The date has been set! Make your reservation now for the Candlelight Dinner & Concert, Friday, September 26.

(217) 222-5468
The Unitarian Church
1479 Hampshire St.
Quincy, IL 62301



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[Chalice]

Unitarian Church

[Chalice]

Quincy, Illinois

We meet at 10:45 a.m. in the winter (second Sunday in September through second Sunday in June)
for Sunday Worship Services and Sunday School.
We meet at 9:30 a.m. in the summer for the Summer Discussion Series.
These are more informal sessions than our winter services.

What's New?

Updated: June 26, 2008. Frieda Marshall, Editor.

BUILDING YOUR OWN THEOLOGY

A newly formed group, led by Christine Jach and Ruth Cuthbertson, is inviting members and friends to a book discussion series. They have chosen the book, "Building Your Own Theology" written by Richard S. Gilbert to serve as discussion guide. The author says, "If we are living, breathing, laughing, crying, questing human beings, it is impossible not to be theologians."

The Book Discussion group has finished the first book in the Building Your Own Theology series. The group will continue over the summer months and will read "The Varieties of Religious Experience" by William James. This book, written by a psychologist as lectures for the University of Edinburgh in 190l, stands as a classic study of religion and spirituality as it is felt in everyday life. The Book Discussion group will continue to meet on Monday nights from 6:30 to 8:30. Everyone is invited to attend, even as an occasional participant.

Myanmar Relief

Members of our congregation were recently able to assist in doing what governments and non-governmental agencies were unable to do. Because the ruling junta in Myanmar would not permit foreigners to deliver aid to victims of the cyclone that struck that country on May 2, thousands were without food, clean water, shelter, and other necessities. Jim Burns, who is a friend of our church, e-mailed several of us to say that his son, Pete, who was teaching in Yangon, was organizing relief efforts with other foreign teachers and local citizens. Quincy Unitarians donated several hundred dollars to this effort. Pete reported in sporadic e-mails on the system developed by him and others to get necessities to the people that need them - quickly. He and other foreigners spend most of their time buying; the materials are delivered by Burmese citizens to villages in the delta where the worst devastation occurred. The early trucks and buses they were able to fill contained mostly rice and bottled water. More recently they've been sending ropes and tarps so people can start devising shelter. They've also sent children's clothing, water purification tablets, bowls and cooking utensils, etc., as they learn what is most needed. Because the Americans must leave soon, Pete says they're working to build an organization that will continue after they're gone. It is, he says, a rather small operation, but a very efficient one. As international agencies move in, it has become necessary to work around them, but Pete reports that, while the agencies are holding meetings, his group has loaded and delivered several truckloads of goods. A thank you message to our church from Jim stated, "To me, your congregation is the most socially aware and giving group of people in our community." We are grateful to have been given the opportunity to help, but there is little to celebrate. Estimates of the death toll in Myanmar now exceed one hundred thousand, but Pete's operation has saved many who otherwise would have been included in that number.

IT WOULD BE GRAND TO HAVE A GRAND PIANO

A promotion began in January to raise funds to purchase a Grand Piano for the sanctuary. There was a recognition that the size and nature of the church would be inviting for recitals and concerts as well as other events. Members were invited to form a committee and to propose plans to acquire a new, performance piano.

A group quickly formed and as they considered the options and logistics, they identified a Yamaha Grand as an appropriate match for the church in terms of size and sound quality. An expected cost of $14,000 was announced.

By March donations had been received and pledges were made. Appreciation was expressed to all who made this a successful promotion. A celebratory dedication event on the evening of May 23rd invited pianists of various ages and abilities to perform their favorite pieces to the delight of all present. Sandy Morrison proclaimed: "It was a terrific evening with wonderful food and drinks as well as exceptional music. The people of this congregation are awesome as they worked together to make this happen. It was a GREAT evening"

Anticipation grows for the church to become a venue for chamber music performances and concerts. The date of Friday, September 26, is set for the first Candlelight Dinner and Concert.

CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ADDITION

The children of our congregation are called "Our Very Important Persons." The young people were chosen to turn the earth at the ground-breaking ceremony on Easter morning, April 7, 2007. At the close of summer and the completion of the building, the children led the procession from the church sanctuary to the entry of the new addition. Young people conducted the ceremony and cut the ribbon.

The planning for the addition began several years ago. Committees held meetings and engaged the congregation in the planning. An "Affirmation in Action" fund-raising campaign was launched; drawings were completed and given approval from the City and the Preserves Commission. Soon the required funding was pledged and the aim of providing for handicapped accessibility was closer to becoming a reality.

The architectural plans by Klingner and Associates were approved by the Planning Commission. Zion Church Builders of Michigan cooperated with the church committee to employ local construction workers.Careful attention was given to coordinating the style of the existing building into the addition, especially in regard to masonry, limestone veneer, and finishing touches. Where there had been a window and a door and steps, the designers set an open space with an interior ramp and three steps.

The work during the summer of 2007 was documented by daily photography as the foundation was dug and cement was poured. By July the walls were in place, the roof was completed and most windows installed. The heating and air-conditioning units were connected and restrooms completed. There developed a spacious meeting room with a small kitchen.

On Sunday, September 23, a dedication ceremony followed the morning service. It featured the children as they are the ones who will continue the influence of the Unitarian Church in Quincy.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

FIRST FRIDAY - An enhancement to the social life of the church people was initiated in 1999 as a casual monthly gathering, hosted by various members. These "First Friday" evenings provide a time for friendly companionship and an opportunity for welcoming newcomers.

WOMEN'S ALLIANCE - This group gives support to church projects while providing a friendly atmosphere at a Saturday luncheon held in members' homes - October through May. The executive committee arranges for a guest speaker for most meetings. The topics reflect local and national issues, historical or literary studies.

FOREIGN FILM SERIES - Beginning in 2005, there are showings of the films in the church once or twice a month. The Thursday evening events are open to the public. Kevin Ballard, devoted leader, has made available films of French, Czech, Canadian and Spanish content. There is a free-will offering. Light refreshments and discussion follow. Occasionally there is a movie night with dinner, as for an Italian film - a pasta dinner was served. The quality of films in this project has developed a dedicated following of movie enthusiasts. Screenings begin at 7 p.m. Friends are always welcome.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Consideration for others is part of the outlook of the congregatrion. Projects deemed worthy are supported by donations of goods and funds. Most recent projects supported a Diaper Appeal and a Food Appeal. The problems of racial equality, local poverty, organic food supply and national peace are given attention.

Our Members on the World Wide Web

Several of our members have a personal presence on the internet. You may follow these links to get to know us better: