Affinity Groups
BLUU Havens Chicago is a local social group and spiritual community of predominantly Black UU and Black UU-adjacent folks (folks who share our values of Love, Liberation & Justice) 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. We embrace a Unitarian Universalism that, at EVERY turn, honors, uplifts, and equips our Black Lives.
Contact: Rev. Susan Frances, Assistant Minister for Congregational Life, sfrances@ucevanston.org
Meeting Time: Varies
Rainbow Alliance
Rainbow Alliance connects and supports the LGBTQIA+ community both within UCE and in the broader community.
Contact: Lizzy Powers, eapowers1019@gmail.com or Jordan Strueber, jordan.strueber@gmail.com
Meeting Time: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6:00-7:00 pm, via Zoom
Annual Programs: Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil on November 20th. Pride Sunday morning worship service in June.
Ongoing Programs: Rainbow Alliance Lending Library is located in the café area of the sanctuary and you are invited to check out materials.
Book Groups
Fiction Book Group
Discussing fiction books chosen by interested readers. All are welcome.
Contact: Margaret Shaklee, mshaklee4417@gmail.com
Meeting Time: 3rd Friday of each month at 7:00 pm, via Zoom
NonFiction Book Group
Books are selected annually at an organizational meeting in late August from a list of books nominated by interested readers. The group attempts to select a variety of titles that will appeal to people who may attend in the coming church year. Everyone is welcome!
Contact: Jackie Seaman, jackieseaman@sbcglobal.net
Meeting Time: 4th Sunday of each month at 2:00 pm, via Zoom
Women's Circles
The First Women’s Circle
We are a long-established group. Meetings include a personal check-in and a discussion or other program. The topics explored are intended to be interesting and relevant to our lives. The group’s style is a bit informal.
Contact: Susan Talmage, suect@hotmail.com
Meeting Time: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 pm, via Zoom.
Recently Retired (But Never Retiring) Women
If you’ve retired within the last 5 years or so or are planning to retire within the next two years, join us for this gathering beginning with a potluck dinner, conversation and discussion on a topic selected by one of us.
Contact: Margie Rogasner, mrogasner@yahoo.com
Meeting Time: 4th Tuesday of each month, 5:00-7:00 pm, in-person or via Zoom.
Proximity Partners
Proximity Partner Groups are based on geographical location and give congregants a group of people close to them for support and connection. When you join UCE, you are assigned to the Proximity Partner Group for where you reside. Groups gather at various times, sometimes in-person and sometimes via Zoom.
Contact: Adam Gough, Facilities and Technology Coordinator, agough@ucevanston.org
Meeting Time: Varies
Peg Heads
Love to play cribbage? Join us!
Contact: Kristin Larsen, klarsen4725@gmail.com
Meeting Time: Varies
The Play's the Thing
This group gathers together to read play scripts, taking turns with parts to make sure everyone gets a chance to participate.
Contact: Sarah Vanderwicken, svanderwicken@gmail.com
Meeting Time: Varies
UCE Pagan Collective
This group is comprised of people with various theological beliefs who join together to focus on creating ritual around the cycle of the seasons.
Contact: Taryn Nelson Seawright, tarynnelsonseawright@gmail.com
Meeting Time: Varies
