And so the rollercoaster called Covid continues! Case numbers go up, then down, then back up. We close our doors, then open them, then close them, now opening them again. As much as I love rollercoasters, this one is wearing on me. And I’m not alone. We may never totally get off this ride. 

There has been a recent thread on one of the Facebook pages for religious educators on the lack of motivation everywhere. Families are facing it, parents are facing it, congregations are facing it, and religious educators are facing it in all these places as well as in their own homes and families. I am seeing more posts about leaving the profession, which saddens me. I can’t blame them for tapping out. And yet it brings me to ask, “How does one stay engage and connected during hard times – especially when related to the trauma of a pandemic?” 

I can’t begin to count the number of people I have seen leave their congregation over the years. Sometimes, it was simply because they moved away. But too often, it was due to not wanting to stay engaged – whether over a disagreement, being offended by another’s words or actions, or from microaggressions. As Rev. Eileen said more eloquently than this in her sermon last week, all who enter have the choice to stay or go. What helps to keep us here is our Covenant of Engagement, which in part says, “We covenant to speak and listen with open hearts and minds, be kind and gracious, and practice resilience and perseverance.” 

Doing this as we continue to navigate through this pandemic has its challenges, of course. How do we stay in covenant and be engaged considering all we are dealing with in our daily lives? In my experience, keeping in touch with one or two people helps immensely. Sharing our experiences, thoughts, and feelings validates us and ensures a feeling of connection that we need. Self-care goes a long way too, which may seem obvious. The connection between self-care and self-compassion though is not as obvious. Research from the University of Washington showed that there are three symptoms of burnout, one of which is exhaustion (physical or mental), and the most effective way to recover from burnout was by re-energizing acts of self-care and self-compassion. They also found that compassion is like a muscle and can be trained through practices such as meditation, yoga, appreciation exercises, and movement practices. These things can re-wire the neural systems in the brain. 

Isn’t it wonderful that we have opportunities at UCE to learn about and practice some of these things that can help us? We are so blessed to have people in our congregation who are willing to share their talents and knowledge! My wish and endeavor is for all of us to stay connected and engaged in some way – with a friend or a group, by doing a spiritual practice or social justice work – and hang on to one another until the rollercoaster ride comes to an exhilarating stop. 

In Faith, 

Kathy Underwood

Well, here we go again! With the recent increase in Covid cases we find ourselves once again returning to virtual worship and faith formation. It may be bringing a lot of different feelings up for you and your family: frustration, boredom, feeling stuck and in a rut, perhaps tired and run-down too. Our resilience is being tested yet again.  

And yet I am feeling more optimistic this time around. Winter is naturally a time for staying indoors more and taking time for reflection, especially at New Year’s. I am noticing that the sky is lightening earlier and staying out just a bit later in the day now. I am blessed with a warm house, a full refrigerator, a job that allows me to work from home when needed, and a spouse who puts up with me 24/7. 

For us at UCE, we are still able to gather in small groups. This helps tremendously with the spirits and morale of those who feel comfortable being in person. Of course, we are also able to gather in the great outdoors and enjoy the beauty of winter along the lakefront, in forest preserves, and around the block in our own neighborhoods. And we can take the time to explore this month’s theme, Living with Intention.  

While most of our Faith Formation programs will be virtual in January, we will sprinkle in some outdoor fun too! I hope you join us in some of these programs and events:  

January 9 –  
Join our guest Storyteller, Olivia Behr, after worship and kinship time at 11:35 am for a storytelling workshop on our intentions. Together we will explore the hopes and obstacles of our journeys.
After Faith Formation Hour, all ages are invited to meet at Emily Oaks in Skokie at 12:30p for a nature walk, and perhaps a special activity – a Gnome Hunt! 

January 11 at 7 pm – Belonging to One Another in a Time of Rupture: How COVID Can Change Healthcare, Caregivers, and Relationships – Tuesday, on Zoom.
A Conversation with Andi Chatburn, DO, MA, HEC-C, Regional Director for Ethics, Providence Health, Washington Montana Region.  

