UU Church of Peoria, IL—Audio Archives

Sunday, May 4, 10:30 A.M.
Report from the UU Field
Rev. David Maynard, Guest Minister

Today we celebrate the 165th anniversary of the founding of our church on May 5, 1843. Our guest speaker, Rev. David Maynard, was our minister from 1976 to 1981 and is currently serving a UU church in Portland, Oregon. Today he gives us his insights into the changes in our UU faith over the last 30 years and our current role today. The choir will sing.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Choir | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, April 27, 10:30 A.M.
Does God Care?
Rev. Axel Gehrmann, Guest Minister

Today our church is participating in the longstanding UU tradition of pulpit exchange. Our minister, Rev. Michael Brown, will be speaking today at the UU Church of Urbana-Champaign and their minister, Rev. Axel Gehrmann, will explore with us the question of whether there is a God who cares about us. Special music: Central Illinois Flute Troupe under the direction of LuAnn Stoskopf.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Special Music | Story For All Ages | Offertory Music | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, April 20, 10:30 A.M.
Earth Day, Earth Century
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

During this century, far-reaching and transforming changes will take place in the quality of life on this planet for both humans and other creatures. What will those changes be? The Sun Foundation Suzuki students of Carissa Klopfenstein presents the prelude at 10:15, and the choir sings.

Suzuki Students | Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Choir | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, April 13, 10:30 A.M.
Jazz Sunday
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

This special service is one of our church's musical traditions. This morning we'll enjoy the stylings of jazz vocalist Ellen Monteith and jazz pianist Derel Monteith.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | For children and adults | Reading | Jazz

Sunday, April 6, 10:30 A.M.
A Lot Can Happen in 165 Years!
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

Today we look back at some of the fascinating stories about our church that not all of us may know. We are quickly approaching our 165th birthday. Our history is not just long, but genuinely interesting - for real! The choir sings.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Choir | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, March 30, 10:30 A.M.
Peace: Inside, Outside and Far Away
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

How can we become peacemakers in the world? This ongoing question continues to be crucial for the human family. We will look at options we have to make a difference. The choir will sing.

Greeting | Opening Words | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, March 23, 10:30 A.M.
Everything is New Again
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

Join us on Easter as we celebrate the ancient tradition of rebirth and new life, both outer and inner. The flowers are on their way. Special music: Pete Driscoll, vocal solo.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Vocal Solo | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, March 16, 10:30 A.M.
Only Our Ideals
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

In a time of mounting problems in our culture, where should we look for guidance? The marketplace of ideas is filled with possible answers, but which one is truly the best? We are waiting for a springtime rebirth of our best traditions. The choir sings.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Choir | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, March 9, 10:30 A.M.
Beyond These Walls
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

As we celebrate our 165th year and contemplate the ongoing mission of our church, let's ponder where the boundaries of our sphere of influence might be. Is our mission primarily to serve our own needs? If not, whose needs might we try to address, and how? I sense in our church a renewed interest in extending beyond our walls. What might be the next step? Special music: LuAnn Stoskopf and Gwendolyn Carlton, woodwind duet.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Special Music | Story For All Ages | Offertory Music | Sermon

Sunday, March 2, 10:30 A.M.
Stories of the Journey
Brian "Fox" Ellis

Today's service will be a service for all ages. Come and hear well-known storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis as he spins his yarns of the journey through life with stories that help us understand what our journeys are all about. Following the service, Brian will lead a workshop from 12:00 to 12:30 for all who would like to learn the secrets of great storytelling. The choir will sing today as well.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Choir | Stories | Closing Words

Sunday, February 24, 10:30 A.M.
How to Be Happy
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

Most of us want to be happy, but do we know what will make us happy? I will offer some ideas based on scientific research that seems to say that certain activities work and others do not. The successful strategies may not be what you expected. Special music: East Peoria Community High School Chorale directed by Pete Driscoll.

Prelude and Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | EPHS Chorale | Story For All Ages | Offertory Music EPHS Chorale | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, February 17, 10:30 A.M.
Evolution is a Good Thing
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

Today we join with faith communities around the U.S. to celebrate Evolution Sunday. It is important for progressive religious communities such as ours to affirm the positive value of this dimension of knowledge and ponder how it affects our religious and spiritual lives. The choir will sing.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Choir | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, February 10, 10:30 A.M.
The Meaning of Membership in Religious Community
Dori Davenport

What does it mean to be a member of a congregation? What are the responsibilities that go along with membership? How do we weather disappointments and frustrations? These and other questions will be explored by Dori Davenport, Faith Development and Growth Director for the Central Midwest District of the UUA. Special music: Kenny Williamson, vocal solo.

