Sunday, May 30th, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Rebecca Gant Overview:The truth about stories, writes Thomas King, is that that’s all we are. If King is correct, then to know the truth about the people around us means to know their stories– and in order to be...
Sunday, May 23rd, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis and Amy Popp, CRE Overview: Join us for a celebration of story and the abundance of life as we honor our ritual of the Flower Communion. This Sunday also includes a chance to honor our senior high...
Sunday, May 16th, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Members, ministers, and educators from five UU congregations just spent 11 weeks studying the major report from the UUA called, Widening the Circle of Concern. Join us for reflections on...
Sunday, May 9th, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Bernard Loomer, process theologian asks, “What is the size of your soul?”. In other words, what is your ability to grow into life, amid the contradictions and hardship that comes your way?...
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...
Sunday, Apr 18, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Dale Goodner Overview:Earth Day is 51 years old on April 22nd. We can become a beneficial species… The goal is not just an environment of clean air and water and scenic beauty, but an environment of respect for ALL species....
Sunday, Apr 11, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: African-American First Lady Michelle Obama has this question for us, in her book, Becoming: “Do we settle for the world as it is, or do we work for the world as it should be?” As we find...
Sunday, Apr 4, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Easter is a time of transformation. At its heart is the experience of letting go for the sake of what can emerge. What will be revealed this time? Join us for the music and the messages on...
Sunday, Apr 25, 2021 @ 10:00 am Worship begins at 10am – Note earlier time Speaker(s): Unitarian Universalists in Illinois Overview: Twenty five Unitarian Universalist congregations in IL, the UU Advocacy network and UU Prison ministries are gathering to take a...
Sunday, Mar 28, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: The stories of our elders serve as mirrors for how we know ourselves now and for how we wish to be in the future. Hear the story of the Universalist minister, Olympia Brown. She was the...
Sunday, Mar 21, 2021 @ 3:00 pm JOIN the Zoom Meeting Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Order of Worship Overview:You are invited to join us as we celebrate our new ministry with Reverend Jennifer Innis on March 21 at 3:00 PM. She will be formally installed as our...
Sunday, Mar 21, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Darrick Jackson Overview: From Rev. Jackson: This afternoon you celebrate the commitment between minister and congregation. Improv can provide a way for you to think about the possibilities of your...
Sunday, Mar 7, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: James Luther Adams offered a challenge to liberal and moderate churches after witnessing the rise of Fascism in Europe. What does it mean to live as a religious liberal today? Coffee Hour...
Sunday, Mar 14, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis and a Cast of Thousands Overview: This weekend marks the anniversary of the major lockdown in response to COVID-19. This service is a chance to reflect on the past year. What needs to be named,...
Sunday, Feb 28, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: In the early 19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds upon the young…The great end is to awaken the soul, to excite and...
Sunday, Feb 21, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Congregational life is aspirational, inspirational, and intergenerational. The church and our faith are products of our differences as they are of our common vision. Where do we begin when...
Sunday, Feb 14, 2021 @ 10:30 AM Speaker(s): Unitarian Universalist Leaders What if to “side with love” meant making bold, faith-full choices? What if it were even a little bit scary? This worship service brings together worship leaders and musicians from...
Sunday, Feb 7, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed reminds us, “Alone, our vision is too narrow…and our strength too limited…Together, our vision widens and our strength is renewed.” As we begin the theme...
Sunday, Jan 31, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: What do our science fiction dreams tell us about ourselves and our future? In a year when we have so many reasons to recast what “normal” means, where do we begin with creating a new world?...
Sunday, Jan 24, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Allison Farnum Overview: Join the Reverend Allison Farnum as we reimagine what is possible in our interdependent web of life through the lens of the work of the Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry of Illinois....
Sunday, Jan 17, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Deep in the heart of justice is the question of who controls one’s body. On this weekend when we reflect on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and prepare for Inauguration, we hear from...
Sunday, Jan 10, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Due to the attempted coup at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, this worship now focuses on the intersection of imagination, power, and language as part of our democratic society. The title...
Sunday, Jan 3, 2021 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: As we enter the New Year and a new decade, how shall we make ourselves ready? In January we pick up the Soul Matters theme of Imagination. We begin to explore what it means to be a people of...
