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Seminar Details:

THE MOST IMPORTANT SEMINAR YOU’LL EVER ATTEND,
TO GIVE THE MOST IMPORTANT GIFT OF YOUR LIFE…

Saturday, February 23, 9 am – 3:30 pm
(This event has passed, but we are displaying the content so that those interested may download the materials. For more information and to make reservations please contact:
Pat Miller at 630-654-0603 or greatestgiftucangive@gmail.com)
An end of life decision day seminar

We all have to encounter dying and death—with those we love, and for
ourselves. The end of life provides a unique opportunity for us to serve
each other, to teach each other, to enjoy immense personal fulfillment
and, ultimately, to find serenity and peace—through both the process of
dying and being with the dying. The end of life is a part of life we must
experience. Let us make the experience positive.”

Loretta Downs

The subject is one that many people avoid, yet it will affect every one of us in
our lifetime; death of a loved one and our own death.

When my mother died several years ago, it wasn’t until we went to the funeral
home, faced with so many decisions, that I realized she had given us the
greatest gift…planning for her own death and communicating what she wanted.
I cannot begin to tell you what a great comfort it was, deep in grief, not to
question what to do.

It is in this vein that I have put together a full day seminar. The day will be
filled with information from a lawyer, hospice, grief specialist, minister and
funeral home. My hope is that every attendee will come away with a greater
understanding of what choices and arrangements can be made by the living. To
start a conversation with one’s loved ones, to leave the knowledge of what to do,
or to make arrangements in advance.

For more information and to make reservations please contact:
Pat Miller at 630-654-0603 or greatestgiftucangive@gmail.com

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: Dan Bennecke at dtbenn001@gmail.com

Upcoming show dates:

Saturday, April 13, 2013
Harpeth Rising

Saturday, May 18, 2013
Kitty Donohoe and Craig Werth

Animal Ministry

UCH Animal Ministry is a chapter of UU Animal Ministry.  The chapter seeks to expand the congregation’s awareness of issues involving cruelty to animals, compassionate consumerism, ethical eating, wildlife conservation and companion animals.  We are the first congregation in the world to be certified under the UU Animal Ministry’s Reverence for Life program.

Animal Ministry normally meets on the second Sunday of the month at noon in RE Building Room 5. For more information, contact Tiff Bohn at AnimalMinistry@hotmail.com

Upcoming meetings are:
4/14
5/5 Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale
5/19

Baseball Outing

The DuPage County Hounds Baseball Team is the newest and hottest thing to hit the western Suburbs of Chicago. The team plays at the 1,100 seat Benedictine University baseball stadium, which is located in Lisle near where I-88 and I-355 intersect.
All of the games feature stadium seating, a full concession stand, FREE parking, in-game promotions, our mascot “Page the Dog”, a kid’s zone, run the bases and autographs from the players after the game for FREE.

Join us for UCH at the Game on June 21^st at 7:00pm on All Faith Night. Tickets are only $5.00 and include a special logo t-shirt! Contact Pam Fodor at re@hinsdaleunitarian.org for more information and to reserve your seat.

Beltane Service

Join us on Sunday, May 5, at noon, for our annual Beltane celebration on the church lawn. Traditional cultures marked the start of summer at the beginning of May, and hoped and prayed for bountiful crops and healthy flocks. Our ancestors celebrated Beltane, around the first of May, with fires, festivals, and dancing around the Maypole. Our own Beltane celebration features music, food, drink, a pageant on the turning of the seasons complete with the Green Man and the Snow Queen, and of course our own Maypole. All ages are welcome.

Board of Trustees

Elected trustees meet on the second Tuesday of each month to conduct the business of the church. Members and friends are welcome to attend board meetings. If you are interested in serving as a trustee contact Julia Beckman at beckman110@comcast.net.

Bylaws Committee

Do you have a knack for paying attention to detail? The bylaw committee meets when called to examine the church’s bylaws document for contradiction and repetition. For more information contact Pam Fodor at re@hinsdaleunitarian.org.

Caring Committee

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 care 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 Pam Fodor, Director of Programs at re@hinsdaleunitarian.org or 630-323-2885.

