Sunday, Sep 22, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: In recent years, we have rediscovered the value of compassion. We also recognize the many forms of our “love languages.” What does pastoral care mean to you? How do we serve one another?...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Sep 15, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: All human beings carry a hunger. This may be a literal hunger, or it might be for something challenging to name and impossible to satisfy. What do you hunger...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Sep 8, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: This Ingathering marks the start of the church year. We offer our commitments to one another and celebrate being part of community that is called to create more...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Sep 1, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: On Labor Day Sunday, Reverend Jennifer returns to her occasional series on democracy. Given the ever-shifting dynamics of our politics, how do we speak for...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Aug 25, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: For our end of summer Question Box Sermon, we are part of creating the message along with Reverend Jennifer. Send her your questions ahead of time or in person...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Aug 18, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Join us for our Blessing of the Animals! Beloved animals are welcome to join us on site or in a photo. In person pets must be leashed or in a kennel or carrier....
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Aug 11, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Sarah Allen Overview: Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving the health of soil, which has been degraded by the use of heavy machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides in...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Aug 4, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Brad Keefauver Overview:For those of us born in the nineteen hundreds, the future world of 2024 might not have turned out exactly like we thought it would. Time travel at the pace of a well-lived...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jul 28, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Kai Wiest Overview: Kai Wiest, a transgender man from Central Illinois and a U of I graduate, has been able to find a welcoming community in the UU church. He will present his perspective on...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jul 21, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Jill Thomas & the Congregation Overview: It has been said, “You are what you wear.” A message on a t-shirt can tell us a lot about the person wearing it. During this service, members of the...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jul 14, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Mike Jongerius Overview: Dr. Mike Jongerius is a family physician who recently retired after 30+ years of practice in the Peoria area. As he ‘aged’ with his patients, he developed a special...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jul 7, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Bill Ordaz Overview: Mystical and enchanting, this small book has fascinated both children and adults for decades. Join us as we explore the many messages still pertinent to our lives today....
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Kathy Carter Overview:In the 1920s and early 1930s, the First Universalist Church brought nationally and internationally known speakers to Peoria. Learn how these Sunday Evening Lectures began...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jun 23, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Keepers of the Great Grove: CUUPs Overview: This longest day of the year is the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we are going. This service will be for all ages and include...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jun 16, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Jill Thomas Overview: After 30+ years as a UU, I have really changed. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
ZOOM is UNAVAILABLE for this service, please join us in person Sunday, Sun Jun 9, 2024Picnic Starts @ 9:30 am (NOTE THE TIME CHANGE)Service Starts @ 10:45 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis and a Cast of Thousands Overview:Join us at the Herm Farm for our annual...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jun 2, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis & Jesi Laughlin, DLRE Overview: Join us for a celebration of story and the abundance of life as we honor our ritual of the Flower Communion. All are invited to bring...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, May 26, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:On Memorial Day weekend, we return to the ongoing theme of democracy and being a citizen. How do we show up and act in this time? Note: due to a technical error,...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, May 19, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): UU Church of Peoria Choir Overview: Join us as we enjoy our annual Music Sunday with our excellent choir, led by Lynn Randolph. Everyone starts in worship. Children may remain in service or...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, May 12, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:For our monthly theme of Pluralism, I wonder: What are your sources of spiritual inspiration? Our Special Music comes from the Peoria Recorder Consort. Coffee...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Apr 28, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Beth Monhollen Overview:American culture’s focus on individualism often leaves us disconnected and alone. Community building as spiritual practice is part of our work as UUs. And we can...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Apr 21, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Regina Stanley, Membership Coordinator Overview:Regina is part of a sermon-writing course called, “The Shared Pulpit.” Join us as she offers one of the most remarkable and revealing shifts in...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Apr 14, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: What is our purpose and relationship to the Holy amid the heartbreak and terrible acts in the world? We explore Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Apr 7, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Calling all mycelium fans! As we begin the theme of Interdependence, we enter the world of mushrooms. For our special music, Natasha Greene and friends will lead...