Saturday February 15
6:00pm All Ages Potluck
Sunday February 16
9:00am Coffee with Questions
10:45am Service
12:00pm Inquirers: UU History, Principles & Sources
5:00pm Vegan Potluck
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Tuesday February 18
7:30pm Mindfulness
Wednesday February 19
1:00pm Chalice Circle
7:00pm Social Justice
7:15pm Stewardship- offsite
7:30pm Odyssey
Thursday February 20
1:30pm Mindfulness
7:00pm McHenry County Pride
Saturday February 22
Mardi Gras Party - offsite
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The Current Climate Crisis
Sunday, February 16, 2020
10:45am
Ray Empereur
Ray Empereur speaks about the challenges of climate change, what is being done to combat it, and what we as individuals can contribute to this effort . Also join Ray at
Coffee with Questions
Sunday, February 16th, 9am
Please join us for another discussion of Resilience as we turn our attention to the threat Climate Change poses to our civilization with guest speaker, Ray Empereur, who brings us a presentation and discussion as a representative of the Climate Reality Project.
“
We speak up with relentless honesty about the solutions we have right in front of
us and the forces standing in our way, including the anti-science climate deniers
and the wealthy corporations who put healthy profits before a healthy planet for all
of us. The result is a forward-looking movement that is growing across every time
zone. A movement that will not stop until we live in a world powered by
renewable energy. This is our reality.
” -Climate Reality Project: Northern Illinois Chapter
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Resilience: Starting a new chapter when the old one collapses
Sunday, February 23, 2020
10:45am
Rabbi Maralee Gordon
How does one turn one's initial reaction of "The End" to "Chapter Two" when Chapter One comes to a crashing halt. Hint: "But we've always done it that way" and"Who moved my cheese?" are not part of the equation.
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Congregational Events and News
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All Ages Potluck: Saturday, February 15th, 6pm
Have you always wanted to join in a Circle Dinner but didn’t have the space?
We would like to invite all members and friends of the congregation to join us for a Mid-Year Potluck in celebration of the community we create by bringing ourselves to the table. By strengthening our bonds we hope to grow our Resilience and celebrate our TOLUUC family!
Please bring a dish to pass.
*sponsored by the Religious Education Committee
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Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Church is now hosting a free vegan potluck here on the third Sunday of every month. This first of these potlucks will take place on February 16th from 5-7 pm. All ages are welcome. Attendees need not be vegan or even a member of this church. There is no agenda for this gathering--just eating and fellowship. Please bring a dish and index card listing the ingredients. Please make sure your dish contains no dairy, eggs, fish, meat, cheese, honey or any animal products. If you don't know what to bring, just bring yourself. Any questions? Call or email Sheryl Bass at 720-771-7430 or
sherylbass999@gmail.com
.
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Poets in Resistance II
a public reading and rally.
Friday March 13
th
7-10.
Tree of Life Sanctuary
Mark your calendars now!
Ten to twelve poets will be selected representing the widest possible range of voices—all ages, gender identification, races, ethnicities, and spiritualties—and of style—poetry slam, hip-hop, performance art, observational, personal reflection, traditional, rhymed, unrhymed, even academic.
The event will be free and open to the public but those in attendance are urged to “vote” by making voluntary donations of $10 or more to any or four organizations representing grass roots resistance.
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UU the vote
is the UUA’s campaign to encourage UUs and UU congregations all across the United States to get involved in voter registration and get out the vote activities during 2020.
When UU’s show up with our values, our bodies, and our resources at the ready, we can have big impacts in bending the arc of the universe toward justice. Many of us enjoyed gathering for the watch party and kick off last Sunday.
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Coming soon:
-Expungement workshops training members to assist those impacted by marijuana convictions in March 2020
-Renewal of our UUA Welcoming Congregation Status
Our Social Justice Team
continues to meet on the
3
rd
Wednesday
of the Month from
7
-9 in the Sanctuary.
