Treasured Windows to be Rededicated at Tree of Life UU Congregation

All nine faith tradition windows are displayed a top this gazebo like structure in the Tree of Life Fellowship room.

Note:  This blog has been down since last Wednesday due to internet service failure at our International Headquarters in Crystal Lake.  This is being posted from the local Library.  ATT's crack service department is scheduled to finally show up and restore our service late this afternoon. after which our regular service should be restored.  Sorry, no refunds....

The Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry will re-dedicate 9 windows representing the faith traditions that inspire the congregation at a special service this Sunday September 16 at 10:45 am.

In 2012, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock moved to the current location in McHenry and became Tree of Life.  They brought the interfaith stained glass windows originally installed in the old church and dedicated at the centennial celebration for that building in 2006 with them.  

“From the time of the move the Congregation has looked forward to having the windows installed in the new facility.   Now that dream was finally realized.  The windows are now displayed in the fellowship area and prominently visible as people enter the building.  Representing the religions which are sources of our faith, the windows have been a meaningful part of Tree of Life’s identity ever since they were created,” according to press spokesperson Patrick Murfin.

The individual faith tradition windows are shown top row left to right--Paganism and Earth Centered Spirituality, Buddhism, Christianity,   Islam.  Bottom Row left to right--Hinduism, Judaism , Humanism and Science, and Native American Traditions.

Representatives of the eight faith traditions will be welcomed by Minister Kevin DeBeck and will participate in the service.  They include Rev. Emily Davis of First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, Jack Lazzara of the UU Fellowship of DeKalb representing earth centered spirituality and paganism, Vimala Bhikkun  from the Blue Lotus Temple in Woodstock representing Buddhism, and Jack Minsley of Congregation Tikun Olam representing Judaism.   Also being honored are Islam, Hinduism, Humansim, and Native American traditions.

The leaves in the Tree of Life window incorporate glass from all of the other windows.

The ninth window is a Tree of Life nestling a Unitarian Universalist flaming chalice in its branches.  The leaves of the tree are from the glass used in all of the other windows.

Pam Lopatin, who was co-religious education director in 2006, designed and created the unique windows and will be part of the re-dedication.

There will be special music by the Adult Choir under the leadership of Music Director Forrest Ransberg with soloist Ken Johnson.

Following the service the church membership and guests are invited to a picnic lunch in spacious tents on the grounds

For more information For more information call the church at 815 322-2464, e-mail office@treefolifeuu.org or visit https://treeoflifeuu.org/