Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
|
Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, April 4 at 11:15 am
|
|
|
|
The Transformation of the Tomb
After such a period of hardship, entombed in isolation, loss, and darkness, what resources will be needed to emerge? Finding hope, healing and resilience after the trauma of the tomb.
|
|
|
|
Proximity Partners Refreshed |
Approximately one year ago UCE launched its Proximity Partners initiative. This initiative was created partly in response to the fact that the COVID-19 isolation protocols kept us from meeting together at UCE. Proximity Partners groups were formed based on geographical location of members. Some of the groups organized and started gathering virtually and in-person with masks. Other groups have had less activity. In an effort to make sure everyone has an opportunity to participate in an active group, we are consolidating membership and reshaping the geographical distribution of the Proximity Partners groups. |
|
|
|
Our hats are off to Dave Woods for being the face of welcoming at UCE for so many years. In just about every conversation about hospitality and greeting at UCE, inevitably Dave Woods’ name will come up. Many people remember Dave as the first person to welcome them as they entered our doors. Long before we had a Membership Director or coordinated hospitality teams, Dave was saying, “Good morning and Welcome!” to everyone who entered, making sure folks got a nametag, and chatting with them after the service. He has filled many leadership roles over his decades of belonging to UCE – including organizing the Men’s Group, Wednesday night community dinners, and grilling burgers and hotdogs for the church picnic - yet his most iconic role will always be the one that has touched the hearts of many a newcomer and long-term member alike, as our greeter extraordinaire. Thank you, Dave, for all you have done to grow our welcoming community. |
|
We Are So Close to Meeting Our Pledge Drive Goal!
You Can Help!
|
As of today, April 2, we’ve received 247 pledges totaling $541,483 out of our goal of $553,000. We are only $11,516 short of meeting our goal! Thank you to the generosity of everyone who has helped make the pledge drive so successful.
To help us get over the finish line, you can do one of two things:
- If you haven’t pledged yet, please do so TODAY! There are only days left before the 2021-22 budget needs to be finalized.
- If you’ve already pledged, please consider a one-time gift or increasing your original pledge to get us to our goal.
|
|
|
 |
UCE Building Availability - The UCE building and grounds are available on a limited basis to small gatherings. Please read UCE's Reopening Guidelines before contacting staff about availability.
Chalice Lighters Needed - Looking for chalice lighters for Sunday service! If you would like to light the UCE chalice OR record you and your family lighting a chalice at home to be used in the Sunday service, please send an email to Rev. Eileen.
|
Reconstruction History Discussion Series with REAL starts NEXT WEEK via Zoom. More info below.
Worship Planning Playdate is April 10 at 10 am - Noon via Zoom. More info below.
The Next Board of Trustees Meeting is April 15 at 7 pm via Zoom. If you would like to join, please email the office.
Annual Meeting Preview Town Halls on April 21 at 6:30 pm and April 25 at 1 pm both via Zoom. More info below.
Evanston Earth Day Celebration - April 22 at 7 pm via Youtube Livestream. More info below.
"UU Justice Revival: Taking a Collective Breath" on Sunday, April 25th at 10 am in place of the 11:15 am service
Limited Plant Swap on Saturday, May 15 at 2-3:30 pm. More detail coming soon.
UCE's First Pop-Up Parking Lot Sale is Saturday, May 22. More info below.
|
|
|
|
This Week's Events & Links |
Saturday, April 3
Sunday, April 4
-
Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 9:30 am via Zoom - Email Renee Hoff for details.
-
Forum Discussion Group at 10 am via Zoom. Click here to join.
Monday, April 5
Tuesday, April 6
Wednesday, April 7
Thursday, April 8
-
Virtual Meditation at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Andrea DeMers for the link.
|
|
|
|
Tickets go on Sale Monday, March 29
Virtual Peter Mayer Concert
|
|
Peter Mayer, celebrated singer and songwriter, will perform on Saturday, April 24 at 7 pm. Peter's work is known throughout the Unitarian Universalists Congregations and one of his best known and beloved songs Blue Boat Home is included in the UU Hymnal.
Our congregation was honored to see Peter perform in our sanctuary last year and are very excited to welcome him back, this time on Zoom. The concert is hosted by the UCE Green Team with proceeds benefitting The Talking Farm. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
|
|
Congregational Connections |
|
UUA "Breaking Covenant" Workshop April 10 |
|
Breaking Covenant: Repair Restore Renew is a one-day workshop designed to assist us with honoring the holy space between us and recognizing that when covenant is broken between any people in our community, it's broken between us all. This workshop will address the theological underpinning of covenant, as well as policies and procedures that can be put into place to set boundaries and to call each other back into covenant.
