union church of hinsdale ministries and fellowship groups · christmas eve and honoring family and...

Union Church of HinsdaleUnited Church of Christ

UNION CHURCH OF HINSDALEMinistries and Fellowship Groups

HINSDALE_REVISED_SIZEvFINAL3.indd 3 8/18/20 5:28 PM

The Lord be with you!

As the Sr. Pastor, I don’t have too many strict rules for the pastoral staff, but I insist

that every worship service begin with the simple, ancient greeting, “The Lord be with

you.” It is at once a greeting, a prayer, and a sign of our identity. The people respond

to the greeting, saying, “And also with you.” With those words, we acknowledge our

connection to each other, our connection with God, and our commitment to living,

however imperfectly, as followers of Jesus.

Who are we? As the ancient greeting implies, we prioritize our friendships with each

other, because good old-fashioned friendships are at the heart of any vibrant church.

We also value the connection to God that Union Church makes possible. There is

no one “right” way to be connected to God, but we share the journey of discovering

what that means in our lives. And our life together is grounded in our halting efforts

to be the people that Jesus would want us to be. We summarize that by saying that

we encourage people “to grow in personal, curious, generous, and socially engaged

Christian faith.”

In many ways, it’s the details that matter more, so… Our worship is, honestly,

eclectic. From Sunday to Sunday at our 10:00 a.m. service you might hear J. S. Bach,

U2, Lauren Daigle, and even Avicii. And at our 9:07 service, aimed at people with

young children, the kids might get dirty hands, receive the Lord’s Supper for the first

time, make some serious noise with shakers, and almost always hear a story. At both

services you’ll likely hear a message that tries to get at what Christian faith can mean

today – without pious platitudes.

You’ll find that we feed hungry people, work on systemic injustices around mental

health care, send people to build relationships and serve in Guatemala and Angola,

buy Christmas gifts for friends in need, and help children learn what it means to

“give back.”

There is so much we do together! In these pages we hope you get a glimpse of

Union Church and perhaps a seed will be planted about how you could be part of

our community of faith but you’ll see even more if you come to be a part of the life

of Union Church!


Mike SolbergSr. Pastor


Union Church of Hinsdale | United Church of Christ

We have power... And we are obliged to use our power, with others, to make the world more like Jesus would want it to be.

UCH MinistriesWorship MinistryWhen you walk into a church – the personal touches make a church a home. These personal touches are coordinated by the Worship Ministry. We identify volunteer ushers to greet the congregation and guests every week and serve communion on a monthly basis. We decorate the sanctuary and chapel with banners and flowers on special occasions. We perform many behind the scene tasks that make our services welcoming such as candle lighting on All Saints Day, providing handheld candles for Christmas Eve and honoring family and friends with poinsettias at Christmas, and spring flowers at Easter. Our worship services are at 9:07 a.m. for the family oriented service with the emphasis on telling the stories of the bible to children and their parents and the 10:00 am service is for anyone, with traditional and contemporary music, a sermon, prayer, communion and reflection.



Christian Education MinistryChristian Education has long sought both to inspire a hunger for spiritual growth and to provide opportunities that respond creatively to this hunger in our community. From infants to adults, the goal is to encourage a life-long quest for a deepening relationship with God and a recognition of God’s presence in every dimension of life. The ministry seeks to nurture personal faith exploration, foster a sense of community, and encourage involvement in outreach. We plan and conduct a Sunday School, with opportunities for children, youth and ongoing learning opportunities for adults. We work in partnership with other Union Church ministries to facilitate Christian educational programs, such as Advent and Lenten family program, Bible studies, Simple Supper groups, Vacation Bible School, and Christmas Pageant.

Youth MinistryWe have the amazing opportunity to provide direction and support for our youth through leadership development, worship and music in combination with the Music Ministry, ongoing youth group activities and special fellowship events, informative and educational programming in partnership with the Christian Education Ministry.

Elementary and Middle SchoolOur school program is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our children and youth. With weekly meetings, we focus on fun and fellowship, Christian education through programs like confirmation, as well as laying the groundwork for healthy relationships and sexuality through the Our Whole Lives (OWL) UCC faith and sexuality curriculum.

