COVID-19 – Updates and Resources 

Sunday, January 24 at 10:15 a.m. via Livestream

Join us this Sunday as we ground ourselves in a history beyond our current chaotic moment, and remember that even in humanity’s darkest days, there have always been those who act with courage and compassion on behalf of others. May their example remind us that we can do the same!

Please send your joys or sorrows to joysandsorrows@uucuc.org any time before the Joys and Sorrows portion of the service. They will be read aloud.

Join our online Zoom Fellowship Hour after the service on Sunday (around 11:30 a.m.). Come chat with UUCUC members and friends! All are welcome.

If you have missed any of the previous live streamed services, you can view them at our past streamed services page. You can also view previous live streamed services on our YouTube channel.

Sunday, January 31 at 10:15 a.m. via Livestream

It has been ten months since we were urged to stay home to stay safe. At a physical distance from friends, colleagues, and family, we have been forced to adjust nearly every aspect of our lives. At times, it has been excruciating to stay hunkered down at home, especially while world events spiral out of control. UUCUC member Julie Laut has found ways to creatively use her gifts to serve the larger community during this time, and she and Rev. Caplow will reflect on how “finding something to offer” can provide hope for oneself and others, even – or especially – when things are tough.

Bookmark our UUCUC Events and UUCUC Calendar webpages for future reference.

IF YOU MISSED IT: COVID MEMORIAL NEWS COVERAGE

RE DIRECTOR SEARCH TEAM SURVEY CLOSES JAN 23

Register: Pathway to Membership Class

The music committee is seeking performers! Deadline is February 1

Have you ever wanted to visit Alaska? If so, WhaleCoast Alaska 2021 is for you! Four Alaska UU congregations invite you to experience our unique environmental and spiritual tour program this summer, when it will be safer to travel again. See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs, with friendly homestays and awe-inspiring tour activities. See wildlife, including moose, bears, caribou, whales, bald eagles, sea lions, etc. Visit Denali National Park. Experience Native Alaskan culture. WhaleCoast Alaska is an inspirational way to visit our beautiful state. Complete info at: www.WhaleCoastAK.org. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss!

Rev. Caplow will be on Study Leave from January 18th through the 25th, and won't be answering UUCUC emails or voicemails during this time of study and renewal for the new year. For any needs for support, please reach out to Rev. Fritsche at associate-minister@uucuc.org.

New adult religious education offerings for 2021 have been announced in the Adult Religious Education Prospectus earlier this month. It promises to be a fun semester of classes, workshops, discussion and creative learning. The adult religious education committee is working on new programs to be added to this semester’s program. Keep an eye here for updates! Also, updates will be included in the eNews and on the church calendar.

Please consider donating to the Little Free Pantries run by Julie Laut and AJ Herzog, which they have kept active daily since late spring. In order to address increased and unique needs this winter, they have created an Amazon wish list. All items will be delivered to Julie's house and shared between the two pantries. Donations of all items will continue to be accepted as usual at both locations, if you want to bring them in person.

Thank you for your support and generosity ~ Julie and AJ

If it would be helpful to have someone deliver groceries for you, we have several folks who have volunteered to do this. Contact Julie Laut at: jlaut@hushmail.com or 513-544-2682 & she’ll put you in touch with a volunteer.

UUCUC'S "BUDDY SYSTEM"

During this time of social distancing, staying in touch and checking in with each other is going to be very important. We hope you will consider being part of our "Buddy System" so we can care for one another.

You can sign up here: https://uucuc.breezechms.com/form/2184f1. Buddies will check in with each other regularly by phone to provide connection, companionship, and connections to help if needed. This is a great way to help each other.

JOYS AND SORROWS sent to joysandsorrows@uucuc.org for last Sunday, January 17.

From Sam Beshers: Sorrow for Lisa Montgomery, executed by the United States Government on January 13, 2021. The execution was carried out in haste to prevent its possibly being blocked by the Biden administration, in one more week. And sorrow for the

existence of the death penalty, which needs to end.

From Mick McEnroe: When looking at daily new positive cases compared to population, COVID-19 is really bad in Ireland. We found out that my husband's Uncle PB and Auntie Breda have both tested positive, and PB is now in hospital for breathing difficulty. Prayers & wishes for health and safety for PB & Breda, and all our family in Ireland, would be so appreciated. On a happier note, I'm glad to report that my parents in Urbana both have upcoming appointments to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

From Amy Robinson: A joy - celebrating my mother's 90th birthday this weekend. Thankful for all the postal/Amazon/Fedex delivery people and internet providers who are making this coast to coast virtual gathering possible.

From The Pitcel Family: Sorrow as our friend Dave was admitted to the ICU due to worsening COVID symptoms. Prayers for his speedy recovery.

From Katriena Knights: Requesting healing thoughts/prayers/energy for my ex-husband, who had surgery on a detached retina last week. He is healing well, but because of the altitude differences between Denver and his house, he can’t go home for several more days.

Please send your joys or sorrows to joysandsorrows@uucuc.org any time before the Joys and Sorrows portion of the service. They will be read aloud.

UUCUC Social Action Offering. Each month a selected organization is chosen to receive offerings from our congregation. You may donate to the social action offering for the month in one of the following ways:

During the month of January, we will support Eastern Illinois Foodbank with our social action offering. The Eastern Illinois Foodbank is the primary food source for food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other programs working to feed the hungry. The Foodbank acquires millions of pounds of food and grocery product through purchase or donation and distributes it across our network of more than 160 feeding programs. Together, we’re working to create a hunger-free eastern Illinois. By partnering with EIF, emergency food programs are able to save millions of dollars each year in food purchase and handling costs. These savings allow them to focus their efforts and funds on more effectively working to alleviate hunger in our area. The Foodbank also operates programs targeted to children, seniors and veterans. Learn more about their programs here.

During the month of December 2020, our partner churches were selected to be the recipient of the shared offering. As of December 29, the UUCUC congregation has contributed a total of $2,415!

We were blown away by the generosity of those in the congregation and the community who donated to the Christmas Eve Shared Offering and the UU Utilities Fund! Our initial tally and first check we sent to Cunningham Township totaled $7,042.83! Donations continue to come in for the UU Utilities Fund and another update will take place down the road.

Dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit our UUCUC Calendar page.

As of March 2020, the UUCUC building closed as a preventative measure to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus in our community. All upcoming scheduled meetings and events at UUCUC listed on the calendar should be considered virtual unless noted otherwise. At this time, we are strongly recommending that no groups meet in person.

Last day for content: Tuesday, January 26 by 5pm at the latest.

Read our policy on publications for details.

IMPORTANT! Send your submittals to pubs@uucuc.org

Please do not send to admin@uucuc.org.

Closed until further notice

Need reimbursement for a purchase or two made on behalf of a committee project? Fill out this online reimbursement form, which will go to the DCA, and submit your receipts via email, if applicable.