February 28, 2016 n the second of our “The Church of _______” services we explore the power of folk music. Singer-songwriter Joe Jencks joins us to share the power and beauty of contemporary folk music. Learn more about Joe at joejencks.com
February 21, 2016 In this service, we will look at the shadow side of Desire and talk about the ways in which it can be destructive to self and community. We will also look into the qualities of Aspiration, and discover how Aspiration can uplift us and inspire compassion for ourselves, and help create compassionate … Continue reading Desire vs. Aspiration
February 14, 2016 One wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package… to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch. “Somebody loves you,” the note says. “Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room… After some time, Mr. Hatch discovers who his secret admirer is, and in doing so, enjoys the biggest … Continue reading Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch
February 7, 2016 Desire is a powerful force, but one we don’t often talk about, especially in church. Is desire good? dangerous? inevitable? Come explore with us as Rev. Sean leads the service.
Here is a list of 2016 Winter Spring Events happening at Tree of Life. This list is just part of the exciting ways you can get involved in the life of the congregation.
I had to laugh when I saw that the Soul Matters theme for January was resistance. So much is changing–in the world, in our lives, and at Tree of Life–and resistance is so often our response to change. It’s a good thing, I think, for us to take a look at resistance and try to … Continue reading Minister’s Mind: 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.
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
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
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?
