Newsletter

October 2023

Dear DUUC Members and Friends,

As much as we humans love to categorize, separate, and organize our world, it is not nearly so clear cut as it seems. In congregational life, we do this all the time. We separate out our religious education from our membership from worship from our facilities. But it really is just all so interconnected. It is one of the reasons that I asked Steve, our Director of Religious Education and Tina, our Director of Membership and Engagement to both be staff liaisons to the Adult Learning Team. Membership and Religious Education are partners, two of kind. Without one the other will be incomplete. I love when things get messy and mixed. I love that boundaries and barriers are permeable. And I love to sort through all of the messy beauty to find paths to our future.

Robin Wall Kimmerer, in her book Braiding Sweetgrass, speaks about the relationship between goldenrods and asters. It was the relationship between the flowers she was so curious about that made her decide to become a biologist to answer the question on why they fit together so well. Of course, when she went to college, her professors quickly told her that that relationship was not actual science. (That is actually not true, the colors of yellow and purple have very scientific reasons for working so well together - especially to human eyes - check out her book to learn more!) They made clear that science was science and her indigenous curiosity, which led her to questions like why goldenrods and asters are so beautiful together, were two separate things. 

It isn’t separate, though, is it? Innate in our humanity is the desire to feel connected - to each other, to creation. We organize in our minds these boxes to keep things straight and to make sense of our lives but in reality, our entire lives are intermingled. Our separate lives are not all that separate. In the same way that goldenrods and asters appear at just a time in the seasons when everything is turning brown and drab. They remind us that the science of color draws our eyes, but also that we should slow down, pay attention to what is before us, and ask questions. The beauty of asters and goldenrods reconnect us to the earth to our relationship with creation who gives us life. 

And these beautiful flowers also remind us of our connection to our beloved church. After all, the asters and goldenrods are flourishing in our prairie right now. Season after season, our prairie changes, our church changes and yet, we are all connected to each other and our earth. What we do in relationship within our community matters - each volunteer, each program, each service - renews the bonds that hold us together. We remember through our rituals, like water communion that we are not separate but flow together. 

In this season of autumn, when the golden beauty shines and the crunchy leaves rustle, may we remember our connections and may we strengthen deeply so that we might transform the world together.

Blessings,

rev. mandi

How We Forgive

rev. mandi huizenga

Following the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur, let us explore the UUA Common Read book On Repentance and Repair by Danya Ruttenberg.

10:15 AM Adult Learning Offerings

Pursuing Pretrial Freedom in Illinois (Sanctuary)

Each year Illinois incarcerates nearly a quarter million people in 92 county jails, not because they have been convicted of a crime, but because they can’t afford to pay a money bond. An attorney from the ACLU and Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice will explain how and why the Safe-T Act was passed, and what pretrial hearings will look like under the new system which ended money bond and is designed to reduce pretrial jailing.

Facilitated by Ben Ruddell, Director of Criminal Justice Policy with the ACLU of Illinois. Ben Ruddell is responsible for drafting and analyzing criminal justice legislation in the Illinois General Assembly. He joined the ACLU in 2015 after more than seven years in the office of the Illinois House Minority Leader, during which time he was Deputy Legal Counsel and staffed the Judiciary and Criminal Law Committees. Prior to his work in the legislature, Ben practiced law in Chicago.

Science Sunday (Learning Center)

Scott Thompson will talk about modern physics including relativity theory, quantum and particle physics. 

Five Smooth Stones

rev. mandi huizenga

The Unitarian theologian, James Luther Adams, writing in the 1930's and '40's, named five pillars of liberal religion. We will examine those pillars and how they impact our lives today.

10:15 AM Adult Learning Offering

UU History I (Sanctuary)

Facilitated by rev. mandi huizenga

¡Si Se Puede!

rev. mandi huizenga

On this last day of Hispanic Heritage Month we will be exploring the history of the Farmer Workers Movement through music. Join our choir with interim choir director, Amanda Thomas and guest consulting musician, Francisco Ruiz, for music and worship celebrating resistance!

10:15 AM Adult Learning Offerings

Science Sunday (Learning Center)

The Poster Project: understanding and using evolutionary psychology in daily life.

By James Walter, PhD, member of the Prairie State Humanists

The anthropologists, Wrangham and Boehm, have a new explanation for our evolutionary psychology in the areas of language, consciousness, intelligence, emotionality, and personality. It is widely agreed that our abilities were established by the end of the last ice age. The evidence for this is coming from anthropological research of current hunter-gatherer bands that represent the ancient time. These societies are organized around highly egalitarian values. Enforcement of these values was observed as ‘three negative social behaviors’ of gossip, ostracism and, in some cases, executions. These social processes allowed a group of adults, usually males, to prevent any one individual (bully) from dominating the band. Importantly, individuals targeted with the processes had reduced life expectancy and paternity. The measurements provided strong evidence for natural selection producing our character traits. Applications of this new understanding of the evolution of our psychology will be presented in three areas: 1) to better understand ourselves, 2) for living a fuller life, and 3) to avoid unwanted conditions such as depression and anxiety. To further promote these virtues, it will be suggested to follow established psychological practices of meditation, CBT, journaling, analysis, and working with a therapist. This presentation is launching the ‘The Poster Project'. Posters will be distributed.

Realm Training I (Sanctuary)

Our church has started using a new Church Management Software named Realm. Realm is a cloud-based church management solution that helps users in church administration, accounting and community management. Church members are provided with a mobile app and online access so you can stay connected with the church anytime, anywhere. Keep up with your small groups, RSVP for church events, manage your volunteer assignments, view your giving, update your individual and family profile information, and more.

Linda Zetterberg will introduce the features of the app and the steps to gain access.

The Legacy of Universalism

rev. mandi huizenga

One of the two theological ideas that founded Unitarian Universalism, Universalism is a dynamic concept that is even more applicable today in a world needing love.

10:15 AM Adult Learning Offering

UU History II (Sanctuary)

Facilitated by rev. mandi huizenga

Worship Service - TBD

10:15 AM Adult Learning Offering

Realm Training II (Sanctuary)

Introduction to Realm for those who missed the October 15th offering and follow-up for those who did.

Linda Zetterberg will introduce the features of the app and the steps to gain access.

Become a Member 

Are you curious to learn what being a member of DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church (DUUC) is all about? Good news! The new Pathway to Membership classes will begin again this fall. In the first session, participants will share stories about their religious/spiritual histories and learn about Unitarian Universalism and DUUC’s history in a small group setting. The second session will focus on how the church works, what membership offers, what it means to be a member of this church, and how we can build a future together. The fall schedule includes: Sundays, October 22 & 29 or November 12 & 19 from 1:00-4:00. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact Tina Lewis at [email protected] or 630-505-9418 to register for one of the two-part classes.

On Sunday, September 24, rev. mandi and Steve honored our interconnectedness to creation by blessing our furry friends and their companions at our annual Blessing of the Animals. If you would like to share photos of church events and activities for In Case You Missed It please send them to [email protected]. Thanks!

Good News! The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed a new rule that “updates, clarifies, and strengthens the implementing regulation for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the statute that prohibits discrimination against otherwise qualified individuals on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance or are conducted by a Federal agency.” (The fight for 504 was highlighted in the movie Crip Camp. You can watch it on YouTube. It’s a great film!) The proposed rule, called Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities, updates the current Section 504 regulations by clarifying parts of the following areas that were not explicitly addressed in the original rule:

●    Medical treatment

●    Value assessment methods

●    Child welfare programs and activities

●    Web and mobile accessibility

●    Accessible medical equipment

●    Integration

HHS is asking for public comments on the proposed rule. You can submit a written comment at the Federal Register until 11/13/23. Learn more about the proposed rule by reading HHS’s Fact Sheet.

The DUUC Accessibility and Inclusion Ministry Team strives to increase awareness of issues surrounding disability and disability rights and to help make all church programs and spaces as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you have questions about AIM at DUUC, have accessibility or inclusion questions, suggestions, or concerns at church, and/or would like to join the DUUC AIM Team, please email us at [email protected].

Auction 2023: Superheroes!

United we stand (and fly, climb, fight, morph, heal, leap, protect) to make the world a better place! 

Show off your superpower by joining us for our annual Goods and Services Auction, November 2-5. 

• Online silent auction: Nov 2-5
• Live auction: Nov 4 with drinks/hors d'oeuvres at 5:30, bidding at 7:00, and childcare 5:30 until activities end

Look for the Auction table in Kreves Hall for information about tickets, auction item submissions, ideas for offerings, bidding - everything you'll need to know. Find information and updates every day at dupageuuchurch.org/auction-2023. The Auction navigation link is back on the website home page: Auction 2023, top right! Questions? Email us at [email protected].

October 2023 Special Offering

During October our special offering will benefit DONKA of Wheaton, nominated by Barbara Roos. Donka, Inc. provides people with disabilities with computer training, assistive technology (AT), and job placement services. Their mission is to “empower abilities through technology” by teaching individuals with disabilities to use AT. With specific types of adaptive hardware or software programs, they gain the ability to use a computer independently. Through the training program and job placement services, they help people discover their potential and reach their goals.

For more information about DONKA visit their website at https://donkainc.org.

$2004.19 was collected for Working Bikes during August. Thank you for your generosity.

Donations can be made through the church website or during in-person services. If giving by check, please designate the special collection on the memo line. Cash donations in the collection basket are divided equally between the church and the special collection.

Upcoming Workshop Series

INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS 

October 3 to November 7, 2023

Are you interested increasing your sense of calmness and wellbeing? Neuroscience research has shown that developing a daily practice of Mindfulness Meditation can help cultivate these qualities in ourselves. Mindfulness can be viewed as a method of mental training in which we learn over time, to abide more and more in the present moment by focusing on our body, heart, mind and milieu, supported by an open, curious and friendly attitude towards ourselves and others.

The five weekly 90 minute, in person classes will teach participants basic principles of Mindfulness using experiential guided meditation, explanatory lectures, practical tips and Q&A. This workshop is open to beginners as well as seasoned meditators.

Join Mary Kullman, certified meditation teacher and co-facilitator of Present Moment Meditation Group, from October 3 through November 7, (excluding Oct. 31), Tuesday evenings, from 7 to 8:30 PM, for this 5 week course, in person.

Since these classes are sequential, it is important that you plan on attending all 5 evenings. 

To register or for questions, email Mary at: [email protected] or call or text 630-388-9409. (If you contact me with text, please include your email address.)

New Moon Ritual

October 14, 2023 @ 7pm

Come build your intentions for this new moon cycle with Hearth of Life. Fellowship to follow.

Samhain Ritual

October 28, 2023 @ 7pm

Come join us for Samhain to celebrate the time of year when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest! Bring photos of your deceased loved ones to honor them. Potluck to follow. Please bring a dish to pass.

Questions? Please email Cheryl Kuczynski.

Calendar of Church Activities & Building Use

Sunday Morning

Adult Learning Schedule

Adult Learning

Programs Outside of Sunday Morning

Do you need to contact a staff member?

Please consider making a donation to support DuPage UU Church and all of its programs. Thank you!