Archives: Services

Seeing the Invisible

Where do we find beauty in a world that is so divided, wounded, and suffering? How do we let it speak to us of goodness, joy, wholeness, and strength? Do you keep with you a moment or an experience of beauty? Speaker: M.E. Tanabe Worship Leader: Ron Relic Chalice Lighter: Irene Raven Reader: Sue Kazlusky … Continue reading Seeing the Invisible

Unexpected Beauty

How are we called to step into mothering? When can we embrace these unexpected moments? Our offering this morning will go to CASA of McHenry County which advocates for children in the judicial system. Speaker: Rev. Jenn Gracen Worship Leader: Carol Alfus Chalice Lighter: Patrick Murfin Reader: Beth Hoover After the service we will have … Continue reading Unexpected Beauty

The Beauty of Our Diversity

Join us for our annual Flower Communion. Why does this ritual matter to UUs? Bring your flower (and maybe an extra) and send pictures to Rev Jenn by April 24. Minister@treeoflifeuu.org We are also planning to have a May Pole ceremony after the service and picnic (weather dependent). Bring a picnic lunch and chairs. Masks … Continue reading The Beauty of Our Diversity

Waking- The Art of Intention

To quote Mary Oliver, “What will you do with your your one wild and precious life?” This question presses on us as morally grounded faith filled people. How do we live everyday as a reflection of the values and beliefs that guide our lives, our thoughts and actions. Does this spiritual warfare matter? Together we … Continue reading Waking- The Art of Intention

Called by the Future

Earth Day was on Friday. How are we called to respond to climate change as Unitarian Universalists? Where is hope to be found in the crisis? Speakers: Rev Jenn Gracen and Heather Madaus, Director of Lifespan Learning Worship Leader: Sue Kazlusky After the service we will have online coffee hour social time in breakout rooms … Continue reading Called by the Future

The Resurrection You Desire

Easter is a story of resurrection. What can resurrection mean to Unitarian Universalists? How can each of us have the resurrection we desire? Speaker: Rev Jenn Gracen Worship Leader: M.E. Tanabe Chalice Lighter: Jess Miller Special Music: Tree of Life Choir After the service we will have online coffee hour social time in breakout rooms … Continue reading The Resurrection You Desire

Awakening

As we shift into spring the world continues to open up. Today we honor the theme of awakening as Tree of Life opens our building for worship for the first time in over two years. Speaker: Rev Jenn Gracen Worship Leader: Sue Kazlusky Chalice Lighter: Judy Ayres Special Music from our small ensemble choir After … Continue reading Awakening

Faith or Trust (or both)?

Due to the intricacies of word and language translation through the centuries, people in many faith communities have come to understand the words ‘faith’ and ‘trust’ as being synonymous. Though they certainly compliment each other, they vary in discernible ways. “Faith or Trust (or both)?” explores the way these two concepts intersect and diverge. Speaker: … Continue reading Faith or Trust (or both)?

An Inquiring Faith

Our faith values questions more than certainty. What does that look like in our congregation? What questions do YOU bring to our life together? What have you wanted to ask Rev. Jenn? Do you want to know the difference between a Unitarian and a Universalist? What do UUs believe about sin? Why is the sky … Continue reading An Inquiring Faith