When times and situations are turbulent, it is natural and understandable to look for an” anchor in the storm” and to crave a sense of certainty. What happens if we ground ourselves in a sense of wonder, curiosity, and gratitude, even in difficult times? Can our spiritual anchor become a faith without certainty? Join Chaplain … Continue reading In Praise of Not Knowing
Lou Ness is finding Gratitude and Hope in the midst of change. Lou Ness, a long-time friend of Tree of Life is the Owner of Forward Effect Coaching and Consulting Developing Leaders and Organizations. Lou is also the Chairwoman of Woodstock Historic Preservation Commission, Commandeer of the Woodstock American Legion Post 412, Co-Chair of the … Continue reading The Ending of One Thing, Is the Beginning of the Next Thing
In the poem, “Welcome to Holland” by Emily Pearl Kingsley she likens the discovery that your child has special needs to anticipating a wonderful trip to Italy. But then you find you’ve arrived at a less exciting destination: Holland. Eventually you learn to appreciate the experience of parenting a child who isn’t quite what you … Continue reading Riding with David
The legend of the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel is often read as divine punishment. But what if the multiplying of languages is an intentional divine blessing? SCRIPTURES: Genesis 11:1-9; and Daodejing, stanza 8 Rev. Dr. Steve Young has been Instructor of Philosophy at McHenry County College since 2001. He is an … Continue reading Leaning Into Babel
Join the Rev. Deb Matthews in an exploration into how congregations can be crucial in accompanying those with mental illness through their often difficult lives. Drawing from her own personal experience and witness, Deb will suggest simple, uncomplicated responses and approaches for providing support to ourselves and others. Please be aware that the sermon will … Continue reading The Four Friends: Mental Health in Congregations
As a people of faith, we are called to meet this time of great need. We are called to stand with and for one another. Called to embody a courageous love — grown and shared in community and extended to all life around us. Honoring this call, we are joined by the Wailin’ Mahalias, as … Continue reading Called to a Radical Compassion
How can metaphors of thread and yarn give us something to hold on to when it comes to belonging and boundaries? For this tactile and engaging service, everyone will be given a little bit of wool, cotton, or other fiber to grasp as we explore how we are not only stronger when we belong to … Continue reading Strong Threads, Stronger Belonging
In a time of hyper-individualism and extreme divisions, it is vital to create community and build belonging. How do we build bridges without losing our selves? How do we build belonging that is not based in separation and othering? This Sunday, choir members from both our Prairie Circle and Tree of Life congregations will lead … Continue reading Strong is What We Make Each Other
What are the life lessons, and lessons for our spirit and our faith, that we can learn from the waters that surround us? This Sunday we explore and celebrate our connection to one another and to the wider web of life, our one world and one interconnected body of water. Our worship service will include … Continue reading In Praise of What Connects Us: Our Annual Water Communion Ceremony
While sharing core values, Unitarians are free to assemble their own personal spirituality, within reason. So, let’s belly up to the buffet with Alan at the All-You-Can-Eat spirituality cafeteria and peruse the selections. Some restrictions apply. Carry-out available. The Rev. Dr. Alan Shear is a retired college professor currently serving on the Tree of Life … Continue reading Smorgasbord Spirituality
