Calendar

Sunday November 4
9:00am Chalice Circle
9:15am Coffee with Questions
9:15am Choir Rehearsal
10:45am Service
12:20pm Mindfulness
6:00pm Young Adults

Monday November 5
7:30pm Mindfulness

Tuesday November 6
7:00pm Poetry Group

Thursday November 8
12:00pm Kevin office hours
1:30pm Mindfulness
7:00pm McHenry County Pride

Saturday November 10
9:00am UU Orientation
6:00pm Fall FUNdraiser

All Committee Meetings are open and you are welcome to attend.

Our Board Members:

Carrie MacDonald - President
president@treeoflifeuu.o
rg
Rebecca Colon - President Elect
Randy Meyer - Treasurer
rjmeyer315@yahoo.com
Mike Stough - Secretary
mikestough87@comcast.net
Pat Costigan - Trustee
Rebecca Heisler- Trustee
Patrick Kerin- Trustee

Office Hours:
Monday 10-2  
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 10-2
Thursday 10-2  
Friday 10-2
Others by appointment

Music Director Hours: By appointment
music@treeoflifeuu.org  

Click here for Website Calendar Link

Click Here to see the latest Board Minutes


In This Issue
November 2, 2018
 
Don't miss out on your chance to sleep in for an extra hour on Sunday. Daylight Savings Time ends.      
 
The Happenings
What Are We Building?
Sunday, November 4, 2018 10:45am
Rev. Scott Aaseng

The world is in need of our many hands doing the work of justice. But what is it that we are building as we work?  A pile of bricks, a wall, or a cathedral? Rev.Scott Aaseng joins us from UUANI to talk about our vision of service. UU Advocacy Network of IL is our statewide UU organizing and action network for social justice, beloved community and a healthy planet -- helping to strengthen community among UU congregations, build connections with each other and with partners around the state, and mobilize for spiritually grounded and strategically effective action.  Scott invites the congregation to meet with him after the service to exchange ideas

What Have We Learned in 100 Years?
Sunday, November 11, 2018 10:45am
The Almost Rev. Kevin DeBeck

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I, or the Great War, or the War to End All Wars. The Almost Rev. Kevin DeBeck looks at what caused one of the worst conflicts in human history and tries to draw lessons that apply to us today. 

Our offering will go to TLS Veterans/ New Horizons. Their vision is to transform lives through service to veterans.
Their mission is to provide veterans in need and their families the services necessary to experience hope and achieve success.
They  do this through their four main values of respect, integrity, compassion and advocacy.
 

Fall FUNdraising Auction
Saturday, November 10, 2018 6pm 

We are getting more and more excited by the minute for this year's auction. The newest items on the block - the raffle! Items available are a wagon of wine, a weekend at the Lake Cottage in Crystal Lake, original artwork by Bill Stone,   a bin of top-shelf alcohol, and an overnight package for the Lincolnshire Marriott. Tickets will go on sale after church on Sunday, October 21 - one ticket for $5, five tickets for $20. You may also purchase tickets from any member of the Stewardship Committee as well as Judy Stettner in the church office.
 
Several of you have also asked if we will provide child care. We will be doing so, hosting the kids with pizza and a movie.
 
Please plan on joining us for fellowship at the auction on Saturday, November 10 at 6pm. We have a fun evening planned with entertainment, food, liquid refreshments, silent auction items, raffles, as well as our live auction with our auctioneer, Ron Relic. It could be the best night of the year!!!
 
Dates for the Fall Fundraising Auction
 
November 4 - Raffle sales after church
                Last day to purchase shopping cards for the shopping card tree , Sign up for open, non-auction parties (no bidding; you automatically are a winner!) 
 
November 10!!! Auction 6:00pm 
                Raffle tickets will be available up to the time of the drawings
   

FaithBridge's 12th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration 
 
Sunday, November 18th at 7:00 PM
Hosted by Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation 
 
Join your Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Baha'i, Muslim, and UU neighbors for FaithBridge's 12th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. Living in Unity; Within Diversity All are One. This evening of song, drumming, and unifying words, to give thanks, enjoy fellowship and make an offering for the benefit of others, will be held at Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road, McHenry, at 7:00 pm, Sunday, November 18.
A drum circle will be led by Greg Rajsky; bring your percussion instruments! The choir of Tree of Life will participate, and an offering will be requested for area food pantries, and for FaithBridge's future programming.
FaithBridge Interfaith promotes mutual understanding and respectful relationships among diverse religious communities in McHenry County and surrounding areas.
For more information, contact M.E. Tanabe at   m.e.tanabe@comcast.net, or Rabbi Maralee Gordon at maraleegordon@gmail.com.
 

UU Orientation
   
Date: Saturday November 10th 9am-12pm
Remember a 1000-mile journey begins with a single step .  Whether you are new to Tree of Life or have been coming a while we want to offer you the opportunity to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and more about how the congregation works.
Childcare is available upon request
  •  To register. Send an email to stettner.marc@gmail.com .  Or call Marc Stettner at 256-665-2655.  Or sign up at the visitor information table in the front lobby area.
 

Deck the Halls Party!   Sunday, November 25th
 
RE and Worship Arts are hosting a holiday decorating party immediately following the service, Nov 25.   We'll decorate the social room and sanctuary and all are invited. There will be tasks suitable for the young and the young-at-heart, including  jobs that can be done sitting down.  
Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided and we're asking that folks bring a plate of cookies or other snacks to share. Hope to see you there, the more the merrier!
 

Social Justice Notes  
 
Thank you to all who donated! Camp Compassion raised close to $700 for Compassion for Campers and the youth and families learned about homelessness first hand.
  
Vote your values! The Tree of Life Social Justice Committee would like to remind our members and friends of our Congregation to put your spiritual values into action by voting. Election day if Nov. 6th!
If any church members or friends need a ride or any other form of assistance in voting, please contact Lisa Messinger at lmessing1@gmail.com or (708) 752-5656 and we will get you the assistance you need to vote.. The ACLU of Illinois is offering a phone number to call if you encounter any problems with voting: 1-866-687-8683.
 
Nov. 4th: Scott Asseng, the executive director of UU Advocacy Network of Illinois will be meeting with our social justice leaders after the service this November 4th. Stay and learn about what the UUANI is working on and help plan how we can work together in the future!
 
For more information please contact Social Justice Committee members Sue Rekenthaler ( tomatos@mc.net ) or Lisa Messinger ( lmessing1@gmail.com ) or attend our next meeting on Wednesday, November 14th at 7:30 in the Tree of Life sanctuary.
  

 
2nd annual Thanksgiving Day Potluck at TOL!
 
Back by popular demand, please join us for an afternoon and evening of fellowship and fun. We will gather at 2pm for appetizers and plan to eat at 3:30-4pm. Please bring a dish to pass; turkeys will be deep fried by the Madaus family! Watch for a sign up in the social room and on facebook. Contact Wendle Broussard with questions @ 727-492-1501  

Announcing the Chicago Area UU Council fall conference:
Building Religious Communities to Save Democracy   
WHEN:  Saturday, November 10, 2018  9:00am registration, 9:30am - 2:00pm
WHERE : Countryside Church UU, 1025 N Smith St., Palatine, IL
LUNCH :  Potluck lunch.  Names A-P, please bring a side dish to share.  Names Q-Z, please bring a desert.
COST :  $5 recommended donation to offset costs of the event
ONLINE REGISTRATION : UUChicagoArea.org/workshop
 
All are welcome to attend the CAUUC fall conference carried out in partnership with Meadville Lombard Theological School.  We're coming together to engage with other Unitarian Universalists in order to best bring our religious values into the public square to save democracy.
 
Dr. Mike Hogue, Professor of Theology, Ethics, and Philosophy of Religion, is the keynote speaker. He will speak from his new book, "American Immanence: Democracy for an Uncertain World", which calls for building democratic communities of responsibility, resistance, and resilience. 
 
We'll take time to consider the practical and actionable steps we can take as individuals and as UU congregations to bring our values and voices into the local conversations on important, moral issues impacting our community.  
 
