February 2020 February 2020 The Wayside Pulpit: Springtime Rush Rev. Michael Walker Dear friends, The winter will soon recede and the world around us will awaken: bees will get busy with the flowers that are everywhere; animals will again be out and about, many with babies in tow; half the toys kids got for Christmas are broken already; and work has gotten rather busy for so many of us. We are running pell- mell into the springtime rush. Mom used to remind me to take time to smell the flowers, which always seems like good advice (just don’t bother the bees!) Just as the new year was an opportunity to let go of some of the things no longer serving us well, the springtime is great for trying on new ways and thinking up new, creative ideas. For the church, this means: the Transition Team will be hosting opportunities for congregants to imagine the future of this church; the new Stewardship Team is figuring out how to pay for that future; and the Board will continue its work to streamline and modernize how we get things done. Also, new folks will have arrived, looking for community; longtime members away for the winter may return to reconnect; babies will be born. Springtime, for all its busy-ness and the pell-mell rush to do everything that must be
Transcript
February 2020February 2020
The Wayside Pulpit:Springtime Rush
Rev. Michael Walker
Dear friends,The winter will soon recede and the world around us willawaken: bees will get busy with the flowers that areeverywhere; animals will again be out and about, manywith babies in tow; half the toys kids got for Christmas are
broken already; and work has gotten rather busy for so many of us. We are running pell-mell into the springtime rush. Mom used to remind me to take time to smell the flowers,which always seems like good advice (just don’t bother the bees!)Just as the new year was an opportunity to let go of some of the things no longer servingus well, the springtime is great for trying on new ways and thinking up new, creative ideas.For the church, this means: the Transition Team will be hosting opportunities forcongregants to imagine the future of this church; the new Stewardship Team is figuringout how to pay for that future; and the Board will continue its work to streamline andmodernize how we get things done. Also, new folks will have arrived, looking forcommunity; longtime members away for the winter may return to reconnect; babies will beborn. Springtime, for all its busy-ness and the pell-mell rush to do everything that must be
done, it is also a fertile time of creativity and new growth. Let us embrace that with all ourhearts.– Rev. Mike
Rev. Michael Walker is the Interim Minister for the DuPage Unitarian UniversalistChurch. He is interested in connecting with you! You may email him with questions andconcerns at [email protected]. If you need an appointment with ourminister, you may schedule one by calling the office at (630) 505-9408 or [email protected].
What does it mean to be a people of RESILIENCE? Click HERE to find out!
Sunday Services10:30am in the Sanctuary
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Finding Resilience Through Our HumorBy Steve Cooper, Director of Religious Educatio nWhen you’ve been blindsided by a crisis or find yourself facing unwelcome change, havingsomeone tell you to lighten up or look for the humor in your situation may be the last thingyou want to hear, but it may be just what you need to hear. Humor, laughter and delightwill be our message for the day. The Children’s Choir will sing during this service for allages. (Consider this as a Super Bowl pre-game service.)
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Cupid and Psyche: Re-telling a Classical Story Reverend Michael Walker
A mythopoeic recreation of an ancient love story. The story of St. Valentine really has littleto do with the modern celebration of Valentine’s Day. And, the pop culture version ofCupid we so often see – a winged, flying baby with a bow and arrow – bears littleresemblance to the figure from Greek and Roman mythology. This service will bring newlife to the old story of Cupid (or Eros in Greek) and his true love, Psyche.Our Special Collection will benefit Riverwalk Adult Day Services . DUUC is one of thefounding churches for this organization thanks to former member, Lois Schnizlein. “Weseek to professionally provide adult day services programs and activities that are designedwith a personalized approach to caring for the elderly members of our community.” If youare donating by check, please make payable to DUUC, with Riverwalk Adult Day Servicesnoted on the memo line. Thank you for giving generously!Questions about this special collection?Email [email protected].
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Finding Hope, When Hope is Hard to Find Reverend Michael WalkerSometimes, the words of a beloved Unitarian Universalist hymn really speak to me, suchas those about finding hope, even (or especially) when it is hard to find. Like so manythings in our contrarian world, hope does not exist without its detractors in life. How canwe be resilient in this world? Is there any hope for us, to find hope?
Sunday, February 23, 2020
A Covenant of Care: What Does it Mean to be in a Covenantal Community?Reverend Michael WalkerIn this sermon, Rev. Mike explores covenant, a formal and serious agreement that UUsmake to life and society. This is not about a congregation’s Covenant of Right Relations,but rather the overarching concept of covenant, in which our Seven UU Principles areguidelines for the work we do for social justice, community building and fellowship. UUismis a covenantal faith, and we are a covenantal community, and this is a deeply importantpart of who we are and how we interact with the world.
Sunday Morning Forums9:15am in the Learning Center
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Science SundayMike Winter will continue to lead a discussion about the science of gene editing. He willtalk about how the technology of CRISPR/cas9 is used to edit genes. Applications of thistechnology include curing diseases and adding attributes to agricultural products.However, there are ethical questions about whether we should do some of these things,just because we can. Join Mike to learn about the relevant science and to discuss theseissues with others. Questions? Email Mike Winter at [email protected].
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Conflict Resolution: The Heart at PeaceGeneral comments about conflicts and disagreements – They are normal. They aren’tfatal. We all experience them in our relationships, communities, world …. They have theability to help us to grow, to be better than we were … But, we seem to be living in a worldthat has become increasingly polarized – “Us and Them” and while we may try to take thehigh road in how we choose to behave, what happens when the way we see one anotherstill holds elements of judgement, annoyance, anger?What if looking at our BEHAVOIR is only part of the solution to resolving our differences?What if how we SEE one another is the often overlooked solution to lasting peace? Are wesystematically perpetuating the very problems we are trying to solve?Introduction to the Arbinger Institute and their books “The Anatomy of Peace” and“Leadership and Self-Deception”. Objectives of the forum are to share their model ofunderstanding conflict and conflict resolution, exploring solutions to creating peace, and
ending with discussion about how this model touches each of us, encourages curiosityand questions. The book will be available in the DuPage UU Church Library for borrowing. Sunday, February 16, 2020
Science SundayScott Thompson will continue the discussion about our Origins. We've talked about the BigBang and the way elements are made by stars. Next, we will talk about how theseelements got to Earth and how the Earth itself was formed. Where does the ground underour feet come from? How about the water we drink? How did these things get from theinside of giant, super-hot stars to the clement Earth? Scott will tell us about the mostcommon elements on and inside Earth. He'll also talk about the recent discovery of ameteorite that contains material older than the Solar System. Bring your questions, yourknowledge and your curiosity as we continue to explore how we (and everything else) gothere. Questions? Email Scott Thompson at [email protected].
Sunday, February 23, 2020
To be announced.
New Statement of Conscience: Coming Soon to aChurch Near You!Did you see the front page of the Chicago Tribune onSunday January 12th? The headline blasted “Period ofExtremes,” and reporter Tony Briscoe told of “ClimateChange - Great Lakes High Stakes;” he focused on LakeHuron in the article. Experts in a range of fields have longbeen warning of the worldwide impacts of our changingclimate; sadly, they have been challenged by a few very
vocal and very powerful deniers who continue to spread misinformation and sow doubt toprotect their own interests. It is in this environment that Green Sanctuary has proposed aStatement of Conscience for our church:We understand we are part of the Earth, not apart from it. Our Seventh Principle calls usto address the dire threats of climate change, species extinction and rapid environmentaldegradation. Let us renew our commitment to live more sustainably and protect our planetand all of its creatures.Whether it be at Sunday services, in the newsletter, at forums, or discussions in KrevesHall, you should have heard about this proposed SoC for DUUC. The 7th Principle ofUnitarian Universalism affirms our “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence ofwhich we are a part,” and this proposed Statement reflects the need for a call toaction. Last year the Green Sanctuary Committee initiated the process for adoption of aSoC regarding climate change and environmental degradation. The proposal wasapproved to move forward by the Community Outreach Committee as well as the DUUCBoard of Directors. In March our congregation will vote to accept this Statement. Contactany Green Sanctuary member for more information and look for us tabling in Kreves Hallafter select Sunday services.Your Green Sanctuary friends, Susan Camasta, Pat Clancy, Cheryl Clayton, Bill Dawe,Kate LaGory, Jean McCollum, Mark Ailes, Stephanie Hughes and Mike Albrow.Questions? Email [email protected].
