Introduction
People come to our church for reasons that range from seeking out like-minded people, exploring spirituality, or furthering personal growth. In addition to the Sunday morning service, members and friends can also gather to study religion and religious history, morality and ethics. They might work to further a cleaner environment or provide help to one another, enjoy one another’s company and just have fun. Like in any organization, church life is enriched the more one participates. The following are some of the organizations and events that help shape this congregation. They are always open to anyone interested. Visitors are especially welcome to come, sample and taste.
Acoustic Renaissance Concerts
Folk music reached its height in the 60s and 70s when baby boomers were united by the voices of Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and Judy Collins. Today, folk, Americana, and roots music continue to have a dedicated following among those who treasure this gentle form. In our sanctuary with its wonderful acoustics and a professional sound system, this series presents performers of considerable renown at a modest price, and is now going into its 15th season. Visit the web site at www.acousticren.com to see the latest offerings, or contact: Suzyn Mills at artsy45@aol.com or (630) 985-2330.
Arts Festival
We suspected that this congregation was comprised of individuals with hidden talents. It was proven at the first Arts Festival that included thirty-eight displays ranging from authors’ books to several forms of art such as pencil sketches, oils, collages and photography. Then there was weaving, jewelry and embroidery. Next year, the festival will include several workshops to enable more people to express their inner creativity. Contact: Carolyn Sibr at (630) 920-0972.
Care Shawl
In the Spring of 2006 a "Care Shawl" knitting/crocheting group formed here at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale. These loving and dedicated members and friends hand craft a wonderful array of shawls and lap blankets. Our shawl ministry has already touched nearly 50 people!
The group meets at church about four times a year to bless each completed shawl with thoughts of warmth, comfort, health, and love. The shawls are then kept at church to be given to members and friends who are in need of well wishing from our community.
Several articles and a book have been published on the power of these shawls, and people all over the world are making and receiving them. For example, see http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-into-Mystery-Shawl-Knitting-Ministry/dp/0819219673 Begun as primarily Christian endeavor, the Caring Shawl ministry aligns comfortably with our Unitarian Universalist principles.
If you are interested in joining the group, starting a shawl-making group in your area or recommending someone who needs a "caring shawl hug", please contact Luan Burton, Church Administrator, at 630-323-2885 or office@hinsdaleunitarian.org to put you in touch and on the email list.
Please consult the church calendar for meeting times and shawl blessing dates.
Caring Comittee
Because we are a loving community, there is no better way to show it than to reach out in times of illness, crisis, or celebration. These might be a kind word, a meal, or a gentle touch. Acting as a clearinghouse about our congregation members and appeals for help, they can respond by providing announcements during a church service, hosting events to help members in need or creating shawls for members and friends that bespeak our concern. One need not be a long-time member to participate. If you have time to send a friendly note, make a phone call or drive someone to a dental appointment, your thoughtfulness will be rewarded with new friendships and abundant smiles. Contact person: Debbi Daniel-Wayman at debbidw@comcast.net or (630) 495-8761.
Chalice Circles
Echoing the Unitarian symbol of inclusiveness, groups of ten or twelve come together to explore common concerns. Are you a cancer survivor or are close to someone that has cancer? There’s a chalice group where you can talk about it, no holds barred. Are you new to our church, wanting to understand more about it? How about trying to lose weight? Here is an opportunity for friendship with someone who really understands. A Chalice Group can have a duration of a few weeks, months or go on for years. It’s up to the group. Don’t see one that fulfills your needs? You’re welcome to form your own with lots of help from the Unitarian Association, our parent denomination. Or if you’re not sure, contact Luan Burton at lusprocket@ameritech.net or (708) 354-4116.
Film Discussion Group
Focusing on documentary films, last year’s theme explored Truth and Image, including such worthies as Religulous by Bill Maher and The God who Wasn’t There. Planned for this year is an exploration of films that relate to the Seven Principles of Unitarianism. Led by the Reverend Ed Searl, this could be seen as an extended lesson in Unitarian thought. Contact person: Ed Searl at minister@hinsdaleunitarian.org
Green Sanctuary
Working to implement an environmental action program at UCH to save, protect and restore the planet, this group has collected discarded electronic equipment, transporting it to an ecologically safe recycling facility in West Chicago. It also demonstrates ways to conserve with light bulbs and insulate to use energy wisely. Contact: David Lloyd at davelloyd@mindspring.com or (708) 485-2296
Holiday Harvest
Yes, it’s a fundraiser but oh, what fun! There’s delectable gourmet food that delights the most discriminating palate along with an a cappella group and jazz band. In addition, you can bid on all kinds of goods and services for an incredible bargain price. Everyone is invited to party and celebrate with friends and neighbors as we wind up the year. Child care for school-age children along with a yummy dinner is available for a small fee. Contact: Karen McDowell at can2dowell@sbcglobal.net or (630) 852-6864 or Jay Van Cura at jvancura@sbcglobal.net or (708) 447-6500.
