Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Oct 8, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: When did the Unitarian Universalist church become welcoming? As we look forward to National Coming Out Day on October 11 and hosting the Drag Story Time at the...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Oct 1, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Along with the rising importance of freedom in thought and identity, we also see a rise in efforts to control our minds and behaviors. Where did modern fascism...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Sep 24, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: We speak of welcoming, but what does it mean to do so in real life? Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Sep 17, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Jesi Laughlin, DLRE Overview:Nurturing moral and spiritual growth is the foundation of any faith. What are we exploring this year? The children and youth begin their program today. Coffee Hour...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Sep 10, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Potluck and Splash Games after Service This Ingathering marks the start of the church year. We offer our commitments to one another and celebrate being part...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Sep 3, 2023 @ 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 27, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis and a Cast of Thousands 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...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Aug 20, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Michael Brown Overview: Rev. Michael will share reflections on the 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Aug 13, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): BJ Lindsey Overview: BJ challenges us to appreciate what we may be overlooking. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Aug 6, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Joyce Harant Overview:Film will educate us on the closure of the coal plant and the current issues. Discussion in the conference room will follow. Click HERE to view the film on its own. Coffee...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jul 30, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): CUUPs Overview: Lughnasadh is a Pagan Holiday and one of the eight Wiccan Sabbats that mark the turning of the year. This ritual is a time to celebrate the very beginning of the harvest, when...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jul 23, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Jeanette Gruber Overview: Jeanette helps us explore love relationships (including the ones with our pets!) along with author Mary Frances O’Connor, PhD, whose work, The Grieving Brain, is our...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jul 16, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Paul Resnick Overview: Paul will share alternatives to the green grass lawn. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jul 9, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Pat Harris Overview: Pat will share the immigration story of her father and the remarkable way in which it unfolded. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jul 2, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Brad Keefauver Overview:Even though fans are wiser than ever about the mythology of sports entertainment, professional wrestling is still popular. What can this tell us about belief, truth, and...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jun 25, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Judith Koren-Shanahan, Peoria UU Member Overview: We explore the impact the arts have on us today. Coffee Hour Afterwards &...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jun 18, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Kathy Carter, Peoria UU Member Overview: Kathy will share stories and events from the UUPC history that have shaped us into who we are today. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
NO ZOOM PLEASE JOIN US AT THE HERM FARM IN-PERSON OR WATCH THE PRE-RECORDED SERVICE BELOW Sunday, Jun 11, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer and a Cast of Thousands Overview:Join us at the Herm Farm for our annual picnic and celebration of the past year....
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Jun 4, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis and 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. For this multi-age service,...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, May 28, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Memorial Day weekend marks the cusp between Spring and Summer. What have we already received year? How shall we prepare for what is to come? Coffee Hour...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, May 21, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Universalist Unitarian Church Choir Overview: Join us as we enjoy our annual Music Sunday with our excellent choir led by Dave Breeden. Everyone starts in worship. Children may remain in service...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, May 14, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: The creative principle is everywhere, as are the forces working against it. How do you navigate that flow? We will enjoy the music of the Peoria Recorder Group....
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, May 7, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: As the Nazis rose to power in Western Europe, many churches ignored or denied the growing threat. Unitarian theologian James Luther Adams called those...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Apr 30, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Unitarian Universalism is committed to creating a more just and equitable world. And – we arepredominantly white with a mixed history of being anti-racist and...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Apr 23, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Florence Caplow Overview: “Oh to be a pear tree—any tree in bloom!” Zora Neale HurstonCome celebrate Earth Day with the poetic voices of women honoring the earth, as well asreflections...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Apr 16, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Humans come in so many forms, including how our minds work. How do we expand ourunderstanding of human intelligence as we strive to welcome all?The choir will...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Apr 9, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Guest Musician: Wes SedrelJesus always flipped the tables on people’s expectations as he showed a new way of relating toeach other. What do we learn from him...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Apr 2, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: What might we mere mortals offer to a bruised and hurting world? Join us for the kickoff of our Annual Campaign and dream of our work in the world. The choir...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Mar 26, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: On this last Sunday with the theme of Vulnerability and before we enter into April’s theme of Resistance, we pause to pay attention to our brokenness, our...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Mar 19, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: The first women in ministry faced bias and few opportunities. But the Great Plains of the 1800’s were an opportunity for a band of Unitarian women. Who were...