Sunday, Dec 28, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Garry Moore Overview: Join us as Garry Moore shares a celebration of Kwanzaa and African culture through his stories, wit and music. Mr. Moore is a programming/radio consultant for WPNV-106.3 FM, former TV anchor, poet,...
Thursday, Dec 24, 2020 @ 7:00 pm Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis and Congregation Overview: Our online Christmas Eve service will include the deep story and the beautiful music of the season. Musicians include EmmaLee Holmes-Hicks and Andrei Baumann, along with...
Sunday, Dec 20, 2020 @ 4:30 am Speaker(s): Amp Popp, CRE Overview: This year the eve before the Winter Solstice will be Sunday, December 20, and the church’s annual solstice service will be held as the sun is setting on that day (technically 4:34 PM) on Zoom at...
Sunday, Dec 20, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: In this Winter Solstice service we explore the long night even as we seek the new light. Order of Worship Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Sunday, Dec 13, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Amy Popp, CRE Overview:Many of us will be staying close to home for this year’s holidays, celebrating with our circles of loved ones in the warmth of our own dwellings. This special holiday service will celebrate all of the...
Sunday, Dec 6, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: Mahayana Buddhists tell the story of how the Bud-dha completed his search for Enlightenment by sitting under the Bodhi Tree. As part of our theme of Stillness, what is our practice of waiting...
Sunday, Nov 29, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: To close our monthly theme of Healing, we explore times when the way to be more whole is to break down what already exists. Then we can begin to rebuild. Order of Service Coffee Hour...
Sunday, Nov 22, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Rev. Erin J. Walter Overview: Feminist scholar Carol Meyers says Exodus is arguably the most important book of the Bible. This Sunday, musician and UU Rev. Erin Walter will lift up one small but key detail in that story of...
Sunday, Nov 15, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Rumi reminds us, “The wound is where the light enters.” We explore the nature of brokenness and healing. Hint: They are not opposites Order of Service Coffee Hour Afterwards &...
Tuesday, Dec 8, 2020 @ 7:00 pm Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:The holiday season is not merry and bright for many of us. Share a quiet space with kindred spirits as we acknowledge the wider range of feelings and experiences of this time. This live Zoom...
Sunday, Nov 8, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:On this Sunday after the election, the questions is: “Where to begin?” Order of Service Coffee Hour Afterwards & Offering...
Sunday, Nov 1, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Join us for a service on grief and remembrance inspired by the All Souls tradition in Universalism. There will be times to remember our beloved dead. You may want to light a candle, gather...
Sunday, Oct 25, 2020 @ 10:00 am Illinois UU Congregations Overview: YouTube: Democracy Revival Live Event Worship is at the special time of 10 AM. Join with hundreds of other Unitarian Universalists around Illinois for a Democracy Revival. Along with 16 Unitarian...
Sunday, Oct 18, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Order Of Service & Lyrics Overview:We are 8 months into a pandemic marathon that nobody wanted. The finish line is a question mark. Where are we now, and what is our liberal religious response to...
Sunday, Oct 11, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Amy Popp, CRE Overview:A service on the importance of loosening our expectations and hopes about life, so we can listen for what Life hopes and expects from Unitarian Universalism. The sermon is by Reverend Sandra Fees. This...
Sunday, Oct 4, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:As this congregation deepens into what it means to be a liberal religious community in this time, let us explore the nature of covenant. How are we called to live out our promises and hopes in...
Sunday, Sep 27, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:September 30 marks the 250th anniversary of John Murray’s first Universalist sermon in the United States. But it wouldn’t have happened without the determined faith of one country farmer....
Sunday, Sep 20, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:As the High Holidays of Judaism begin, we explore the practice of reflecting on the year, taking responsibility, and making amends. Coffee Hour Afterwards Facebook Post...
Sunday, Sep 13, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Join Reverend Jennifer and a Cast of Thousands (You!) as we begin the new year. Congregations across the country start the church year by inviting members and friends to share a bit of their...
Sunday, Sep 6, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: This Sunday is a chance to create the message along with Reverend Jennifer. She will take your questions and respond during the sermon. Your input also helps her plan for the year. Send your...
Sunday, Aug 30, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Dr. Melanie Davis Overview: Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Education, this service explores the Unitarian Universalist perspectives on sexuality and our internationally acclaimed Our...