Care Shawl

Do you knit or crochet? Then this is the place for you. Join fellow knitters four times a year to share patterns and fellowship. Learn how to knit a Care Shawl which is crafted with intention, and positive, caring, healing and happy thoughts. They are then blessed in a special, simple ceremony and given to members and friends of the congregation in need of caring. For more information and the date and time of our next gathering please contact Pam Fodor at re@hinsdaleunitarian.org.

Celebration Singers

The Celebration Singers are a friendly group of adults who enjoy the musical challenges offered them by Director Julia Beckman, who founded the choir in 1974. She continues to consider it a privilege to lead them. One of the many benefits of singing for Unitarian services is the freedom to choose a wonderful variety of music, both secular and religious – folk songs, spirituals, great classical and contemporary works, with an occasional trip into the world of jazz. This variety is challenging, rewarding, and fun. Julia believes that humor and laughter improve vocal quality — and keep volunteers showing up early on Sunday mornings! If you can carry a tune and enjoy singing, give the group a try! Voices needed in every section. Rehearsals are on Sundays at 9:15am in Room 4 of the RE building, and performances are approximately once a month. Call Julia Beckman, 630-985-4688, or email her at beckman110@comcast.net for details.

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 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 the church office at office@hinsdaleunitarian.org or 630-323-2885.

Communications Committee

Having an exciting website and a presence on Facebook and Twitter is of paramount importance in today’s world. If you are a “techy” this would be a wonderful committee to share your talents. Contact Dan Bennecke for more information at dtbenn001@gmail.com

Endowment Fund Committee

Endowment Fund investments are selected and managed by a committee of five church members, elected by the congregation at the annual meeting. The Endowment Fund committee is responsible directly to the congregation. The terms of the committee members are five years in length, to ensure that the committee has continuity and that elected members are in place for sufficient time to learn how to manage the fund. One member is elected to the committee each year. Nominations for the Endowment Committee are made by the church nominating committee. For more information contact board trustee Steve Trout at steven_trout@sbcglobal.net.

Finance Committee

Are you blessed with the skill of managing funds? Consider joining the finance committee. This committee oversees the church’s financial needs by helping to create the yearly budget and meets each month to keep the church fiscally sound. Contact Steve Trout at steven_trout@sbcglobal.net.

Gardening & Landscape Volunteers

Do you appreciate a weedless garden and enjoy being outside?  Join our team of volunteers to help keep the UCH yards and gardens beautiful. There are a few work parties scheduled throughout the year and/or volunteers garden according to their personal calendars. For more information contact Charlie Fischer at cfis@sbcglobal.net

Garden Committee

The Garden Committee vets new ideas and introductions, helping to shape the ever-evolving vision of UCH’s out-of-doors. The committee helps to ensure that the landscape garden interests of the church are met, and welcomes your thoughts, concerns, opinions, ideas, etc. For more information contact Charlie Fischer at cfis@sbcglobal.net

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: Dennis Sejut at sejutjanice@comcast.net.

Holiday Harvest

Yes, it’s a fundraiser but oh, what fun! There’s delectable gourmet food that delights the most discriminating palate along with toe tapping music. 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 our church friends and neighbors. Contact: Joe Pakovits jrpcdb@yahoo.com or Jay Van Cura at jvancura@sbcglobal.net or (708) 447-6500.

Membership Ministry

The membership ministry serves as outreach to visitors as well as ministering to members and friends of our church family. This group of dedicated people recruit ushers and greeters, help organize adult programs, contact visitors, organize neighborhood parties and more! If you are looking to become more involved in our church community this is a wonderful place to start! For more information contact Jane Foulser at jfoulser@mindspring.com

Upcoming meetings:
April 17
May 15

Mom’s Group

Join fellow UU moms for support, networking, idea sharing and camaraderie. This group is currently reading and discussing the book Tending the Flame: The Art of UU Parenting. This group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-9pm in room 6 of the RE Building and always welcomes new members. For more information contact Pam Fodor at re@hinsdaleunitarian.org.

New UU

Our denomination was well represented among the signers of 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, The Unitarian Church of Hinsdale 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!  If you are interested contact Jane Foulser at jfoulser@mindspring.com or (630) 833-3028. Check back for our Fall dates.

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 is Joe Pakovits jrpcdb@yahoo.com

Upcoming Dates:
Mar. 21
April 25
May 17
June 16 (this is usually a picnic!)