Greeting | Chalice Lighting | Special Music | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, February 3, 10:30 A.M.
Changing Course
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

Now that we have completed the holiday season, our country is in full election season, with nearly as much frenzy and not nearly as much good will. How can we be good citizens of a democracy and help bring about change? And where should that change be leading us? Can we do it with civility? These are questions we care about. The choir will sing.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Choir | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, January 27, 10:30 A.M.
The Inherent Symbolism of Nature
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

Sometimes we think of symbolism as a human invention but today we will explore the idea that symbolism comes directly from nature. Come and join us. It may be cold outside but we are a warm community. Special Music: Sarah Robins, vocal solo.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Special Music | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, January 20, 10:30 A.M.
Becoming Free
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

Today we join voices with millions of Americans and others around the world to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We will strive to understand Dr. King's message of freedom in all its multifaceted fullness. The choir will sing.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Choir | Story For All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, January 13, 10:30 A.M.
A Special Service of Music
Jennifer Friedman

Jennifer is a singer/songwriter in the tradition of songwriting with a conscience. She will present her talents at our church service today.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Story for All Ages | Offertory | Sermon | Closing Words

Sunday, January 6, 10:30 A.M.
Making a Spiritual Practice Our Own
Rev. Michael Brown, Minister

Today is the first Sunday of the New Year and also Dia de los Reyes (Day of the Kings) in many countries. As we start a new year, we often think of what we might do that is new or different. In that spirit, our minister will offer some concrete ideas for how we might incorporate a spiritual practice into our lives.

Greeting | Opening Words | Chalice Lighting | Choir | Story for All Ages | Sermon | Closing Words


