Calendar

Friday October 19
7:00pm Immigration Forum

Mystery Dinner from 2017 Service Auction - offsite

Saturday October 20
7:00pm Peter Mayer Concert - offsite

Sunday October 21
9:15am Coffee with Questions
10:45am Service
12:20pm Mindfulness
6:30pm Chalice Circle

Monday October 22
7:00pm Dream Team/Stewardship
7:30pm Mindfulness

Wednesday Oct. 24
7:00pm LGBTQ Youth Group
7:00pm PTI

Thursday October 25
1:30pm Mindfulness
7:00pm McHenry County Pride

Saturday October 27
6:00pm Camp Compassion begins


All Committee Meetings are open and you are welcome to attend.

Our Board Members:

Carrie MacDonald - President
president@treeoflifeuu.o
rg
Rebecca Colon - President Elect
Randy Meyer - Treasurer
rjmeyer315@yahoo.com
Mike Stough - Secretary
mikestough87@comcast.net
Pat Costigan - Trustee
Rebecca Heisler- Trustee
Patrick Kerin- Trustee

Office Hours:
Monday 10-2  
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10-2
Thursday 10-2  
Friday 10-2
Others by appointment

Music Director Hours: By appointment
music@treeoflifeuu.org  

Click here for Website Calendar Link

Click Here to see the latest Board Minutes


In This Issue
October 19, 2018
 
Please feel free to forward this to your interested family and friends using the Forward to a Friend button below on the left hand side of this newsletter.    
 
The Happenings
Fall FUNdraising Auction
Saturday, November 10, 2018 6pm 

We are getting more and more excited by the minute for this year's auction. The newest items on the block - the raffle! Items available are a wagon of wine, a weekend at the Lake Cottage in Crystal Lake, original artwork by Bill Stone,   a bin of top-shelf alcohol, and an overnight package for the Lincolnshire Marriott. Tickets will go on sale after church on Sunday, October 21 - one ticket for $5, five tickets for $20. You may also purchase tickets from any member of the Stewardship Committee as well as Judy Stettner in the church office.
 
Several of you have also asked if we will provide child care. We will be doing so, hosting the kids with pizza and a movie.
 
Please plan on joining us for fellowship at the auction on Saturday, November 10. We have a fun evening planned with entertainment, food, liquid refreshments, silent auction items, raffles, as well as our live auction with our auctioneer, Ron Relic. It could be the best night of the year!!!
 
Dates for the Fall Fundraising Auction
 
October 21 - Turn in volunteer and donation forms
                Raffle sales begin at church after Peter Mayer service
                Shopping cards available for shopping card tree
 
October 28 - Last day to turn in volunteer/donation forms
                Raffle sales after church
                Shopping cards available for shopping card tree
 
November 4 - Raffle sales after church
                Last day to purchase shopping cards for the shopping card tree  
 
November 10!!! Auction
                Raffle tickets will be available up to the time of the drawings
   

Celebrating Life Through Music: Refuge The Church of What We Know    
Sunday, October 21, 10:45 am 
Peter Mayer    
 
For our worship service, Peter Mayer leads us in word and song sharing his insights into Unitarian Universalism and how it connects us spiritually with the world as we experience it and as science provides us a picture. This is sure to be a very special service.  

Get Your Tickets NOW to see Peter Mayer in Concert! 
 
Saturday, October 20th   7:00 pm at First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake. 461 Pierson, Crystal Lake.
To have adequate seating, First Congregational in Crystal Lake is partnering with us. Only $20 in advance online.
Even with online fees, you will only pay $21.50 per ticket.Or $25 at the door. Online ticket sales end 7am Saturday.  
You can get more information about Peter Mayer on our web site https://treeoflifeuu.org/2018/07/26/tree-of-life-hosts-peter-mayer/  
 
We are selling tickets to the concert to pay for Peter's Sunday service. If we do not sell enough tickets, worship arts will have far less money to bring us other amazing speakers and performers. At the concert, Peter will be performing a full concert's worth of music and only a few songs on Sunday. Come soak up all that Peter has to offer us.  

