Programs & Groups
The strength and beauty of Unitarian Universalism is its diversity. The many programs and activities at the Unitarian Church of Evanston reflect that diversity and provide opportunities for everyone to find joy in fellowship and service. Here you will find brief descriptions of the many programs that UCE offers.
UCE encourages congregants to engage in the life of the church with their time, talent, and treasure. We appreciate your creative ideas for engagement and shared ministry. If you have an idea for a limited program or event or for an on-going group or committee, please use the Proposal Form to consider how it aligns with our Mission and Values so that we can connect you with the appropriate staff member or existing team.
Support Groups
Book Groups
Covenant Groups
Caregiver Support Group
Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
Women’s Circles
Yoga
UCE Meditation Group
UCE Addictions & Recovery Group
We are a group of people who have struggled with our own addiction and the addictions of others. We hope to struggle well together as we work towards finding sanity, peace, love, and healthy relationships in our lives. We will strive to spend our time together in the spirit of love, embracing the inherent worth and dignity of all. We accept and respect the varied paths our members will take to find sanity, peace, love, and healthy relationships. We covenant to be together in a safe, confidential environment where we can explore our paths and our stories.
We understand “addiction” in its broadest sense to include substance abuse and behavioral addictions, such as gambling, eating disorders, sex and love, pornography, indebtedness, etc. We believe that one is addicted to a substance or behavior if one suffers serious negative consequences from its use and continues that use in spite of the consequences.
We meet at the church, every Thursday night 7:15-8:45 pm. The group is open to church members and friends who are age 18 and older. Those under 18 who would like to talk about addiction issues are invited to contact Rev. Eileen Wiviott for resources and referrals.
Book Groups
Non-Fiction Book Group
Meets the fourth Sunday each month at 12:30pm, discussing books selected by members of the group. Contact: Jacquelyn Seaman.
Fiction Book Group
The group meets on the third Friday of the month at the church, 7:30-9 p.m. All are welcome! Books are generally available for purchase at a 20% discount at the Book H Bookstore on Sunday, where news about upcoming reads for all reading groups may be had. Contact: Margaret Shaklee and Hillis Howie.
BRIDGE GROUP
The Bridge Group gathers twice a month, at the church for an evening of contract bridge. Partners are guaranteed. No need to register, just come.
Bridge Group is not meeting this Fall.
Covenant Groups
Groups of about 10 people that meet, usually monthly, to bring members into right relationship, to share, listen, develop friendships and serve the larger world. Groups meet at various times at the church, and some at members’ homes. Contact: Adam Gough at agough@ucevanston.org.
Caregiver Support Group
The UCE Caregiver Support Group provides a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental space where caregivers can share their experiences. In sharing our stories, we hope that each will leave feeling supported and better able to serve as strong and loving caregivers. The group is open to anyone who is currently in a care-giving role – caring for an aging parent, an ill spouse, a developmentally delayed child, just to name a few. Designed as a “drop-in” group, participants are invited to join in at any point and attend as often as they wish. We meet via Zoom on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Contact Joyce Lofstrom or Renee Hoff for more details.
Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
Named in honor of its founder, the Chris Isely Cancer Support group provides a hopeful and nurturing space where you are invited to share your experience with cancer or similar serious illness. The group is open to anyone who is either personally dealing with cancer or similar illness, or who is supporting a loved one in their journey. We strive to support one another in a spirit of humor, strength and tenacity. If you would like to join us, we meet on Sunday mornings at the church (9:30 a.m. in the Fall/Winter and 9:00 a.m. in the Summer.) Please note that we are a “drop-in” group, meaning you may join us at any point and attend as often as you wish. Contact Renee Hoff for more details.
Women's Circles
Women's Circles are small, on-going groups of UCE members and friends.
Women's Circles are a place for women to tell their stories and share their deepest feelings, knowing they will be listened to in a safe and trusting environment. They provide an opportunity to practice deep listening, get in touch with your inner self, form connections, and nurture one another. We hold in confidence what is shared in the groups. Meetings are led by the group members and require a commitment to attend.
We have four Women's Circles and each one is welcoming new members. If one of these groups sounds like something that would meet your needs, please contact any of the coordinators listed below or leave a message at the UCE office at 847- 864-1330.
Learn more on the Women's Circles page.
RECENTLY RETIRED (BUT NEVER RETIRING) WOMEN
If you’ve retired within the last 5 years or so or are planning to retire within the next two years, join us for this gathering beginning with a potluck dinner, conversation and discussion on a topic selected by one of us. Meetings are 4th Tuesdays from 5:00 – 7pm. Contact: Margie Rogasner.
GREENWOOD INVESTMENT GROUP
The Greenwood Investment Group, member of the National Association of Investors Corporation (NAIC), is a partnership of individuals interested in learning about and practicing good investment strategies. We maintain a single portfolio, making decisions for investment by majority vote. Members commit to participating fully as a partner in the business of the group. We meet the 3rd Tuesday of a month at 7:30 p.m. at UCE. Inquirers are invited to sit in on a meeting before deciding whether to become a partner. Contact Hillis Howie.
YOGA
Yoga meets at 9:30am on Wednesday Mornings. During UCE’s closure the session will be hosted virtually at https://8×8.vc/uceyoga.
Yoga at UCE is designed to reduce stress, bring relaxation, increase range of motion, and find balance – restorative yoga. If you never have done yoga before, this is your opportunity. Drop in, wear comfortable clothing for stretching, and try it. Yoga is learned by doing. Community yoga mats provided if needed.
Contact Doug Erickson at thinkactlove@gmail.com or Jessica Tomell-Presto at prestomgk@comcast.net for more information.
UCE Meditation Group
We welcome you, whether you’re new to meditation, an experienced practitioner, or somewhere in-between. We are peer-led and now officially affiliated with the Insight Chicago Meditation Community, a network of Sanghas in the area. Please join us Thursdays from 5:30-7:00 in room 2 at UCE. Each session begins with a 40 minute meditation, followed by a discussion of our experience of sitting and a brief reading. Contact us if you would like to arrange a brief pre-session meeting for instruction on meditation. Contact: Andrea DeMers.
Annual Fundraising Events
Rummage Sale
Every spring, our church is transformed for one week into a center for high quality recycling, community building and fundraising. Excellent volunteer opportunity – set up is the last week of April and the sale is the first weekend of May. Contact: Maggie Wilson and Nancy Lee. Click here for more information.
Serendipity Auction
Saturday, November 16, 2019
One of our two major church fundraisers, we gather for an exciting evening bidding on donated gifts, treasures, and special events. This is a fun event for the whole family. The Serendipity Auction takes place in November each year. Contact: Susan Comstock or Jenny Walsh. Click here for more information.
NIGHT OF THE ARTS
Rosemary Zwick Night of the Arts – Saturday, February 11
An event for all ages – creating art together. Contact: Johna and Will Van Dyke
A gathering of those who enjoy knitting or crochet and conversation. All levels of needleworkers may join in creating handcrafted gifts of love that will provide warmth and comfort when they are most needed. Open to new projects and ideas. Gatherings are at church, First Tuesdays of the month at 10am and Fourth Tuesdays at 7pm. Contact: Nancy Lee and Joan Horberg