Sharing Joys & Concerns Please keep these persons & events in your prayers:

Kelly Malone Gargano’s mom, who passd away over Mother’s Day weekend. Kelly went to school with Mark since 1st grade & they reconnected at their 30th high school reunion. (Mark)

Pray that the the cold trying to take over waits until my show is over so I can sing. (Terry)

A bittersweet prayer of thanks. My classes are over – on to the truly difficult part of my program, but I will miss my cohort tremendously. (Jackie Duffy-Hook)

The extended Hook family – experiencing many health issues. (Jackie Duffy-Hook)

Bev Jacobs - back in the hospital for another 5 weeks. (Barb Z.)

Cousin Steve who passed away. Please pray or his family, a wife and two children. (Barb Z.)

☺ My baby girl, Rachel, who is graduating from Marquette University on Sunday! She’ll be going to Loyola University Chicago School of Law in the fall. (Gail Bassett)

☺ The graduates of Chicago Theological Seminary. May they find joy as they answer their calls to teach, preach, heal, & provoke change. (Cindi Knox)

☺ Cheryl Rhodes, who will aged a little more on May 16. Happy Birthday!

☺ In thanskgiving for parents & grandparents who are always nearby to help with so many things. Thank you! (Zach & Amanda Zigterman)

☺ The joy of helping others. Serving the guests of PADS is an honor. (Zigterman Family)

PEACE AND JUSTICE JPANet: Be like Esther – Speak Truth to Power “You have been called to the Kingdom for such a time as this…” - Esther 4:14

The economic crisis is still hitting low-income people hard in the U.S. and around the world. Many poor nations remain burdened by extreme debt are seeing their economies thrown into chaos as food prices are on the rise. President Obama and the U.S. Congress must continue to make policies that improve the lives of the global poor.

The Book of Esther tells the story of a woman who used her access to power to save her people from certain death, even at the risk of losing her own life.

Like Esther, United States citizens have access to powerful decision-makers that affect the lives of millions around the world. We must use our voices to raise up the needs of the most vulnerable by urging policymakers in the United States to expand life-giving debt cancellation and create standards for responsible lending and borrowing. In this way, we can help establish a just economic system that serves the needs of the poor now, while paving the way for a more stable, accountable, and transparent international financial environment.

Here is a draft letter that can be sent to our two Senators and President Obama:

Subject: Cancel debts and improve the lives of the world's poorest

As a person of faith I am deeply concerned about the well being of my global neighbors. That is why I am joining my voice with Jubilee USA in calling for expanded debt cancellation and standards for responsible finance.

In the Book of Esther, Esther found herself in a powerful position that could help those most vulnerable. Today, I commit to be an Esther in my global community. As a United States citizen privileged to live in a democracy, it is my duty to raise up the voices of those who suffer under crushing external debts and an unjust international economic system.

World Bank studies indicate those countries receiving debt relief experience significant drops in child mortality, and make strides towards universal primary education. Decisions made in Washington, D.C. can determine whether or not a child in Tanzania is able to go to school. Tanzania built 31,825 classrooms with funds freed up from debt relief in 2001.

As the King heeded the call of Esther, I ask you to pursue expanded debt cancellation and standards for responsible finance as we work toward a more equal and just economic system and world.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

HOPE Unplugged “The Waters of Baptism”

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 Acts 16:11-15

Rev. Timoth Sylvia

HOPE United Church of Christ 9931 S. 248th Avenue Naperville, IL 60564-5810

Pastor Timoth Cell – 630-853-4673 Pastor Timoth Email – Pastor@sharehope.org

Office Phone – 630-92200470 Office Fax – 630-922-0475 Office Email – hope@sharehope.org

05/18/11

Celebrating Birthdays 05/18 Amanda Zigterman 05/22 Steven Farrar 05/23 Keith Cornell 06/02 Stephanie Dvorak

If we’ve missed your birthday, please email Gail at the HOPE Center HOPE@shareHOPE.org. We’ll add you to the list.

Celebrating Anniversaries

We would love to celebrate your anniversaries, too! Please email Gail at HOPE@shareHOPE.org with your anniversary dates.

Deadline for additions or corrections to the next issue

of HOPE Happenings is May 24, 3:00pm.

