What does COURAGE mean? Click HERE to find out.
|
|
Unexpected messages…
What a busy two months! Your enthusiasm for jumping into a new program year with a new settled minister is contagious! It has been such a delight working with all of you. So much is happening and we also celebrated my ordination into Unitarian Universalist ministry and installation as your minister!
I am so blessed to have such an enthusiastic start to ministry!
In the midst of it all, Elías and I wandered over to the Morton Arboretum this past weekend - one of my most favorite places since moving here. It was busy but I know my favorite spot and it is far enough away from the visitor center that almost no one is around: The Spruce Plot. The air seems lighter there. The light filters down to visitors differently. It is quiet, and peaceful. About halfway up the path, there is a stone bench. Each time I have visited in the past few weeks, a different message was laid out on that bench, “Written” in pine cones: name + name = love. Happy Halloween. Autumn Equinox. Those simple messages cause me to pause and remember the season, the time.
It's hard to slow down sometimes. To watch the signs of the change of seasons or mark where we have been. But without those pauses, just focusing on all the ‘doing’, we risk losing sight of the bigger picture. Those messages on the stone bench on my first visit were so far from what I had been thinking about when I entered the sacred space that when I encountered them, my brain went blank. I forgot about all the emails I needed to send, the conversations I needed to have…it broke through the busyness. I wondered about the people who had left those messages, I heard the birds chirp and squirrels chatter. I was reminded of the bigger picture…the people I am coming to love (YOU!) and the work that I love to do. I needed that refocus and reminder of how it all fits together.
It reminds me of how in many religious traditions there is an axiom of how when we are at our busiest, it is then that we need to stop (pray, meditate, etc.) I have found that to be abundantly true. When I stop in the middle of all the busyness that life holds to practice my qigong or take a walk, I am usually more prepared to return to my work, make better decisions, handle difficult things in a kinder way, and I tend to get more done in the long run (not sure how the universe makes time work differently when I take a break, but it does!)
Maybe you already plan a break into your days. If so, may I suggest that you keep it up and if it is feeling stagnant - try a new practice. Or maybe this is a real challenge for you. If so, may I suggest that you start small - before I had my qigong practice, I would often try mindful meditation while doing the dishes. I was still “getting things done” but I was also allowing myself to feel the warm water, smell the soap, and focus on the task at hand rather than creating lists in my head of what needed to be done next.
Taking some time, especially as we begin something new together, especially as the seasons transition, gives us the opportunity to rest and renew. This allows our enthusiasm to continue without burning out. It allows us to see the big picture, and reminds us of what is important - each other! May we remember that the breaks are just as important as the work!
With Autumn Blessings,
rev. mandi
|
|
Sunday Service
In-person and Online
|
|
October 2, 2022 @ 10:30am
Blessing of the Animals
Led by rev. mandi huizenga
Let’s bless our animal friends! Join us outdoors with your friendly pets or picture(s) of your pets as we bless these companions. Or bring a picture(s) of an animal that has brought you joy or comfort. Please bring lawn chairs and if you have time, a treat to share during coffee hour afterward! This service will not be live-streamed but will be recorded for viewing after. (In the event of rain, we will move indoors with only pictures.)
Note: Please park in the auxiliary parking lot. The handicap and limited mobility parking in our parking lot will be available for those who need it.
October 9, 2022 @ 10:30am
Courage in Covenant
Led by rev. mandi huizenga
We often speak about all the good and wonderful things that come from being together in community. Yet, being in community can also be hard and challenging. This does not mean it is not worth our time. Rather, it is often in the most difficult of times that we grow, learn, and find the most meaning in our community.
October 16, 2022 @ 10:30am
Guest at Our Table
Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt
How do we UUs live courageously in times full of uncertainty? Rev Dr Sofía Betancourt from the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee will join us to discuss Guest at Our Table, an intergenerational social justice project that benefits communities in our world that are most impacted by injustice.
October 23, 2022 @ 10:30am
Staring Down Our Demons
Led by rev. mandi huizenga
It is the Hindu festival of Diwali. What lessons might this holiday of lights hold for us?
October 30, 2022 @ 10:30am
Facing Our Ancestors
Led by rev. mandi huizenga
Samhain, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Dia de la Muertos. All of these holidays ask us to remember our ancestors and dearly departed. We invite you to bring a picture of someone who has passed on as we remember them on our altar.
