From Rev. Karen Gustafson: February 19, 2021
Congratulations, UCE! Being with you, even from my perch in the Minnesota north woods, as you voted in large numbers and with great enthusiasm to call Rev Eileen to be you Settled Minister, was truly a magic moment. On February I was moved to tears by your images on my screen as you lighted your covenant candles and symbolically added them to the common flame of your shared ministry.
And, look. I am still here. This is because the work of the Interim has never been about calling a new minister. It has always been about you, the UCE congregation, you as the keepers of your own religious journeys, you as the makers and livers of your shared Mission. The work of the Interim has always been to strengthen the container that holds these journeys and this Mission, regardless of the particular minister you would, and now have invited into covenant of service and love.
The invitation has been offered and received and there is some strengthening that is still underway.
The current project is shoring up the pathways to membership engagement. Here are some of the questions you might consider: How might the existing structures, the committees and councils and groups and task forces and working groups and covenant groups become more inviting and accessible? How might new members feel more welcomed and longer term members feel freer to move in and out of leadership in a timely manner? How might new groups form and be allowed to end? How might all of the ways to be involved and engaged at UCE be a reflection of your lived Mission and Covenant?
Your own investment in the answers to these questions may be driven by how you understand your relationship to UCE. In the next few weeks, I will be offering some opportunities for you to share your thoughts and stories about membership engagement at UCE. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, you are always welcome to contact me by e-mail at kgustafson@ucevanston.org.
In love and gratitude,
Karen
What do you love about UCE?
UCE is more than just our spiritual home where we gather on Sundays (virtually these days!). It’s also a place to share our time, talent and treasure as we bring our mission to life nurturing the human spirit for a world made whole.
You’re invited to share what you love about UCE in a short video (3 minutes or less). If you’d like, you can also share some of those talents that make UCE the special place it is. So sing or dance or celebrate or speak in the way that feels best for you.
Once you’ve recorded your video, please post it here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1q1Ef5LgITmp1FK7No5E3VfxsMAznMS2n?usp=sharing If you have problems or questions, Adam is here to help! Leave a message on the church office voicemail or email him at AGough@ucevanston.org.
Please submit your short video by Friday, Feb. 26.
Your video may be shared in a variety of ways during our 2021-22 pledge drive: at services on Sunday, in the Friday newsletter, on Facebook or on the UCE website.
February 21, 2021
We will host an online worship service on Sunday, February 21st at 11:15 am.
The Danger of a Single Story
Guest Preacher: Rev. Connie Simon
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has a wonderful TED Talk on the danger of a single story. When many of us talk about the history of Unitarian Universalism, we tell a single story – one that leaves out the contributions of Black and Biracial people, Indigenous People, people of color and others of marginalized identities. How must that make them feel? How does it diminish the message of Unitarian Universalism?
Please submit your Joys and Sorrows through this online form. If you submit a message by 11 am, we will try to read it that Sunday. Thank you for your patience as we are adapting to best serve you all! Note there will only be one service time during the summer so that we can gather together as a whole community of faith. You can still give to the shared offering through “text to give,” mail a check to the office with “shared offering” in the memo line, or go to our website and hit “give” on the upper right or click here. This Sunday’s shared offering recipient is Interfaith Action of Evanston.
About Rev. Connie Simon
Rev. Connie Simon was called as minister of First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati in August 2018. An avid history buff, Rev. Connie is a Trustee of the Unitarian Universalist History and Heritage Society and Editor of the Dictionary of Unitarian and Universalist Biography. She also teaches UU History and Theology at Midwest Leadership School and the Extended Leadership Experience. Rev. Connie recently adopted a four-year old Brussels Griffon mix that she named “Rev. Dr. Janeetha Ridley” or “Mama” for short.
VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 12, 2021
What’s Happening in Lifespan Faith Formation?
Welcome as we continue our theme of Beloved Community! You can access the Soulful Home packet here at your own leisure. This week we focus on the segments Around the Neighborhood and At Play. Check out this week’s video here.
Many Ways to Connect
Sledding at Lovelace Park – Saturday, February 13 at 10:30 am. Meet at the Pavilion.
Mystery Match this Sunday at 12:30 pm! – Those who were matched can join a special Zoom at 12:30 pm after worship. Meet your match and get to know each other a bit with a fun game! Click here to join the Mystery Match Celebration.
Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. Look for the email that went out with the link.
High School Youth – Sunday at 4 pm. Look for an email with details.
Pre/K Kids and Families – POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – February’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.
We have two spots open for a Visit to the Ecology Center! – February 28 at 2-3:30 pm. Sign up at here.
Current and Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Programs
Process Buddhism: Zen Style (Part of the “Visions of God” series.)
Sponsored by UCE and the Cobb Institute for Community and Practice – Tuesdays, February 16, 23 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Dr. Jay McDaniel, Cobb Institute
Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison – Tuesday, March 2. 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.
Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry – March 9 at 7 pm via Zoom – As a part of our denomination’s work and effort to examine white fragility and supremacy, this book was chosen as the Common Read. Congregations all over the country are reading and discussing this book to help understand these complex systems and relationships that support racism and oppression. Facilitated by Kathy Underwood.
Reconstruction History Series with REAL: April 7-28, 2021
According to PBS, “The twelve years that composed the post-war Reconstruction era (1865-77) witnessed a seismic shift in the meaning and makeup of our democracy, with millions of former slaves and free black people seeking out their rightful place as equal citizens under the law. Though tragically short-lived, this bold democratic experiment was, in the words of W. E. B. Du Bois, a ‘brief moment in the sun’ for African Americans, when they could advance, and achieve, education, exercise their right to vote, and run for and win public office.”
Please join the REAL History team in watching and discussing the 4-part PBS Series “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War” and then discussing each episode. WTTW (or other PBS station) members can stream each episode, or you can watch them on DVD, then join us for a discussion on Zoom at 8:00 on Wednesdays April 7, 14, 21, and 28. Or you can join at 7:00 to watch the episode on Zoom and stay on for the discussion. DVDs are available at local public libraries, or you can arrange to borrow one of the 2 UCE copies by contacting Dana Deane. You do not have to attend all sessions to participate, but it is encouraged.
BLUU Havens Chicago February Gathering: February 20, 2021
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH 1:00-2:30 on Zoom
We welcome you to join us for our February Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism BLUU Havens Chicago Gathering.
Our theme will be Self Care & Self Love. You may take care of others, but do you show yourself the same consideration? If so, how do you take care of yourself? When did you last treat yourself kindly? You may shower others with love but how do you demonstrate love of self? Also, we will entertain your ideas for themes for future gatherings and you don’t want to miss our Closing Dance Party!
This will be a Black Only Sacred Space.
To request a zoom link please email: BLUUHavenChicago@gmail.com
What is BLUU Havens?
“Everybody wants a place to call home. What many Black UUs have clearly articulated a need for is a Black Unitarian Universalism that offers an unequivocal and unwavering sense of home to Black people who feel held by, or want to be more connected to, Black ancestry, Black love, Black thought, Black artistry, and Black faith. What we want is a Unitarian Universalism that, at EVERY turn, honors, uplifts, and equips our Black Lives. So the development of BLUU Havens & BLUU Harbors came alive!
And after quite some time of deep listening, dreaming, discerning, and developing, Black Lives of UU is thrilled to have launched the process for social groups and spiritual communities of predominantly Black UU and Black UU-adjacent folks (folks who share our values of Love, Liberation & Justice) to become established as BLUU Havens or BLUU Harbors!!!”-BLUU
To further connect with BLUU:
February 14, 2021
We will host an online worship service on Sunday, February 14th at 11:15 am.
A Fine Time to Say I Love You – Rev. Karen Gustafson
The cultural phenomenon that is Valentine’s day has long presented both ardent and reluctant lovers a contrived opportunity to express love. It has become for all too many a watershed of variously met and unmet expectations. A special day to say “I love you”? Really, just one? Let us take some time to open our hearts and minds to the rest of the times and ways to express and receive love on the other 364 days of the year. Along with your chalice, bring a scrap of paper and a writing tool. There will be homework…
Please submit your Joys and Sorrows through this online form. If you submit a message by 11 am, we will try to read it that Sunday. Thank you for your patience as we are adapting to best serve you all! Note there will only be one service time during the summer so that we can gather together as a whole community of faith. You can still give to the shared offering through “text to give,” mail a check to the office with “shared offering” in the memo line, or go to our website and hit “give” on the upper right or click here. This Sunday’s shared offering recipient is Interfaith Action of Evanston.