Tip
: There are clickable links throughout the eNews. Look for colored underlined words - click for an easy access of an email, address, web shortcut or further reading.
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GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE!
REV. FLORENCE CAPLOW
Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 10:15 a.m. in Sanctuary
Youth-led climate change organizations have called for a global climate strike on Friday, September 20th. As Greta Thurnberg has said:
No one is acting as if we were in a crisis. Today we use 100 million barrels of oil every single day. There are no rules to keep that oil in the ground. So we can't save the world by playing by the rules. Because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change. And it has to start today.
PLEASE NOTE:
Religious Education classes begin this weekend! For class descriptions and registration, please see below under "Happening This Weekend".
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GUARDIAN ANGELS
ELLYN BULLOCK, GUEST SPEAKER
Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 10:15 a.m. in Sanctuary
We have children and teens in our community who are unaccompanied minors seeking asylum, and local families are stepping forward to be their guardians. The UUCUC Choir will be singing for this service.
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ANTARCTICA SLIDESHOW
Friday, September 13, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
David Gross will present a "knock your socks off" slide show of his field season long ago doing geologic research in Antarctica. David worked in Antarctica for two months in 1975 while living in a tent and flying in helicopters and C-130’s. These are his best photos. The stories of logistics, travel, tents, frozen food and humor are legend. The penguins will be featured. This is a fundraising event for the church, and some paid for a ticket at the Auction. Adults may contribute $10 to the church; kids are free.
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INTERFAITH VIGIL OF REMEMBRANCE, HOPE, AND ACTION IN RESPONSE TO LOCAL AND NATIONAL GUN VIOLENCE
Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Randolph Street Community Garden, 1001 N. Randolph Street in Champaign
Our minister is leading this interfaith event and all are invited to join her and others from many faith traditions: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. There will be prayers, songs, and the readings of the names of all who have died from mass shootings this year, and those in our community who have died by gun violence in the last five years. We will also be ringing our bells 35 times at 3 pm that day, to honor each one of those who have died by gun violence here in Champaign-Urbana.
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES FOR AGES 3-18 BEGIN SEPTEMBER 15!
- Class Descriptions: There is some great planning in the works for this year’s religious education program. Check out THIS LINK to learn more about this year’s program.
- Class Registration: Register here so that we have up-to-date contact and health information: https://uucuc.breezechms.com/form/fbaea2
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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR CHARLOTTE BRADY
Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in Sanctuary
A service to celebrate Charlotte's life will be held September 14, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Urbana-Champaign: 309 West Green St., Urbana, IL 61801.
All are welcome!
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DREAM BUFFET - A SPECIAL INVITATION!
On behalf of your Dream Team, we would like to invite all members and friends to attend one of three Dream Buffets. While enjoying delectable snacks, small groups will have facilitated conversations around a specific question. The groups will then switch members and move to another table to discuss a new question. Process will repeat to converse about 5 to 6 questions during the event. It’s a bit like a mixer and a family reunion all-in-one! Conversations will be summarized and used to guide our Nov 2nd Congregational workshop with Lisa Presley. We need you to help reveal, plan and map our church’s future. Please RSVP for one of the three sessions listed below (each session is a repeat) and let us know if you need childcare.
- Wednesday, September 18, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
- Saturday, September 21, 12:15 to 2:30 PM
- Sunday, September 22, 12:15 to 2:30 PM
If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Hunt or Becky Densmore, co-chairs of the Dream Buffets, or Karen Folk, Chair, Dream Team. Thanks in advance for participating. We look forward to receiving your RSVP!
To RSVP for one of the sessions, please
CLICK HERE
.
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RACIAL JUSTICE PROJECT: ANALYZING ORGANIZATIONS FOR STRUCTURAL INEQUALITY
Thursday, September 19 2019 at 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in the Children's Chapel
Join us for a one-hour information session to introduce what the Racial Justice Project will begin looking at this year -- a framework for analyzing organizations for structural inequality.
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PATHWAY TO MEMBERSHIP CLASS
Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Children's Chapel
Learn about UUCUC governance, activities, opportunities and social action mission. Learn about benefits and responsibilities of membership. Meet others interested in UUCUC
membership. At the end of the class, you’ll have an opportunity to “sign the book” and become a member if you choose. Light snacks provided. Childcare available.
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UUs GATHERING IN THE GROVE
Sunday, September 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Hosta Garden of the U of I Arboretum
Join Rev. Caplow and James Engelhardt for an experimental, contemplative, poetry-based "pop-up worship service" in the Hosta Garden of the U of I Arboretum near Japan House, in a grove of cypress trees. Sit on the ground or bring a lawn chair. The theme will be "Turning Toward Autumn" so please bring favorite autumn poetry or quotes. The area is accessible by wheelchair.