Sunday, Aug 23, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview: As the winds of summer and our shifting world blow about us, what is the purpose of the church? How might we manifest our beloved community in this moment? Share the Plate: Peoria Friendship...
Sunday, Aug 16, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Reverend Jennifer Innis Overview:Join Reverend Jennifer for a time to honor the beginnings in our lives. All ages are welcome! This service will include a “blessing of the backpacks” where we will recognize what we carry...
Sunday, Aug 9, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Lindy Peterson Overview: Honoring the past can provide insight for today and the future. Lindy Peterson shares some personal family history and how it shapes her perspective in the present. Share the Plate: Peoria Friendship...
Sunday, Aug 2, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Mary Kuester Overview: Emotional intelligence is about 5 key components of emotional health and the skills we need to interact with others. They can be indicative of life long happiness and success. There are many life...
Sunday, July 26, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Rev. Marcus Fogliano Overview: As Unitarian Universalists around the country grapple with what, if anything, connects us, questions of power and authority create narratives about how we are and aren’t in relationship. Rev....
Sunday, Jul 19, 2020 @ 10:30 am Speaker(s): Chama St. Louis Overview:Join us on Sunday to hear Chama St. Louis talk about her time as a grassroots organizer right here in Peoria. Chama is the organizer for the Peoria People’s Project. The PPP is a community and labor...
September 2, 20256:00 pm - 7:30 pm Conference Room
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!
September 2 ~ Defining & Finding Your Spiritual Practice
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
September 2, 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.
September 3, 20256:00 pm - 7:00 pm Conference Room
Keepers of the Great Grove ~ CUUPs
1st Wednesday of the month, 6-7:30pm
Conference Room or Zoom
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.
September 4, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm El Mirador En El Rio, 110 Northeast Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, 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.
September 6, 20253:00 pm - 6:30 pm Peoria Riverfront Museum, 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
Movie Night with Rev. Jennifer
Superman 2025 (PG-13)
Saturday, September 6, 3pm
Peoria Riverfront Museum ~
222 SW Washington St, Peoria
This year’s Superman is one of the standout films of the year for its storytelling and for its focus on kindness, immigration, and using our power. Join Reverend Jennifer to watch the movie on the big screen. Please arrive early to buy tickets and concessions. Reverend Jennifer will host a discussion following the movie.
September 7, 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.
September 7, 202512:00 pm - 1:30 pm Fellowship Hall
Join Us for Ingathering & Water Communion!
Sunday, September 7, 10:30am ~ Potluck and T-Shirt Tie Dyeing to Follow
At Ingathering, we return to the regular rhythms of our church year. Join us for our annual Water Communion service, followed by a community potluck and tie-dye fun on the lawn for all who would like to participate.
Ingathering Community Potluck
You can help make our community potluck a success! We need people to promote the event, gather volunteers, set up and/or clean up, help with serving, and bring a dish to pass. Sign up using the link below, and contact Regina Stanley at membership@peoriauuchurch.org with any questions.
Ingathering Tie Dye
After our Ingathering & Water Communion service, we invite all members—young and wise, longtime and new—to join us in tie dyeing UUCP shirts. Shirts are available to all, and an optional $15 donation for each shirt would help offset the cost. Sign up to help using the link below.
Join us for this monthly virtual event designed to offer: spiritual grounding, political analysis, and collective action. We will have live music from Parker Woodland and a conversation about solidarity with Nicole Pressley and Deepa Iyer, author of this year’s Common Read, Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection andConnection. As Nicole said after a conversation at General Assembly, “Deepa's work at the intersections of solidarity, social change eco-systems, and movement building has been an important roadmap for so many of us navigating the complexity and urgency of this moment. Her reflections on grief, solidarity, and sustainable activism are brilliant and grounding.”
September 9, 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!
September 9 ~ UU History & Values and Campus Tour
October 14 ~ Faith Development for Children & Adults and Worship & the Liturgical Year
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
September 9, 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.
September 11, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm El Mirador En El Rio, 110 Northeast Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, 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.
September 13, 20259:00 am - 11:00 am The Great Grove at UUCP
Forest Trail Work Day
Saturday, September 13, 9-11am
We’ll be widening the path in the Great Grove from the playground down to the bridge. Come out and spend some time in nature! Be sure to dress appropriately. Questions? Email Evan Stubbs at sirstubby@hotmail.com.
