For Everyone
Sunday, January 22, 10:00 a.m.
Worship In Person and Online

This week, we continue our sermon series, What's Your Why? Church staff and church members are exploring the why? that undergirds their faith as Christians. Why do we do this thing called "church"? What compels us to worship God, and what does that actually mean for us? From the staff this week it will be Jennifer Keldahl, the Director of UCECP, and the church member will be Andy Mushynski, who joined the church last year.

Please join us in person or online this Sunday at 10:00 a.m., when you can learn that you are not alone in your faith journey (which is also a life journey) - and that God is surely at work in you, even if you are not used to talking about it! That's this Sunday, January 22, whether online on our YouTube Channel, or in person.
9:07 Worship Service, Epiphany, "What's your Why?"

We are following the church-wide theme during Epiphany of "What's Your Why" at the 9:07 service and will work together with all those who attend, children and adults, to learn more about what motivates and drives them to carry out the values of our faith. Using various "call stories" from the Bible, Reverend Ali will lead us through the story of Matthew 4: 12-23.

We are flexible at 9:07! We are either outside in the Close enjoying fresh air around a fire or inside and cozy in the Chapel (each week we decide together based on the weather and wishes of those in attendance).

Either way, we embrace movement and busy, curious little minds at this casual service that lasts 25 to 30 minutes. While it is designed as an introduction to Christian worship for young children, we welcome anyone of any age or family stage. 
 
You can access the Close and Chapel area through the archway on Garfield (parking in HMS garage) or park in our lot and come through the building or around it from the outside.  
Financial Update
2023 Budget Situation, and Discussion this Sunday

This Sunday, we will have another discussion about our 2023 budget. As described in an email to the congregation a few days ago, the current outlook is that we could have a large operating deficit in 2023. We need to increase income (including pledging) significantly, or make sizable reductions in expenses, with staff reductions and other items being "on the table."

We have had a good initial response to the call for increased pledging, and the current budget draft now shows a possible deficit of $47,000 (compared to $92,000 four days ago). It is important that we further close that gap.

If you are now motivated and able to be part of the most desirable solution – increasing our financial support – then simply let Pastor Mike know of your new or increased pledge or your additional gift. See Mike in person, send him an email (msolberg@uchinsdale.org), or send a note to the church (Ann Gleason, agleason@uchinsdale.org, 630.590.6654).

We will review the up-to-date budget draft and have another discussion of all these matters this Sunday following the 10:00 a.m. service, in the Sanctuary.

If we increase pledge commitments and/or gifts by the remaining $47,000 before January 29, then our direction will be clear and we can keep our focus as a church where it needs to be - living lives of love for God and all people.
Year-End Giving Statements

Please expect to receive your annual Union Church contribution statement no later than January 31, 2023, for all gifts received in calendar year 2022. For those who have an email listed in their Realm profile, you will receive this statement via email. Otherwise a paper copy will be mailed to the address on file. Please fell free to reach out to either Ann or Gaby with any questions or concerns.
A New Worship Service
Tomorrow! The 12:07 Third Thursday Worship Service
Every third Thursday of each month starting January 19

We are launching a new worship service tomorrow with everyone, but especially the matriarchs and patriarchs of our Union Church family, in mind. On the third Thursday of every month, please join us for a worship service in our Sanctuary with your favorite hymns, Bible verses, and prayers. 

The service will begin at 12:07 p.m. in the Sanctuary followed by lunch and fellowship at 12:45 p.m. While this is a gentle service designed for seniors, everyone is welcome. If you need assistance upon arrival or a ride, please contact Reverend Ali in the church office, 774-270-4248. We will be so glad to see you! 
Events For All
Women of a Certain Age - this Sunday
This Sunday, January 22, immediately following the 10:00 worship service, in Rowell Hall

Rev. Ali K-K, our Associate Pastor, will talk about neurodiversity - all the amazing ways our brains are wired differently, how we can better understand our own beautiful brains, and how we can be a faith community of intentional welcome towards neurodiverse and neurodivergent folx (the x is intentional). 

The purpose of WOACA is for fellowship, friendship, and fun! No food or beverages will be served. ALL ARE WELCOME! For more information please email Melissa Barnes Mann

(We will offer this concurrently with the budget discussion, so just ask for updates if you miss the budget discussion.)
Adult Fellowship Luncheon
Sponsored by Men's Club at Union Church
Wednesday, February 8, at 12:00 p.m., in the Dining Room

June Scott, our intrepid world traveler, joins us again to share one of her adventures — a trip to Namibia, Africa. As a teacher/counselor for 40 years, June is a life-long learner with great curiosity that has led her to travel and explore nearly 100 countries around the globe!
 
Namibia “is one of the most hauntingly beautiful safari destinations on earth, brimming with jaw-dropping geological wonders and exotic species found nowhere else. Join me as we track cheetahs, leopards, and desert-adapted rhino on foot, climb the colossal Sossusvlei Dunes of the Namib Desert, fly over the Skelton Coast and meet traditional Himba nomads. I look forward to sharing my Namibia adventure with you.”
 
