March 2020 - DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church Naperville · 2020-03-04 · Wisdom of Teachable...

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March 2020 March 2020 The Wayside Pulpit: A Ministry of All, for All Rev. Michael Walker Dear friends, The ministry of a congregation is the work of many hands. Some may say that the minister is the head of a congregation’s ministry, but I would hasten to add that if that is true, it is also true that the members are the heart and hands. A ministry cannot succeed by the work or willpower of a minister, alone. Ministry is shared. And yet, we realize that a congregation (any and all congregations) are a collection of individuals with diverse theologies, values, and points of view... In describing this phenomenon, the late Conrad Wright, a UU and former Harvard professor of American church history, once wrote about the UUA and its congregations, that: ...the principle of the toleration of diversity has become axiomatic with us. But principle and practice are two different things. It is hard to live up to high principles without ever faltering; and we must admit that some of the most dramatic moments in our [UU] history have occurred when our tolerance of diversity wore very thin, and we were challenged to live up to the principles we proclaimed. [1] I think this quote illustrates the most profound challenge to shared ministry – upholding diversity, particularly divergent opinions, while still finding ways to work together in common cause. In this case, we are talking about diversity as being about more than just race, ethnicity or cultural background. We are talking about the diversity of peoples who walk through the church doors at all different ages and stages of life, in different places regarding

Transcript of March 2020 - DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church Naperville · 2020-03-04 · Wisdom of Teachable...

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March 2020March 2020

The Wayside Pulpit:A Ministry of All, for All

Rev. Michael WalkerDear friends, The ministry of a congregation is the work of manyhands. Some may say that the minister is the head of acongregation’s ministry, but I would hasten to add that if thatis true, it is also true that the members are the heart andhands. A ministry cannot succeed by the work or willpowerof a minister, alone. Ministry is shared. And yet, we realize

that a congregation (any and all congregations) are a collection of individuals with diversetheologies, values, and points of view... In describing this phenomenon, the late Conrad Wright, a UU and former Harvardprofessor of American church history, once wrote about the UUA and its congregations, that:...the principle of the toleration of diversity has become axiomatic with us. But principle andpractice are two different things. It is hard to live up to high principles without ever faltering;and we must admit that some of the most dramatic moments in our [UU] history haveoccurred when our tolerance of diversity wore very thin, and we were challenged to live up tothe principles we proclaimed.[1]

I think this quote illustrates the most profound challenge to shared ministry – upholdingdiversity, particularly divergent opinions, while still finding ways to work together in commoncause. In this case, we are talking about diversity as being about more than just race,ethnicity or cultural background. We are talking about the diversity of peoples who walkthrough the church doors at all different ages and stages of life, in different places regarding

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their own spiritual development, and with different ideas on how the church can serve theneeds of its people. It becomes easy to profess high principles, to place leaders onpedestals, and yet the differing views, and differing expectations, make it difficult (perhapsimpossible) for leaders to meet the needs of all people, at all times. Also, it should be noted,that is possible for a church to honor differences, and develop systems to address the same,other than conflict-avoidance (which may be an unhelpful strategy.) It appears that shared ministry is very much an exercise in maintaining balance.Balancing high principles with realistic expectations. Balancing needs and wants with therealities of budgets and manpower. Balancing differing theological perspectives, such as themost common source of tension in UU congregations: spiritual/theist beliefs vs.humanist/atheist beliefs. Balancing internal, political issues and external, social justiceissues. Balancing between the needs of different ages and stages; in other words, balancingthe needs of elders who form the core of any congregation, with the need to impart ourvalues to children and youth, who are our future (to use a cliché that became one because ofthe truth it contains.) I don’t have all the answers, and the truth is that in the coming months and years, itwill be members of DuPage UU Church who will be defining the shared ministry of yourchurch. To help you, I have some questions for you to consider:

What do we want to be, as a whole church community? What is our mission, ourburning coal at the heart of our community? And, just as important, how can we makea difference in the world around us?What role(s) do we wish various leaders to take? What are the responsibilities of ourTrustees/Pillars, Committee Chairs, Staff Members, the Minister, and other leaders?How can we address divergent viewpoints? How do we honor differences, withoutcreating conflict? Can we live up to our mission, or will we allow someone’s conflict-avoidance tendencies to hamper our ability to do anything at all?What role will you play in all this? What can you do in support of the shared ministry ofyour congregation? What talents, interests, and gifts do you bring to the table?