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, jackieKF@aol.com or www.pflag.com.

Play Reading Group

Play reading is a group of like-minded UUs who enjoy watching plays.  Each month a member of the group hosts a play reading either at their home or at UCH.  Plays range from tragedies to comedies, classics to recently debuted plays.  The play readers are cast from other members of the group.  If you enjoy watching plays or would like to try acting without having to memorize lines, give the Play Reading group a try.  For more details, contact Jean Noble at jeannoble03@hotmail.com

Religion Lectures

Presented by Bruce Woll

Bringing the Bible(s) Back Down to Earth: Going backstage to visit the workshops of the Ancient Near Eastern, Ancient Israelite, Second Temple Jewish, and First Century worlds that produced the sacred scriptures of the West.

“On December 3, 1872, the Bible forever lost its immemorial prerogative of being ‘the oldest book known,’ ‘a book unlike others,’ ‘the book dictated, written, by God Himself.’” Behind that pronouncement were thousands of writings on clay tablets dug up from the sands of the Near East. Those discoveries, along with others such as the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 1940s and 50s, hundreds of other writings and artifacts stumbled on or dug up from the earth by archaeologists, together with changes in historical scholarship such as the entry of women, minorities, non-confessional and non-Western scholars especially in the past fifty years, are producing a dramatically different picture of the writings and collections that make up our Western scriptures. The purpose of this series of talks is to draw a sketch, or outline, of a 21^st century picture in a way that makes sense to anyone interested in what human histories have to tell us about ourselves, and, more importantly, acknowledges the moral ambiguity of the Biblical writings, a legacy of evil as well as good that goes all the way down. For information, contact Pam Fodor at re@hinsdaleunitarian.org

Lecture Dates:
April 7, 14, 21, 28 and May 5 from 12:15-1:30pm

Woman’s Health Care Clinic Escorts

Are you passionate about woman’s right to choose appropriate health care? You may want to consider being a health clinic escort!Call Velaine Carnall for more information 708-354-2477

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 Betty Mathias at bettyloumathias@yahoo.com or (708) 482-0892

Upcoming Dates:
April 11, 2013  Luncheon at College of DuPage Culinary School in Glen Ellyn
May 9, 2013  Travelogue- Our Most Interesting Journeys
June 13, 2013  Pot Luck Luncheon

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:
It shapes and encourages programming that reveals the realities behind the challenges facing our world. It promotes interest in UU denominational initiatives, as well as other social justice concerns and identifies ways to complement the wide variety of UCH social action endeavors. Join the SAC for monthly meetings on the first Sunday of every month at 12:00Noon. For more information contact Kim Johnson kimjnsn@clear.net.

Spirituality on Tap

Informal discussions of spirituality and religion over a beer (or wine) held monthly on the 3rd Monday at 7:00 pm at Irish Times, 8869 Burlington, Brookfield, IL 60513. Phone 708-485-8787. We will be in a small room called Phelan’s Cove. A Monday night feature at Irish Times is $5 burgers. Veggie burgers are also available. Discussion facilitated by Marian Honel-Wilson. Questions? Contact Marian at mhonelwilson@gmail.com or 708-903-5370.

Upcoming Dates:
April 15
May 20
June 17
July 15
August 19
September 16
October 21
November 18
December 16

Soup Group

Soup Group meets on the third Monday of every month at the church for a soup lunch and good conversation. For more information contact Velaine Carnall at 708-354-2477.

Woman’s Health Care Clinic Escorts

Are you passionate about woman’s right to choose appropriate health care? You may want to consider being a health clinic escort!
Call Velaine Carnall for more information 708-354-2477

Welcome

Here at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale we have a continuing commitment to the spiritually rich and psychologically sound nurture of your children and youth. Our comprehensive program embodies our Unitarian Universalism principles and heritage. We seek to provide our young people with opportunities for worship, learning and fellowship activities that will guide them along their spiritual journey.

Our Director of Religious Education, Pam Fodor, with support from our strong Religious Education Committee, take great care in preparing fun, captivating, classes, workshops, activities and worship services to help our young people explore their Unitarian Universalist beliefs and values as they grow and mature.

Pam Fodor is happy to speak with you further about the program. Please feel free to contact her at 630-323-2885 or re@hinsdaleunitarian.org.