Contact Mike Gilley with any questions or special needs ( mailto:chicagoareauu@gmail.com )
 

Religious Education 
   
Nursery Care is available during Worship Services for children birth-4. We invite children of all ages to use our Quiet Work Area under the supervision of their families during worship services. You will find it tucked away outside the sanctuary in the Clock Room.
Volunteers needed for the 2018-19 school year!
Thank you to everyone who has stepped forward to share their time! We continue to have need of classroom teachers and assistants for all classes 4-12th starting in January. Please email or call Heather Madaus for more information.
Upcoming dates:
November 25, noon: Decorating Party! Please join us as we decorate our spaces for the holidays. Hot cocoa will be provided, bring a snack or cookies to share.
An activity group for LGBTQ teens meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month, 7-9PM, in the downstairs youth room. The time of the meeting coincides with the meeting of McHenry PTI (Parents of Transgender Individuals).
Memory Board
Please bring in a photo or an object for our Memory Altar or our Memory Board!
RE students may bring an item or a photo that reminds them of a happy memory to place on our Altar for the month of November. A photo may also be shared on our memory board on the wall of the DRE office.
Have questions? Are you jumping up and down to volunteer for something, but don't know where to turn? I'm available by appointment at pretty much any coffee shop, anywhere! Please email DRE@treeoflifeuu.org   or call 815-509-7862. Let's talk!

 
Young Adult Group
 
Calling all adults 18-35!
Please join us on Sunday, November 4th at 6pm. This month's theme is Memory. We'll discuss this and other topics as they are remembered! Contact Heather Madaus 815-509-7862 if you have questions!
 

Coffee with Questions
 
Topic: Lighten Up America
Presenter: Russ Marks
Date: Sunday, !1/4/2018 @ 9:15

We will discuss Charlie Chaplin's 20th century comedy and 21st century Laughter Club.
References (Chaplin Movies): "The Great Dictator", "Modern Times"

Community Care Committee 
   
Joys and Concerns shared during the service will be printed in the Happenings and Bulletin unless there is a request made to the office or community care committee to withhold.  
 
TOLUCC is so proud of the children, youth, parents, and leaders who participated in the Compassion for Campers Camp-Out October 27. Sue Rekenthaler announced that the group raised $480 for C 4 C (they actually raised $690!). Patrick Murfin got an article on page 2 of the NW Herald. Lisa Messinger was grateful for the community and fellowship offered by the event.   Compassion for our fellow humans and gratitude for what we have and take for granted was expressed by the group in Sunday's service.  
 
Marc Stettner had a great time with his college roommate visiting their Alma Mater in Michigan, watching the game, and touring their old haunts, proving that sometimes we CAN go home again.
 
Lisa Campagnolo expressed grief and care for the Jewish congregants injured, killed, or left behind in the latest mass murder which occurred at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
 
Ivy Sitkoski's friend who recently lost her husband is now facing the death of her formerly estranged brother.  
 
Russ Marks invited everyone to meditate after services on Sunday with M. E.  His practice of Transcendental Meditation has been greatly enhanced by this experience.
 
Kathy Tinkler announced that Running Man Peter finished up the Pumpkin Run 10K with a first in his age group and 24th overall.
Kathy was grateful to share some joyful moments shared at a concert with her friend Q who is suffering from stage 4 cancer at age 36.
 
Ray Beth recently completed 8 weeks of radiation treatments.  Congratulations, Ray!
 
As this goes to press we hope that Forrest is waiting to compete in the FINALS of his international flute competition in Italy.  Good luck Forrest!!!  You said, "I am taking you with me" but somehow here we are, rooting for you from northern Illinois!    
 
An update from Forrest Ransburg this morning: Hello everybody! Here to report that I did not make it through today's elimination round for the Gazzelloni competition, but I was thrilled to participate and learned so much! On top of all this, I was really proud of my playing and received some meaningful positive feedback. I'm ready to take on the next one! In the meantime, off to enjoy Italy for the rest of the week! 
 