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SOUL MATTTERS COVENANT GROUP SIGN-UP
CLICK HERE
to check out our Soul Matters Covenant Group offerings and see which group calls to you. Complete the registration form by providing your contact information, selecting the group you want to join, and then clicking Submit at the bottom of the form to confirm your space. Act quickly. Space is limited.
Soul Matters Covenant Groups offer the gift of spiritual connection. They are not a stand alone program. They’re designed as a companion program to our congregation’s worship and
religious education ministries. Spiritual exercises are a vital part of the program designed to satisfy our deep collective hunger for experiential engagement. Reflection questions are equally vital as they invite us into individual exploration and spiritual discernment.
Groups organizing now will continue through May 2020 and will meet once per month — with some groups opting to meet occasionally more often.
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WHAT'S IN A QUESTION?
A New Question From The Dream Team
On behalf of the Dream Team task force, we thank all who have responded to the questions we have posted over the last several weeks. Your voice is crucial as we create a collective vision to guide our church’s future.
This week, we are posing one new question. Throughout this entire process, you may respond electronically or by writing on the insert in the Order of Service. Please let us hear you on the one question of the week:
- What is the “burning coal” at the heart of this congregation?
You can answer this question electronically
HERE.
For those of you who may have missed responding to a question during any of these past weeks, you can still respond online via the links below. If you have already responded to the questions, there is no need to respond again.
- What are our most important rituals here at UUCUC?
- What is the purpose of worship services?
- What is YOUR purpose for attending Sunday services?
- How do the scheduled sermons and/planned music impact your attendance?
- How would you describe our church ‘culture’?
- What is your reason/purpose for participating in Fellowship Hour?
- If you do not attend Fellowship Hour, why not?
- What first brought you to this church?
- Why have you stayed?
The Dream Team’s intent with these questions is to zero in on what members see as the mission and higher purpose of our church. Your answers and our later small group conversations will ensure we know who we are now and guide us to what we want to become. Again, your voice is critical to help on this journey of discovery. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Folk, Dream Team Chair, or other team members listed on the Bulletin Board next to the door to the RE Director’s office
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SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH SERVICE
We are looking for people who would enjoy the camaraderie of working together to do dishes and tidy the kitchen after Fellowship Hour on Sundays, from approximately 11:45 to 12:30. We will have a signup sheet outside the kitchen door, and you can stop by this Sunday or next for a brief training in using our very quick and easy new dishwasher. Sign up for one Sunday or more, beginning September 29th. Invite friends to join you. Do dishes with the minister - yes, she'll be signing up too. Bring your favorite music, dance, chat, make new friends, and explore the ancient spiritual practice of serving together! (Or, if you prefer, just stop in and offer to help, spontaneously.) Let's take care of one another.
We are also looking for one person who could send reminders to those who signed up each week. If you are interested in being that person, contact Kate at
facilities@uucuc.org.
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UUCUC OFFICE CLOSED ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
To support the global climate strike taking place on Friday, September 20, the UUCUC office will be closed. Regular office hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will resume on Monday, September 23.
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WEDNESDAY PLAYGROUP
Other opportunities for play are available. On Wednesdays, families with young children (ages 0-5) are invited to join the UU playgroup from 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. Older siblings are also welcomed to join in the creative play! This playgroup is designed for at least one parent or guardian to be with their children. This gives families an opportunity to connect on a variety of levels.
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A VISIT TO THE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
Are you interested in visiting The Holocaust Museum in Northbrook, Illinois? Gail Cohen is arranging a group admission fee, services of a docent, bus to and from the location and lunch. The full-day trip would take place on a September or October weekday.
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SCAMMERS USING UUCUC.ORG EMAILS
Some members have recently reported again receiving emails from UUCUC.org email accounts that ave requested monetary or gift card donations. A good rule of thumb with emails you’re not expecting is to: (1) reach out to the sender through another channel (call, text, visit website) and (2) not click on a link (or send money, gift cards, etc.) without clarifying from the trusted source.
Please also note, whenever a UUCUC staff member contacts you their email will always contain a signature block at the end that contains the UUCUC rose window logo and their staff title.
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DO YOU NEED A RIDE TO CHURCH? Are you willing to drive your fellow UUs to church occasionally? If you need a ride or are able to help out with this valuable service, please contact our dedicated ride coordinator, Anne Reeser at: 217-369-1764.
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INTRODUCING THE NEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COUNCIL!
The new religious education council began in August, 2019 under the leadership of Barbara Hudgings. This council oversees lifespan religious education with working teams focused on children, youth, adult and multi-generational religious education. Check out the Prezi presentation to learn more. The structure makes room for everyone to be involved in small or large ways. Its design is to help the congregation engage in religious education leadership in ways that fit passion and time commitment. If you wish to learn more, reach out to Michele Grove, Interim Director of Religious Education or Barbara Hudgings.
