Adult Programs
Scroll down or click here for 2012-2013 Newcomers' Classes, "Exploring Unitarian Universalism"
Sunday Morning Forums
Sunday Morning Forums (presentations or discussions on a variety of topics)are offered from September through May at 9:30 a.m. in the Founders Room. See our Home Page for topics of upcoming presentations.
Adult Enrichment
Mission: The Adult Enrichment Committee provides opportunities for personal, intellectual, and spiritual growth through classes, presentations, films, and discussions.
In addition to classes offered by the Adult Enrichment Committee, you will find some special-interest classes and meetings offered by members on our Affinity Groups page.
TO REGISTER for any of our class offferings, please SIGN-UP at least ONE WEEK PRIOR to the scheduled date to indicate your intention to join us. Some classes may be able to accommodate drop-ins, but please check with facilitators before class begins. (Drop-ins are always welcome at Friday Flicks.) The sign-up sheets are posted on the three-sided bulletin board (kiosk), usually located near the name tag rack. You may also register by sending an email to
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. Please use "Registration Inquiry" in the subject field. You will receive confirmation of your registration within 3 days. If you do not receive confirmation in that time, please call the church office to report the problem: 630-505-9408.
For more information about our classes, contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , at the church office.
Adult Enrichment classes will generally be offered (unless otherwise specified) each Sunday, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the Founders Room.
2012-2013 Adult Enrichment Offerings, at a Glance:
Sept.16 Science Sunday, 9:30 Forum
Sept. 16 What We Teach In RE (1st of 2 part class)
Sept.18 Artists Way (1st of 8 part class)
Sept. 23 What we Teach in RE
Sept. 23 Articulating Your UU Faith (1st of 5 part class taught by Rev. Emmy Lou Belcher)
Sept. 25 Artists Way (pt. 2)
Sept. 28 Friday Flicks, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."
Sept. 30 Articulating Your UU Faith (Rev. Belcher. pt. 2)
Oct. 2 Artist's Way (pt. 3)
Oct.7 Exploring UU History
Oct.7 Science Sunday, 9:30 Forum
Oct.9 Artist's Way (pt. 4)
Oct.14 Articulating Your UU Faith (Rev. Belcher, pt. 3)
Oct.14 Exploring UU Beliefs and Values
Oct.9 Artists Way (pt. 5)
Oct. 16 Artist's Way (pt. 6)
Oct.21 Articulating Your UU Faith (Rev. Belcher, pt. 4)
Oct.23 Artist's Way (pt. 7)
Oct.26 Friday Flicks
Oct.28 Articulating Your UU Faith (Rev. Belcher, pt. 5)
Oct.28 The Meaning of Membership
Oct.30 Artist's Way (pt. 8)
2013
Jan. 13 Exploring UU History (1:00-3:30 p.m.)
Jan. 13 Spirit in Practice Workshop #1
Jan. 18, 19, 20 OWL for Adults
Jan. 20 Exploring UU Beliefs and Values (1:00-3:30 p.m.)
Feb. 10 The Meaning of Membership (1:00-3:30 p.m.)
Feb. 10 Spirit in Practice Workshop #2
Feb. 24 Living the Welcoming Congregation, Assessment/Beginnings Session
Mar. 3 Spirit in Practice Workshop #3
Apr. 7 Exploring UU History (1:00-3:30 p.m.)
Apr. 7 Spirit in Practice Workshop #4
Apr. 14 Exploring UU Beliefs and Values (1:00-3:30 p.m.)
Apr. 28 The Meaning of Membership (1:00-3:30 p.m.)
Apr. 28 Exodus as a Human Story - part 1
May 5 Spirit in Practice Workshop #5
May 5 Exodus as a Human Story - part 2
Spirit in Practice
See registration information above.
Childcare is available upon request at least one week before the class.