Thanks!

Announcements for the Sunday Bulletin due by

Wednesday of each week.

HOPE’S Leadership

Pastor: Rev. Timoth Sylvia Moderator: Marie Higgins Des. Moderator: Joe Newton Treasurer: Ron Rolland Secretary: LaRissa O’Neal Registrar: Mary Dycus Social: Shannon Lane Education: Cheryl Rhodes Outreach: Mark Duebner Mission: Ginny Bateman Pastor-Parish: Matt Tucker Resource: Linda James Worship: Keith Cornell

HOPE LIBRARY You may reserve items (books, videos or tapes) by calling Gail (630-922-0470) at the Ministry Center during office hours (9 p.m. to 3 p.m.); by checking them out at the Ministry Center any time it is open; or by calling Martha Selby, HOPE Librarian, at (630) 355-3709.

Quest Quote of the Month Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is one element of faith.

---Paul Tillich

THANK YOU A H U G E Thank You to the following people who made the annual PADS "Steak Fry" a success!....

No words can describe the joy that is experienced by the PADS guests at the annual "steak fry" that HOPE hosts every May. As the guests are arriving and checking-in, they are greeted by the "grill team" and the amazing smells of steak and chicken on the grill. It truly brings a sense of community and sends a message to our guests that they are special. It's amazing how a special meal, prepared with love and care can mean so much.

A special thank you goes out to our grill team: Leo Ley, Devon Ley, Bill Zigterman, Nick Dempsey, Mark Anderson

...those who do the behind the scenes work (transporting, and behind the scenes cooking): Zach Zigterman and Jane Dempsey

....those who set-up, serve the meal, and help the guests to get "settled in": Amanda Zigterman, Ginny Bateman, Kim Becker, Valerie Tucker, Maya Tucker

....those, who remain unnamed, who gave of their financial resources to purchase the meal

...AND to Barb Zigterman.... who makes this all happen year after year.

What a blessing to and for us all as the HOPE family!

QUEST MINISTRIES ADULT QUEST Salvation - Week 1: We'll discuss what salvation means to us. Facilitated by Cindi Knox

SR. HIGH QUEST Conversations using The Thoughtful Christian curriculum. Taught by Les Pierce

JR. HIGH QUEST Conversations using The Thoughtful Christian curriculum. Taught by Cheryl Rhodes

KIDS QUEST Letting Go – Living Joyfully In The Moment The present moment is the only place we can choose to have an open and joyful heart. Taught by Mary Dycus

VOLUNTEER DUTIES Task 22-May 29-May

Scripture Reading Mike Manderino JHLB Community Prayer Mary Kroening JHLB Children’s Time Mary Kroening JHLB Worship Table Mark Duebner JHLB Usher Dee Zillmer JHLB Usher Dave Zillmer JHLB Usher Zach Zigterman JHLB Usher Shannon Lane JHLB Supply Transport Shannon Lane JHLB Nursery & Kids Quest Set Up Shannon Lane JHLB Inside Signs Shannon Lane JHLB Welcome Table Peter Oliver JHLB Coffee & Snack Ginny Bateman JHLB

UPCOMING EVENTS @ HOPE UCC May 19, Thursday

Women Out to Lunch (Noon) Join the women of HOPE for lunch at noon. Lively conversation, great food and warm fellowship are waiting for you at Giordano’s Restaurant at 119 South Main Street, in downtown Naperville. Parking is available in the lot across from the restaurant or in the Van Buren Parking Building.

May 20 & 21, Friday & Saturday

Please save the dates of May 20 & 21 for the HOPE Packing Party. More details to come.

May 21, Saturday

Progressive Dinner (6 p.m.) Starting at 6:00 p.m. you will be moving house to house for each course. Each house will host a different course and when you finish, you will be full, of course! Please sign up with Shannon Lane or Jeanne Smith by May 15th. If you are willing to host, please let us know when you sign up.

May 22, Sunday

HOPE Unplugged (10:10 a.m.)

May 24, Tuesday

Worship Ministry Meeting (7 p.m.)

