Hinsdale United Methodist Church The Flame March 2015

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Hinsdale United Methodist Church www.hinsdaleumc.com The Flame March 2015 Beyond the Break This winter has been one of the coldest and snowiest that most people can remember.

1 Hinsdale United Methodist Church The Flame March 2015 Beyond the Break This winter has been one of the coldest and snowiest that most people can remember. Interestingly, it seems that this exact statement has been made more than once over the past few years. After months of being surrounded by mounds of snow and unbelievably chilly weather, most people are looking forward to getting away to someplace warm and sunny. As if the negative impact of the wintry weather had not sufficiently challenged church vitality statistics such as worship attendance and small group participation, the calendar revealed that spring break for many schools will overlap with Holy Week! Just when people should be completing their Lenten disciplines and walking the road to Jerusalem toward the hill called Calvary, many families will be lining up at the airport with visions of swimsuits, flip-flops, sunshine and icy beverages dancing in their heads! Perhaps the pastor's only consolation is the fact that many families will be returning to town on Easter weekend and there's a chance that some will make it to church. Obviously, the situation isn't quite so bleak. In spite of the many families that will travel out of town, others will be returning to town or, at least, traveling to the Chicago area and will eagerly participate in Holy Week worship services and the Easter service. The season of Lent is a time of reflection and a renewal of our relationship with God. As many people have adopted fasts that exclude chocolate, desserts, alcohol, cigarettes, television, social media, or other frivolous indulgences, these choices are ultimately intended to position us physically, financially, emotionally, and/or socially to be more aware of God's will for our lives. HUMC has provided several opportunities for the community, visitors and members to participate in ministries that will assist us in our spiritual growth and renewal. From the special classes, prayer walk, and presentations by guest lecturers, to the weekly gatherings for reflection and prayer, the themes and topics during the Sundays of Lent, and the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services, we should be growing both individually and collectively as members of the family of God. Just as people have been influenced by the external factors of extreme temperatures and record-setting snowfall, we are also shaped by even more compelling internal factors such as our belief in God and our commitment to God's will. Although it is common to be influenced by things that we are able to see and identify easily, the missions committee and other the missions efforts of the congregation have been impacted by the things that are less obvious. Over the past few months, the number of guests seeking shelter through PADS has decreased. Perhaps this is because the sympathies of relatives of homeless families are greater and, as a result, homeless families have other options for shelter. However, another challenge relates to the persistent struggles that working, homeless families face when there is simply not enough income to cover all the essentials required for a family. For some struggling families, the challenge is not the availability of housing or food, but the adequacy of these items. Over the coming months, the members and friends of HUMC will participate in ministries that will not only provide shelter for homeless individuals and families, we will help provide food for families and improve the quality of available housing throughout the metropolitan area and across the country. Through PADS, the Appalachian Service Project, the Hinsdale Food Pantry, Olivet UMC, Blue Rose Mission, ReBuilding Together, Bridge and several other missions efforts, we will work collaboratively to serve and share with, and as, the people of God. For more information regarding ways that you can participate in the ministries of HUMC, contact the church office. Almost everyone is looking forward to the break--spring break, a break from the wintry weather, or simply a change in life's circumstances. For some, the long awaited break to a warmer and more pleasant place will surely come, for others, the break will only be realized through the prayers, commitment and collective works of the people of God. Our theme for the month of March is "Regardless of the weather outside, we are always warm inside because we are Methodist." This theme is based upon the historic statement of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church, in which he described his moment of spiritual renewal when his heart was 'strangely warmed' in the church on Aldersgate. There is a fire that 1

2 burns within each soul, that is hopefully renewed during the season of Lent. Beyond the break, whether it is the Lenten fast or spring break, there are many opportunities for us to engage in transformative ministries together. We are looking forward to working with every member of the congregation to accomplish our mission to make disciples and transform the world. Yours in Christ, Rev. Dr. Jon E. McCoy Among Our People Our continued prayers are with Helen Parkerson, Connie Buczkowski, Barbara Giddings and Clydena Trembath. Ray Gustafson is back at home. Our condolences to Connie Buczkowski and family upon the death of Connie s mother, Jean Borcherding. A memorial service was held at HUMC on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Please join us in welcoming one of our newest HUMC families the Chitesters. They sum up their family with these three words: Busy, Grateful, Adapting Ken, Liz and Sam (10 years old) are a new family in every sense of the word. Ken and Liz are newlyweds (married just last September) and the family has a new addition named Zuzu, their 9 month-old puppy; an Australian cattle dog/labrador retriever mix. The family lives in Elmhurst, where Sam currently attends 5 th grade. Having grown up in both the catholic (Liz) and nondenominational/protestant (Ken) faiths and having attended a Methodist church in the city; Ken, Liz and Sam visited a number of area churches before making HUMC their new home. They say they picked HUMC for its worship service, particularly the sermons, as well as the children and youth ministry options, the beauty of the sanctuary and, of course, the people. They express their gratitude for feeling extremely welcomed and yet being allowed to get to know the church family at their own pace. As a newly formed family, in their words, they are looking forward to exploring all of the options HUMC offers for mission work and being able to find their niche. In the meantime, you can often find them enjoying quiet afternoons at home with something special for dinner, as both cooking and reading are some of their favorite pastimes. When asked for a favorite family saying to impart, they offered: Say what you mean, but don t say it mean. HUMC sincerely means it when we say Welcome, Chitesters! We are so glad to have you join us! 2

