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.
News
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.
Special “Blue December” Midweek Service
Thursday, December 17th, 2015 7 p.m. at Tree of Life During the holidays, we often encounter expectations of jolliness and cheer that may not ring true. The pressure to act merry can make this time of year difficult. Grief, depression, poverty, and difficult family situations are just some of the things that can … Continue reading Special “Blue December” Midweek Service
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.
Minister’s Mind–Expectation
December is a month full of expectations. For some, those expectations are an inspiration and a joy. For others, this season includes much disappointment and sadness. In the busy rush of the season, I often find myself remembering the words of Rev.Mark Belletini who wrote, “Take care of yourselves as bodies, for you are a … Continue reading Minister’s Mind–Expectation