The Great UU Book Sale Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 & 8, 8am – 3pm Universalist Unitarian Church 3000 West Richwoods Blvd. ~ Peoria Come spend some time looking through our great selection of books! We have so many that you are certain to find some you will...
Storytelling for Social Change Sundays, August 10th, 17th, 24th 12:00 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...
IT IS TIME FOR THE UU AUCTION! Saturday, March 22nd @ 5:30 in Fellowship Hall Listed below are all the ways to be involved! 1. The Online Auction is now live! Use the button below to check out all the online items and start bidding! This will run until the end...
Come check out our annual rummage sale this year on July 26-27! This sale is huge! Why spend time going from garage sale to garage sale in the summer heat when you can be here with everything under one air-conditioned roof! Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am-3pm....
Sunday, May 5th @ 10:30 AM Join Special Guest, Jim Scott: singer-songwriter, eco-activist, and former musician with the Paul Winter Consort, as he presents his original work Gaia, Mother Earth, and the Oneness of Everything. We will celebrate the earth with songs,...
ALL AGES Saturday, December 23rd @ 6:00 PM Spend a moment in the darkness with Keepers of the Great Grove and help call back the light. We’ll start with an indoor ritual and weather permitting will have a yule fire outdoors and Luminary walk on the property. Warm...
PREPARING FOR LUGHNASADH RITUAL Tuesday, July 18, 5:30 PM, Sanctuary All those with speaking roles in the Sunday, July 30, Lughnasadh service will gather to run through the script and block the service. MAKING MUFFINS FOR LUGHNASADH Saturday, July 29, Noon, Kitchen...
NEW DATE – MAY 5TH @ 7:00 PM Trans Day of Visibility Celebration Trans Day of Visibility is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve...
Ostara Ritual Sunday, March 19th @ 5:00 pm Ostara is celebrated on the spring equinox and is a time to celebrate rebirth and renewal. Hosted by the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria in collaboration with Susan Smith and The Cauldron of Knowledge. Join us for a...
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Feb 26, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:As part of Black History Month, hear about a woman who sought equality for all people as she navigated being a Black Unitarian woman in antebellum United States....
Join the 10:30am Service Zoom Sunday, Feb 19, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Carin Bringelson Overview:Come explore the loving roots of Unitarian Universalism. When we dig deep into our spiritual sustenance, we might just find that love is as messy as it is...
Sunday, Feb 12, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:In conjunction with our series on the six sources of Unitarian Universalism, we consider the relationship between love and surrender in Islam. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Sunday, Feb 5, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Over the past few decades, Love has grown as the primary word for Unitarian Universalism. Are we The Love Church? The choir sings today. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Imbolc Ritual Sunday Feb 19th @ 4:00 pm Fellowship Hall This cross-quarter holiday takes place at the midway point between the winter solstice (Yule) and the spring equinox (Ostara). It has long been recognized as the beginning of the end of winter, marked by the...
Sunday, Jan 1, 2023 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Jesi Laughlin, Director of Lifespan Religious Education Overview: What is at your center? Let’s look inside ourselves set an intention, and create a touchstone to recall all year long. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Sunday, Dec 4, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:What is the place of wonder in our lives? What has wonder done for us lately? The choir sings today. Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Saturday December 3rd, 3:00 – 5:00 PM Join us for our annual ornament crafting and decorating party. All ages are welcome to lend a hand to make this year’s tree the most festive yet! You will be guided through stations to work on new ornaments and old favorites...
Sunday, Nov 20 at 6:00 PM Join Peoria Proud at our Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria for our annual observance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Transgender Day of Remembrance is an internationally-honored event that honors the lives of transgender...
November 19th & 20th, 2022 Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM Join us for our book sale! Members shop before the 10:30 AM service on Sunday, November 20th. Bags are just $5.00 each on...
STREAM THE CONCERT ON ZOOM Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 7:00 pm Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria Through their innovative blending of classical and traditional forms, Larksgrove brings a fresh voice to the musical scene. Peter Zay, cello and guitar, and...
BE A PART OF THE BEAUTY OF US! MAKE A DONATION TODAY Silver linings can be found in the darkest of storm clouds. One of the most beautiful silverlinings of the past few years has been that more and more people have turned to the arts.We are finding renewed joy...
