Weekly Newsletter July 21, 2022, to July 27, 2022

* Lectionary Bible Study (Hybrid) - 9:30 am

For those interested in attending our Lectionary Bible Study on Sunday, please know that you can click on the link to see information to prepare for the Bible Study in advance. Join in person in the Library or Join on Zoom.

Meeting ID: 895 7905 3221 / Passcode: 095084
* Youth Connect (Fellowship Hall) - 11:00 am
* Sunday Worship Service (Hybrid) - 11:00 am

Download the worship bulletin. Join from home on Facebook and YouTube
* 2022 Youth Camp Meeting (Fellowship Hall) - 12:00 pm
* "What's your concern about our world?" filming section 1 (Sanctuary) - 12:00 pm

Zoom dial: 1-312-626-6799 (Chicago)

Our church is an LGBTQ+ inclusive congregation and welcomes all God's children, no matter where you are in the journey. We are a member of the Open and Affirming Coalition (UCC), Reconciling Ministries Network (UMC), and More Light Presbyterians (PCUSA). V isit our Affirming Ministries page (link) for our Open and Affirming Statement and Covenant, events, video recaps, and more information.

We are making difference and experiencing transformation. Last Saturday, we cleaned and planted new flowers on our lawn. You can see the differences, even birds are playing happily now! We also gave out free plants and folks stopped by our booth and chatted with us. On Sunday, there were eight new visitors at the worship service, the youngest was three years old! At the popup event, worship service new visitors joined us too. It is quite encouraging for us to see new faces and make new friends, especially during this hot season. You can see some photos in the Events Recap section.
Folks respond to Media Team's needs in various ways in the past two weeks. They were a great help! From this week, there will be a special section, How-To tips for everyone, in the newsletter. Each of us can participate in the digital ministries and create an impact. The topic this week is Digital Usher. Check it out. Also, we are preparing a new video to introduce our church to the Hyde Park community, especially to the new coming University students. This coming Sunday, after the worship service, if you have time, please stay for a little bit and find Rev. Wei-Jen to film your thoughts: What's your concern about our world? It can be a short sentence or a long essay. We will collect as many folks as possible to represent our diversity, passion, and collective wisdom (see Up-Coming UCHP Events).
Our Youth Camp fundraising is now halfway through! The Contemporary Issue will discuss Paul's book, Foretaste. UCHP deal is $10 for each book! Contact the church office and get your copy. We made 75 sack meals for the Night Ministry this month. We keep working and learning together.
As a reminder, Rev. Kent Organ's memorial service will be this Saturday at 11 am, at Fourth Presbyterian Church and online. Rev. Organ led our congregation through a challenging and transformative time.

* The United Church of Hyde Park's Council recommends mask-wearing as optional. Out of an abundance of caution, we are still recommending that families and individuals sit six (6) feet apart from others.

"Happy Birthday" to Patricia Ann Breckenridge (July 24) and Arlene Marshbank (July 26). Wishing the both of you a day filled with happiness and a year filled with joy. Happy birthday to all!

As planning our church events, we would like to know what kinds of activities you are looking for at church. It will be very helpful if you can let us know your thoughts. Also, if you are experiencing any kinds of challenges that stop you from attending any of the church events, we would like to clear that for you too. Please take several minutes to fill up this survey (link) by the end of July.

June special offering will go to Youth Camp and young adults. This offering will support the upcoming Youth Camp in August 15 to 17 and ongoing Youth Connect. A fundraising goal of $2,500 allows us to cover the cost of lodging, food and activities. Presently, we have received $1,346.76 in donations. You can get involved by sponsoring a camper at a cost of $120. Donations can be made by sending the check to the United Church of Hyde Park with Youth Project in the memo line or clicking chpchicago.org/give to give online.

Our digital parish occupies around 35% of the total worship attendees each Sunday. The media team is now looking for volunteers. There are various roles and tasks you can contribute to (1) microphone passing during the worship service (our youths covered for 1st and 3rd week), (2) cord and equipment collection after the worship service (thanks to folks' great help), (3) live streaming operation throughout the whole service (still needed), and (4) social media and its digital greeter (see How-To tips for everyone). Each role is separated and each one can fit in multiple roles. Please contact the church office or Rev. Wei-Jen for more information.

There were 8 new visitors on July 17, 2022! It was quite unusual for summertime. June was the greeter that day. After the worship service, folks also approached our new visitors, to know their names and build up connections. It was very nice! We hope our warm greetings and hospitality can leave a good impression on new visitors' hearts.

Our second lawn upkeep day on July 16 made a difference. Folks came out to clean the lawn, plant more flowers, and deal with the Disney Land issue. Free plants also created a vibe and further connection between our church and the Hyde Park community. If you pass by our lawn, take a picture and share it with your friends and on social media! Thanks so much for all the volunteers and donations of time and materials!

Our first Popup in the Park on July 17 had a good turnout. Some of our new Sunday worship visitors showed up at the park too. We also served three of our friends who came to us, just like we did before at the Open Breakfast. We enjoyed hot dogs, homemade cookies, chips, ice cream sandwiches, and soft drinks. A jazz concert was held right next to us that day too! Free plants were all gone! We found our church banner and folks were curious about it and asked about who we are! Our next Popup in the park will be on August 21, at 3 pm, in Nicholas Park.

We served 75 sack meals in July. So far, we have provided 560 sack meals this year. All are welcome to join us next month on August 17 (link to Hunger Project page).

Some of us participated in the CCWC Pre-Pride Worship Service on June 24. It's an ecumenical worship service with around 35 participants. Here is the recap video (link).

How-To tips for everyone

When you participate in the Sunday worship service online via our Facebook page or YouTube channel, remember to (1) click LIKE, (2) leave COMMENTS, and (3) SHARE forward. We have folks among us tuning in regularly and leaving comments. RESPOND to each other like PASSING the PEACE. Let each of us feel connected. Everyone can be an excellent and impactful digital usher!

Up-Coming UCHP Events
based on Central Standard Time

We would like to prepare a new video for the new and returning students in this upcoming new school year. We invite you to join this project by answering "What's your concern about our worlds?" On July 24, August 7, and 14, Rev. Wei-Jen will prepare filming equipment at the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall for anyone who would like to provide their thoughts. If you would like to record it on your own device, please also send it to Rev. Wei-Jen, by August 22.

Contemporary Issues new; Foretaste: Leadership for the Missional Church is written by our very own Rev. Paul M. Dietterich. Please pick up your copy from the church office ($10.00). Up-coming gathering: August 4, Thursday, at 11 am, on Zoom.