Sharing Joys & Concerns

Please keep these persons & events in your prayers:

Tristan Church (a friend, a teen) just now dealing with a diagnosis of MS, and all who need healing. (Lynn Dunaway)

Strength & support for our niece, Ariana, and her family. (Marie, Tim, Colin & Sean)

The deceased members of the Bice & Parlos family as we remember them when the living gather next Sunday. (Sally Bice)

Struggling with grief during this holiday season. (Shannon)

Mom & Aunt Pat – Improving health so Mom can go back to Denver. Aunt Pat is getting stronger. (Bill Zigterman)

The Pintozzi family – Lorrie with cancer, Emily recovering from the car accident. They are healing, but prayers are always comforting. (Zigterman family)

Friend, Deb, who has many health issues. (Barb Zigterman)

George Whitting that he continues to recover from health problems & for peace for his daughter, Nancy. (Zach J.)

The Lanier family grieving over the loss of Reggie, who was murdered. (Zach J.)

My friend’s mother, who fell off a ladder. (Matthew Dudak)

A family of four children. They have been in foster care for many years. Their reunion with their natural parents has not gone well. (Betsy Dudak)

Safe travels for Ife as she journeys on Thursday to be with her mother, Agatha, who is very ill.

Our church that holds people in prayer. It means so much. (Joe Newton)

Lynn Love, whose mother dies in hospice, and all who loved her mother. (Cindi Knox)

To new babies – Liam born 11/11, Leo born 11/11 and Samuel born 10/18. (Jackie Duffy-Hook)

It is hard to believe that we are already preparing for our fourth Sunday in Advent. I guess without any snow on the ground it is a little more difficult to make the seasonal transitions in my mind. But snow or not, the season continues on and Christmas is just around the corner.

This Advent season we have been focusing on our understanding of God’s Dreams for us as individuals, as families (or faith families), as a community and this Sunday as the world. It has been a wonderful exercise in setting our own dreams and expectations aside and reflecting more on what it is we believe God dreams for us.

As we have added these dreams in the form of ribbon feathers to the dream-catchers in the Sanctuary we have seen something beautiful come together. Each dream-catcher holds countless dreams written with our own hands yet the words upon them come from our hearts. God’s dreams are a visible reality this moment on the walls of our Sanctuary. This Sunday we will add feathers to our fourth and final dream-catcher. And then what? Well, then Christmas is finally here and the memory of the dream-catchers will

slowly fade into our past. But the exercise itself of identifying our understanding of God’s dreams has given us a great gift this Christmas. Having identified the dreams, now we can go out and make them a reality.

There is a song from the film The Polar Express, sung by Josh Groban titled “Believe.” This song came up in conversation as the Advent/Christmas Planning Team was meeting in preparation for this season. And there is a beautiful line within the song that speaks to where we will be once the final dream-catcher is complete. The line says that; “destinations are where we begin again.”

Throughout Advent, we have been preparing for that which comes next. Christmas has been our destination. And it is the celebration of Christmas that allows us to begin again. A new life – a new light – is about to come into the world. And it is this life-light, the baby Jesus that will guide our way.

The Advent dream-catchers will remain with us throughout the season of Christmas as a reminder that dreams realized and yet to come to life may simply be words on a ribbon feather. Yet it is the action we take to bring those dreams to life that allows us to begin again.

As we prepare for this final Sunday in Advent, with Christmas just around the corner, my wish for you all is that within this journey you have found an opportunity for reflection on that which God dreams for you. And I also pray that there have been moments along the way that have afforded you time to breathe, to listen and to prepare for the journey ahead. We now know what God’s dreams are for us…let us now do what we can to bring those dreams to life.

Pastor Timoth

12/14/111

Sunday, December 18, 2011

“Keeping the Dream Alive”

Luke 1:26-38 Matthew 2:1-12

Rev. Timoth Sylvia

HOPE United Church of Christ 1701 Quincy Avenue, Suite 27 Naperville, IL 60540-6684

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

Office Phone – 630-922-0470 Office Fax – 630-922-0475 Office Email – hope@sharehope.org

Celebrating Birthdays

12/14 Kaleb Sikora 12/14 Zachary Sikora 12/15 David VanderPlaats 12/17 Michael Anderson

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

December Anniversaries

12/01/2007 Zach & Amanda Zigterman 12/30/ ?? Kristi & Jay Carlson

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

December 20, 3:00 p.m. Thanks!