High SchoolDuring the school year, our high school program meets Sunday evenings for 90 minutes. At the beginning of each meeting we discuss our highs and lows of the week as Paul calls us to do in Romans 12:45 – Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Our activities range from fun offsite events like mini-golf or going to the movies to religious/spiritual exploration through meditation and discussions/experiences with other faith traditions. With board game nights and current issues discussions, we run the gamut of youth group options. Our big trip is a 10-day summer work tour with an emphasis not only on physical work, but also on mental/spiritual work of addressing the structures and systems of injustice that maintain the inequality present in our country.

We love children and youth, and as they grow, we help them develop personal, curious, generous, and socially engaged Christian faith.


Christian Mission MinistryWe inspire, enlist and coordinate opportunities for service, both personal and financial. We identify needs in Hinsdale and beyond that can be served by our church. We have the unique opportunity to consider requests for support and distribute financial and volunteer resources for programs that educate our church on opportunities for benevolent acts of kindness and compassion.

Mission is an important part of the international and domestic outreach of Union Church. We strive to involve the congregation in efforts to support the Night Ministry, A Just Harvest, HCS Family Services, San Lucas UCC, DuPage PADS and the Boulevard. We also support the Dondi Mission Station Hospital Doctor Fund and the Language Institute in Huambo, both in Angola. We have a congregational partnership with the Peregrinos Church in Huambo, Angola and take a bi-annual work trip to Guatemala with Habitat for Humanity. We sponsor scholarships through Dreams & Hopes in Guatemala and we support the Union Church Soup Ministry. Each member of our mission is a liaison to our mission agencies and is responsible for coordinating with this agency to meet their needs.

Parish Life MinistryThis energetic group provides so much vitality to Union Church. We coordinate the preparations for holidays and other special occasions. We oversee Sunday morning coffee in the Gathering Place by providing the congregation an opportunity to interact with visitors, new members, and longtime friends. That’s not all! We also coordinate the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Union Church Picnic, Fourth of July on the lawn, Ice Cream Social, Beer & Brats party, the installation of the annual Christmas decorations, and holiday caroling excursion to retirement homes and homebound individuals. Parish Life Ministry is a critical part of events that bring our congregation together and celebrate life at Union Church throughout the year.

We love children and youth, and as they grow, we help them develop personal, curious, generous, and socially engaged Christian faith.

The Christian Social Justice MinistryThis Ministry aims to help the church and its members live out the Scripture’s simple charge to “do justice.” We define justice as well-being for everyone, including those who currently find little well-being in life. We help members assess the state of Christian social justice in a contemporary life and identify the conditions that are barriers to realization – injustice resulting from racism, sexism, LGBTQ discrimination, and much more.

We focus on one-on-one conversations to identify what people really care about, what keeps them awake at night, what is the biggest disconnect between what they experience in their lives and in our community compared to “the way things should be.” We ground our work in real, local, personal concerns.

We also research issues and educate the congregation in a variety of ways. As a member of DuPage United, we share good information with the congregation. We boil complicated information down to simple actions that people in the congregation can do like write a letter about a specific issue or go to a Council meeting to show your support.



Music MinistryOur ministry members have the beautiful opportunity to oversee a music program that is an integral component of a vibrant and progressive church. We guide and promote the many opportunities for members of the church to be part of the music for services of worship and for special events. These opportunities include participation in a talented chancel choir, the handbell choir, an enthusiastic children’s chimes, a children’s choir and a women’s ensemble. Our ministry works collaboratively with Ministers and other ministry teams to create meaningful, multi-generational worship through music. We also provide recommendations for special musical events and for musicians and musical instruments, and supervise the maintenance and use of the musical instruments, choir robes and choir library of the church.

Membership Development MinistryWe lead and empower the whole congregation in inviting and welcoming the community and non-members to worship, church programs and other church activities. We call upon new residents in and around our community that show interest in forming a connection to our congregation. We utilize a variety of connections to welcome and receive those individuals and families that are interested in becoming members of our church.

