150th Anniversary Dinner Oct 9, 2004

Members and friends of Community UCC may use the on-line Registration forms -   (pdf file)  or the   (txt file) - version which are available in the members only" area which is password protected. [login and password will be provided in an upcoming printed Communigram which is "mailed" - week of September 13.]

Registration forms and payment are due to the church by October 1, 2004. . More details re the dinner, etc. are at the top of the registration forms and down below.

On-going Events Planned

Historical booklet

will include items, stories, and photos of our church history based on the mural Martha Seif created. We hope to have this item ready for purchase sometime in the fall.

Anniversary Alcove

located in the former narthex, this area will display many of the historical photos, pictorial directories, cookbooks, and other items from the past.

Events for 2004

The potluck picnic will begin at 1 pm followed by games for all ages and the Labyrinth Walk. Longhorn Smokehouse Pork BBQ, drinks, and watermelon will be provided. You are asked to bring a salad, dessert, veggies, or chips to share and your own table service.

Sign-up Forms are on the credenza at the back of the sanctuary; please sign up by Sunday, September 5 to let us know that you plan to attend and what dish you will bring or just send an email to info@community-ucc.org
and give your name, number of people coming, and whether you plan to bring a salad, dessert, or veggies or chips.

Guest speaker, Rev. Moore (portraying Illinois Congregational Abolitionist Owen Lovejoy) will preach on the abolitionist movement through Illinois. Rev. Jane Ann
Moore will lead a discussion during a special Adult Education class after the Service in the Library (~noon).

Pastor Mike knows the Moores and this promises to be an exciting and informative morning!

Several former ministers will be on hand to share their memories of their years at Community. We hope to have a wonderful crowd of all ages at this final anniversary event.

Our current minister, Rev. Michael Mulberry and former CUCC minister, Dr. A.J. Good will do a dialogue sermon at this service. Should be exciting!

Earlier Events in 2003

CUCC Anniversary stained glass suncatcher ornaments

It's time to celebrate. Over the next year we'll be looking back at our illustrious past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to the exciting future of CUCC. We'll kick off the year on November 2 with an old fashioned potluck. Sign up sheets are at the back of the sanctuary. We have also selected some wonderful old recipes from church cookbooks going back to 1903! Sign up to bring one of these, or perhaps you have a favorite recipe your mother or grandmother used to take to church socials. (Printouts of recipes form CUCC cookbooks will be available at church or look through one of the old cookbooks and choose one yourself.) Bring a dish to serve 8-10 people and your own table service. Drinks will be provided. Don't miss the opening event! There will be great food, fun & fellowship-- and maybe a few surprises! - from The 150th Anniversary Committee.

Historical Recollections

The 150th Anniversary Committee is taking orders for handmade stained glass suncatcher ornaments during coffee hour after the Sunday service. The 3 designs include the CUCC logo and peace doves. The cost is $20. The artist, Mary K. Katterhenry, is a member of the Sidney UCC church.

Historical Recollections

A Brief History of our church from 1853 through 2003.

From the "Goose Pond Church" days in the 2nd half of the 19th century through the merger of three churches in 1968 to the present time with the arrival of our new pastor Rev. Michael Mulberry in October 2003.

Excerpts from the News Gazette article "Community UCC marking 150 years of service to the community"

Article describes the history of Community UCC in the context of the history of Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois. There is also a review of Jack Good's book "The Dishonest Church" as well as an interview with incoming Pastor Mike Mulberry.