The Shared Ministry of the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, a congregation which is asum of its parts, is not the responsibility of any one person or committee, but rather theresponsibility of all of us. You are all the hands and beating heart of this shared ministry –now, what is it you hope to accomplish together in the coming months and years? Thepossibilities are endless! – Rev. Mike

[1] Wright, Conrad. Walking Together: Polity and Participation in Unitarian Universalist Churches. Boston: Skinner House,

1989. p. 27.

Rev. Michael Walker is the Interim Minister for the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church. He is interested in

connecting with you! You may email him with questions and concerns at [email protected]. If

you need an appointment with our minister, you may schedule one by calling the office at (630) 505-9408 or

emailing [email protected].

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What does it mean to be a people of WISDOM? Click HERE to find out!

Sunday Services10:30am in the Sanctuary

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Wisdom For and From All AgesBy Reverend Michael Walker and Steve Cooper, Director of Religious EducationYou never know what words will come out of a kid's mouth -- sometimes they're silly, sometimes they'reincoherent, but every once in a while, your kid says something that makes you stop and really think aboutwhat they're really saying. Kids are experiencing a lot of the world for the first time, and sometimes they havesome profound insights.This is a service for all ages.

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Plot Twist!By Reverend Scot Hull, guest ministerOur lives and the way we live them are the text of our Resistance, our testament to resilience, our manifestoagainst cynicism and despair. Our stories are all we are. How we write them matters. The Rev Scot Hullgraduated from Meadville-Lombard Theological School this past May, and was recently ordained to theministry.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

If I Could Write a Letter to God Rev. Michael WalkerIf I could write a letter to God, and She was actually there and able to read it, what would I say? Should I stickto pleasantries – Hi, how are You? I hope You’re having a nice time up there. How about this weather? Or,should I ask some hard questions – So, what’s with all the war? Did You really lead the charge to defund thearts, dismantle health care, export war, and place He Who Shall Not Be Named into the White House? Or, aresome folks just ascribing all this to You? If I could write a letter to God, what should I say? What would yousay, if you were writing such a letter?Our Special Collection will benefit Literacy DuPage. This outreach group recruits and trains volunteers totutor adults who wish to improve their English language skills. Adults served by this group may not be able toobtain English instruction in a traditional classroom setting because of barriers like cost, work schedules andlack of childcare or transportation. This service is provided to these individuals when and where it isconvenient for them and free of charge. Learning a new language can open up a world of opportunity andconnection for these worthy people and their families. Thank you for giving generously!https://literacydupage.org

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Sunday, March 22, 2020

Celebration Sunday Rev. Michael Walker, with the Stewardship Committee andCongregational Life CommitteeToday we will celebrate this community and all the people here who makes this a thriving spiritual home for somany. We bring our annual Stewardship Promise to a close, having pledged our support to the work of thischurch in the coming year. We also celebrate the milestones of long-time members, and welcome newmembers into our community. Come, join the party!

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Dogen Zenji and Lessons about Impermanence Rev. Michael WalkerTaking a Zen approach, Rev. Mike will guide us on an exploration of impermanence and simplicity aswatchwords for life, and ways of accepting that which is, without undue stress over that which is not. How dowe walk through life, providing a non-anxious presence? The reading this week will be from Buddhist sutras(scriptures).

