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Tree of Life minister bids goodbye to congregation

The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison has announced his resignation as minister of the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry. His last sermon, "Heading Toward Hope and Healing" will be delivered on Sunday, Oct. 2, at the 10:45 worship. He will be honored by a reception by the congregation after the service.

Dennison was called to the congregation in 2012 shortly after it moved from its longtime Woodstock church building. His ministry has been noted for sensitive, high quality preaching, expanded inclusion of performing arts in worship, compassionate inclusiveness and an urgent sense of justice, for denominational leadership, and for mentoring ministry students.

In a letter to the congregation earlier this month Dennison wrote, "The decision to resign has taken considerable thought and consultation with the board, the Mid-America Regional staff, and many mentors and colleagues. These conversations have convinced me that it is best for me and the congregation that I resign."

In her letter to the Board President Barbara Fleming wrote, "Though this development will inevitably cause changes within our congregation, we are confident that we can weather this storm together."

Going forward the Worship Arts Committee will plan and present lay led services with the assistance of Religious Education Director Sam Jones and Music Director Forrest Ransburg.

The pulpit will also be open to guest ministers. Over the next months an interim minister will be selected to guide the congregation through the search process for a new called minister, a process that can take a year or more.

Also leaving the congregation will be the two intern ministers, Michelle Lattanzio and Misha Sanders, students at Meadville-Lombard Theological School in Chicago. They were beginning their second year with the congregation but must have ministerial supervision. They will finish their internships at other nearby congregations.

For information about upcoming services and other Tree of Life plans and programs, contact the office at (815) 322-2464 or office@treeoflifeuu.org. Visit treeoflifeuu.org.

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