Committees & Groups

Committees of the ALUUC Board

Electronic & Communications Committee (ECC)

This committee maintains the website, monthly newsletter, membership directory and the computer/printer in the congregational office.
Chair: Jason Kluge
Board Liaison: Rev. Martin Woulfe

Endowment Trust

Chair: Frank Kopecky
Board Liaison: Stacey Van Bogaert

Facilities Committee

This committee maintains the building and grounds of the congregation.  Aesthetics and Flower are sub-committees of Facilities.
Chair: Kurt DeWeese
Board Liaison: Gwen Childs

Aesthetics
This sub-committee maintains the setup and appearance of the congregational building.
Chair: Renata Buchloh

Flower
This subcommittee provides the floral arrangements for the Sunday morning services.  Occasional classes in flower arranging are offered.  Also, anyone can sign-up to beautify the church with flowers.  The cost is $20.00 for a standard arrangement, but you can order something special if you'd like to spend more.
Chair: Vi Lanum

Landscaping

Fellowship Committee

This committee sets up the monthly potlucks, social hour after the Sunday service and other special events throughout the year.
Chair: to be determined
Board Liaison: Kelly Anderson

Finance Committee

This committee coordinates pledge drives, identifies financial needs and works with the Board to recommend the annual congregational budget.
Chair: Mark Hanson
Board Liaison: Stacey Van Bogaert

Green Sanctuary Committee

This committee identifies and seeks to develop ways the congregation can function in a more environmentally sustainable manner. For more info, please click here to view their webpage.
Chair: Meg Evans
Board Liaison: Phillip Anderson

Membership & Publicity Committee (MPC)

This committee deals with membership, retention and publicity for the congregation.
Chair: vacant
Board Liaison: Beverly Holmes

Pastoral Care Committee

This committee provides care and help to members having difficulties. One of our activities is to match members with needs and members able to help. We need volunteers who are not interested in committee meetings, but want to visit the homebound, drive for people, deliver stuff, and sometimes cook a casserole.
Chair: Michael Plog
Board Liaison: Delinda Chapman

Program Committee

This committee schedules the lay-led sermon topics and plans the summer services.
Chair: Penny Wollan-Kriel
Board Liaison: Kitty Wrigley

Children's Religious Education (RE) Committee

This committee plans the curricula for the children's religious education, and plans other events for the children throughout the year.
Chair: to be determined
Board Liaison: Bill McCall

Social Action Committee (SAC)

This committee educates the congregation and takes action on social justice issues. This committee also supports many projects like Heartland Peace Camp, Bowling for Kid's Sake, and connecting with local, national and international social justice organizations.
Chair: Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant
Board Liaison: Doug Liberati

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)

The UUSC is a nonsectarian organization that advances human rights and social justice in the United States and around the world.  UUSC envisions a world free from oppression and injustice, where all can realize their full human rights.
ALUUC Representative: Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant

Groups & Events

Book Discussion Group

This group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm to discuss a chosen book.  They meet at group members houses.  Check the ALUUC newsletter for meeting place.  Please contact Barbara Moore for more information.

Bridge Group

This group meets at the ALUUC on the second Friday of each month at 7:00pm. Please contact Chris Romaine for more information.

Chalice Circles

Chalice Circles has quickly spread throughout most UU congregations in the last few years.  Most people who has tried it wants to do it again.  Over a series of 8 sessions, groups of 8-10 people meet in casual surroundings to relax, get to know each other, and enjoy interesting discussions.  A facilitator provides readings and questions which help stimulate the sharing of ideas, and the emphasis is on respectful listening.  It is always amazing to hear how each person responds, and it is a wonderful way to start feeling deeply connected with others in our church community. Future sessions will be advertised in the ALUUC newsletter and website. Please contact Gwen Childs for more information.

Dream Group

This group meets at the ALUUC on the first Monday of each month at 7:00pm. In a relaxed atmosphere, each person in the group will share a recent dream of his or her own choosing. Then two dreams will be selected for further discussion. It is an opportunity to exchange insights without engaging in group therapy as such. Please contact John Glosser for more information.

Sangamon Valley Flute Circle

This group meets at the ALUUC on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm. The focus of this circle will be the care and playing of the Native American Style Flute, but other types of flutes will be welcome. This flute circle will provide an environment where all who attend can learn to create their own music in their own way, where everyone helps each other to expand their flute playing skills and experience. No previous experience or ownership of a flute is necessary. Flutes will be made available for others to try. Please contact Mike Haynes for more information.

Humanist Discussion Group

This group meets at the ALUUC on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00pm.  The group’s general coverage is both religious and secular humanism. The group focus will be: the common philosophical base for all that come together under the big UU umbrella. Humanism rejects the supernatural while stressing core values such as dignity of the individual, equality, and social justice. Some special topics may include evolution, separation of church and state, and ethical values. Please contact Carol Floyd for more information.

Labyrinth Walk

For more information, see the ALUUC Labryinth webpage

Movie Night

One Sunday evening per month from September to June, Rev. Martin Woulfe hosts a movie night at the ALUUC. Please check the newsletter or the online calendar for dates & times, to include the name of the movie.

News Covenant Group

This group meets on the first Thursday of each month to discuss current events.  This group meets at the members homes. Please contact Frank Kopecky for more information.

Occasional Choir

The choir practices almost every Sunday morning at 9:30am.  The choir usually takes a break during the summer months. Please contact Bonnie Ettinger for more information.

SISTERS eNewsletter & Events

The women of the congregation get together for food and fun about once a month except for the summer. Emails are sent out on a regular basis, usually weekly or bi-weelky. Please contact Linda Haynes for more information.

Sangamon Zen Meditation Group

This group practices Zen in the lineage of the Ordinary Mind Zen School founded by Charlotte Joko Beck of the San Diego Zen Center. The group is fortunate to receive guidance and instruction from a Dharma heir of Joko Beck, Elihu Genmyo Smith who is a resident teacher at the Prairie Zen Center in Champaign, Illinois and is able to visit the group on a regular basis. The group occasionally travels to Champaign individually and in groups for service and sesshin. The group meets at 9:30am most Saturdays at the ALUUC. All are welcome. Newcomers can arrive at 9:00am for a brief orientation. Please contact Ed Russell or visit their website at www.sangamonzen.org for more information.

Theologies in Dialogue

This new group is made up from the former Christian Interest Group and former Build Your Own Theology Group. The two groups merged because they recognized overlapping areas of interest. This group explores spiritual and theological issues from a variety of perspectives, philosophies, and faith traditions. The purpose of the group is to encourage and facilitate intentional theological discussion among the members of our congregation. This group meets at the ALUUC on the third Monday of each month at 7:00pm. Please contact Craig Bailey or John Glosser for more information.

Thursday Evening Meditation

This group will teach you how to quiet your mind and focus on your spirituality. The group meets every Thursday evening at 7:00pm at the ALUUC. Please contact Debby Hagan or Ed Russell for more information.

Young Adult Group

This group meets once or twice a month for various social interest activities, such as: board games, bowling, movies and trips out of town. For UU members and friends 21 to 40 years of age. Check the ALUUC Newsletter, Facebook page, MySpace or the ALUUC Online Calendar for dates, times and location. Please contact Rhiannon Gurley for more information.