Costumes are welcome!
|
|
October 2, 2022, Noon
Scott Thompson will discuss some of his original ideas concerning "toy models." In physics, a "toy model" is a simplified representation of a complicated system that helps one to think about its key aspects. It also helps one consider what happens when one or more of these aspects change, relative to one another. Over time, Scott has developed several "toy models" that apply not just to physical systems, but to economics, interpersonal relationships, conflict, human sexuality and other issues that can be complicated to think through.
Join us for Science Sunday to learn about some of Scott's toy models, and to provide feedback about whether you might find them useful, whether you have your own alternatives, etc. We'd love to see you in person, as that will enliven the discussion and give you a chance to explore this topic with others.
October 16, 2022, Noon
David Clark will talk to us about Halloween. This three-part talk will start by covering some of the history of Halloween, including as a harvest festival and a celebration of persons passed, as well as how Christianity subsumed pagan traditions into the celebration of All Saints day. Next, he'll talk about some of the science surrounding Halloween myths of supernatural beings and occurrences, such as ghosts and spells and hexes. Finally, he'll wrap up by delving into some practical advice about how to have a fun and scary Halloween.
|
|
Zoom with Your Board for conversation and questions on the 2nd Sunday of the month at Noon. Join us in-person in the Founders Room or via Zoom.
The Zoom link is:
Or dial +1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 910 2998 3070
Passcode: 272229
|
|
The Special Offering during October will benefit Community Access Naperville (C.A.N). Their mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to work in, contribute to, and enjoy their community. C.A.N. participants are residents of Naperville and nearby communities. They have limited communication and social skills, sensory issues and function at a staff/participant ratio of 1:2. C.A.N.’s program benefits individuals who thrive on active engagement in their community, opportunities to contribute with volunteer work, and regular interaction with non-disabled peers. Due to their diagnoses (often autism, down syndrome, or epilepsy associated with cognitive impairment), they need assistance with daily living skills. More information is available on their website https://www.communityaccessnaperville.org/
$1,233.32 was collected for SARET during the month of August. Thank you for your continued 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.
|
|
Dear DuPage Unitarian Universalist Members,
I am delighted and honored to serve as your minister. I look forward to grand adventures and exciting times. I know that we will have hard moments and we will thrive through them as we work to create justice in our world and hearts. As a small reflection of my gratitude and affection, I gifted you the blue crystal singing bowl used in the Ordination and Installation service on the 17th of September. May its sound remind us of our covenant each time it is used.
Blessings on our ministry together! rev. mandi
|
|
|
|
Click HERE to read the latest COVID protocols at DuPage UU Church.
|
|
Committee on Shared Ministry
In September, the Board of Trustees voted to create a Committee on Shared Ministry (COSM). A Committee on Shared Ministry can look a bit different at every UU church. Here at DuPage UU Church, COSM is charged with holding and supporting the mission of the church, with the members of the committee selected by the Minister and the Board. To accomplish this, COSM has three tasks: to evaluate the Minister, to evaluate the Board, and to create a process of Right Relations, especially when conflict arises.
The Committee on Shared Ministry will meet monthly with the Minister and report monthly to the Board. They will also report on the ministerial and Board evaluations in the Annual Congregational Report in June.
The Right Relations piece of their responsibilities is still a work in progress, but a draft conflict resolution policy is almost finished. Congregants can go to COSM with concerns. COSM is here to listen and assist members in directly communicating with each other and staff when conflict arises.
The Committee is made up of Karen Hutt, Kevin Mulqueeny, Dave Gorman, and Karen Peck ex-officio rev. mandi huizenga. You may contact them at sharedministry@dupageuuchurch.org
|
|
|
|
Membership Class
Saturday, October 1, 9 am – 3:30 pm
Want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism? Thinking about becoming a member of DuPage UU Church? Already a member but want a refresher?
rev. mandi invites you to join her in learning more about our faith and our religious community. This class will be held in person at DuPage UU Church.
Please register here:
A second class will be held on Zoom ONLY, Sundays, October 9, 16, & 23 from 2 – 4 pm. Please register here:
A sign-up sheet is also available in Kreves Hall.
|
|
Pastoral Ministry Associates
Pastoral Ministry Associates (PMA) are selected church members who provide a ministry of support, caring, and helping activities to our church members who are experiencing a difficult time. We also celebrate the joyful events in our lives. Members of Pastoral Ministry Associates serve as administrators of the Joys and Concerns Facebook page.
