SShhaarriinngg JJooyyss &&CCoonncceerrnnssPlease keep these persons &events in your prayers:

� Bruce Wahl, Marc's brother-in-law for a successful corneatransplant on April 5th (fromMarc Chewakin)

� Karen Tang (Glenn, Gavin &Colin's grandma) in thehospital with pneumonia.

� Mrs. Gordon & her family.Mrs. Gordon had brain surgerylast week. Prayers forpatience & support during herrecovery. (Amanda & ZachZigterman)

� Barb Sobiesek & her boys.Barb's husband died onValentine's Day after a briefillness. (from Jackie Duffy-Hook)

� Prayers for Linda James whois in the hospital withpneumonia.

� Prayers for Pastor Timoth whois scheduled to have outpatientknee surgery on February 26.

HHOOPPEE PPEERRSSPPEECCTTIIVVEESSSo many new things to share-

You have probably already noticed that there are some new things in ourSunday morning worship experience. During the season of Lent, the WorshipTeam is introducing some additions to our worship in hopes of continuing ourjourney of creating Sacred Space and Sacred Experience.

Some of the physical things that are new to our space are the fabric backdropsnear the projection screen, the new placement of our welcome table andwelcome bags for our visitors. Each element adds something to our life as thechurch:

• The fabric backdrop is helping to establish the worship space andblock out distractions from the hallway.

• The new placement of the welcome table allows an opportunity foreveryone who enters to catch up on what is going on in the church.

• The welcome bags are for our first-time visitors, each one a gift tosay “We are glad you are here.”

I would invite each of you to take a moment and familiarize yourself with thesenew additions. How do they change or enhance your experience?

Want to take on a more active role, rather than just reflecting on theseadditions? Volunteer to be a part of Sunday morning set-up and help to hangthe fabric. Volunteer to welcome and greet each person as they enter theworship space. Work to make sure that each and every first-time visitor iswelcomed and given a welcome bag. We each take an active role in the life ofour church and these are just a few new ways to get involved.

In addition to these changes in the physical space the Worship Team isintroducing a variety of things to the worship itself. There is more music, before,during and after worship. The order of worship has been slightly restructuredand two new components have been added; the Lord’s Prayer and the HOPEUCC Mission Statement. All of these items have been brought to our worship inhopes of creating more of a flow to the service and to broaden the experience ofthose who are gathered.

The Worship Team continues to work very hard to evaluate the components ofour worship, both in the order of service and the physical space. They are ahard-working Team and they continue to need your input, your thoughts as theydo their work. We have re-introduced the Feedback Forms for Sundaymornings. These forms are for you to share your thoughts on worship,education, programming, etc. If you have thoughts you would like to share,write them down.

Especially during this Season of Lent, please take the time to reflect on ourworship space, the worship service itself and the many aspects of our life asHOPE UCC. We are a church on a journey and every voice that is shared isvital.

The Feedback Forms can be sent to the HOPE Center office or handed to me atany time. I will be sure to pass the comments on to the appropriate Teams sothat the important work may continue.

Pastor Timoth

This Sunday, February 28Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Luke 13:31-35

“How To Irritate God”

Rev. Timoth Sylvia

02.24.10

HOPE United Church of Christ9931 S. 248th AvenueNaperville, IL 60564-5810

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

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

Celebrating Birthdays02/28 Nello Alessandri02/28 Mary Dycus03/01 Jeff Jones03/05 Andrew Less03/08 Colin Higgins

(If we’ve missed your birthday, pleaseemail Gail at the HOPE CenterHOPE@shareHOPE.org so that we canadd you to the list.)

Celebrating Anniversaries

We would love to celebrate youranniversaries, too! Please emailGail at hope@sharehope.orgwith your anniversary dates.

Deadline for additions orcorrections to the

next issue ofHOPE Happenings is

March 2, 3:00pm. Thanks!

Announcements for theSunday Bulletin due by

Wednesday of each week.

