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The Bible and Today's Headlines
Sunday, May 5, 2024, 10:00 a.m.
"Antisemitism" is a word we have recently heard often in the news because of the war in Gaza and the protests against that war around the country. Sadly and tragically, Christians "invented" antisemitism and have caused untold suffering by Jews for almost 2000 years. Indeed, it is difficult to read the New Testament without seeing views that at least appear to be antisemitic. It just so happens that the lectionary reading from the Book of Acts this week compels us to think about antisemitism and try to envision a version of Christianity that is not scarred by this terrible ideology. This will not be a sermon about modern politics (narrowly conceived), but about the relationship of Christians to Jews, the people into whom we are grafted through Jesus of Nazareth.
Please join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m., in person or on our livestream.
And, please plan on staying after worship for our seminar on Navigating Our Relationship with Modern Media!
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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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New Member Class this Sunday!
This Sunday, May 5, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Rowell Hall, and
Thursday, May 16, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (via Zoom), and then,
our New Member Welcome Service will be at the May 19, 10:00 a.m., worship service
If you’d like to be part of this new member group (and have not previously notified us), great! Please contact Tom Shively or Carissa Kapcar.
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Navigating Our Relationship with Modern Media
Sundays, May 5 and 19, at 11:15, in the Youth Room
May 5: Emotional Health and the Media - This week, Union Church member Ross Sweeney will talk about how to promote our emotional health in the midst of today's media. Ross is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years experience working in inpatient and outpatient settings on depression, anxiety, anger management, acute mental health, substance abuse, and PTSD.
May 19: Misinformation and the Media!
Join us for one or both of these Adult Ed sessions following the 10:00 service
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Love Is Louder
Show your pride this June at Union Church to celebrate our Open and Affirming status and even more importantly, as a sign that all are welcome here - and all means all!
What does show your pride mean? Dress however you want: Be casual, be colorful, be who you want to be! Want to wear a t-shirt to church all month long? This is your chance - you can order a Pride UCC Love is Louder shirt here. Here are two more links for more Pride merchandise, UCC Resources and HRC.org.
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In the Pipeline
May 5: Allegrezza - Spring Showcase, Music of the Stage and Screen, 3:00 p.m. Please feel free to share this flyer with family and friends. For tickets, click here.
May 17: Heidelberg University Concert Choir, 7:00 p.m.
June 9: Ostrega-Uhl Project - Flute, Piano, and Art: Connecting Impressionism to the 20th Century, 3:00 p.m.
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Summit Preschool Initiative: A BIG Step Forward!
We are very happy to share exciting news!
We have a signed contract for the purchase of the preschool building and business in Summit!
Next steps are inspections and due diligence in preparation for transfer of the business.
If you haven't yet made your gift or pledge to the initiative, NOW is the time to give!
Let's meet Irv Clarke's generous match, plus more! More funds are needed for the purchase and to build our launch fund to properly get Unidad ('Unity' in Spanish) started. We are seeking everyone's involvement. This is such a wonderful initiative, we know you want to be a part of it!
Note: There are 2 donation options:
1. A one time gift
2. A pledge to Summit Preschool Initiative over time, up to 3 years
Please follow this link to make a donation today.
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Vacation Bible School Registration is Open!
June 17 to 21, 12:45 to 3:00 pm, at Union Church
$75 per child (or max $200 per family)
Participants: Ages 4 through 5th grade
Youth Helpers: Middle School and High School
Hey there, adventurous campers! Picture this: the crackling campfire, roasting marshmallows, bug hunts, scary stories as we embark on a journey of trusting God to be with us in every situation.
So, grab your magnifying glass and join us as we dive into the fascinating world of lightening bugs and cicadas at Camp Firelight VBS. It's going to be a campfire adventure like no other, filled with laughter, learning, and maybe even a few surprises along the way. Let's make memories that'll buzz on forever!
Register here
We also need adult volunteers. If you haven’t helped before, know that being a part of this uplifting week forms friendships, community and connections by working with and learning from these contagiously fun children! We’d love to have you!
Contact Penny for more information.
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Authentic Women Discussion Group
Every Wednesday starting May 8th, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on ZOOM!!
We are a friendship group of gals of diverse ages and backgrounds interested in continuing growth in life! We use a non-fiction book as our "springboard" for discussion. We read about 30 pages per week for discussion and employ Jacki Peterson Sluder as our moderator to give structure to the discussion and keep us on subject. For more information, please reach out to Sue Nibeck.
Our Spring selection is, "These Precious Days: Essays," by Ann Patchett.
This favorite author reflects on home, family, friendships and writing in this personal collection of essays. She provides us with another way of looking at our lives. “Stoic, kindhearted, fierce, funny, brainy, Patchett’s essays honor what matters most in this precarious and precious life.” — Oprah
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Adult Inter-Faith Fellowship
Wednesday, May 8, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Dining Room
June Scott, a beloved 80-year member of Union Church, shares her story of her travels to Patagonia. June, a long-time resident of Hinsdale, began traveling with her husband and 3 children visiting our National Parks and California. She became a teacher at the age of 40, teaching grades 2 and 3. She became known as the Penguin Lady sharing her experiences with Emperor Penguins on her 3 trips to Antarctica to the local grade schools.
June and her husband continued traveling. She has visited 105 countries, including but not limited to: Iran, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Angola, Israel, and Palestine to name a few. Her latest endeavor was spending 1 month with the Semester at Sea program. There, with 400 other students who spend 107 days on a ship taking classes, she visited India, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Lunch is $15 per person cash or check paid at the door and will be served at noon.
AIFF is the hottest ticket in town so make your reservation today!
Reservations are requested and must be received no later than Thursday, May 2.
Reservations are possible by clicking this link, calling Elizabeth Jung at
630-688-1706, or by clicking on email link ejung@uchinsdale.org.
AIFF is a group for fellowship and inclusivity while also supporting worthy causes with donations made by your participation.
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Women of a Certain Age
Sunday, May 19
After Adult Education, Laurie McMahon will be hosting a casual potluck at her home, 311 E. Sixth St, Hinsdale.
The purpose of WOACA is for fellowship, friendship, and fun! ALL are welcome!!!
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Ride your Bike to Church for the Blessing of Bicycles at 9:00 a.m. (and strollers, scooters and all things that roll) and have your wheels blessed for a summer of safety! | |  |
A church-wide potluck style picnic for fellowship and fun. More details coming soon! | | |
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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