Unitarian Universalist Church in McHenry calls new pastor to pulpit

Posted March 04, 2012 9:16 pm

Submitted by Unitarian Universalist Congregation

The Rev. Sean Parker Dennison assumed the pulpit Aug. 19, the first time since his unanimous election this spring as the new settled minister at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Woodstock, 5603 Bull Valley Road, McHenry.

Dennison has served congregations in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Salt Lake City and has been active in denominational affairs. He is also a popular blogger and a champion for transgender justice.

He has settled in Woodstock with his partner Toni Palmer and into his new office.

Dennison is looking forward to an exciting ministry at a congregation that recently took the bold step of moving from Woodstock where it was founded in 1866 to the former Hay Stacks Manor Restaurant building in McHenry.

“I was drawn to this congregation by the great people and the spirit of excitement and discovery that is just bursting from them right now. With a new minister and a new building, they are ready to find ways to live out their values in this community and beyond. It may sound simple, but our goal really is to make the world a better place by becoming as loving, ethical, giving, and kind as we can,” he said.

Beyond preaching on Sunday mornings, Dennison looks forward to continuing a congregational tradition of community engagement.

“Unitarian Universalists have always been committed to freedom, reason, and acceptance. This congregation will undoubtedly continue its commitments to social justice, music and the arts, and having fun,” he said. “With all the changes in our congregation, we are looking forward to finding new ways to do those things and discovering new ways to build meaningful lives and serve our communities.”

Child care is available for infants and toddlers and there is plenty of parking. An informal coffee hour follows the service. For information, call the church at (815) 322-2464, email office@uucofwoodstock.org or visit [URL]uucofwoodstock.org;http://uucofwoodstock.org[URL].[/URL]