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NOVEMBER 2016 UNIFIRE
PAGE 1
We Are Proud to Be an Official Welcoming
Congregation!
We celebrate the presence and
participation of everyone, be they
bi-sexual, gay, lesbian, straight, ques-
tioning, and/or
transgender people.
IN THIS ISSUE
1—General Assembly
2—Worship
3—UUCJ Groups
4—SELMA Flyer
4—Birthdays
5—Committees
5—Important Notes
6—Events
7—Triskele Banner
UNIVERSALIST UNITARIAN CHURCH OF JOLIET
NOVEMBER 2016
At UUCJ, our mission is to be an inclusive ministry, encouraging the educational and spiritual growth of its members and the greater community.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education will begin September 4th. We offer R.E. each Sunday during worship service, from 10:30—11:30am. R.E. for grades 1—5 meet in the Sophia Fahs Room. RE tweens & teens meet in the John Murray Room (across from the restrooms). Nursery/Daycare is also provided. Nora Parkman, a licensed Daycare Provider, is available 10am—12pm each Sunday unless otherwise noted.
UPCOMING WORSHIP PRESENTERS Here are the presenters coming up over the next weeks:
NOVEMBER THEME: SPEAKING FAITH
• November 6 — Debra Westhaver-Church, “Faith, Hope, and Climate Change”
Because it is Social Justice Sunday, it will be about hope for our Earth and will include the story of Pandora's Jar.
• November 13 — February Sky, “Written In Their Eyes – Historical Awareness as a Spiritu-al Path”
February Sky (Phil Cooper & Susan Urban) Phil and Susan are musicians whose reper-toire includes a great deal of music that is hundreds of years old. They will share their reflections on how that music, and the stories of the people and events behind it, has not only enhanced their own lives, but has also opened the minds of many of their listeners to the power of history. Phil and Susan will wear period garb for this service, and attendees are encouraged to do likewise if they wish!
• November 20 — Rev. Darrick Jackson
Thanksgiving Feast — Potluck after worship service. All are welcome!
• November 27 — Robert Hammond, “The Promise of Heaven & Hell”
Historically, the concepts of heaven and hell have been used as either gloomy premoni-tions of days to come for those who do not stick to some doctrine or behavior, or glorious rewards in the afterlife for the faithful who fol-low the golden rule to a tee, among other things. We live our lives in fear. We are taught to fear the promise of an eternity of suffering if we don't behave accordingly, or losing our bid to a heavenly reward if we are not good enough. Instead, regardless of our beliefs, how about if we lived lives full of the joy that comes from simply being good people.
DECEMBER THEME: A THEOLOGY OF LOVE
• December 4 — Tim Boyd
• December 11 — Children’s Christmas Ser-vice
• December 18 — Rev. Denise Tracy
• December 24, Christmas Eve 7pm — Denise Curry & Angela Salvaggione
NOVEMBER 2016 UNIFIRE
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Take a look at our available groups—all are encouraged to come!
ADULT DISCUSSION
When they meet: Weekly on Sunday morning at 9am in the Dickens Room.
Open to adult members, friends and visitors—the only requirement is that they enjoy an exchange of ideas on issues Usually a book is being read by the group, but between books, however, news articles and interesting topics may be the center of the con-versation. From time to time there may be special topic videos or presenta-tions.
CLARA BARTON GUILD
When they meet: Second Thursday of the month, 10:30am Workday in the Dickens Room, 12:00pm Luncheon and Meeting in the Sanctuary.
The Clara Barton Guild is named for Universalist foremother Clara Barton, in remembrance of her dedicated ser-vice during the Civil War and her sub-sequent founding of the American Red Cross.
The Clara Barton women meet the second Thursday, in the months of September through December and again February through June, for in-spiration, business, and mutual sup-port. We gather at 12:00pm to share lunch and carry out the purposes of our group. Every UUCJ woman is wel-come to attend.
FIRST THURSDAY SOCIAL JUSTICE FILMS
When they meet: First Thursday of the month at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary with discussion following the screen-ing.
The First Thursday Films series is a monthly program in which we view films, usually documentaries, on a va-riety of social justice issues and then continue with a discussion. Our view-
ings are free, but sometimes we do pass a plate if our license fee for a video is fairly high.
Screening of “PRICELESS” Thursday, November 3, 2016, 7:00PM
PRICELESS examines the growing cost of federal elections, the impact of political campaign fundraising on members of Congress and on policy-making, and the citizen movement to limit the "undue influence" of large campaign donors.
This non-partisan film includes a look at two national policies - agriculture and energy - shaped by a variety of interests including industry groups, political parties, lobbyists, citizen groups, candidates and officeholders.
Join us for a free film screening and discussion here at UUCJ.
LIFE ISSUES SUPPORT GROUP
When they meet: Fourth Thursday of the month at 7:00pm in the Dickens Room.
Open to: Anyone who attends UUCJ!