	What We Offer Worship and Music Summer Forums Programs for Children and Youth Adult Religious Education Community Outreach Ministry and Pastoral Care Covenant Circles Other Groups and Activities		Audio Recorded Services Sunday, May 4, 10:30 A.M. Report from the UU Field Rev. David Maynard, Guest Minister Today we celebrate the 165th anniversary of the founding of our church on May 5, 1843. Our guest speaker, Rev. David Maynard, was our minister from 1976 to 1981 and is currently serving a UU church in Portland, Oregon. Today he gives us his insights into the changes in our UU faith over the last 30 years and our current role today. The choir will sing. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Choir \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, April 27, 10:30 A.M. Does God Care? Rev. Axel Gehrmann, Guest Minister Today our church is participating in the longstanding UU tradition of pulpit exchange. Our minister, Rev. Michael Brown, will be speaking today at the UU Church of Urbana-Champaign and their minister, Rev. Axel Gehrmann, will explore with us the question of whether there is a God who cares about us. Special music: Central Illinois Flute Troupe under the direction of LuAnn Stoskopf. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Special Music \| Story For All Ages \| Offertory Music \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, April 20, 10:30 A.M. Earth Day, Earth Century Rev. Michael Brown, Minister During this century, far-reaching and transforming changes will take place in the quality of life on this planet for both humans and other creatures. What will those changes be? The Sun Foundation Suzuki students of Carissa Klopfenstein presents the prelude at 10:15, and the choir sings. Suzuki Students \| Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Choir \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, April 13, 10:30 A.M. Jazz Sunday Rev. Michael Brown, Minister This special service is one of our church's musical traditions. This morning we'll enjoy the stylings of jazz vocalist Ellen Monteith and jazz pianist Derel Monteith. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| For children and adults \| Reading \| Jazz Sunday, April 6, 10:30 A.M. A Lot Can Happen in 165 Years! Rev. Michael Brown, Minister Today we look back at some of the fascinating stories about our church that not all of us may know. We are quickly approaching our 165th birthday. Our history is not just long, but genuinely interesting - for real! The choir sings. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Choir \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, March 30, 10:30 A.M. Peace: Inside, Outside and Far Away Rev. Michael Brown, Minister How can we become peacemakers in the world? This ongoing question continues to be crucial for the human family. We will look at options we have to make a difference. The choir will sing. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, March 23, 10:30 A.M. Everything is New Again Rev. Michael Brown, Minister Join us on Easter as we celebrate the ancient tradition of rebirth and new life, both outer and inner. The flowers are on their way. Special music: Pete Driscoll, vocal solo. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Vocal Solo \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, March 16, 10:30 A.M. Only Our Ideals Rev. Michael Brown, Minister In a time of mounting problems in our culture, where should we look for guidance? The marketplace of ideas is filled with possible answers, but which one is truly the best? We are waiting for a springtime rebirth of our best traditions. The choir sings. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Choir \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, March 9, 10:30 A.M. Beyond These Walls Rev. Michael Brown, Minister As we celebrate our 165th year and contemplate the ongoing mission of our church, let's ponder where the boundaries of our sphere of influence might be. Is our mission primarily to serve our own needs? If not, whose needs might we try to address, and how? I sense in our church a renewed interest in extending beyond our walls. What might be the next step? Special music: LuAnn Stoskopf and Gwendolyn Carlton, woodwind duet. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Special Music \| Story For All Ages \| Offertory Music \| Sermon Sunday, March 2, 10:30 A.M. Stories of the Journey Brian "Fox" Ellis Today's service will be a service for all ages. Come and hear well-known storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis as he spins his yarns of the journey through life with stories that help us understand what our journeys are all about. Following the service, Brian will lead a workshop from 12:00 to 12:30 for all who would like to learn the secrets of great storytelling. The choir will sing today as well. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Choir \| Stories \| Closing Words Sunday, February 24, 10:30 A.M. How to Be Happy Rev. Michael Brown, Minister Most of us want to be happy, but do we know what will make us happy? I will offer some ideas based on scientific research that seems to say that certain activities work and others do not. The successful strategies may not be what you expected. Special music: East Peoria Community High School Chorale directed by Pete Driscoll. Prelude and Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| EPHS Chorale \| Story For All Ages \| Offertory Music EPHS Chorale \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, February 17, 10:30 A.M. Evolution is a Good Thing Rev. Michael Brown, Minister Today we join with faith communities around the U.S. to celebrate Evolution Sunday. It is important for progressive religious communities such as ours to affirm the positive value of this dimension of knowledge and ponder how it affects our religious and spiritual lives. The choir will sing. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Choir \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, February 10, 10:30 A.M. The Meaning of Membership in Religious Community Dori Davenport What does it mean to be a member of a congregation? What are the responsibilities that go along with membership? How do we weather disappointments and frustrations? These and other questions will be explored by Dori Davenport, Faith Development and Growth Director for the Central Midwest District of the UUA. Special music: Kenny Williamson, vocal solo. Greeting \| Chalice Lighting \| Special Music \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, February 3, 10:30 A.M. Changing Course Rev. Michael Brown, Minister Now that we have completed the holiday season, our country is in full election season, with nearly as much frenzy and not nearly as much good will. How can we be good citizens of a democracy and help bring about change? And where should that change be leading us? Can we do it with civility? These are questions we care about. The choir will sing. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Choir \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, January 27, 10:30 A.M. The Inherent Symbolism of Nature Rev. Michael Brown, Minister Sometimes we think of symbolism as a human invention but today we will explore the idea that symbolism comes directly from nature. Come and join us. It may be cold outside but we are a warm community. Special Music: Sarah Robins, vocal solo. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Special Music \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, January 20, 10:30 A.M. Becoming Free Rev. Michael Brown, Minister Today we join voices with millions of Americans and others around the world to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We will strive to understand Dr. King's message of freedom in all its multifaceted fullness. The choir will sing. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Choir \| Story For All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, January 13, 10:30 A.M. A Special Service of Music Jennifer Friedman Jennifer is a singer/songwriter in the tradition of songwriting with a conscience. She will present her talents at our church service today. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Story for All Ages \| Offertory \| Sermon \| Closing Words Sunday, January 6, 10:30 A.M. Making a Spiritual Practice Our Own Rev. Michael Brown, Minister Today is the first Sunday of the New Year and also Dia de los Reyes (Day of the Kings) in many countries. As we start a new year, we often think of what we might do that is new or different. In that spirit, our minister will offer some concrete ideas for how we might incorporate a spiritual practice into our lives. Greeting \| Opening Words \| Chalice Lighting \| Choir \| Story for All Ages \| Sermon \| Closing Words Archived Audio Services

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