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Sunday Service

In-person and Online

Sunday, February 4, 2024

9:00 AM Worship Service - All ages

10:00 AM Coffee Hour - All ages

10:15 AM Education Hour - All ages

11:30 AM - Worship Service - All ages

The Worship services will be identical in content and order.

Moved from our cancelled service on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, join us to learn and experience the role of music in combatting oppression and finding hope through despair. Let’s celebrate the launch of Black History Month!

10:15 am Education and Social Hour

Science Sunday (Learning Center)

Science Sunday will continue our investigation of DNA and genes. We discussed the functions of chromosomes, genes, and DNA in the most recent January talk and became acquainted with the common means of reproduction in all cells. We looked at how genes provide a safety mechanism to keep important life functions operating over the course of billions of years of evolution. 

In our next talk, we will continue to look at how genes and DNA support life even as they reproduce themselves (and the living things that harbor them) most accurately; "faithfully" should I say?

Knowledge of the DNA code helps scientists reconstruct the tree of life realistically, and we will explore how that is done and how the wonders of life and evolution are both most amazingly expressed by the tiny structures in the nuclei of our cells!  

Transgender Justice & Resilience: Political landscape and facts vs. myths (Sanctuary) facilitated by Steve Cooper

Transgender rights have once again emerged as a political flash point in America. While President Biden signed an executive order expanding protections for LGBTQ people, conservative lawmakers have sought to roll back the rights of the transgender community — especially the rights of children. Many of these political debates are laden with misinformation and misunderstandings about what it means to be a transgender teenager today.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

10:00 AM Worship Service - All ages

Single service – no education hour

Join us for the launch of our Embrace the Future Capital Campaign worship service and launch party!

Single service – no education hour

Sunday, February 18, 2024

9:00 AM Worship Service - All ages

10:00 AM Coffee Hour - All ages

10:15 AM Education Hour - All ages

11:30 AM - Worship Service - All ages

The Worship services will be identical in content and order.

Seeking Liberation is an important task for us all, but it means something different for those of us with privilege.

10:15 am Education and Social Hour

Science Sunday (Learning Center)

Scott Thompson will lead a Science Sunday investigating the ubiquitous, necessary and simple molecule: water. Water is a combination of the first and third most plentiful elements in the universe. We all learn its chemical formula H2O and we all need it to survive. But what is it that makes water special? 

We will talk about water polarity and water as a solvent. Let's explore why water is necessary for life on this planet, and probably others too. We'll talk about its narrow temperature range of phase transitions. Speaking of phase transitions, why is liquid water transparent but snow is white? Also, why are the oceans full of salt water instead of fresh water?

These are just some of the questions and topics we'll address as we explore one of the simplest and most amazing molecules in the known universe!

Pronouns 101 (Sanctuary)

facilitated by James Oliver Mack & Hugo Gebner

Pronouns are everywhere. They are such an ingrained part of our everyday language that they can often be considered unremarkable—something not worth the fuss of explaining or noticing. But these “forgettable” markers are one of the first things that we use to wholly define ourselves—and sometimes to express how our personal identities change over time.

Sunday, February 25, 2024

9:00 AM Worship Service - All ages

10:00 AM Coffee Hour - All ages

10:15 AM Education Hour - All ages

11:30 AM - Worship Service - All ages

The Worship services will be identical in content and order.

Join DUUC’s affiliated community minister, Rev. Dr. Myriam Reynaud, to explore UU history in hymns. She will also be offering further exploration of the topic during the adult religious education hour between services at 10:15 am.

10:15 am Education and Social Hour

Covenant of Right Relations II (Learning Center)

facilitated by the Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM)

The second of three sessions to hear about the revised Covenant of Right Relations. The Covenant of Right Relations is our shared agreement on how we communicate and behave with each other.

UU History and Hymns (Sanctuary)

facilitated by Rev. Myriam Renaud

In February the DUUC Special Offering will benefit the Tom Galloway Scholarship Fund at College of DuPage. Tom Galloway was the first African American president of DUUC, and this scholarship supports African American students at the College of DuPage. The DUUC Special Offering pays about a third of the annual tuition for a scholarship recipient and can also be used to obtain access to computers, purchase textbooks, or help with living expenses. DUUC has been supporting this cause for over 20 years.

$2,455.06 was collected for Bridge Communities during December. Thank you for your continuing generosity and support.