Our next meeting is Feb. 19
th
.
Contact
Patrick Murfin
(
pmurfin@sbcglobal.net
) for more information
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Our next session of Faith Forward Inquirers is Membership 101 & Congregational Life. All newcomers are invited to join us in the sanctuary after the service. No need to register ahead. Attend these sessions in any order you wish to learn more about our congregation and Unitarian Universalism. Below are our upcoming sessions.
2/9/2020 Membership 101 & Congregational Life
2/16/2020 UU History, Principles & Sources
2/23/2020 Faith Development for Children & Adults
3/1/2020 Worship & Liturgical Year
3/8/2020 Social Justice & Community Service
3/15/2020 Pastoral Care & Small Group Ministry
3/22/2020 Small Group Connection
3/29/2020 Campus Tour & Orientation
Beyond Inquirers
Have you completed the Inquirers Series? Are you seeking a way to deepen your learning and engagement with the congregation? Beyond Inquirers is a five-session series on the Faith Forward Path focused on the congregation and you – offering a deeper understanding of how the congregation works and how you can be part of it. Join us on Sundays at 9:15am in the Sanctuary. Facilitator: Judy Stettner. The following is the Beyond Inquirers schedule:
March 22nd: What do UUs believe?
April 19th: Is this a new religion?
May 24th: How do we ‘do church’?
June 7th: How do we live our lives?
July 12th: Does it matter if I join?
Roots
Roots is a brief introduction to Unitarian Universalist ideas and history, and is recommended for inquirers on our Faith Forward Path. It is offered quarterly Sunday mornings, and the next opportunity to participate is
Sunday, March 8th at 9:15am
in the sanctuary. The session will be facilitated by Marc Stettner. Join us as we dive into our Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist roots! For more information about our Faith Forward Path, go to
https://treeoflifeuu.org/2019/09/10/faith-forward-comes-to-tree-of-life/
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Our worship services would not be nearly so wonderful if nobody could hear our speakers and musicians. Use the link below to get information on how you can be trained to run the sound board and sign up to help.
https://treeoflifeuu.org/soundboard-sign-up/
We especially need people who do not sing in the choir to sign up.
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Spirit Play (age 4-grade 4) 10:45-12:00pm
Climate Change (grade 4-grade 12) 10:45-12:15pm
Nursery Care is available
during regular Worship Services for children birth-4.
Step out Area:
We invite children (and adults) 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.
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Coffee with Questions (starting at 9am)
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Climate change...hoax or reality?
Raymond W. Empereur, MPA, our guest speaker, comes to us from the Northern Illinois Chapter of the Climate Reality Project.
How have temperatures changed in the past century? Greenhouse gases trap heat in the earth's atmosphere. That heat warms the surface. Did humans cause this change...or is it a natural phenomenon?
What are the most common causes of greenhouse gas buildup? What percent of emissions are human caused? What can humans do to reduce emissions? Change purchase habits? Change usage habits?
If overpopulation is a cause of greenhouse gas buildup, is population control an option? How would one achieve population control in places where it is resisted by national policy, custom or religious belief? How does one address people who believe that all's in God's plan and He will work it out?
Are boycotts or demonstrations effective in reducing greenhouse gas emission?
Is there a climate change doomsday clock? If so, where are we on it?
For another lively discussion, join us this Sunday morning, February 16, at a little earlier hour...9:00...in the Fireplace Room. If the group's too large for comfort, we'll move to the sanctuary. There'll be coffee and food for body and soul.
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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.
Thanks to
Lou Ness
for reminding us of our ability to persevere and thrive despite life’s persistent challenges.
Kaz
offered congratulations to the ever resilient
Whit Sears
on his new knee. It was wonderful to see Whit cruising around church on Sunday. Whit seconded Kaz’s joy and is celebrating great joy at being back out and about.
Mariana Colon
turned 1 and is a lesson in resilience with each fall as she learns to walk. Look out world!