Everyone is Welcome!!!  Please invite spouses, friends and acquaintances. As always, a delicious $10.00 lunch will be served prior to the program.
Reservations are required! The best way to make reservations is by email to jimnibeck@comcast.net. You can also make reservations by calling Jim Nibeck (630-650-2051) or the church office (630-323-4303 ext. 6652) no later than Monday morning, February 6, 2023.
Music At Union
In The Music Pipeline

  • The UCH Concert Series: Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Concert - January 28, 2:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary - If you’re looking to be dazzled at every turn, this is the concert for you! A concerto (pronounced con-CHAIR-toe) is a piece of music written for soloist(s) accompanied by an orchestra or other ensemble. Basically, it’s a chance for a virtuoso musician to show off what they can do while the rest of the orchestra backs them up, and this ConcertoFest! is packed with virtuoso soloists.
  • The UCH Concert Series: Lakeshore Brass - February 25 - Did you enjoy the brass for our Christmas Music Sunday and Christmas Eve? Lakeshore Brass will present a program exploring the lineage and influence of Johann Sebastian Bach on classical music and the brass quintet repertoire. You will not want to miss this thrilling program at the end of February!
  • The UCH Concert Series: Requiem for the Living - March 12, 3:00 p.m. - The Union Church of Hinsdale’s Chancel Choir and Redeemer Lutheran Church’s choir join in bringing this amazing and uplifting requiem.
Generosity Corner
Did You Know?
 
Resale proceeds were donated to the church’s General Fund, the Bell Choir, Men’s Club and Women’s Association Units 1, 2 and 5. The leftover items went to targeted organizations that had a specific need for them. What a wonderful all-church effort!
 
We held a Santa event for the families at PADS where they got photos with Santa, hot chocolate, and gifts provided by other supporting agencies. It was a blessing!

Ministry for Change also provided 116 birthday gifts to children experiencing homelessness and living at the PADS interim housing center, helping to make their day special. We provided 1800 meals to PADS residents this past year, including some prepared by Chef Paul Virant.
 
We buy the coffee we serve on Sunday from I Have a Bean which employs formerly incarcerated persons. Doesn’t that make the coffee taste even better? And you can order it to enjoy at home!
 
We are getting a new refrigerator and dishwasher in the Rowell Hall kitchen thanks to donations from the families of Eleanor Patterson and Gwen Stoldt!

Overall, in 2022, we shared just over $180,000 with others through the life of Union Church. Thanks be to God for the mutuality of sharing.
 
The love and generosity of our church community always shine through.

Thank you,
The Generosity Team
For Children
Gather and Grow Youth Group
Every Wednesday

Did your sports schedules just shift up with the new season or you have more time on Wednesdays than you used to? You're welcome at Gather + Grow anytime. Email Penny or Grant to let us know you expect you. We're glad you're here!  
                                                            
Grades 2 through 5:  4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. with snack 
Grades 6/7/8:  4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. with dinner (or anytime within that time frame)
Spring Save-The-Dates:

  • Bible Sunday - April 23, Third graders receive their Bibles at both the 9:07 and 10:00 worship services

  • Communion Class for Kids - April 30, 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Angola Trip Informational Meeting
Journey to Angola
Informational Meeting on Feb 19, 2:00 p.m., Zoom
Trip dates: Aug 8- 22

This August, a group from Union Church will journey to Angola to visit our sister church in Huambo, including Rev. Moma!, and experience other aspects of Angola.

Rev. Mike will host an informational meeting on Zoom on Sunday, February 19, at 2:00 p.m. at this link.

We last visited our partners in January of 2020, just before the pandemic began, and it was an amazing trip for all. We felt truly blessed to get to know our brothers and sisters in Christ, and find out what it means to live as a Christian in a very different context.

This is a relationship building trip, and there will be ample time to get to know our hosts, and learn about all aspects of life in Angola - including staying in the homes of our church partners. We would love to have a good sized group experience this amazing journey.

For a brief introduction to what the trip will entail, please see this information sheet, and then join in the Zoom meeting on Sunday, February 19.
Adult Education
Being Catholic at Union Church
Sundays, February 12 and February 26, 11:15 to12:30, in Rowell Hall

Many of our members at UCH were raised Catholic, and some still consider themselves Catholic (at least in some ways). What does that mean as a person of faith who worships here at Union? Reverends Mike and Ali will facilitate these sessions on that very topic.

These sessions are intended for those who consider themselves Catholic in some way, those who are curious about getting more involved at Union Church even though they have a Catholic background, or just anyone curious and wanting to learn more! We are, after all, The Thinking Church and this is what we do.

Spoiler alert: Rev. Ali was raised Catholic, too, like many of you. Come learn more in February!
Other Important Stuff
Helen Mehler Bridge Club
Every Friday, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., in the Gathering Place

The Helen Mehler Memorial Bridge Group is open to ALL levels of bridge players. We will charge $5.00 per person, per time to be donated to our beautiful church.

For more information please contact Sharon OlsenMelissa Barnes Mann, or Laurie McMahon. May the cards be with you!
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.
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!