News (Page 3)
Book Group
The Book Group has been meeting once a month continually since 1993 to discuss a wide range of books, both fiction and non-fiction. As the pandemic eases, the group will return to meeting in a member’s home, where they host a potluck lunch. Each book is selected by the entire group, and membership is open to all members and friends of UUCE who enjoy a good book. Join us on the last Monday of each month at 12:00 for a potluck…
From the Board of Trustees
Hi Everyone! It has been great finally getting to see many of you in person at our services over the past few weeks! I’d like to thank everyone involved in getting the church open and figuring out how to do services while keeping everyone safe. They all continue to meet and discuss how to improve your experience at the services. I attended the last meeting, and we did decide to continue masking for now to protect our most vulnerable congregants.…
One Step at a Time: A Message from the Reopening Team
Many folks have expressed concerns about our reopening process. Some ask why we are not moving more quickly, and some are concerned that we should be more cautiousness. Please know we hear you and care. Where we are: We are open for in-person services. Hooray for that big step! Again, we say we are delighted to see you and be with you again. We continue to offer virtual services on Zoom and strive to improve through enhanced streaming. We feel…
From the Executive Team (ET)
Greetings from the Executive Team Let me begin by saying WELCOME BACK! I think I can confidently say, on behalf of the entire Executive Team, that it is wonderful to see folks return to our prairie cathedral for in-person worship again. To those who attend via Zoom, we are certainly delighted to have you with us too as we work to improve the online experience with live-streaming of worship from the sanctuary (with upgraded equipment thanks to the generosity of…
Family Movie Night
I hope you can join us for a Family Movie Night on Friday, April 15th (at 7pm). We’ll be watching a movie at the church, but if you would like to join us online using a “group watch”, please let me know by April 8th so I can set it up for you. As we get closer to the date, I’ll let everyone know what the movie is! (A “group watch” is a service that allows people to watch the same movie…
Organization for Autism Research
For the month of April, our Share the Plate recipient is the Organization for Autism Research. This organization was thoughtfully chosen by our own Religious Education Youth (12 and up kids). This recipient was chosen to honor April’s Autism Awareness Month. The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) provides scholarships and grants that fund research about autism and resources for self-advocates. OAR’S MISSION IS TO APPLY RESEARCH TO THE CHALLENGES OF AUTISM. We strive to use science to address the social, educational, and treatment…
Board of Trustees Minutes for February 27, 2022
UUCE Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes 02-27-2022 Attended: Steve Stultz, Rowan Fixemer, Jamie Yucuis, Tom Lesiewicz Absent: Erica Lavine Meeting called to session 11:55 am. 1. Employee Handbook: Each board member is to review the handbook and then email the rest of the board whether they feel it’s satisfactory, or whether the board should meet to make updates. a. Discuss whether there need to be changes to by-laws for when there’s no minister to oversee employees. b. Specify the policies…
From the Worship Team
It was so great to see everyone who was able to attend our service last Sunday! We were blessed with a beautiful day and a healthy turnout for our first in-person service in 2022! Several people stayed to walk the labyrinth and place the stones Rowan provided, thanks Rowan! I love spring! Buds are forming, grass is greening, and I rejoice in the rain! Ponds that looked doomed are teeming with life and the birds are singing happy songs. The…
A Peacemaking Prayer
Our hearts go out to those who are suffering the horrors of war inflicted on them. This prayer was written by the Rev. Eric Cherry, of the UUA International Office. A Peacemaking Prayer By Rev. Eric Cherry The history is complex,the politics are intense,the fear and anger are overwhelming,and the future is unclear. But glimpses of a hopeful visionwill not be bombed into oblivionby anyone. In prayer, we call to mind the peacemakers.Neighbors of differing faithswith different historieswith different politicswith…
PADS Signup for April
Dear Friends, Here is the link to the PADS Signup for April. Serving is optional and requires proof of vaccination and wearing of masks. Otherwise, the staff will serve the meal. Feel free to contact me with questions. Thank you. Dotty Carringi UUCE PADS Coordinator847-502-4835 “Homeless Doesn’t Have To Mean Hopeless” — Elgin PADS https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054AABA82CA4FC1-pads9
Congregation Photo this Sunday
Since Sunday is kind of a milestone day in our church history, the Revitalization Team would like to immortalize it by taking a photo after the service that captures the experience. We will be taking one from a high vantage point in the sanctuary to capture all the people that are joining us onsite, and we will also be including video screen captures of those who wish to be in the photo and are joining the service online. There will…
From the Revitalization Team
Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where dem boidies iz? This silly saying pops into my mind every spring – can’t find an author to own up it! Our most exciting spring news right now is the Reopening Team’s announcement that an on-site service option will resume on March 20th! (We will still offer an online Zoom option for all services as well!) As I write this, statistics are still favorable and expected to improve. Thanks to…