This support group focuses on every-day “life issues,” such as medical con-cerns, financial concerns, caregiver support, work stressors, our fast-paced society, etc…
We gather to support each other (not necessarily to solve the issue) in a car-ing, confidential environment.
RED TENT BOOK CLUB When they meet: First Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm.
Red Tent is a discussion group for women of our congregation. We fo-cus on topics that are important in women's lives. We also do check-ins to keep in touch with what is happen-ing in our lives. We have also done some craft activities that are symbolic of our spiritual lives.
The topic for the November Red Tent meeting on Tuesday, November 1st,
7pm at the church was inspired by our guest speaker last Sunday. "What have you let go of recently or what do you need to let go of?" We will dis-cuss how we felt about it or are feel-ing. Did we have a procedure we used., etc. You are encouraged to bring a reading or poem to share on the subject. If you have a memento bring that. We will not, however, be singing "Let it Go" from the movie "Frozen."
As always, bring your own beverage and a snack to share if you desire.
Any questions? Contact Sue Thom at [email protected].
SUPPORTING BLACK LIVES MATTER
When they meet: First Thursday of the month at 10:30am in the Dickens Room.
Why are we here? To educate our-selves and others about white privi-lege and why we support the Black Lives Matter Movement. We engage in conversation, reading, and research. We support attendance at community meetings, movies with relevant themes, and getting together for field trips to stretch our “cultural comfort zones.”
TREIBH NA TINTEAN
When they meet: Various times during the month (see online web calendar)
Have you checked out the UUCJ Pa-gan Group? If you’re looking to cele-brate full moons and pagan holidays, join a local pagan group, or just see what it’s all about, Treibh na Tintean is your group! Treibh (like tribe) na Tintean, meets monthly to celebrate the full moon with ritual and festivities.
Tuesday, November 15 — Full Moon Ritual
Come join us! Find out more about Treibh na Tintean on our website: http://treibh-na-tintean.org/
UUCJ GROUPS
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NOVEMBER 2016 UNIFIRE
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Important Notes
Please note the following
dates and times...
Caitlin Rodeghero's Office
Hours are Tuesdays and Thurs-
days from 9am to 4:30pm. As
always, she may be out of the
office (bank, post office, etc.)
so please call ahead to reserve
time with her.
Office hours are for members
and friends only. All others
please call and make an ap-
pointment.
Announcements
Have some news to include in
the weekly announcement
sheet? Please have it emailed
or delivered to the Church Of-
fice by noon on Tuesday each
week so that it can be includ-
ed. Thanks to everyone for
their support of our
congregation and our good
works.
Unifire
UUCJ Affiliates, please have all
Unifire articles submitted to the
office by noon on the following
dates for inclusion in the
Unifire: September 15th,
2016
If you have any questions or
need assistance, please let the
office know at 815.744.9020 or
BUILDING & GROUNDS
Our Church is our Home. Let us care for her.
Maintenance
Room Upkeep
Repairs
Bring out the beauty that surrounds us.
Help to make our interior & exterior inviting and welcoming.
Contact & Board Liaison: Mark Daimid Email: [email protected]
FUNDRAISING, EVENT PLANNING & FINANCE
It is the support of our members and our community that keeps our UU hearts beating.
Murder Mystery
Candy Cane Hunt
Havana Nights
Cabaret Concerts
Fundraisers
Contact & Board Liaison: Cathy Coss Email: [email protected]
HOSPITALITY Coffee Hour
Monthly Potluck
Thanksgiving Lunch Luncheon
Christmas Eve Service
All to help bring us together as a wel-coming community.
Organize the kitchen
Decorate tables
Prepare Buffett Cleanup
Contact & Board Liaison: Denise Curry Email: [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP Church growth
Develop brochures & welcome pack-ets
Help all feel welcome & included
Contact & Board Liaison: Linda Kremsner Email: [email protected]
MINISTRY/PARRISH CARE
We are a family, and as a family, we care for our own.
Help the sick
Offer transportation
Send notes of birthday wishes, or get well cards
Contact & Board Liaison: Jean Batson Turner Email: [email protected]
MUSIC & WORSHIP
Help bring to church the different voices that speak from our pulpit.
Find Speakers/Ministers Prepare the sanctuary
Lead Songs
Help with the Music
Decorate the church
Contact & Chair: Laurie Garland Email: [email protected]
Board Liaison: Scott Marshall
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Be part of the religious development
of our most treasured members - our children.
Teach our approved curriculum
Discover new ways of developing others
LifeSpan & Adult Education
Social Justice
Adult Spirituality
Adult conversation groups – Uhurus
Contact & Chair: Robert Rodriguez Ham-mond Email: [email protected]
Board Liaison: Jesse Rodriguez Ham-mond
UUCJ COMMITTEES
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HAVANA NIGHTS! THE BIRTHDAY BASH
Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th, Doors open at 6:30pm, Begins at 7:00pm
Ticket sales closed!
It’s Violet’s birthday and we’re having a bash! But it’s a surprise! Bring your family and friends and help us celebrate in
Havana style.
