Sunday, February 5, 10:00 a.m.
Worship In Person and Online
As we continue our "What's Your Why?" series, this week will be just a little bit different than the past several weeks. Associate Pastor and Director of Youth Ministries, Grant Glowiak, alongside his wife and lifelong UCH member Anna Kuhn Glowiak, will give their testimonies. However, what is different is that one of the items auctioned off at last year’s fundraiser was the opportunity to pick all the music (as long as Stephen agrees, of course) for some given Sunday. Well, Anna jumped at the opportunity and not only is she giving a reflection this week, she has also selected all the songs we’ll be doing!
There is rumor that she talked Stephen into allowing a Beyonce song, so this is probably something you won’t want to miss!
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, February 5, 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 Robb will lead us through Matthew 5: 13-20.
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Annual Leadership/All Ministry Member Meeting
Saturday, February 25, 8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
For all of you, new and continuing, on the Ministries of the church, we will have our Annual Leadership/All Ministry Member Meeting on Saturday, February 25, from 8:45 - 1:30, in the Youth Room.
Each year, this is an important time for all the leaders of the church to gather with more time than we normally have, and center ourselves on the underlying purpose of our service, the goals and priorities of the church, as well as the administrative information you need to get stuff done with your Ministry. If at all possible, please be present for as much of the day as possible. Thanks!
|
|
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.
|
|
Save-the-Date: Lenten Bible Study/Sermon Talk Back
Mondays starting February 27, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
We will be offering a Bible Study and focused conversation to reflect further on our Lenten sermon series, "Seven Last Words". To RSVP and preference in-person, Zoom or a little of both with a hybrid model, click here.
|
|
Third Thursday Worship Service |
|
12:07 Third Thursday Worship
In January we launched a new service, the 12:07 Third Thursday Worship. It was well attended by our Union Church members as well as by guests from area senior living centers. It was a nice chance to worship mid-week, enjoy favorite hymns and have some lovely fellowship time over lunch.
Please join us on February 16 for our next worship service. All are welcome and please share this attached flyer with anyone who may be interested.
|
|
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.
|
|
In The Music Pipeline
- 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.
|
|
Lent and Holy Week Save the Dates
Ash Wednesday, February 22: Noon distribution of ashes and a 15 minute prayer service and/or 7:00 p.m. service in the Chapel
Palm Sunday, April 2: 9:07 outdoors, 10:00 in the Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday, April 6: 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Good Friday, April 7: 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Holy Saturday, April 8: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. reflection and prayer stations throughout the church based on the seven last words (confirm with Mike)
Easter Morning, April 9: 9:07 outdoors, 10:00 in the Sanctuary, Children's Chimes and New Member Welcome
|
|
Women Of A Certain Age
Sunday, February 19, 11:15 a.m., in Rowell Hall
Tim Marsala and Trisha Montes, personal trainers and nutritionists will be talking about how to celebrate life while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many of their ideas come from life experiences. They are passionate about health and fitness for everyone. They use an approach that encompasses more than counting calories.
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.
|
|
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 Chimes/Children's Bell Choirs
Come make a joyful sound. Beginners welcome! Be a part of our spring and Easter children's bell choir / chimes. We will perform on February 26 and on Easter morning at the 10:00 service. Rehearsal will be on Wednesdays, February 15, February 22 and March 22 from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m. Please contact Penny Johnson or Elizabeth Jung to learn more or sign up.
|
|
Spring and Summer Dates for Families
Busy family lives keep things moving! We get it! Attached, please find important dates for youth and children activities over the spring and summer including Vacation Bible School, Work Tour and more. Pass it on to a friend or neighbor who may want to know!
|
|
Annual Meeting and Financial Update |
|
Annual Meeting Report
-
We received the 2022 Total Outreach Giving report, which shows that, all things considered, Union Church gave $180,893 for the benefit of others in 2022. All of our ministry, plus that financial side of mission, made a difference in many lives. Well done, Union Church! That report is on page 37 of the report linked above.
- David Hess finished up his year as Moderator (the lead lay person of the congregation), and what a fantastic job he did! The congregation thanked David for his year of inclusive, thoughtful leadership.
-
Mary Sue Honigschmidt was elected as the new Moderator. Mary Sue is a long-time member of Union Church, and at one time or another has been involved in just about all aspects of church life. We look forward to her leadership as Moderator! The Moderator is always eager to hear feedback/comments from members of the congregation, so feel free to contact Mary Sue anytime. The new Vice-Moderator, Penny Davey, is also happy to hear feedback/comments from members anytime.
- We thanked many members who finished up their years of service as officers, on Ministries and in other leadership positions, and we elected, installed, and welcomed a new slate of people to serve for the coming year. Thanks to all! All those names can be found on pages 34-35 of the report.
-
We adopted a 2023 budget with great joy over the improvement we have seen over the last two weeks, going from a possible $92,000 deficit to a proposed surplus of a whopping $443! Thanks to all among us who increased their pledge or other giving, and thanks to Budget Committee for putting the options before the congregation - and again thanks to all who stepped up and helped us increase income rather than falling back on difficult reductions! The final proposed and approved budget is on page 38-39.
- We honored Dan Scott, who entered the ranks of 50-year members this year, as well as a long list of others who have been members for more than 50 years. (FYI, our longest- term member is Irv Clarke, who was confirmed and joined the church on April 11, 1938 - that's 84 years ago! - and is still in worship almost every Sunday.) The list of 50-plus-year members is on page 46.
- We received reports from the outgoing Moderator, the Sr. Minister, UCECP, all of our Ministries and more. There is some great ministry and mission shown in those pages, so browse through it and be inspired, starting on page 5.
|
|
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!
|
|
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!
|
|
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!
|
|
The Union Church of Hinsdale, U.C.C.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