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Mar 31, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Jesus’ followers placed his body in a tomb. When they returned, the tomb was empty. The world did not end. What keeps rising from that moment? The choir will...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Mar 24, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: When folks marry, I caution them against expecting to make each other happy. Rather, such a commitment is for amplifying the experience of life. What are our...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Mar 17, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Rebecca Gant, Guest Speaker Overview: Change–even change that we say we want–is not always easy. We UUs often talk about the world we would like to live in–a world...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Mar 10, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: How do we know what we know as citizens who want to participate in our society? How are the shifts in information impacting our spiritual lives? This service...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Mar 3, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: The sunny, warmer weather has folks anticipating an early spring. Let us pause for a moment and let the Earth teach us about seasons and cycles. The choir will...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Feb 25, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Dr. Robert Fuller, Guest Speaker Overview: Dr. Fuller, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Bradley University, was the Caterpillar Professor of Religious Studies at Bradley before his...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Feb 18, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: My grandmother was on staff with the Jewish Distribution Center in Geneva, Switzerland. She loved Israel and being part of the Jewish Community. How would we...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Feb 11, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Dr. King tells us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Where are we in the current work of liberation? Coffee Hour...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Feb 4, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Heather Vickery, Guest Speaker Overview: As many of you know, our trans and gender expansive beloveds are under attack and being criminalized in many US states right now. This is so serious that...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jan 28, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Brian “Fox” Ellis Overview: We welcome Fox back to our church with stories from the wild world. See https://foxtalesint.com/ to learn more about our guest. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jan 21, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: In a time of so much “no,” how do we bear witness to our lives and find a way to say “Yes!”? The choir will sing. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jan 14, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Inspired by the book from Rabbi DaynaRuttenberg, we explore how addressing harm and pain in our lives can be an act of liberation. On Repentance and Repair:...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jan 7, 2024 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Jesi Laughlin, DLRE Overview: Centered on Love, the values of Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity are already at the heart of our faith. Let’s look a...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Dec 31, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Regina Stanley and the Congregation Overview: What seeds are you planting for the New Year? How are you weaving your magic into your relationships with others? How can we center beauty and...
Join the 7pm Service Zoom Sunday, Dec 24, 2023 @ 7pm Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer and the Congregation Overview: For Christmas Eve, we share the message of the birth of Jesus through ancient and modern texts and beautiful music. This service will feature music from...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Dec 24, 2023 @ 10:30 am Overview:This story of compassion, care, love, and wisdom will have opportunities for young and old and everyone in between to participate either from their seats or by joining the tableau. Coffee Hour...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Dec 17, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Doubting, wondering, and questioning are essential to human evolution. And doing so often gets us in big trouble. With so much emphasis on Mystery, what happens...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Dec 10, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Jesi Laughlin and a Cast of Thousands Overview: Somewhere in the world there is a place for all of us. UUCP kids and youth explore this idea through telling Lemony Snicket’s “The Latke Who...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Dec 3, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Our Universalist ancestor Gordon McKeeman lays out a way for encountering Mystery: Cautiously, Reverently, Hopefully, Quietly. What does Mystery mean to our...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Nov 26, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Patrick Price, Guest Minister Overview: These are the words of a chalice lighting that we teach our children in order to share some basic tenets of our faith. What does it mean for us to be a...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Nov 19, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: The 15th century claims of Christian dominance and the right to conquer all of creation is woven into the fabric of our country. Before many of us celebrate...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Nov 12, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Our faith is exploring new language around our values and how love is at the center of everything we do. This month’s value is generosity. We cultivate a spirit...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Nov 5, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: On October 29, we remembered our beloved dead. How shall we conduct ourselves knowing that we will be ancestors in our own right? We also recognize folks who...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Oct 29, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis, Jesi Laughlin, and the Congregation Overview: At this time of year, many cultures and faiths set aside time for when the veil between the living and the dead grows thin....
