I find this to be one of the most comforting verses in scripture. It is short (only two words!), but it is powerful. It reminds me that Jesus intimately knew pain, struggle, sadness, and grief, and that these emotions are part of the human experience. This verse also reminds me that it is OK to feel and show emotion. Jesus cried, and so can we.
May is mental health awareness month, and I believe that conversations around mental health have a place in church life. This topic touches all of us - everyone has either experienced mental health struggles or known someone who has. Whether it is a season of anxiety or grief, a long journey with depression, or signs of a more acute mental health issue, these are things that we can bring to church and to God.
I want you to know that your mental health is not something that needs to be kept secret or tucked away out of shame. If you find yourself in a difficult moment, know that your pastors and church family are here for you and can walk with you. It's also a good month to remember that we do not always know what people are dealing with privately, and that a kind word or smile can go a long way. We have the profound opportunity as a church family to accompany one another, bearing the light of God in dark times - and conversely we have the opportunity to accept that light when we find our own growing dim.
With peace,
Pastor Sarah
If you or someone who know is struggling with thoughts of self harm, the number for the national suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.
The "It's More than the Potluck" Potluck: Examining the Congregation Through the Lenses of Baptist Theology and Psychodynamic Theory
Thursday, May 9. 6:00pm in the Social Hall
What does congregational practice offer in times of fracture and division? How can congregations be sites of identity formation, relational engagement, and social transformation? Join Pastor Sarah Lusche for a potluck dinner and conversation as she addresses these questions in her senior ministry presentation. The main dish will be provided, but please bring a side dish or dessert to share!
Mark your calendar and join us for upcoming Fellowship and Christian Education events. Don't forget to extend the invitation to neighbors and friends!
Sunday, May 19, 11:30am
"Ending the War on Drugs: A New Paradigm for Illinois"
A conversation with HPUC member and Executive Director of Clergy for a New Drug Policy, Rev. Alexander Sharp.
Thursday, May 30, 8:00pm
Iftar Dinner with Sirat
Sirat Chicago is one of our new space share partners, and they invite us to join them as they observe the holy month of Ramadan. This is an important opportunity for multi-faith dialogue and relationship building!
Saturday, June 1, 8:00am
Gospel Run - Join the HPUC team for this family-friendly and fun event at Oakwood Beach.
Thursday, June 6, 6:30pm
Race Against Gun Violence, 8K and 5K Run, and 2- Mile Walk at Arvey Field in Grant Park
HPUC is a community affiliate for the Strides for Peace, whose mission is to increase
the collective impact of community organizations working to stop gun violence, save
lives and build a stronger Chicago. The Race Against Gun Violence is a rallying point
to raise awareness and funds for organizations working to save lives and build
Chicago’s future.
Read the Bible along with Pastor V and Pastor Sarah as we follow the Lectionary Readings each week.
We remember those facing health problems, their loved ones, and caregivers; Gene Krell, who is back at home and continues to recover from knee replacement surgery; Sabine and Wallace and family on the loss of Wallace's mother, Ella Ruth Jones; Louise's Son, Fred, as he searches for a job; Ingrid's family as they continue to grieve her cousin Angelo Jones; Bernie's sister Katherine who is in a rehabilitation and skilled nursing home after a stroke.
COMING UP AT HPUC
Thursday, May 9
6:00 - 8:00pm The "It's more than the Potluck" Potluck
Saturday, May 11
10:00am - 1:00pm Food Pantry
Sunday, May 12
8:30am Senior Choir Rehearsal
9:15 am Children's Choir Rehearsal
10:00 am Worship
11:15 am Coffee Hour
11:30 am Chili Making for Hyde Park/Kenwood Open Kitchen and Layette Making for Jackson Park Hospital
2:00pm Pilates (by appointment) at Chaturanga Studios, $5 Suggested donation
Monday, May 13
1:00 - 4:00 pm Crawl Space in the Nursery
2:00 pm Snazzy Story Hour in the Nursery
Tuesday, May 14
7:30 - 8:30pm Church Board Meeting
Thursday, May 16
7:30 - 9:00pm Property and Finance Meeting
Saturday, May 18
10:00am - 1:00pm Food Pantry
9:00am - 4:00pm Regional ABCMC meeting in Wheaton
5:00pm - ABCMC Disciples Dinner in Wheaton, including the honoring of our moderator, Richard Barnard
Sunday, May 19
8:30am Senior Choir Rehearsal
9:15 am Children's Choir Rehearsal
10:00 am Worship
11:15 am Coffee Hour
11:30 Second Hour Conversation: "Ending the War on Drugs: A New Paradigm for Illinois"
2:00pm Pilates (by appointment) at Chaturanga Studios, $5 Suggested donation
Contact Information:
We look forward to meeting everyone. If you would like to have a meeting or pastoral care visit, please contact the church office to make an appointment, or directly contact one of the pastors using the information below.
Click this LINK
or go to our church website at
https://www.hpuc.org/calendar.html
You can add this calendar to your personal calendar by clicking on the "add to Google Calendar" button on the bottom right of the website calendar or sync with iCal on your Apple device by using the calendar address hpunionchurch@gmail.com
Church Office Hours
9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Thursday
Friday by appointment
Contact the Church Office
tel: 773-363-6063
email: office@hpuc.org
Have some news to share? Any additions to our prayer list? Send it to Pastor Sarah for publication in an upcoming newsletter! You can email Sarah at slusche@hpuc.org