May 25, Wednesday

7:30 a.m. Explore Your Faith Breakfast This week’s discussion will follow Weekly Seeds (http://act.ucc.org/site/MessageViewer/) We follow the link in red “Read Kate’s in-depth reflections”. 7:00 p.m. Book Study Group

May 27 & 28 Friday & Saturday

HOPE Garage Sale SAVE THE DATES - The garage sale is taking place at Timoth and Peter's home (4 Emily Court in Bolingbrook). If you have any items that you are looking to get rid of, having just done your own spring cleaning, contact Pastor Timoth to make arrangements for the items to get to their house before those dates. Also, if you are free on those dates, and willing to volunteer at the garage sale, simply let Pastor Timoth know.

May 29, Sunday JHLB – No Worship at Scullen

INTERESTING… Friends Who Pray Together

Studies show that religion and happiness are linked. But faithful church attendance may not be enough: In a large survey, those most likely to rate their life satisfaction as a perfect 10 went to services weekly and saw close friends there. Church regulars without pals in the pews didn’t see the boost – they were less satisfied than infrequent attendees with friends, says study head Chaeyoon Lim, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. So go to services, by all means – but don’t skip coffee hour.

NEWS AND NOTES Green Harvest Food Pantry Our friends at the Green Harvest Food Pantry have shared a list of items that are quickly disappearing from their shelves. If you are able to help out in supplying any of the items listed below, you may bring them to worship on Sunday or drop them off at the HOPE Center throughout the week. Arrangements will be made to transport the donations to Green Harvest.

This is a wonderful way for HOPE UCC to continue in our partnership with this vital ministry. For more information, visit www.greenharvest.org.

Here are the items they need:

Pancake mix Syrup Mixed can vegetables Pasta any type

Personal hygiene Cleaning supplies Can pasta Can Mandarins

Tuna Can meat Seasoning

Jesus Has Left The Building and We’re Following Him®.... ...to the Green Earth Institute in Naperville!!! WHAT IS THE GREEN EARTH INSTITUTE? The Green Earth Institute is a 60 acre, USDA Certified, non-profit, organic farm IN NAPERVILLE. They sell their yield through a "CSA" (Community Supported Agriculture) that several HOPE UCC partners have participated in throughout the years. Other than the farming itself, the Green Earth Institute provides amazing educational opportunities to the public, for both adults and children. Steve, the lead farmer, stated that his very favorite program is their inner-city education in which they bring busloads of children who live in the inner city of Chicago out for a visit to the farm. Many of these children have never seen a farm, and in fact may not know where food really "comes from."

WHAT WE'LL DO: We'll be lucky enough this year to actually be PLANTING! Steve will provide us with seedlings that we will plant to help to yield their harvest this year. We have "left the building" to Green Earth Institute before, and they are lovely and gracious hosts. In past years we have moved rock and weeded, which have been helpful and valuable roles...but getting to actually plant will be a welcome "wonder" as we will actually become the "hands" that help them to yield their vegetables for the year. This is a perfect project for children as well.

WHEN: Sunday, May 29, 2011 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. - Work Time 11:30 - we'll caravan to Panera Bread for lunch

1196 W. Boughton Road (North East corner of Weber & Washington)

WHERE: Green Earth Institute, 10S404 Knock Knolls Road, Naperville, IL 60565

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR: Wear long pants, as it can be buggy and "prickly" at times. You may bring garden gloves if you wish. Let's be "green" and each bring our own reusable water bottles!

WHAT IF I CAN'T WORK ON MY KNEES? The farm has a beautiful setting and picnic area that we will be using for a second project for anyone who would like to work at a table. All are welcome!

Taking The Bible Seriously, But Not Literally – Prayer Thursday Evening, May 26, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. HOPE Center, 9931 S. 248th Avenue, Naperville

To continue our conversations on taking the Bible seriously, but not literally, Ginny Bateman and Pastor Timoth will be offering the last of a four-week series on Scripture and Prayer. The Outreach/Fund Raising Ministry Needs Your Help We are looking for a couple of items for our upcoming "Game-a-Palooza" night. If you have some "food" gift cards in your possession that you know you will never use and are not expired, please consider donating them for our "Wine and Dine" Raffle. We are looking for gift cards and bottles of wine to be donated for this raffle. If you have either or both items to donate, please give to Keith Cornell at worship on Sunday. Don't forget to invite your friends to this great evening of fun!! Successful Manna Gift Card Fundraising Since January 1, we have raised $1,232.12 through the Manna Gift Card fundraiser. If you haven’t tried this yet, or if you have questions, please ask Pastor Timoth or Mark Duebner to get full details. It is truly the easiest way for our church to make money without asking anyone to give more than they are currently. Let’s see how many people we can get involved and set our goals high. With a program this easy, we will accomplish whatever we set out to do.