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Oct 22, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis and the Worship Committee Overview: Concerned about our democracy? We can save it! Reverend Jennifer and members will offer a message from the Unitarian Universalists for...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Our Apologies, there were technical difficulties with the video, so this was filmed with an iPhone from the back of the sanctuary. Please turn up the Audio Sunday, Oct 15, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: The...
You are welcome to join ongoing weekly sessions of A Course in Miracles, a self-study spiritual program based on universal spiritual themes, primarily including forgiveness as the path to love in order to focus on living more peacefully in this world. To RSVP, contact Suzette Boulais at zetter3@comcast.net.
Life Force Tai Chi
First & Third Sundays
Tai Chi is an ancient discipline from China. Join Dave Grebner for this class, where we will learn how to stand and move to enhance the flow of chi life energy through our bodies.
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
August 5, 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pm Zoom at https://bit.ly/3rthCHr
Join us on Zoom at https://bit.ly/3rthCHras we invite guest presenters and talk about videos of current events, religion, and politics. We aspire to use empathy, humility, curiosity, critical thinking, and compassionate communications to discuss new insights, controversy, disinformation, irrationality, and magical thinking.
at https://tinyurl.com/2nyj5zet Join us for our monthly member-led meetings. We will go over general business, discuss and plan for upcoming Sabat celebrations, and a member will lead a different enrichment topic each month. CUUPs stands for Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. All are welcome.
August 6, 20256:30 pm - 9:00 pm Dozer Park, 730 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
Take Me Out to the Ballgame! Wednesday, August 6, 6:30pm, Dozer Park
Join your UU friends for a fun evening at a Peoria Chiefs baseball game! Tickets are just $12 each. To reserve your spot, please contact Tim Herold by August 2 at 309-251-7807 (call or text) or at herold1961@gmail.com. Let’s cheer on the Chiefs together!
August 7, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm MadMac’s Coffee, 361 Old Germantown Rd, Germantown Hills, IL 61548, USA
Drop in and join Membership Coordinator Regina Stanley to discuss whatever is on your mind. Questions? Contact Regina at 309-648-2767 or membership@peoriauuchurch.org.
Come learn about the nutritional and medicinal uses of herbs in community. We will explore the history of Peoria through its cuisine: the Native, French, German, Lebanese, and more. We will occasionally prepare a dish to share after service on Sunday. For more information, contact Kevin Cashmer at kevincashmer44@gmail.com.
August 9, 202512:00 pm - 4:00 pm Sommer Farm, 6329 N Koerner Rd, Edwards, IL 61528, USA
Meet at the church if you want to carpool. Questions? Just drop an email to JustForFun@peoriauuchurch.org or contact Roy Seabolt (571.263.1430) or Julie Joslin.
You are welcome to join ongoing weekly sessions of A Course in Miracles, a self-study spiritual program based on universal spiritual themes, primarily including forgiveness as the path to love in order to focus on living more peacefully in this world. To RSVP, contact Suzette Boulais at zetter3@comcast.net.
Storytelling for Social Change
Sundays, August 10, 17, & 24
12 Noon, UUCP Conference Room
Childcare Provided
With political division becoming more pronounced, it can often be difficult to cut through the noise and really listen to the people talking to us about deeply felt issues and concerns. Building common ground and empathy for personal experiences is one way to open up dialogue with friends, family, and community to change people's opinions on sometimes difficult topics. In this educational series, we will learn more about ourselves and our personal history. As we do so, we will learn about personal storytelling to bridge divided communities by creating a platform for empathy.
Our facilitator, Nicholis Hall, is a community organizer in Peoria and has worked over many years with local organizations and multiple statewide coalitions as a volunteer to change policy on issues ranging from domestic violence policies, pre-trial incarceration reform, tenants' rights, and homelessness. He is excited to share his experience learning how to tell stories for social change and will be sharing a model learned from Listening for a Change. Find out more at https://narrativearts.org/story-guide/ Come to one, some, or all sessions!
