Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
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In-Person & Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, April 24th at 10:15 am
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Engaging the World, Engaging our Lives
Our planet is the focus of so much vital social action right now. This attention to the health of our world intersects with human oppression again and again. Addressing the complexity of these issues is necessary to creating a more equitable, compassionate, and just world. This vital social action and social justice work has the potential to create beauty, strength, love, joy, and community in our lives. On this Earth Day weekend, we will hear reflections from four different people about how the social justice work they have engaged with over their lifetimes has shaped them.
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Faith Formation Hour for All Ages (11:35 am-12:30 pm) Following Kinship Time in the back of the sanctuary (11:15-11:35 am) |
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- Green Team Social Action for All Ages
- Sack Lunch Making for Connections for the Homeless with Composting Group & Family Ministry Team - Kitchen and Café
- Upcycle Jewelry Making with Bike the Ridge Group - Sanctuary
- Planting with Harms Woods Restoration Group - Sanctuary
- Celebrating with Earth Day Group - Sanctuary
- Scavenger Hunt with Northwestern University Rain Garden Study Team - South Lawn
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Nursery (ages 0-3) – Room 11
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From Rev. Susan Frances, Assistant Minister for Congregational Life |
Dear Friends,
Today is Earth Day! I hope you are able to join us in the sanctuary or online from 7:00-9:00 pm tonight to celebrate. Details are in this newsletter.
As a teenager, the first label I ever consciously claimed was “environmentalist.” It is a label I still strive to live into and that still impacts my day to day living. Over my lifetime, I have found that it is a label that means different things to different people. For some, it is about how you live your daily life by composting or biking instead of driving. For others, it means extreme living, such as being off the grid. For some, it means financially supporting the conservation of land and animal species. For others, it is reserved only for environmental scientists. Are you or your family environmentalists in some way?
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Mother's Day Child Dedications at UCE |
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If you have a child or children you would like to be dedicated to our UCE community on Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8 (regardless of the child's age), please contact Rev. Eileen at ewiviott@ucevanston.org.
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Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)
responds to the war in Ukraine
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The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee responds to the war in Ukraine and demands an end to the bloodshed. Follow the link below to their response and for ways to help the Ukrainian people. |
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Emma's Revolution Concert at UCE - Saturday, April 30 |
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UCE is excited to host Emma's Revolution CD Release Concert In-Person & Livestreamed on Saturday April 30th at 7pm! Tickets can be purchased on their website.This is a special evening of music and an important fundraiser for UCE. Please plan to join us.
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2022 UCE Rummage Sale Update |
UCE’s May 20-21 Rummage Sale is just four weeks away! With this week being Earth Week, it is a good time to reflect on the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The Rummage Sale is a great opportunity to put this into practice. Each week leading up to the sale, we’re going to reflect on a few of the different categories of donations we are seeking. Today’s categories are: |
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Housewares: There are lots of items that can be donated to housewares. We’re looking for gently used kitchenware of all kinds (e.g., dishes, glassware, utensils, bakeware, etc.) In addition, indoor and outdoor décor, craft supplies, and small working appliances are welcome. However, this year we will NOT be selling books, electronics, luggage/totes/backpacks, stationery/gift wrap or microwave/toaster ovens
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Clothing: We welcome gently used adult and children’s clothing, outerwear, shoes/boots in like-new condition. Please make sure all adult clothing is on hangers (extra hangers are available in church lobby across from the restrooms.) Clothing items we ask you NOT to bring include: T-shirts, used athletic shoes and underwear J
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Artwork: Here we’re looking for framed and unframed artwork, photography, sculptures and frames.
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ADDITIONAL CATEGORES ARE LISTED HERE: Donation Tip Sheet
To view ALL of the donation categories, refer to the Donation Tip Sheet. There, you will also find a “Contact Person” for each category (department.) If you have an item that you are wondering about, that’s the person to talk to!
If you haven’t already, sign up to volunteer. Also, since word of mouth is one of the best ways to advertise, so invite a friend to donate (share a copy of the Donation Tip Sheet) and to shop with us. The key dates are:
- Drop off dates: Sunday 5/15/22 3pm-7pm AND Monday 5/16/22 9am-8pm.
