Sunday Service: In-person and Online Sunday at 10:30am
Democracy the Day After
The United States has voted: did democracy prevail? What does democracy mean today for Unitarian Universalism, which promotes “the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large”? Let’s explore how to apply our fifth principle in everyday life. Way Cool Worship (downstairs). Service Led by Rev. Gregory Stewart
Part of the important work I do at the Unitarian Church of Evanston is to get to know the congregation, to hear your stories, and for you to tell me what kind of a congregation you hope to have in the next two years. Sounds simple enough, but most of us are already overscheduled. So I will try to make it easier.
Starting November 15, I’ll be at Curt’s Café from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every Thursday. You are invited to join me for coffee and informal conversation in this warm and inviting setting. You don’t need an appointment; just show up. The only agenda will be yours. Please remember that this is a public place, so it’s not a good place to share sensitive information. I hope to see you then and there!
If you would like to make an appointment to meet with me at my church office, please call, text, or email me at church and we’ll find a time to meet on weekdays, weeknights, or weekends. You may come alone or set up a session for your church committee or team. Of course, I’ll also come to your monthly meetings if you’d like me to do so, just ask. My calendar fills up quickly.
I will be officially welcomed to the congregation on Tuesday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m. We’ll be showing the documentary “Preacher’s Sons,” which chronicles the life of the Stewarts as five at risk, children of color, join our forever family. If you want to know more about me or my family or my ministry, you’ll see it all on the big screen. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend to come too.
In early December we will begin to offer programs about and for interim ministry. We will look at our history and see the clues it offers for our current situation. We’ll explore who we are and what we want to be. We will consider the theologies that have meaning for our members. We will determine what is working and what is not. We will do this in small groups and at open forums.
As I’ve said before, a big part of my job is to hold up a mirror to the congregation and ask, “Is this who you are?” and “Is this who you want to be?” We’ll tackle this in fun and creative ways. We may hit some corporate sore spots that make us uncomfortable, but it is better to deal with these now rather than to wait for the arrival of your next settled minister. Transitions are rarely easy.
So let the conversations begin with your story and your hopes and dreams for the congregation. I’m eager to hear from you. Blessed be!
The joy continues,
Greg
Premeditated Mercy
Says liberation theologian Jon Sobrino, “The church of mercy must be prepared to lose its reputation in the world of anti-mercy.” Throughout history, the Church’s mission has been one of mercy, and some say its only mission. What does “mercy” mean in today’s culture of rabid accumulation and why is being merciful sure to get us in trouble? Service led by Rev. Gregory Stewart. All ages opening worship – 11 am service only (sanctuary)
Our grounds are more beautiful than ever as the hush of autumn is upon us. The color of the leaves range from yellow to red to orange. This week trees were trimmed away from the building and off of the roof. We can now see our south lawn from the wing and sanctuary.
This week Bartco Construction began replacement of our wing roof. This project was well researched. The Buildings and Grounds leaders hired a consultant to help us navigate the complicated world of roof materials, processes and best practices for installing a new roof that will protect us from leaks and last well into the future.
We required administrative approval from the City of Evanston Preservation Council which was issued today and is now visible on the window at the main entrance.
The automatic doors for the main west entrance permits from the City and Preservation were let in early October. Julia Takarada revised the doors order to meet the preservation request. I signed the revised contract and the doors are now ordered. Corrigan & Frese are working together to schedule the electrical work.
The feasibility study for the proposed Capital Campaign has been completed. A report was given to the Capital Campaign Planning Team as well as the Board of Trustees.
Next week the team will meet to review the projects planning spreadsheet. These documents will be shared with the congregation and more information will be provided. Congregants were invited to fill out a survey or participate in a personal interview with the consultant Steven Pratapas. There are many significant projects included in this list, which include repair of the drains and repaving of the parking lot, among other improvements to our aging annex. If you would like more information feel free to email me at srobinson@ucevanston.org. Ann Peterson is chair of the CC Planning Team and you could contact her as well.
Several rental contracts were negotiated and completed this week. $9,000 in deposit income resulted from these new contracts. Our rental program remains strong and contributes significantly to our operating budget. On Saturday, October 13th Curt’s Café held their annual fundraiser in our sanctuary. They were pleased with all of their interactions with our church from beginning to end. It was gratifying to witness the jaws dropping when we walked into our sanctuary before discussing a contract. They knew on the spot that this was where they wanted their event to take place. Liz Kennedy and Steven Eason set up the event. Food for Thought (family of Curt’s Café) catered. Liz was present as lobby staff and helped in many ways to make all go well. I attended and had the pleasure of hearing how much Curt’s Café appreciates the Unitarian Church of Evanston, and I returned the gratitude for being in relationship with this valuable organization. Thank you to all of you who support Curt’s, to our social justice teams, to the individuals who meet for coffee both south and north. You support does not go unnoticed.
Last Sunday the Democratic Party of Evanston held their annual dinner in our sanctuary.
On Sunday evening Filam Music will present a concert. More information is available in this newsletter as well as a flyer in the lobby.
Rev. Greg and his husband Stillman adopted five at-risk children of color through the county of Los Angeles, CA. The boys were between two weeks and seven years old when they were adopted. All but the youngest had been in as many as fifteen previous foster homes. When the family moved to Lincoln, NE, they were part of a successful lawsuit against the state that made it legal for same-gender couples to become foster parents. Their story was also featured in the book “Social Action Heroes: Unitarian Universalists Who are Changing the World.”
Rev. Greg and Stillman and two of their sons will be in attendance, and there will be time for questions and conversation after the screening in the Sanctuary. As with any good movie, there will be popcorn and brownies! Please join us for this opportunity to learn more about the remarkable story of the Stewart family and the values that drive Rev. Greg’s ministry. The Board and the Transition Team are sponsoring this fun event.
Honoring All Souls – The stories of our past and those who have gone before us hold information we can use to move ahead. It is important to thoughtfully explore who we are and where we’ve come from as we create a vision for tomorrow. Please bring your photos and treasured items representing loved ones to place on our altar at 9:15 and 11 am. Also at the 11 am service, we celebrate those who have helped build this beloved community, members of 40-50 years, as well as our Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Jerry Stone.
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.
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.
