ENTER THE FOREST… IF YOU DARE!!! Haunted Forest Saturday, October 25th 7-8:30 PM Great Grove & Fellowship Hall Haunted Woods, Tricks & Treats, Campfire, Samhain Ritual, Witch’s Dance, Tarot Readings, and more! Dare to enter the trail through the...
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...
Haunted Forest Saturday, October 19th 7-8:30 PM Great Grove & Fellowship Hall Haunted Woods, Tricks & Treats, Campfire, Samhain Ritual, Witches Dance, & Tarot Readings too! Dare to enter the trail through the haunted forest where ghouls and goblins...
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....
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...
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...
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...
Saturday October 29 7:00-8:30 pm Dare to enter the trail through the haunted forest where ghouls and goblins eagerly await your visit! Our haunted forest is specifically designed to be just the right amount of fright. Scary enough for brave kids and adults of all...
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...
Effective June 7, the church building is open to the congregation for the first time in 14 months! The plan was presented at the May 26 meeting of the board by further discussion with Towards Live Church (TLC) and the Admin Team to reach a final decision by email vote...
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.