Interweave
Unitarians have a long and proud history of being open to all beliefs and orientations, embracing minorities of every stripe. Early on, our denomination ordained women and African-Americans and was on the forefront in the battle for Civil Rights. Hinsdale Unitarian has also declared itself a congregation that embraces Unitarian Universalists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns. The purposes of Interweave are to promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity and promote better understanding of the multiplicity of differences among us. For further information, contact interweave@hinsdaleunitarian.org.
Lunch Bunch
If you have been curious about the restaurants that surround the Hinsdale community, this is your chance to try them out while getting to know your fellow Unitarian. Meeting each month at a different modestly priced restaurant, people linger over a pleasant meal to chat and socialize. There’s always free parking but if you prefer not to drive, coordinator Catherine Goering could probably connect you with a neighbor to share the ride. Contact her at cathgoer@aol.com or (630) 325-0310 for reservations.
New U-U
Our denomination was well represented among the signers or the American Declaration of Independence and was on the forefront of women’s suffrage and the Civil Rights movement. To celebrate our history and inform visitors and friends of who we are, Hinsdale Unitarian conducts a series of meetings several times a year each session led by long-time members and staff. There are no lessons or books to buy but you should check with the Jane Foulser to determine time and date at jfoulser@mindspring.com or (630) 833-3028
Non-Fiction Book Group
Beginning as an animated discussion during coffee hour, the topic was archeology and who wrote the Bible. But the conversation soon expanded to include others and finally, into a monthly meeting that welcomed all comers. It is now entering its third year, noted for its lively conversation. Starting with books related to Judaism and Christianity, the group has since moved on to Islam and this year looks into the relationship of religion to science. Visitors are always welcome even when not having read the book. Contact person: Jane Foulser at (630) 833-3028 or jfoulser@mindspring.com
P-Flag
The rainbow has come to symbolize inclusiveness and that can serve the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays as well. P-Flag serves those who love and embrace their sons and daughters, their sisters and brothers who have come out, sharing their pride with and love of those who are an important part of our community. For further information, check with Jackie Frett at (630) 920-1444 or jackieKF@aol.com or www.pflag.com.
Women's Alliance
Beyond the days when churches relegated women to child care, quilting and preparing pot luck suppers, Hinsdale’s Women’s Alliance disseminates information on the status of women, ecology, local history and subjects of current interest in the arts, medicine and world affairs. Together they might visit local museums and areas of interest and support the social services in the denomination and the community. As part of the regional and national Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation (UUWF), they address concerns of the broad community. Meeting during the day enables members and visitors enough flexibility to pursue a wide set of interests. For more information, contact Grace Abrahamson at bgabra@aol.com or (708) 485-5983
Social Action
"Reflecting Our Social Justice Values"
Social justice work at UCH carries on a long UCH tradition, engaging people of all ages in many ways: RE Committee and Youth Group projects, Alliance support of social services, Ecojustice work associated with UCH's being a Certified Green Sanctuary, Welcoming Congregation, Greater Chicago Food Depository volunteering, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Clinic Escorts, and more.
Social Action Committee (SAC)
Embracing a UU pursuit of truth and meaning, the SAC:
- Shapes and encourages programing that reveals the realities behind the challenges facing our world.
- Promotes interest in UU denominational initiatives, as well as other social justice concerns.
- Identifies ways to complement the wide variety of UCH social action endeavor listed above.
Examples of SAC Programs
- Organized action efforts.
- Lectures/Discussions led by outside speakers and experts from UCH.
- Musical programs advancing social justice.
- Viewings/Discussions of topical films and PBS productions.
- Workshops on societal issues.
Monthly Collections for Social Justice
Recipients of UCH’s Monthly Collections for Social Justice are determined in a summertime SAC meeting open to all congregants. Then on the first Sunday of each month, UCH members and friends have the opportunity to give to the cause of the month. Past recipients have ranged from Hinsdale Community Service to Amnesty International. To date, these collections have gathered over $25,000.
Social Action Tables
Social Action Tables are an ongoing opportunity to cast a UU perspective on a wide variety of societal concerns. Make your cause known by producing a table for display in church. See the SAC to sign up.
Meetings - Join Us!
The SAC meets in the RE Building on the first Sunday of each month for about 45 minutes starting at 12:00 noon. Meetings are open to all with agendas produced before meetings however open to what participants bring.