When a pandemic forces a church to instantly transform itself into an online organization, what is there for a board to do, beyond reacting to COVID related issues? For Tree of Life, the answer may surprise you. We’ve been very busy with a myriad of projects ranging from supporting the revision of staff contracts, the … Continue reading Next Steps in TOLUUC’s Ministry
Those who know me well know that I’m a huge fan of science fiction. I love imaginative explorations of how the world might look with major technological and societal changes. Science fiction – like most good writing – is a gift created to open our minds to new possibilities. I find that a lot of … Continue reading The Minister’s Musings on Possibility
Dear Community, We are delighted to begin holding our first early morning services this Sunday, August 8, 2021. What do I need to know to attend? In light of the continuing Covid-19 crisis and in recognition of our deep need for opportunities to gather in person, we are instituting an early service outdoors. The early … Continue reading Sunday Morning Services Update
Our most recent participation in the Community Empowerment Shower collaborative service event at Willow Crystal Lake, 100 S. Main on June 16 was a big success. Empower Shower is a one-stop service which include showers, laundry facilities, haircuts, food, housing and rental info, utility assistance, and gift cards in addition to Compassion for Campers supplies. Participating … Continue reading Compassion for Campers News
We are delighted to announce that starting August 8th we plan to beginholding 9am “Short and Sweet” services outside on the grounds at Tree ofLife. These services will be simpler than the regular service. Theservice will be followed by our regular service on Zoom at 10:45am.Everyone is welcome to attend. We do ask that those … Continue reading In Person Services Return!
We are seeking a Musical Director/Accompanist for the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry! These two roles could be separated as well. Do you have a wide range of musical interests from classical to pop? Join us! We love a diverse selection of music for our worship services and our excellent choir! We … Continue reading Music Director/Accompanist Wanted
I typically use these monthly posts to reflect a bit on the Soul Matters theme for the month, but over the summer, there are no Soul Matters themes. Ministers and congregations must choose their own topics to explore independently. That can be freeing! But I’ll be honest – I like the sense of community that comes from a … Continue reading An Independent Summer
How often do we take the timeTo share a joke or silly rhyme?To toss a ball or shout hooray?Our theme at church this month is “Play!” Now to some folks this might seem odd –“You talk of play instead of God?”But as UUs we know it’s fineTo laugh along with The Divine. In fact, we … Continue reading Minister’s Musings on Play
Zoom has made some changes and requires you to consent to being recorded when joining our worship service which we record and post unlisted on YouTube each Monday. This does not mean you will show up in our recording. Only those that unmute themselves to participate in the service, or do so accidentally and interrupt … Continue reading Recording Consent in Zoom
Covid Guidelines for Tree Of Life: Updated August 17, 2022. Based on the CDC’s community level metrics* with data drawn from www.covidactnow.com As Unitarian Universalists we are a covenantal congregation and caring for one another by following these guidelines is integral to gathering. We recognize that we are all individuals who can be expected to … Continue reading Our Transition Back