Havana Nights is an evening of entertainment variety and flair. Come to enjoy yourself with good company!
HAITI HURRICANE RELIEF COLLECTION
The Endowment Committee is sponsoring a matching
contribution to the UUSC up to the full amount of it's
International Fund to assist the Unitarian Universalist
Service Committee with there efforts to help the people of
Haiti impacted by Hurricane Matthew.
The collection will be taken from Sunday, October 30,
through Sunday, November 20. For more information,
please visit the UUSC web site or read the article about
the disaster on the information table on the east side of
the church.
SOCIAL HOUR SIGNUPS FOR 2017 A big “Thank You!” to those who volunteered their time
to make Social Hour a wonderful time for fellowship. We
will be signing people up for Sundays in the 2017 year. If
you’d like to sign up, or would like to learn more, see
Susan Sternickle ([email protected] or (815)
436-4786).
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NOVEMBER
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to those who will have birthdays in November!
5 Jennifer Coss
15 Tj Randa
16 Keira Daimid
21 Barbara Purdy
25 Margaret Boehle
Dennis Fisher
26 Maddy Trouvais
28 Sally Horath
UU WOMEN AND A CUPCAKE The UU Women's Connection Council will be coming to Joliet on November 12th. We would love to spend the afternoon with the women of UUCJ. Join us for lunch at noon provided by the UUCJ Clara Barton Guild and the UUWC Council. Afterword (about 1:00) the council will present a segment from the Cakes for the Queen of Heaven curriculum--we call it a Cupcake. Please RSVP for lunch to Janet Adams by email or phone: [email protected] or 815-727-1948. We hope you will join us and bring a friend.
BOARD BRIEFS The Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on Thursday, October 20, 2016. This is the summary of that meeting.
Minutes - The minutes of the regular September Business Meeting were and approved.
Treasurer’s Report – Was reviewed and placed on file.
President’s Report - Linda initiated a conversation about the Church Committees and recruiting. Each Board member is a liaison to one committee and our goal for this year is to support the committees. Beginning on Sunday, October 23rd each Trustee will be talking with people after Sunday services to talk about being involved with the committee work. This will be followed up with the Trustees attending the Committee meetings to learn how the Board can support them. The committees and liaisons are:
Building & Grounds Mark Daimid
Congregational Care Jean Batson-Turner
Fundraising & Finance Cathy Coss
Hospitality Denise Curry
Membership Linda Kremsner
Music & Worship Scott Marshall
Religious Education Jesse Hammond
Lay Minister – Charlotte Droogan updated us on the status of the congregation. Fred Dallmeyers mother recently passed away as did Charles Speck. Also the Make A Difference Fund has been able to assist people financially
but the balance is getting low. With winter coming, as well as the holiday season, donations are appreciated so that assistance can be provided.
OLD BUSINESS The Green Involvement project with our youth will be updated in November.
Holiday Services – There will be a Christmas Eve service on December 24th however there will be no service on Sunday, December 25th. A regular service will be held on Sunday, January 1st.
NEW BUSINESS Board Minutes – To assist in streamlining communications between the Board and Congregation, the Board will be approving the minutes of each meeting via email so that they can be written up as Board Briefs and published in the Unifire.
Announcements – The Sunday Worship services have been great. To further promote the feeling of spirituality we will continue to limit the announcements to one special item with the remainder included on the Greed Sheet and emailed announcements.
Board Meeting Time – The Board will continue to schedule their meetings from 6:30 to 8:00pm on the third Thursdays.
Kitchen Licenses – Our two certified handlers’ licenses are coming up for renewal in February. Cathy Coss and Linda Kremsner will pursue information on this and report back.
Upcoming Dates
The upcoming Board meeting dates are as follows:
November 17th
December 15th
January 19th
February 16th
March 16th
April 20th
May 18th
June 15th
ADJOURNMENT - The Board duly adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Coss Board Secretary
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UUCJ CHURCH ADDRESS
3401 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60431
815.744.9020 | uujoliet.org | [email protected]
CHURCH CALENDAR
The UUCJ church calendar is online and gets updated weekly by our Office Administrator.
The calendar can be viewed via our website at www.uujoliet.org.
Simply go to the website, click on “Upcoming Events”. It’s fun, easy and informative. You can move forward and back
month by month with a click of your mouse. You can even click on any given event for additional information about that
event. Please let the office know as soon as possible if your event or meeting changes as others may be hoping for avail-
ability.
If you wish to be removed from our mailing list contact the church office at
UUCJ Office Administrator
Caitlin Rodeghero
UUCJ Lay Community Minister
Charlotte Droogan
UUCJ Church Musician
Angela Salvaggione
UUCJ Treasurer
Margaret Juraco
UUCJ Board of Trustees
President: Linda Kremsner—2019
Vice-President: Jesse Rodriguez-Hammond—2017
Board Secretary: Cathy Coss — 2018
Trustee: Denise Curry—2019
Trustee: Scott Marshall—2019
Trustee: Mark Daimid—2018
Trustee: Jean Batson-Turner—2016