Announcements for Sunday

due by Wednesday of each week.

HOPE’S Leadership

Pastor: Rev. Timoth Sylvia

Moderator: Marie Higgins

Des. Moderator: Joe Newton

Treasurer: Dave Zillmer

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, HOPE’s Office Manager (630-922-0470) during office hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.); by checking them out at HOPE UCC any time it is open; or by calling Martha Selby, HOPE Librarian, at (630) 355-3709 OR Karen Garland, Assistant HOPE Librarian, (630) 922-8348.

Quest Quote of the

Month

“Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind” – Lionel Hampton

QUEST MINISTRIES ~

ADULT QUEST

Facilitated by Cindi Knox. Meets in Room #2.

SR. HIGH QUEST

Facilitated by Les Pierce Meets in Pastor’s Office

JR. HIGH QUEST

Facilitated by Cheryl Rhodes Meets in Room #1

KIDS QUEST

Pre-K thru 2nd

Grade – Tanisha Quinton The Christmas Surprise Meets in Room #3

3rd

Grade thru 5th

Grade – Hannah Rhodes Location TBA

The Albright Theatre Company Presents

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever By Barbara Robinson

Featuring HOPE’s Kara Garland

Reservations Recommended – (630) 406-8838

December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Adults $10 / Students & Seniors $7

*Bring a non-perishable food donation and receive $1 off admission*

100 N. Island Ave., Batavia, IL 60510 (3rd

Floor)

UPCOMING EVENTS @ HOPE UCC

December 14, Wednesday

Wednesday Evening Advent Series – CANCELLED FOR THIS DATE This Advent Season, escape from the hustle and bustle of the world by joining us on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. at HOPE UCC. We will revisit the stories of Scripture that help us to prepare for the Christmas Season. Join in this time of renewal and fellowship.

December 15, Thursday

Women Out to Lunch (Noon) Join the women of HOPE on the third Thursday of each month. Lively conversation, great food & 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.

December 18, Sunday

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Play (9:15 a.m.)

December 18, Sunday

Cookie Consumption / First Annual HOPE UCC Decorating Party

December 18, Sunday Confirmation Class (4 – 5 p.m.) Meets in Room #2 on the first and third Sundays of each month.

Dinner (5-5:30 p.m.) (Combined Confirmands and Youth Group)

Jr. High & Sr. High Youth Groups (5:30-7:30 p.m.)

December 20, Tuesday

Men’s Fellowship (7 p.m.) All HOPE UCC men are welcome to join us at Quincy’s on 1112 E. Ogden Ave in Naperville from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month. For more information or questions, contact Matt Conkrite at 773-590-0824.

December 21, Wednesday

Exploring Your Faith Breakfast (7:30 a.m.) Discussion will follow Weekly Seeds (http://act.ucc.org/site/MessageViewer/) We follow the link in red “Read Kate’s in-depth reflections”.

December 21, Wednesday

Wednesday Evening Advent Series This Advent Season, escape from the hustle and bustle of the world by joining us on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. at HOPE UCC. We will revisit the stories of Scripture that help us to prepare for the Christmas Season. Join in this time of renewal and fellowship.

December 22, Thursday

Blue Christmas (8 p.m.)

December 24, Saturday

Christmas Eve Worship - 5:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. – Lessons & Carols 11 p.m. – Candlelight Service

December 25, Sunday

Christmas Day Worship – 10:10 a.m.

December 26 – December 31

Pastor Timoth – Vacation

January 1, Sunday

New Year’s Day Worship – 10:10 a.m.

January 8, Sunday

HOPE UCC’s Annual Celebration (Following Worship) You are invited to participate in our Annual Celebration (formerly known as the Annual Meeting). The word “Meeting” isn’t very exciting, and that’s exactly why we are looking at this as more of a celebration. There will be highlights of our accomplishments, celebration of our leadership and we will join together at table for a pot-luck lunch, church family style.

