Hi Friends,
I spent the last week of January at the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association’s continuing education institute in Albuquerque, NM. The same conference Dr. Emma Farrell attended. The photo is of me on a walk along the Rio Grande on the last day of the conference. I was heartened to be with UU ministers from across the country who are collaborating with their congregations and local community partners to inspire hope and actively resist authoritarianism. I returned home feeling connected, not only to the vast network of UUs in the U.S., but to a vision of our country’s future that is humane, inclusive, rational, and possible.
Coming together with people who share our values is one way to continue to restore our energy and refocus our commitment to the ongoing work needed to preserve our democracy. This year, my wife and I are sponsoring a virtual table at the annual luncheon of the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois (ACLU-IL) in the name of UCE and you are invited to join us! This year’s theme is Fighting For A More Perfect Union and the keynote speaker is Melissa Murray, who I know about from the podcast Strict Scrutiny. The luncheon will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 12:00-1:30 pm. Please RSVP to Rev. Susan by completing this form by March 6th. You do not need to pay for a ticket, you are invited to be our guest.
An opportunity to connect with people who share our UU values is coming up at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s annual General Assembly (GA) being held from Sunday, June 14, through Sunday, June 21, 2026. This year’s GA is completely online. Congregations and regions are being encouraged to sponsor watch parties.
On Saturday, June 20th, UCE will be hosting watch parties for Meet the Moment trainings from 10 am – 5 pm, and then for the annual Ware Lecture from 7 – 8 pm. If you would like to help coordinate these events at UCE, please email me. It is requested that participants in the Saturday events be registered for GA. Click here to register for GA 2026. The early bird fee is available through April 30th. If you are in need of a registration scholarship, please review the options from the UUA and then if you need further assistance from UCE, click here for the application.
Then, on Sunday, June 21st, everyone is invited to join us in the sanctuary for the Community Sing Along from 9:30-10:00 am and worship from 10:00-11:30 am. You do not need to be a registered attendant for GA to attend on Sunday. Please note the times in your calendar as these replace our regular 10:30 am worship service on June 21st.
My friends, I hope you know we are not alone. That there are UUs and others across our state and country who are also working for a better future. As we work to shape a shared future, I encourage you to reach out to me, Rev. Eileen, the Pastoral Care Team, or your friends and family when you need support; to rest when you need to restore your body, mind, or spirit; and, to take a moment to breathe deeply, appreciate the lengthening days, and rejoice in the changing of the seasons as spring approaches.
Yours in shaping our future,
Rev. Susan