All Means All

"Growth"

This Sunday, October 27 , 2024,10:00 a.m.

How much does it cost to get to Heaven?

The scriptures tell us that the cost of discipleship is quite high. In other words, it costs a lot to get to Heaven.

This week we continue our fall sermon series on stewardship, and we will explore the meaning of Jesus’ radical message to his disciples that, “just as you did it to one of the least of these members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40

Please join us this Sunday, October 27, at 10:00 a.m., either in person or online, when Pastor Robb explores what it means to be a disciple in today’s world, and why the cost of discipleship is so high.  

Worship in the Woods

This Sunday, October 27

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! 

2025 Pledge Campaign: We Are the Church



Generosity Word of the Week - Worship, Growth...Discipleship!

Okay, you may think it is cheating a bit to squeeze 3 words into the last week of the Generosity Campaign. There has been a lot to say in the four weeks of maybe the shortest campaign ever. Your grace is accepted!

“...just as you did it to one of the least of these members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40 

With Robb addressing How much does it cost to get to Heaven? this Sunday, it is a good time to directly ask How much does it cost for Union Church to create meaningful and joyful worship that promotes spiritual growth and prepares us to do the work of the church in the world through our discipleship? 

Practically speaking, the rounded numerical answer is a bit shy of 1 million dollars...collectively...from all of us. All means all. Thank you for your generosity.

Linked here is a recap of giving statistics provided during the offertory last Sunday.

Cast Your Vote for the Winter Sermon Series

It's voting season - let's have some fun! In the spirit of our congregational tradition, we want to hear from you as we plan for our Winter Sermon Series. Please choose a sermon series from this link for the season between Epiphany and Lent.

*Voting will run through Sunday, October 27. Results will be announced on the Sunday before the national election, November 3.

Remembering Our Loved Ones Sunday

November 3, 10:00 service

Each year on the Sunday after All Saints Day (which is Nov. 1) we pause to remember and honor our loved ones who have died in the past twelve months. All will have the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one and say their name aloud or in one's heart in prayer. If you would like to have your loved one's name included in a list that is read during the service, please email Rev. Grant Glowiak, no later than October 30.

This past Sunday was Welcome Sunday and we welcomed new members at both, Worship in the Woods at 9:00 and during our 10:00 service. A warm welcome to our new (and returning) members. Please make a point to introduce yourselves and get to know these special people over the next several weeks.

New members, a warm welome! We're so glad you're here and a part of the Union Church community.

Get to know our new members here.

Children's Chimes (Bell Choir) November 

Rehearse: Oct 30 and Nov 6, perform on Nov 10 at the 10:00 service 

Children ages 4+ are welcome to join our children's chimes (bell choir). No experience is necessary - this is a gentle way for children to have their first musical performance experience and we have a wide range of ages. Email Penny Johnson (pjohnson@uchinsdale.org) with questions,  or simply come on October 30 and give it a try. Register here.

Save the date for other Advent activities designed with families in mind. Click here to learn more. Share this flyer with your friends, family and neighbors. All are welcome - no exceptions!

Cantate! will be performing at Oak Trace Retirement  

Monday, October 28 at 7 p.m.

A performance you won’t want to miss!

IFF Luncheon

Wednesday, November 13, 11:30 to 1:30, in the Dining Room

The Jolly Boys are back to bring joy and heartfelt appreciation to our Veterans, and we couldn’t be more excited! This event is not just about honoring those who have served; it’s a vibrant celebration that embodies the core values of love and kindness. With the harmonious sounds of music filling the air, we’ll come together as a community, uniting in gratitude and respect for our heroes. So, whether you’re a long-time member or new to our church family, we invite you to join us in this uplifting occasion. Let’s create beautiful memories together, filled with laughter, song, and a shared sense of belonging. Mark your calendars and prepare to be part of something truly special—your presence will make all the difference!

Lunch is $15 per person cash or check paid at the door and will be served at noon.

IFF is the hottest ticket in town so make your reservation today!

Reservations are requested and must be received no later than November 7, 2024

Reservations are possible by clicking this link, calling Elizabeth Jung at

630-688-1706, or by clicking on email link ejung@uchinsdale.org.

IFF is a group for fellowship and inclusivity while also supporting worthy causes with donations made by your participation.

