Unitarian Universalists of Eastern Illinois

06/11/2026

06/05/2026

These are good thoughts about reimagining democracy as we go forward. Charleston Indivisible is having conversations like this in their “Doing Democracy” discussions. We have two scheduled the next two weeks in the back of the JAC — this Sunday (the 7th) at 1:30 and the next Sunday (the 14th) at 3:00 after our meeting with Roger Whitlow. Feel free to join in!

06/05/2026

FYI, this should be a good conversation. If you’ve never heard of “the gathering” you can find archived discussions on this page too.

https://www.sidewithlove.org/the-gathering?fbclid=IwZnRzaASPtAFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeaHeo78lqkDXCE24TQKKnABjKt1FkeDF2hC7588Ot9KzL0BxKfHCXp5Jc93w_aem_PE4-HdQgod6Ls-uf7FznRA

06/05/2026

We’re on the list of religions no longer recognized by the pentagon. We need to explore what this means.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/pentagon-religion-list-pete-hegseth-b2990115.html?fbclid=IwZnRzaASPr1pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEevLxRcrDxBW3KfA_y_yZ24qM591dTL3XG6aHggDCeI2hk7a20Y0HB1kzVfNY_aem_pf4LCjnmrJadNlDGGekZjg

A former Army chaplain called the reported changes a ‘tragedy’

05/13/2026

Here is a compressed timeline of the Unitarian Universalist faith.

05/04/2026

Dr. Roger Whitlow’s presentation has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 14th. Our UU will still meet on Sunday, May 10th. Join us for a cup of tea and some lively discussion.

June 14th, Dr. Roger Whitlow, co-founder of our UU Fellowship, will tell us about the history of our UU Fellowship, and bring us up to date about where we have been since the 1960’s. Join us for this exciting presentation.

05/01/2026

I’m including posters on our local event in the comments.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CfiHn6LQ8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today, through the advocacy of leaders and dedication of our human resource department, the UUA offices are closed in recognition of May Day and in solidarity with workers and communities across the country.

At a time when so many are being pulled toward exhaustion, fear, and isolation, May Day calls us back to collective action, mutual care, and the power we build together.

Unitarian Universalists will be joining people nationwide to demand a future that puts people before corporate power and invests in care instead of repression. We encourage you to join a local action, support your community, or find another way to show solidarity in your own context.

Find an action near you at the link in the comments.

Artwork: “Workers Over Billionaires” by Leah Jo Camine courtesy of May Day Strong.

05/01/2026

FYI- About the May Cover
May refers to the fifth month of the year, with 31 days, marking spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Named after the Roman goddess Maia, its traditional birthstone is the emerald, symbolizing growth and renewal.
May entered English in the 1050s. It developed from the Old English Maius, borrowed directly from the Latin Maius, short for Maius mēnsis, “Maia’s month.” But who is this Maia?

The Greek goddess Maia was one of the Pleiades, the companions of Artemis, goddess of the hunt. This Maia was the mother of Hermes, the messenger of the Gods. But the Romans had yet another goddess named Maia, who just happened to share a name with the Greek goddess.

The Greek goddess became conflated with the Roman Maia Majesta, a goddess of fertility and spring—appropriate for the growth we see in the month of May.

04/12/2026

Our UUCUC road trip was interesting and edifying. We were warmly welcomed and encouraged to ask questions. What a beautiful service! We had a good lunch and discussion at Apple Dumplin’ afterward. Might have to go back!😊

08/07/2025

On Sunday, August 24, our UU service will be dedicated to the memory of Carol Stevens. It will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room at the First Presbyterian Church in Charleston, Illinois. Feel free to bring any pictures and memorable stories to share with the group.