All Church Celebration

Feb 11, 10am - 1pm

You are invited to attend a special celebration of the past, present, and future of our beloved church community on Sunday, February 11th. This all-church celebration will mark the beginning of our “Embracing the Future” Capital Campaign, and will begin with a single service at 10 a.m., which will be followed by a catered brunch at 11. Then we’ll celebrate with face painting, crafts, and a minute-to-win-it competition for all ages, and music provided by “The Shades” cover band. We’d love everyone to attend, members and visitors, youth and elders. Childcare will be provided for the youngest. Please let us know if you have food sensitivities: capitalcampaign@dupageuuchurch.org. We look forward to seeing you all! 

News and activities abound!

Have you noticed ALL that is happening in our active and we've-got-it-going-on! church community? The weeklies and first-of-month newsletter are so full of great news, activities, and opportunities that the email message often can't show it all, so is "clipped." All that goodness is a great problem to have, but be sure to note the link - at the top of the message - that encourages you to view the full weekly/newsletter message as a webpage. Don't miss a thing!

Nominations for 2024-25 Special Collections are Now Open

Each year our Community Outreach team solicits, reviews, and chooses nominees for a yearly lineup of not-for-profit organizations as monthly special collection recipients. These nominations come from our own Church members and often represent organizations that have been founded by or at which our members have volunteered for many years. They may be organizations that have impacted the life of your family. From mental health to senior support, immigrant literacy to prison ministry, our action provides a lifeline to organizations without deep pockets but providing essential services to so many living in our surrounding communities.

We are now beginning the process for 2024-2025. We currently have a number of standing recipients: the Tom Galloway scholarship at College of DuPage, Riverwalk Adult Day Services, ALIVE Center, Youth Outlook, and UU Prison Ministry. It is now time to think about organizations that you volunteer with, use their services, or just know they do good works. You can find information on the criteria we use to make decisions on our Nomination form. 

We are asking that you fill out and submit the Nomination form (also find the link on the Here's What's Happening page on the website). Or pick up a form from the Special Offerings mail slot in the office, fill it out and scan/email the completed form to specialofferings@dupageuuchurch.org (or drop off the form in the Special Offerings mail slot). The deadline for submissions is March 31. We look forward to learning about the organizations you think deserve our support.

Do you like to sing? We are always accepting new singers in the DUUC Adult Choir!

• 7-8:30 pm Rehearsals every Sunday 
• Sing one Sunday per month

Contact Choir Director, Amanda M Thomas at Choirduuc@gmail.com

Pathway to Membership

We believe that every individual is on their unique spiritual journey, and our church provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for people of all backgrounds and beliefs to explore their path. Are you curious to learn what being a member of DUUC is all about? Please join our two part Pathway to Membership class. In the first session, participants will share stories about their religious/spiritual histories and learn about the histories of Unitarian Universalism and DUUC. The second session will focus on how the church works, what membership offers, what it means to be a member, and how we can build a future together. Childcare may be offered upon request. To register contact Tina Lewis at

tlewis@dupageuuchurch.org. 

Winter Schedule

February 18 & 25 from 1:00-4:00 pm

March 17 & 24 from 1:00-4:00 pm

Pathway to Membership On-Line

An on-line version of our membership class is currently being developed. If your location or schedule prevents you from participating in our in-person membership classes, we want to learn more about your availability to meet on Zoom. Contact tlewis@dupageuuchurch.org.

Attend a February 4th Sunday Service and learn more about DUUC’s Pastoral Ministry Associates (PMA) - who we are and what we do. PMA members will be in attendance and will be sharing a sweet treat for everyone following both services.

Meet & Greet Winter Schedule

Would you like to get to know more people in the congregation? We host a special social gathering on the second Sunday of each month in the Learning Center. It's a great way for new members, visitors, and established members to get to know one another in a small group setting. Walk-ins are welcome, though registration is helpful for set-up. Winter schedule: March 10. Note: No M&G in February. To register contact:

tlewis@dupageuuchurch.org

Interested in borrowing a book from the DUUC Library?

Many of us scan the bar code on the back of a book with the app on our phones to borrow a book from our local public library. However, DUUC’s Library has a more classic book borrowing method: filling out a check out card. If your unfamiliar with this method, you:

• Remove the check out card (see illustration) from inside the front cover of the book
• Write the date in the 1^st column of the card
• Print your name, phone number, and email address (clearly, please) in the 2^nd column of the card
• Drop the card in the Library basket near the window of the Library alcove area in Kreves Hall.