From the Worship Committee Congratulations to all who participated in our Chili Challenge on February 8 th. Prizes awarded to the following Chefs!

) Easter Lilies, Red Tulips and Yellow Jonquils If you would like to help beautify the sanctuary this Easter season with red tulips, jonquils or Easter lilies, please fill out the order form you will

Sherry Somers Soup, Salad and Praise Dinners Come for one hour on Monday's during Lent (except March 2nd) for hot soup, salad and praise.

3 From the Worship Committee Congratulations to all who participated in our Chili Challenge on February 8 th. Prizes awarded to the following Chefs! 1st Prize Jeff Segal 2nd Prize Janie Falta 3rd Prize Stephanie Frees (Mother of our very own, Christy Frees!) Easter Lilies, Red Tulips and Yellow Jonquils If you would like to help beautify the sanctuary this Easter season with red tulips, jonquils or Easter lilies, please fill out the order form you will find in the church bulletins starting on March 1 st - March 22 nd. Thank You. Sherry Somers Soup, Salad and Praise Dinners Come for one hour on Monday's during Lent (except March 2nd) for hot soup, salad and praise. After our dining, we will sing praise songs, read scripture and talk about God's Kingdom - we need to do a little something extra for the Lenten season. Our next praise gathering will be March 9, at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bring the family; Jennifer Austgen is planning activities for our younger church members in the library room next to Fellowship Hall (might involve Veggie Tales) - $3.00 for adults, no charge for those 18 and under. Join us, it is only one hour and you won t have to cook! Other dates include March 18, 23 and 30. 3

Lenten Brunch Thursday, March 19 at 9:30 a.m. Join us for this meaningful time of fellowship and worship. Breakfast is served.

The HUMC choir will be presenting a Cantata "He Shall Arise" on Sunday, March 22nd, at the 10:30 service and the day before that, Saturday, March 21st, at

We are practicing the Cantata from 8:15 to 9 p.m. And why not come for breakfast?

The brunch will include Egg and Cheese Soufflé, Sausages, French Toast Sticks, Fresh Fruit Salad and assorted pastries.

4 Lenten Brunch Thursday, March 19 at 9:30 a.m. Join us for this meaningful time of fellowship and worship. Breakfast is served. Sponsored by the United Methodist Women. The HUMC choir will be presenting a Cantata "He Shall Arise" on Sunday, March 22nd, at the 10:30 service and the day before that, Saturday, March 21st, at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. If you enjoy singing and would like to join us for this event, come to choir practice on Wednesday evenings. We are practicing the Cantata from 8:15 to 9 p.m. And why not come for breakfast? Join us for Easter Brunch in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, April 5 th at 9:30 a.m. The brunch will include Egg and Cheese Soufflé, Sausages, French Toast Sticks, Fresh Fruit Salad and assorted pastries. All are welcome, including extended family and visitors. No reservation required and there is no charge. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, April 4 th to set-up and prepare food and Sunday, April 5 th to serve and clean-up. To sign up to help go to: or contact Amy Entsminger. April 5 th Easter Sunday - Easter Egg Hunt (after brunch around 10 a.m.) Special Holy Week wreath craft and Lamb cake at 10:30 a.m. after Children s Time. 4

Following Children s time (10:30 worship) we will be meeting in the Music Room to practice for an Easter

It is similar to the Christmas Program in that there are a few speaking parts along with songs.

Our kids will present the message that we are all special in God s eyes and that He loves us very much!

m. after Children s time each child will receive a plush lamb. March 29 Palm Sunday (9:15 a.m.) Jelly Bean Easter Prayer (10:30 a.

Patrick s Day dinner while your kids are also having a special experience in a safe and nurturing environment.