 
If you are looking for a ride to church, please contact Pat Costigan, our Transportation Coordinator, who is matching people in need of rides with others who are willing to provide them.
Drivers to and from Sunday services needed! Do you drive through Crystal Lake on your way to services in Sunday? Let Pat Costigan know. We try to keep the commitment to once per month and can be creative!  Please email:
caring@treeoflifeuu.org    
 
Hospitality/Fellowship
 
Recruiting Treat Fleet Volunteers!!
 

Click Here to sign up

 
Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County is able to achieve its mission of helping local families attain decent, affordable housing because of the many hours donated by volunteers.  Volunteering with Habitat McHenry is open to the public and provides a great opportunity for individuals who have a passion for people.  We currently have Volunteer opportunities available in our Woodstock and McHenry ReStore's Wednesday through Saturday between the hours of 9am and 5pm.  
 
To Volunteer in one of our ReStore's, please sign up here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F266GQ9  
 
We also have Home Build Volunteer opportunities!  Volunteers work under the supervision of trained crew leaders in all phases of the construction process.  Tasks include: framing floors, walls & roofs; installing siding, insulation and drywall; painting, laying tile and laminate floors; installing kitchen cabinets, interior doors and trim; and all the door knobs and shelves that make an empty house start to look like a home.  No skills or experience with tools or building are required to participate in our construction projects!  To Sign up to build with us, please visit: https://volunteerup.com/ProjectCal.asp?o=193 
 
Sara Davis
Volunteer Coordinator - Habitat For Humanity McHenry County
815-759-9002 ext 106
Volunteer at one of our ReStores! Sign up here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F266GQ9 
Build with us!  Sign up here: https://volunteerup.com/ProjectCal.Asp?o=193  


 
Save the date for Regional Assembly! This year, our RA will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, at the Marriott St Louis, April 5-7, 2019.
The theme is "Intersectionalities"-how we live, work, and relate, as well as share, withhold, and leverage power in our world. Presentations and workshops will explore identities we encounter and embody, the challenges of social inequality, and tools and skills we need in order to work more effectively with one another, as well as the general "nuts and bolts" of congregational life, such as leadership, stewardship, membership, and religious education. Our Keynote Presenter will be UUA President, Susan Frederick-Gray. Join us to explore, share, and worship with fellow Unitarian Universalists.
More about our keynote:
The Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray is the ninth president of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). She was elected in June 2017 to a six-year term.    
 
 
UU WORLD WEEKLY
The email newsletter of UU World, the magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association
 
October 31, 2018
 
FEATURED STORIES
Living for the chance of success
Every generation fights overwhelming odds for a more just world-and for the next generation to have the chance to fight, too.
By Liz James, 10/29/18 (Fall 2018)
 
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Sunday security
Unitarian Universalist congregations are taking steps to be better prepared for emergencies.
By Donald E. Skinner (Spring 2018)
 
Creating brave spaces in Unitarian Universalism to talk about antisemitism
As a Jewish UU, I delve into the layers of white supremacy culture without and within.
By Dara Olandt (Winter 2017)
 
FROM THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATION
UUA president responds to shooting at Tree of Life synagogue
'This mass shooting reflects unapologetic bigotry that we are called to denounce and resist.'
By Susan Frederick-Gray, 10/27/18
 
Apply to serve on UUA Board of Trustees: Deadline extended to November 15
The UUA is seeking applicants interested in serving on the board or other denominational committees.
UUA Nominating Committee, Facebook 10/15/18
 
FROM THE EDITORS' BLOG
Media roundup: Transgender visibility, mourning a brother, UU perspectives, lighter fare
Weekly guide to stories about Unitarian Universalism from other media sources.
By Heather Christensen, 10/30/18
 
Interdependent Web: I stopped laughing long ago, no room for cheap grace, may their sins weigh heavily on their souls
Weekly roundup of blogs and other user-generated content about Unitarian Universalism.
By Heather Christensen, 10/26/18

Contacts
Kevin DeBeck
Minister

Judy Stettner  
Office Administrator  
Heather Madaus  
Interim Director of Religious Education 
Forrest Ransburg 
Director of Music 
 
Carrie MacDonald
Board President  
 
Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation | 815-322-2464 | office@treeoflifeuu.org | http://treeoflifeuu.org
5603 Bull Valley Road
McHenry, IL 60050