Sandra Bartholmey
shared a mixed bag of joy and sorrow.
Bill Stone
suffered another hemorrhagic stroke last Tuesday. However there is joy in that this time it was much less damaging and he is already home recovering. Sandra and Bill both appreciate offers of rides and patience as Bill’s speech returns.
Sandy Eckert
let us know that
Judy Ayres
has had a rotten week starting with back pain and now the flu. Judy is home recovering and hopes to be back at church soon.
Theresa Castino and Mary Kuhn
thanked TOLUUC for our care and concern as they mourn the loss of Theresa’s mom and Mary’s dad.
Happy Anniversary to
Tom & Lisa Jacobsen
(2/14).
Drivers to and from Sunday services needed!
Do you drive through Crystal Lake on your way to services in Sunday? We try to keep the commitment to once per month and can be creative!
The Member Care Team can be reached at the same email address or by calling Karen Meyer if you are in need of support from the congregation.
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You don't have to make coffee - the brew crew takes care of that. You just need to plate and put out your treats and cart them away after the social time.
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Registration FOR REGIONAL ASSEMBLY 2020 is now Open!!
Friends,
Registration is now open for the 2020 MidAmerica Regional Assembly. This year, our Regional Assembly will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford, IL on Saturday, April 18.
Please click on the following link to find out more information about Regional Assembly including pricing, hotel information, our schedule of events, workshop information, how to register, and much more:
Our keynote speaker will be
Taquiena Boston
, Special Advisor to the UUA President for Institutional Inclusion, Equity, and Change. The day will feature worship, the annual business meeting, lunch, keynote presentation, select workshops, and a presentation from members of the
Commission on Institutional Change
.
We have heard your feedback and there are changes in this RA! First, every room at RA will have a microphone. In addition, we have shortened the event to one day for those who cannot stay away from home very long. We will also live stream the annual business meeting and keynote speaker for those who are interested but not able to attend (Note that only those on site will be able to vote in the business meeting).
We look forward to seeing you there! Judy Stettner and Leah Mikkelson are going. We hope you will too.
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MidWest Leadership School Moves to Illinois!
Save the date!!! Midwest Leadership School is coming, the week of July 12th. We are passionate about our mission to make our lay training experience ever more transformative, including moving the school venue this year to Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois. Consider whether you or a fellow congregant is ready to step up to that next level of personal growth and leadership.
www.mwls.org
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Grants to Assist Elder UU Lay People
The Midwest Unitarian Universalist Conference offers a grant to assist elder (age 65 and older) Unitarian Universalist lay people. The Laughlin Fund grant can be used to help with the following:
- Hearing aids
- Rent assistance
- Medical expenses
- Food subsidy
- Funeral expenses
- Utility subsidy
- Personal care assistance
This grant can be used to reimburse expenses recently incurred or to fund pending expenditures. The grant, however, is limited to discrete, one-time requests, and not ongoing support. Any grant will be made based upon need. Applicants can expect a decision on their application within 4 to 6 weeks, after receipt.
To apply, send an email with the following information to the
LaughlinFund@gmail.com
or mail to The Laughlin Fund, c/o MidAmerica Region, 2355 Fairview Ave N., #312, Roseville, MN 55113
- Applicant's Name
- Name of person submitting application if not the applicant
- Address, telephone number, and email address
- Date of Birth
- An explanation of the use of the grant
- The amount being requested
- A quote or a bill to support that amount
- An explanation of when the money is needed and any other sources of funds being requested to help
- Any other relevant information that will support the application
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General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. Please join us Wednesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 28, 2020 in Providence, Rhode Island for this 5-day immersive experience where we participate in inspirational worship services and informative workshops, reconvene with friends and colleagues, and explore our bustling exhibit hall. GA is an unforgettable experience for the thousands of UUs who attend. Meet us in Providence and you’ll leave with renewed energy and innovative ideas to share with your congregation and community-at-large!
The theme for General Assembly in June 2020 is
Rooted, Inspired, & Ready!