The Joys and Concerns Facebook Page is available to members of DUUC. This is a private page that has been successful in connecting our community and finding support. It is also a place to request assistance like Meal Train support during a difficult recovery.
Members of PMA are Brigid Coleman, Holly Harris, Jack Sechrest, Mary Hamill, Sarah Ruban, and Rev. mandi huizenga. Sarah Baldwin and Ingrid Marshall serve as co-chairs. If you would like a member of PMA to contact you, email pmagroupleaders@dupageuuchurch.org
This link can also be found on the DUUC web site under Ministries.
|
|
Visiting with Friends
As we live into our goal for the year, Coming Together to Build Community, rev. mandi and the Pastoral Ministry Associates are looking for people to visit with members of our community who cannot get to Church on a regular basis. If you have time and are willing to meet with someone once or twice a month to have a friendly chat, we have a number of members that are looking for connection and good conversation with other DuPage UU members.
|
|
Coffee Hour
We'd love for coffee hour to return to our Sunday mornings while the weather is nice and we can be outside together! But we need help! If you'd like to volunteer to prepare, serve, and clean up please contact Sheri at office@dupageuuchurch.org .
|
|
It’s Not Your Glasses: It’s the Windows!
Join the Fall Church Cleanup Session
Saturday, October 15, 2022
9 am - Noon
Window Cleaners, Dusters, and Others Needed!
RAIN or SHINE. We will start with window cleaning, then move on to cleaning other
parts of the church. Children are welcome to help in the company of a parent or
caregiver. Masks are required in the building for all volunteers.
We can always use a few long-handled dusters, kitchen stools, and a few extra short
ladders (less than 6 feet tall). We provide ample supplies of cleaning solutions and tools. If you have questions about something, just ask!
|
|
Humanist Speaker: Join us on Wednesday evening, October 12th at 7:30 PM for a talk given by a lawyer from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Ryan Jayne will talk about church and state separation issues in the current legal and political climate.
|
|
Auction 2022: Get Your Muppet Slapstick On!
Ready for a little sassy and crazy? Winning bidder Brigid Coleman chose this year's theme: The Muppet Show!
-
The Silent portion of the Auction will be online only (same format as 2020 and 2021) and will open on Thursday, November 3 and close at noon on Sunday, November 6.
-
The Live Auction will return in fine form in 2022 on Saturday, November 5, with bidding in the Sanctuary! More details to come.
Start planning now: Submission details will be posted soon for your goods, services, parties, and more. Ticket info for Silent and Live also is coming soon. In the meantime, refresh your memory: Kermit, of course, and the ever-dramatic Miss Piggy, the hilarious (well, he tries!) Fozzie Bear, Crazy Harry the pyrotechnic "expert" and master hecklers Statler and Waldorf might show up!
|
|
Gather up your Styrofoam for the
October 2 Collection
Drop off Sunday morning until 12:00 noon
The Green Sanctuary committee will collect and transport your Styrofoam to DART Industries, so you don’t have to make that trip. Just bag your food service items in small plastic bags such as those from the grocery store, or larger garbage bags if you have a lot, and tie them closed. For large blocks of packing foam, you can use plastic garbage bags; we also have a supply of very large plastic bags in the foyer closet and will make those available for loading those big items into our cars. Please, no cloth or reusable bags. Take those home with you for reuse.
|
|
Accessibility and Inclusion on the Ballot In the upcoming November 8th general election, many of you in DuPage, Will, and Kane Counties will have the chance to vote on whether or not to create a 708 Mental Health Board in your respective township or county. A 708 Board or Community Mental Health Board is established by a community, municipality, or township for the purposes of planning and funding mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse services.
The referenda in Winfield, Naperville, Lisle, and Addison Townships in DuPage County read as follows: Shall ______ Township levy an annual tax not to exceed 0.15% for the purpose of providing community mental health facilities and services including facilities and services for the person with a developmental disability or a substance abuse disorder, which levy will have a single additional tax of a maximum of .15% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein extended for such purposes?
In Will County: Shall the County of Will levy an annual tax of not to exceed .05% for the purpose of providing community mental health facilities and services including facilities and services for the person with a developmental disability or a substance abuse disorder?
In Dundee and Elgin Townships in Kane County: Shall______Township levy an annual tax of not to exceed .15% for the purpose of providing community mental health facilities and services including facilities and services for the person with a developmental disability or a substance use disorder?