Sunday, Feb 27, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:In the mid-20th century, a group of young Universalist ministers organized under the name, the Humiliati. Their symbol was a circle that enclosed an off-center cross. They sought the revival...
Sunday, Feb 20, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Philosopher Karl Popper describes the paradox of tolerance: “Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance.” What are the limits of communication and relationship when we...
Sunday, Feb 13, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: In honor of Charles Darwin’s birthday, we explore the crisis of faith and marriage that impacted the development of his theory of evolution. The worship is inspired by Evolution Sunday as...
Sunday, Feb 6, 2022 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Church of the Larger Fellowship Overview: The Worthy Now Prison Ministry Network helps those in the free-world better serve our incarcerated siblings in Unitarian Universalism. Hear about the power of this growing ministry...
Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: The Principles in Unitarian Universalism is one of the most accessible ways to talk about our tradition, beginning with, “We affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every...
Adventures in Fellowship: A Tabletop Role-Playing Game Gathering
Adventures in Fellowship: A Tabletop Role-Playing Game Gathering
November 1, 20252:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Adventures in Fellowship: A Tabletop Role-Playing Game Gathering Saturday, November 1, 2–5pm, Fellowship Hall Come explore community, creativity, and connection through tabletop role-playing games! Whether you're a seasoned gamer or totally new to the idea, this session will be a fun, collaborative storytelling experience where everyone gets a seat at the table—and a role to play. Tabletop Role-Playing Games are a blend of storytelling, strategy, and improv. Over time, the community has grown into a vibrant, inclusive space where people from all walks of life gather to imagine new worlds and solve problems together. This event will use an easy-to-learn system that emphasizes cooperation and storytelling, with pre-made characters ready for you to step into. No experience necessary! We'll break into small groups of 4–5 players and a guide ("game master") for each. We will run a short, complete adventure in about 2 hours that is designed to make sure everyone gets involved. If you’d like to help lead a group (we'll provide the adventure and tips), let us know—no experience needed, just curiosity and willingness to guide! RSVP today to help us plan. We need participants at all experience levels and a few extra Game Masters. All materials, story, and tips will be provided. Sign up at https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/signup/228740 or on the sign-up sheet in the foyer.
November 2, 20258:45 am - 10:00 am Conference Room
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.
At this time of year, many cultures and faiths set aside time for when the veil between the living and the dead grows thin. We will have time to share the names of our beloved dead at this multi-generational service. All are welcome to bring photos or small mementos to add to the tables at the front of the sanctuary.
Young & Emerging Adult (Yea!) Group Interest Meeting
Young & Emerging Adult (Yea!) Group Interest Meeting
November 2, 202512:00 pm - 1:30 pm Conference Room
YEA! (Youth & Emerging Adult) Interest Meeting
Sunday, November 2, Noon, Conference Room, Lunch Provided
A new group is forming for Emerging (18- to 24-year-old) and Young (24- to 35-year-old) Adults at UUCP! The goals of this group are creating community, increasing a sense of belonging, and helping you flourish. This group could take many forms and direction; it could be about connecting socially, seeking adventure, building ministry, working for social justice, etc. Are you interested in being a part of a group like this? Do you want to talk about how this might look in our congregation? Join Jesi Laughlin for a conversation to explore where this could lead. Please RSVP at https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/signup/230108 or on the sign-up sheet in the foyer so we can plan the food for lunch.
Spiritual Practices: A Time for Self-Reflection 1st Tuesdays, In-Person Only
This series helps participants develop regular disciplines of the spirit—practices that help us connect with the sacred. Spiritual practice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our communal quest for meaning and wholeness. Each session offers a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich our personal faith journeys. RSVP at https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/signup/221451 or just drop in!
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
November 4, 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.
November 6, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm Cafe Santa Rosa, 1327 E Kelly Ave, Peoria Heights, IL 61616, 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.
We will be exploring the 2,500-year-old ideas in the Chinese Tao Te Ching. Gene Mialkowski and Bill Keefner will facilitate, and our primary source will be the Tao Te Ching as interpreted by Stephen Mitchell with occasional references to other translations and interpretations. The goal is to have lively, insightful discussions on the meaning of the Tao and how it applies to society today and to us as individuals. Bring your copy of the Tao Te Ching if you have one.