Camp Compassion 
 
Please join us for Camp Compassion!
This is a special, one time event co-sponsored by the Social Justice Committee and the Religious Education Committee here at Tree of Life UU. Here's what you need to know:
-Yes. We will be sleeping outside in tents or cars here at TOL on Saturday, October 27th (6pm start time) to raise funds for Compassion for Campers.
-Yes. This is a family event. Each participating student will need an adult supervisor (parent, guardian, or designated care provider).
-Yes. All members and friends are welcome to join us.
-Yes. We will have a shared campfire available for cooking. Each family will bring their own food and water for dinner and breakfast. Sharing is encouraged; keep in mind that some participants may have food allergies. Please confirm with parents before sharing your food with children!
-Yes. We will watch a movie in the evening (inside to help us warm up!).
-Yes. There will be a prize awarded to the family who raises the most funds!
-Yes. The building will be opened at designated times for bathroom access and will be opened by a key-carrier as needed in-between those times.
-Yes. It is likely to be cold! Come prepared!
-Yes. You can participate if you can not sleep out! Simply let your donors know you are raising funds for the homeless, but not sleeping outside that day.
-Yes. We will have discussions about our homeless neighbors. This is both a fundraiser and a learning experience! (And we may have some fun, too.)
-Yes. The event will culminate with our participation in worship service Sunday Oct. 28; please plan to stay through worship service!
-Yes. You will probably smell like campfire, have bed head, need a toothbrush, and have a desire to curl up to someone warm during the worship service on Sunday. Consider this your badge of honor for making it through the previous evening!
-Yes. This is a fundraiser. Pledge forms will be available after service on Sunday.
Still have questions? Please call Heather Madaus 815-509-7862 or Sue Rekenthaler 815-678-7072 or Janet Burns 847-542-7678.

UU Orientation
   
Date: Saturday November 10th 9am-12pm
Remember a 1000-mile journey begins with a single step .  Whether you are new to Tree of Life or have been coming a while we want to offer you the opportunity to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and more about how the congregation works.
Childcare is available upon request
  •  To register. Send an email to stettner.marc@gmail.com .  Or call Marc Stettner at 256-665-2655.  Or sign up at the visitor information table in the front lobby area.
 

chalice globe round
Bits from the Board - October 19, 2018

Greetings, my beloved community! Autumn is upon us at last and our church year is in full swing. This is always my favorite time of year, as we start to look forward to so many events here at Tree of Life as well as the holiday season as a whole. Among those upcoming events is our Fall FUNdraising auction; remember to get your donations in by October 28!

Your Board is hard at work on our two main goals, which are to make our space more inviting and to continue on improving communication and transparency between the Board and the rest of the membership. We are getting some quotes for more building improvements and hope to have those soon so that we can decide which ideas we can truly afford to turn into reality. We held another listening session this past Sunday, October 14, which was well attended and yielded some good discussion. One of the topics of discussion was Religious Education, which is in dire need of volunteers. Remember that even if you've never worked with children and the thought of it terrifies you, you can still do this! Heather Madaus and Janet Burns will not just throw you in there with no training, so fear not! Find one of them and find out what you can do to help serve our RE program, because a strong and thriving RE program is one of the cornerstones of a strong and thriving church.

Finally, in the interest of improved communication and transparency, I want to make sure that our membership is aware of the notes that are posted on the bulletin board. Not only are minutes from the Board's meeting posted there, but we have also started posting a summary of our financials, a summary of committee budgets (what they've spent and what they have left), and notes from the Program Council meetings (keep in mind that Program Council only meets every other month, rather than every month). The Board's meeting minutes will always be a month behind, as we have to approve them in order for them to be official, but you can always seek out a Board member and ask what's going on!

And, of course, you can send me an email with questions or concerns at any time at president@treeoflifeuu.org.

Carrie MacDonald
Board President
  

Social Justice Notes  
 
October 19: 7pm - 9pm - Social Justice Forum: Let's Talk About Immigration which will include a panel discussion and a Q&A and comment period 7pm - 9pm
 
October 20, 7pm - "Ghosts of Ellis Island" - a performance by Pippa White at the Spoken Word Cafe, at Stage Left Cafe in Woodstock.
 