For registration: Please register individually. UCE already has a dozen people registered, so you may select the fee of $20 when you register. After you register, please contact Carla Williams with the Committee on Shared Ministry to let her know you have registered as she is keeping track of the UCE attendees.
|
|
Upcoming Worship Planning Playdate - April 10 - 10am to Noon
Have you wanted to participate in planning worship but didn’t know how to get involved? Do you have ideas for music, visual arts, ritual, story, or videos that could make our services more meaningful and engaging for people of all ages? You are invited to join the ministers and program staff who plan weekly services for a fun workshop on Zoom. We’ll gather ideas and ‘metaphorage’ around service themes and topics. This is a great chance to dip your toe in – an investment of two hours that could scratch the itch or lead you to further involvement with worship planning because it’s just that much fun!
|
|
Do you want to learn more about Realm? Join the Basic REALM training on April 12, 2021 at Noon to 1 pm. All skills levels are welcome to join. We will review the basics of Realm from setting up your account, editing your profile, accessing your giving history and more! If you haven't set up your Realm account, you are encouraged to attend and we'll help you get set up. |
|
Come and Learn about the 8th Principle! |
|
Learn about the 8th Principle at the next 8th Principle Town Hall gathering on Sunday, April 11 at 1:15 pm. ALL ARE INVITED!
You can also join the forum discussion on THIS SUNDAY, April 4 at 10 am!
If your covenant group or small group would like to discuss the 8th Prinicple at your April gathering, please contact Rev. Susan Frances at sfrances@ucevanston.org.
|
|
Annual Meeting Preview - Town Halls April 21 & 25 |
|
As a part of the interim process, the Board of Trustees has been meeting with each of the committees with whom it has a working relationship, namely Nominating & Recruiting, Integrated Stewardship Council, and the Endowment Committee. The Board appreciates these conversations and the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with these committees.
In addition this year there will be proposed changes to our bylaws to vote on and a vote on adopting the 8th principle. How can we all find out more about these two voting issues? Read on, and come to a congregational conversation at our Town Halls.
|
|
Healthy Planet, Healthy People - Earth Day 2021 |
|
Join us through livestream on YouTube on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, from 7-9 pm, in this city-wide, youth led event, including poetry, music, speakers (including the present and incoming mayors of Evanston) and more!
|
|
"UU Justice Revival: Taking a Collective Breath"
Sunday, April 25th @ 10 am - Instead of UCE Service at 11:15
|
|
Twenty five Unitarian Universalist congregations in IL, the UU Advocacy network and UU Prison ministries are gathering to take a collective breath. As spring waits on the horizon, can we breathe? We can breathe as vaccines become available. We can breathe as we once again gather together. We can breathe into a new administration, breaths of accountability, breaths of attention. We have work to do to create a just world where everyone can find their breath. It is time to breathe. Let us take a collective breath together. |
|
UCE's First Ever Pop-Up Parking Lot Sale is Coming Soon!
Join in on the fun May 22, 2021 (rain date May 29) from 10-2 for our first-ever UCE Parking Lot Pop-up Sale. This is an event for the entire family which will be fun and will help UCE make its 2021/22 budget for Rummage Sale. All proceeds from the sale will benefit UCE in lieu of our regular Annual Rummage Sale.
Here's what we need from you. Sign your family and friends up to host a table or volunteer. You can sign up as an individual, a family, two friends, three friends, or your covenant group or any church group you belong to...
|
|
Are you registering for General Assembly for this June? Hooray! It is a great way to learn and expand your thinking and your spiritual life. Last year about 20 members attended the virtual sessions. The fee is $200 for this year's virtual meeting. There are scholarships from both UCE and the UUA to help make it accessible to you. Registration page is here. And good news: there is a youth program this year!
Scholarship application form for UCE is here.
After you register, please log in to this google sheet to help UCE create a list from which to choose delegates to represent us at the general sessions. If you did not attend last year, just add your name to the list and indicate your interest in being a delegate.
|
|
VirtUUal Faith Formation and Ways to Connect |
|
Easter Egg Hunt – once again this year we will be participating in a virtual egg hunt with 77 UU congregations around the country and Canada! You can play anytime after 9 am Saturday: Easy version: https://www.uuco.org/community Difficult: www.uumontclair.org
8th and 12th Grade Bridging – We will meet on the lawn at UCE at 4 pm on April 25 to record your bridging ceremony – our UU recognition of your next stage of life. All young adults and high school youth are welcome to participate! If you haven’t received an email about this yet, please email Kathy Underwood.
Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. See the email with Zoom info.
Pre/K Kids and Families - POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – April’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.
High School Youth – Outdoor meet-up. Look for an email with details.
Looking Ahead
Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grade Youth - Sunday, April 11 at 1 pm.
|
|
UCE Forum Discussion - Sunday, April 4 at 10 am |
Come join us for continuation of our discussion of the proposed 8th principle. In late February we talked about the history of the 8th principle, the process toward adoption, and Beloved Community. This time we will look at how some other congregations are approaching adoption, news on dates and the UCE voting process, and what it means to act accountably. What does that mean individually and within UCE? Part of our time together will be spent imagining action steps we could take after the adoption of the 8th principle. There will also be a short video of a UU minister speaking about their congregation and the 8th principle. |
|
Current and Upcoming Adult Religious Education |
|
Facing Climate Change – Tuesdays, April 6 and 13 - Andy Fisher will talk about the critical problem of climate change, based on materials from “The Climate Reality Project” founded by former Vice President Al Gore. Dan Solomon will follow up with a presentation on how Religious Naturalism can provide a framework for facing Climate Change.
|
|
|
|
The Fiction Book Group will meet Friday, April 16 at 7:30 pm. Our selection for April is Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet: A Novel of the Plague. Fitting, we know! Winner of the National Book Critics Circle and the Women’s Prize for fiction
A tender and unforgettable re-imagining of a boy whose life has been all but forgotten, and whose name was given to one of the most celebrated plays of all time
Everyone is welcome to join us!
|
|
Deepening Our UU Identity
Continues April 28 at 7pm
|
What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Without a common creed or theology, what unites us and grounds us? Contrary to the common misunderstanding of our inclusivity, that we are the ones who "can believe whatever we want," Unitarian Universalism is a chosen faith that asks a great deal of those who commit to its aspirations and covenants. In this four-part series, we will explore the religious roots... |
|
|
Celebrate with the Green Team this month! |
Are you feeling a little GREEN this spring? Celebrate with the Green Team this month:
- Walk at Harms Woods, Wednesday, April 21, 12:30 pm;
-
UCE Earth Day Celebration on Thursday, April 22, 7 pm;
-
Peter Mayer Concert benefiting The Talking Farm on Saturday, April 24;
-
Beach Clean ups in Evanston and Chicago, April 17 - April 24;
-
City of Evanston Earth Month, all of April;
- Harms Woods Restoration on Saturday May 15 and 2021 Plant Swap, Saturday, May 15, 2 - 3:30 pm in UCE parking lot.
Join the Green Team monthly session on the first Saturday April 3 at 1pm. Click here to join the Green Team Meeting. We could use your help in planning some local hikes, bike rides and hopefully a camping trip! We address environmental issues as well but celebrating the Earth sustaining us through the challenges.
|
|
April 3 & 4 are the Drop Off Days for much needed
Shampoo, Body Wash, & Disinfectant Wipes
|
SNAP is the government program that helps provide people living under the poverty line with
groceries. SNAP does not help with essential toiletries, so there is a GAP in needs.
Interfaith Action of Evanston operates a monthly Produce Mobile, year-round, providing free groceries. To fill the SNAPGap, they are requesting donations of specific items to be distributed to 250 families through the Produce Mobile. We did not have a Soup Kitchen obligation this year due to the timing of Beth Emet’s Passover holidays. (We normally fill in for them during their holidays). So, there may be UCE folks looking for a similar service opportunity in Evanston. This one can be done entirely contact-free...
|
|
Rainbow Alliance Meets on April 7 |
|
|
Reconstruction History Discussion Series
with UCE's REAL Team - Starts April 7
|
Please join the REAL History team in watching and discussing the 4-part PBS Series “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War” and then discussing each episode. WTTW (or other PBS station) members can stream each episode, or you can watch them on DVD, then join us for a discussion on Zoom at 8 pm. Or you can join at 7 pm to watch the episode on Zoom and stay on for the discussion. DVDs are available at local public libraries, or you can arrange to borrow one of the 2 UCE copies by contacting Dana Deane. You do not need to attend all four sessions to participate. |
|
Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
