Archives: Services

Generating The Gift Economy: Reflections from the Serviceberry

Author, botanist, and Indigenous scientist Robin Wall Kimmer blends traditional Indigenous knowledge with botany to appreciate lessons offered from the plant world. In her third book, The Serviceberry, she considers how this plentiful sweet berry contributes to the natural world and teaches us about reciprocity, gratitude, community, and flourishing. Join us this Sunday in exploring … Continue reading Generating The Gift Economy: Reflections from the Serviceberry

Winter Solstice Gathering 

“Embracing Shadows: On the Threshold of Hope” Join us on Saturday, December 20th at 7:00 p.m. as we gather to honor the turning of the Wheel of the Year and the sacred balance of darkness and light. Our Winter Solstice Gathering invites you to reflect, release, and renew as we journey together through the longest … Continue reading Winter Solstice Gathering 

Gaia, Mother Earth and the Oneness of Everything – worship service with musician Jim Scott

We will celebrate the earth with Jim’s original songs, readings and personal reflections on Mother Earth or “Gaia” being one living organism.  Our “spiritual response” is so timely now, as “the spirit of life on earth is in crisis.  Jim’s uplifting songs provide the balance to the wake-up call, leaving us with vision and inspiration … Continue reading Gaia, Mother Earth and the Oneness of Everything – worship service with musician Jim Scott

In Praise of Not Knowing

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

The Ending of One Thing, Is the Beginning of the Next Thing

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

Riding with David

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

Leaning Into Babel

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

The Four Friends: Mental Health in Congregations

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