Pastor Michele is in the office twice a month. To meet onsite or virtually, email [email protected]. Upcoming dates: Oct 24–27, Nov 11–13 & 20–23, Dec 9–11 & 26–29, Jan 13–15 & 23–25. Dates may shift due to holidays or meetings.

Soul Matters packets spark deep reflection. A quote by Jennifer Healey on self-compassion led me to explore her work—she’s a writer and suicide loss survivor. Each month offers rich wisdom. Join us for Sunday Services, Soulful Sundown, or a Connection Circle to dive in.

Join us Sunday, Oct. 26 at 10 AM for “Cultivating Compassion” with Pastor Michele Townsend Grove. In a world of growing fear and anxiety, we’ll explore how compassion and courage can guide us through uncertainty and help us connect more deeply with others.

The elementary class will be making Blessing Bags. We are in need of the following items…. Toiletries New socks Non-perishable snacks Hand wipes or tissues Band-Aids  Tiffany Kaldenbach (she/her) Director of Religious Education

The 2025 Witches Ball is cancelled, but the team will join Trunk or Treat at the church on the same day from 3–5 PM! Visit our cauldron and sacred space to honor ancestors. All ages welcome. Questions? Contact Gale Springer at 309-269-6730 or [email protected].

Huge thanks to all who made Sip & Savor a success! With 37 attendees, we raised ~$1275 and shared great energy. The Fundraising Team is excited to keep the momentum going—fun, funds, and fresh faces! Join us the 2nd Monday monthly at 5:30 PM to share ideas and grow together!

Jane Goodall’s final interview urges collective hope and action to change our planet’s future. Her message echoes Margaret Wheatley’s belief that global change begins locally—small, community efforts ripple outward, inspiring broader transformation and lasting impact.

Join Laura Nichols for Mindful Movement on Sun, Oct 19, 9–9:45 AM in the Board Room. Refresh body, mind & spirit through gentle movement and presence. No experience needed. Childcare provided. Sponsored by Adult Religious Education.

Share your Joys & Concerns during service—write them in the sanctuary book or post in the online chat early. For support, contact Pastoral Care via UU office, Tanya Toulou (303-332-8438), or [email protected]. Visit our lobby table for info. “We are all walking each other home.”

Join Pastor Michele Grove for Soulful Sundown on Wed, Oct 15, 2025, 5:15–5:45 PM. Connect, recharge, and reflect in person at UUCQC or online via Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/j/81..., Meeting ID: 819 7662 4442.

Youth RE News The elementary class will be making blessing bags. We are in need of the following items…. Toiletries New socks Non-perishable snacks Hand wipes or tissues Bandaids  Tiffany Kaldenbach (she/her) Director of Religious Education

Compassion begins with self-care. At the Soulful Sundown Service, participants practiced self-compassion through silent meditation. True compassion means actively helping others in pain, as Rabbi Adler teaches. This October, explore compassion’s depth and give yourself its healing gift.

Join Alice Martin and the Pastoral Care team on Sunday, Oct 12 at 10 AM to explore “Cultivating Compassion”—developing empathy and a desire to ease others’ suffering, transforming written words into lived values.

October’s Share the Plate supports NAMI, founded in 1979 by two mothers advocating for better mental health care. Their efforts sparked a national movement. Join NAMI and help promote compassion, support, and awareness for mental health. Learn more: namiiowa.org/about-n...

Freedom of the Pulpit and Pew honors diverse beliefs in Unitarian Universalism. Speakers share freely; listeners may agree or not. The challenge lies in respectful dialogue, listening, and valuing differences to build community.

Join Dr. Lisa Killinger on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 10 AM for “It’s Always Darkest Before Dawn…”—a conversation on navigating despair, mental health, and finding light in dark times. Let’s explore healing and connection together.

This week the Elementary School class learned about the fall equinox. They harvested vegetables from our giving garden that will be donated to cafe on vine. They also talked about other way they can share with their community. Please check out the big tree we made in the RE wing.

Connection Circles at UUCQC foster deep, nonjudgmental connections for new and longtime members. Open to all adults. Sign up after Sunday service or email Linda Pratt at [email protected].

When Pastor Michele Grove is in town, she will lead a Soulful Sundown Service on Wednesday evenings from 5:15-5:45 PM. This 30-minute Service is designed to provide you with a space to connect, recharge and reflect. This will take place Oct 1 and 15th.

Today's harvest from the giving garden went to NEST cafe.

As fall replaces summer’s warmth with darkness, reflect on seasonal shifts, embracing cozy comforts while acknowledging emotional challenges. Find hope in community, celebrate the UU Congregation’s spirit, and invite reflection on balancing joy and hardship.

Community Gathering Pastoral Care Monday - October 6th @ 6 PM Come and join fellow members/ friends of our community for a time of sharing thoughts and feelings brought forth by the events in our country.

NEXT SUNDAY @ 10 AM September 28 "A Journey Traveled Together" Pastor Michele Townsend Groves Wherever you go, I will Follow. We will explore the ancient and beautiful story of Ruth as it is told in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Veggie Potluck Sunday September 28, 2025 after service in the Social Hall

At UUCQC, our Connection Circles provide a place for new members to connect to others in the congregation. Sign-up sheets will be available after service on Sunday, or by contacting Linda Pratt at [email protected]

GIVING GARDEN 2025 Our Giving Garden is winding down, but still offering produce to Nest Cafe and Cafe on Vine. Thank our many gardeners who've been weeding, watering and harvesting all summer!

From the Pastor .... I look forward to learning more. I hope that you will come to see my work as valuable as well. I will work to communicate the work of the Pastor in the coming months. I look forward to meeting you. Blessed Be, Michele Townsend Grove

THIS SUNDAY @ 10 AM September 21 "Harvest" Gale Springer We contemplate the metaphorical harvest of our year, and what we can be grateful for as day and night are equal once more. Soon the days will be darker, but we can hold the light of our memories and accomplishments close to heart

Sign-ups for Connection Circles happening NOW At UUCQC, our Connection Circles provide a place for new members to connect to others in the congregation. They also offer an opportunity for new and deeper connections for long-time members.

The NAMI ( The National Alliance on Mental Illness )Walk is just around the corner, and we ( UUCQC ) are participating again this year. We would LOVE for you to join us: NAMI WALK DETAILS 5k Walk (3 times around The Bend in East Moline) UUCQC Unitarian Universalist of the QC

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights thanks the UUCQC for its Share the Plate in August. Some of you attended the July 27th ForUUm. Thank you for your interest in the status of immigrant children.

We minister to each other by creating a place for deep listening and non-judgemental attention. Connection Circles provide an opportunity to get to know people over time. Sign-up sheets will be available after service on Sunday, or by contacting Linda Pratt at [email protected].

September 7 at 10 a.m. "Water Communion - Intergen Service" It is a tradition in UUA congregations, to celebrate through the ritual of the Water Ceremony, a coming back together from the experiences of summer.

Beginning September 1st, the Young Center will host its annual Virtual Waymakers Challenge for September, in honor of Elizabeth Frankel. If you are a walker, runner, or bicyclist, then every mile logged equals $1 raised for unaccompanied immigrant children. runsignup.com/Race/I...