5 Following Children s time (10:30 worship) we will be meeting in the Music Room to practice for an Easter Musical with the kids. (Pre K - 8th grade). It is similar to the Christmas Program in that there are a few speaking parts along with songs. It is called, God Made You Special, a 20 minute VeggieTales musical about God s love and you! Our kids will present the message that we are all special in God s eyes and that He loves us very much! This musical will take place on March 15, during the 10:30 a.m. service. March 22 (9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.) Donkey rides and donkey petting area along with the story of Palm Sunday 10:30 a.m. after Children s time each child will receive a plush lamb. March 29 Palm Sunday (9:15 a.m.) Jelly Bean Easter Prayer (10:30 a.m.) Easter movie and popcorn April 3 (7:00 p.m.) Good Friday Resurrection Egg Story Parents, Enjoy a pre St. Patrick s Day dinner while your kids are also having a special experience in a safe and nurturing environment. Next PNO date is Friday, March 13 th. Register by Tuesday, March 10 th. Questions, Michelle at michelle.wierzbicki@hinsdaleumc.com. 5

Regular Youth Group for 6th-12th grade me

pastries to raise funds for our summer mission trip. We need volunteers to help serve and to donate food!

6 Regular Youth Group for 6th-12th grade meets from 4:00 5:30 p.m. Sundays: March 1 st, March 8 th, March 15 th and March 29th March 15th Youth Breakfast Sale and Easter Musical After the 8:30 and 10:30 worship services youth will be selling bagels, donuts and other pastries to raise funds for our summer mission trip. We need volunteers to help serve and to donate food! Contact me if you can help; if you can donate food to the event please contact me by March 8th! Also that morning during the 10:30 service all youth will be putting on an Easter pageant. Practice for this pageant is each Sunday leading up to the pageant during the 10:30 service. Youth any age are encouraged to participate in acting, singing, playing music, helping with decorations, or helping the younger students. Jenny Austgen at Jennifer.austgen@hinsdaleumc.com with any questions about the musical. Wednesday, March 18 Hinsdale Food Pantry Service Project Meet at church at 4:00 p.m. Following our volunteering at the food pantry we will stop to grab a bite to eat at a fast food restaurant. Pick up at church at 8:15 p.m. We need volunteers and drivers! If you can help, please contact Nancy Malo (nmalo01@gmail.com) or me (christy.frees@hinsdaleumc.com) by Tuesday, March 10. Sunday, March 22 Bowling Night Instead of typical youth group we will be going bowling! Drop off at Suburbanite Bowl (201 W. Ogden Ave.) at 4:00 p.m. and pick up at 6:00 p.m. Cost $10; let me know if you will be participating by Friday, March 20. Saturday, March 28th thru Sunday April 5th Spring Break Please let me know ASAP if you or your youth will or will not be around for spring break so that we can plan youth group accordingly! Easter Sunday, April 5 th - No Sunday school or Youth Group. See you in Worship and at the Easter brunch! SAVE THE DATE! Youth Mission Trip June

Shoes of the Fisherman March 1, 15, 22, and 29 Gary Greene from First UMC in La Grange is leading this class where participants will view most of the film The Shoes of the Fisherman and discuss

7 New Adult Ed Classes coming in March! Sunday Mornings at 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Shoes of the Fisherman March 1, 15, 22, and 29 Gary Greene from First UMC in La Grange is leading this class where participants will view most of the film The Shoes of the Fisherman and discuss various aspects of the film. The movie, based on the book of the same name, traces the election of a Russian bishop to be Pope during the early 1960s cold war era. In the process, a variety of political, ecclesiastical and theological issues come into play. Meets in Conference Room 109 Parenting: Your Biblical Legacy Beginning Sunday, March 8th, and meeting weekly through April 26th (no class March 29th and April 5th). Many parents today wonder, Do I have what it takes to be a good parent? A lot of times parents need help, but nobody likes to ask for help. This class uses a six-part DVD series led by husband and wife team Drs. Les and Leslie Parrot, who are best-selling authors and are passionately devoted to Christ. Their teaching delves deeper than simply trying to get kids to eat their broccoli and clean their room. It takes a Biblical approach into the traits parents want their children to have and the traits parents want their children to see modeled in themselves. This DVD series uses footage of 20 real-life families (and their real-life struggles) to spark discussion on what it means to be a parent who is Affirming, Patient, Attentive, Visionary, Connected, Celebratory, Authentic, Comforting, Insightful, and Prayerful. Whether you are a married couple, single parent, or in a blended family, this class will give moms and dads practical advice and encouragement because we all know kids don t come with instructions! Meets in Conference Room 119. "Making Disciples" March 8 We welcome guest speaker, Dr. Lallene Rector, President of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Associate Professor of Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Psychotherapy. Her lecture will focus on "Making Disciples." A reception for Dr. Rector will follow the 10:30 a.m. service. If you think you will be staying for the reception, please R.S.V.P. to the church office by phone (630) or humc1280@sbcglobal.net by Wednesday, March 4 th. March 10, 6:30 p.m., at Hinsdale Methodist Church Wear your green and come with your best Irish spirit...starting with corned beef sandwiches and then enjoy some good old St. Pat's music and singing by Don Reitsma. The mission of Stepping Stones is to support widows and widowers in a Christian social environment. All widows and widowers are welcome. Questions: Call El Lober at the church office. 7