September 14, 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.
This ten-workshop curriculum is designed to help children in 5th or 6th grade to gain the knowledge, life principles, and skills they need to understand and express their sexuality in holistic, life-enhancing ways. Like the other Our Whole Lives programs for different age groups, this comprehensive, developmentally appropriate program introduces key topics like values, body image, social media/internet, consent, gender and sexual identity, puberty, peer pressure, and healthy relationships with sensitivity and inclusiveness. The underlying values of the program reflect the justice-oriented traditions of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Participants will read It's Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris. At this mandatory parent meeting we will...
• Introduce the OWL instructors
• Provide an overview of the program and its underlying values
• Identify a broad definition of human sexuality
• Identify ways that parents/guardians can support their children’s participation in the program
• Support parents/guardians in their role as the primary sexuality educators of their children
September 14, 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.
September 15, 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.
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!
September 16: Christianity ~ October 21: Hinduism ~ November 18: Judaism ~ December 16: Islam
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
September 16, 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.
September 18, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm El Mirador En El Rio, 110 Northeast Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, 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.
September 19, 20256:30 pm - 8:30 pm Fellowship Hall
Mabon
Friday, September 19, Fellowship Hall; Doors open at 6:30pm; Potluck & Ritual at 7pm
The autumn equinox is approaching and, with it, the feast of Mabon. This second harvest celebration of the pagan calendar is a time of abundance, of sharing with kin and community. Join us for a potluck dinner featuring soups of the harvest to give thanks for what we have and reflect on the balance of darkness and light. Hosted by the Keepers of the Great Grove, UUCP’s CUUPS chapter.
Peoria Park District invites individuals, groups, clubs, and businesses to sign up to be a part of this annual river cleanup! UUCP has pre-registered as a group, and we will be assigned to a nearby site along the river to clean up trash and make an impact in our community. The minimum age for participation is 5 years old, and volunteers ages 5 to 13 will need to be accompanied by an adult. The Illinois River Sweep is supported by the American Water Charitable Foundation's 2025 Water and Environment Grant. RSVP today at https://uuchurch.flocknote.com/signup/223738 or email Jesi Laughlin at DLRE@PeoriaUUChurch.org.
September 21, 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.
September 21, 20259:30 am - 10:00 am Meet in Foyer
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.
September 21, 202512:00 pm - 2:00 pm Fellowship Hall
Check Out the Connections Fair!
Sun., Sept. 21, after service, Fellowship Hall
Our volunteers are the heart of our community. It takes many hands to keep our beloved church going. Come and browse the tables and find the volunteer opportunities that are the right fit for you! Committee chairs and members will be at their tables and ready to give you information.
September 23, 20256:30 pm - 7:30 pm Zoom (link in description)
Tuesday, September 23, 6:30pm on Zoom at https://bit.ly/3sxzsciGender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Join us on fourth Tuesdays to 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.
This month’s selection is Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.
Join us this month or in the future: 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
September 23, 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.
September 25, 202510:00 am - 12:00 pm El Mirador En El Rio, 110 Northeast Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, 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.
September 25, 202511:30 am - 1:30 pm Conference Room
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.
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.
September 28, 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.
September 28, 202512:00 pm - 1:00 pm Conference Room
Building Dedication Anniversary Conversation Sunday, September 28, Noon, Conference Room If you were part of bringing this church building into being or would like to assist with marking the 20th anniversary of the building dedication in October, please join Rev. Jennifer for this meeting. Email her at revjennifer@peoriauuchurch.org with questions, stories, and if you would like to help but cannot attend the meeting.
September 28, 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.
September 30, 20256:00 pm - 7:30 pm Conference Room
Introducing Tuesday Night Adult Religious Ed!
This fall, we are offering an adult RE experience every Tuesday night. You are encouraged to attend one, some, or all classes or just the sessions that interest you. The schedule is as follows:
Spiritual Practices ~ 1st Tuesdays, In-Person Only
Inquirers ~ 2nd Tuesdays, In-Person Only
Crossing Paths for Adults ~ 3rd Tuesdays, In-Person or On Zoom
Banned Book Club ~ 4th Tuesdays, In-Person or On Zoom
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
Virtual only: ARE Humanist Discussion Group via Zoom #2
September 30, 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.
