The Art of Resistance
January 31, 2016 Art is not just about self-expression. It has always been a way of reflecting, resisting, and imagining realities. Rev. Sean will explore art as a means of resistance in this service.
Author: Tree of Life Office
The Church of Jazz: Duke Ellington
January 24, 2016 Duke Ellington was a composer, musician, and consummate artist. We kick off our new “Church of _______” series with the music of this Jazz legend who once said, “What is music to you? What would you be without music? Music is everything. Nature is music (cicadas in the tropical night). The sea … Continue reading The Church of Jazz: Duke Ellington
For Our Lives: Resisting Racism & Systemic Oppression
January 17, 2016 Issue of race, racism, systemic violence and oppression are front page news. For some this raises anxiety, for others it raises hope. What does it mean for us, a largely white, upper middle class congregation in McHenry County? What does it ask of us? How can we respond? What do we need … Continue reading For Our Lives: Resisting Racism & Systemic Oppression
The Beauty of No
January 10, 2016 There is a lot of encouragement in the media and popular culture right now to say “yes!” Memes and quotations urge us to greet life with a giant “yes.” But when is “no” appropriate? Can “no” be a sacred response as well? Is there a beauty in learning to say no?
Again This Night
December 24, 2015 7:00pm In this traditional Christmas Eve Service, we will light the candles, sing the carols, and remember the story of a holy night that changed the world.
Resolutions, Rules, And Other Things I Probably Broke Today Already
January 3, 2015 We’ll talk about our resistance to change, even when we say we want it. Why do we do that? How can we break the pattern? Is it even worth trying? And, maybe most importantly, where is a good place to start?
On the Road to Anywhere But Here: A Story of Hope Where We Least Expect It
December 27, 2015 Sometimes when things don’t go as we had expected, hope can show up in the strangest of places. We’ll explore the idea of allowing hope in anyway, even when it looks battered and bruised.
Winter Solstice: The Return of the Light
December 20, 2015 The Wheel of the Year turns and we too turn with it, towards the light! Come and rejoice in the return of the Divine Light at this earth-centered Winter Solstice service. Worship will incorporate elements of ritual to celebrate the start of the solar year.
“No Rehearse” NATIVITY PAGEANT
Join us on December 13th as we come together in community for our ALL AGES SERVICE. This year we will be revisiting the “No Rehearse” NATIVITY PAGEANT. A joyful opportunity to take part in the traditional story of the birth of Jesus.
From What Remains
December 6, 2015 Sometimes it feels like everything is broken, the altars of our lives are desecrated, and there is not enough oil to keep our sacred lights shining. Today we explore the metaphors and lessons of Hanukkah.