Hi Friends,

Strength in community. That is where our present and future lies.

I know the uncertainty of potential national guard troops being deployed in Chicago and the ongoing appearances of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Chicago, Evanston, and other suburbs is weighing on us. I know the increase in invitations to show up to protest against troop deployment and ICE raids and to rally for our democracy is overwhelming. Please try to remember that the infliction of stress, fear, and the feelings of being overwhelmed are part of the tactics of an authoritarian government to seek cooperation and compliance.

It is with a view toward the coming weeks and months, that I sincerely ask you to make time to do things that calm your nervous system – purposeful breathing or exercise, warm baths and enough sleep, listening to calming music or gathering with friends and family who delight you.

This is also a time be measured in how we are engaging with each other. This week, I have experienced that, collectively, our nerves are starting to fray. Many of us are, understandably, tired and anxious. This naturally affects the things we are doing, even if those things are not what are making us tired and anxious. I invite you to try and be more present in your interactions with each other, drawing upon a little more patience and granting a little more grace in our communications and conversations. For it is in taking care of ourselves and each other that we will be able to continue forward together.

Some of you have asked about how you might become more involved with what is happening locally. Here are a few options:

  • Attend one of the virtual Know Your Rights Trainings for your home or your place of work. Bi-weekly trainings are hosted by Immigrant Justice: The Resurrection Project. English trainings are on Tuesdays at 2pm CST. Spanish trainings are on Thursdays at 6pm CST.
  • Sign up to receive notices from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) with alerts about ICE updates and opportunities to take action.
  • Sign up to receive notices from the ACLU Activator group with alerts about civil liberties updates and opportunities to take action.
  • Show up with a sign on Thursday evenings for our Beacons of Light gatherings. Starting on September 18th our gathering time will shift to be 6:00-6:30 pm. You are invited to join us at Dempster & Ridge, Chicago & Main, or Central & Lincolnwood!

As we continue to be engaged in preserving our democracy, we must also be engaged in caring for our congregation – this place that is a source of hope and rejuvenation for so many of us.

I invite everyone to attend our annual Engagement Fair next Sunday, September 21st after the worship service. No RSVP required, just show up with your curiosity and enthusiasm!

For those of you who are new or newish to UCE and are looking for deeper engagement with our congregation, please plan to attend one of our Journey Toward Membership classes and then think about joining as a member on Sunday, October 12, 2025, when we will be welcoming new members during the worship service. The Journey Toward Membership class is a 90-minute session and you only have to attend one session. Here are the options for dates to take the class:

  • Sunday, September 14, 2025, 9:00-10:20 am, Room 12, child care available. Register here
  • Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 6:30-8:00 pm, via Zoom. Register here 
  • Saturday, September 20, 2025, 1:00-2:30 pm, Room 12, no child care provided. Register here

I am grateful to be part of this caring and engaged community. If you need to talk about what is happening in your life or in the world, please reach out to friends and family or contact me, Rev. Eileen, or Rev. Elizabeth.

Yours in community,

Rev. Susan