Endowment Fund MinistryThroughout the history of Union Church, members have donated funds to our Endowment Fund. We oversee the Fund that will help support Union Church and its ministries for future generations. The funds are used to maintain our building and staff, provide music for our services and support our charitable efforts. In addition to managing the Endowment fund, we host fundraising events for our church members and receptions to financially support the Endowment Fund.

Trustees MinistryWe are the ministry that are the caretakers of the real and personal property of our church. (Our ministry efforts are critically important to the overall management and fiscal health of Union Church.) We are responsible for the maintenance and improvements and use of the church. We manage financial affairs as well as supervise the work of the Treasurer. We manage compensation of employees, review the records and invest the funds of the church. We are responsible for the procurement of supplies, furnishings and equipment, the acceptance of gifts and management of all contracts and claims.

After being a member of Union Church for many years, I recently joined the Worship Ministry. This ministry involvement opened my eyes to the many activities that the church promotes and allowed me the opportunity to meet a membership of sharing and caring individuals. One of my favorite experiences was getting to know one of our teenage members who considers Union Church part of his family.

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2019 Mission Ministry provided support to six agencies: The Night Ministry, A Just Harvest, Hinsdale Community Service, San Lucas UCC Soup Kitchen, PADS, and the Boulevard.

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Early Childhood Education

Union Church Early Childhood Program (UCECP)Since 1955, Union Church has been proud to be the home of the premier pre-school in the community. We serve over 175 families and 300 children from 6 weeks – kindergarten. The UCECP’s mission is to inspire a love of learning by nurturing respect and compas-sion, challenging children to think deeply and purposefully, and motivating children to work toward a better world. The faculty of the UCECP is comprised of highly educated teachers who exceed the DCFS standards for education. Our faculty stays abreast of research findings in early childhood by attending professional development courses throughout the year. This passion for professional development was especially evident when 5 teachers were able to attend a seminar in Reggio Emilia, Italy in May 2019 that focused on the role of the educator. The UCECP operates within the Union Church’s modern education wing and fulfills one of the church’s many missions. The Union Church community embraces the UCECP’s commitment to fostering the development of both child and family.

“ Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

– Nelson Mandela

I think I have told a few of you the first part of this story before. My second year here I implemented a relationship with the high school’s transition program for children with an array of delays. They come to our school to learn job skills. They work directly with our teachers. That first year, we had a student with Down Syndrome come and work with the babies. I had two moms approach me about this decision. They questioned me about this decision and challenged the idea of a person with Down Syndrome working with infants. I told them this was a part of who we are and our values and that their children were safe. That same year, after I had that conversation, a mom whose child was in the toddler room came to me and thanked me for having that student in the classroom. She had found out that the baby she was carrying had Down Syndrome and she was considering terminating the pregnancy until she saw the helper in the class. She was very tearful but shared with me that she sat and watched her interact with the teachers and the kids and realized that her baby could have a future.

So, today we have a few more transition students touring the building with their advisor to see if this is a place they would like to work. One of them is that baby, all grown up. Her mom came with her and it was a tearful reunion! Amazing. Full circle and beautiful to have that baby all grown up and here in this building in the same capacity as the person who helped inspire her actual life.

– Jennifer Keldahl

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Fellowship Groups

Care Team MinistryThe Union Church Care Team Ministry has 20 members who, on a regular basis, visit or call on members of the congregation who have requested support. The Care Team uses the curriculum, “Called to Care,” which was developed by the United Church of Christ for this purpose. The Care Team Ministry meets on a regular basis for fellowship and training purposes. Both the callers, and those who they call on, very much appreciate these dedicated caring members. The Care Team assigns callers as members of the congregation are added to or removed from the call list. We always welcome new volunteers to serve as callers, providing initial and ongoing training for all our callers. Contact: Robb Knuepfer

MillennialAnna (Kuhn) Glowiak, lifelong member of Union Church and UCECP alum, and husband/Director of Youth Ministries Grant Glowiak, co-lead our Millennial Ministry Group. Whether you are single, partnered, or married, whether you are a parent to young children, pets, or the thought of raising a succulent scares you, wherever you are in your career or your life, we would love for you to join us! With crazy schedules, we’ve found the freedom of flexible meeting times and venues to be a source of joy in gathering together. Contact: Anna Glowiak

