VirtUUal RE: December 4, 2020
Pageant Time is Here!
We still have a few spots open – and we could certainly use more animals! Those who sign up will have an opportunity to pick up a costume at UCE on Dec. 13 at 2:30p or Dec. 19 from 4:30-6p – or to be creative and make one from things at home. Sign up here for a part. An email will be sent in early December with further instructions to those who sign up. Feel free to email Kathy at kunderwood@ucevanston.org with any questions.
Welcome to our December Theme of Stillness!
This week in the Soulful Home packet we focus on the segments Welcome Mat, At the Table, and On the Message Board. Check out this week’s video for a short synopsis.
Many Ways to Connect
Solstice Campfire and Carols on the Lawn – December 19 at 4:30-6 pm – sign up here TODAY!
Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – Decembers’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.
1st-5th Grades – Holiday Zoom on Thursday, December 10 at 4 pm – wear your ugly sweater, Santa hats and holiday bling! Look for Zoom info in the RE Weekly Update.
Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grades – December 13 at 1 pm – Look for Zoom info in the RE Weekly Update.
High School Youth – Youth Group 4-5 pm – look for an email with details!
For Adults
UCE Forum – Sunday, December 6th at 10 am via Zoom
Celebrating 100 Years of the Vote for American Women: Multi-media presentation in images and songs
Leader: Kristin Lems
It’s still the centennial year of American women’s suffrage! Let’s meet and honor some of the members of the long lasting movement for women’s rights, and talk about what having the vote does, and could, mean. This 20 minute presentation will be followed by some open-ended discussion themes. Kristin Lems has been a long time troubadora for women’s rights, especially for the Equal Rights amendment, and has prepared and presented this historical tribute several times during the centennial year. Music included!
Click here to join the Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 924 4957 5721; Passcode: 489150; One tap mobile +13126266799,,92449575721#,,,,,,0#,,489150# US (Chicago)
Christ for UU’s
Continues Tuesdays, Dec. 8, 15; 7:30-8:45 PM,
All sessions will be via Zoom. Click here to join the meeting.
Facilitated by UCE member Amy Pooley.
The upcoming session will discuss Chapters 5 and 6.
If you’re interested in attending and are not already registered, please click here to RSVP.
Contact Amy Pooley at amycpooley@gmail.com if you have questions.
Update from the BOT: December 4, 2020
Want to know what the Board has been doing in November and December?
- Reviewing our policies and Bylaws
- Reviewing our shared structural relationship with the Integrated Stewardship Council
- Meeting to find a consultant for an equity audit
- Putting together a UU Principle-themed basket for the Serendipity Auction
- Reading and discussing Widening the Circle of Concern
- Reviewing and updating our Board Job Descriptions to share with the congregation and Nominating and Recruiting
- Supporting Rev. Karen in her interim work
- Monitoring the Ends statements
- Supporting the Search Team in completing the ministerial agreement
- Attending Council meetings as liaisons – there to learn and to assist, if needed
- Hosting “Reflections with the Board” where we meet monthly with the congregation
- Finding ways to make policy governance more accessible and understandable to the congregation
- Planning and hosting a holiday party for the staff
- Connecting with other UU congregations and the Midwest UUA through weekly leadership zoom calls
- Sharing information with other UU congregations: 1) Our Board Goals with All Souls Unitarian Church of Indianapolis (ASUC) 2) Realm knowledge with ASUC
- Writing newsletter articles to keep you updated!
- Sharing with you interesting articles from the Midwest Region of the UUA: https://www.meadville.edu/files/resources/bc-dismantle-white-supremacy-flyer-s.pdf?mc_cid=aad5103f36&mc_eid=8d81f4dbfe
Want to know more about any of these topics? The Board minutes and agendas are available on the UCE website or feel free to contact the Board at BOT@ucevanston.org!
From DLRE: December 4, 2020
We have been exploring our purpose and mission during this interim ministry period with Rev. Karen’s grace and guidance. Before we closed our doors last March, a group of us met to share our hopes and dreams for the children’s religious education program as we look towards calling a new minister. We had many insights and ideas! Now, as we consider the future of the program post-pandemic, we need your input more than ever.
Rev. Karen, Rev. Eileen, and I want to hear what is on your heart and mind, as we consider different models of family faith formation centered around the questions:
“What is the role of a faith community in your life and your child(ren)’s lives?”
“How can we create together a truly multi-generational faith community which is mutually supportive and thriving?”
We are aware of how overstretched you are. We know that time is precious, and we want to respect yours. We hope that you feel motivated by love for this congregation and the religious education program at UCE rather than by onerous obligation. We are hopeful that, together, we can discover our collective passions, values, and investments as well as the obstacles that get in the way of living into them.
Mark your calendar for ONE of the following virtual gatherings:
- January 9 – 10-11:30a
- January 16 – 1-2:30p
- January 17 – 2-3:30p
A link to register will be in next week’s newsletter. Zoom info will be sent out to those who register.
We look forward to seeing you there!
In Faith,
Kathy