We are in touch with our theological roots, we are engaged in transforming our faith, and we are fired up to take action in the wider world.
Registration and Housing
Registration is now open at
uua.org/ga
. Full-time registration is $400 for adults, $240 for high school youth and retired and candidate ministers, $150 for off-site registrants. Register by March 15 for the lowest rate. Rates will increase on March 16 and again on May 1.
There are those who may find it more manageable to spread out their GA registration fee in smaller, periodic installments rather than one lump sum. When you register you many now choose to pay with our brand-new Payment Plan option to spread out your payments over several months. Registration can be paid in installments, with as little as $50 down, through February 29, 2020.
In addition to a variety of nearby hotels, attendees will also be able to book dormitory-style accommodations at two local universities. Also, UUs from local congregations will serve as host families for Home Hospitality, which is B&B style accommodations. For more information, visit
uua.org/ga
. Make your hotel reservation beginning March 2 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern.
FAITHIFY has a proven record of helping people get to General Assembly. Crowdfunding is a democratic, grass roots, and increasingly common tool to fund GA travel and registration expenses. When we contribute to a GA scholarship campaign, we welcome more people to be full participants in the largest gathering of our faith community. Get inspired at FAITHIFY.org.
Excellent Programming
GA will offer more than 100 outstanding programming selections (workshops, panel discussions, worship services, and other presentations) over the course of five days. Programs will provide attendees with concrete and usable tools to further the work, and the balance needed to explore multiple identity-based and theological perspectives. More programming details are available at
uua.org/ga
.
Like Unitarian Universalism, GA offers a wealth of theological diversity. A variety of worship choices are offered throughout GA. The Service of the Living Tradition is where we commemorate fellowshipped and credentialed religious leaders, those who have died, those who have completed active service, and welcome those who have received fellowship or credentialed status in the past year. Sunday Morning Worship at GA is a powerful, communal worship experience and is the largest annual gathering of UUs in Worship.
Each year a distinguished guest speaker is invited to address the General Assembly as the Ware Lecturer. Recent lecturers have included Bryan Stevenson, Cornel West, and Maria Hinojosa. The 2020 Ware Lecturer will be announced soon.
Leah Mikkelson is going. Are you?
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Registration for this summer’s Chalice Sparx Family Camp & Retreat for Unitarian Universalist families is now open. Join us July 10-13 in Cassopolis, Michigan for an amazing all ages experience at lovely Camp Friedenswald in southwestern Michigan -- only 90 miles from Chicago, 120 miles from Ann Arbor and 195 miles from Indianapolis.
At Chalice Sparx camp and retreat for families you will experience a truly multigenerational community. There are no camp counselors here to whisk away the children separate from their families. Here we learn together, worship together and explore together in a community of all ages – including elders who complete our multigenerational village. As an intentional UU covenanted community, we are especially welcoming to Trans children, youth and their families. Although we are a small growing camp, approximately half of the families who come to Chalice Sparx camp each year are families with a child, youth or adult who is trans or non-binary and families of color or families with a child of color/multiracial represent 1/3 of our families each year at Chalice Sparx.
We also have fun together. Swimming, hiking or riding a wagon through the trails, canoeing, archery, popcorn popped in a kettle over an open fire, and of course, S’mores and singing camp songs.
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Judy Stettner
Congregational Administrator
Heather Madaus
Interim Director of Religious Education
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Cassandra Vohs-Demann
Director of Music
Billy Seger
Accompanist
Leah Mikkelson
Board President
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Office Hours:
Monday 10-2
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10-2
Thursday 10-2
Friday 10-2
Others by appointment
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Our Board Members:
Leah Mikkelson - President
President Elect -
Randy Meyer - Treasurer
Mike Bissett - Secretary
Steve Lyons - Trustee
Marcia Johnson- Trustee
Patrick Kerin- Trustee
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Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation
5603 Bull Valley Road
McHenry, IL 60050
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