Sunday Morning Forums9:15am in the Learning Center

Sunday, March 1, 2020

Science SundayA representative from the Citizens' Climate Lobby and DUUC member, Mark Ailes will oversee a ClimateSimulator Experience during Science Sunday. Mark will introduce us to a climate model that will allow us toselect a climate action, plug it in to the model and see what effect that action would have on our climate. Thisis a great opportunity to trial actions that you think are appropriate to address this upcoming crisis andevaluate how effective your choice could be! Mark has emphasized climate action since retiring from teaching a few years ago and is training to be aClimate Science Communicator with Citizens' Climate Lobby. This demonstration will help him achieve hiscertification and also be enlightening to all of us! Questions? Email Scott Thompson [email protected]

Sunday, March 8, 2020

Wisdom of Teachable MomentsSometimes children will create opportunities for us to encourage spiritual enrichment. Sometimes parentsmust orchestrate these “teachable moments.” Either way, making the most of such times is a challenge of theages.This interactive forum invites wisdom stories (wise and/or not so wise) of missed opportunities to teach orteachable wins. And perhaps figure out who actually learned during these moments.Childcare is provided. Questions? Email Steve Cooper [email protected].

Sunday, March 15, 2020

Science SundayJoin kindred science lovers as we continue to explore the story of Origins. The topic for March is "The Originof Life." Science communicator Scott Thompson will talk about leading ideas regarding how non-living matterbecame living organisms. In 1871, Charles Darwin, having published his Origin of Species book a decade prior, ruminated on this veryquestion. He was aware his theory of evolution by natural selection addressed the natural means for onepopulation (or species) of organism to slowly mutate into another, but he was puzzled by the Big Questionregarding the origin of life itself. In a letter to his friend Joseph Hooker, he wrote:"It is often said that all the conditions for the first production of a living organism are now present, which couldever have been present.— But if (& oh what a big if) we could conceive in some warm little pond with all sortsof ammonia & phosphoric salts,—light, heat, electricity &c present, that a protein compound was chemicallyformed, ready to undergo still more complex changes, at the present day such matter would be instantlydevoured, or absorbed, which would not have been the case before living creatures were formed."Although Darwin could not have known about DNA, RNA, genes or how they relate, his speculation wasremarkably prescient. The singular event of abiogenesis is believed to have occurred about 4 Billion yearsago, very early in Earth's history. We will explore tantalizing topics and locales in our imaginary scienceexploration ship, the Daydream. Key destinations include RNA World, Vent World, Puddle World, OceanWorld and, finally, Alien World.

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Join us for this exploration of one of the most significant topics science has ever tackled. Questions? Email Mike Winter [email protected].

Sunday, March 22, 2020

The Plastic Puzzle Plastics are an incredibly useful human invention. They’re inexpensive to produce, lightweight, long-lastingand durable, pliable and easily shaped, colorable and more. Because they are created by chemistry, theircomponents and the arrangement of those components can be altered to produce a range of characteristicsin the resulting synthetic material. Of course their invention is not all celebration. Most do not decompose,leading to a trash problem, and their degradation into smaller pieces causes a range of effects. In somecases, the components of the plastic are toxic, and in other cases production processes raise healthconcerns. So what’s a good UU to do?Attend this Green Sanctuary forum for information, discussion and sharing of ideas.Questions? Email Susan Camasta [email protected].

Sunday, March 29, 2020To be announced.

HALF DAY OF MINDFULNESS with Mary Kullman Saturday, March 7, 2020, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00p.m. DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church1828 Old Naperville Rd., Naperville

AWAKENING COMPASSION, INSIDE & OUTThis is an opportunity to learn, understand and experience Mindfulness Meditation

and the many benefits that it can bring into your day-to-day life. Both new and seasoned meditators arewelcome.Details & Registration:Bring a healthy snack to enjoy at the break, as we will be engaging in mindful eating.Tea and water will be provided.Time/Date:Day begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7th. Please arrive no later than 8:45. The day ends at 1:.00 p.m.Wear comfortable clothing. If you use a meditation cushion or bench, please bring it. Chairs are provided.Note that much of the half day will be conducted in Noble Silence.Facilitator:Mary Kullman, certified Meditation Teacher, has practiced meditation since 1996 and is co-founder and co-facilitator for the past 9.5 years of Present Moment Sangha in Naperville. She has recently completed a twoyear Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with nationally recognized teachers, Tara Brachand Jack Kornfield.REGISTRATION:Sign up at the church on the posted sign up sheet in Kreves Hall or preferably email/phone/text: MaryKullman: [email protected] / 630-388-9409

Daylight Saving Time StartsMarch 8, 2020

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UPCOMING ADULT ENRICHMENT CLASS A Chosen Faith - A Study of the UU SourcesWednesday Evenings: March 25, April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 13 &May 20 7:00 – 9:00pmFacilitated by Rev. Michael WalkerThis is a seven-session series, a book study based on thequintessential introduction to Unitarian Universalism, 'A ChosenFaith' by John Buehrens and Forrest Church. In this non-creedal

faith tradition, we are inspired by many Sources: Our direct experience; the words and deeds ofprophetic leaders working for justice; the world's religions; our Judeo-Christian heritage; Humanistteachings; and Earth-centered teachings. Come and discuss these with others at DuPage UUChurch -- new folks and long-time members alike.Members and friends of DUUC are welcome to attend. It will be a seven session series, but wecertainly understand if someone has to miss one for some reason.Cost: $16 for a copy of the book. Please RSVP so we know how many copies of the book to order.Contact Rev. Mike if this is an issue -- he has a few extras he can give if cost is an issue.If you have questions please contact Rev Mike [email protected]

How Can You Help?Humanitarian Service Project supports Seniors as well aschildren and families. They are in in need of Senior PersonalCare Kits. You can help by putting together a gift bag with theitems the seniors need. Senior Personal Car Kits include thefollowing items:

1 Shampoo 1 Conditioner 1 Liquid Hand Soap 1 Toothbrush 2 Toothpastes1 Dental Floss1 Mouthwash2 Lotions (small sizes preferred)1 Lip Balm4 Bars of Soap or Body Wash (1 body wash=2 soap bars)

Individual item donations will also be accepted and used to put together kits. Kit tags will be available themonth of March after services. Please help us support Humanitarian Service Project with yourdonations. Donated items can be place in the box in the Bell Tower.~A DUU-Gooders project in conjunction with Humanitarian Service Project

We would like to speak with the people who participated in themembership class, "Pathways to Membership", that was held lastfall. Please contact the Congregational Life Committee chairsat [email protected], or come to the lower annex aftereach service to speak with a committee member. Thank you.

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This is the time of year that we begin the intentional process for ensuring that our church mission, through ourprograms, continue to both nurture our community and help to transform our world.Please follow these links for more information and guidelines:Letter, with brochure link: http://members.dupageuuchurch.org/sites/default/files/resources/DUUC_NoPledgePromiseLetterFeb2020.pdfBrochure alone:http://members.dupageuuchurch.org/sites/default/files/resources/DUUC_stewardshipbrochure2020final.pdf

We have recently begun using an online service, Vanco, which allows you to set up automated, recurringpayments (such as a monthly pledge), which can be charged to your credit card or deducted from you bankaccount. There is a one-time process to set-up the service, but you can go back in at any time to change yoursettings, adjust your payments, cancel it, or increase it. The easiest way to use this service is to download theVanco app onto your phone or other electronic device. Follow the directions below:

download the Vanco GivePlus appChoose Dupage Unitarian Universalist Churchcreate an accountsign in to the accountmake the paymentselect payment typeselect starting date and if recurringselect/enter payment amountpress arrow at top right enter credit or debit card or a bank accountthis information is remembered, but you can add other payment methods by selecting the left-handmenu and selecting Payment Methodssubmit the payment

Community ReflectionsDuring the month of February, the Transition Team hosted a number ofCommunity Reflection Gatherings. The goal of these meetings was togather a collective idea of our identity as a church -- past, present andfuture. We had good attendance and some excellentconversations. However, if you were unable to attend, it's not toolate. We'd still love to hear from you via email. If you'd like toparticipate, please submit a written response to the following threequestions to [email protected] by March

15. Just like the responses we collected in the meetings, we will incorporate your responses into our reportwithout names attached. Your input is much appreciated, and if you have any questions, feel free to email usat [email protected].

1. What do you think is significant about our congregation’s past?

2. Who are we as a congregation now?

3. What should our congregation aspire to in the future?

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Questions? Email Cheryl Clayton [email protected].

