Friday, January 31, 2025
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Updates from Dr. Emma Farrell, February 2, 2025
Especially recently, overwhelm seems to be the name of the game. With so many crises unfolding at once—both globally and in our personal lives—it can feel impossible to keep up. Sociologist Jennifer Walter recently posted about this phenomenon, calling it the “shock doctrine.” She describes how this strategy is intentionally used to disorient and overload people into disengagement, making it harder for us to stay present and active in our communities. It’s true—we can’t follow every issue all the time, and we certainly can’t expect ourselves to carry the weight of it all alone. That’s why we must lean on each other, sharing the cognitive and emotional load.
As I talked about in my December 29 sermon: we do what we can, we work together, and we take it in shifts. No one person can—or should—carry the full burden of justice, care, and community-building. Instead, we sustain each other by stepping in when needed, offering support, and allowing ourselves to receive it in turn.
So, I ask you: What helps keep you sustained for the long haul? What keeps you grounded, connected, and feeling resourced when you’re feeling the weight of the world?
One of the things that continually renews my spirit is witnessing the deep mutual support and authenticity within this congregation. At UCE, I see people showing up for each other in profound ways—pastorally, personally, and professionally. I hear members sharing their joys, their struggles, and their milestones, both during service and outside of it. I see the ways we distribute the load, whether it’s parents stepping in to help when my own children started bickering mid-intro (yes, from the pulpit!) or the board’s chefs preparing a homemade holiday dinner with love and care. I see the creativity and generosity of our members, like a talented graphic designer contributing to our next pledge drive or thoughtful conversations about what it means to create an inclusive, beloved community. The acts of care and generosity are countless.
Beyond these larger acts of service, I also find deep renewal in my one-on-one interactions with you. There is a healing power in witnessing each other and in being witnessed. It is humanizing, connective, and deeply sustaining. These moments remind me why this work matters and why, together, we can continue to move forward—one step, one shift, one act of care at a time.
In service,
Emma
February 2, 2025
Music In Context
Music is a sacred, connective artform that transcends boundaries and unites us across cultures. How do we, as Unitarian Universalists, engage with diverse music that inspires us while being in relationship with the cultures from which it comes? When we inevitably make mistakes, how can we cultivate humility, deepen our capacity to listen, and learn from those moments?
Upcoming Services:
February 9th – Conspiring Together for More Love – Rev. Eileen
February 16th – The Race Card Project – Rev. Eileen and the REAL Team
February 23rd – Barb Mesle’s Spritual Journey
January 24, 2025
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Sunday, January 26, 2025
The Evolution of Compassion
How has compassion evolved in our species and how do we participate in its further development? Rev. Eileen offers this sermon, inspired by our auction raffle winner this year, Robb Geiger. Carla Williams will serve as the Worship Associate. The UCE Choir, directed by Vickie Hellyer and accompanied by Gregory Shifrin on piano, will provide the music, along with a duet by Robb Geiger on piano and Kevin Barrow on clarinet.
Today’s offering will be shared with C& W Market Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the Evanston community by providing essential grocery access to those facing food insecurity and fostering career skills in the food and culinary industry.
Upcoming Services:
February 2nd – Music in Context – Dr. Emma Farrell and Rev. Eileen Wiviott
February 9th – Conspiring Together for More Love – Rev. Eileen
February 16th – The Race Card Project – Rev. Eileen and the REAL Team
February 23rd – Barb Mesle’s Spritual Journey
January 17, 2025
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January 19, 2025 10:30am
Agape: Courage in Community
Rev. Allison Farnum and Keith Talley, UUPMI
Join us this MLK Sunday …Now, more than ever, we need one another to embody a Larger Love called Agape. Rev. Allison Farnum and Keith Talley, of the UU Prison Ministry of Illinois, lead this service. Lynn Kendall will be the worship associate and Gregory Shifrin offers his gifts on the piano.
Today’s offering will be shared with C& W Market Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the Evanston community by providing essential grocery access to those facing food insecurity and fostering career skills in the food and culinary industry.
Upcoming Services:
January 26th – Evolution and Morality – Rev. Eileen Wiviott
February 2nd – Music in Context – Dr. Emma Farrell and Rev. Eileen Wiviott
February 9th – Conspiring Together for More Love – Rev. Eileen
February 16th – The Race Card Project – Rev. Eileen and the REAL Team
Friday, January 10, 2025
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January 12, 2025 10:30am
Harry and Leota: An Unlikely Story of Love in the Digital Age
There is always more than one way to tell a story. How we choose to weave our narratives has an impact on how we live our values. This Sunday, we revel in one amazing story of love and the lessons we might all learn from it. Rev. Eileen leads this service, with Shirley Adams as our Worship Associate. The UCE Choir will sing, directed by Vickie Hellyer and accompanied by Gregory Shifrin on piano.
Today’s offering will be shared with C& W Market Foundation, whose mission is to enrich the Evanston community by providing essential grocery access to those facing food insecurity and fostering career skills in the food and culinary industry.
Upcoming Services:
January 19th – MLK Day – Rev. Allison Farnum
January 26th – Evolution and Morality – Rev. Eileen Wiviott
February 2nd – Music in Context – Dr. Emma Farrell and Rev. Eileen Wiviott