Holiday Giving Opportunities: for Palatine Families in Need, Local High School Students in Need, for newly arrived immigrants, and Change for Change
Child & Baby Dedications
Offered on Nov 27
One of the most important things we do as a religious community is to celebrate life transitions. During our Thanksgiving service on Nov. 27, we will offer child dedications for any child (infant-age 12) who has recently joined our congregation or who hasn't yet had the opportunity to be dedicated. If you are interested in being a part of this dedication, please contact Dr. Mary (DLRE@ccuu.org) or Rev. Denise (RevDenise@ccuu.org) by Nov 20. We look forward to celebrating this special day with you!
Tomorrow!
Nov 12
7-10 pm
doors open at 6:30; held in Atherton Hall at CCUU
We are so excited to present this fun-filled night of music that benefits our community service partners. Bring your children, friends, and family! Beer, wine, soda, and snacks will be available. All proceeds go to support our local service partners: Partners for our Community (POC), Faith in Place, and Chalice House. Suggested donation is $10 - $30. Proceeds from a 50/50 raffle will be used to pay for critical needs of asylum seekers temporarily housed in the area.
THIS SUNDAY, NOV 13
Worship on Nov 13 at 10 am
Widening Our Covenants
Young people begin in worship with their family and will be sung out to their religious exploration classes.
As we explore what it means to be Unitarian Universalist, we are also learning how to be more inclusive. Our covenant is not sealed. We are opening our arms wider to let more love shine.
Religious Exploration for Children & Youth
Classes are held on Sundays at 10 am for:
Chalice Children (preschoolers)
Spirit Play (Kdgtn-grade 2)
Grades 3-5
Grade 6-8
and at 7 pm for Senior High Youth Group (9th-12th grade). Newcomers welcome!
Please join us to discuss “the issues of the day” while respectfully welcoming different perspectives. Our topic on Nov 13 will be Engineering for Change [with Cycling], with Will Butler-Adams (about how cycling could be part of the solution for making cities less congested and greener); a gently recommended resource to view in advance of our discussion is available here. Join us online: go to www.zoom.us and click 'Join' OR to listen by phone, call 1-312-626-6799; when prompted, enter meeting id 927 6261 2301 and passcode 1025.
Children & Youth Choir
Sundays following RE Classes
Young people in grades 1 - 8 are invited to meet in the choir room following RE classes to sing! For more info, contact Alison Vernon, music.director@ccuu.org.
Path to Belonging
Sundays, Nov 13 & 20;
11:30 am - 1 pm
This two-session series is an opportunity to learn more about Countryside Church UU and more about the meaning of membership. It is also an opportunity to get to know others, and for those who are ready, it is a path to membership. Our minister, staff, and lay leaders provide exercises and opportunities to explore what you are seeking at CCUU and to discover the freedom and diversity of our faith. Sign up online hereor email Membership@ccuu.org.
Buddhist Study Group
2nd Sundays ~ Nov 13 at 11:30 am
We read & discuss selected Buddhist texts and try to apply the principles & techniques to our every day lives. Join us in classroom 1.
Green Sanctuary Meeting
2nd Sundays ~ Nov 13 at 11:30 am
All are welcome to join us in classroom 6. The Green Sanctuary Committee promotes awareness, appreciation, and action in support of the environment on which we all depend. We promote worship that deepens our connection to the natural world, educational programs for all ages, service projects, and non-partisan political actions that address the climate crisis.
Next Week ~ Nov 14-20
White Lies Discussion Series
continues Mondays, 7 pm, Zoom only
In this “post-Jim Crow” era, what might we learn about the long term effects of systemic racism? Get full details and sign up to attend the series. Participants need not attend all sessions, however, if you drop in, please listen to the episode for that day AS WELL AS all previous episodes. On Nov 21, we will discuss the episode called The Sphinx of Washington Street. You do not need to be a church member to attend this covenantal series; guests are welcome. This Lifespan Religious Exploration course is available for Senior High and Adults.
Atheist, Humanist, Agnostic Discussion
Nov 15 at 7 pm
This month, we will discuss human development after fertilization - what defines personhood and when? We will also touch an example of one who supports a woman’s right to choose yet simultaneously concurs with the overturning of Roe. Women are welcome and encouraged to tune in. Join us online:
go to www.zoom.us OR call 1-312-626-6799
use Meeting ID 999 0335 4398 & passcode 1025
Transitions
Nov 17 at 10 am
Join us in Atherton Hall for this month’s program. Peggy Simonsen will present the good work being done by the UU Service Committee (UUSC). Join us for this informative presentation and discussion. We will have a pre-program coffee time and a post-program potluck lunch.
Feminine Divine Women's Group
Nov 19, 9:30 am
Join us in classroom 6 as we continue our discussion of Waking the Witch by Pam Grossman. New women are always welcome. For more info, contact Barbara Griggs.
Haiku Garden Workshop
Sunday, Nov 20, 11:30 am
We will hold a monthly Haiku Garden Workshop in preparation for a spring opening of our Haiku Garden. If you would like to learn how to write haiku or get suggestions about a haiku you have already written for the garden, please join us in Classroom 1.
Chalice-Glazing Event Cancelledfor Sun Nov 20
Our chalice-glazing event will not be held Nov 20th after all, due to tight staffing and schedules. We will look for a new date and keep you posted here -- so watch this space!
