The Blood of Jesus, Reconsidered

Sunday, April 7, 2024 - 10:00 a.m.



Perhaps you have noticed that I (Mike) don't talk very much about "the blood of Jesus." There are a few reasons for that, but perhaps primary among them is that the language of "the blood of Jesus" has been so horribly misused in some parts of the church that I just tend to avoid it rather than have my words taken in an unintended way.

"The blood of Jesus" and what it has to do with sin and forgiveness, however, IS one of the ways the New Testament talks about the cross, as in the passage I'll be preaching on this week from the letter of 1 John. 1 John 1:7 says: "if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." This Sunday, I'll be reconsidering this vivid, but often misused, imagery from the Bible. I'm not saying we'll sing hymn # 189 in our hymnal, with these "lovely" lyrics...

Down at the cross where my Savior died

Down where for cleansing from sin I cried

There to my heart was the blood applied

Glory to Christ's name

(refrain) Glory to Christ's name,

Glory to Christ's name

There to my heart was the blood applied

Glory to Christ's name

...but we'll see.

Please be in worship this Sunday. If you can't be here in person, here's the livestream link. The joy of the Easter season be with you!

Worship in the Woods

April 7 and April 14, 9:00 a.m. at Fullersburg Woods

Fresh air and movement is good for us all. Celebrate the changing colors and seasons as we "Worship in the Woods" and take our church service in the form of a 30-minute hike at Fullersburg Woods (flat terrain, roughly 1/2 mile). Meet near the Nature Center off the main parking lot or at any of the four stops along the way for prayer, reflection, gratitude, wonder and a celebration of the beauty all around us. We step off right at 9:00. All are welcome! 

In the Pipeline

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: Heidelberg University Concert Choir

New Member Class this Spring!

Sunday, May 5, 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 16, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (via Zoom)

New Member Welcome Service: May 18, 10:00 a.m. worship service

We will be welcoming our next New Member Class this spring. If you’d like to be a part of it, please contact Tom Shively or Carissa Kapcar.

Dozens of people helped beautify our sanctuary on Easter Sunday with the donation of tulips and lilies in memory or in honor of loved ones. Many of those flowers then went to some of our members who don't get out and about. So, thank you for this double act of beauty!

Here's the full dedication list, for those that couldn't be with us on Easter Sunday

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.

Girl Scout Cookies!

Have you eaten all of your Girl Scout cookies and are now suffering from withdrawal?

Did you forget to purchase your favorite cookies from your favorite Girl Scout?

Do you not want to go a whole year without Girl Scout cookies?

Well, your prayers have been answered and the calvary has arrived. Parish Life Ministry will be selling cookies during coffee hour this Sunday, April 7!

Please consider being generous, as we are helping Penny Johnson's Girl Scout troop. We will have all of the cookies flavors available! Hope to see you this Sunday with your cookie list!

Please contact Fran Evans by email or by phone, 630-986-1438 if you have any questions.

Thank you in advance,

Parish Life Ministry

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.

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!!!

Save-the-Date! Adult Education Series

May 5: Misinformation in the Media, in Rowell Hall after 10:00 a.m. service

May 19: Emotional Health and the Media, in Rowell Hall after 10:00 a.m. service

Mark Your Calendars!

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!

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!