I recently posed the following question to several UCE folks: “What word(s) best describe how you feel when walking into UCE?” Some popular responses included: peaceful, serene, thankful for this beautiful space, in community, inspired, at home, renewed, remembering wonderful times. Such reactions bring a smile to Liz Kennedy-Eason’s face. Together with her husband, Steven, Liz takes great pride and joy in their joint role caring for the building. When I recently interviewed Liz, it was clear that the church is her second home. “I work with love,” explained Liz. “I strive to provide a beautiful environment where a person feels safe and welcomed when they enter our building.” One of Liz’s favorite quotes comes from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Liz relates this quote to her job: “Many people have walked through UCE’s doors and may have forgotten the details of what they heard or saw, but all will remember how the church made them feel. This is why my job is so important and why I give it my all.”

In 1998, Liz’s husband Kirk died unexpectedly and together with her 10-year old daughter, Lindsey, they began a search for spirituality and community. The first time they visited UCE was during the summer. At that time, summer services were lay led in Room 3 because that was the only air-conditioned space in the church. Margaret Shaklee led a Sufi dance that brought Liz to tears. Liz and Lindsey knew they had had found a home and Liz became a member shortly thereafter.

Fast forward a few years and we find Lindsey working part-time after school as a lobby staff person. As a teenager, Lindsey didn’t like working Saturday nights, so “Mom Liz” started filling in. At that point, Liz had worked 30 years in Human Resources and Payroll/Accounting and recalls the “a-ha” moment in the church parking lot when the trajectory of her life changed. “Right then and there, I made the decision to retire from the corporate world to embrace my ‘time’ versus my ‘stuff.’ I realized that time is life,” explained Liz. “I had enough ‘stuff’ but I didn’t know how much ‘time’ I might have.” The year was 2012 and Liz was hired on the spot as UCE’s first female sexton.

I’ve always thought it odd that churches still use the ancient word sexton to describe the duties that Steven and Liz perform. Per Wikipedia, “the words sexton and sacristan both derive from the Medieval Latin word sacristanus meaning custodian of sacred objects.” After spending time with Liz, I now think the word is a perfect description for what they do. Liz commented that “this building knows that Steven and I are here to take care of it. The church is alive – it has its own spirit.” In this Spring season, please join me in saying thank you to Steven and Liz for their hard-working and loving attention to all that is sacred at UCE.

Perhaps you’re like me and sometimes forget to be grateful for things in life. It’s too easy to focus and dwell on the things that are wrong in this world and in our personal lives. I tried keeping a gratitude journal and would forget to write in it. My middle child, Roman, gave me a gratitude jar he made with popsicle sticks inside to write on. The idea was that when you needed a reminder, you would pull out a stick to read about something you’re grateful for in life. I have totally failed in using this too. Maybe I will give this one other try.

Recognizing the little things here and there along the way seems to be the best strategy for me. On my morning walk with our dog I always see or hear something new that I appreciate, such as the footprints of a small bird in the now-dry cement of the sidewalk. I wonder if the bird’s feet were okay when that happened – did the cement come off? Did the bird look at the prints in wonder and awe?

My camera on my cell phone is full of pictures to capture these moments – when the sun glints through the colorful leaves in the fall or the moon rising behind the Burr Oaks in my yard. I am just realizing as I write this that this is my gratitude journal. I’m going to make an album for these photos as a way to go back to them and remember the joy of those moments.

When my kids were younger, I would find simple crafts to honor the meaning of gratitude at this time of the year. Cutting turkey feathers out of construction paper and writing what we were thankful for on them was an easy project. Sharing around the dinner table was even easier, although not as decorative. And being a tree-loving person, a gratitude tree was one of my favorites.

Here at UCE, I am most appreciative of the support that has come from so many of you. The staff, the Family Ministry Team, the Adult Faith Formation Team, the Lifespan Faith Formation Council, the Board, and so many individuals who have shown their gratitude for my efforts these past three years. We are all blessed to be a part of this community.

