Almost a week ago our Governor announced a “Stay at Home” order for the entire state of Illinois. I am proud of our elected leaders for moving swiftly and courageously. At that time few state leaders – not even the Governor of the hardest hit state of Washington,- had made such a radical decision. That’s real leadership. I have no doubt that many, many lives have been saved, even some of our own lives, by this decision. But it has certainly turned everything upside down, and created great hardship for some of the already most vulnerable.The order is only until April 7th, but I think we all know, in our heart of hearts, that “normal life” will not return for a long time. And to even refer to a “new normal” seems foolish, since every day something previously unimagined seems to happen.
It is the same for us on the staff and in leadership at UUCUC. In the last week we have live-streamed the last Sunday service from the Sanctuary before we move to entirely online/remote Sunday services (you can watch it here , if you missed it), the Board has faced that our Annual Meeting will almost certainly not be held in person (look for more news on this soon), the Auction team is discussing what to do about our wild and crazy auction, since clearly just postponing to later in the spring is not likely to work…and on and on. For those who may be concerned for our staff, with the support of your leadership, all staff (with the exception of childcare workers) are still on payroll, and I am in close contact with them. All are doing fine, though some are now home in other parts of the country, providing support for family in other ways, or headed home soon. Many staff members are finding ways to “retool” to help us online.
The reality of this shift in normal is becoming more and more apparent. The only certainty, I expect, is that things are going to change again by next week.
But what won’t change is our commitment, as a UU congregation, to care for each other, for the community, and for the wider world. What won’t change is the tremendous creativity, bravery, and common sense I experience every day here as your minister. And guess what? Already our services and other online offerings are reaching far, far beyond our walls, to those seeking some solace and inspiration in this time.
This update is to remind you of some of the ways you can connect, but please check your eNews for other opportunities as well.
Streaming Sunday Services
From now until we are given the “all clear” by Public Health, we will be live-streaming our Sunday service, thanks to our outstanding AV team. If you have a joy or sorrow to share at an upcoming service, please email me at minister@uucuc.org . You can also find previous videos of our services on that page. We had a successful Zoom based Fellowship Hour last Sunday, which we will continue (hosted by me and Sherry Bohlen, with possible “guest hosts”) – you can find our Fellowship Hour link on the same livestream page.
Daily Short Inspirational Videos at 10:00 A.M.
Each day at 10 am we will post a daily short inspirational video. It might be a few words from me, a guided meditation. a song from one of our talented singers, a poem, or some other offering. Tune in to find out. This is just to give you a little encouragement as you start your day. These will also be archived to watch later.
Worshipful Listening / Check-Ins Mondays and Thursdays
On Monday and Thursday nights at 5:30 I/we will offer an hour on Zoom for anyone to call in and find a moment of calm and renewal, with an opening reading, brief check in, sharing of joys and sorrows, and short guided meditation. The next worshipful listening will be TODAY, March 26, at 5:30 p,m. To join,click on this link or dial in, calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering meeting ID # 531 676 7272. If this is your first time on Zoom, please click the link to register before we begin. If you have any trouble with Zoom, please email Sherry Bohlen. You may also want to have your own chalice to light – any candle will do – even a battery operated one!
Classes for All Ages on the UU Seven Principles
Dr. Michele Grove is offering seven weeks of drop-in classes on our 7 Principles on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings. Tuesdays and Thursdays are for adults, Sundays are for families (of course, adults are welcome too!). To learn more, check it out here. There will be other adult education offerings as well, including David Gross’s popular travelogues.
Buddy System
Community and connection matter tremendously at a moment like this, more than we can imagine, and that’s what we do best as a congregation. But we are a big enough congregation now that we are concerned that some might “fall through the cracks” and become ill or struggle without us even knowing about it. Please, whatever your situation, consider signing up for the buddy system to check in with another person regularly through this time: https://uucuc.breezechms.com/form/2184f1 . For more information, contact Sherry Bohlen. Also, please consider joining our Members and Friends Facebook page.
Pastoral Care and Support
Although the church offices are not open, we want to know how you are! I am available for support and deep conversation by phone or Zoom using or same scheduler that I have used to schedule in-person meetings. To schedule a time to talk with me, please click here . Please let me know if you’d like to meet by phone or by video chat. If you have an urgent pastoral care need, please call the office at (217) 384-8862 and my extension. I will receive an email notification and will return your call promptly. Rev. Bill Breeden is also available by phone at 812-360-1779. Unfortunately, due to Stay at Home orders in both Indiana and Illinois, Bill will not return to us in person this spring, but he would love to talk with you. You can also reach him at consulting-minister@uucuc.org.
Also, if you don’t know, Channing Murray Foundation and Red Herring, led by new Executive Director Emily McKown, are providing food for the poorest families in CU, through a new Bucket Brigade initiative . Let’s support this great project! You can also order vegan take-away from the Red Herring, another way to support the work of Channing Murray.
Please reach out to the church if you become ill, if isolation or worry begins to be too much, or if you receive a positive COVID-19 test. We want to be here for you, and we can only do that if we know what is happening for you.
We are all “Blowin’ In the Wind” right now. To see a sweet video of four guys singing that song on March 15th, visit: https://youtu.be/6V-kBr4sx-4
With love and blessings,
Rev. Florence Caplow