“Interdependence and Interconnectedness”

What does it mean to respect, revere, and participate in the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part? We’ll explore the “interdependent web” from a variety of perspectives, as a fundamental understanding of the ways everything affects everything in our lives and in the universe. A worship service for all ages. Rev. Connie Grant leading.

“The Vision of Hildegard”
A happy 918th birthday to Hildegard of Bingen, the twelth-century “celebrity” monastic whose philosophy, music, theology, choreography, drama, and vision defied all convention. Despite her orthodoxy, her ideas about the harmony of body and spirit, the emptiness of thought without action, and theory that music speaks to the divine in each of us, still holds inspiration for us today. This service will be filled with Hildegard’s music and poetry. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.

October 16, 2016 – “The Vision of Hildegard”– Rev. Bret Lortie

“Atonement”

This coming Tuesday marks the beginning of Yom Kippur, the Jewish holiday of Atonement.  Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck will discuss the concept of Atonement and what that means to Unitarian Universalists.

October 9, 2016 – “Atonement” – Kevin DeBeck

“Called to Love, Justice, Vitality”
This is a defining moment. The challenges we face for humanity and the planet are great. Yet, this is also a moment of opportunity. How is our faith calling us to respond to this moment? What skills do we need? How can we be a vital voice for love and justice for this time? Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray speaking.

October 2, 2016 – “Called to Love, Justice, Vitality” – Susan Frederick-Gray

“Living our Covenant of Engagement”
When our congregation was developing our Covenant of Engagement in 2011, some said that the only covenant we really need is the historic one we read together every Sunday. This “newer” one provides detailed guidance on they ways we have decided to live in covenant with one another. How do we live our Covenant of Engagement, with help from our Congregational Relations Team? Rev. Connie Grant speaking

“All We Pilgrim Souls”
The idea of creating covenantal, rather than creedal, community comes from our Pilgrim roots. With covenant comes responsibility: to help each other grow spiritually, to live into our promises, and to care deeply for that which has been entrusted to us. Our own church covenant is grounded in both Biblical and humanist understandings of what it means to be “promise makers and promise breakers” — and from our humanity help to form the Beloved Community. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.

September 18, 2016 – “All We Pilgrim Souls”– Rev. Bret Lortie

“Ingathering and Water Communion”
Where have we come from? Who are we? Where are we going? The beginning of the church year is an opportune time to celebrate the gathering of community and the promise of our church year. Please bring a small sample of water gathered from your summer travels (near or far).

September 11, 2016 – “Ingathering” – Rev. Bret Lortie

“Theology Set In Stars, Not In Stone”
A person’s theology can change over the course of one’s lifetime.  Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck examines how one of the people he most admires–Gene Roddenberry–and how his theology evolved through the expression of his greatest creation, which is celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary this week, Star Trek.

“Liberating White Environmentalism”
Faith in Place is joining us on Sunday August 28th! A local nonprofit that empowers Illinois people of all faiths to be leaders in caring for the Earth, providing resources to educate, connect, and advocate for healthier communities. Rev. Brian Sauder, a Mennonite Minister and President of Faith in Place, will guest preach at this service.

August 28, 2016 – “Liberating White Environmentalism” – Rev. Brian Sauder

“What Do You Really Want?”
Rev. Scott Aaseng has served congregations in Chicago, Quincy, and Oak Park, Illinois, as well as Hobart, Indiana. He current serves as Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois. Rev. Aaseng will speak about organizing justice work that makes a real difference in our communities.

August 21, 2016 – “What Do You Really Want?” – Rev. Scott Aaseng