Upcoming Events

Please join us Sunday mornings at 9 am to discuss “the issues of the day” while respectfully welcoming different perspectives. See the weekly e-updates or monthly Focus newsletter for details.

Our Open Forum Covenant: In the Open Forum Discussion, we agree to discuss the issues of the day honestly and respectfully, welcoming the diversity of views that may be expressed on any given topic.

Some elaboration on our covenant: The “issues of the day” are the issues we choose to discuss, which often have some connection to current events, including political, local, national, and world events, or otherwise newsworthy events, but which also sometimes include more personal or philosophical topics. In our discussions, we welcome disagreement about topics, but we do not welcome criticism of other participants’ motives, character, knowledge, or wisdom.

Wonder what goes on in the Sunday evening service but haven’t gotten a chance to attend? We’ll be offering a taste of the very different flavor this morning. Spark Musicians will play, we’ll have movement, song and conversation. When people talk about Spark, you’ll be in the know. 

Share the Plate: Half of the offering will be donated to the Palatine Township Senior Center.

Please join us in the Sanctuary or via live stream at https://bit.ly/CCUUworshipSvc or to listen via phone, call 1-312-626-6799 and use meeting id 412 124 873, passcode 1025.

Newcomers are invited to attend a brief orientation to Countryside Church and Unitarian Universalism on the 1st Sunday of each month following the worship service.

The Bible has been used to inspire movements for liberation and to legitimize horrific injustices. How do we, as liberal seekers, skeptics, and UUs, understand it? This course will explore the Bible in historical context and reflect on some of its stories from a UU perspective. Participants who took the course in 2023 said: “Eye opening!” “Intellectual rigor.” “It made the Bible less scary.” “The best thing was the group discussions about interpreting Bible passages.” More classes to follow in the spring. Register here.

Join the Young Adults group in Atherton Hall for game night on the first Sunday evening of the month. Bring a game to share with others, or play one of ours.

We meet to discuss issues related to Atheism, Agnosticism, and Humanism, with related videos and reading materials. See the weekly e-updates and monthly Focus newsletter for details.

Reading Roundtable meets twice a month to discuss a 5- to 10-page essay, short story, or poem from an anthology. We are currently reading Vital Ideas: Crime, from the Great Books Foundation. All are welcome! We meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 10 a.m. Visitors and newcomers are always welcome. See the weekly e-updates and monthly Focus newsletter for details.

Join Nancy Frenk & Cindy Thornton in the Sanctuary for a sound journey as we meditate with the gentle frequencies of crystal singing bowls, chimes and additional calming instruments. These sessions provide relaxation, restore mindfulness, and promote overall wellbeing in a tranquil environment. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or sit/recline on sanctuary chairs. No registration is required for participation. A suggested donation of $20 is encouraged with a portion being donated to CCUU.

Please join us Sunday mornings at 9 am to discuss “the issues of the day” while respectfully welcoming different perspectives. See the weekly e-updates or monthly Focus newsletter for details.

Our Open Forum Covenant: In the Open Forum Discussion, we agree to discuss the issues of the day honestly and respectfully, welcoming the diversity of views that may be expressed on any given topic.

Some elaboration on our covenant: The “issues of the day” are the issues we choose to discuss, which often have some connection to current events, including political, local, national, and world events, or otherwise newsworthy events, but which also sometimes include more personal or philosophical topics. In our discussions, we welcome disagreement about topics, but we do not welcome criticism of other participants’ motives, character, knowledge, or wisdom.

So many things to celebrate in December! Join us as we hold our annual No-Rehearse Pageant which invites the entire congregation into joy.

This is an All-Church Service; young people attend worship with their families and do not have religious exploration classes.

Please join us in the Sanctuary or via live stream at https://bit.ly/CCUUworshipSvc or to listen via phone, call 1-312-626-6799 and use meeting id 412 124 873, passcode 1025.

All are welcome to join us as we discuss selected Buddhist texts and try to apply the principles and techniques to our everyday lives. See the weekly e-updates or monthly Focus newsletter for details.

As we move into the quiet stillness of December, join us for a soul-nourishing 90-minute workshop focused on mindfulness, gratitude, and the simple joys of everyday life.  Using a reflective workbook created by Mari Van Meter, we’ll explore simple practices to help us reconnect with what truly matters.  Come as you are—leave feeling lighter, more present, and uplifted. Register here.

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.

The Green Sanctuary group meets on the 2nd Sunday of the month following the worship service. Please join us!

Tending the Spark – Where the Body Remembers, the Spirit Sings: Sunday, Dec 14 @5pm, Songs of the Season – Bodhi Day, Hanukkah, Christmas, Yule with the Spark Band. Join us to sing in the season of lights and hope. This intentional gathering remembers the ancient ways of ancestors who circled and sang under the night sky. Come as you are, ready to rest, remember, and be renewed.

The Young Adults (18-35ish) will be having a Pink & White Elephant Gift Exchange Night. Bring a Pink Elephant gift (something nice, $20–$30 max) or a White Elephant gift (something funny or random from around your home)—or bring both for double the fun!

Tai Chi is an ancient practice which enhances health, concentration, and wellbeing.  It can be practiced by people of all ages, sizes, shapes, and abilities.  This class will focus on short movement sequences which will increase flexibility, strength, and balance.  This class is open to beginners and to those with prior experience.  This class will be based on the modified Yang style of tai chi as taught by Master Moy Lin Shin.  Melanie Terbovic will be your instructor.

Living Well is the new name for the Blue Zones discussion group, which meets monthly in Atherton Hall. We will continue to explore the concept of a blue zone through discussion of broader questions concerning our physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual lives. What does it mean to live well? How do we live well? Explore these and other questions of health and wellbeing. Living Well will begin meeting on Sept. 17 to begin discussing the book The Art and Science of Connection by Kasley Killam. The author explores the role of human connection in health.

The mission of the Transitions group is to provide a forum for mature adults to explore life transitions with a supportive community during daytime hours. We meet the 4th Thursday of the month at 10 am (3rd Thursday in Nov & Dec to avoid meeting on holidays.) Program topics are chosen based on participant surveys and are often presented by group members or invited guests. All are welcome to join us; feel free to invite a friend! Check the Focus & weekly e-updates for meeting info.

Please join us Sunday mornings at 9 am to discuss “the issues of the day” while respectfully welcoming different perspectives. See the weekly e-updates or monthly Focus newsletter for details.

Our Open Forum Covenant: In the Open Forum Discussion, we agree to discuss the issues of the day honestly and respectfully, welcoming the diversity of views that may be expressed on any given topic.

Some elaboration on our covenant: The “issues of the day” are the issues we choose to discuss, which often have some connection to current events, including political, local, national, and world events, or otherwise newsworthy events, but which also sometimes include more personal or philosophical topics. In our discussions, we welcome disagreement about topics, but we do not welcome criticism of other participants’ motives, character, knowledge, or wisdom.

Our second musical celebration of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. We meet on the shortest day of the year to celebrate in sound and song.

Please join us in the Sanctuary or via live stream at https://bit.ly/CCUUworshipSvc or to listen via phone, call 1-312-626-6799 and use meeting id 412 124 873, passcode 1025.