VOLUNTEER DUTIES

8:00 Service 10:10 Service

Task 18-Dec 18-Dec

Scripture Reading Pastor Timoth LaRissa O’Neal

Community Prayer Pastor Timoth Pastor Timoth

Praise Team Keith Cornell

Praise Team Mark Duebner

Praise Team Matt Tucker

Praise Team Anna Ahonen

Praise Team Mark Geiger

Children's Time Mary Kroening

Ushers Mark Geiger Dave Zillmer

Ushers Dee Zillmer

Ushers Shannon Lane

Host/Hostess Mark Geiger Tucker Family

Host/Hostess Sally Bice Michael Hulbert

Tech Team - Sound Colin Higgins Kaleb Sikora

Tech Team - Slides Rachel Rhodes Zachary Sikora

Coffee Nancy Thornton Nancy Thornton

Snacks Sally Bice John Israel

Cleaning HOPE Prior to Sunday Service

Edward Sikora / Mark Geiger

NEWS AND NOTES

Wednesday Evening Advent Series

This Advent Season, escape from the hustle and bustle of the world by joining us on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. at HOPE UCC. We will revisit the stories of Scripture that help us to prepare for the Christmas Season. Join in this time of renewal and fellowship.

Week 3 - December 14 - CANCELLED Week 4 - December 21

Cookie Consumption – December 18 (following

Worship)

Do you love setting the table with an assortment of cookies but don't have the time to make all your beloved varieties? If so, the Cookie Consumption is for you! The directions are easy: 1) Bake one type of cookie. 2) Place six cookies in each bag/plate. Make as many bag/plates of cookies as you would like to exchange with others. 3) Bring some extra cookies to share during the cookie exchange.

First Annual Hope UCC Christmas Decorating

Party

Now that we have our own space to decorate and are able to keep decorations up throughout the holiday season, we want to deck our halls with lots of beautiful holiday adornments. Please join us after the Cookie Consumption for some decorating fun. Please bring decorations and tree ornaments to donate to the cause. A tree will be provided.

Holiday Worship

On Christmas Eve, HOPE UCC will have

Lessons & Carols services at

5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. A candlelight

service will be held at 11 p.m.

Please note this year that Christmas

and New Year’s Day both fall on

Sunday.

On those dates, HOPE UCC will have

one worship service at 10:10 a.m.

We hope to see you there.

Blue Christmas Service

This time of year, we are often inundated with images of brightly colored packages, twinkling lights and festive gatherings full of song and laughter. And for many, these are welcome images. However, for some of us, the holiday season is not one filled with great joy and celebration. Perhaps we have lost a loved one recently, or are having difficulties within our family. Perhaps employment or lack thereof is an issue that keeps us from finding the joy in the season.

This year, HOPE United Church of Christ is offering a Blue Christmas Service on Thursday December 22 at 8 p.m. The service is held on the day of the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. If this is a service that seems to speak to you, I invite you to join us that night. Invite your friends and neighbors as well and let’s spend an hour in worship, hearing words of Scripture, lighting candles of remembrance and honoring the feelings we carry with us in this season.

“Christmas Time Is Here”

A Charlie Brown Christmas @ HOPE UCC

Rehearsals November 19-December 17 Saturday from Noon- 2:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. At HOPE United Church of Christ, 1701 Quincy Ave. Naperville IL

Play December 18, 9:15 a.m. At HOPE United Church of Christ, 1701 Quincy Ave. Naperville IL

Bring the Family! Join the Fun!

Hannah Rhodes

her12@wowway.com or Call (630) 200-9992

Worship Table Set-Up Team

Beginning in January, we will once again start a rotation of volunteers who will set-up the Worship Table for Sunday worship. If you are feeling particularly artistic or would like a chance to share your hidden talents for decorating, please contact Pastor Timoth to be added to the rotation. The table may be set up during the week prior to the Sunday worship, making it easier for many to be involved.

A Request from Pastor Timoth

Three months ago we began a second worship service at 8 a.m. Those who have attended this service have shared very positive feedback about their experiences. Although we are working to keep the two services the same, participants share that there is a different feel to the 8 a.m. service.

I am looking for feedback from those of you who attend the 10:10 a.m. worship. Have you considered the 8 a.m. worship? Is there a particular reason you are staying with the 10:10 worship?

Your thoughts and suggestions will be very helpful in continuing to move our church forward as we find our worship attendance growing and growing.

HOPE UCC Annual Celebration – January 8, 2012

Are you ready? It’s time to celebrate! With an amazing year behind us it is appropriate for us to take a moment and celebrate all that we have accomplished. This year, on Sunday, January 8 we will do just

that.

You are invited to participate in our Annual Celebration (formerly known as the Annual Meeting*). I know, I know, that word “Meeting” isn’t very exciting. And that’s exactly why we are looking at this as more of a celebration. There will be highlights of our accomplishments, celebration of our leadership and we will join together at table for a pot-luck lunch, church family style.

So mark your calendars now and begin flipping through those favorite recipes. All are invited to bring a dish to share. It’s going to be a great day! We hope you can be there.

*(legal disclaimer) – since this is our Annual Meeting with a twist, there will be a couple formal elements of business that we will have before us, i.e. 2012 budget and election of officers…don’t let that scare you.

Christmas Eve

Readings

On Christmas Eve, at our 5:30 and 7 p.m. services, we are in need of several volunteers to assist with the readings. If you are interested, please see either Pastor Timoth or Roberta James on Sunday December 18 to add your name to the schedule.

2012 Volunteers

It's that time of year again to ask for volunteers for our worship services. Those of you who are already on the lists, you will remain so unless otherwise instructed. We are always looking for new volunteers to expand the joy in giving of ones time. Please send your request to be put on the rotation list for the following areas:

Scripture Reading (please identify if you would like to be included in the rotation for the 8 am service as well)

Community Prayer

Children's Time

Ushers

Host/Hostess

Tech Team (sound/slides)

Coffee Team

Snack Team

Worship Table Set Up

Once we have heard from you we will put together the volunteer list. At the beginning of each month the volunteers will receive a schedule for the month detailing when your volunteer services are needed. This is a great opportunity for everyone to share the wealth of responsibility in creating a great worship service experience.

Please send your response by December 25 to Keith Cornell at worship@sharehope.com. Thanks!

Hello Crafters and Would-be-Crafters!

Mary Dycus is looking for everyone interested in joining us in some crafting. You don't have to know how to craft, but have a desire to learn.

Sewing/Quilting Knitting/Crocheting Beading/Jewelry Plastic canvas/many more

The hope is to have people willing to teach their craft to others. We will be meeting at 7 p.m., on the 1st

and 3rd

Thursdays of every month. Let me know if you are interested.

Please contact: Mary, mary.dycus@gmail.com or 708-710-2306

Thank You from the United Church of Christ

Thank you for your church's gift of $325.22 to Mission: 1. You have been the key to our victory during these 11 powerful days!

By December 1, we met, and indeed exceeded, our goals in all of the four categories: Neighbors in Need special gifts for hunger-related ministries, East African famine relief, letters to Congress, and items of food donated. The mobilization of both individuals and congregations has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.

During Mission: 1, the United Church of Christ accomplished something significant together. We testified to the power and potential of our oneness in Christ. We were on a shared mission to feed the hungry and confront food-related injustice, and we harnessed our unity — God's gift to us — to change lives at home and around the world.

Although we have officially closed the tally board, we are still updating it daily. Feel free to check in at www.ucc.org/tally.html to review our collective progress.

Again, thanks for your generosity.

In Oneness, Geoffrey Black, General Minister & President, United Church of Christ

Join The HOPE Manna Challenge!!

This year, HOPE has raised over $3,200 with the Manna gift card fundraising program. Thank you for all your efforts so far!

The Outreach Ministry is issuing a challenge. We challenge the partners and friends of HOPE UCC to raise an additional $7,500 using the Manna program by the end of the year. Can we do it? OF COURSE WE CAN!!

As we all know, the Resource team is projecting a significant budget shortfall so we need to do whatever we can to ensure the future of HOPE UCC.

Consistently using the Manna program is the EASIEST way to help with this. If everyone took advantage of this simple fundraiser we could reduce the shortfall to zero. There is no limit to the money we can raise and it does not cost you anything more than what you would spend on your regular and special shopping and entertainment.

What would a challenge be without some incentive? So, we are offering some rewards for the top three fundraisers. Everyone loves a friendly competition, right?

1st prize - $100 gift card of your choice 2nd prize - $50 gift card of your choice 3rd prize - $25 gift card of your choice

These prizes will be rewarded to the people who raise the most money that goes to HOPE, not necessarily who spends the most money on gift cards, since different cards offer different percentages of profit.

Examples: $20 Fannie May card = $4.80 for HOPE $10 Denny’s card = $.70 for HOPE $100 Macys card = $10 for HOPE $100 Wal-Mart card = $2 for HOPE

So you don't need to spend the most money on cards to help HOPE depending on the cards you purchase.

And with the new Manna online order and pay program launching this week it could not be easier to help HOPE! And the holidays are quickly approaching and gift cards make great gifts!

You’re Invited to a Holiday Party

Where: Annette, Riley & Jordan’s Home

1021 Huntington Drive, Aurora, IL

When: Saturday, December 17

Time: 6 to 9 p.m. with kids / Adults ONLY after 9 p.m. until ???

Bring: A dish to pass, a special drink for yourself,

your favorite games (Wii or other), swim suit & towel.

RSVP: Annette Bush – 630-896-2823

Manna Challenge Update

Well, we are eight weeks into the Manna Challenge put forth by the Outreach Ministry. Our goal is to raise $7,500 by the end of the year. And…it’s possible. But we need more people to get involved. Here are the totals as of this week:

Challenge Total as of 11/14/2011 - $1,256.47 Challenge Leaders – Gail Bassett, Mark Duebner, Pastor Timoth

Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America

Become an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation

The Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition (CNSC) invites congregations and faith communities to journey together to become Immigrant Welcoming Congregations. Through prayer, reflection, education, relationship building and action we will welcome immigrants and collectively work to bring that welcoming spirit to the whole community. The Journey to Become an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation

1. Exploring our Faith

Start with your faith. Have an opening session with a core group from your congregation to learn about what your faith says about welcoming immigrants and how to talk about immigration issues.

2. Education and Relationships for Transformation

Host an education event for a larger group in your congregation and build relationships with immigrants who are directly affected.

3. Prayerful Action

Through prayer and religious practice, find ways to be present with our immigrant sisters and brothers 4. Affirming Our Commitment

Have a service that blesses and affirms your congregation's commitment to being an "Immigrant Welcoming Congregation" that engages the larger congregation, celebrates leaders who will help carry the ministry forward, and commit to be a part of the wider interfaith movement working for immigrant justice.

Living Out Our Commitment to being an “Immigrant Welcoming Congregation"

1. Emergency Response

Deportation leads to broken families, children without parents, and families without breadwinners. As people of faith, we have a duty to respond and support the immigrant community in concrete ways.

2. Public Action

When and where we see cases of injustice we will use our collective voice to actively take a public, moral stand for immigrant justice and human rights.

3. Continued Education and Relationships for Transformation

We know that learning is a continuous process and that living out our faith is never complete and we will continue to explore our faith, learn about current immigration issues and build relationships with our immigrant sisters and brothers.

Our next gathering will be on Thursday January 26th

from 6-8pm at St John UCC in Aurora, located at 309 5th

Street, Aurora, IL 60505 (Corner of 5

th and North Ave.)

Please confirm that you can attend by e-mailing jdale@chicagosanctuary.org or calling 773-551-1057. Action Steps Before Next Meeting: As was discussed at the last meeting, it is crucial to build a team of people within your

congregation who can work on this with you. So please between now and our next meeting begin conversations with 3-4 people within your congregation or community about welcoming immigrants in your community. As a recommendation, begin to think about a possible event that you could host during Lent about immigration. Remember this is a process based on acting out of love and our faith. If you feel that there is not enough energy or possibilities of creating a team within your own congregation, think about partnering with another congregation nearby so that you can work together on this. For more information in Becoming an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation visit: http://crln.org/Immigrant-Welcoming