Mission Statement

The goals of the children and youth religious education program are to cultivate:

* a UU perspective toward life
* attitudes of inquiry
* an appreciation of nature
* excitement and reverence for life
* a joy of companionship
* an evaluation of worth and beauty
* a willingness to contemplate those things which are deep and meaningful

Without imposing specific doctrine(s) upon our young people we strive to teach a way of thinking and a way of approaching life as a Unitarian Universalist.

We aspire to this goal through

* age appropriate curricula
* worship services
* examples of our own adults’ contemplation of life and religion
* group service projects
* social gatherings
* special workshops

Preschool

Ages: 3, 4, and Pre-K 5
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 3 (lower level of RE Building)

Chalice Children

This curriculum is based on the belief that preschool children gain a sense of belonging to their religious community and the UU faith when they have concrete experiences with its people and places.

Kindergarten and First Grade

Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 2 (lower level of RE Building)

Treasure Hunting

The theme of treasure hunting involves children in the excitement of the search for the meaning of life at the concrete level of their understanding. Each week’s activities encourages children to explore a value which is tied to one or more of the UU principles.

Second and Third Grade

Free to Believe

This is an experiential program designed to nurture the emotional, social, and spiritual life of children. They will explore values, beliefs and what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. This year will also include the Our Whole Lives Program.

Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 4, (lower level of RE Building)

Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Grade

Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Joshi Chapel, (upper level of RE Building)

Bibleodeon

This curriculum is an experiential program introducing young Unitarian Universalists to the stories and history of the Hebrew and Christian Bibles to help them make connections to biblical references in today’s literature, art, music and politics.

Seventh and Eighth Grade

Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 5, (upper level of RE Building)

Our Whole Lives

OWL is a comprehensive approach to human sexuality presented in an age appropriate manner. It is based firmly on the values of respect, responsibility, justice, and inclusivity. The junior high youth will examine their values; discuss sexuality and body awareness, gender and diversity, sexual orientation and gender identity, relationships, lovemaking, responsible sexual behavior, STIs and sexual abuse.
Time: 10:30 AM

Ninth through Twelfth Grades

Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Room 6 (upper level of RE Building)

SENIOR YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS

Senior Youth Group youth meet with advisors to participate in a supportive environment in which they can explore their feelings about themselves, their world and their religion. Some curriculum is used, as determined by the desires of the group. Youth and advisors work jointly to plan and participate in social action projects, leadership development, and opportunities for worship.

Registration

For registration information, please contact Pam Fodor at 630-323-2885 or re@hinsdaleunitarian.org

More Details about the  Holiday Harvest in 2013 to come

Make plans now to join us for our biggest social gathering and major fund-raiser of the year, and help the cause every way you can: Take a business donation form, sign up to fill a task, donate, attend, and have fun! Our new Holiday Harvest HR maven is Deborah Stillman, so approach her to find a slot you can fill before, during, and after the big night, TBD.

I have been a member of UCH since 1966 and served in many capacities; President of the Alliance, RE Chair, Fundraising Chair, Clinic Escort. But, I’m most proud that I founded and still direct the Celebration Singers who enrich many church services throughout the year. In the community, I’m serving my 5th term on the Community High School 99 Board of Education, home of two large high schools located in Downers Grove, and was board president for 10 years. Professionally I have over 20 years’ experience in human resource management and am currently enjoying being a Job Coach with Challenger, Gray and Christmas, the oldest outplacement company in the U.S. I approach the job of president of our congregation with great humility, a love of this church and a desire to help all of its members and friends minister to each other and to the community.

Karen McDowell – Vice President

Although raised basically as a Unitarian in the Rockford church, there’s a little Methodist indoctrination, with a Christian Science-reared mother in the mix. To marry a Catholic, I took instruction, which made me appreciate my roots all the more. My career was teaching English, speech, and remedial reading and directing high school musicals. I found UCH in the late 70′s when I sought RE for my daughter, and attended for 10 years, then took a hiatus, returning in 2004 after retiring . I joined the choir immediately, was secretary on the Board from 2005 – 2008, have co-chaired Holiday Harvest since 2006, led a chalice circle for three years, am a founding member of Green Sanctuary, and helped with the AWR revitalization. I admire the dedication of the many members who step up and “get ‘er done” for the good of the church, and will, with so many others, work to continue to build a strong, caring community.