January 16 – a Youth Group outing is being planned, so stay tuned! 

Forum Discussion Group resumes January 16 at 11:35 am on Zoom
Scaling up social solidarity: Is it realistic for all to have what they need? Envision what is possible. Words to contemplate before our discussion: “The world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed,” Mahatma Gandhi 

Beginning January 18 – What Do yUU Believe? A credo class for youth and adults together.
How do you talk about what you believe and how does what you believe show up in the way you live your life? How do you articulate what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist? In these four virtual sessions, designed for youth and adults (age 12 and up) Kathy Underwood and Rev. Eileen Wiviott will accompany you on the journey toward understanding and articulating your beliefs and how they align with our UU faith. All sessions will be on Zoom. 

• January 18th 7pm – 8:30pm 
• January 25th 7pm – 8:30pm 
• February 1st 7pm – 8:30pm 
• February 8th 7pm – 8:30pm 

January 23 – One-to-One Conversations – 11:35 am
Giving your time and interest in another person can go a long way to build relationships. We’ll explore ways to connect to each other virtually and in person to grow our faith community. 

Sledding at 1 pm if there is snow. More details to come! 

January 30 – Spiritual Practices at 11:35 am
All ages are invited to join any of these programs. Check the newsletter later this month for further details: 

• Prayer for UUs with Rev. Eileen 
• Imbolc Ritual led by Taryn Seawright and Dan Solomon 
• Meditation led by Ellie Feddersen and Diane Markel 
• Tai Chi led by Renee Gatsis 

See you there!
Kathy Underwood

Holiday Happenings are Here! 

The winter holiday season is about to begin, and there are many ways you and your family can engage and connect at UCE, both in-person and virtually. There is something for everyone in the coming weeks during Faith Formation Hour and beyond. Please know that it is perfectly fine if you can’t participate – this really isn’t meant to make anyone feel guilty! Just know that you are warmly welcomed to partake in whatever works for you and your family, and whatever will help brighten your spirit this holiday season. Here’s a synopsis of what is coming up: 

This Sunday, our Faith Formation Hour focuses on spiritual practices – just what you need as we head into the holidays! 

• Hanukkah – All ages are invited to room 6 to learn about the holiday, share stories and traditions, play games, hum songs, and have fun! This will also be available on Zoom for those who prefer to participate from afar. Join on Zoom.
• Meditation for Compassion: A Beginner’s Meditation Mantra from Thich Nhat Hanh’s, The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching in room 12. Bob Mesle leads this program for people wanting to begin or renew their meditation practice. Experienced folks are invited to come and share their experience and insights.  
• Chair Yoga – Doug Erickson facilitates this spiritual practice that is perfect for those who are less mobile or new to yoga. This will also be offered on Zoom. Join on Zoom.

In December, I hope you can join at least one of these events. Helping people in need and connecting with others can be a spiritual practice on its own, and certainly good for your spirit: 

• Now through December 10 – UCE Mitten Tree – sign up here to purchase a gift for a person in need, staff a table, or to help wrap gifts. There are many ways to help! 
• December 5th during Faith Formation Hour (11:35-12:30) 
  • Ornament Sunday – come make ornaments for the UCE Christmas trees or to take home. 
  • Forum – the Green Team will be sharing ways to green your gifting.
• December 6th – Chalica, a UU Holiday, begins for 8 days. Use this guide for your family!
• December 10th from 6-7:30 pm – Charity, Carols, and Cocoa – all ages are invited to help assemble care bags for Connections in room 6, followed by a tree-lighting, carols, and cocoa outside. Come for either or both events. 
• December 12th during Faith Formation Hour (11:35-12:30) 
  • Storyteller Workshop – join our storyteller, Graig Turtullien, for all-ages fun in room 3. 
  • Caroling – spread some holiday cheer in the neighborhood! 
• December 19th 
  • Annual Christmas Pageant during worship – everyone can be a star in this no-rehearsal pageant. Come to the back of the sanctuary by 10 am to choose a costume. Folks from home can join via Zoom and be animals or twinkling stars. 
  • Forum – during Faith Formation Hour – Personal connections during the holidays and a pandemic.
• December 21 – Solstice (Yule) Ritual – this will be a family-friendly event to celebrate the turning of the wheel and the return of the sun. 
• December 24 – Christmas Eve worship at 7 pm. Join in community at UCE or virtually on our YouTube channel. 
• December 26 – Worship service on “Nurturing Our Spirits with Laughter”. This promises to be a good time for all ages! 