Pastoral Ministry AssociatesThe DUUC Joys & Concerns Facebook group is managed by the Pastoral MinistryAssociates of DUUC and is one more avenue where, as members of the DuPage UnitarianUniversalist Church, we can share our joys and concerns with our UU Community. This isa place to share words of encouragement, receivethe compassion of our friends and celebrate significant milestones and events. Weencourage you to engage in this online DUUC community as a way to strengthen andsupport one another.To maintain privacy, membership to this Facebook group is available to DUUC membersonly. We ask that you respect the privacy of others by keeping the joys and concernsshared here in confidence within our community: please do not share these posts outside

this wall. The Joys & Concerns Facebook Page is a venue allowing sharing in our community, similar to thatof Joys & Concerns during a service.PMA members can be identified by the special scarves/ties they wear on Sundays. We welcome yourquestions and input. [email protected]

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Ask Me Anything (AMA) with the DuPage UU Church BoardThe Board will be leading AMA Sessions on the Second Sunday of the Month. On Sunday, March 8, 2020,please grab a cup of coffee and join the Board during Coffee Hour in the Founders Room. Chat informally withBoard Members, learn more about exciting projects going on in the church, get your questions answered orjust connect with the Board and other church members. This is a drop-in event, so there’s no commitment tostay for the whole time period and no RSVPs are necessary. We hope to see you there! Questions? [email protected].

Pathways to Membership Interested in learning more about DUUCMembership? Then join us for our DUUC Pathways forMembership session on Saturday, March 14th. We'll havecoffee and donuts at 9:30, the meeting will start at 10:00and will adjourn no later than 1:00.Childcare will be provided upon request - please let usknow. Questions or requests for childcare, please reach outto [email protected] forward to seeing you there!

JUST VIEWS:Free & Open Film & Discussion ProgramFriday, March 13, 2020 at 7:20 pmNuclear Power and Climate JusticeTonight we’ll view the award-winning, citizen-activist,

documentary “Power Struggle”. And we'll study and debate the pros and cons of nuclear power as a key partof the permanent solution or transitional strategy for averting the climate crisis abuilding through fossil fuelsuse. We’ll be joined by David Kraft, Director of Nuclear Energy Information Service (NEIS). Dave will talk withus about the safety, viability, and future of nuclear power in conjunction with various alternative energyoptions. Critical review of nuclear power is especially important in Illinois, the most nuclear-reliant state in theU.S. For more on the film, go to PowerStruggleMovie.com. For more on NEIS education/advocacy work, goto neis.org. We welcome active participation and all points of view for civil multilogue.Just Views Director is Stephanie Hughes 630-420-4233; Associate Director is Carol Tritschler 630-961-0106.

This little bit of plastic can’t be recycled at home.

SCARCE, an environmental education non-profit and resource center forschools and non-profit organizations located in Glen Ellyn, is now collectingplastic bread tags for recycling in partnership with Danielle Cares for Chairs.Plastic bread tags are those square clips commonly used to seal bags around aloaf of bread, bagels, or even produce. Plastic bread tags are not recyclable inyour curbside recycling bin because 1) they are very small and 2) they are

made from #6 polystyrene. Therefore, millions end up in landfills each year, just adding to ourdisposable plastic problem. Our Green Sanctuary Committee has provided a collection container on their table in the coatroom so wecan help with this great project! Save up a handful at home and just drop them in. Let’s see how quickly wecan fill up the container and deliver our stash to SCARCE! This collection is ongoing.

Reduce Environmental Impact, Increase Social ImpactDanielle Cares for Chairs is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit in Indiana thatcollects and recycles plastic bread tags for funds to purchase wheelchairsfor those in need. It was started by high school junior, Danielle Rothchild,after an upcycling challenge got her working with bread tags. She found anorganization in South Africa collecting them to raise funds for wheelchairs.

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She was inspired to take action. Taking an otherwise non-recyclable item and transforming it intosomething for social good is what we like to call a win-win here atSCARCE. Danielle Cares for Chairs agrees “we are young and concernedabout our planet and want to start by educating young people aboutsustainability…we can collectively benefit while making a betterplanet.” According to Danielle, it takes about 260,000 bread tags topurchase a basic wheelchair – so every bread tag counts!