August 10, 202512:15 pm - 1:15 pm Foyer or Patio, depending upon weather
Haunted Forest Planning Meeting
Sunday, August 10, 12:15pm
Foyer or Patio depending on weather
The Haunted Forest is a highlight of the church year and takes many hands to put together. All are welcome to join the planning committee. The more hands we have the spookier we can be! There is something for everyone: pass out candy, decorate the forest, help with the crowd, dress up, clean up, and more. All ideas are welcome!
Do you play Mah Jongg or do you want to learn? Join the fun on 2nd and 4th Sundays! Bring your own drink and snack, and if you have a Mah Jongg set or mat, bring it, too. Contact Char Rickey at spinwool7@aol.com or 309-472-7085 or Evan Stubbs at sirstubby@hotmail.com or 575-621-5519 with questions.
August 12, 20253:45 pm - 5:15 pm Lakeview Park, 1125 W Lake Ave, Peoria, IL 61614, USA
Park Days
Tuesdays, August 12 & 26 3:45-5:15pm
Lakeview Park Playground ~ 1125 W. Lake Ave.
UUCP families and friends are invited to meet up for some weekday fun in the park. We’ll be at the playground near the Lakeview Recreation Center in Lakeview Park or at the new splash pad. Bring your water bottle, a snack if your people need one, and a change of clothes if you plan to get wet. Come and play with us!
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
August 12, 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pm Zoom at https://bit.ly/3rthCHr
Join us on Zoom at https://bit.ly/3rthCHras we invite guest presenters and talk about videos of current events, religion, and politics. We aspire to use empathy, humility, curiosity, critical thinking, and compassionate communications to discuss new insights, controversy, disinformation, irrationality, and magical thinking.
Visiting UUCP Members at Lutheran Hillside Village
Visiting UUCP Members at Lutheran Hillside Village
August 13, 2025 Meet at Church
Visiting UUCP
Members at Lutheran Hillside Village
Wednesday, August 13
The Caring Committee will be visiting some of our members who don't get to the Sunday
services. We will carpool to Lutheran Hillside Village to offer some music ministry and say a quick hello to our member residents there. If you are interested in coming with us, please text or call Kathy McNeil at 309-687-9739.
August 14, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm MadMac’s Coffee, 361 Old Germantown Rd, Germantown Hills, IL 61548, USA
Drop in and join Membership Coordinator Regina Stanley to discuss whatever is on your mind. Questions? Contact Regina at 309-648-2767 or membership@peoriauuchurch.org.
August 16, 20258:00 am - 10:00 am Memorial Garden at UUCP
Memorial Garden Path Mulching
Saturday, August 16, 8-10am
Join us to maintain the short trail between the arch trellis and the stone ring. Bring gloves and a hat! Questions? Contact Evan Stubbs at 575-621-5519 or sirstubby@hotmail.com.
August 16, 202512:00 pm - 2:00 pm Caterpillar Visitors Center, 110 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
Caterpillar Museum (Celebrating 100 Years) Trip Saturday, August 16, Noon. Meet at the Museum. (110 S. W. Washington Street, Peoria, IL 61602) This is a family friendly trip for all ages. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for Seniors (55+) – Active Military and Veterans, Children 12 and under free. Questions? Just drop an email to JustForFun@peoriauuchurch.org or contact Roy Seabolt (571.263.1430) or Julie Joslin.
You are welcome to join ongoing weekly sessions of A Course in Miracles, a self-study spiritual program based on universal spiritual themes, primarily including forgiveness as the path to love in order to focus on living more peacefully in this world. To RSVP, contact Suzette Boulais at zetter3@comcast.net.
Life Force Tai Chi
First & Third Sundays through December 2024
Tai Chi is an ancient discipline from China. Join Dave Grebner for this class, where we will learn how to stand and move to enhance the flow of chi life energy through our bodies.