8 Finance Report 2015 Budget and 2014 Results I am pleased to report that we ended 2014 with a surplus from operations and we have approved a fully funded budget for The generosity of our congregation will enable us to finance our plans within our community and our church. And, as always, pay our full apportionment and maintain our Rainbow Covenant status as a mission oriented church within the UMC. Thank you! 2015: Recall our pledge campaign was hoping to generate increased financial support to allow us to make a material additional investment in our staffing infrastructure to: Bolster our Christian Education programming to provide additional spiritual experiences to Youth and Families and Enhance our pastoral care by adding a part time retired ordained minister to complement Pastor McCoy's care to congregational members experiencing health, loss or other personal concerns. As already reported, we have been successful in meeting our pastoral care objective with the hiring of H.D. Mitchell. Staff Parish and the Youth Council are aggressively working on the best configuration to meet the needs of our youth and families. None of this would be possible without your financial support! I m often asked about general giving levels. Here are a few statistics: We received pledges from 107 families totaling $532,000. Pledges constitute over 80% of our total resources and allow us to plan our staffing and programs. Our average pledge was $5,000 (range was several hundred to $60,000) and our median pledge (½ higher and ½ lower) was $2,500. We received pledges from 32 families at $5,000 or greater. 2014: We ended the year with a strong surplus due primarily to three factors: Pledges received were $30,000 over budget as several families made additional gifts above their pledged amounts. We received a special $15,000 gift from a non-member that wanted to support HUMC. Our expenses were $30,000 below budget, principally as we had staffing vacancies compared to the planned levels last year. These factors enabled us to increase our financial reserves to strengthen the long term financial foundation of HUMC. If anyone would like copies of the detailed 2014 financial report or the 2015 budget, please let me know. We will leave a few printed copies in the church office as well. Zed Francis, Chair, Stewardship and Finance 8

9 Easter food boxes will be available in the Narthex to collect staples for Olivet United Methodist Church on Chicago s west side. If you can, please take and fill a box with such staples as white rice, dried beans, flour, sugar, cooking oil, plus fresh produce and a canned ham, to be shared with a family in need. Return the box to the main kitchen opposite Fellowship Hall before Friday, March 27 th. If you would like to help with the delivery, please Dan at dan.irwin@hinsdaleumc.com. Mark your calendars for this year s Rebuilding Together date, April 25 th, where volunteers from HUMC will help provide a one day makeover to a deserving homeowner. Rebuilding Together s mission is to improve the homes and lives of elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety and comfort. Watch for details about how you can help out with this wonderful hands-on ministry. Join our HUMC Adult Mission Team and travel to Johnson City, Tennessee to work with Appalachia Service Project (ASP) the week of April 26-May 2. Help make homes in this area Less Substandard by making them: WARMER (for example, replace windows, install insulation) SAFER (repair porch, build wheel chair ramp) DRIER (stop roof leak) All skill levels are needed. Contact Dick Kingman for more information at richard.kingman@hinsdaleumc.com or call

Hinsdale 5th 9:30 a.m. UMW Board Meeting Fireside Room United 12 th Circles Meet Methodist Women 9:00 a.m. Mary Circle Fireside Room Program: Filling plastic eggs for Easter Egg Hunt March Calendar: 1:00 p.

Ministry From the Aurora District - Social Action The practices of human trafficking have been on our hearts and at the fronts of our conscience as members of UMW.

10 Hinsdale 5th 9:30 a.m. UMW Board Meeting Fireside Room United 12 th Circles Meet Methodist Women 9:00 a.m. Mary Circle Fireside Room Program: Filling plastic eggs for Easter Egg Hunt March Calendar: 1:00 p.m. Priscilla Circle (Fireside Room) Co-hostesses: Nan Martin/Becky Wimberly 7:00 p.m. Lydia Circle Hostess: Sharrann Simmons Program: Terri Johnson will speak about her experience with Prison Ministry From the Aurora District - Social Action The practices of human trafficking have been on our hearts and at the fronts of our conscience as members of UMW. It is Possible to escape the grip of trafficking. Some organizations and companies are providing for those possibilities. Persons leaving the cycle of trafficking and modern slavery need dignified employment in order to right the future path they are carving for themselves. Please join members of UMW and friends at an Artisan Sale. Women, especially, are producing clothing, jewelry, and skin care products to gain skills and earn an income. We have an opportunity to join in the healing process a tiny, tiny part of the healing process. Come to shop some fine products made by survivors of trafficking. 10

Hinsdale United Methodist Church

Hinsdale United Methodist Church www.hinsdaleumc.com The Flame December 2018 The church-wide Advent study will allow the congregation to collectively reflect upon the ways we ve learned to celebrate Christmas