What's New?

Updated: August 11, 2010.

Summer Discussion Series

The Summer Discussion Series continues through July and August and into September. The group meets at the church on Sunday mornings, 9:30 to 11:00. Visitors are welcome to join in for any of the discussions which are often lively and illuminating.

Church Calendar:

Saturday, September 4:
5:30 p.m. - First Friday Gathering (on the first Saturday in September). Call the church on Tuesday or Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon for more information: (217) 222-5468.
Sunday, September 5:
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. -- Summer Discussion Series -- Topic: "What do we want in a new Minister?" - Rob will be with us for just one more year.
Tuesday, September 7:
6:30 p.m. - The Social Action committee will meet at the church.
Saturday, September 11:
9 a.m. - Cleanupalooza - A time to clean and straighten up our building and grounds as the summer ends and our Church Year begins.
Sunday, September 12:
10:45 a.m. - Regular Sunday Services Resume. "The Restorative Influence of the Night", Speaker: Rev. Dr. Rob Manning
10:45 a.m. - Youth Religious Education - during the service.
Sunday, September 19:
10:45 a.m. - Sunday Services. "A People of Promises, A Community of Covenant", Speaker: Rev. Adam Robersmith - Consulting Ministerial Settlement Representative and Consulting Minister at the Second Unitarian Church of Chicago Illinois.
10:45 a.m. - Youth Religious Education - during the service.
Join us for a Carry-In Dinner following the service
Sunday, September 26:
10:45 a.m. - Sunday Services. "Seeing the One Which Has Opened", Speaker: Ellen Taylor, Our Board President.
10:45 a.m. - Youth Religious Education - during the service.
4:00 p.m. - The Sunday Music Series will present Doug Gittings - singer / guitarist in performance at the Unitarian Church
Friday, October 1:
6:00 p.m. - First Friday in October - Call the church on Tuesday or Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon for more information: (217) 222-5468. - Mark your calendar, now!
Saturday, October 9:
6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. - A Candlelight Dinner & Concert. Featuring Patrick James Ballard playing Acoustic Guitar An extraordinary evening of food & music; a blend of Spanish and Argentine flavors. Questions? Call Judy Adams at 217.222.8660.

MINISTERIAL SEARCH COMMITTEE

Among reports given at the Annual Congregational Meeting in May there was a notice from the Ministerial Relations Committee, indicating that the minister, Rev. Dr. Robert Manning, had informed the committee that he would be in Quincy and willing to continue as minister during the church year 2010-2011. After that, however, he would be spending considerable time in Romania. Even though he might return to Quincy at some point, he would not be available as minister after May/June 2011. The committee recommended the formation of a Ministerial Search Committee.

By July a committee of five representative members of the congregation began their task of "searching for our next minister." They named their tasks in the newsletter:

They plan surveys and questionaires to help them better represent the congregation in this process. Communication with representatives of the Central Midwest District and the Unitarian Universalist Association has developed to a point of a visit of the committee with the consulting minister for the Central Midwest District, Rev. Adam Robersmith, of the Second Unitarian Church of Chicago, who will also be the guest speaker at the September 19th Sunday morning service in Quincy.

Dr. Manning, professor of religious studies and philosophy at Quincy University, had been an occasional guest speaker at the church for several years before arrangements were made to ordain and install Dr. Manning as the part-time minister in 1996. His ministry is the longest in the 170-year history of the church. Strong friendships and a respectful admiration of the congregation toward the minister have developed. Dr. Manning, while entering his final year of this ministry, reflected: "I especially remain deeply appreciative of all that our congregation means to the life of our community and to the life of our own small family."

Social Action Opportunities

As in recent summers, this year several area churches will help students start the school year off right by providing school supplies. This year our church will participate too. Among the items on the children's lists are boxes of tissues. These are used by everyone in the classroom throughout the year. Please consider helping by contributing tissues and/or coming to help distribute the donated items. Organizers estimate 800 children coming through the line in each of the last few years, so they have usually run out of boxes of tissue. If you'd like to help on the day of distribution, it will be August 14, setting up at 7:30 at First Baptist Church. Please let Liza Hayashi know if you wish to help.

DECORATING COMMITTEE REPORT

The Decorating Committee has made notable progress on planning and implementing attractive furnishings in the addition. The members met the challenge of decorating a multi-purpose space and overcoming acoustic concerns. Many elements were used to help absorb sound and still have a room that is both pleasing to the eye and easy to rearrange for different events. Roman shades were installed at the windows. There is a comfy nook with a sofa, two chairs and an area rug. Wall hangings include a family heirloom quilt and various art pieces of appropriate "connections" to the church and its membership. Four three-panel screens with fabric serve as dividers and as room decor. The foyer of the new entrance has a newly refinished library table and two welcoming chairs. The devoted efforts of the Decorating Committee, with help from additional members, have produced an admired and enjoyable appearance.

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.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Consideration for others is part of the outlook of the congregation. 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.

SOCIAL ACTION - The Social Action committee gives leadership to continuing support of food programs for people by donating items to Quanada, a shelter for women and children. Now they will also direct food contributions for animals. A beginning of this activity was a collection of canned and dry foods at the First Friday of September. A basket for contributions will be available at the next First Friday and through the year. Contributions to Quanada and to Paw Pals. Recipients will apprecite this generosity.

DIAPER DRIVE 2009-2010 - The Social Action Committee is continuing the diaper drive to help needy families enrolled in Transitions of Western Illinois. This project began in 2007 and to this time over sixty families have been provided with a total of over 2,440 diapers. All diapers were purchased with donated money from generous and caring church members and friends.The offering of the 2009 Christmas Eve Service was designated for this project. Transitions of Western Illinois has recognized and thanked the church in its quarterly newsletters. The church and this cause is mentioned at every committee meeting or presentation. The most important reason for the Social Action Committee to continue the diaper drive for another year is to help babies and toddlers. Simply put, clean diapers = happier, healthier and safer lives for little ones.

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: