Reverend Eileen’s Sabbatical 
March – May 2023

“Ministry is a boundaryless profession,” I was told by a therapist once. “The only limits of the job are the ones you create and maintain.” I try to remember this when I take my weekly sabbath though there is always more to do, and it is hard to set my brain and heart to rest mode. We all need rest and renewal and for some of us it can be difficult to give ourselves that time. I am deeply grateful that I am able to serve this congregation and appreciate your commitment to ensuring that I can take the sabbatical time that is written into most ministerial contracts.

I will be taking three months of my accrued sabbatical time this March through most of May. During that time, I will be doing some travelling, learning about our nation’s civil rights history and the case for reparations, as well as spending much needed time with family and friends. While I am away, Rev. Susan will remain in her role, and we will have two additional part time ministers to cover worship and pastoral care needs.

Rev. Allison Farnum will be leading three worship services per month March – May and supporting the staff. Rev. Elizabeth Harding will be working with the Pastoral Care Team to provide pastoral care coverage for the congregation. They are both connected to our neighbor UU congregation, Second Unitarian Church in Chicago. Some of you already know Rev. Farnum from her work as the Executive Director of UU Prison Ministry of Illinois. Rev. Harding has been an area hospice chaplain and currently serves Second Unitarian as the Minister for Religious Education.

Here’s a quick greeting from each of them:

Hello from Rev. Allison (she/her/hers)! I am honored to be a guest in your pulpit during Rev. Eileen’s sabbatical. I served as summer minister in 2007 with you and more recently have shared with you the work of the Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry. I look forward to exploring the many themes that touch our lives in our brief time together, as well as being a presence of support to your fabulous staff. I live in Evanston with my husband Andy and two children Charlotte (8) and son Joey (5). I plan to be in the office with a regular part-time schedule and look forward to seeing you on Sundays in March, April and May!

Hi from Rev. Elizabeth! (she/her/hers) I have some fond memories of UCE as my very first youth conference was at UCE in the 1990s. A couple of years ago, I offered a workshop at UCE about hospice/palliative care and theology; you may remember me from that series. I am looking forward to getting to know you while Rev. Eileen is on her sabbatical. I plan to establish regular office hours and will be available for chats as needed. I live in Skokie, with my husband Kevin and sons Lucas (9) and Simon (3.5).

It is only possible for me to take this time away because I know you will be in excellent hands. Know that I will return, after my time away, refreshed and ready to keep serving you with love and gratitude. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out between now and the end of February.

Yours in faith and service,

Rev. Eileen

The Spirit of the Season

Yes, it is that time of the year when our homes, streets, shops, and communities are filled with the spirit of the winter holiday season. There is the joy of Christmas lights, Hanukkah candles, and yule logs, the music and foods shared at gatherings, and the joy of giving – not just gifts, but our time and compassion as well.

Here at UCE, we have so many opportunities to get into the spirit of the season, beginning with worship services! We started the month with Melanie DeMore, whose music and stories were inspirational and joyous. This Sunday, we continue our traditions with Music Sunday and Ornament Sunday. Vickie Hellyer, our awesome Music Director, will lead a service filled with music and readings to reflect the faith traditions at this time of year. After the service, we will have our Ornament Sunday festivities: a potluck of light foods to nourish us as we decorate the UCE Christmas tree and stroll amongst the tables where we can make ornaments to bring home.

On the 18th we continue the spirit of the season with another tradition, the Christmas Pageant. In honoring our Christian heritage, we celebrate the Christmas season by retelling the story of Jesus’ birth in this interactive and music-filled worship service. I often hear from parents that they want their children to know the basic stories of the Bible, and this is one of the more well-known stories they will come across. Our young people need to hear these stories, and those of other faiths, to help instill a sense of awe and wonder they give us while also demonstrating a sense of respect for these stories and the faiths they come from around the world. And while there is a bit of humor in the Christmas Pageant, my hope is that our children and youth will come to know it as a story of wonder.

For those who have a role in the pageant, you can pick up your costume before worship beginning at 9:45am. And if you didn’t want to commit ahead of time and would still like to be a part of it, you can choose a costume that hasn’t been claimed or be a shiny star. Of course, you can still sign up here to choose a role, such as an angel, shepherd, star, or even a baby cow.

Next, we welcome Christmas Eve with a beautiful candlelight service at 7pm. What better way to feel that sense of wonder on a dark, winter’s night than with the glow and warmth of candles?

With Christmas Day on a Sunday this year, the worship service will be kid-friendly and low-key. You’re even welcome to come in your pjs! Please note that the nursery will be closed so that our childcare providers can have the holiday off.

And the spirit of the season continues outside of worship services as well. Tonight, we will have our annual Carols, Cocoa, and Community at 6:30pm. We’ll begin in room 3 to wrap gifts for the Mitten Tree, then head to the sanctuary to sing some holiday favorites and enjoy hot cocoa. This is a perfect gathering for all ages, and I hope to see you there!

In Faith,

Kathy