Beth Staas – Secretary

Reared Lutheran by devout German immigrants, church attendance provided an excellent education, exposing me to serious poetry and classical music in the form of hymns, and the discipline of deductive logic found in Sunday sermons. This, along with its spiritual nourishment, has kept church important to me. So when intellectual honesty demanded that I reject traditional theology, I still felt the need for a church home. Newly married, my husband and I found it at Third Unitarian Church in Chicago. Soon corporate gypsies that followed my husband’s paycheck, we moved across the country, finding a welcoming Unitarian home each and every time. We were even involved in building several Fellowships into bona fide churches. Hinsdale Unitarian is the twelfth congregation I’ve joined and am pleased to say that my five children are still Unitarian. Over the years I’ve been active in Religious Education, chairing committees and teaching as well as serving two short stints as DRE during baby-boom years when volunteers did everything. I was active in Women’s Alliance, sang in the choir and spent several years writing a church newsletter. I have been on two different Minister’s Advisory Committees, have conducted occasional lay-services and plunged into the demands of organizing and running a church library. Now widowed and retired from teaching, I spend my time writing in whatever venue strikes my fancy.

Mike Pabian – Treasurer

Recently retired from in-house attorney position with Exelon (ComEd) and previously with Ameritech.  Originally from Detroit.  Raised Catholic but “ran away” (i.e., did not “fall away”) after the light went on in college.  (“In Humanae Vitae” helped a great deal in that regard.)  Began regularly attending services at UCH about 20 years ago, after several years of coming for the “ritual” at Christmas.  Taught RE (K-1, Haunting House) periodically for a number of years.  My first students are now well past college age.  Live in Western Springs with long-time spouse, Janelle.  Adult kids – Daniel, David, and Sarah – are all RE alums.

Tiff Bohn – Trustee at Large

Portfolios: Faith in Action

Susan Hebble

Portfolio: Religious Education

As a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and a 12-year-member of UCH, I am dedicated not only to this church but to the denomination. A few years ago, I served on the board for 2 years (managing the Communications portfolio), and over the years I’ve been involved in the Religious Education program, teaching, mentoring for Coming of Age, and serving on and, for 3 years, chairing the R.E. Committee. I have co-edited the Touchstone for several years as well. I’ve been involved in several other local non-profit organizations, such as Girl Scouts, PTA, our school district’s Band and Orchestra Association, our school district’s Foundation for Educational Excellence, and Constance Morris House. I have a PhD in English and teach part time at College of DuPage. My husband, Jeff, and I have two daughters, 20 and 15, who have both enjoyed our wonderful R.E. program. I think our church is entering an exciting time with lots of potential for development and growth, and I look forward to contributing what I can during the upcoming transition.

Deb Stillman – Trustee at Large

Portfolio: Membership

Growing up in New Orleans as a Reform Jew, I never thought that I would belong to any other denomination. Then in 1991, when my husband, Tom, and I with our two young children moved to the Chicagoland area, we were in search of a more encompassing religion. Since this was pre-internet, Tom discovered UCH in the phonebook and began attending Sunday services. I followed shortly thereafter with our children, Dara, now 25, and Slater, now 22. The strong RE program, the people, and the wonderful music that filled the sanctuary every Sunday were the draws for us. We joined the congregation in 1994.

We have been attending UCH off and on since then. During the “off” times, my husband’s career has taken our family to the Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area, Ottawa, Ontario, and Denver where we have been affiliated with other Unitarian churches. During those years, I have served on RE Committees, chairing two of them, and taught several RE curriculums. Since our return to UCH in 2009, I have been a mentor for the Coming of Age class, am currently serving on the Membership Committee. This year, I am the Volunteer Coordinator for Holiday Harvest and serving on the Board of Trustees with the Membership portfolio. I am looking forward to serving as a Board of Trustee with the Membership, as we move forward into a new era for the congregation.

Steven Trout – Trustee at Large

Portfolio: Finance

I grew up attending Paint Branch Unitarian Church in Silver Springs, Maryland, where my parents have
remained active members for over 40 years. Since moving to Chicago 23 years ago, I first attended
the Second Unitarian Church of Chicago. Later, I joined the Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist
Congregation, after Athena and I married and moved to Elmwood Park over 20 years ago. We
discovered the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale over 8 years ago, shortly after moving to Western Springs.