Ask Me Anything (AMA) with the DuPage UU Church BoardThe Board will be leading AMA Sessions on the Second Sunday of the Month. OnSunday, February 9, 2020, please grab a cup of coffee and join the Board during CoffeeHour in the Founders Room. Chat informally with Board Members, learn more aboutexciting projects going on in the church, get your questions answered or just connect withthe Board and other church members. This is a drop-in event, so there’s no commitmentto stay for the whole time period and no RSVPs are necessary. We hope to see you there!Questions? Email Church President, Jenny Hobbs at [email protected].
RSVP and Save a Date!The Transition Team and Rev. Mike have scheduled times to provide an opportunity to gettogether and reflect on our past, examine our present, and prepare for our future with anew minister in 2021.We are planning a series of conveniently scheduled “Community Reflection” gatherings.For those unable to attend the sessions, we will provide opportunities for written reflection.The gatherings will be held at the church and are on:
Sunday February 16th, 12:30 – 2:30 pm (Pizza provided)Thursday February 20th 7 - 9 pmTuesday February 25th, 7 – 9 pmSaturday February 29th, 10 am – noonSunday March 1st, 12:30 – 2:30 pm (Pizza provided)
Please RSVP to [email protected] and let us know your name andwhich gathering you plan on attending, and whether you will need child care. You can alsojust show up, but your RSVP will help us plan. We look forward to working with the whole church community to prepare us for the future!Thanks,Chris Brown (chair), Karen Hutt, Becky Trombly-Freytag, and Robert Skrocki
DENOMINATIONAL AFFAIRS IS RECRUITING.We need one or two members of DUUC who are willing tohelp the Committee do the following:1. Inform the congregation about GA. We have a Tool Kitfrom GA that should make this easy to do. GA willbe from June 24 to June 28 in Providence Rhode Island.
2. Help recruit members to attend Regional Assembly withcommunications that can be on the Sanctuary Wall onSundays and in our Orders-of-Service. Regional Assemblyis on April 28 in Rockford, IL. It has limited attendanceavailable so we need to move on that ASAP.3. Help us understand what is an appropriate involvementof DUUC in CAUUC (the Chicago Area UnitarianUniversalist Council) and recruit a person to be our representative if we think that's a goodidea.Please contact Neil Lichtman at either [email protected] or call 630-913-0685.
Pastoral Ministry Associates (PMA)Support for the Many Forms Of GriefEveryone has an idea of what they expect grief to look orfeel like. But, did you know that there are many differenttypes of grief? It’s important to know that everyone grievesin unique ways and it’s okay if your grief is different thanthose around you. At times you may even be unaware that
you are grieving or that you’ve experienced a loss that deserves to be grieved.Grief is the reaction you have to a loss in your life. This loss can refer to a death but it canalso refer to the loss of physical or cognitive abilities or the loss of something that wasroutine in your life such as a job.In addition to the emotional expression of grief, grief can be expressed in physical,behavioral, social, and cognitive ways.If you are interested in joining a grief support group led by the minister, please contact amember of PMA or the minister.PMA members include Sarah Baldwin, Ingrid Marshall, Brigid Coleman, Mary Hamill,Holly Harris, Jack Sechrest, and Lori Wharton. Email: [email protected]
Are you interested in enhancing your leadership skills?Consider attending a week long training at the MidWestLeadership School (MWLS) in Bloomington, Illinois. MWLS is an intensive program in leadership and groupdynamics. Led by lay and ordained staff with a deepunderstanding of UU congregations. MWLS develops both youthand adults into congregational leaders, provides leadership toolsand training, and deepens UU identity. This year’s workshop runs from Sunday July 12 th throughSaturday July 18th with workshops, discussions, intimate small
groups, worship preparation, personal theology exploration and growth. DUUC has scholarship funds for your tuition costs.For more information see: https://www.mwls.org/mwls/informationContact Jane Quamme at: [email protected]
How do we Steward?The DuPage UU Church Stewardship Committee believes that “stewardship is the takingof loving and responsible care of something that is important to us.” We think of how wecan be good stewards of our own health, of our families, and communities. We think ofhow we can be good stewards of our environment. We also think of how we can be goodstewards of our church mission, which drives us to transform ourselves and our worldtowards love and fairness. We really can and do make a difference in the world.
