday, April 13, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church
Do something good for the world: Recycle.
Do something good for you: Shred.
Do them both on Saturday, April 13, as we join with Redeemer Lutheran Church (enter on Blaine St.) for this Earth-friendly and security friendly event! Please view this flyer for a full list of items that can be recycled and documents that can be shred.
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The Community House: Senior Services Day
Tuesday, April 16, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the Community House
This panel of experts who will empower you to make educated decisions if you are a caretaker, family member or family friend that is assisting a loved one as they age. This is an interactive discussion focused on how to help navigate your aging loved one's care. Educating yourself about various topics will help you make decisions that can lead to more positive planning for future needs. This event is open to Seniors and those helping the ones they care for! Attendees MUST register to attend this event. Register here or in person at the front desk!
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Need a Meeting Space?
Union Church is bustling and we LOVE IT! With that being said, rooms are not as readily available as they once were. If a committee, ministry, or group needs to use one of our rooms please contact Adriana Kieffer to book a space for a specific date and time.
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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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