November 7, 20258:00 am - 3:00 pm Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W Richwoods Blvd, Peoria, IL 61604, USA
The Great UU Book Sale
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 7 & 8, 8am-3pm
Our book sale is coming! Donations acceptedstarting Oct. 1. Please stack books neatly along the Jr. High Room walls until Oct. 30. After Oct. 30, stack them along the back wall of Fellowship Hall. (No encyclopedias or textbooks, please.)
November 8, 20258:00 am - 3:00 pm Universalist Unitarian Church, 3000 W Richwoods Blvd, Peoria, IL 61604, USA
The Great UU Book Sale
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 7 & 8, 8am-3pm
Our book sale is coming! Donations acceptedstarting Oct. 1. Please stack books neatly along the Jr. High Room walls until Oct. 30. After Oct. 30, stack them along the back wall of Fellowship Hall. (No encyclopedias or textbooks, please.)
November 9, 20258:45 am - 10:00 am Conference Room
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.
$5 Bag Sale: Sunday, November 9, until 12:30pm Grab some final bargains after church, and please consider staying to help clean up. We need lots of help! We will go out to lunch together afterwards.
The congregation will welcome new members during service on Sunday, November 9. If you’ve recently became a member or plan to become a member, please join us! If you have questions or wish to complete the membership steps, please email Regina Stanley at membership@peoriauuchurch.org.
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.
Join us for this monthly virtual event designed to offer spiritual grounding (strengthen your heart and spirit for the work ahead), political analysis (understand the threats to democracy and justice), and collective action (organize with others to block anti-democratic forces and build a just and loving world). This month, our UU the Vote staff will engage in conversation about where we are at this moment, what it means for us, and what we are called to do to advance a pro-democracy agenda.
The Gathering is Side with Love's monthly event to strengthen your spirit, make sense of the threats to democracy, and take meaningful action alongside others! Join us live or watch the recording later.
November 11, 20256:00 pm - 7:30 pm Conference Room
Inquirers for Newcomers & Visitors 2nd Tuesdays, In-Person Only
This is a series of conversations about the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria and our Unitarian Universalist faith. Designed for visitors and newcomers, these conversations could be a first step to membership at UUCP. RSVP at https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/signup/221451 or just drop in!
November 11 ~ Pastoral Care and Small Group Connections
December 9 ~ Social Action, Community Service & Racial Justice and Membership 101
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
November 11, 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.
November 13, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm Cafe Santa Rosa, 1327 E Kelly Ave, Peoria Heights, IL 61616, 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.
November 14, 20255:30 pm - 7:30 pm Fellowship Hall & Great Grove
Lantern Walk: Light in the Darkness
Friday, November 14, 5:30–7:30pm
As autumn deepens and twilight falls a little earlier each day, join us for an evening that sparkles with light, laughter, and togetherness. Our Lantern Walk will be a magical, multi-generational gathering to warm the spirit and kindle connection. We’ll begin indoors with a meal of vegan soup and fresh bread. Bring a dish to share if you wish—but no pressure—your presence is the real gift. Next, we’ll craft whimsical lanterns to carry our light into the night. Stories will be told, gentle joy will be shared, and then—lanterns in hand—we’ll step outside to walk together, scattering a trail of light through the Great Grove. Come take part in this cozy, hope-filled evening of community, warmth, and wonder. All are welcome. Bring your light—and let it shine! RSVP online (watch the Friday UU News for the link) or on the sign-up sheet in the foyer.
November 16, 20258:45 am - 10:00 am Conference Room
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.
Congregational Meeting Sunday, November 16, 12:15pm, In Person or Zoom at https://bit.ly/3sxzsci Please join us in person and online for the fall congregational meeting. The agenda includes an update about church finances and the Trust. This meeting is also the time to vote on the major Social Impact projects for the coming year. See Edward Flint, Board President, for information. Members who joined before 10/19/25 are eligible to vote. Childcare is provided. Please bring finger foods to share for a brief potluck lunch before the meeting.
AGENDA 1. Welcome – Edward Flint, President 2. Confirm Quorum 3. Financial Update a. State of Church Finances Report - Austin Locke, Treasurer / Stewardship b. Trust Update - Jeanette Gruber, Trust Board President 4. Social Impact Committee - Social Justice Projects for 2025-2026 (VOTE NEEDED) 5. Adjournment
November 16, 20254:00 pm - 7:00 pm United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W Northmoor Rd, Peoria, IL 61614, USA
Affirming Faiths Youth Friendsgiving
Sun., Nov. 16, 4-7pm
United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W Northmoor Rd
Join the youth in grades 5-12 from area LGBTQ Affirming Faiths to celebrate Friendsgiving! Bring a dish to pass and join in the fellowship, food, and fun!
