Community, Charity, and Chili at Tree of Life UU Congregation

It was a busy morning last Sunday at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road.

Cathy Patenaude, Manager of Development and Social Media for the McHenry County Health Partnership Clinic, (center) accepted the symbolic big check for $644 after services on February 10 at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation.  The clinic provides vital medical care to the underinsured and uninsured residents.  Tree of Life supports partner organizations every month with Second Sunday collections.  Representing the Congregation were Dr. Lisa Messinger and Patrick Murfin of the Tree of Life Social Justice Team.

Winners of the Tree of Life Chili Cook-off are from left to right Marc Stettner, third place; Patrick Kerin, champion and trophy winner; and Beth Hoover, second place.  The Cook-off was held after Sunday services and was the kick-off to the congregation’s annual Pledge Drive.  In addition the championship trophy the top three out of 16 entrants took home a hot pepper necklace, decorative commemorative chili spoon, and a Starbucks gift card.