Storytelling for Social Change
Sundays, August 10, 17, & 24
12 Noon, UUCP Conference Room
Childcare Provided
With political division becoming more pronounced, it can often be difficult to cut through the noise and really listen to the people talking to us about deeply felt issues and concerns. Building common ground and empathy for personal experiences is one way to open up dialogue with friends, family, and community to change people's opinions on sometimes difficult topics. In this educational series, we will learn more about ourselves and our personal history. As we do so, we will learn about personal storytelling to bridge divided communities by creating a platform for empathy.
Our facilitator, Nicholis Hall, is a community organizer in Peoria and has worked over many years with local organizations and multiple statewide coalitions as a volunteer to change policy on issues ranging from domestic violence policies, pre-trial incarceration reform, tenants' rights, and homelessness. He is excited to share his experience learning how to tell stories for social change and will be sharing a model learned from Listening for a Change. Find out more at https://narrativearts.org/story-guide/ Come to one, some, or all sessions!
August 17, 20251:00 pm - 2:30 pm Robinson Park, Main entrance
Just for Fun Sunday Strolls
3rd Sundays at 1pm ~ Next on August 17
Bring your sunscreen, hats and water. Questions? Just drop an email to JustForFun@peoriauuchurch.org or contact Roy Seabolt (571.263.1430) or Julie Joslin.
Do you identify as LGBTQIA2S+? Do you attend, visit, or belong to UUCP? Join us on the 3rd Monday each month. Questions? Email Tim Herold at herold1961@gmail.com for details.
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
August 19, 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pm Zoom at https://bit.ly/3rthCHr
Join us on Zoom at https://bit.ly/3rthCHras we invite guest presenters and talk about videos of current events, religion, and politics. We aspire to use empathy, humility, curiosity, critical thinking, and compassionate communications to discuss new insights, controversy, disinformation, irrationality, and magical thinking.
August 21, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm MadMac’s Coffee, 361 Old Germantown Rd, Germantown Hills, IL 61548, USA
Drop in and join Membership Coordinator Regina Stanley to discuss whatever is on your mind. Questions? Contact Regina at 309-648-2767 or membership@peoriauuchurch.org.
August 21, 202511:30 am - 12:30 pm Egg Republic, 5315 West Landens Way, Peoria, IL 61615, USA
Join us at this new restaurant with a varied menu. They highlight the generous portions and fresh ingredients in a stylish atmosphere. Please RSVP to Carlette at 309-258-5890.
Come learn about the nutritional and medicinal uses of herbs in community. We will explore the history of Peoria through its cuisine: the Native, French, German, Lebanese, and more. We will occasionally prepare a dish to share after service on Sunday. For more information, contact Kevin Cashmer at kevincashmer44@gmail.com.
Outdoor Movie Night
Friday, August 22
Roasting fire at 6:30pm, Show Time at 8pm
UUCP Patio ~ Bring a Blanket or Lawn Chair
Join us under the stars for a fun, family-friendly evening! We’ll be showing a feel-good film for all ages on the big screen right outside our church. Popcorn, lemonade, roasting sticks, dogs, buns, and condiments provided. Bring a side to share! Arrive early to grab a good spot and enjoy some lawn games before the movie starts. In case of bad weather, we will move inside. All are welcome—come enjoy the summer breeze and celebrate community!
You are welcome to join ongoing weekly sessions of A Course in Miracles, a self-study spiritual program based on universal spiritual themes, primarily including forgiveness as the path to love in order to focus on living more peacefully in this world. To RSVP, contact Suzette Boulais at zetter3@comcast.net.