Simple SupperHave you heard members talk about Simple Suppers and still not sure what they are all about? Well, if you take food, add some friends, and then a bit of interesting discussion of the Bible and faith, voila, you’ve cooked up a Simple Supper Group! These groups are one of the great things about Union Church: many would say the best thing! Simple Suppers are a way for people to enjoy a simple meal together, form friendships for the journey of life, and keep it all real with the story of our faith in the Bible. The groups meet once a month on some agreed upon evening. Individuals and couples are welcome. Trust us, you will really appreciate being part of one of these groups! Trial participation welcome – give it a couple of months and see what you think! Contact: Mike Solberg

God is real... And we take the time to get to know God better.

I can say with great confidence that I treasure my career here at the Union Church. I enter these doors every day excited to be with the people I love. The families that I have formed a connection with over the past 16 years have transcended time. The staff that I get to work with are an extension of my family. The exciting initiatives like working with the Transition Program and the Giving Club feed my soul. In my office, I have a special box where I keep cards from families, staff and visitors that have left an impact on me as a professional and as a person. When I find myself facing a challenging day, these cards remind me of the value of the work that I do every day.

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The Giving ClubThe Giving Club is on a mission to empower and nurture school-aged students by teaching them a vision of global citizenship that is informed, engaged, and active. We foster care and concern for others, building empathy through engagement in philanthropic activity. Participants are assigned a coach-mentor to guide and encourage them to investigate the different needs within our society and select a need that particularly reaches out to them. From there, participants develop a project that they can accomplish with the help of their coach. Last year, children’s projects encompassed everything from getting art supplies for the Wellness House to running a bingo game at King Bruwaert House and collecting pet food for the Humane Society.

At the end of a 4-month journey, the children’s accomplishments are celebrated at a special service. This is all based on the idea that influencing change provides your family with new and meaningful relationships with others. The more we know about the complex issues of the world, the better we are as neighbors. After all, with great privilege comes great responsibility! Contact: Jennifer Keldahl

Before We Get to Mars (BWGTM)Our congregation is launching a project intended to have deep and long-lasting impacts on the lives of those less advantaged than ourselves. We have named this project “Before We Get to Mars” because we plan to continue the project for decades. We recognize that poverty is multifaceted, and we do not expect to helicopter into a community that is radically different from our own and make a difference. Rather, we hope to enrich our own lives by listening and engaging in a diverse community with unique needs and perspectives and, ultimately, help that community identify solutions to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.

After studying several broad areas of need, the congregation decided to focus our project on Education. Union Church is well-suited to this work because of our existing renowned early childhood program. We are currently developing a pilot project to help provide early childhood education to a nearby community called “Willowbrook Corner” where a majority of residents live near the poverty line. We have found through scholarly research that children who participate in early childhood education programs have better mid-life outcomes: health, quality of life, stronger families, lower participation in crime, higher income, education, opportunity, civic life, and upward mobility. We hope that the children who participate will develop skills that last a lifetime. Contact: Mary Sue Honigschimdt

Women of a Certain AgeWe meet for fellowship, friendship and support once a month after the 10:00 a.m. worship service. We host a speaker each month and provide a light lunch. Women of all ages are welcome. Contact: Melissa Barnes Mann

God is real... And we take the time to get to know God better.



Boy ScoutsWe are so proud of our Boy Scout Troop, which has been sponsored by Union Church for almost 100 years. During this time, the Troop has awarded 226 members the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in scouting. Those who earned the Eagle Scout rank count it among their most treasured achievements.

