Glitz, Glam and Folk Music—Tree of Life UU Has it All this Weekend

Just a few of the items available at Tree of Life UU's Night at the Oscars Auction.

Just how hip and happening are things at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation this weekend?  Well the Northwest Herald’s Pl@y weekend entertainment guide gave two spots on its full page 10 Things To Do List!  That’s right! At least 20% of all of the fun to be had in McHenry County will come down at the church,   5603 W. Bull Valley Road in McHenry.  Would the Herald lie?

First up listed at # 8 is the glitz, glamour, and giddy fun to be had at the Night at the Oscars Auction starting at 6:30 this evening, February 27.  In the spirit of the Oscars, the auction will also be a special night out with live musical entertainment, hors-d’oeuvres, and liquid refreshments.  I hear rumors that some folks are breaking out their evening gowns and tuxedos for the event, but you are invited to come as you are unless you are naked.  Do not come naked, just a hint.  We are not having that much fun.

Items in the open bid and silent actions include a classic 1941 Knabe Spinet Piano, a kayak outing and meal, a pontoon boat ride and meal, time in a Northwoods cabin, a Harley rental, an ice skating party, Cubs tickets, homemade goodies, a giant plush stuffed squid, earrings  and other jewelry, original sculptures, paintings, and handmade quilts.  There will also be a collection of gift cards and gift certificates to restaurants and for unique personal services such as personal fitness training, college admission counseling, or a resume creation or update.  Even a night of your scribe, Patrick Murfin, spinning yarns and lies about his sordid past for the amusement or mockery of your guests.

The original art work and a wheelbarrow filled with a great wine selection are the prizes in the Adult Choir's raffle in support of its upcoming tour in Romania.

There will also be raffle tickets on sale for five original works of art—a painting, stained glass window, a quilted wall hanging, a cat choir ceramic sculpture, and mosaic-decorated music stand—to benefit the Tree of Life Adult Choir’s upcoming pilgrimage and performance tour to Transylvania in Romania, home of the world’s oldest Unitarian churches.  Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20.  The drawing will be held at 11:15 after services tomorrow, February 28.  Don’t worry, you need not be present to win.  We will call you.  We promise!

The proceeds of the Night at the Oscars support McHenry County’s only liberal, non-creedal congregation and its outreach in the community to those in need.

Admission is free.  Plenty of parking is available and the building is accessible to the differently abled.

Acclaimed singer songwriter Joe Jencks will be the featured artist at the Church of Folk this Sunday morning at Tree of Life.

As if that weren’t enough coming in at #5 on the Pl@y list is the Church of Folk featuring Joe Jenks, a special music themed Sunday worship service at 10:45 on February 28. 

The Church of Folk is the second in a series of services driven by the power of music in which leading professional performers’ work is illustrated and illuminated by readings and in commentary from the Rev. Sean Parker Dennison.  Last month the series kicked off with the unique and popular Church of Jazz featuring the music of Duke Ellington.

Joe Jencks is an international touring performer, songwriter, entertainer, and educator based in Chicago. From venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York, to coffee houses, festivals, spiritual communities, and schools, Jencks has spent the last 12 years touring full time. His songs have traveled to every continent via his own performances, CDs, web casts, and covers by other musicians. He is noted for his unique merging of musical beauty, social consciousness, and spiritual exploration. Jencks weaves a diverse web of stories with brilliant musical skill, ensnaring even the most rigid of hearts, inviting them to open.

With a passion for social justice he has been called the musical heir to the tradition of Pete Seeger and Utah Philips.  Women’s music icon Holy Near said, “In these times, we need the singers who will do the homework and tell the stories! Joe Jencks is among the fine next generation singers who are ready to carry on the tradition as well as look into the future.”

And Seeger himself wrote, “The key to the future is people joining in. The music of Joe Jencks captures this essential spirit. Joe is a fantastic singer who carries on the traditions.”

Guests and visitors are welcome and encouraged.    Childcare is available to those with infants and toddlers.  There will be a coffee hour following the service and an opportunity to meet the artist.

There you have it.  Practically more fun than you can stand this weekend.  Check us out at Tree of Life, if you dare!