In the next few months you will be hearing the Stewardship Committee talk about how ourgiving is vital to fulfilling our mission. In previous years, we have talked about an annualbudget drive, and we reflected on the expenses of items from staff to paper clips. And, wehave been amazing in our support of DUUC. But, in some ways, we feel we are missingthe point if we do not better connect how our giving is so vital to the changes we make inourselves and our world through our good works inside and outside of our walls. The worldneeds us!Dear members, we are truly thankful for all that each of you do in fulfilling our mission. Weare so very lucky.
With gratitude,
Lyndi Sprietsma, Jim Wharton, Joe Gano, Neil Lichtman, Dean Reschke, Karen Peck, AnnHahn-Baiyor, and Reverend Mike. ~ Your Stewardship Committee
JUST VIEWS: Free & Open Film & DiscussionProgram: Friday, February 14, 2020 at 7:20 pm:Educating, Organizing, and Mobilizing Workers: Tonight we’ll view University of North CarolinaProfessor Matthew Barr’s award-winning,documentary film “Union Time: Fighting for Worker Rights”. The film chronicles the 2008victory by North Carolina employees of the Smithfield Pork Processing plant in TarHeel. The workers fought dangerous working conditions, intimidation, and low pay. Theprimarily minority workforce spent sixteen years in their fight for justice and for a union atthe meatpacking plant. The workers’ victory led to the formation of United Food andCommercial Workers Union (UFCW) local 1208 and fair working conditions for 5,000workers. The goal of the film is to show the role unions play in a just society and to serveas an example of organizing strategy. For more on film and a trailer, goto https://www.uniontimefilm.org/. For discussion of the film and worker rights issues, we’ll be joined by members ofImmigrant Solidarity DuPage’s active with their Casa DuPage Workers Center. CasaDuPage’s mission is to organize and educate workers around their labor rights andresponsibilities toward others at the work place. They inspire collective struggles,campaigns for better wages, and above all respect and dignity at the workplace. Theactivists plan to bring workers involved in a particularly difficult local workplace struggle.We welcome active participation and all points of view for civil multilogue. Join us!Just Views Director is Stephanie Hughes 630-420-4233; Associate Director is CarolTritschler 630-961-0106.
Sacred OriginsLight and Dark Eternal: Dualism in the ZoroastrianCreation StoryFebruary 16 at 3PMOne of the oldest religions still practiced, Zoroastrianismbegan in Ancient Persia (modern Iran). Zoroastriansbelieve that there exists a cosmic war between the forcesof Light led by Ahura Mazda and the forces of dark led byAngra Mainyu. Unlike in Abrahamic religion, both light anddark, and the beings that represent them, are uncreatedand eternal. The Zoroastrian creation story details howthese being created and miscreated the cosmos in whichwe live. Join us as we discuss as this dualistic tale.Questions? Please email Michael Martin [email protected].
DUUC Library February Featured Book of the Month How can we live our lives when everything seems to fallapart - when we are continually overcome by fear, anxiety,
and pain? The answer, author Pema Chodron suggests,might be just the opposite of what you expect in heracclaimed book, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice forDifficult Times.Also available in the Library starting this month, are the twobooks, The Anatomy of Peace and Leadership and Self-Deception, which will be part of the discussion during the
February 9th, 2020 DUUC Forum: Conflict Resolution: The Heart at Peace.Questions? Email Mary Hamill at [email protected].
