Sunday Service: In-person and Online Sunday at 10:30am

Sunday, January 21, 2018

“Sexual Liberation in the Age of #MeToo” – 9:15 and 11:00am
Sexual misconduct and abuse are present in every community and sector of society, causing harm to people of all ages, genders, and identities. This isn’t news, of course, for much of the population. However, the sheer number of public figures accused of sexual assault recently has exposed the pervasiveness of the issue. Sexual morality has often been falsely equated with denying desire, limiting freedom, and stifling expression. As religious progressives – affirming the inherent worth and dignity of each person, promoting freedom of expression, and understanding sexuality as a sacred and integral part of who we are – how do we practice a sexual ethic that is life-giving, honoring, and empowering rather than harmful? Rev. Wiviott will lead worship and Henry Pleas will be our musical guest.

January 21, 2018 – Rev. Eileen Wiviott

Sunday, January 21, 20182018-01-23T19:12:41+00:00

What is that Overnight Shelter like, anyway?

Submitted by: Sheila Holder

We’re talking about the Evanston Emergency Overnight Shelter, sponsored by Interfaith Action. We are participants at UCE and will host people during the weeks of Feb. 25, Mar. 4, and Mar. 18, providing the night time temperature will be 15 degrees or lower.

I was curious, myself, so I took a short training in the Fall. Volunteers are needed for three time frames: set up 8-9:30pm; overnight 9:30pm-7am; cleanup 6-7am. I didn’t intend to ever do the overnight shift, but when extreme temperatures were sustained during the holiday period, I decided I’d give it a try.

This is what I found – It’s not so bad – I would do this again!  The guests (18 the night I was there) were grateful to have a safe, warm place to go, even with such strict time limits. They were respectful of the rules, each other and the volunteers. A staff member was always there – I was never alone.  I met a friendly couple, Howard and Lisa, from Beth Emet who were finishing up their set-up shift. I had a comfy armchair (a cot, if I wanted it) and a light, which was perfect, because I had brought a lot to read. I actually got several hours of sleep.

The a.m. volunteers were there before I knew it and my day got an early start and a boost from feeling useful and productive.

We will need many volunteers for all shifts during the weeks that we host. The shelter is held only if the temperature is low enough, so you may or may not be needed on a particular day. Based on my experience, I recommend this to everyone who is looking for a flexible, rewarding volunteer experience that truly makes a difference to people in our community.

What is that Overnight Shelter like, anyway?2018-01-11T19:44:17+00:00

UCE’s Incredible Generosity Results in a Successful Mitten Tree

On Christmas morning I was thinking of the children at the Rice Center who would be opening their presents. I know they enjoyed them. One little boy who is addicted to trains received a train set and in talking with Keith Polan, the Executive Director of the Rice Center, he said we are worried he will refuse to go to school because he will want to play with his train set.

The generosity this year was remarkable. We donated over 125 gift cards totaling over $3000, 365 food items, 477 toys, electronics, housewares and books, and 144 items of clothing.

We had some generous donors who provided over $600 in cash to fill in when mittens weren’t taken. We had a great team of helpers including Vicki Doebele, Michelle Novak, Maggie Weiss, Christine Peters, Jeanne Kerl, Aidan Strueber, the Music Committee who packed and delivered the Hillside Pantry food, Alice Swan, Marilyn Wroblewski, Cindy Sammons, Sue Thornton, and Connie Karduck. There were many more volunteers and you are all appreciated for your efforts.

We are also grateful to all those who wrapped presents, delivered gifts, and helped at the sign-up table. This is an all-church effort and as it was noted in the long-range plan, the 2nd highest participation after the Rummage Sale of any of our many church events.

The TV news organizations highlight only a small part of all the giving that occurs at this time of year. The Mitten Tree team is incredibly grateful that UCE makes such generous and heartfelt contributions to the organizations we supported.

UCE’s Incredible Generosity Results in a Successful Mitten Tree2023-11-15T20:29:15+00:00

Sunday, January 7, 2018

“Empire and Epiphany: With Our Annual Burning Bowl Ritual” – 9:15 and 11:00am
For the traditionalists, the Christmas tree doesn’t come down and the season doesn’t end until Epiphany, which celebrates the three magi who visited Jesus the night of his birth and decided not to report back to the tyrant king Herod. Epiphany can be a powerful time to reflect on these oppressive times of empire — and what we will do in the coming year to be a resisting influence in our own ways. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.

January 7, 2018 – Rev. Bret Lortie

Sunday, January 7, 20182018-01-16T20:28:31+00:00

Sunday, December 31, 2017

“Compassion Leads the Way” – 9:15 and 11:00am
As you journey into the New Year, let compassion lead your way. Our service will engage in meditative ways to create and grow compassion for ourselves, our neighbors, and our world. Susan Frances, Ministerial Intern leading.

December 31, 2017 – Susan Frances

Sunday, December 31, 20172018-01-05T17:28:58+00:00
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