Now Collecting Treasures and Volunteers Needed

December 7, 8:30 to 11:00 a.m., in the Dining Room

We are collecting new and gently used items now in the bins in the Gathering Place that can be used in our boutique.  

Children will shop the boutique to find Christmas gifts for their families. Cash only.

Youth helpers: We are also looking for volunteers and youth helpers to assist our young shoppers. It’s very cute and we know many of you love doing this!

And adult helpers, we need your help gift wrapping and at check-out and sorting ahead of time. If you're interested, click this link.

Eleanor's Christmas Stockings

Sunday, December 8, after 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. services, in Youth Room

It’s time to get ready for Eleanor’s Christmas Stockings! This Ministry for Change project, named in memory of our beloved Eleanor Patterson, provides filled Christmas stockings to underserved children in the church’s wider community. Last year we filled 300+ stockings. Our goal this year is to fill 500! To do that, we need your help:

• Bring your left-over Halloween candy to church. Boxes will be placed in the Gathering Space starting November 1st for your donations.
• Contribute stocking contents by ordering online through our Amazon wish list or by purchasing and bringing items to the Gathering Space. Wish lists will be available in late October.
• Mark your calendar: On Sunday, December 8 after the 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. services there will be a Christmas stocking stuffing event in the Youth Room. Everyone, and especially families with young children, are welcome! The church’s children and youth will also be stuffing stockings during their Gather & Grow time on December 4th.
• Ask your dentist for donations of individually wrapped children’s toothbrushes and travel size toothpaste. Deposit them in the designated boxes starting November 1st.

If you would like to help with the stocking project or have any questions, please contact Jane Grimm. Thank you.

Discovery Team Begins Work 

The Discovery Team met on October 9 and October 21 to begin its work. They started with team and relationship building for their work together, along with a comprehensive view of the work they will be doing. 

After a conversation about personality types and an exploration of the assets the team brings to the work with the congregation, the team selected leadership through a process of nominating the people felt best suited for the work. 

The leadership of the team is: 

• Co-Conveners: Ann Reiland and Kim Kiyosaki 

The Convener or Co Conveners set the agenda for the meetings, inspire the work of the team and hold the team accountable to the tasks at hand and their deadlines. 

• Communicator: David Hess

The Communicator serves as the conduit between the congregation and the Discovery Team, sharing the work of the team and articulating next steps.  

• Clerk: Jackie Roberts 

The Clerk takes the minutes for the meetings and keeps track of the work.

• Chaplain: Kim Kiyosaki 

The Chaplain organizes devotions and prayers, continuing to circle the work of discernment back to the Spirit.

The next meeting will include a discussion of the homework of evaluating resources. The team makes choices about exploring Union Church’s immediate context and evaluates surveys for input from a wide cross section of the congregation. A plan and a timeline will be developed over the next meeting or two. 

The team will meet weekly from now through the first week of December. More meeting times will be determined as they focus. 

Please continue to pray for the work of the Discovery Team! Look for ways you can be involved in this process, coming soon. 

Discovery Team: Maria Coyne, Chris Happ, David Hess, Kim Kiyosaki, Ann Reiland, Jackie Roberts, and Rob Schaeffer

Thank you for your support! As we enter the last quarter of this calendar year, we want to share a few options on fulfilling your pledge commitment:

Please make every effort to complete your pledge as early in the quarter as possible.

•  Online contributions: https://onrealm.org/uchinsdale/-/form/give/now

• Text "GIVEUCH" to 73256 to give using your mobile device. This number will never send unsolicited texts to you.

• Use the QR Code to set up a one-time gift or recurring gift via Realm:

• We also accept Zelle! No fees (recipient email: accounting@uchinsdale.org)

Donating long-term appreciated securities minimizes capital gains taxes when you contribute these assets directly to a charity! Discuss with your CPA or tax professional. If you will be using stock to donate towards your 2024, 2025 pledge, remember to contact me or Ann Gleason at agleason@uchinsdale.org when you arrange the gift with your broker. 

Make a charitable donation to offset the tax costs of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.

Make all checks payable to Union Church of Hinsdale and note on the memo line of your check what you are donating to – for example: 2024, 2025 pledge, Thanksgiving Offering, etc. 

Thank you,

Gaby Gleason

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!