The DUU Gooders would like to invite you to join us at theNorthern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB), in Geneva, onSaturday, February 22nd 9 – 12 am to sort and packfood. NIFB can always use our help and it’s always agood time. Work, have fun and DUU good! If interested,please email [email protected] to getregistered and all the info. (volunteers must be at least 8years old and accompanied by an adult 21 years of age orolder for the duration of the shift.)
the S-E-P Invisibility Shield
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: DUUC will have no CoffeeHospitality for the 2020-21 church year. That’s becauseno one is learning how to be the next Coffee Hospitalitycoordinator. So, in the summer there will be no teams tomake lemonade. No one will have recruited teams for the
summer Sundays. Starting in the fall, there will be no coffee-crew/coffee-helper teamsgetting the coffee hours ready. No one will have recruited and organized coffee teams tosupply refreshments after the Sunday services, and no one will have kept the coffee-hoursupplies up to date. The most hideous thing about this catastrophe is that it is shrouded in an S-E-P InvisibilityShield; that is, almost everyone will ignore it as “Someone-Else’s-Problem.” ( Theexpanded S-E-P Invisibility Shield definition: If it is someone else’s problem, I don’t haveto worry about it. Yay, I ducked that one.)It’s a catastrophe of grandiose proportions about which all DUUCers should bedeeply concerned!! You can be a hero and save us all! See or email Tom Chockley for moreinformation. Please.
Signed: Chicken Little (aka Tom Chockley)
Flowers NeededThank you to all who have provided flowers and sharedyour dedication for a Sunday service this church year. Ifyou have not had a chance to do so, or would like toprovide flowers again, there are still a few datesavailable: February 23, March 1, 15, 22, April 12, 26, andMay 24. Please contact Kristen Tangat [email protected] for more information orto request a date.
HALF DAY OF MINDFULNESS with Mary Kullman Saturday, March 7, 2020, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00p.m.
DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church1828 Old Naperville Rd., Naperville
AWAKENING COMPASSION, INSIDE & OUTThis is an opportunity to learn, understand and experience Mindfulness Meditation and themany benefits that it can bring into your day-to-day life. Both new and seasonedmeditators are welcome.Details & Registration:Bring a healthy snack to enjoy at the break, as we will be engaging in mindful eating.Tea and water will be provided.Time/Date:Day begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7th. Please arrive no later than 8:45. The day ends at 1:.00 p.m.Wear comfortable clothing. If you use a meditation cushion or bench, please bring it.Chairs are provided. Note that much of the half day will be conducted in Noble Silence.Facilitator:Mary Kullman, certified Meditation Teacher, has practiced meditation since 1996 and is co-founder and co-facilitator for the past 9.5 years of Present Moment Sangha in Naperville.She has recently completed a two year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher CertificationProgram with nationally recognized teachers, Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.REGISTRATION:Sign up at the church on the posted sign up sheet in Kreves Hall or preferablyemail/phone/text: Mary Kullman: [email protected] / 630-388-9409
The Wider Circle meeting scheduledfor February 7th has been cancelled.The next meeting will be on Friday,March 6th.
The deadline for the MARCHnewsletter is MONDAY, FEBRUARY24 @ 9:00am.Please email your submissions [email protected].
[image from Downtown Aurora website]
SAVE THE DATE!Geneva, Elgin, & DuPage UUs marching together -Aurora Pride Parade – June 14, 2020The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva has invited its neighboring UU churches tomarch together with the Geneva UUs under one UU banner in the Aurora Pride Paradethis June 14th (https://www.aurorapride.org/). The Unitarian Universalist Church of Elginhas accepted the invitation and the Geneva church is hoping we will, too. Please note thatthis year’s parade is conveniently before the UU summer camp, MUUSA, and more detailswill follow in the coming months. Questions? Email Laurel Spahn [email protected]
SPECIAL COLLECTIONOn Sunday, January 19, $1,679.00 was collected for DUUC'sSMILE project. Thank you for your generosity! In an effort tofoster collaboration, please send an email [email protected] there is something the Community Outreach Committee cando to help in the work of your committee.
NON-CHURCHSPONSORED EVENT
Come Celebrate with us! Please join theUUPMI and friends to celebrate the amazingtalents and great achievements of Rev. KarenMooney as she moves into a volunteer role atUUPMI and to welcome Rev. Allison Farnum. 5:00 pm. Refreshments5:30 pm. ProgramSaturday Feb. 15, 5:00-7:00pm.Unitarian Church of Evanston1330 Ridge Ave.Evanston 60202RSVP by Feb 7, 2020 to Linda by: [email protected].