Do you do your grocery shopping at Dominick’s? Jewel? Caputo's? Then buy a gift card before you go shopping. Buy gas at BP? Speedway? Arco? Gas City? Exxon? Shell? Take advantage of the fundraiser and help with the church finances for 2011. And of course they are also the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other celebrations. It takes a little planning but it is a great way to save time and gas on gift shopping and help HOPE! Turn your order in on Sunday at Worship and you will get the cards the following Sunday.

Where Do You Want Me to Put the Rug? It's about the rugs, folks. You know, the two up front every Sunday. The ones with the kids sprawled out, occupying themselves with puzzles . . coloring . . card playing . . and not really listening to the service. Or are they? I think we might be surprised.

Anyway, the rugs have a history. I've been a part of this august body (i.e., HOPE UCC) less than a year now so I can only go by what I've been told by those in our Worship Ministry meetings. The existence and placement of these rugs up front and just off center came out of members of HOPE United Church of Christ way back when deciding to make a place —creating a space —specifically for children in worship.

It seems to me Christ would have liked that. After all He was the one that said, "Hey, leave the kids alone and let them come closer to me!" So how do we, as a body, let the children come closer — how do we honor the younger ones among us and still maintain a worshipful atmosphere?

In anticipation of our move into the new facility, the Worship Ministry wants to be very intentional about creating a sacred space. As Roberta so aptly describes it, "We're moving from a cafetorium to a sanctuary."

So we're spending quite a bit of time considering what worship will look and feel like once we set up residency on Quincy Avenue. To do this, we are looking at every aspect of the service including placement of, purpose of and need for . . . the rugs.

The feedback of the congregation means a lot. Your feedback. What are your thoughts regarding the rugs? Do you like having them? Are they important to you? Do you find them disruptive? Could they be better placed? Would you like to see us continue to use them? Do you have other ideas about how to make better use of them? Have they outlived their purpose?

Please let us know! Complete a feedback form and place it in the offering plate or talk to Keith Cornell, Roberta James, Mary Dycus, Marie Higgins, Theresa Donahue, Nancy Thornton or Pastor Timoth. Your opinions and insights mean a lot and can help shape a time of meaningful worship for all.

BETTER WORLD We Need Clean Water: No More Dumping Mining Waste Into Our Waters! Ever since a massive loophole was created in the Clean Water Act in 2002, mining companies have been able to dump their toxic and dangerous mining waste directly into the waters we all rely on. In 1972, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Clean Water Act to end the use of lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands as waste dumps. Before that, America's waters and people had been suffering from pollution, and many lakes and rivers became unfit for drinking, swimming and fishing. But in 2002, America's waters and people took a hard hit. By coming up with a new definition for "fill

material," the administration opened the floodgates for coal mines in Appalachia to destroy streams with the waste created by blowing the tops off of mountains. In 2004, the administration expanded that loophole to allow even more dangerous dumping of toxic mine "tailings"—the chemically processed wastewater slurry from extracting gold and other metals. For nearly a decade now, we've watched as wealthy mining corporations turn some of America's most pristine lakes and streams into industrial waste dumps. In Alaska, a new gold mine is pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons per day of toxic wastewater slurry into Lower Slate Lake, killing its fish and aquatic life. And this is just the beginning. High gold and metal prices have triggered a mining boom that, without stronger regulation, threatens countless lakes, streams and

wetlands in Alaska and throughout the country. The Obama administration must close this loophole, now, and restore protections for our waters. Clean, safe, healthy water for all Americans must take priority over corporate interests. Please write to the Obama administration and tell them to close this loophole and stop the dumping of mining waste into our waters: http://action.earthjustice.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1135&autologin=true