Since joining UCH about 5 years ago, I have gotten increasingly involved, helping with business
solicitations for Holiday Harvest, a Chalice Circle group that meets Saturday mornings twice a month,
and with special projects, such as installing insulation in the Sanctuary attic. While getting involved
takes time, Athena and I find that doing so offers an enriching opportunity to learn, grow, and make
friends and connections to the UCH Community.

Dana White – Trustee at Large

Portfolio: Buildings and Grounds

Raised in the Methodist church, I began to question my beliefs while in college. I became a UU while living in Peoria after graduating from college. Became trustee and sang in the choir like I do at UCH. Moved away from Peoria in 1972 and didn’t rejoin the a UU group until 2007 when I started coming to UCH. I now wish I had been active in the UU as my kids were growing up.

I am a retired manufacturing engineer and currently drive a school bus for something to do. Live in Darien with wife Shirley. Two of my sons live close with their families. My daughter and her family live in Minneapolis area. I really enjoy the non-fiction book club and choir. I’m a fix-it guy and have restored a 1969 Mustang which I take to car shows and cruise nights throughout the summer.

Dan Bennecke – Trustee at Large

Portfolio – Communication

Bio to come

Pam Fodor – Director of Programs

I have a long history here at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale. I grew up in the church and am proud to be a product of our religious education program.

My mother was the Director of Religious Education while I was growing up and our family valued the seven principles and purposes of our faith. I participated in all levels of the religious education program and was an active member of the High School Youth Group. I have fond memories of being dedicated at the age of six, building a cardboard home in Haunting House, painting the RE Kitchen cabinets in Junior High and of Lock-Ins in High School.

I earned a degree in Elementary Education from National-Louis University. I have taught First, Third and Fourth Grades in both public and private schools. I also have education and experience in Early Childhood Education. After college I returned to the church to teach all the grade levels including being a Senior Youth advisor and trained Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Facilitator.

My family and I have celebrated marriages, baby dedications, anniversaries, and memorial services here at the church and I truly feel that The Unitarian Church of Hinsdale is just as much a part of my family as I am a part of its church family.

I am now raising my daughter in the church and religious education program and it is my goal to fill her, and all the other young people in our church family with the true spirit of Unitarian Universalist values.

Chris Garofalo – Music Director

Chris Garofalo has been an active pianist, accompanist and composer in the Chicago area for many years. His compositions include works for solo piano, voice, and choral ensembles. As a soloist, he has performed in Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy and J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. In 1990, he appeared on the television series Music Alive! sponsored by the Chicago Department of Film and Entertainment. With a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, he has been the Director of Music at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale since 1987, and maintains a private teaching studio. Chris’ latest recording, Silhouettes, was released in November 2005. The CD features 12 original compositions for solo piano, plus the original song cycle Within the Circle of the Seasons, with tenor Henry Pleas. The four poems are from Edward Searl’s collection of seasonal reflections Beggar’s Bouquet. Previous recordings, produced by Melinda Perrin, include Left Brain/Right Brain (1998), Earth Air Fire Water (1989), Luminaria (1990), and Soliloquy (1991). In 1999, he accompanied tenor Henry Pleas on Henry’s first CD: Deep River: A Spiritual Journey. The recording Silhouettes and scores for Chris’ original compositions are available at www.ChrisGarofaloMusic.com.

Linda Liberacki – Director of Operations

Bio to come

http://www.mannagroup.net/

Please use Organization# 1443

You will be assigned an INDIVIDUAL code for your own order.

You can pay directly online and your order will be delivered with our regular monthly order.  (The Tuesday before the third Sunday of the month).

For questions or to obtain your code, please contact Noreen Costelloe at 708 334 0209 or noreencostelloe@sbcglobal.net.

Take in the classical sounds of a traditional chamber concert, featuring The Grant Street Quartet and classical guitar.  This unique musical ensemble will feature Jennifer Leckie and Sharon Change on violin, Ben Weber on viola, Tim Archbold on cello and guitarist Jason Deroche.  The program will include music by Mauro Giuliani, Ludwig van Beethoven and more.  The concert is hosted by Jason Deroche and will be performed at the First Congregational Church of Western Springs on Saturday, June 16th, 3:00 – 4:00pm. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets please visit www.pillarscommunity.org or call 708.995.3512. Questions? Contact Colleen Mallon at cmallon@pillarscommunity.org or at 708.995.9512.

We will gather to celebrate the life of Darline Petersen on Saturday, May 4 at 1pm in the
sanctuary and we will remember Les Munson on Saturday, May 18 at 11am. We hold
these members in loving memory and their families with compassion.

Bringing the Bible(s) Back Down to Earth: Experiments in Freedom

Talks on the history of the Bible with emphasis on early Israel, early Judaism and early
Christianity will be held in the Church sanctuary today and May 5 from 12:15 to 1:30
p.m. Check the calendar on our website www.hinsdaleunitarian.org and click on Religion
Lectures for more information.

Plant a Little Extra

If you are in the process of planning or planting your garden, think about planting a little
extra something to share. The Green Sanctuary Committee is working on a project to help
us share the bounties of our gardens with others. Stay tuned for further details in the next
few weeks.

Manna Script Cards Available

We have gas and grocery cards available for purchase at the Manna table in the AWR.
Styrofoam Recycling Collections will be today and May 5. Bags will be available from Frank Costanza, Dave
Lloyd, Karen McDowell, Dan Menis, or Dennis Sejut. Remember to separate rinsed food
items from shipping forms and compact as much as possible.

Beltane

The Beltane celebration will be held on the lawn Sunday, May 5, at noon. Enjoy a pageant
with the Green Man and Snow Queen, eat, drink, sing, and dance the Maypole!

UU 4 You

Curious about membership in the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale??? Are you a visitor
or a long-time member with questions? Join us Sunday, May 19, at 12:00 in the
sanctuary to find out more. Rev. Helen will answer questions about what it means to
be a UU at UCH and in the wider Unitarian Universalist Association. See Pam Fodor
re@hinsdaleunitarian.org or Rev. Helen minister@hinsdaleunitarian.org if you have
questions or to sign up. Light refreshments will be served and childcare can be provided
with advance notice. WELCOME!

Nominating Committee News

The nominating committee has been formed to slate the 2013-2014 Board of Trustees. It
is composed of returning members of the committee, Mary Getty & Gene Parvin. Two
members from the Board of Trustees, Steve Trout and Deborah Stillman, have also joined
the committee. They will present the slate of candidates to the congregation at the annual
meeting, which will be held on Sunday, June 16.

Also, the nominating committee has been tasked with collecting recommendations from
the congregation for the Ministerial Search Committee. The committee, along with the
Board of Trustees, will be contacting by telephone each congregant over the next few
weeks to gather names. The committee will tabulate the results and also present this slate
to the congregation at the annual meeting.

New Hymnals Wanted

Want to help us purchase the new teal hymnals, “Singing the Journey”? Mark “Singing
the Journey” in the memo of your $18 donation check and drop it in the collection plate.
Contact Pam Fodor for more information at re@hinsdaleunitarian.org

Sunday Volunteers

• The Membership Committee is recruiting ushers and greeters. Sign up at the Visitor
Table, contact Jane Foulser at jfoulser@mindspring.com or call the church office, 630-
323-2885.
• Being a Coffee Volunteer is a great way to help out at the church. Contact Tim Dvorak:
815-258-2477 [text or call]; timothy_a_dvorak@rsh.net
• Consider providing flowers for the pulpit for Sunday service. You can bring flowers
or have them ordered for $50. Please write your order and dedication in the red binder
located in the Rutherford living room.

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Sunday Service Flower Donations

Please consider providing flowers for the pulpit for Sunday service. You can add a dedication that will be in the Order of Service. You can bring flowers or have the church office order flowers for $50. Please write your order and dedication in the red binder located in the Rutherford living room at the back of the church.

Usher and Greeters Needed

The Membership Committee is recruiting ushers and greeters for January to June, 2013. Stop by the Visitor Table and sign up or contact Jane Foulser at jfoulser@mindspring.com or call the church office, 630-323-2885.

Coffee Volunteers Needed
Being a Coffee Volunteer is a fun, easy way to help out at the church. A minimum of two volunteers per Sunday are needed. Contact Tim Dvorak: 815-258-2477 [text or call]; timothy_a_dvorak@rsh.net