DUUC Library March FeaturedBook of the MonthWisdom is a gift. We pass it on to each otherlike a precious jewel. The Librarybook, Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, aYoung Man and Life’s Greatest Lesson, is theaccount of journalist Mitch Albom’s weeklyvisits with his former professor MorrieSchwartz, who has ALS. Morrie’s final daysare spent giving his former student his finallesson of life and sharing the wisdom he hasgained.Questions? Email Mary [email protected].

The book cart in the DUUC Library and BookStore alcove in Kreves Hall holds freemagazines – please browse and helpyourself.

The next Comparative Religion Discussion Group is on SundayMarch 15, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the DUUC Church. The first topic is “ Religion and Violence” which is both historical andcontemporary. While positive attributes are assigned to religion, thereclearly is a dark side which includes a variety of violent activitiesincluding terrorism, crusades, inquisitions, and witch trials. We will

discuss why and how violence and religion are connected. In March, the discussion will focus on " Religionand Just Wars" across the various religious traditions.The second topic is " Religion and Culture" with emphasis on how do religious and cultural factors impacteach other and on our ability to live together.The Discussion Group is open to all and attendance at prior sessions is not necessary. The foundationmaterial for this discussion will be provided.Drinks and snacks will be provided. For further information please contact: Bob Wunderlichat [email protected].

Light Lunch and Fellowship!Saturday, April 18th 9:00 AM to noonHelp us clean windows and perform otherhousekeeping tasks. Rain or Shine. All membersand visitors are invited to attend. Please let us knowif you can help that day: Use the sign-up sheet on

The Wider Circle is a support group for parents,family members, and caregivers of those withspecial needs. Join us as we support one anotherby sharing our joys, challenges and, when possible,information and resources. We meet the first Fridayof the month at 7:30 in Whitney Young. Contact

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the kiosk, or send an email [email protected].

Kristen Tang at [email protected] for moreinformation.

Sacred Origins: The Navajo And The Four WorldsSunday Mar 15 at 3PMThe Dine, or Navajo, people of the South Western US tell a tale thatancestors originated in the Black World. They, along with a growingcaravan of creatures, made a journey through the blue and yellowworlds until they reached the present, white world. Join us as wediscuss this fascinating and complex tale. Questions? Contact Michael Martin ([email protected])

DUUC’s AIM (Accessible and Inclusive Ministry) social justiceproject is affordable housing for people with disabilities. As a follow-upto the Sept. 29th, 2019 DUUC Forum on affordable housing, membersof AIM have been following developments by the City of Naperville’sHousing Advisory Commission (HAC) to achieve the IHDA goal forcities to have of 20% of their housing affordable. It is estimated thatNaperville is currently at 7.5%. Consultants hired by the City haveproduced two reports concerning affordablehousing: https://naperville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?

ID=4305239&GUID=6C5A5B5F-2643-4944-B406-6B483F645412Two facts from the first report regarding people with disabilities are that 6.5% of Naperville residents have aphysical or cognitive disability and 15% live below the poverty line. Additionally, households with specialneeds are challenged to find accessible or adaptable housing unites near public transportation and availableresources.Key findings and possible recommendations for addressing the issue were presented in the secondreport: https://naperville.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4305240&GUID=CBCD45F5-7D14-4EE6-8783-560A2BE73D39There were three key findings: there are fewer options for young families to purchase starter homes inNaperville and teardowns worsen the issue; Naperville needs more affordable rental units; and someNaperville residents are aging in place. And their recommendations include establishing an affordablehousing trust fund and funding sources; creating a community land trust for Naperville; exploring aninclusionary zoning framework; meeting senior demands for more housing types.AIM members will be attending upcoming HAC meetings addressing this issue and invite DUUC members toattend as well.

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The church office will be closed Friday,March 27th thru Friday, April 3rd. Regularhours will resume on Monday, April 6th.

The deadline for the APRIL newsletter isMONDAY, MARCH 23 @ 9:00am.Please email your submissions [email protected].

SPECIAL COLLECTIONOn Sunday, February 9, $1,458.25 was collected for Riverwalk Adult DayServices . Thank you for your generosity!In an effort to foster collaboration, please send an email [email protected] there is something the Community Outreach Committee can do to help in thework of your committee.

DuPage UU Church See what's happening on our social sites: