News
From the UUA’s Braver/Wiser Courage and Compassion for Life As It Is
The Journey of ForgivenessLynette Yetter “Forgiveness does not relieve someone of responsibility for what they have done. Forgiveness does not erase accountability.… We are not responsible for what breaks us, but we can be responsible for what puts us back together again.”—Desmond Tutu, The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World Forgiveness. It’s an ongoing journey. In the early years of my practice and study of Nichiren Buddhism, my understanding of the concept of esho-funi (the oneness of self and…
Gifts from the CommUUnity Garden
As fall begins its descent, I find myself reflecting on my summer experience as part of UUCE’s CommUUnity Garden team. We’re all aware that gardening enhances one’s well-being on many levels. It may reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Being outdoors in light and fresh air contributes to health, and the physical nature of tasks help maintain fitness and mobility. My involvement over the past three months extends beyond these benefits. Gardening can be a powerful conduit for personal…
Did You Know?
Did you know UUCE has a Facebook Group and Page There is one Facebook group. There is one Facebook page. They are completely separate, with different purposes. Facebook Group – for church members, UUCE Member Facebook Group (ELGIN ILLINOIS) Not for people who want to learn more about the church. The reason this group exists is because several years ago, the email server went down, and there was no way to get church information out. It serves as a source…
Ethnic Eating Update
Since Kathy and I are traveling the first two weeks in October and because of the Thanksgiving holiday in late November, the next two Ethnic Eating events are going to be rather close together on the calendar. On Saturday, October 21st at 5:30, we will be revisiting Mariscos El Charco at 302 S McLean Boulevard, Elgin, IL to enjoy the Caribbean seafood of Barbados. Because of the quality (and quantity) of the food prepared there and the proximity of the location, on…
Fabric Drive
The qUUilters have volunteered to make a raffle quilt, in the old tradition, to raise funds for the church. To do this, we need fabric! All donations of 100% cotton quilting fabric are gratefully accepted. Fabric may be given to Darla Musson. Please make your donations before the group meets on Saturday, October 7, at 9:00a.m. Darla Musson, for the Quilt and Crafts Group
Supplies! Supplies! on October 7
The qUUilt and crafts group’s first meeting this year is October 7th from 9 am to noon. The qUUilters will be making a queen size raffle quilt to raise funds for UUCE. Crafters are invited to bring any projects they wish to work on. The qUUilters will assess supplies, make a plan for the year, and get started ironing and cutting fabric. Crafters are welcome to join in. If you can, please bring 100% cotton quilting fabric, rotary cutting equipment,…
2nd Quarter Share the Plate
Our second quarter (October, November, December) Share the Plate recipient is Planned Parenthood of Illinois. According to the Board of Trustee’s survey results that asked our community what their social justice concerns were, the results showed Reproductive Rights was our communities 2nd largest concern. After much consideration the Executive Team chose Planned Parenthood of Illinois as our Share the Plate recipient. For over 100 years, building healthy communities has been Planned Parenthood’s mission. Every day, Planned Parenthood of Illinois helps…
New Coffee Options in Fellowship Hall!
Check out the Fair Trade table in Fellowship Hall for some new coffee varieties. Per member request, we now offer Whole Bean (WB) French Roast, WB Ethiopian, and WB Colombian. All the coffee options from Equal Exchange are available in drip grind and whole bean. Feel free to request something or to see the complete list of coffee, tea, chocolate and fair trade foods that are available. I’m happy to order products from Equal Exchange. Stay tuned for October’s Chocolate Choices! Mary…
Fourth Sunday Styrofoam Collection
Fourth Sunday Styrofoam Collection: September 24th 11:30 am to Noon Please separate packaging foam from CLEAN food grade foam and bag them. Styrofoam peanuts are NOT accepted. Place your bags of separated Styrofoam in the Prius with a sign parked near the front door of the church. Thanks for recycling your Styrofoam. Please try to avoid using Styrofoam. It is an environmental disaster that takes hundreds of years to decompose, if not longer. All for a quick cup of coffee, or a…
Ethnic Eating Update
Last Sunday, the five adventurous diners visited Sabri Nahadi in Chicago to enjoy the food of Bangladesh. I’m pretty sure the taste brought tears of joy to their eyes (okay, it could have been the hot spices). At any rate, the food was delicious and plentiful – lots came home. I highly recommend this restaurant if you get a chance to go. On Saturday, October 21st at 5:30, we will be revisiting Mariscos El Charco at 302 S McLean Boulevard, Elgin,…
Fundraising Ideas Needed ASAP
Dear members and friends of UUCE, The Board of Trustees is inviting you to a Fundraising Open House/Brainstorming Session on Sunday, September 17 (yes, NEXT Sunday) from 12noon – 1:30pm in the Sanctuary. Who is Invited? Everyone with a stake in the future and financial health of UUCE. Why Now? As discussed in the Budget Open Houses and Annual Meeting, UUCE doesn’t have a spending problem – we have an income problem. Many of our highest pledging members are unable to donate anymore (for a…
From the UUA’s Braver/Wiser Courage and Compassion for Life As It Is
EnoughnessRev. DanaLee Simon “There is nothing to prove and nothing to protect. I am who I am and that is enough.”—Richard Rohr My peony didn’t bloom this year. She came up nice and green. Tall, too. But there were no buds. Nothing that was going to unfurl into her gorgeous fuchsia flowers—so big and beautiful that they always bend her to the ground.I was sad, at first. I found myself giving her extra water, encouraging her in my mind. (Come on,…