Things to Know About Our Community

Joys and Sorrows – Do you have something you would like to share with the congregation during the joys and sorrows time of our Sunday morning worship service? We encourage you to submit your joys and sorrows ahead of time to this online form. We will read aloud in the service, those that are submitted by 11 a.m. on Sunday. If you are unable to access the google form for some reason, you may send an email to Rev. Eileen Wiviott at ewiviott@ucevanston.org, however, it is easier for us to keep track through the google form. We continue to celebrate and mourn together through this important ritual and appreciate your understanding as we explore the various ways to hold what is on your hearts.

Caring Concerns – Are you having surgery or a baby? Would you like a meal as you recuperate? Do you need a ride to an appointment? Let us know. The Caring Program helps us care for each other by providing practical assistance to people in our congregation who are experiencing life changes and challenges. Contact Lois Taft if you would like to volunteer for the Caring Program or if you have a need that the Caring Program can help you with.

Flowers and Chalice – Do you have a special occasion that you would like to mark or someone you’d like to honor? Consider bringing flowers and lighting our chalice in the sanctuary to be used in the worship service. Contact Rev. Eileen Wiviott at ewiviott@ucevanston.org to make arrangements.

Member Access to the Directory – If you are a member of UCE, you can access the online directory with a password. If you don’t know the password, contact the office via phone at 847-864-1330 or e-mail at admin@ucevanston.org. Members can also access the directory through REALM. Click here to access the REALM help guide for directions on how to do this.

Add your photo to the Photo Member Directory – Members and Friends can now update their own photos in the membership directory. Click here to access the REALM help guide for directions on how to do this.

Nametags, Rainbow Sticker, and Gender Pronouns Tags –  Updated information will be posted when we are again meeting in person.

UCE Facebook Groups – Did you know that, in addition to the UCE Facebook Page, there are two UCE groups that members can join – the UCE Member to Member Group and the UCE Social Action Group? These are closed groups that allow members to communicate directly with each other. If you have an event you want members to know about, or have a cause you hope to bring attention to,  you can post to the appropriate Facebook Group in addition to the weekly newsletter and Sunday morning announcements. Click the links above or search for the groups by name on Facebook and ask to join.

When and How to Call a Minister – There are so many reasons to call! You or a loved one find themselves suddenly in the hospital, wanting a visit. There is something in your life that has thrown you off balance, and you’d like a listening ear or spiritual support. You’ve experienced a significant loss, or are having an experience you don’t feel you can tell anyone about. Maybe you’d like to let the community know what is happening in your life and don’t know how to get it into “Joys and Sorrows.”

How to get in touch with our ministers:

Rev. Eileen Wiviott – Acting Senior Minister
847-864-1330 x201; By email ewiviott@ucevanston.org

Rev. Karen Gustafson – Interim Minister
847-864-1330 x111; By email kgustafson@ucevanston.org

Rev. Susan Frances – Director of Congregational Life
847-864-1330 x111; By email sfrances@ucevanston.org

Becoming a Member Classes – A 2-Step Path:

Introduction to Unitarian Universalism:  Want to know more?  This introduction takes an in-depth look at our progressive faith, including Unitarian Universalist principles, sources, and covenant.  You are encouraged to take this class before Journey Toward Membership, although you may take it any time. Held via Zoom and led by Rev. Eileen and Rev. Susan throughout the year.

Journey Toward Membership: Wait!  There’s more!  The Journey includes the exploration of our spiritual lives and what it means to be a member of an intentional community like the Unitarian Church of Evanston.  You may take this before or after you sign the membership book. Held via Zoom and led by Rev. Eileen and Rev. Susan throughout the year.

Invitation to Membership:  Are you ready to join the membership of the Unitarian Church of Evanston and make a financial pledge to the work of this church in the world?  Contact Rev. Eileen know when you are ready to sign the membership book and submit a pledge.

Several times a year we celebrate those who have signed the membership book in a new member covenant ceremony during the worship service.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to Rev. Eileen Wiviott at ewiviott@ucevanston.org or Adam Gough at agough@ucevanston.org with any questions about the membership process. We’re glad you are here.