Questions? Contact library@dupageuuchurch.org

Next Styrofoam Recycling Collection is February 4, 2024

Bring Styrofoam to church by 12:30pm. Volunteers will transport it to Dart Industries in North Aurora. 

Bag packaging foam, e.g., the packing that comes with a new computer monitor, separate from food use foam—egg cartons, meat trays, take-out containers, etc. Styrofoam peanuts must go in a separate bag because we bring them to different locations. All foam must be clean! Use clear plastic bags if you happen to have them—but don’t buy them special—that’s just so we can see what's in the bags. The plastic bags are recycled at Dart. Styrofoam is expanded polystyrene (#6 plastic) but not all polystyrene is Styrofoam. Please look carefully—some packing material can fool you.

As has been publicized previously, eliminating the use of Styrofoam altogether is our goal, but if you are using it, at least recycle it. If you can’t make this date, you can transport your Styrofoam to Dart yourself (bring a friend or neighbors’, too, for fuel efficiency) at 310 Evergreen Dr., North Aurora. Open 24/7. This message is from your Green Sanctuary friends. Questions to Susan at sfc1939@comcast.net .

New Young(ish) Adult Group

If you are in your 20's or 30's, you won't want to miss our kick off meeting Sunday, February 4 at 5:30pm in Kreves Hall. Pizza will be provided. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is helpful in planning food. Contact tlewis@dupageuuchurch.org to register. 

Volunteer! 

In the spirit of being an inclusive and welcoming church community, we take pride in our hospitality efforts. Coffee Hour provides an opportunity for people of all ages to connect with one another before attending adult and youth learning opportunities between services. Offering coffee, tea, and lemonade during this time makes people feel more comfortable and at home on Sunday mornings. Many helping hands are needed to support Coffee Hour, that is why we are reaching out to everyone in the congregation to serve. The winter schedule may be found  here. Please add your name to the list as many times as you like! Reminders will go out to teams the week before they are scheduled to serve. Thank you in advance for contributing to the warm and welcoming experiences of Sunday mornings at DUUC.

Food for fueling young minds

Statistics show that, in general, 39% of community college students are food insecure. The DUUgooders chalice circle is working with the College of Dupage to stock its "Fuel Pantry" shelves for food-insecure students who need assistance fueling their bodies and minds with food to help them achieve their scholastic and life goals. Now through February 4 you'll see Fuel Pantry bins in the entryway. Please consider dropping off some non-perishable items!

The most in-demand items include:

• Cereal
• Granola Bars
• Peanut Butter & Jelly
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Canned Soups & Ramen
• Canned Chicken & Tuna
• Canned or Dried Beans
• Pasta & Sauce

Or any other non-perishable food is welcome. Thank you! 

Auction Event High Season!

A reminder to Auction event throwers and goers from your Auction team!

Party and event donors, please be sure to contact your guests in a timely manner as your event date nears. Party and event purchasers, please be sure to mark your calendars. If you are unable to attend as a date nears, let your host know. Your host, with assistance from Tina as requested, can offer your spot to someone else.

• Winners: Silent Auction parties and events 
• Winners: Live Auction parties and events 
• Winners: Silent Tours and Services

The host/attendee information can be found at dupageuuchurch.org/auction-2023/ and a link to this information also is on the Here's What's Happening page on the church website. Donor and winner phone/email contact information is available in the Church Directory. Access the up-to-date directory via REALM. Questions? Contact auction@dupageuuchurch.org.

Accessibility and Inclusion in the Building 

This month, the Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry Team at DUUC is continuing to highlight some of the accessibility and inclusion features available throughout the church building.

• Did you know that our building has two elevators? The main elevator is located at the end of the hall to the sanctuary, and goes up to the sanctuary and restrooms, and down to the lower annex and basement. A smaller elevator is located between the coat racks in the foyer and goes up to the Founder’s Room, the gender neutral/family restroom, and the Learning Center, and down to the children’s classrooms and restrooms. When you use this elevator, please be sure to read the instructions posted inside. The elevator is not difficult to use, but does work a little differently from standard elevators. You must allow the automatic door to fully close before pressing the button to select your floor.

Image description: A wooden elevator door is inset between two coat racks. Elevator call buttons are to the left of the door.

• All but two rooms in the building are wheelchair accessible, and seating is flexible throughout the building. High chairs are available for use during social gatherings.
• All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Restroom soap is scent free. Free menstrual care products are available in both restrooms near the sanctuary and in the gender neutral/family restroom in the Founder’s room. Restrooms near the sanctuary have inclusive, self-identified signage.