May your spirits be filled with love and joy! 

In Faith, 

Kathy Underwood
Director of Lifespan Religious Education

Celebrating Successes in Shared Ministry 

As of this writing, we have had three Sundays of our new Faith Formation Hour! So far, things have gone smoothly, thanks to the many people who have been brave, excited about, and willing to try this ambitious idea. Some of the people who have been instrumental in working with our young people and youth: Penny Doyle, Wendy Drake, Ann Gadzikowski, Barb Ghoshal, Linda Herried, Sue Larson, Gillian and Dan Lawrence, Carolyn Leman, Norell Liddell, Janice Milanovich, Cheryl Mounts, Anne Seidenberg, Margaret Shaklee, Carla Williams, and Chris Yoo. And then there are those who have played a large role in organizing and facilitating our multigenerational and adult programs: Shirley Adams, Steve Courtright, Alicia Hempfling, Diane Markel, George Monical, Dan Solomon, Johna and Will Van Dyke, and our storyteller, Graig Tertulien. 

I am really excited about this Sunday’s Faith Formation Hour too! The Fair Trade Team has a wonderful program lined up for all ages. They will have four activities in the sanctuary for you to participate in, and one of them includes chocolate milk! 

And coming up during Halloween week, we will have a campfire, stories and s’mores on Wednesday, October 27 from 5:30-7:30p. Costumes invited, or come dressed as you are! On the 31st, our Faith Formation Hour will focus on spiritual practices (emphasis on “spirit”ual). Taryn Seawright will lead a Samhain ritual, which is a pagan celebration that originated with the ancient Celts to celebrate the end of summer and coming of winter. Many of our Halloween traditions and symbols come from this. We will also have tai chi for those 12 years and older, led by Renee Gatsis, chair yoga led by Doug Erickson and Rev. Eileen will lead a “prayer for UUs” experience. There will be something for everyone! 

We are on our way to creating opportunities for all ages to engage in our faith and with others. The Faith Formation Force welcomes your participation and feedback as we continue this new endeavor. 

In Faith, 

Kathy Underwood

When I was first hired just 6 months before the pandemic, I had heard about UCE’s desire to create a more multigenerational community. When Rev. Karen Gustafson came as our interim minister, this was reiterated many times. Knowing this gave me such hopes and dreams as a religious educator!  

And so this past year, the Faith Formation Force has been working hard to find a creative way to make this happen, and we’re about to launch this new idea of all-ages worship and faith formation and see it come to fruition! Or are we?  Will the continued challenge of the pandemic force us to veer our course? 

We have a volunteer challenge. The reality is that many people are not comfortable working with our young people for many reasons, partly due to vaccination issues. What this means for our young people is that we cannot have age-specific programs at this point, even with only having these programs twice monthly.  

The past 18 months have been challenging for parents and families. They need our support. If we are striving for a shared ministry, then it is not the responsibility of parents solely to fill the role of guiding our young people and youth. Rather, it is our collective responsibility – whether we personally do this or not. I also acknowledge that working with young people is not everyone’s cup of tea. We want people who genuinely care and want to be with our young people. And so I ask those of you who do, volunteer to be a helper one Sunday this year – just one! I promise that you will be amazed by our young people, learn about UUism, and have fun! What more could one ask for these days? 

One thing the past 18 months has told us is to be flexible and forgiving. With this approach, we will go forth with this vision of a shared, multigenerational faith formation experience, and learn and grow along the way.  