November 17, 20252:00 pm - 3:00 pm Conference Room
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.
November 18, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm Great Grove & Indoors at the Church
Accessible Nature Exploration
Tuesday, November 18th, 10am
Hosted by ACORN, a U of I Master Naturalist Group
Meet at the Great Grove, Teens & Older are Invited
Dress for the weather to explore the oaks in the Great Grove with Master Naturalist Jen McDaniel. We will walk slowly, never leave anyone behind, and keep an easy pace. There will be lots of time for observation and photo ops. Following the hike, Peggy West will host a small art project indoors. Free and Open to ACORN members and UU Church community
Crossing Paths: An Exploration of World Religions 3rd Tuesdays, In-Person or on Zoom at https://bit.ly/3sxzsci
Each month, we will learn about a different faith tradition and the central struggle that faith wrestles with, taking inspiration from author Stephen Prothero. We will notice how this faith crosses our own UU faith’s path. Participants will have an opportunity at a later date to visit a local faith community. RSVP at https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/signup/221451 or just drop in!
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
November 18, 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.
November 20, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm Cafe Santa Rosa, 1327 E Kelly Ave, Peoria Heights, IL 61616, 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.
November 21, 20257:15 pm - 9:15 pm Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
Peoria Rivermen Hockey Night
Friday, Nov. 21, 7:15pm, Peoria Civic Center Hockey fans, it’s time to cheer on the Peoria Rivermen as they hit the ice! Tickets are just $31 each, but if we get 10 or more people to sign up, the tickets will be $19 each! Members are encouraged to carpool from the church. Sign up at https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/signup/227035 or email Tim Herold at herold1961@gmail.com.
November 23, 20258:45 am - 10:00 am Conference Room
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.
November 23, 202512:00 pm - 2:00 pm Fellowship Hall
Souper Sunday for School Outreach
Sunday, November 23, After service, Fellowship Hall
Suggested Donation: $5/person; $20/family
Come enjoy some delicious soup and show your support for Pleasant Valley Outreach! This is our largest fundraiser, andwe are in desperate need of funds. Approximately 96% of the families whose children attend Pleasant Valley Middle School live at poverty level, and some will soon lose government assistance. We provide weekend food for the 36 families who are most in need. The cost of food is up, even at the food bank. We estimate needing $5,000 this year to continue what we are doing. (Right now, we have less than $2,000.) So, please, come, enjoy a delicious meal and help support this great cause! We will have at least 6 soups to choose from, bread, crackers, and dessert.
If you would like to help by making a big pot of soup, bringing a dessert, or helping in the kitchen, please call or text Bernie Humphrey (309-350-4199) or Susan Bopp (910-547-0143).
November 23, 20251:00 pm - 3:00 pm Fellowship Hall
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.
This fourth Tuesday is the final installment for UU Can’t Ban My Books. 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.
This month’s selection is The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, whose easygoing humor and prose are well-suited to his young audience. Alexie doesn’t pull many punches as he levels his eye at stereotypes, both warranted and inapt. A few of the plotlines fade to gray by the end, but this ultimately affirms the incredible power of best friends to hurt and heal in equal measure. Younger teens looking for the strength to lift themselves out of rough situations would do well to start here. This book was the most-challenged book in the United States from 2010 to 2019.
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
November 25, 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.
November 27, 202512:00 pm - 3:00 pm Fellowship Hall
Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, Nov. 27, Noon Setup, Fellowship Hall
Enjoy the holiday tradition of a turkey dinner with your church friends, family, and guests on Thanksgiving Day. We need folks to set up, bring food, and help clean up. We’ll start setting up at noon and eat at 1pm. Please bring a dish to contribute. There will be a contribution basket to defray the cost of additional supplies. Sign up at the table in the foyer or contact the church office at office@peoriauuchurch.org or 309-688-5608. If you miss your chance to sign up in advance, please come at noon to help set up and bring a dish to share.
November 30, 20258:45 am - 10:00 am Conference Room
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.
Sunday, November 30, Noon Bring your gloves and help get holiday décor out of storage, build a tree, and fluff the poinsettia. Many hands will make this holiday task a breeze!
