Associate Minister for Religious Education,

Unitarian Church of Evanston, Evanston, IL

WHO WE SEEK -

The Unitarian Church of Evanston is seeking a full-time Associate Minister for Religious Education to lead and sustain our valued children’s RE program and to grow our adult education into something just as vibrant.  This minister will also preach occasionally and work collaboratively with our Senior Minister to minister to our whole congregation.

This position is a called ministry, subject to a letter of agreement and a congregational vote to call.  We are a UUA Fair Compensation Congregation.  UUA ministers can use the Transitions System to view our Congregational Record or others can contact Janet Hartmann, Chair of the Ministerial Search Committee, at jtwros1@comcast.net

WHO WE ARE

HISTORY - In 1891, a group of Evanstonians, responding to the lack of a liberal religious presence in their city, began meeting in members' homes. In 1899 the group adopted the name Church of All Souls and in 1904 moved into its new location on Chicago Ave. James Vila Blake served as the church's first minister from 1892-1916.  The name Unitarian Church of Evanston was adopted in1931.  Since 1995, the Rev. Barbara Pescan has served as senior minister, for the first eight years in co-ministry with her partner, Rev. Ann Tyndall, and since 2003 as sole senior minister.

CONGREGATION - The church has approximately 435 members.  We are currently on the brink of great possibilities.  Our finances are strong.  Our Board of Trustees, RE Board and committee leaders are positive forces, with good ideas and the willingness and abilities to carry them out.  The UCE congregation is dedicated, generous and fun-loving.  Our ministers work continually to leverage these assets into the best UCE we can be.  We are a Welcoming Congregation.  Among our goals is to grow our membership and to increase the diversity of our congregation with stronger connections to the African American and Latino communities.

THEOLOGY and PURPOSE - The members of our church share their commitment to the UU principles.  Our church energies go to deepening our understanding of the principles and living the principles through thoughtful living, social action and caring ministries.  There is no dominant theology in our congregation.  We have a strong RE program for children that teaches them about our principles, Jewish and Christian scriptures, other world religions through the Neighboring Faiths curriculum, and then encourages an individual spiritual quest.

AFFILIATIONS - The church is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association, in the Central Midwest District.

GOVERNANCE - The church operates according to by-laws with officers, boards and committees having specific responsibilities.  At the annual congregational meeting we elect members to serve to the Board of Trustees and RE Board.  Our staff includes a full time Church Manager, and part time Membership Director, Communications Director, and support staff.

 
MUSIC - Music is a beloved part of the UCE life.  We have a professional composer and conductor as our Music Director.  Our services are enriched by our choir and guest musicians.  Since we moved our school age RE to 10am, our 11am service hour includes music and art for children, led by paid professionals.  Music is also a part of many of our church activities, from one of our members volunteering to play the piano when we host soup kitchens to the monthly Sing-Thing.

OUR BUILDING - Our current building was built in 1956-1958 and we are joyfully retiring our mortgage this year.  It is enriched with many art works created by both outside artists and our members, including most recently a Hunger Mosaic created during our RE Winter Session on hunger.

Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Avenue — Evanston, IL   60201
847 864-1330 — info@ucevanston.org