Scouts participate in activities that promote character development, leadership development, citizenship training and personal fitness. The scouts are open to anyone between the ages of 10 and 18 years old. This active troop meets on Thursday evenings during the school year. Contact: Church Office

Vacation Bible SchoolVBS is a highlight of our children’s ministry at Union Church. We welcome over 200 children and youth to be part of a high energy, fun-filled week of activities centered around our faith stories. The children engage in music, art, community centered service projects, games and building intergenerational relationships. Contact: Penny Johnson

International Adult MissionGuatemala: Every other year (in January of odd numbered years) a group of dedicated volunteers make a Habitat for Humanity trip to Rabinal, Guatemala. We help build homes, learn about the local community, and establish and renew relationships with the people of Rabinal. Please come join us, this is a unique experience for any adult! Contact: Grant Glowiak, Liz Davis

Angola: The Illinois Conference of the UCC has a long-time relationship with the Congregational Church in Angola (IECA). We at Union Church have a congregation-to-congregation partnership with the Peregrinos (Pilgrim) Church in Huambo. We include each other in prayer, we have made visits to Angola to further our relationships there and have hosted visitors from Angola here in our community. We give ongoing support to the IECA hospital in Dondi and the English Language Institute in Huambo. Our Simple Supper groups have also done a joint Bible study program with Peregrinos. This is an evolving and growing partnership we encourage you to come be a part of it! Contact: Mike Solberg

God’s Work is Happening at Union Church Every Day

While the UCECP was closed in August and teachers were preparing for the new school year, an elementary school age child entered the hallway and approached the program Director Jennifer Keldahl. He handed Jennifer his family’s security fob to enter the building and $4.50. He was an alumni of UCECP and his bother had just finished his last year at the UCECP. Jennifer asked him what the $4.50 was for? He said, “It was all my brother and I could find to thank you for all of your kindness to our family.” His family had received a scholarship to attend UCECP over the past 8 years. His father worked nights and battled with addiction making him unable to watch the children while the mother worked during the day. Although the UCECP did not always have the funds to cover this scholarship, the value of helping a family in need surpassed the financial aspect. The $4.50 represents the heart and soul of Union Church and the work that we do every day.


Bible StudyDid you know we have a good old-fashioned Bible study with the pastor every week? One day a week, our pastoral staff leads a Bible study … we read the Bible, we talk, and we provide many opportunities to ask questions about the Bible or just about anything else. Contact: Mike Solberg

Helen Mehler Memorial Bridge GroupOn most Friday afternoons, at 3:00 p.m. Bridge fans meet at our church. All levels of bridge players are welcome, and we don’t mind some tactical discussion! We play to enjoy and honor the memory of our beloved Helen Mehler, a deceased church member who was a bridge Life Master (among many other talents) and taught bridge to many of us. No need to have a partner, just sign up to let us know you’re coming. Suggested donation is $5. Contact: Sharon Olsen, Melissa Barnes Mann, Laurie McMahon

Other people are great... And we take the time to get to know them better.


I can think of so many things that make me smile. Children playing the chimes in church, little kids singing their hearts out for us, the children’s Christmas pageant and the opportunity each of those gives the children to feel important and a part of the church.

Working with a wonderful multi-generational group of Union Church folk and the Pastor and area residents of South Chicago Christian Center to provide 100 Christmas stockings for the children of their South Chicago area is both rewarding and lots of fun. There are lots of smiles and joyous celebration when we get together in Rowell Hall in December to “stuff the stockings”.

Union Church is a group of people who Care- who care about me, who care about each other, who care about our youth and children, who care about the hungry and hurting in the world. It is a valuable thing to grow and develop in this atmosphere.

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Bart’s Soup KitchenFor more than 15 years, on Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, 51 weeks a year, approximately 10-12 volunteers from six local churches show up in our church kitchen to whip up enough soup to nourish 200 stomachs and souls. Food donations are picked up from local eateries plus financial support from faith communities enables the purchase of other items. Two of the three pots of soup are delivered Tuesday morning to San Lucas Church in Chicago’s Humbolt Park and the third pot set aside for the First Congregational Church of LaGrange for their Saturday Meal Program. With at least a half-dozen churches represented, this outreach is a recipe for cross- congregational cooperation. Each week, while feeding others, we nourish our hearts. Contact: Craig Schaefer

I look forward to every Monday morning meeting with the volunteers that prepare the ingredients for the two soup kettles. We have volunteers from Union Church and other churches in the area. There is always laughter coming out of the kitchen as we enjoy each others company and knowing too that we are providing a much needed service.