This week's second Sunday donation is for McHenry County Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS). Information about this important organization can be found at: https://www.pioneercenter.org/programs/homeless-services-mchenry-county-pads/mchenry-county-pads/
 
Makki Linda Turner is planning to take the lead to organize a Social Justice Book Discussion group, details will follow. Those who are interested in participating in the book group should follow up with Makki Linda. 
 
The Tree of Life Social Justice Committee would like to encourage our members and friends of our Congregation to put your spiritual values into action by voting your values this year. Early voting is currently available at the McHenry County Clerk's office during regular office hours through election day November 6th. On October 22nd 9 additional early voting locations will open throughout the county. 
If any church members would like a ride to vote, either on election day or for early voting please contact the Social Justice Committee or post on the SJC FB page and we will try to pair you up with another church member who would be willing to offer a ride. You can also contact the campaign or political party of your choice for rides to the polls if that is more convenient for you.
 
For more information
on how you can participate with these or other SJC activities and events contact Social Justice Committee Chair Terry Kappel at (815)669-7983 or tkappel@hotmail.com   .
 

Announcing the Chicago Area UU Council fall conference:
Building Religious Communities to Save Democracy   
WHEN:  Saturday, November 10, 2018  9:00am registration, 9:30am - 2:00pm
WHERE : Countryside Church UU, 1025 N Smith St., Palatine, IL
LUNCH :  Potluck lunch.  Names A-P, please bring a side dish to share.  Names Q-Z, please bring a desert.
COST :  $5 recommended donation to offset costs of the event
ONLINE REGISTRATION : UUChicagoArea.org/workshop
 
All are welcome to attend the CAUUC fall conference carried out in partnership with Meadville Lombard Theological School.  We're coming together to engage with other Unitarian Universalists in order to best bring our religious values into the public square to save democracy.
 
Dr. Mike Hogue, Professor of Theology, Ethics, and Philosophy of Religion, is the keynote speaker. He will speak from his new book, "American Immanence: Democracy for an Uncertain World", which calls for building democratic communities of responsibility, resistance, and resilience. 
 
We'll take time to consider the practical and actionable steps we can take as individuals and as UU congregations to bring our values and voices into the local conversations on important, moral issues impacting our community.  
 
Contact Mike Gilley with any questions or special needs ( mailto:chicagoareauu@gmail.com )
 

Religious Education 
   
Nursery Care is available during Worship Services for children birth-4. We invite children of all ages to use our Quiet Work Area under the supervision of their families during worship services. You will find it tucked away outside the sanctuary in the Clock Room.
Volunteers needed for the 2018-19 school year!
We have an urgent need for the following:
Spirit Play Doorkeepers- These volunteers would assist in the Spirit Play classroom once or twice per month.
Classroom teachers and assistants for all classes 4-12th starting in January. Training will be provided!
Upcoming dates:
October 27-28: Camp Compassion: The RE Committee, in conjunction with the Social Justice Committee, is sponsoring this event to raise money for the Compassion for Campers program. This event will start at 6pm, run through the night, and will wrap up in time for us to attend and participate in the service Sunday morning. All members and friends are invited to join us for this program! Please watch for information to come home with your student this week!
Youth Group (9-12th grades) will be meeting on Sunday mornings during regular Church School hours in October. Calling all youth 9th-12th grade. The future of the Youth Group depends on you showing up! Please join us in the RE Fireplace room following the Story for All Ages.
An activity group for LGBTQ teens meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month, 7-9PM, in the
downstairs youth room. The time of the meeting coincides with the meeting of McHenry PTI (Parents of Transgender Individuals).
 

Coffee with Questions
 
Topic:  Brexit and Ireland 
Presenter: Bob Coleman 
Date: Sunday 10/21/18
Time: 9:15 AM 

How will Brexit affect the relation of the Irish Republic to Northern Ireland?
In Wikipedia, read about "The Potato Famine" and read the introduction to "The Troubles"
On the web read about "Brexit"
Community Care Committee 
   
Joys and Concerns shared during the service will be printed in the Happenings and Bulletin unless there is a request made to the office or community care committee to withhold.
 