For more information about the new RE Council,
CLICK HERE.
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GRATITUDE
Many people are working behind the scenes to make religious education happen. Over the next few weeks, public thanks will be voiced in the eNews!
This week, a special thank you to five persons who spent numerous hours getting the classrooms ready for the upcoming religious education year:
- Carol Veit who worked on organizing religious education supplies and resources.
- Andy Townsend who re-designed some hillside landscaping and outside classroom space to make it inviting to those in classrooms #1, #2, #3 and #4.
- Pat McClard who spent numerous hours putting together the new furniture for the nursery and preschool.
- Cindy Ingold who worked on organizing religious education supplies and resources and is now the religious education resource coordinator.
- Karen Folk who worked on organizing religious education supplies and resources.
Each of these person’s work makes this coming year a better experience for religious education leadership and participants. Thank you!
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RESOLVING CONFLICT, FINDING AGREEMENT PART 1 AND 2
You do not want to miss this great adult learning opportunity. Virginia Brubaker and Gail Schiesser are offering two classes this fall.
You must take Part One to participate in Part Two. Some have discovered it is helpful to take these classes more than once because this practice and experience and built into the curriculum.
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JOYS, CONCERNS AND SORROWS
A joy shared by Sam Beshers
Joy/gratitude for the Ellnora Guitar Festival, a wonderful artistic and community event.
A sorrow shared by Jerry Carden and Tim Temple
In memory of Bob Riley, who died at the end of August. He and his wife Nancy were long-time supporters of this church.
A sorrow shared by Cynthia Hoyle
It is a year ago we lost my mom, Carol Winton. We remember her with love.
A joy shared by Amy Hassinger
Today (September 8) is our child Jamie's move in day at college!
A sorrow shared by Jenny Hunt
Thoughts and compassion for those in the Bahamas dealing with the power of water in Hurricane Dorian - and for the many who lost their lives.
A joy shared by Melissa and Joe Minarik
We are celebrating our 1 year anniversary as members of this beautiful UU church. Blessed Be!
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UUCUC Shared Offering.
Each month a selected organization is chosen to receive half of our weekly Sunday plate collections, designated checks written to UUCUC with organization's name written in the memo line, cash envelopes designated for "Shared Offering" within the specified month and on-line donations through our
GIVE WEBPAGE
.
The mission of the Channing-Murray Foundation is to provide educational opportunities to explore Unitarian-Universalism spirituality, reflect our concern for social justice, and affirm diversity through outreach to the campus community of Urbana-Champaign.
The tradition of Channing-Murray is not only to provide artistic, social, educational, and religious programming, but also to be a haven for those who dream of a better world, who try to make a better world, who need a place to express and discuss their ideas and to understand the spirituality of Unitarian-Universalism.
Channing-Murray Foundation seeks to contribute to a vibrant community life in Champaign-Urbana that values social justice, diversity, and community-building across a diversity of identities and experiences. We are LGBTQ-affirming, interfaith-oriented, and committed to social justice.
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REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM IS A CHRISTIAN VALUE
Friday, September 13, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at the University YMCA in Champaign
As issues like sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and the growing debate over reproductive justice receive increased attention in the news, the stories of womxn working tirelessly to address them are often lost.
This fall, the University YMCA’s Friday Forum explores how inspiring women leaders are addressing not just issues that disproportionately affect womxn but also a myriad of the most pressing social and environmental issues in our communities. Come join us as we celebrate the creativity, passion and impact of womxn working for progressive change.
Co-sponsored by UUCUC's Social Action Committee, the fall series will take place on Fridays from September 13 through November 15. Lectures will feature individuals, programs, and initiatives who will address topics ranging from affordable housing to sexual violence.
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MINDFULNESS AND SCIENCE BASED APPROACHES TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
September 19, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at the Levis Faculty Center in Urbana
Lecture by Fleet Maull, “Mindfulness and Science Based Approaches to Criminal Justice for the 21st Century”, September 19, 4:00 p.m.., Levis Faculty Center, 919 W. Illinois,
Urbana. Sponsored by the Education Justice Project, UIUC, and co-sponsored by UUCUC's Social Action Committee.
Dr. Maull, while incarcerated at a Federal prison hospital serving as a hospice caregiver and trainer, founded the National Prison Hospice Association. As a practicing Buddhist, known as the “Prison Monk”, he founded the Prison Dharma Network. Released in 1999, Dr. Maull continues to serve, e.g., through the Engaged Mindfulness Institute. His books include
Dharma in Hell and
Radical Responsibility.
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SAVE THE DATE - ANNUAL PRIDE PARADE
Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.
The annual Pride Parade sponsored by the UP Center is set for Saturday, September 28th, to begin at 3 p.m. We don't yet know the gathering time, but watch the eNews closer to that date. UUCUC has requested a place in the parade, the more the merrier!
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CROP WALK ASSISTS IN HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
Please support the UU Walkers in CROP Walk 2019. This interfaith effort supports both local hunger charities, and global humanitarian crises.
One of the current humanitarian projects is relief for victims of hurricane Dorian. The extent of the damage and loss of life is still unknown, and the suffering is horrendous. Another project is assistance for refugees seeking asylum at our southern border. The funding is focusing on bringing families back together by extensive networking among the various shelters, and providing legal assistance.
In C-U, we are funding the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, Eastern Illinois Food Bank, Sola Gratia Farm, and Wesley Evening Food Pantry, who help people deal with the day-to-day grinding poverty that exists right here in our community.
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CHURCH CALENDAR
Dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit our
UUCUC Calendar page
.
Note: Parenthesised meetings/events are outside rentals. Asterisk meetings/events are closed.
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Thursday, September 12
UU Women's Lunch Group / 11:30 a.m. / Curtis Orchard Flying Monkey Cafe
Care Core Steering Committee Meeting / 2:30 p.m. / Library
Buddhist Meditation Class / 4:30 p.m. / Channing Murray
(Many Paths: An Agnostic AA Group) / 6:00 p.m. / Classroom #1
Committee Council Meeting / 7:00 p.m. / Fellowship Hall
Friday, September 13
David Gross' Antarctica Slideshow / 7:00 p.m. / Fellowship Hall
Saturday, September 14
Loss of Life Partner Covenant Group / 11:30 a.m. / Library
Charlotte Brady Memorial Service / 3:00 p.m. / Sanctuary
(Many Paths: An Agnostic AA Group) / 4:30 p.m. / Classroom #1
Sunday, September 15
Adult Discussion Group / 9:00 a.m. / Library
Mindfulness Meditation Group / 9:00 a.m. / YRUU Classroom
Nursery / 10:00 a.m. / Classroom #4
Religious Education / 10:15 a.m. / Children's Chapel, Classrooms #1, #2, #3, OWL Classroom, YRUU Classroom
Sunday Service / 10:15 a.m. / Sanctuary
Young Adult Group / 11:30 a.m. / Fellowship Hall
Book and Magazine Exchange / 11:30 a.m. / Fellowship Hall
OWL / 4:30 p.m. / Children's Chapel, Library, OWL Classroom
Monday, September 16
Bridge Group / 1:00 p.m. / Children's Chapel
Caregiver's Chalice Circle / 7:00 p.m. / Library
Book Reading: "Redemption Songs: A Year in the Life of a Community Prison Choir"
/ 7:00 p.m. / Sanctuary
Tuesday, September 17
(DSC Playgroup) / 8:30 a.m. / Classroom #4
UU Feminist Book Group / 7:00 p.m. / Library
Social Action Committee Meeting / 7:00 p.m. / Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, September 18
Last day for content for eNews & Order of Service by noon, the latest.
UU Playgroup / 9:00 a.m. / Classroom #4
CrUUners Rehearsal / 6:00 p.m. / Sanctuary
(Smart Recovery) / 6:00 p.m. / Classroom #1
Dream Buffet / 6:30 p.m. / Fellowship Hall
Choir Rehearsal / 7:00 p.m. / Sanctuary
Thursday, September 19
BAGAT Meeting / 11:30 a.m. / Fellowship Hall
Buddhist Meditation Class / 4:30 p.m. / Channing Murray
Membership Committee Meeting / 5:30 p.m. / Fellowship Hall
RJP: Analyzing Organizations for Structural Inequality / 6:00 p.m. / Children's Chapel
(Many Paths: An Agnostic AA Group) / 6:00 p.m. / Classroom #1
Adult RE Working Group / 7:00 p.m. / OWL Classroom
Reflective Writing Circle / 7:00 p.m. / Library
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UUCUC CONTACT INFORMATION
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Regular Church Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
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Church Office
(217) 384-8862
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Rev. Florence Caplow
Minister
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Kate Barton
Facilities Manager
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Sherry Bohlen
Membership Manager
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Brian Franklin
Congregational Administration Manager
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Matthew Gladden
Assistant Music Director
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Michele Townsend Grove
Interim Director of Religious Education
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Kelsey Libert
Childcare Coordinator
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Emily McKown
Youth Coordinator
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Matt Sheppard
Music Director
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Shornor Vineyard
Custodian and Building Caretaker
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