Book Circle
Nov 20, 6:15 pm
All are warmly welcome to join us to discuss The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson. Doudna and her collaborators "turned a curiosity of nature into an invention that will transform the human race: an easy-to-use tool that can edit DNA. Known as CRISPR, it opened a brave new world of medical miracles and moral questions." We will gather in Classroom 6 at 6:15 pm, discussion begins at 6:30.
~ Mark Your Calendar ~
Young Adults:
Homecoming and Tree Trimming Sun Nov 27, Following Worship Come back to Countryside, see old friends and mentors, and let your home church treat you to holiday goodies! Join us for Thanksgiving worship and a child dedication, and then be part of this traditional gathering afterward -- the Young Adult tree trimming, with cake and treats to follow. This is a stepping stone to the next opportunity to gather -- for the annual CCUU YA ReUUnion in December. Parents, please help spread the word with your YAs (age 18-35)!
Last Mondays Book Discussion on Nov 28, 7 pm ~ West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Reading Roundtable: Dec 14, 10 am ~ Dry Dock (pp. 100–103 of The Civically Engaged Reader); details here
Joy-Filled CCUU Events for All Ages - 2022-23
Nov 24, 10:00am: Thanksgiving Tromp at Deer Grove Forest Preserve
Dec 18: Christmas Pageant
Jan 29: Fifth Sunday Faith in Action with Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants
Feb 12: Souper Bowl
March: Women’s History Month Book Drive for Bernie’s Book Bank, Little Free Library, and CCUU RE Library
Apr 9: Easter Egg Hunt, 11am-Noon
Apr 30: Fifth Sunday in Action Day with Faith in Place
Jun 4: Church Picnic and Blessing of the Bikes
~Holiday Giving Opportunities~
Holiday Gifts for Palatine Families in Need; Sign up by Thurs, Nov 17
This program makes a huge difference to these families over the holidays. As of Nov 8, we still have 10 people, mostly kids, who need sponsorship. To be consistent, gifts should cost $60-75. Adult gifts are gift cards to a store of their choice. If you would like to participate in this great program, please sign up on Sunday or contact Judy Ball by Nov 17 to request either an adult or a child. Gifts need to be delivered to church or to Ellen Vinzani in Arl Hts, by Sun Nov 27. Thank you!
Boots Needed by Nov 21
Partners for Our Communities is helping dozens of families recently bussed to Chicago from the Mexico border. These families are seeking asylum in the U.S. and are currently being housed at a hotel in Wheeling, IL. POC is helping them gain independence and stability – the kids started school within days of arrival; many of the parents are working cash jobs; and they are learning how to get around via bicycle and public transportation. Walking, too, is key, and as we near winter POC would like to equip them with winter boots. IF YOU HAVE ANY GENTLY USED, CLEAN BOOTS, PLEASE DROP THEM IN THE BIN OUTSIDE THE NORTH ENTRANCE OF THE CHURCH (the RE wing) or contact Janet McDonnell or Laura Mandell for an alternative delivery site. All sizes needed, from toddler through adult. Deadline for drop off is Monday, November 21.
Gift Card Collection for Local High School Students in Need through Mon, Nov 28
We are again partnering with other local churches to provide gift cards for food, clothing, and other necessaries for District 211 students in need. Combined giving last year provided for 135 Palatine High School and Fremd High School students in housing crisis situations as defined within the McKinney-Vento Law. In addition, we helped 25 students in need at District 211’s North Academy, an alternative learning high school in Palatine. Purchase gift cards to area stores and restaurants:
$25 cards to Walmart or Target (*please note that the students prefer Walmart to Target)
$10-$25 cards to Walgreens, Aldi, Subway, McDonalds, Culvers, or other fast-food chain restaurants
Gift cards are easily purchased online; no need to shop in-person. Each student will receive donated gift cards in gift bags put together by the volunteers at PATH (Palatine Assisting Through Hope.) Please write the $ amount on the card or its envelope. Gift cards must be received in the church office by Mon, Nov 28. Please don’t delay.
Change for Change
In honor of our monthly theme for November - CHANGE, please help us change lives by donating your pocket change to Guest at Your Table, the UU Service Committee's annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about key human rights issues. Throughout the month of November, there will be a box on the Narthex theme table where you can drop your loose change to help foster the positive change made in the world through Guest At Your Table, the UU Service Committee's annual intergenerational program to raise support for and awareness about critical human rights issues. Contribution envelopes will also be available -- or if you'd like to create your own donation box to use at home, you can find them here. Contributions of any amount qualify for UUSC membership. Contributions of $125 or more are eligible to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the UU Congregation of Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY. You can learn more about Guest at Your Table here.
Child & Baby Dedications
Worship on Nov 13 at 10 am
Religious Exploration for Children & Youth
Open Forum Discussion
Children & Youth Choir
Buddhist Study Group
Green Sanctuary Meeting
White Lies Discussion Series
Atheist, Humanist, Agnostic Discussion
Transitions
Feminine Divine Women's Group
Haiku Garden Workshop 
Chalice-Glazing Event 
Boots Needed by Nov 21
Gift Card Collection for Local High School Students in Need through Mon, Nov 28
Change for Change
