Building Your Own Theology

offered winter 2012; contact Colleen Vahey, re@ccuu.org
Theology is the task of articulating that which holds meaning and purpose in life – we are all theologians. This classic UU adult education program invites participants to explore life experiences, religious heritage, spiritual practices and actions to develop a living credo, or statement of belief.

Coming Alive at CCUU: Living our Vision, Clarifying our Values and Engaging in Service

offered 2011-2012; Contact minister@ccuu.org
Howard Thurmann said, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive.” This year-long program is designed to help ground members in our living faith tradition, clarify talents, and discover ways that your gifts may be shared in the congregation and community.

Faith Like a River (UU 102)

Offered fall 2011; contact Colleen Vahey, re@ccuu.org
Faith Like a River explores the dynamic course of Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist (UU) history—the people, ideas, and movements that shape our faith heritage. We invite participants to place themselves into our history and consider its legacies. What lessons do the stories of our history teach that can help us live more faithfully in the present? What lessons does history offer about living in the future?

Hatha Yoga

Thursday evenings from 7-8:15PM; contact ccuu@ccuu.org
The practice of Hatha yoga can not only help relieve stress, decrease chronic pain and increase flexibility and strength, it can also help you access the inner peace you need while you strive for peace in the world around you. Join Sarah Mikulski, Sivananda Yoga certified and Yoga Alliance registered yoga instructor, in exploring this multi-faceted practice here at Countryside Church. All levels are welcome, and the teacher will cater to the needs and abilities of the students present at each class. All that is required is a yoga mat and an open mind.

Introduction to Unitarian Universalism (UU 101)

Offered spring 2011; contact Colleen Vahey, re@ccuu.org
This experience is designed especially for our visitors and friends. Join us for this afternoon workshop to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and Countryside Church.

Journey Inward

Meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month; visit: www.Journey-Inward.com
Discover and explore hypnosis, meditation, dowsing, tarot, color therapy, crystal healing, EFT, Law of Attraction, metaphysics, 2012, drum circles, spiritual movies and much more.

Living Scripture: Study of Hebrew and Christian Scriptures

Offered fall 2011: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 7pm; Contact: minister@ccuu.org
CONTENT MISSING
Recommended text: Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time – Marcus J. Borg

Meet the Minister

Select Sundays following second service; contact: ccuu@ccuu.org
Visitors and new folks with questions about Countryside Church and Unitarian Universalism are invited to meet with Rev. Hilary on select Sundays following second service in the Sanctuary.

Path to Membership

Various times; contact: ccuu@ccuu.org
A program offered twice a year to immerse visitors in the history of Unitarian Universalism, the unique history of Countryside and what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist. Class participants also explore their own spiritual history and begin to write their spiritual present and future.

UU Parenting

Various times; contact re@ccuu.org
This class, led by our religious educator, explores the opportunities and challenges of parenting. We’ll help you create family rituals, provide resources for talking with children about your beliefs, and address questions that parents bring to the group.

Zen Meditation

Sunday at 7 PM; visit: www.greatplainszen.org
The Great Plains Zen Center offers regular meditation (zazen, or "sitting") periods, walking meditations and various workshops at Countryside Church. All are welcome. Beginner's instruction is available.

Book Discussion Groups

Contact: ccuu@ccuu.org
Book Circle (primarily non-fiction), Periodic Sundays, times vary
Last Mondays Book Group (primarily fiction), Last Mondays of the month, 7PM
Read and discuss with us!

Chalice Circles

Contact: ccuu@ccuu.org
As a vibrant small group ministry, Chalice Circles offer a home base within our growing church community, a place to build relationships with other adults and opportunities to gain greater clarity, meaning and connection.

Circle Suppers

Four-month sessions annually; Contact: ccuu@ccuu.org
Meet Countryside members and further strengthen existing relationships through organized cooperative suppers where participants dine with four different groups and host once.

Open Forum Discussion Group/"The FORUM"

Sunday, 9:15 AM; contact: ofd@ccuu.org
We endeavor to discuss the issues of the day while respectfully welcoming diverse perspectives.

Caregivers’ Support Group

Fourth Wednesdays, 7 PM; Contact: RevHilaryK@ccuu.org
Rev. Hilary leads this group for individuals who are providing long term care for a family member or beloved friend who has a serious illness or physical challenges.

Careers in Transition

Contact: careers@ccuu.org
Events are non-denominational, free and open to all occupations. Learn the fundamentals of careering and get the depth of knowledge provided through seminars and career topics offered.

MenzGroup

First Wednesday of the month, 7:30; contact: ccuu@ccuu.org
The MenzGroup is a gathering of men, in covenant, that meets monthly to share ideas and experiences of all things related to the male gender. Our meetings are based on mutually agreed topics that have included male violence, the four archetypes of men, male communication and men’s virtues.

Work Life Support Group

First and third Fridays at 12 PM; contact: careers@ccuu.org
CCUU members provide support each other, network, share tips on jobs and review each other’s resumes and online profiles. In addition, CCUU is a member of the St. Hubert’s Jobs Ministry, which offers skill building and networking opportunities.

The Countryside Garden

Seasonally; Contact:ccuu@ccuu.org
To further strengthen the connection between our spiritual practices, the earth, our green sanctuary effort and our social action commitment, CCUU gardeners plant and tend garden plots located on the church campus. Among other uses, the fruits (and vegetables!) of our labors are donated to the Palatine Township Food Pantry.

Faith in Action

The last Sunday of the month; contact: re@ccuu.org
This monthly workshop helps young people, grades 1 through 6, engage in social action learning, experience their power in making a positive difference and grow in their awareness of connections with one another and the planet.

Green Sanctuary Committee

Contact: greensanctuary@ccuu.org
The Green Sanctuary Committee encourages 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 and service projects that benefit our local area and beyond.

Living the Welcoming Congregation

Various times; contact: ccuu@ccuu.org
Living the Welcoming Congregation welcomes everyone and celebrates the fullness of lives of people of every sexual orientation and gender identity. We hold monthly meetings, host social events, provide educational seminars and participate in activities that promote equality.

Making the Most of Our Money

Contact: socialaction@ccuu.org
Making the Most of Our Money is a nine-session program that teaches money management skills to low-income individuals and food pantry recipients in Palatine Township.

Movies with Meaning

Second Fridays, 7PM; contact: ccuu@ccuu.org
This series shows short-subject and feature-length documentary films on the big screen in Atherton Hall, followed by group discussion. The films deal with a variety of different topics, including environmental, economic and social justice issues.

Social Action Committee

Contact: socialaction@ccuu.org
The Social Action Committee strives for social, environmental and economic justice at the church, community and international levels. Whether donating our time to teach money management skills to low-income families, preparing meals for a local PADS homeless shelter, holding a fundraiser for Heifer International, purchasing books for Pakistani schools or providing microfinance loans, the Social Action Committee is committed to improving our world and the quality of life of all persons.

Social Action Coffee House

The last Thursday of the month, 7 PM; contact: socialaction@ccuu.org
The CCUU Social Action Coffee House is your chance to meet and discuss social action and justice issues and opportunities and enjoy coffee, music and conversation in an informal environment.

Music

Please visit Music for more information.

 

Singing Meditation

First Friday of the month, 7:30 PM; contact: music@ccuu.org
Find a stillness at the end of your hectic workweek. In our meditation, facilitated singing and silence combine to create a calming and powerful spiritual experience.