January Shared Offering: Eastern Illinois Foodbank

The Eastern Illinois Foodbank, which benefits from our January shared offering, likes to say it "puts the soup in soup kitchens, and the food in food pantries." Every day, there are more than 130,000 men, women and children across eastern Illinois who may not have enough to eat. Luckily, there are also hundreds of agencies-from small church food pantries to large homeless shelters-working diligently to help struggling families make ends meet. The Eastern Illinois Foodbank provides a reliable source of food for these agencies.

Bharata Natyam, Indian Dance Performance

Come join us for a free film showing and dance performance!
“The Smile of Tyagaraja” a documentary film about learning dance from another culture, and Bharata Natyam, classical dance from South India, performed by Anine Singh-de Grood

4:00 p.m. Saturday October 23, 2010
at the Unitarian Universalist Church
309 W. Green Street, Urbana
Deserts to follow the performance.

Church Photo Directory: Additional Dates Available

Don't forget to show up on your appointment date for the church photo directory photo shoot. Pictures are being taken from 2:30 to 9:30 Friday, October 8, and Saturday the 9th from 10:00 to 5:00. An additional date has been added, October 26 from 12:30 to 9:30, in case you you haven't already signed up, and you want to be included in the directory. To sign up, see the link on the homepage, under "Quick Links", then "Sign Up for Photo Directory". Please plan for your photo shoot to take an hour, beginning at the time of your scheduled photo time. Photos are scheduled to take place in the Children's Chapel.
We look forward to seeing you there! The Membership Committee

First UU Coffeehouse Set for September 18th

The first UU Coffeehouse of the year will take place on Saturday, September 18th starting at 7:30 pm. Enjoy an evening of entertainment featuring our own musicians, dancers, storytellers, and more. Interested in performing? Contact Karen Ruhleder at ruhleder@hotmail.com.

Butterfly Garden Is Beautiful Addition to the Church Grounds

Thanks to all who helped at our first Butterfly Garden Work Party. You did an amazing job and accomplished a great deal. Thanks to you our butterfly garden is looking beautiful. The flowers and shrubs are blooming and indeed are a welcome addition to the church grounds.

A wonderful Time in Ambucs Park

On June 13 the church congregation had a worship service and picnic at Ambucs Park in Urbana. There was no worship service at church that day, just a short service in the park followed by wonderful potluck picnic lunch. A great time was had by all!

Reflective Writing Chalice Circle Performs "A Fireside Chat"

Live at Lake of the Woods Early American Museum. March 6, 1-2:30 pm. We'll be presenting the pieces we wrote for a service last summer entitled "Things We Never Did.". This is a winter program for the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. come to our "radio studio" and enjoy the news and stories of the fictional community of Lake of the Woods. Please join us, reception to follow the show.

Urgent Help Needed in Haiti

Quick Link: UUSC's Haiti Relief Donation Form

Our Unitarian Universalist values teach us that all people affected by humanitarian crises have an equal right to aid and assistance with dignity. Our partner, the Unitarian Univeralist Service Committee (UUSC), is guided by that belief.

In response to the many requests we have received from concerned Unitarian Universalists like you, the Unitarian Universalist Assocation (UUA) and the UUSC have teamed up to give you the opportunity to make a secure online donation to support the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's relief efforts in Haiti. Donate now to help alleviate suffering in Haiti.

The UUSC will work closely with partners in this grassroots movement to reach those survivors at greatest risk of being overlooked. [Read more about the UUSC's immediate response in Haiti.]

January 24th Service

"The Life and Work of Forrester Church"
Forrest Church was the minister of All Souls church in New York City from 1978 to 2009. The author of numerous books, he was a leading advocate and national spokesperson for religious and political liberalism and the separation of church and state. This service will examine his life and the diverse facets of his ministry. Please join us for this special event!

Game Night January 9th

January 9th, 6-12pm.
Bring your favorite card game or board game and a desert or snack to share if you wish. Children and adults are welcome. Come join us for a night of family fun!

Spiritual Practices Workshop January 23

10:00 to Noon, Fellowship Hall
Together we will learn about spiritual practices and have a chance to experience three different practices; a meditation workshop, a walking meditation using a labyrinth, and an introduction to Tai Chi. These three workshops will repeat three times throughout the morning, so you can try all three. You won't want to miss this chance to learn something new!