Storytelling for Social Change
Sundays, August 10, 17, & 24
12 Noon, UUCP Conference Room
Childcare Provided
With political division becoming more pronounced, it can often be difficult to cut through the noise and really listen to the people talking to us about deeply felt issues and concerns. Building common ground and empathy for personal experiences is one way to open up dialogue with friends, family, and community to change people's opinions on sometimes difficult topics. In this educational series, we will learn more about ourselves and our personal history. As we do so, we will learn about personal storytelling to bridge divided communities by creating a platform for empathy.
Our facilitator, Nicholis Hall, is a community organizer in Peoria and has worked over many years with local organizations and multiple statewide coalitions as a volunteer to change policy on issues ranging from domestic violence policies, pre-trial incarceration reform, tenants' rights, and homelessness. He is excited to share his experience learning how to tell stories for social change and will be sharing a model learned from Listening for a Change. Find out more at https://narrativearts.org/story-guide/ Come to one, some, or all sessions!
Do you play Mah Jongg or do you want to learn? Join the fun on 2nd and 4th Sundays! Bring your own drink and snack, and if you have a Mah Jongg set or mat, bring it, too. Contact Char Rickey at spinwool7@aol.com or 309-472-7085 or Evan Stubbs at sirstubby@hotmail.com or 575-621-5519 with questions.
August 26, 20253:45 pm - 5:15 pm Lakeview Park, 1125 W Lake Ave, Peoria, IL 61614, USA
Park Days
Tuesdays, August 12 & 26 3:45-5:15pm
Lakeview Park Playground ~ 1125 W. Lake Ave.
UUCP families and friends are invited to meet up for some weekday fun in the park. We’ll be at the playground near the Lakeview Recreation Center in Lakeview Park or at the new splash pad. Bring your water bottle, a snack if your people need one, and a change of clothes if you plan to get wet. Come and play with us!
Join us on the fourth Tuesday of each month on Zoom. We’ll read and discuss young adult books that have been banned or challenged in parts of the U.S.—books that spark meaningful conversations around social justice, identity, and UU values. Come ready to read courageously, reflect deeply, and stand up for the stories that matter. Books are available locally at Lit on Fire, online at bookshop.org/shop/UUCP, for free at your local library, and at many more locations.
“Repressive societies always seemed to understand the danger of ‘wrong’ ideas.” —from Kindred by Octavia Butler
This month’s selection is Kindred by Octavia Butler. The visionary author’s masterpiece pulls us—along with her Black female hero—through time in order to face the horrors of slavery and explore the impacts of racism, sexism, and white supremacy then and now. This book has been banned due to its topics of slavery, racial identity, and brutality.
Join us this month or in the future: September 23: Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe; October 28: Crank by Ellen Hopkins; November 25: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
August 26, 20257:00 pm - 9:00 pm Zoom at https://bit.ly/3rthCHr
Join us on Zoom at https://bit.ly/3rthCHras we invite guest presenters and talk about videos of current events, religion, and politics. We aspire to use empathy, humility, curiosity, critical thinking, and compassionate communications to discuss new insights, controversy, disinformation, irrationality, and magical thinking.
August 28, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm MadMac’s Coffee, 361 Old Germantown Rd, Germantown Hills, IL 61548, USA
Drop in and join Membership Coordinator Regina Stanley to discuss whatever is on your mind. Questions? Contact Regina at 309-648-2767 or membership@peoriauuchurch.org.
Bring your own lunch and join in conversation with others. This lunchtime community is open to anyone who wants to come! Questions? Contact the church office at office@peoriauuchurch.org.
You are welcome to join ongoing weekly sessions of A Course in Miracles, a self-study spiritual program based on universal spiritual themes, primarily including forgiveness as the path to love in order to focus on living more peacefully in this world. To RSVP, contact Suzette Boulais at zetter3@comcast.net.
Coffee with the Minister
Sunday, August 31, Noon
Conference Room
Do you want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and UUCP? A great way to get your questions answered and to find out more is to attend Coffee with the Minister with Rev. Jennifer Innis and Membership Coordinator Regina Stanley. Questions? Please email Regina at membership@peoriauuchurch.org.