A Special Sunday of Solidarity!

9:15am – A short, 30-minute service where we will sing, reflect on the Christmas message as it relates to our times, and celebrate as always our commitment to justice.

10:00am – Gather to vote on Evanston’s Sanctuary Community Resolution where we decide how we will work with other communities of faith in Evanston to do all we can, in our own ways, as communities of solidarity, strength, and hope.

11:00am – The “No Rehearsal” Christmas Pageant
We’ll enact the Christmas story and reflect on its meaning. Have you always wanted to be a star? Or maybe an angel, a wise person, or a shepherd? This is your chance! No advance preparation is required: costumes, props, and stage directions will be provided on the spot. A worship service for all ages.

“Tending the Flame – Long Term Member Recognition and Volunteer Appreciation” – 9:15 and 11:00am
In this service we will honor those who have tended the flame of our Beloved Community age after age and we keep the flame burning bright with appreciation for the loving dedication of so many volunteers. Plus the General Assembly chalice will be with us as we celebrate Chalica! Rev. Wiviott leading.

December 10, 2017 – Rev. Eileen Wiviott

Winter’s Chill and The Friendly Beasts: Cold, Critters, Carols, and Compassion – 9:15 and 11:00am
Join us for Music Sunday! Animals figure prominently in the story of the birth of Jesus as well as in many carols of the season. Rather like “spotting Waldo,” you may find it fun to spot the references to winter’s chill and/or to animals in our menagerie of Choir and Instrumental pieces, Holiday Carols, and Readings at this Holidays Service.

“Awake, Aware, Alert” – 9:15 and 11:00am
According to Br. David Steindl-Rast, “To be awake, aware, and alert are the beginning, middle, and end of gratitude.” How can this idea ground us in living our UU faith? Special Guest Rev. Darrick Jackson, UU Ministers Association Interim Associate Executive Director.

“A World Full of Blessings” – 9:15 and 11:00am
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks for our blessings. It is a time to reflect upon the universality and complexity of blessings: from being open to receiving or recognizing a blessing in our lives to reaching out and being a blessing in the lives of others. Susan Frances, Intern Minister leading.

November 19, 2017 – Susan Frances

“A Desire to Serve” – 9:15 and 11:00am
The grandfather of Ralph Waldo Emerson — the Rev. William Emerson, a Unitarian, — became the first recognized chaplain of the American Army as he ministered to Soldiers on the battlefield of Lexington and Concord, Mass., in April of 1775. The Unitarian Universalist Military Chaplain Corps now has more UU chaplains in uniform than in the history of our movement. UU military chaplains are resources to their chaplain colleagues; provide comfort and guidance to the soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen they serve; and are reminders of the theological diversity within the ranks for all who seek the holy in its many forms. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.

November 12, 2017 – Rev. Bret Lortie

“You Get What You Need” – 9:15 and 11:00am
In a Buddhist parable, a monk travels the world with a jewel sewn into his robe by a friend—but since this friend didn’t tell him, the monk is unaware of the gift he carries. How often do we fail to recognize the resources we have at hand, and that life’s challenges often contain life’s most needed lessons? Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.

November 5, 2017 – Rev. Bret Lortie

“When the Veil is Thinnest: A service honoring All Souls” – 9:15 and 11:00am
This traditional Mexican festival helps loved ones honor their ancestors and discover courage in the face of death. Celebrated October 31st through November 2nd, it is said to be a time when the veil between this world and the world of those departed is thinnest. This liminal space enables us to connect with the souls of those we’ve lost, and to celebrate their lives with joy. Ofrendas or altars displaying pictures or talismans of those who have died with colorful decorations and marigolds are an integral part of the tradition. You are invited to bring a photo or sacred object of your loved one to display on the ofrendas. After each service there will be a potluck meal. Please bring a favorite dish of your beloved to contribute to the celebration. This service will be led by Rev. Eileen Wiviott with support from the Retired Women’s Group, Taryn Seawright, and Dr. Mary Shelden.

“Mary Baker Eddy’s Science of Mind Healing” – 9:15 and 11:00am
Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, was called many things: heretic, hysteric, feminist, religious reformer. Somewhere within the hype and villanization lies a woman, both brilliant and flawed, who invented the once-fastest growing religion in America. Little tracked is Eddy’s transcendental roots and how the bards of New England influenced her theology and outlook. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.

October 22, 2017 – Rev. Bret Lortie

“White Supremacy Teach-in, Part II” – 9:15 and 11:00am
A follow up to our spring Teach-In, this service will explore further what it means to live within a “Culture of White Supremacy,” and how this differs from being a white supremacist.

October 15, 2017 – Rev. Bret Lortie