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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DRAW THE CIRCLE WIDE
REV. FLORENCE CAPLOW
Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 10:15 a.m. in Sanctuary
This is the first of our “Soul Matters” themed services, and “What does it mean to be a people of belonging” is the Soul Matters theme for October. We all want to belong. But belonging can imply that some don’t belong. Where and how do we draw the circle wider? Where is our circle of belonging potentially limiting us, individually or collectively? What are the gifts and the shadows of belonging? We will explore these questions, and more. The UUCUC choirs will be singing.
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MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR LIN FOOTE
Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in Sanctuary
A memorial service for our beloved Lin Foote will be held on Saturday, October 5, at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of UUCUC, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall.
Memorial contributions can be made to:
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WORLD WAR II THROUGH A CHILD'S EYE
Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
Hear the emotional story of a young Dutch girl who lived through the Nazi occupation and how the family was able to provide protection and sanctuary for a young Jewish woman throughout the war. A slideshow and talk by Tilly Maddux.
Please note, some of the material in this talk may be inappropriate for young children.
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ALL MY FAVORITE PEOPLE ARE BROKEN
REV. FLORENCE CAPLOW, JULIE LAUT, MATTHEW GLADDEN AND OTHERS
Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 10:15 a.m. in Sanctuary
Mental illness is still one of our great taboo subjects. Our language is filled with pejoratives about mental illness: "crazy, insane, loony." But there is little serious discussion. As one person said, "The only time mental illness is in the news is after a shooting." Yet almost all of us are touched by mental illness in some way, through our own life or the lives of loved ones. In this sensitive service, we will explore the difficult subject of mental illness with compassion and humor. If you have a story of how your life has been touched by mental illness, please send in writing to Rev. Caplow at
minister@uucuc.org, and let us know if you would be willing to have it shared in the service. Readings can be anonymous.
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HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING?
MATTHEW SHEPPARD
Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 10:15 a.m. in Sanctuary
Music brings us together. In times of joy and of sorrow, in celebration and in mourning, we make music together to express ourselves beyond where words and symbols can take us. Join us to experience the thrill of being part of a community of song. The choirs will perform, the instrumentalists will play, and the congregation will sing!
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UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
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EXPLORING 21ST CENTURY MARGINALIZATION
Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in Children's Chapel
Join the Racial Justice Project and Joe Minarik for this workshop on Thursday, October 10th at 7:00 p.m. in the Children's Chapel. The workshop is open to everyone.
While discrimination has lessened over time, processes have been created that continue to privilege and favor white people, males, people without disabilities etc. Explore how well-meaning groups and organizations unintentionally marginalize and exclude people of color, women, and others even when trying to “get it right.”
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CROP WALK NEEDS YOU!
Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
CROP Walk is helping to alleviate hunger and poverty in our community. CROP also funds global humanitarian projects including hurricane Dorian relief in the Bahamas, and assistance for refugee families at our southern border.
Join the UU Walkers in this effort, and walk with us on Sunday October 13 at 2:00 p.m.
This Sunday, September 29 there will be an insert in the OOS asking people to sponsor a walker or the team with a pledge to this worthwhile cause. We hope you will!
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NEWS ABOUT MATT SHEPPARD
Our fantastic Music Director, Matt Sheppard, recently let us know that he has accepted the full time position of Artistic Director and Youth Symphony Conductor of the nationally-known Elgin Youth Symphony, with nearly 400 young musicians (https://www.eyso.org/about-us/). Transitions of beloved and talented staff are always hard, but this one is also joyous, because Matt is truly moving in the direction of his training and his passion. His last Sunday with us will be November 3rd. More information to come. Congratulations, Matt!
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COMING SOON: NEW ENTRY SYSTEM!
A new entry system will be installed on the north and south side doors this month. Look for more information about the transition to the new security system in eNews in upcoming weeks.
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UUS SHOW UP FOR C-U PRIDE FEST 2019!
UUs showed up in large numbers to celebrate C-U Pride Fest on Saturday, September 28. The celebration included the painting of faces in bright rainbow colors, and joyous singing led by the We Wanna Woke Choir. Enjoy the colorful photos below, courtesy of Umeeta Sadarangani.
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REGISTRATION OPEN FOR GENTLE DAY OF SILENCE AND MEDITATION
Led by Rev. Florence Caplow, Saturday October 26th
Rev. Caplow will be leading a day of silence and meditation at the Friends Meeting House in Urbana, from 10 am to 2:30 pm on Saturday October 26th. Guided meditation, walking meditation, and talks on retreat practice will be offered. This is open to all, regardless of meditation experience. The retreat is by donation (donations support Friends Meeting House). Meditation cushions and chairs are available. To register, please click here:
https://uucuc.breezechms.com/form/dayofsilence0
. For more information, contact Rev. Caplow at
minister@uucuc.org.
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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:
- What would an inclusive, diverse, and more equitable UU Church of UC look like?
You can answer these 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
HERE
.
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.