HOPE’S MinistriesPastor: Rev. Timoth SylviaModerator: Jamie PaganoCommunity Life: Pat ArmstrongEducation: Martha SelbyHOPE Hype: Becky CampbellPeace & Justice: Bob SelbyResource: Ron RollandWorship: Team LedMusic: Keith CornellInclusion: Jill McNamara &

Kristen TangTechnology Team Colin Higgins &

Mike Manderino

Quest Quote of theMonthThe mission of the church is not toenlarge its membership, not to bringoutsiders to accept its terms, butsimply to love the world in everypossible way--to love the world as Goddid and does.… If we are able to lovethe world, that will be the bestdemonstration of the truth which thechurch has been given.

-- Parker J. Palmer is an author,educator, and activist who focuses on

issues in education, community, leadership,spirituality and social change. A member ofthe Religious Society of Friends (Quaker),

he lives in Madison, Wisconsin.

PPEEAACCEE AANNDD JJUUSSTTIICCEEWelcoming the Stranger—Immigration ReformEducational EventWelcoming the Stranger Among Us: Putting a Human Face on Our BrokenImmigration System

Wednesday, March 10th, 7:30 pmSt. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish1450 Green Trails Dr., Naperville, 60540 (corner of Green Trails Dr. & Naper Blvd.)

A community-wide event for those who want a better understanding of theneed for comprehensive immigration reform.

In the debate over immigration reform what often gets lost are the human livesthat are caught up in an immigration system that most people see as broken.These are not abstract issues nor are they talking points in service to politicalideologies. What is at stake are the lives of immigrant families, children andcommunities that live in our midst but are often invisible to us. This program isan opportunity to put a human face on this important issue. Come and hear ourneighbor’s stories.

Sponsored by St. Margaret Mary Parish. For more information, contactTom Cordaro at 630-369-0777.

LLIIBBRRAARRYY NNEEWWSSYou may reserve items (books, videos or tapes) by calling Gail (922-0470) at

the Ministry Center during office hours (9:00-3:00); by checkingthem out at the Ministry Center any time it is open; or by callingMartha Selby, Librarian, at (630) 355-3709. Martha will also bebringing items, periodically, to Scullen School for Sundaymorning worship. See HOPE’s website for the newest additions.

QQUUEESSTT MMIINNIISSTTRRIIEESSAADDUULLTT QQUUEESSTTDiscovering Your VocationPaying attention to your God-given purpose is the subject of this week’s AdultQuest. The session is about living into your call, thinking about what yourvocation is all about. One popular Bible story about vocation and call is God’scall of Samuel taken from 1 Samuel 3:1-10.

We will be using the Insights Bible Study titled, The Bible and SpiritualDisciplines, which will be provided.

SSEENNIIOORR HHIIGGHH QQUUEESSTTOur senior high youth are studying scripture using a lectionary curriculumwritten for their age level. With Pastor Timoth preaching from the lectionaryscripture each Sunday this makes for a good connection between what they arelearning in church school and the worship service. A second curriculum we areusing is topical. It includes movies of interest to youth; life issues; and, thoughtprovoking questions on religion. All are backed by a scripture reference.Leaders are Leo Ley, Les Pierce and Martha Selby. We meet in a sectionedoff portion of the gym. If you have any questions please contact Martha Selbyat 630/355/3709 or bselby5186@aol.com.

KIDS QUESTThe children will connect with Paul's letter on the gift of God's love from 1Corinthians 13. Together we will recognize the power of love over all things andthat love is God's greatest gift to us. This week's leaders are Leah Early,Kristen Tang, and Shepherd Bill Zigterman.

UUPPCCOOMMIINNGG EEVVEENNTTSS

NNOOTTEE:: The next Exploring Spirituality Breakfast Meeting willbe on March 10, 2010.

February 24, Wednesday Wednesday Evening Lenten Series (6:30pm)We will gather for a weekly opportunity for fellowship and study. At 6:30pm eachweek we will sit down for a light meal of soups and salad and then enter into a timeof conversation until 8:00pm. (4 Emily Court, Bolingbrook)See article below.

February 28, SundayHOPE Annual Meeting (Following Worship)

March 6, SaturdayMen’s Breakfast (7:30am)Leave the busy week behind and take time for yourself. Breakfast is the “mostimportant meal of the day” and it’s a great way to spend time with friends and startyour weekend. Come to HOPE Center to be fueled with both food and fellowship.

