Sunday, January 29, 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 Penny Johnson, our Christian Education Director, and the church member will be Andy Johnson, a long-time church member (and, coincidently, husband of Penny!).
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 29, whether online on our YouTube Channel, or in person.
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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 Grant will lead us through the story of Acts 9 and Saul.
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.
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Does the "What's Your Why?" Series Have You Thinking?
Good! We are the thinking church and this series is meant to stir up some introspection and emotion in all of us. As we close out this Epiphany series and enter the preparation season of Lent, we would like to host a facilitated workshop that helps all of you work through your why. Is this something that interests you? If so, please let Mike know and we will work on finding a time that works for most.
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Annual Meeting and Financial Update |
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Annual Meeting this Sunday!
And Update on 2023 Budget Situation
This Sunday is our Annual Congregational Meeting. We will begin at about 11:00 a.m. (just after the 10:00 service) in the Sanctuary. The meeting will also be livestreamed on our YouTube Channel. Those wishing to vote in the meeting should plan to attend in person.
One of the important pieces of business will be the adoption of a 2023 budget. Two weeks ago, the Budget Committee informed the congregation that we faced the possibility of a large deficit for 2023 ($92,000!). The congregation has responded wonderfully to our concern. Thank you, and alleluia! With increased pledges, extra gifts, and more adjustments to our budget, the proposed budget currently shows a deficit of about $13,000. The Budget Committee will take a final look at the numbers this Friday, and present a final proposed budget to the congregation on Sunday.
As has been discussed at the in-person budget information meetings, the Budget Committee has significantly trimmed some budgetary line items, including Building and Grounds and the Membership Ministry (which includes our public messaging/advertising), among others. Although the HR budget has been reduced from the first draft, we will not need to make staff reductions.
We still invite and encourage members to increase their giving/pledging for 2023. If able, please join those who have increased their pledge and help make a difference. If we cover more than the current $13,000 proposed deficit by Friday at 4:00 p.m., we will be able to lessen some of the reductions and be in a stronger position for 2023 and beyond.
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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 feel free to reach out to either Ann or Gaby with any questions or concerns.
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In The Music Pipeline
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The UCH Concert Series: Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Concert - This Saturday, 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.
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Thank You!
Although the Generosity Team is not directly involved in the budget process, we are directly involved in encouraging generosity, and many in the congregation have responded generously to our ministry and mission needs for 2023. To all of you who have pledged for 2023, and to those who have recently increased your pledging or giving, THANK YOU! Because the church is the people, that thank you comes from members to members. As the Generosity Team, we are grateful!
We will continue our work of encouraging generosity throughout 2023. If you have ideas about enhancing this area of our church's life, please do let us know!
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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)
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Spring Save-The-Dates:
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Bible Sunday - April 23, third graders receive their Bibles at both the 9:07 and 10:00 worship services
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Communion Class for Kids - April 30, 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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Angola Trip Informational Meeting |
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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.
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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!
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Have an Extra Cell Phone to Donate?
Jeremy Abeche, the Cameroonian refuge we are sponsoring, needs a new cell phone. If you have a cell phone, no more than two years old, that you are willing to donate to Jeremy, he and we (the Ministry for Change) would be most grateful!
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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.
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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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The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C.
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