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OCTOBER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HOSPITALITY TEAM B
Welcome Hospitality Team B co-leaders Jennifer Livingston and AJ Herzog, and Team B volunteers who will assist with bell ringing, ushering, welcoming, providing decorations, and snacks during the month of October. Thanks to Team A co-leaders, Pam Richart and Jenna Zeidler, and Team A volunteers who helped out in September. Stop by the Hub table in Fellowship Hall to sign up for a Hospitality Team or to find out which Team you are already on.
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NAACP FREEDOM FUND BANQUET ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
UUCUC will receive the President’s Award at the NAACP banquet on October 25. We are honored to have our racial justice work recognized and want to have lots of people attend; at least 15 of us are going. The banquet is at the Holiday Inn in Champaign. Tickets: $40/person. We have purchased tickets that you could buy; sign up at the Social Action table on Sunday.
Short of funds? We have 5 tickets to give to members of our church who could not otherwise afford to attend. Please contact Rev. Caplow if you would like one of these free tickets at
minister@uucuc.org.
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SAFETY GUURU TEAM
We are looking for volunteers to help on a rotating basis to be leaders in the event of emergent circumstances during church services and into the social hour. This might include weather, fire, injury, intruder, and other situations — learning and knowing what can be done, with training to be provided.
We will have an initial meeting to clarify and handle Q&A after church at 11:45 a.m., gathering at the bottom of the stairs on the far east end of Fellowship Hall on October 13. We need 15 or MORE people, so please step forward if you can — especially if you have first aid or other emergency knowledge — but your willingness to assist is the only prerequisite.
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COFFEEHOUSE ON NOVEMBER 9: YouUU GOT TALENT!
We know you're out there -- ready for the spotlight! Come give a performance and enjoy the other performances on Saturday evening, November 9, 2019 in Fellowship Hall. Singing, dancing, instrumentals, puppet shows, drama, comedy, poetry and story telling are all welcome. New performers and new kinds of performance are particularly welcome.
There might be refreshments.
Signups in Fellowship Hall after services, and the Google doc option will be ready soon.
-The Friendly and Agreeable Muusic Committee
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LIVING LEGACY PILGRIMAGE TO CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT HISTORIC SITES IN MEMPHIS AND ALABAMA, MARCH 16-20, 2020!
We are planning a multigenerational Living Legacy Pilgrimage to Civil Rights historic sites in the South, from March 16-20, over the spring break for schools and the university. The trip will be open to adults and to youth 12 and over (youth 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult family member). The pilgrimage will begin and end in Memphis, with the option to fly, drive, or take the overnight City of New Orleans train to Memphis, and then traveling by tour bus with guides from the Living Legacy Project.
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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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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IS ABUZZ WITH ACTIVITY FOR ALL AGES AND INTERESTS!
From Michele Grove, Interim Director of Religious Education
Lifespan religious education is alive with activity! Check out the most up-to-date news in the RE newsletter.
CLICK HERE to access.
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LIVING LEGACY PILGRIMAGE TO CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT HISTORIC SITES IN MEMPHIS AND ALABAMA, MARCH 16-20, 2020!
An amazing educational opportunity for youth and adults taking place next March! If you missed it in the News and Announcements section above, please take a moment to go back and learn about this multigenerational event!
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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
.
Champaign County Health Care Consumers (CCHCC) is a grassroots non-profit consumer health organization dedicated to the mission of health care for all, since 1977.
It’s multilingual staff provides free services to over 300 people per month at the Lincoln building in downtown Champaign.
The services that CCHCC provides include helping people sign up for health insurance – whether it be Medicare, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act’s Marketplace. CCHCC also helps people apply and qualify for other benefits including food stamps, free phones, hospital and clinic financial assistance programs, affordable dental care and eye glasses, and much more. In addition, CCHCC operates the Rx Fund, which pays for prescriptions for individuals who could otherwise not afford to get their prescriptions filled.
Beyond providing free direct services, CCHCC also provides community education, advocacy, and community organizing to improve the health care system and health care policies and laws.
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NOMINATIONS FOR UUCUC'S 2019/20 SHARED OFFERING PROGRAM ACCEPTED THROUGH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
Do you know an organization you would like to see our church offering support? Each year, eleven organizations are selected by our church to receive half of all cash donations and all designated checks for a full month. This is a terrific way to financially support organizations whose work is consistent with our values and UU principles.
You can submit your nominations electronically via this link:
http://bit.ly/2020sharedoffering, or pick up a paper form from the Social Action Committee Table on Sunday. When completed, the paper form should be placed in the Social Action Committee’s mailbox. Nominations are being accepted through Thursday, October 31st, and voting by members and friends will take place after church in the Children’s Chapel on Sunday, November 17th.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions:
http://bit.ly/2020sharedofferingfaq or stop by the Social Action Committee Table on Sunday to learn more and pick up a list of organizations we’ve supported in past years.
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE: WHY THEY WON'T FACE THE FACTS
Friday, October 4, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at the University YMCA in Champaign
Dr. Stern and colleague Heather Imrie are the co-creators of the innovative Force of Awesome Institute, a program for violence prevention educators that enables them to design and deliver more effective presentations in their own communities. Based on Dr. Stern’s and Ms. Imrie’s extensive research and experience, the Institute incorporates a combination of lecture, group work, and coaching, effectively transferring the training capacity to participants.
Co-sponsored by UUCUC's Social Action Committee, the University YMCA's Fall 2019 Friday Forum Lecture Series, “Womxn Rise Up” 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. For more information about the series,
CLICK HERE.
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NORWEGIAN PRISONS: LESSONS IN HUMANITY
Saturday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Independent Media Center
The Racial Justice Project at UUCUC is pleased to co-sponsor a talk by Dr. Rebekah Buchanan, Associate Professor and Director of English Education at Western Illinois University. Dr. Buchanan was a 2018-2019 Fulbright Roving Scholar to Norway, where she was welcomed into their schools, libraries, and prisons. She will show slides, share stories, and invite attendees to envision a prison system where rehabilitation and restoration are the purpose.
Also at the event, First Followers will provide an update on the opening of a re-entry house for formerly incarcerated people in Champaign. Members of Champaign County Bailout Coalition will discuss efforts to provide bail funds for individuals unable to afford them. Funds raised at the event will go to the Champaign County Bailout Fund.
Entrance is Free! The Independent Media Center is located at 202 S Broadway Ave in Urbana.
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LOVE KNOWS NO BORDERS - WORKING ON IMMIGRATION JUSTICE
Unaccompanied Minors Living in Champaign County
Learn more about the journey of unaccompanied immigrant children who come to the United States from
U of I Professor Lauren Aronson in a presentation
on Tuesday, October 15, from 7-9pm, at the Champaign Public Library. Aronson will be reprising her talk from September for those of us who were not able to attend.
At UUCUC two Sundays ago, we heard from Ellyn Bullock, a local adoption lawyer and guardian of an unaccompanied teen, about how we might become either temporary or permanent guardians for unaccompanied immigrant minors who are arriving in CU all too often.
Ellyn’s available to speak with you if you’re interested
.
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UPCOMING MEMORIAL SERVICES
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A memorial service for our beloved
Chet Strohecker will be held on Saturday, October 12, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of UUCUC, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. To view Chet's full obituary, please
visit the News Gazette.
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A memorial service for our beloved
Yolanda Deal will be held on Saturday, October 19, at 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of UUCUC, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall. To read aboutYolanda's life and legacy, please
CLICK HERE.
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JOYS, CONCERNS AND SORROWS
A joy shared by Anonymous
Thanksgiving for Sam Besher's ministry of 2% milk for coffee/social time. It is recognized and deeply appreciated!
A sorrow shared by Beth Cobb
Yesterday our family had to say goodbye to our cat, Stan. He was only with us for 2 of his 15 years, but he brought us much joy in that time.
A joy shared by Jerry Frye
Our Interim Religious Education Director, Michele Grove, is a rock star!
A joy shared by Jenny Hunt
Joy at the number of our members and friends at Pride Fest this past weekend in whatever capacities. Grateful for being part of this community.
A joy shared by Umeeta Sadarangani
Joy and gratitude for the UU presence in the Pride parade this past weekend!
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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, October 3
Buddhist Meditation Class / 4:30 p.m. / Channing Murray
(Many Paths: An Agnostic AA Group) / 6:00 p.m. / Classroom #1
Dream Team Purpose Meeting / 6:00 p.m. / Children's Chapel
Dream Team Meeting / 7:00 p.m. / Fellowship Hall
Friday, October 4
No events scheduled
Saturday, October 5
Lin Foote Memorial Service / 3:00 p.m. / Sanctuary
(Many Paths: An Agnostic AA Group) / 4:30 p.m. / Classroom #1
Sunday, October 6
Adult Discussion Group / 9:00 a.m. / Library
Mindfulness Meditation Group / 9:00 a.m. / YRUU Classroom
Children's Choir / 9:15 a.m. / Classroom #1
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
OWL / 4:30 p.m. / Children's Chapel, Library, OWL Classroom
World War II Through A Child's Eyes / 7:00 p.m. / Fellowship Hall
Monday, October 7
Bridge Group / 1:00 p.m. / Children's Chapel
Tuesday, October 8
(DSC Playgroup) / 8:30 a.m. / Classroom #4
Board of Trustees Study Session / 6:30 p.m. / Classroom #1
Wednesday, October 9
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
Choir Rehearsal / 7:00 p.m. / Sanctuary
Thursday, October 10
Care Core 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
A/V Team Streaming Tutorial / 7:00 p.m. / Sanctuary
Racial Justice Project / 7:00 p.m. / Children's Chapel
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UPCOMING PUBLICATIONS - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
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Next eNews: October 10, 2019
Last day for content: Wednesday October 9 by noon the latest.
Please do
not
send to admin@uucuc.org.
Don't forget to publicize your meeting/event!
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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
h
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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Blake Preston
Religious Education Assistant
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Matt Sheppard
Music Director
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Shornor Vineyard
Custodian and Building Caretaker
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