With All the High Church U.U.s Can Muster We Will Install a Minister

Rev. Dennison at the UUA General Assembly 2012

The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison will be formally installed as the settled minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry (Tree of Life), 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 7.

Rev. Dennison was called by a unanimous vote at a congregational meeting a year ago after a two and a half year search.  He preached his first official sermon in August.  He will be the 40th minister to the 148 year old congregation that began as the First Congregational Church of Woodstock.

“Being installed as minister of this growing, passionate congregation is a joy and an honor” Dennison said, “I look forward to many years working together to fulfill our new motto: Rooted in Love – Reaching for Justice.”

Dennison previously served congregations in San Luis Obispo, California and Salt Lake City, Utah and has been active in denominational affairs.  He is also a popular blogger and a voice for the transgender community.

The installation service will include a robed processional of religious professionals.  Minister Emeritus to the congregation, the Rev. Dan Larsen will give the welcome, and the Rev. Rosemary Bray-McNatt, senior minister of the Fourth Universalist Society in New York City, will preach the installation sermon.  McNatt is a noted denominational leader and a prolific writer.

Others participating in the ceremony include the Rev. Kent McKusick, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, Iowa; the Rev. Hilary Landau Krivchenia, Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist, Palatine, Illinois; the Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson-Doyle, Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford; and Mr. Barb Greve, Interim Director of Religious Education, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, Georgia.

Kathe Lacy-Anderson, President of the Congregation, will lead the exchange of promises between Rev. Dennison and the Congregation that makes the installation official.

Music will be provided by the Adult Choir under the direction of Thomas Steffens.  A highlight will be an anthem composed by Steffens to a poem by Rev. Dennison.

A reception will follow the service.