If you have questions about AIM at DuPage UU, have accessibility or inclusion questions, suggestions, or concerns at church, and/or would like to join the DuPage UU AIM Team, please email us at aim@dupageuuchurch.org.
|
|
DUUC Library New Featured Book
The 2022-2023 UU Common Read, Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism by Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin, is a new addition to the DUUC Library. It is on display in the Library alcove area in Kreves Hall. The UU Common Read builds community in UU congregations by giving diverse people a shared platform for reflection and a shared focus for action. Multimedia resources for this Common Read, which will include a traditional discussion guide, will be provided through out the year. Available now is a recorded Zoom workshop, We Can Do This: Faith, Conflict, and Antiracism (Vimeo, 56:00), from the UUA General Assembly 2020 on-demand video library. For more information about, Mistakes and Miracles: Congregations on the Road to Multiculturalism, Nancy Palmer Jones and Karin Lin, and the UU Common Read, visit: https://www.uua.org/read
|
|
Mindfulness Meditation
Mondays 7:00pm - 8:45pm
This mindfulness meditation group is open to anyone who has interest in meditation from beginners to more advanced. Our time together consists of sitting meditation, walking meditation (when we meet in person), a short teaching and responsive group sharing.
For more information, go to our website:
As of September, 2022, meeting Hybrid, at DUUC Learning Center and on
Zoom.
Meeting ID: 885 7102 1238
Passcode: 512058
|
|
Magic, Ritual, and Gnosis: A History of Western Esotericism
Sunday Oct 16 @ 3PM (Zoom)
Magical rituals, non-physical beings, and secret orders make for interesting stories. But where do these ideas come from? The western world has a long and complicated history of mystical belief and practice. These traditions have not only influenced fiction but also science, mathematics, and philosophy. Join us as we discuss this fascinating topic. Questions or to request the zoom link, emai seraphmichael@hotmail.com .
|
|
Sunday Flowers Needed
Celebrate a person or event by providing flowers for a Sunday service. Flowers are needed throughout the church year. You may request to have Sunday Flowers order a $35 standard arrangement for you from Phillip’s Flowers. Or, if you are planning to attend the service in person, you may choose to bring in your own arrangement from your garden or favorite flower shop. The arrangement should be brought to the sanctuary by 10:20 a.m. Your dedication will be printed in the email with the link to the on-line version of the Order of Service as well as in the printed Order of Service. The flowers are yours to take home after the service. If you are not attending service, you may pick up your flowers either on Sunday 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m., or contact Sheri, office@dupageuuchurch.org or (630) 505-9408, to make arrangements for a contactless pick-up during office hours. Remember, masks are required to enter the church. Payment may be made by sending a check made out to DUUC for $35 to the church office (write “flowers” on the memo line), through the DUUC Payment Portal (select “other” under donation, and write in “flowers”), or VANCO (select “flowers fund”). Contact Kristen Tang at flowers@dupageuuchurch.org or (630) 305-7771 for more information and/or to request a date. Thank you!
|
|
 |
Please consider making a donation to support
DuPage UU Church and all of its programs ~
thank you!
|
|
|
|
Find out what's happening at DuPage UU Church! |
|
|
|
In the Wider Unitarian Universalist World |
|
You are invited to join Side With Love's
Climate Disaster Response Training Series
|
|
Climate disasters impact our communities - how can UUs be prepared? Join this series of workshops with activities to help you identify the climate risks, understand who is most at risk and how your community will be impacted. From there, make a plan to prepare for and respond to climate disasters in your neighborhood.
This workshop is part of a series. Sessions: All sessions are 90 minutes long and begin at 7pm ET/ 6pm CT / 5pm MT / 4pm PT
- Sept 27: Assessing climate impacts & making connections
- Oct 25: Mobilizing for action
- Nov 15: Community conversation
|
|
Improving our System in DuPage County for
Addressing Domestic Violence
Sunday October 9th 3 - 5 PM in the Learning Center at
DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
Please join us for a Teach-In/ Workshop/ Conversation
Join experienced leader and facilitator Monica Cosby (see bio) to discuss current problems in domestic violence, and help develop different and sustainable solutions that avoid criminalization of survivors of violence.
Representatives of the State’s Attorney’s Office and defense attorneys have been invited to be part of the audience, as have representatives of the Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry of Illinois, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the artists group called the Acting Outside Performance Art Crew.
All are welcome.
|
|
DuPage UU Church
630-505-9408
office@dupageuuchurch.org
|
|
See what's happening on our social sites: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