Sunday, Mar 12, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Rosabeth Moss Kanter tells us that “The most radical thing we can do is connect people to one another. That starts conversations toward a vision for change.” What does connection mean for us...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Mar 5, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: How do we declare what we hold dear in this time? Join us for how this faith is exploring new ways to name our foundation and our values. See the notice about...
Sunday, Jan 29, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Craig Schwalenberg Overview:Ever play Let’s Pretend? Ever visit the Kingdom of Make-Believe? Maybe when we were kids, but we’re too old for that now…aren’t we? I certainly hope not. Grab your chalk, hop on the...
Sunday, Jan 22, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Members of the Congregation Overview: Finding our center includes listening to the lives of those who have seen and known so much of this world. Children and youth ask questions of our older members. All are welcome for this...
Sunday, Jan 15, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: As we remember the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., what is the place of justice in our lives and in our beliefs? Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Sunday, Jan 8, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Our efforts at a liberal approach to religion is based on deep mutual commitments. Speaking our covenant out loud lifts the heart. How do our promises work with real, live human beings? The...
Sunday, Dec 25, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis and the Congregation Overview: On Christmas Morning, join us for carols, stories, and brunch in Fellowship Hall. We will take turns unwrapping the parts of the service and sharing them as they emerge....
Saturday, Dec 24, 2022 @ 7:00 pm Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis 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 Dave Breeden and...
Sunday, Dec 18, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: So often in our language we use “black” or “dark” to refer to what is fearful and evil. Let us explore the richness of the Dark in our lives. The choir will sing. Coffee Hour Afterwards...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Dec 11, 2022 @ 10:30 am No Facebook Stream or Posted Recording on 12/11 To honor the privacy of our youngest members and friends, worship on December 11th will be available on the church’s public Zoom feed but will not be streamed...
Sunday, Nov 27, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: How do you feel in your body as well as your heart? Before we enter into December’s theme of Wonder, let’s spend a moment on locating ourselves and our ever-shifting physical forms. Coffee...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Nov 20, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: For over 40 years, Unitarian Universalists have worked from a core expression of our values as named in seven Principles and six Sources. Now we are asked to...
Sunday, Nov 13, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: On this Sunday after the elections, we explore what it means to live in a divided time and hold true to a democratic process. The Fall Congregational Meeting is after the service. Coffee...
Sunday, Nov 6, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:We begin this month’s theme of the Path of Change by addressing it directly. William Bridges offers a guide on how to make sense of change, even when everything is in flux. The choir...
Sunday, Oct 30, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis, Jesi Laughlin DLRE & 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. This year we will...
Sunday, Oct 23, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis & Jesi Laughlin, DLRE Overview:The mission of this congregation includes the call to grow spiritually. What does spiritual growth mean to you? What do we offer and what would you like to explore?...
Sunday, Oct 16, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Dawn Dannenbring Overview:Illinois People’s Action organize everyday people and the faith community across downstate Illinois to be a powerful voice on justice issues. As a faith that understands the need for people to have...
Sunday, Oct 9, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:The first global dialogue of faiths was with the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. The Parliament returns to Chicago in August 2023. How are we called to be with our siblings...
Sunday, Oct 2, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Join us for the first Sunday with our monthly theme of “Courage.” What does it mean to take a chance with each other? Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Sunday, Sep 25, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:The Transcendentalists of the 19th century laid the foundation for the liberal religion we know today. The big names were Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. But Margaret Fuller’s...
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.