The Beacon – Our Fellowship Newsletter

Join us this Sunday for one of our most beloved traditions! As we celebrate Flower Communion, we also joyfully welcome our newest members into our UUFF family! Just as each flower adds a unique color to our communal bouquet, each new member brings fresh perspective and spirit to our living tradition. Bring a flower to share, and help us celebrate the beautiful, expanding garden of our community!

You can attend this service in person at the fellowship building or view it remotely online via Facebook Live Stream. To attend live via Facebook, wait until 11am Central Time (CDT) and go to: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DypYGn467/ and click on “Watch Live Video. A Facebook account is not required for viewing.

To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.

Join us in celebration of Pagan identity as we make space for Pagan voices, foster pride within the Pagan community, and promote public awareness of nature-based religions, which are often marginalized within the religious landscape. As interfaith communities, UU churches have long offered sanctuary to Pagan practitioners, and UUFF is no exception. The first part of this special service will focus on Pagan Pride & UU Pagan history with ritual elements woven in. The latter part will involve a lively procession outdoors to weave the Maypole. Music and revelry will continue as we celebrate High Spring with a community potluck. Bring a dish to share, as you are able, and a chair or blanket from home to enjoy activities on the green lawn. May Day, fairy, and whimsical garb is highly encouraged! All are welcome!

You can attend this service in person at the fellowship building or view it remotely online via Facebook Live Stream. To attend live via Facebook, wait until 11am Central Time (CDT) and go to: https://www.facebook.com/share/1M6Bn8WQs1/ and click on “Watch Live Video. A Facebook account is not required for viewing.

To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.

Join us this Sunday as we honor our precious Earth and welcome guest speaker, Suzanne Murphy. Suzanne is the Education and Water Quality Specialist of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP). Prior to joining the IRWP, she spent seven years teaching high school science courses, including Chemistry and AP Environmental Science, where partnerships with local conservation organizations inspired her to step more deeply into this conservation work. Today, Suzanne is dedicated to watershed conservation, restoration, and helping others find meaningful ways to connect with and care for the natural world.

This Sunday, we will SHARE THE PLATE with the OMNI Center for Peace, Justice, and Ecology – a local non-profit organization that works for peace, social and economic justice, equality, and a healthy environment. 50% of all loose collection plate cash and specially-designated cash/checks (please write “share plate” on memo line) will be donated to this wonderful organization. Find out more about OMNI Center HERE.

You can attend this service in person at the fellowship building or view it remotely online via Facebook Live Stream. To attend live via Facebook, wait until 11am Central Time (CDT) and go to: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CYd8UGLiL/ and click on “Watch Live Video. A Facebook account is not required for viewing.

To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.

When was the last time you let a single sentence change your breathing? Beauty through Art brings so much to our lives. Music and poetry don’t just describe life; they feel like life. A poem about grief doesn’t give you a definition; it sits in the room with you. Let’s come together as a family and revel in the arts for this special service.

You can attend this service in person at the fellowship building or view it remotely online via Facebook Live Stream. To attend live via Facebook, wait until 11am Central Time (CDT) and go to: https://www.facebook.com/share/18FUYi4qYt/ and click on “Watch Live Video. A Facebook account is not required for viewing.

To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.

Rev. Gary McAlpin will speak about what “the call” means to UU’s, both as members and as leadership, as we prepare for Renée’s installation service. The Installation Service will be held in the UUFF Sanctuary, starting at 3pm.

You can attend this service in person at the fellowship building or view it remotely online via Facebook Live Stream. To attend live via Facebook, wait until 11am Central Time (CDT) and go to: https://www.facebook.com/share/19WqoRxTs4/ and click on “Watch Live Video. A Facebook account is not required for viewing.

To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.

Sometimes we are living in the shadow of a large stone keeping us in the dark. In this Easter service, we examine the classic story of the empty tomb not as an illustration of dogma, but as a profound metaphor for human resilience and solidarity. Human hands—working across different beliefs and backgrounds—are the ones that truly roll away the boulders of personal struggles and systemic oppression.

You can attend this service in person at the fellowship building or view it remotely online via Facebook Live Stream. To attend live via Facebook, wait until 11am Central Time (CDT) and go to: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AyqfToQib/ and click on “Watch Live Video. A Facebook account is not required for viewing. To view the Order of Service, CLICK HERE.

There will be an Egg Hunt for children to enjoy after the service. The eggs will be hidden on the grounds (weather permitting), and parents and guardians should be prepared to supervise their children. All are welcome!