Class description: Spirit in Practice was created to help Unitarian Universalists develop regular disciplines, or practices, of the spirit—practices that help them connect with the sacred ground of their being, however they understand it. Spirit in Practice affirms religious diversity while seeking unity in our communal quest for meaning and wholeness. Whether participants follow a path they identify as Humanist, Jewish, Christian, Pagan, Theist, Atheist, Agnostic, Mystic, Buddhist, and/or any of the other paths we follow in our diverse congregations, the Spirit in Practice workshops offer a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich their faith journeys. The workshops are equally suitable for first time visitors and longtime members.
Facilitators: Catherine Storey and Elaine Piedra
Dates: 5 Sundays* - Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 3, April 7, May 5
Time: 1:30pm to 3pm
Minimum class size is 6 participants.
*Each workshop is independent and not a series. You may attend any or all that you are interested in. Please check off the dates that you will be attending on the sign- up sheet.
Workshop 1, Jan. 13: Introduction – Towards a Rich and Meaningful UU Spirituality. For our UU congregations to reach their potential as spiritual homes, we need to provide rich and meaningful opportunities for spiritual development. Spirit in Practice articulates an eight sphere model in which one can develop his/her spiritual life. (Location: Clara Barton Room)
Workshop 2, Feb. 10: Personal Spiritual Practices: These are practices done alone and, perhaps, daily—such as meditation, dream work, journaling, prayer, and so on. (Location: Clara Barton Room)
Workshop 3, Mar. 3: Mind Practices: Sometimes spirituality is associated with purely emotional, nonrational ways of being; however, rational thought has an important role in spiritual practice, especially Unitarian Universalism. This workshop will familiarize participants with a model of six stages of spiritual growth and encourage them to see their intellectual explorations as part of a full rounded spirituality. (Founders Room)
Workshop 4, Apr. 7: Soul Practices: These are the practices that exercise our creative selves—drawing, painting, sculpting, music, poetry, and other creative endeavors. (Location: Whitney Young Room)
Workshop 5, May 5: Life Practice - Conclusion: Religious traditions from around the world agree that we eventually need to take what we do in private and in our congregations and bring it out into the rest of our lives—in our relationships with our family members, in our workplaces, in our interactions with strangers. (Location: Founders Room)
Exodus as a Human Story
See registration information above.
Childcare is available upon request at least one week before the class.
Class description: The story of Exodus underlies the theology of Judaism and liberation theology. It is also parallel to Joseph Campbell's "hero's journey." That's because it is a human story, one that relates to human life no matter what you believe. This Adult Enrichment class will be lead by the Reverend Emmy Lou Belcher.
Presenter: Rev. Emmy Lou Belcher
Dates: 2 Sundays - April 28, May 5
Time: 1:00pm to 3pm
OWL for Adults
OWL = Our Whole Lives, Lifespan Sexuality Education
See registration information above.
Childcare is not available for this offering.
Class description. Ever feel jealous that the kids get to talk about sexuality and adults don’t? Experience the first part of the UU curriculum on sexuality for adults, covering relationships, spirituality, values, etc. Adults of all partner status, ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities are encouraged to attend. Participants are asked to make a commitment to attend the entire weekend experience.
Open to all visitors and members. For more information, contact Adult Enrichment Committee.
Facilitators: Robert Skrocki and Caroline Bailey
1 weekend: Friday, Jan 18th - evening / Saturday, Jan 19th - day / Sunday, Jan 20th - afternoon
Minimum class size is 8 participants; maximum class size is 14.
Living the Welcoming Congregation
Assessment/Beginnings Session
See registration information above.
Childcare is available upon request at least one week before the class.
Presented By: LGBTQ/Welcoming Congregation Group
Facilitators: Ken Koresch and Maggie Kivisto
Sunday, February 24, 2013 - 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Maximum Class Size: 18 participants
Class description: In this single session, participants will be exploring anti-oppression work as it relates to heterosexism and bi-, trans and homophobia.