- Sale Dates: Friday 5/20/22 9am-6pm AND Saturday 5/21/22 9am-1pm.
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Hats Off to the Youth Group! |
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Our Hats are off to the Youth Group who offered a powerful worship service on April 10th affirming the worth and dignity of all genders. The group worked collaboratively and creatively to center marginalized voices and highlight each person’s contributions. Your contributions of time, heart, and talent made for a message that was and is truly needed. Thanks to Beverly Hay, Griffin and Reed Larsen-Erf, Mary McDonald, Enzo and Rex Wallin, Jay Yoo. And thanks to youth group advisers, Margaret Shaklee and Linda Herreid for your guidance.
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UCE Building Availability -
The UCE Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am-5pm
If you have music to share in worship, we would love to add your to our list. We are looking for either live or recorded performances for Sunday mornings to enhance our worship. Reach out to Rev. Eileen or Vickie Hellyer.
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Wednesday Zoom Gatherings Continue on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 5:30 pm via Zoom.
Emma's Revolution Concert is Saturday, April 30 at 7 pm at UCE.
UUA Regional Assembly is Saturday, April 30.
Plant Swap is Saturday, May 14 from 2-5 pm in the UCE Parking Lot!
UCE Annual Meeting is May 15! Please plan to attend in-person or on Zoom immediately following the service.
UCE's Rummage Sale is May 20-21! More info below!
May 29 - All Church Ice Cream Social during Faith Formation Hour
June 5 - All Church Picnic during Faith Formation Hour
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This Week's Events & Links |
Friday, April 22
Saturday, April 23
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Virtual Pilates at 9:30 am on Zoom. Email Janelle Brittain to join.
- Tai Chi at 9:45 am & 11 am at Room 3 at UCE.
Sunday, April 24
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Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 8:45 am in Room 6 and via Zoom. Contact Renee Hoff for the Zoom link.
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Worship Service at 10:15 am - Sanctuary & Youtube. Click here to join.
- Kinship Time at 11:15-11:35 am - back of the sanctuary
- Faith Formation Hour this Sunday:
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Green Team Fair for All Ages – Sanctuary
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Assembling Lunch Boxes for Connection for the Homeless – Sanctuary Café
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Nursery - Room 11
Monday, April 25
Tuesday, April 26
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Retired Women's Group at 4:30 pm - Rm 3 & Zoom. Click here to join.
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Adult Faith Formation Playdate at 7 pm via Zoom or in Room 3. Click here to join.
Wednesday, April 27
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Yoga at 9:30 am via 8x8. Click here to join.
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All Church Zoom Gathering at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Look out for the Wednesday email to join.
Thursday, April 28
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Meditation Group at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Lisa Solomon for the link.
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If you're viewing the newsletter in your email inbox, click on "View entire message" at the bottom of the email to read the full newsletter!
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Congregational Connections |
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UCE Earth Day 2022 is TONIGHT |
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Invite your friends and join us in the sanctuary with Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, State Representative Robyn Gabel, and live poetry and musical performances. Join us virtually on Youtube Livestream.
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Grief Group Begins April 25 |
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Ellen Rieger will be facilitating a grief group beginning on Monday, April 25. This group will be for anyone grieving the loss of a person, a decline in health, or any other loss that is problematic. The group will be part education and part support. It is very hard to grieve alone so come join us as we travel the ups and downs of loss. We will meet every other Monday on Zoom from 7:00 to 8:15 pm. For more information contact Ellen Rieger ellenerieger@gmail.com.
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Rally in support of Queer and Trans Communities on April 27 |
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These past few months have been extremely difficult for the LGBTQ+ community. There has been a wave of more than 240 anti-queer and anti-trans bills filed across the country, as well as anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, discrimination, and attacks.
Join us in solidarity against bigotry and hate in Illinois at the next Rally for Queer & Trans Communities on April 27, 2022, at 5:30 pm in Federal Plaza, 219 S. Dearborn, Chicago.
