Pastor - Michele Townsend Grove
Michele Townsend Grove, our half-time minister, is a Unitarian Universalist religious educator who has expanded her portfolio to include worship and congregational leadership. Michele moved to Galena in 2021 with her family and found the Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton through the reference of a dear friend. Michele has worked in United Methodist and Unitarian Universalist churches for more than 30 years including congregations in Delaware, Washington, Maryland, West Virginia, New Jersey and Illinois.
Michele is married to Andy Townsend, a retired dentist who is currently working to restore several properties in Illinois and West Virginia. Michele and Andy have a daughter who is a sophomore at Galena High School.
When Michele is not working with the UU Stockton congregation she is consulting with other Unitarian Universalist congregations, teaching courses in transitional leadership, gardening and playing games with her family. Michele also admits to being a big fan of Marvel movies and Star Trek.
If you would like to reach out to Michele, please email [email protected]. Michele looks forward to getting to know you!
December 6, 2024
Pastor's Perspective
Happy Holidays!
I am not surprised that there are so many ways to celebrate during the winter. Humanity strives for warmth and light! When the days are colder and darker, we look for ways to lift our spirits and find hope in tomorrow.
This past Sunday, I led the congregation in an exploration of winter holidays through word and music. I used different readings to honor holidays because it is my desire that you learn about the holidays from those who celebrate them. Today, these readings are available below with links so you can read and re-read. I shortened some of the readings this past Sunday and want to be sure you have the opportunity to read the entire piece. Also included below is a list of the music our Sunday Service. I hope you will use the readings and music through this season as a way to reflect and wonder. Through your reflection, my hope is that you will discover (or re-discover) the meaning you seek in the season.
Take care my friends, Happy Holidays!
Michele
Readings
- Advent (December 1-December 24th) https://www.uua.org/braverwiser/waiting-time
- Bodhi Day (December 8th) https://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/adults/practice/workshop9/60546.shtml
- Winter Solstice (December 21st) The Oak King and the Holly King https://www.uuworld.org/articles/oak-king-holly-king
- Hanukkah December 25th https://www.uua.org/blueboat/voices/a-super-opportunity-interfaith-sensitivity
- Kwanzaa December 26th to January 1st https://www.uuworld.org/articles/kwanzaa-multifaith-family
Three of the Meditation Musical Moments came from Spotify. The Group is Atom Flow. The Three music numbers are:
- “Breathe”
- “Blooming”
- “Brisk”
Other music from YouTube Videos:
Prelude: For The Beauty of the Earth performed by the Unitarian Universalist Elgin Handbell Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEfoJ87IUw4&list=PLn3kSdz0tQ5XYkunccGMpM8Jx88DoQ0Gq&index=5
Opening Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” performed by the Unitarian Universalist Elgin Choir
UU Elgin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTAB1rYGs3g
Meditation Music “Spirit of Life” performed by the Unitarian Universalist Elgin Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RE0qtLMi10&list=PLn3kSdz0tQ5V0S-GhCy11OrQURtf4RluO&index=30
Goddesses of the Solstice are We performed by the Unitarian Univesalist Elgin Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu9S1cwyshY&list=PLn3kSdz0tQ5V0S-GhCy11OrQURtf4RluO&index=32
Offertory: “The Christians and the Pagans” performed by Chelsea Musson Piano & Guitar by Caleb Willitzby for the Unitarian Universalists of Elgin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-oBCq3BSLY&list=PLn3kSdz0tQ5V0S-GhCy11OrQURtf4RluO&index=31
Postlude: “Love Will Guide Us” performed by the Unitarian Univesalist Elgin Choir https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnVvX9BdD8U&list=PLn3kSdz0tQ5V0S-GhCy11OrQURtf4RluO&index=7