Make Your Voice Heard at the Annual Hymn Sing

On Sunday, June 29th, we will have our Annual Hymn Sing. For quite some time now, we have enjoyed spending a morning singing our favorite hymns. This year, in preparation, we are asking congregants to please fill out and return the Hymn Sing Response included in last Sunday’s Order of Service.  The forms will also be included in this coming Sunday's Order of Service. There is a basket on the table by the doors entering Fellowship Hall for their return.
 
Alternatively, you may e-mail your selection to Sarah Wisseman directly at suwissem@gmail.com. If you choose to submit your ballot via e-mail, please include the following information: the name and page number of ONE hymn, why you like it, why you enjoy singing, and a tip for singing better.

Oh, the Tangled Webs we Weave on the Internet: Tech Training

Membership Coordinator Sam Shore and web guru Ryan Thomas will be offering a collaborative technology training on Sunday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m., after service. Social media, intra-group communication, and more will be discussed. This event will be focused on the needs of the Board of Trustees and church committee leaders, but all are welcome to attend.

Keep Calm and Volunteer

In Search of Two-Year Initiative Task Force Members

At the Annual Meeting in May, the congregation voted and elected Immigration Justice and Assistance as our two-year church-wide initiative. We are now looking for volunteers to serve on the Task Force that will make the initiative a reality. This is a great way to get to know other UUs committed to social justice and make a difference on this important issue! We anticipate the Task Force would meet monthly and plan activities for church involvement on the topic of immigration, to include friends and members of all ages. We’ve already got some great ideas in the works! Interested? Contact Membership Coordinator Sam Shore at membershipcoordinator@uucuc.org. 

June’s Shared Offering: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The Shared Offering recipient for June is the Illinois chapter of the American Foundation for Prevention of Suicide (AFSP), whose web site is available by selecting Local Chapters from www.afsp.org. Suicide is a serious public health problem that takes an enormous toll on families, friends, classmates, co-workers, and communities, as well as our military personnel and veterans. 

Over 38,000 Americans took their lives in 2010, the most recent year for which we have data. Suicide accounted for 12 deaths out of every 100,000 people nationwide, making it the country’s 10^th leading cause of death. Unlike many other leading causes of death, suicide continues to claim more lives each year.

Understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy are the goals of the AFSP. Each year the organization helps sponsor community walks throughout the country. When you participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Walks, you join efforts with thousands of people nationwide to raise money for AFSP’s vital research and education programs to prevent suicide and save lives. The walks raise awareness about depression and suicide, and provide comfort and assistance to those who have lost someone to suicide.

Many members and friends of our church family have been touched by suicide. An Out of the Darkness walk was held last year in Champaign-Urbana and some of our members walked to raise money, while others donated. The walk occurred shortly after the suicide of one of our members. Another Out of the Darkness walk will occur this coming September and there are plans for the Social Action Committee to sponsor a walk team at that time. 

Summer Travel Reminder

On Sunday, August 24^th, we will have our traditional Ingathering Service, which will include a Water and Stone Communion. Please remember to collect a small vial of water, or a stone, from your summer travels and activities, which you can share in the service.