From DLRE: January 7, 2021
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