March 10, WednesdayExploring Your Spirituality (7:30am – 8:30am)You are invited to join a group of people who get together on Wednesday morning for anintelligent discussion of spiritual and religious matters.

Every Wednesday we enjoy a tasty breakfast and stimulating conversation at Big ApplePancake Restaurant, 2799 Maple Avenue, Lisle – it’s just east of Naper Blvd. Join us atyour convenience.

Currently we are following the Revised Common Lectionary. Find this week’s readings atwww.ucc.org/worship/samuel/. Call Gail McDowell for info – (630) 663-9638.

March 12 – 14,Friday – Sunday

Illinois Conference Youth Winter Retreat

March 20, SaturdayKiwanis’ Pancake Breakfast55th Annual Pancake Breakfast Day from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 20 atNaperville Central High School cafeteria, 440 W. Aurora Ave. This is a fund-raiserfor the Evening Kiwanis Club of Naperville. Tickets: $5.00.

March 21, Sunday

Resource/Operations Meeting (Following Worship)

NNEEWWSS AANNDD NNOOTTEESSUCC Launches a New Ad on the WebThe United Church of Christ will launch its next "God is Still Speaking" commercial on April 16, utilizing thechurch's best broadcasting arsenal: its own members.

"Yes, a new Stillspeaking ad is coming," says the Rev. Felix Carrion, coordinator of the UCC's StillspeakingMinistry, "and what makes this debut so significant is that we are counting on the moxy of our million-plussupporters to spiral this viral message around the world."

"We're asking people to set aside that morning — April 16 — for unparalleled texting, Twittering, Facebookingand emailing of this new spot," he says.

Called "Language of God," the 60-second video message is being produced by Think Media, a nationaladvertising firm known for its edgy, innovative video work. Its household-name clients include the ClevelandCavaliers, the Cleveland Clinic, Progressive Insurance and Nestle, among others.

The new message will be kept under close wraps until introduced at 9 a.m. (ET) sharp onlaunch day via email, Facebook and ucc.org. A 30-second version of the commercial willalso available for churches that want to purchase airtime on local TV stations.

Carrion says the new message will explore and unpack the UCC's "God is Still Speaking"phrase in evocative ways. "It has to be an engaging, thought-provoking message if it'sgoing to catch on virally," he insists. "We're coming out with something that will invitepeople to take a new look at God and pique their curiosity about the UCC."

"The power of this roll-out will be our coordinated, yet spontaneous launch," says the Rev.J. Bennett Guess, the UCC's director of communications. "We realize this approach is risky, but it's also fun,innovative and different. From this point on, 'April 16' needs to become a common refrain in our churches andamong our people."

Success, Guess says, will depend on broad buy-in. "Even if we can enlist our committed core on Facebook,this Stillspeaking message will reach 2,000,000 viewers in seconds," he says. "That doesn't count the tweets,texts and emails that every UCC member can utilize to pass this message along. We're asking people tobecome tech-savvy evangelists.

The UCC also plans to purchase targeted ads — touting the video message — on Facebook and the mostwidely trafficked blogs.

"Marketing data now shows that our target audience is now more likely to be found sitting in front of acomputer screen instead of a TV screen," Guess says. "Just as we found it important to take to TV in 2004 and2005, we're taking to the Internet on April 16 like no denomination has ever done before."

It's a Wonderfully Warm Welcome at HOPETake any and every opportunity to greet those who are at service each Sunday. A smile, a handshake, a "Howare you?" or "Nice to meet you, my name is..." goes a long way to extending a warm welcome to our family,friends and new visitors at HOPE. If you come across a newcomer, don't hesitate to extend a warm greetingand some friendly information about HOPE to them. Chances are that they have questions waiting foranswers...

Barry Mayworm Exhibits 7 PaintsBarry Mayworm is exhibiting 7 paints along with other local artistsat the Princeton Public Library’s “From Both Sides” art exhibit.The exhibit runs from March 1-21, 2010 at the library. For moreinformation go to www.princetonpl.org. HOPE’ers are invited!

Help for HaitiFor the next several weeks we will continue to receive a special offering during our Sunday morning worship toassist in the relief effort underway in Haiti. This is one small way that we as the people of HOPE UnitedChurch of Christ are able to partner with our brothers and sisters in Haiti during this extremely difficult time.

There are white offering envelopes in the worship bulletins. Your donations may be placed in these envelopesand then placed in the offering baskets during worship. In addition to the amount we gather on Sundaymornings, the Resource/Operations Team has allocated $2000 as matching funds. So for every dollar youdonate, it will be matched up to that $2000 limit. This is truly a perfect example of mission and Christianrelationship! Amen!

Wednesday Evening Lenten SeriesOn Wednesday evenings during Lent, we will gather for an opportunity for fellowship and study. At 6:30pmeach week we will sit down for a light meal of soups and salad and then enter into a time of conversation until8:00pm. We will take a look at “The Lord’s Prayer.” Where does it come from? What are the different versionsof it? What does it mean to those of us at HOPE United Church of Christ?

Regardless of your faith background, regardless of your previous relationship with this prayer, I invite you toenter into conversation on it, digging deeper into its meaning and learn how it has been used by faithcommunities for generations.

The weekly gatherings will be held in our home at 4 Emily Court in Bolingbrook. We ask that you RSVP for themeals so that we are sure to have enough food for all. For any questions or to RSVP, email Pastor Timoth atpastor@sharehope.org or by calling the HOPE Center at 630-922-0470.

Attention Musicians of HOPE UCCDo you play a musical instrument?Would be interested in playing a solo, duet etc. during any of our worship services?

Don't be shy, toot your own horn and let Keith Cornell know ASAP so you can get onthe list immediately. This message is also intended for vocalists as well.

Contact Keith at: kmcchat@aol.com, 630-204-0974 Cell Phone

SIGN UP NOW!And, get yourdonation andraffle items to

Jeanne andTrott by April 8.

The Traveling Busy BoxInspired by our dear friend Linda James, the Community Life team organized Hope’sTraveling Busy Box. The purpose of the box is to provide people that have an extendedillness or injury with “things to do” while they are not able to live life as usual. The boxincludes (but is not limited to) items such as DVD’s, jigsaw puzzles, word search books,crossword puzzles, and lighthearted books.

The Traveling Busy Box is filled with age appropriate activities and given to the person inneed. When the box is no longer needed by that individual, it is returned to Hope UCCand kept until someone else in our church family is incapacitated. Community Life islooking for items for various ages to fill the Traveling Busy Box. New or slightly used“busy” items may be donated. Please bring any donations for any age to Hope UCC onSundays and donate it to the Busy Box.

BBEETTTTEERR WWOORRLLDDKeeping Tabs on Your Energy HogsUsing monthly electric bills to keep track of your energy use can prove frustrating since appliances consumedifferent amounts of energy at different times and the bill comes weeks after the electricity is consumed.However, a growing number of devices allow homeowners to track their electricity use in real time. Accordingto an Oxford University study, this type of direct feedback on energy use typically helps homeowners reducetheir energy consumption—and costs—by 5 to 15 percent.

Whole-house meters. This type of device connects either to your home’scircuit breaker box or electric utility meter, and wirelessly transmits data to aportable digital console. The console displays both your current electricityusage and the related cost based on your utility rate (which you program intothe console). This information allows you to measure how your consumptionchanges throughout the day, such as when your refrigerator’s compressorturns on or when you turn your television off.

Whole-house meters vary in price from approximately $100 to $200 dependingon their features. Some can measure consumption at two different rates (if your utility’s rate changes based ontime of day or total usage), while others can factor in the effect of home energy systems such as rooftop solarpanels that offset conventional electricity use.

Plug-in meters. These devices are a less expensive but somewhat more limited option fortracking the energy consumption of individual appliances. You simply plug the meter intoan outlet and plug an appliance into the meter, which displays the appliance’s electricityusage as it operates.

For as little as $30, these gadgets allow you to measure how much electricity an applianceuses in various power settings, including standby mode (when the appliance continues todraw power even though it is turned off). You can also measure consumption over time,which can be helpful for appliances such as refrigerators that draw varying amounts ofelectricity during the day. One drawback of plug-in meters is that they cannot measure thecontribution of “hard-wired” appliances such as central air conditioners, water heaters, orwall/ceiling light fixtures, which can represent up to 40 percent of home electricity usage.