– Barb Keller

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Women Who are LitThis monthly discussion group is made up of thoughtful, spirited women who center their conversations around a common book, article or piece of literature. We are a diverse group representing women of all ages and life stages who have a mutual respect for one another’s perspective. While the discussions are focused on reading materials, our discussions often take a personal twist as stories are shared that are sentimental, challenging and heartfelt. There are months when we may shed a few tears, but there is never a month that we don’t share an overabundance of laughter! If you’ve been in the church on a Thursday morning and heard a roar of laughter, giggles and good cheer, that is probably us! Come join us next time. All are welcome anytime! Contact: Carissa Kapcar

Men’s ClubOur Men’s Club was formed many years ago. We meet once a month September through June on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. We invite a guest speaker to our luncheon that begins at noon and goes to 1:30 pm. Women are always invited to our luncheons and programs. The cost is $5. Reservations are required. Call the church office to be put on the email list and make reservations by noon on the Monday of the luncheon. 630-323-4303, Extension 6652

“The Lord be with you...

... and also with you.”



Mission During PandemicDuring the coronavirus crisis, Union Church’s Mission partners needed assistance more than ever.

Bart’s Soup Kitchen, a group of people from our church and the community who meet in the church kitchen each Monday morning to prepare soup for the San Lucas UCC soup kitchen, expanded its mission to include preparing soup for another Mission Ministry partner, DuPage PADS. PADS had to move from local churches providing shelter for over 100 homeless people to local hotels providing rooms for each family because of the safety precautions needed. Each week during the pandemic, individual soup containers were packed, delivered, and passed out at three hotels in the surrounding community that housed the homeless.

Women’s AssociationOur Women’s Association focuses on fellowship and mission. Every woman who is a member of Union Church is considered a member. As a group we strive to support each other and the church while providing opportunities for growth and service. There are four smaller fellowship units which typically meet on the first Thursday of the month (morning, afternoon or evening). One of the units, called Authentic Women, meets weekly on Wednesdays for a book discussion.

Our major project each year is our annual Resale. While we are the primary organizer, this event garners participation from members across the entire church as well as many non-members. Volunteering at the Resale gives us the opportunity to make new friends, catch up with old friends, and provides a valuable service to the community. We work hard for a week and have fun doing it!

We also minister to grieving families by providing receptions after memorial services, with the help of members and friends of the deceased. We shop for and fill over 100 Christmas stockings for inner city children. We host a Christmas Tea following a performance of the HCHS Chamber Choir, and we provide support for Rudolph’s Boutique (a unique Christmas shopping experience for children to buy inexpensive gifts for their families). We assist the pastors with monthly visits to King Bruwaert Home. Contact: Ruth Finlay


First row (L to R)

Director of Christian Education: Penny Johnson Director of Youth Ministries: Grant GlowiakDirector of Hand Bells: Elizabeth JungSr. Pastor: Rev. J. Michael Solberg

Not pictured

Organist: Stephen UhlPastoral Intern: Victoria WickECP Administrator: Sue NunamakerSound Tech: Adam NakutisAssistant Director of Music: Gina Graffagna

2nd row (L to R)

Financial Assistant: Ann GleasonFinancial Manager: Gaby GleasonCustodian: Silvia MartinezAssociate Pastor: Rev. Robb KnuepferFormerly Associate Pastor: Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghanBuildings and Grounds Manager: Ed Wheeler

3rd row

Administrative Specialist: Melanie BurtonDirector of Music and Worship: Stephen C. EdwardsDirector of UCECP: Jennifer Keldahl

The Union Church of Hinsdale Staff

The Lord be with you! HINSDALE_REVISED_SIZEvFINAL3.indd 17 8/18/20 5:28 PM

Union Church of HinsdaleUnited Church of Christ

137 South Garfield AvenueHinsdale, IL 60521

p. (630) 323.4303f. (630) 323.4407Hinsdale.church

Union Church is located at 3rd and Garfield, near downtown Hinsdale.

“The Lord be with you...... and also with you.”


union church of hinsdale ministries and fellowship groups · christmas eve and honoring family and...

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