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From Rev. Susan Frances: February 26, 202

Dear Friends, 

I think of wintertime as a time of transformation. When nature rests and gets ready to emerge in the spring as something new. The interim work of Rev. Karen has helped us recognize areas where we have needed some reflection in order to transform practices and processes. As we look out our windows, some of us to enjoy the snowy landscape and some of us tired of it, we are reminded that we are still in the midst of our wintertime, the time of reflection. This reflection has already brought about several changes. 

Website 

We have started to transform our website. If you haven’t checked out the UCE home page recently, please do. Check out the blue navigation bar and explore all the digital resources you can find.

If your team or committee or group hasn’t looked at your website page in a while, please do. And then, contact Jessica at admin@ucevanston.org about what updates you would like to see.  

Congregational Care & Support Committee (CCSC)  

The Caring Committee, Pastoral Care Team, and the ministerial team have come together and transformed into the Congregational Care & Support Committee. Check out their new webpage. The new Congregational Care & Support Committee consists of three teams: The Caring Team, The Pastoral Care Team, and the Memorial Reception Team.  

If you are in need of some care or support, there is a new online form to fill out and we’ll help you receive care. You may also send a Joy or Concern to be shared with the congregation on Sunday morning or reach out to one of the ministers. 

If you would like to volunteer with any of these teams that provide assistance within our congregation in times of need, there is a new online form  to fill out and we’ll get you plugged into serving others.  

Proposing Ideas for New Groups or Programs 

The staff has put together a more efficient way for congregants to propose new ideas for groups, committees, teams, events, and programs. Click here for the form with the information we need in order to help a new group or program become part of the life of our congregation. 

REALM 

We have fixed a significant problem with the Directory in REALM. If you continue to have issues finding someone you know is a member and doesn’t appear in the Directory, please contact Adam at agough@ucevanston.org.  

Adam is offering congregation wide trainings for REALM. If you are not logged in yet or if you are wondering how to update your contact information or review your giving information, please join Adam for the next session on March 7th from 1:15 pm to 2:15 pm to have your specific questions addressed. Click here to join the session.

Membership Engagement Working Group 

After several months of reflection with the Membership Engagement Council, last month we put together a Membership Engagement Working Group to address the gap that currently exists between becoming a member and delving into leadership. If you are interested in joining this effort, please email Rev. Karen at kgustafson@ucevanston.org. 

We are eager to hear from you and invite all friends and members of the congregation to engage in the work of shared ministry and transformation. Please reach out to any of the staff members if you have questions or ideas to share. 

The transformations continues…. 

In faith, 

Rev. Susan 

From Rev. Susan Frances: February 26, 2022021-02-26T16:22:45+00:00

February 28, 2021

We will host an online worship service on Sunday, February 28th at 11:15 am.

The Collective Goods: Time, Talent and Treasure
In Beloved Community, each of us brings our whole selves, and contributes as fully as we are able to the life of the congregation. Our faith tradition is built upon the principle that each of us has inherent value, yet no two people bring the same gifts to the collective. UCE thrives and fulfills its purpose when every one of us participates in some way, giving what we can and receiving in turn what we need. Together, we celebrate the abundance of time, talent, and treasure shared among us.

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.

February 28, 20212021-02-22T17:10:50+00:00

VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 19, 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 On the Porch and In the Neighborhood. Check out this week’s video here.

Many Ways to Connect

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 – Virtually on 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.
The Ecology Center Outing – Sunday, February 28 at 2-3:30 pm – we have two spots open for two more young people! The forecast looks good – mid-30s! Signup here.

Forum Discussion

UCE Forum Discussion – Sunday, February 21st at 10 am
Why an 8th Principle?
Leaders: Martha Holman and Team 8th
Come to Forum to learn a bit of the history of this proposed 8th principle, parse what it means, and consider how it might transform our lives here at UCE. The 8th principle is:
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.
Join the Discussion

Current & 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 23 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Dr. Jay McDaniel, Cobb Institute

Learn More and Register
Join the Zoom Meeting

Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison – Tuesday, March 2 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.

Learn More and Register
Join the Zoom Meeting

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.

Learn More and Register
Join the Zoom Meeting
VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 19, 20212021-02-19T20:27:15+00:00

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

From Rev. Karen Gustafson: February 19, 20212021-02-19T17:43:35+00:00

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.

What do you love about UCE?2021-02-18T19:18:05+00:00

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.

February 21, 20212021-02-15T16:15:01+00:00

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

Learn More and Register
Join the Zoom Meeting

Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison – Tuesday, March 2. 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.

Learn More and Register
Join the Zoom Meeting

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.

Learn More and Register
Join the Zoom Meeting
VirtUUal Faith Formation: February 12, 20212021-02-11T22:30:11+00:00

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.
Register
Reconstruction History Series with REAL: April 7-28, 20212021-02-11T18:15:34+00:00

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Evanston

1330 Ridge Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
Directions

(847) 864-1330
uce@ucevanston.org

UCE’s office hours:

Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 4 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM – 1 PM
Thursday: 10 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM – 4 PM
Friday: 10 AM – 1 PM
Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: 10 AM – 1 PM

In-person and Virtual Sunday Service is held at 10:30 am.

Become A Member

Member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenant to affirm and promote the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Evanston is recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Welcoming Congregation, a Peace Advocate Congregation, and a Green Sanctuary.

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