Archives: Services

Independence Day – What is Independence? And What is it Not?

Join us as Rabbi Maralee Gordon reflects this holiday weekend. We use the words independence, freedom, and liberty in a variety of ways.What was the original significance of “Independence Day”? Have we abusedit? Misused it? The Biblical verse “Proclaim liberty throughout theland unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10) is inscribed onthe Liberty Bell. What was … Continue reading Independence Day – What is Independence? And What is it Not?

When a Gift is Really a Gift

Guest Speaker, Lou Ness “There’s never nothing going on, there are no ordinary moments,” Socrates in Peaceful Warrior. What are your takeaways from Covid-19, quarantine and public unrest? There are pearls of wisdom and nuggets of truth emerging through adversity. How we allow ourselves to be transformed in this moment is on us. Join us … Continue reading When a Gift is Really a Gift

Beyond the Water’s Edge

Speakers: Joan Javier-Duval, Mykal Slack, Benjie Messer Join us for the largest annual gathering of UUs joining in worship. This powerful, communal worship experience is open to the public. Rev. Joan Javier-Duval will deliver the sermon at the 2020 General Assembly Sunday Morning Worship. She serves as Minister of the Unitarian Church of Montpelier, VT. She is the daughter of … Continue reading Beyond the Water’s Edge

The Shared World

Carol Alfus, lay guest speaker As we navigate a world changed by COVID-19, what is our part in making this shared world a better place? Our offering today will be taken for Youth & Family Services (formerly Garden Quarter Center). Youth and Family Center of McHenry County envisions a collaborative community that provides equal opportunities, … Continue reading The Shared World

Oh, the Place You Will Go!

Sunday, May 31, 2020, 10:45am Guest Speaker: Lou Ness The Tree of Life family celebrates and sends it Class of 2020 graduates into the world. Consider what lessons and values, you as a community have embedded in their hearts. While celebrating achievement understand this – They step into the next great adventure begins. To join … Continue reading Oh, the Place You Will Go!

“Reality 101: Coronavirus, Climate, and Compassionate Generosity”

Rev. Michael Dowd will be “zooming” in from Eureka, California to offer some thoughts on humanity’s place and purpose in “the interdependent web of existence of which we are a part” (our UU 7th Principle). Rev. Michael Dowd is bestselling eco-theologian, TEDx speaker, and pro-future advocate whose work has been featured in The New York Times, LA Times, … Continue reading “Reality 101: Coronavirus, Climate, and Compassionate Generosity”

Coming of Age

Our Coming of Age students have been meeting since last Summer and are ready to share their journey of faith exploration. The youth were challenged to explore their own ideas about faith and spiritual beliefs and it has been a great opportunity to practice expressing those ideas. Come join us for this time-honored tradition in … Continue reading Coming of Age