In Faith, 

Kathy 

Shared Ministry – Who Are We Leaving Out? 

Last month I wrote about my weakness: my fear of admitting when I need help, and then asking for help. It sounds silly, and looked even sillier in print, but the truth is hard to see at times.  

As I reflect on why this can be a challenge in my life, I thought of a couple of things. The first one has to do with my childhood and growing up in a household where I was told in subtle, non-verbal ways that only weak people asked for help. I don’t remember either of my parents asking for help, but that was probably because I was in my own little world and didn’t notice it, for I’m sure there were times when they did. My parents were both very self-sufficient in my eyes. 

The second has to do with my fear of leaving someone out. This usually happens in a dream where I am thanking all the volunteers who put in their time and energy to create a fun, safe, and welcoming program for the young people. In this recurring dream, I have a terrible feeling that I have forgotten someone, or worse yet, more than one person. I then have a deep sense of dread and shame for hurting their feelings. But in my awake moments, the fear is in not asking a specific person for help with a task. I talk myself out of it with thoughts like, “They do so much already” and “They have 7 little kids, I’m sure they don’t have the time”. How many of us have sat in a meeting and thought or said these things? I have tried to be intentional in changing my rhetoric in these situations, but often fall into old habits. 

And so I now wonder how many times I have left someone out in participating more fully? Does my white, middle-class status factor into this? More importantly, what do I need to do to correct this? 

In this time of change, asking for help is perhaps even more important. My struggle is partly in not knowing exactly how much help is needed. How many volunteers do we need when we aren’t sure how many families with children and youth will be in-person? And I struggle with asking people for help during a time when they are dealing with so much: grief, stress, the unknown, not to mention life in general.  

And yet this is an exciting opportunity for us! We have the chance to create the multigenerational community we have been wanting for many years. Through our shared ministry, we individually and collectively can genuinely welcome all ages through our doors, into our sanctuary, and into our lives and hearts. There are so many ways each of us can do this, and faith formation is one of them. Feel free to see how here. 

Let’s see what shared ministry looks like when we invite everyone in! 

In Faith, 

Kathy 

Playing with Planning 

With August just around the corner, plans are underway for this fall and our hopeful return to the building on Sunday mornings. Rev. Eileen, Rev. Susan, and I have been sharing with many of you our excitement with the new format for worship and faith formation this year. During our interim period with Rev. Karen, it became apparent that the congregation wanted a more multigenerational community, where all ages are involved in the full life of the congregation. When I interviewed to be your next Director of Religious Education, this was one desire that was emphasized. It had already been something I was exploring professionally too, and so I was eager to give it more serious consideration when I was hired. And then the pandemic arrived. 

These past 18 months has shown us many things. One of which, is that we are able to adapt to change fairly quickly, although not always easily. It made us look at how we spend our time, energy, talents, and finances more closely, as well as how those align with our values and goals. And it gave us an appreciation for time with family and friends and the realization that we want – and need – to spend quality time together. 

With the learnings gained from Rev. Karen’s time here, Rev. Eileen and I formed the Faith Formation Force to explore ways to build a more multigenerational community. The Force has been a force for sure! To test out some ideas, they created the Wednesdays in July program. We have had 32 people of all ages participate each week and it has been wonderful! (Look in this newsletter for more details.)  

From there, we considered ways of doing worship and faith formation differently that would be more welcoming to families with younger children and youth and meet our challenge to create a multigenerational community. And now we are making final plans and have begun to unveil this new creation! Check out our introductory video here and on the UCE website, or you can view the format here. You will also receive a hard copy in the mail next month.  

The Faith Formation Force is asking various groups/committees and individuals to share their talents in this new endeavor. For example, we are planning to have one Sunday focus on the arts, such as music, drama, and drawing, and are asking people with those skills to help facilitate a small group for an activity. As you look at this format, consider how you can join us in this shared ministry of building beloved community for all ages.  

