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