For more information about AIM and accessibility accommodations at DUUC, please see the AIM page and the ADA accessibility statement on DUUC’s website.

The DUUC Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry Team strives to increase awareness of issues surrounding disability and disability rights and to help make all church programs and spaces as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have questions about AIM at DUUC, have accessibility or inclusion questions, suggestions, or concerns at church, and/or would like to join the DUUC AIM Team, please email us at aim@dupageuuchurch.org.

Kindred Circle Events

Imbolc February 3 @ 7:00pm. Come join us for Imbolc to celebrate the halfway point between Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Pot luck after so please bring a dish to pass.

New Moon February 9 @ 7:00pm. Come set your intensions for the new moon. Fellowships and snacks after.

Full Moon February 24 @ 7:00pm. Come banish what no longer severs you under the full moon. Fellowship and snacks after.

Questions? Please contact Cheryl Kuczynski cheryl.kuczynski@outlook.com

Mindfulness Meditation

Mondays 7:00pm - 8:45pm

This mindfulness meditation group is open to anyone who has interest in meditation from beginners to more advanced. Our time together consists of sitting meditation, walking meditation (when we meet in person), a short teaching and responsive group sharing.

We are meeting Hybrid in the DUUC Learning Center and on Zoom.

Zoom link

Meeting ID: 885 7102 1238

Passcode: 512058

For more information, go to our website: www.presentmomentsangha.org or contact Mary Kullman at  spiritmk7@gmail.com or Elaine Waite at elainepiedra@gmail.com.

Sunday Flowers Needed 

Celebrate a person or event by providing flowers for a Sunday service. Flowers are needed on various dates throughout 2024. You may request to have Sunday Flowers order a $35 standard arrangement for you from Phillip’s Flowers. Or, if you are planning to attend the service in person, you may choose to bring in your own arrangement from your garden or favorite flower shop. The arrangement should be brought to the sanctuary by 8:50 a.m. Your dedication will be printed in the email with the link to the on-line version of the Order of Service as well as in the printed Order of Service.  The flowers are yours to take home after the second service. If you are not attending service that day, you may contact Sheri office@dupageuuchurch.org or (630) 505-9408 to make arrangements for pick-up during office hours. Payment may be made by sending a check made out to DUUC for $35 to the church office (write “flowers” on the memo line), through the DUUC Payment Portal (select “other” under donation, and write in “flowers”), or VANCO (select “flowers fund”). Contact Kristen Tang

flowers@dupageuuchurch.org or (630) 305-7771 for more information and/or to request a date. Thank you!

Do you need to contact a staff member?

Please consider making a donation to support DuPage UU Church and all of its programs.

Text "DUUC" to 73256 using your mobile device OR click here.

Thank you!

In the Wider Unitarian Universalist World

Click here for more information.

UU MEN’S RETREAT

NEW! Where: Baraga/St. Mary’s Retreat House, 14230 Main St. Lemont IL, 60439 · (630) 257-5102

When: Fri. Mar. 8^th (7 PM) thru Sun. Mar. 10^th (Noon), 2024

Welcoming all who identify as male. Welcoming all faiths.

Theme: Being a Male Today. We will explore the changing roles and self-images facing males today.

Our Keynote Speaker: Paul B. Koch, Jr., M.Div. D.Min. Regional Minister, Christian Church of Mid-America will deliver his address: Men’s Responses to Gender-attributed Power.

In addition to our discussions there is scheduled to be a Wilderness Walk, Chair Yoga, Drumming, Board Games and Open Mic time.

Men from Unity Temple UUC, UU Community Church (Park Forest), First Unitarian Church of Chicago, Unitarian Church of Hinsdale and Countryside Church UU are already participating.

Friday Night Pizza Party! Come hungry for food and fellowship!

Cost: The retreat costs $160 and includes a single room, two nights, three meals Saturday and breakfast Sunday.

Saturday Day Only Participation For $55—Limited Number (Includes 3 meals)

• Deposit of $20 secures you a spot.
• Scholarships available!
• Please note: Our scholarship fund is fully funded at this time.
• Full payment needed by Friday, Mar. 1^st.

Registration Link Here. Go to Search Profile/Add Profile.

Note: If you cannot afford the Retreat Fee, or have any questions please contact us at mensretreat@unitytemple.org or call 708-383-3734.