DuPage UU Church achieved Welcoming Congregation status in 1999. This designation indicates that our congregation did significant work to examine issues around welcoming our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered members, friends and visitors. Living the Welcoming Congregation continues that work. Learn why we're "not there yet," and what other steps we can take, as individuals and as a congregation, to welcome, affirm, and support each other regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
All members and visitors are welcome to attend. Those who started attending our church after 2005 are especially encouraged to participate in this class.
Exploring Unitarian Universalism and The Meaning of Membership
This series was designed to help newcomers learn about Unitarian Universalism. Longtime members are also welcome to attend and may even be surprised at how much they learn. If you are interested in these classes but your schedule does not permit attendance on Sundays, please contact the Membership Director at the church office for alternate arrangements. It is recommended that the series be taken at the same time, however, individual classes may be taken at different times and in any order.
The series of classes is offered at least 3 times each year, in the fall, winter and spring. Additional classes will be added if needed.
See registration information above.
1. Exploring UU History
Childcare is available upon request at least one week before the class.
Lunch: A light lunch will be provided at 12:45 before class begins.
Presenter: Rev. Emmy Lou Belcher
Date: Sunday April 7, 2013
Time: 1:00 to 3:30 (arrive at 12:45 to partake of a light lunch)
Maximum Class Size: 24 participants
Please indicate your intention to joins us by signing up or registering at least one week before the start of class. Drop-ins may be accommodated, but please check with facilitators before class begins.
Class Description: Learn about the history of the separate Unitarian and Universalist movements, from their early Christian origins through today. How did these individual religions develop, change, and eventually merge? Learn the answers to common questions: What do we “worship” on Sundays what are the elements of a worship service? How do we express our UU values? Why do we have Statements of Conscience? Open to all visitors and members. This class is required for membership.
2. Exploring UU Beliefs & Values
Childcare is available upon request at least one week before the class.
Lunch: A light lunch will be provided at 12:45 before class begins.
Date: Sunday April 14, 2013
Time: 1:00 to 3:30 (arrive at 12:45 to partake of a light lunch)
Facilitators: Kelley Trombly-Freytag and Rose Riccio
Maximum Class Size: 15 participants
Please indicate your intention to joins us by signing up or registering at least one week before the start of class. Drop-ins may be accommodated, but please check with facilitators before class begins.
Class Description: In this interactive class, we will explore our past religions and think about our expectations from this church. We will discuss the variety of philosophies and theologies that co-exist at DuPage UU Church, examine our Sources and Principles, and talk about our values. Open to all visitors and members. This class is required for membership.
3. The Meaning of Membership
Childcare is available upon request at least one week before the class.
Lunch: A light lunch will be provided at 12:45 before class begins.
Date: Sunday April 28, 2013
Time: 1:00 to 3:30 (arrive at 12:45 to partake of a light lunch)
Facilitators: Kelley Trombly-Freytag and Rose Riccio
Maximum Class Size: 15 participants
Please indicate your intention to joins us by signing up or registering at least one week before the start of class. Drop-ins may be accommodated, but please check with facilitators before class begins.
Class Description: This class is for those who are contemplating membership at DuPage UU Church or have already made the decision to become a member. You will learn about the organization of the church and the responsibilities and expectations of being a member. We will also discuss ways to become involved with others at the church - both socially and through volunteering. This class is required for membership.
Becoming a Member: At the conclusion of the class, you will have an opportunity to sign the membership book, if you wish. Or you may make an appointment with the Membership Director, Rose Riccio to become a member. You will be formally welcomed by the congregation at a later date during a Sunday Service. You are also invited to make an appointment to meet with our minister, Emmy Lou Belcher, if you wish. This meeting is an opportunity to discuss with the minister whatever you feel is most important about your decision to join the church.
For more information, contact the
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Rose Riccio, at the church office.
Adult Enrichment and Online Spirituality
Want to explore Adult RE opportunities at your own pace through the Internet? Then check out www.clfuu.org/learn for a list of current online offerings from the Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF). Free and fee-based courses are available.