We were sorry to learn of the passing of past member, Pat Young. Services are this weekend. You can read her obituary here http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nwherald/obituary.aspx?n=patricia-a-young&pid=190494330&fhid=30024
    
Rebecca and Ivan Colon are expecting a healthy, feisty, baby gUUrl!
 
Patrick Murfin thanked the congregation for their support, kindness, and concern during his recent hospitalization.  (Keep it coming as Patrick has some surgery in his headlights).
 
As we all know, a new driver in the family is a Joy and Concern.  Our thoughts are with Almost Rev Kev and his wife, Rev Amy.
 
Sandra Bartholmey expressed praise for Cary Grove High School's presentation of The Laramie Project.  Special thanks to the Wolframs for the ride!
 
Susan Rowe is in need of support as she deals with an aging dog, some cancer numbers that are higher than expected, and sadness that her hometown of Panama City, Florida, suffered great damage from Hurricane Michael.
 
Bob Jackson continues to recuperate and receive physical therapy in Hearthstone - Woodstock.  He appreciates and thanks all in the congregation who have supported him.  He would love to see and/or hear from his UU friends.  
 
Jane Richards, Chair of the Music Committee, announced all 60 hymnals have been adopted!
 
Carrie MacDonald asked for healing and positive thoughts for her mom who has returned to the area to face back surgery.   
Please note that this committee can be reached at caring@treeoflifeuu.org  
 
If you are looking for a ride to church, please contact Pat Costigan, our Transportation Coordinator, who is matching people in need of rides with others who are willing to provide them.
Drivers to and from Sunday services needed! Do you drive through Crystal Lake on your way to services in Sunday? Let Pat Costigan know. We try to keep the commitment to once per month and can be creative!  Please email:
caring@treeoflifeuu.org    
 
Hospitality/Fellowship
 
Recruiting Treat Fleet Volunteers!!
 

Click Here to sign up

UU WORLD WEEKLY
The email newsletter of UU World, the magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association
 
October 17, 2018
 
FEATURED STORIES
What we want at the end
Talking about how we hope to die can help avoid needless suffering for our loved ones as well as for ourselves.
By Kris Willcox, 10/15/18 (Fall 2018)
 
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Adaptation and defiance
Maybe we can fix the atmosphere, maybe trauma surgeons can reattach a victim's limb, and maybe we can even make school uniforms bulletproof. But shouldn't we deeply regret that such technological cleverness is needed?
By Jeffrey A. Lockwood (Summer 2013)
 
NEWS
Reported by UU World writers
Commission completes review of hiring controversy, prepares for racism audit
Commission on Institutional Change issues report on tumultuous spring of 2017, prepares for broader audit of white supremacy culture within the UUA.
By Elaine McArdle, 10/17/18
 
Read this: UUA president responds to hate mail targeting youth leader
UUA President Susan Frederick-Gray condemns anonymous letter targeting youth leader whose mother is a UUA trustee.
By Christopher L. Walton, 10/17/18
 
IN OTHER MEDIA
Connecticut church hosts art exhibit by Syrian refugee
Unitarian Universalist Society: East in Manchester presents drawings by Adeebah Alnemar, a refugee from Syria.
Journal Inquirer, 10/15/18
 
Theater piece features stories of immigrant women who took sanctuary in UU churches
"Women of Resolution," featuring stories of four women who took sanctuary in churches, including Ingrid Encalada Latorre and Sandra Lopez.
Daily Camera, 10/14/18
 
 
FROM THE EDITORS' BLOG
Interdependent Web: Upside-down world, wishes and prayers, strategies for revolution, the people who side with love
Weekly roundup of blogs and other user-generated content about Unitarian Universalism.
By Heather Christensen, 10/12/18
Contacts
Kevin DeBeck
Minister

Judy Stettner  
Office Administrator  
Heather Madaus  
Interim Director of Religious Education 
Forrest Ransburg 
Director of Music 
 
Carrie MacDonald
Board President  
 
Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation | 815-322-2464 | office@treeoflifeuu.org | http://treeoflifeuu.org
5603 Bull Valley Road
McHenry, IL 60050