In Faith,

Kathy

Melanie DeMore is a singer/composer, choral conductor, music director, and vocal activist who believes in the power of voices raised together. In her presentations, DeMore beautifully brings her participants together through her music and commentary. DeMore facilitates vocal and stick-pounding workshops for professional choirs, and community groups as well as directing numerous choral organizations across the U.S, Canada, and beyond. She is a featured presenter of SpeakOut!-The Institute for Social and Cultural Change, the Master Teaching Artist for Music at UC Berkeley/ CalPerformances; works with everyone from Baptists to Buddhists, and was a founding member of the Grammy-nominated ensemble Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir. She became Music Director for Obeah Opera by Nicole Brooks as part of the Luminato Festival in 2019. She is a charter member of Kate Munger’s Threshold Choirs and conducts song circles with an emphasis on the voice as a vessel for healing. In her own words: “A song can hold you up when there seems to be no ground beneath you”.”

Fall Greetings,

Beyond my window is a gorgeous array of colorful sun-kissed leaves ranging from red, rust, orange, yellow and a tinge of green. I am reminded of the beauty that surrounds us in this space, our building, the grounds, our sanctuary. So many hands have tended the soil, planted trees, and have cared for all with their talents, time and treasure. I want to remember Bud Brock this month as we will hold a memorial for him. Bud loved this building and spent many years caring for it. He was a most dedicated co-lead on Buildings and Grounds with me. He was always here when I needed him, even mopping after a flood in the kitchen at midnight. I reluctantly accepted his keys to the building after a few years, as we had trained Dick Whitaker to take on that responsibility. Dick eagerly and graciously took on the work and cared for our buildings and grounds. And now, Robb Geiger has taken on this role. Still we continue a tradition of ensuring a welcoming, clean and comfortable space for each and every one within and outside our church community. Bud Brock, “Big Brother”, “Little Sister” will always remember your kind self, your generosity of spirit and your love for this church.

We are all trying to return to a world that feels normal, but the rhythm is just off. Church Administrators talk of the shortage of volunteers, Rentals are more challenging as organizations are doing online fundraisers. But, on Sunday morning, we are seeing a growing number of members, friends, and guests whose desire is to come together to hear a message that will inspire more hope, more of what we need to do our part to heal the world.

This past Sunday we had a successful music concert featuring Howard Levy and Chris Siebold 120 in attendance. The duo performed a satisfying 3 hours of music with an intermission where guests could enjoy refreshments and purchase merchandise. Howard shared the merchandise income with UCE. Attendees commented on the feeling of being in a living room enjoying great music with Howard and Chris. It was a very special evening. Thank you to all who attended and supported our fundraising effort as we heard outstanding selections that warmed our souls. A special note of gratitude to David Carling, Adam Gough, Lynn Kendall, Peg Boccard, Janelle Brittain, Renee Hoff, Marcy Hicks, Alice Chrostowski, David Schroeder and Kathy Talmage who helped me make this concert a terrific evening for all who attended. A special thanks to Gay Riseborough for the motivating article about the concert and UCE in The Evanston Roundtable.

Your staff is working to provide a space for our congregation to return with ease and comfort. It’s not easy to return to following protocol and to make things happen. Please help us by remembering to fill out your Room & Publicity form when requesting the use of a room. There is some juggling to do as many want our rooms with the new hybrid equipment. Our new Office Administrator David Carling will do his best to balance out all needs and requests.

Rentals are beginning to pick up. We have an assertive budget this year and are striving to use our space to support our financial needs.

Mothers of Multiples joined us for their resale in September. North Shore Choral Society has a concert in our sanctuary on November 13, North Shore Weavers Guild meets monthly, North Shore Chamber Orchestra returns for rehearsals and a concert. I continue to reach out to not-for-profits to rent our space for their meeting and event needs. If you know of an organization that needs meeting space or a music group that wants to record or perform, please give them my email address srobinson@ucevanston.org

Our Capital Campaign projects continue to progress. Soon we will be launching construction of an accessible and inclusive bathroom in the lower level, as well as cosmetic changes to the existing girls bathroom. The Capital Campaign Implementation Committee has hired Biltmore Homes headed by Contractor Eric Barton to do this work. Drawings were done by Architect Mark Miller, former UCE member and someone who provides excellent guidance to us from time to time. This is an important and exciting addition to our lower level.

Thank you to Johna Van Dyke and Maggie Weiss who will be working in our lower level Room 7 to repair the sanctuary banner that was deteriorating due to sun and age. Your talents and efforts do not go unrecognized.

Yay to our Serendipity Auction Team. October 30th is the deadline for submitting your donations. Please support this terrific “Fundraiser” by donating an item, a dinner or service and plan to attend the auction on Saturday, November 12. Details can be found in this newsletter and on our website at ucevanston.org