Update from Rev. Susan 5/25/25

Blessed Spring, My Friends!

I have been enjoying the bird migration, the blooming flowers, the amazing clouds, and our wonderful community this spring. The photo collage is of me on a walk at Clark Square (lower left), our Beltane Maypole viewed through the Flame sculpture on the UCE South Lawn (upper left), our Passover Seder dinner in the UCE Sanctuary (upper right), and the potluck table outside the kitchen after our Easter worship service (lower right).

The news about international wars and about the citizens and institutions of our democracy being undermined and attacked continues. If you are feeling overwhelmed (anew, again, or ongoing) by what is happening in our country or in your personal life, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Rev. Eileen, or Rev. Elizabeth. You may also fill out the Request for Care form on our website to have someone reach out to you. We are here to support each other as we navigate what is happening in world events and in our private lives.

One way I am navigating these times is that each day, I purposely take time to practice gratitude or find beauty in my surroundings or connect with loved ones. I recently learned the wonderful term “framily.” Framily is a way to refer to a group of friends who are so close to you that you considered them family.

Another way that I am working to create the world I want to live in is by participating in the Beacon of Light gatherings once a week over the summer. The gatherings are a physical space to share messages of love, inclusion, solidarity, and hope.

This summer, members of numerous Evanston faith communities will be gathering at three different locations every Thursday evening. You are invited to show up at any one of the three locations: Dempster & Ridge; Chicago & Main; or Central & Central Park. The idea is for folks to be able to walk or bike to the location closest to their home. For those who will need to drive to one of these three locations, you are invited to think about how you might bring a Beacon of Light gathering closer to your home as the summer progresses. It only takes 3 people with signs to bring light to an entire neighborhood.

Please join me at the corner of Dempster & Ridge every Thursday, from 7:00-7:30pm, starting June 5 through August 28, as a beacon of light for our country’s future. Bring a sign with an inspirational message that reflects how you are dealing with the week’s events and your vision for the days ahead (sign inspiration here). On June 12th from 5:30-7:00 pm, you are invited to join our Racial Equity Action Leadership (REAL) Team in Room 3 for a sign making event. That Thursday, we will walk together over to Dempster & Ridge. If you can’t make that event and need a sign, please let me know. I have “Side With Love” and “Black Lives Matter” signs in my office.

It is my hope that we will have at least three folks from UCE standing with signs on the corner of Dempster & Ridge every Thursday through the summer. I will be there most Thursdays. If you are able to commit to a Thursday or two over the summer, please go into our UCE Beacon of Light signup and add yourself to one of the dates. Folks who volunteer through the signup schedule are committing to being one of the three core people for that Thursday. Everyone is invited to show up whether or not you add your name to the signup.

Taking care of ourselves is one way to support our continued resistance to unconstitutional actions, to encourage others to join in our efforts to preserve our democracy, and to have the energy to care for each other.

Yours in becoming a Beacon of Light,

Rev. Susan