We are anticipating as many things as possible as we finalize the details. Feel free to reach out to myself, Rev. Eileen, or the Faith Formation Force (Cheryl Mounts, Karena Nelson, Margaret Shaklee, Dan Solomon and Carla Williams) with your observations and questions. There will also be opportunities to give feedback over the next few months as we begin this new journey. We ask for your grace and patience as we lean into this new way of being together. 

In Faith, 

Kathy 

The Stories We Tell Ourselves 

We all have stories that we tell ourselves. Some we learned as young children. And some we have been retelling ourselves for decades. Some stories are ones from the communities we are connected to – our families, friends, schools, workplaces, and yes, our congregations.  

As a part of the interim ministry period these past two years, Rev. Karen has had this congregation look back at the stories that have been told over the years, and to explore how they have helped shape UCE into the congregation that it is now. Although I have only been here for 18 months, I have heard some of these stories myself. I don’t wish to rehash any of these stories here. Rather, my focus is on some of the broader stories we may be telling ourselves as a congregation. 

Have you heard the story about faith formation? You know, the one about the kids and youth and what we think they should be learning? It’s the one we struggle with a bit. First, we seem to have an “upstairs/downstairs” approach, as in the young people are downstairs, out of sight and mind, and the adults are upstairs making the decisions and participating fully in the life of the congregation. What would it look like if the adults were downstairs, and the young people were upstairs?  

And then there is the term “faith formation” – why can’t we simply keep saying ”religious education”? After all, isn’t that what we are doing- educating our young people? The short answer is “yes and no”. We value education, intellect, and reason – it’s even part of our UU Sources. However, faith formation is a whole lot more! It is done in and through worship, multigenerational relationships, social activism, spiritual practices, leadership, in the arts, and in play.  

I have one more story to look at – the one where faith formation is something that only children and youth do. That is a very old story! Faith formation is something we all do at every age and throughout our lifespan. Why should the young people have all the fun anyway?  

So how can we re-write the endings of these stories? That is what the Faith Formation Force has been exploring. Beginning in July, we are going to start writing some alternative endings to these stories by trying some new things. While the details are still being worked out, we will have Wednesday evening gatherings outside. Each week will start with a picnic on the lawn, followed by a special activity. We invite you to be a part of the new story we are creating! 

In Faith, 

Kathy Underwood, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

May the Force Be with Us – the Power of Becoming

Okay, maybe it’s not quite Star Wars day yet, but we DO have a force among us – the Faith Formation Force!

If you haven’t heard about this yet, it is a group of ten who are exploring with curiosity what faith formation can look and feel like at UCE as one goes through the stages of life. How do we support and encourage each other to “yearn to learn” about our faith as Unitarian Universalist and human beings? What do we need along the way? What are the best and most engaging ways to do this?

The Faith Formation Force is looking at worship and faith formation/religious education, and how we can transform how this looks and feels, how it engages and welcomes people in, the ways people connect with each other and the world, and how we renew our spirit to help create a world made whole. This is a huge undertaking, and the group has taken it on enthusiastically!

In the REvisioning conversations that happened this past year, the theme that recurred over and over was the desire to be truly multigenerational. A faith community that builds and supports relationships across the ages. A community that envelopes our youngest members into the entire fabric of congregational life. A community that welcomes and supports each other through all stages of life.

And so the Faith Formation Force has been exploring models of worship and faith formation that support the need and desire to be an intentionally multigenerational community. At the moment, we have divided into two sub-groups: one is researching other congregations who have such a multigenerational model, and the other is looking at ways to get your feedback as we explore the models that fit our goal to become more multigenerational. When we begin to seek your input, please do participate in that process. After all, our fifth principle says that we have a voice in the things that matter to us.

Our Faith Formation Force members are Ann Gadzikowski, Ben Kornfeld, Carolyn Leman, Cheryl Mounts, Karena Nelson, Margaret Shaklee, Dan Solomon, Carla Williams, Rev. Eileen, and myself.

Springtime is such a wondrous time of the year – the possibilities of becoming are everywhere!

In Faith,

Kathy