Trans beloveds, if you are struggling today, please know that you are not alone. If you need help, please connect with some of these affirming resources now:
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DRUUMM Worship Service for ALL on May 4th |
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You Can Count On This
Rev. Tyler Coles, Guest Preacher
Dr. Zanaida Robles, Musical Artist
Faith can be both a guiding light and sustaining force throughout the course of one’s life. Yet in a world that is all too cruel and harsh, faith can be twisted, becoming instead a tool that fosters both isolation and a sense of underwhelm. What do we do when this happens for us as Unitarian Universalists? Come, let us gather in the fortifying spirit of love made known in community as we re-member ourselves, for ourselves, in the presence of all that we choose to name as Holy. RSVP at this link by May 3rd.
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13 States Participate in Regional Assembly.
Can You Name Them?
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The MidAmerica Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association includes nearly 200 UU congregations and lIke UUA, provides numerous services and support to UU congregations. These services include relationship building, leadership development, faith formation, cultural competence, and support for dismantling systemic white supremacy culture, as well as coaching in stewardship and conflict transformation.
Regional Assembly is MidAmerica’s annual gathering and will happen virtually on April 30. The keynote speaker is CB Beal - if you have participated in the Beloved Conversations program in the last few years, you know CB! In addition to the keynote, we will hold worship, the Annual Business Meeting, and there will also be time for break out rooms for connection and conversation.
Looking to connect with other UCE members attending Regional Assembly? Send an email to a member of the Denominational Affairs Committee: Shirley Adams, Lee Bannor, Peggy Boccard, Melanie Kitchner, Cheryl Mounts, Betty Walker or Carla Williams.
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Come to General Assembly 2022!! |
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Friends, now is your opportunity to join thousands of other UUs at the annual General Assembly! The steps are easy. For information about GA, go here. At that GA website you’ll find links to everything you’d want to know. But for what you need right now:
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2) Sign up for Housing. If you’d like to take advantage of the special offers assigned to UUA GA participants, go to the sign-up page to select your hotel and room.
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Call for UCE Delegates to the UUA General Assembly |
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Now is your opportunity to join thousands of UUs, both in-person or virtually, at the 2022 UUA General Assembly (GA). UCE is looking for members interested in serving as delegates. Whether attending in-person or virtually your participation supports your personal development and our congregation’s growth and development, which in turn supports our mission to nurture the human spirit for a world made whole.
Delegates are asked to commitment to the following:
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Study: https://www.uua.org/ga/congregations/delegates
- Read and review the proposed issues for the assembly
- Attend Preparing for General Assembly workshop(s) about planned issues to discuss and understand the congregation’s response/concerns
- Attend plenary sessions (business meetings) at assembly and vote as appropriate
- Contribute to a consolidated report back to the Board and congregation after the assembly (major vote results, new resolutions, significant theme messages)
Funds Available for Delegates and Non-Delegates Attending General Assembly
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Submit Your Survey Input on Revisions
to UU Principles and Sources by April 30th
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The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) has commissioned a study of Article II of the UUA Bylaws. Article II is comprised of our Principles and Purposes and is the foundation for the work of our Unitarian Universalist (UU) movement. It encompasses the covenant to which all of our UU congregations and UU covenanted communities pledge themselves when they become members of our UUA. |
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Our New Garden Team is inviting all people interested in playing in the earth with Mother Nature on May 7th from 10 am - 12 pm for a UCE Gardening Day. We’ll be giving our gardens a Spring Cleaning, doing some planting and digging, then mulching. Additionally, we are looking for some people with strength for branch trimming and for digging. We have a couple of specialty projects where we need those skills. Please contact Janelle Brittain ASAP if you are interested either in attending the Gardening Day event or the Specialty Team work.
NEW FERNS! - We've planted 20 new Boston Ferns in the southeast corner of the parking lot by the utility boxes. Look for their young fronds to appear in a couple of weeks
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Saturday May 14, 2-5 pm
Unitarian Church of Evanston
Parking Lot enter on Greenwood
1330 Ridge Avenue, Evanston
Plants, Seedlings, Divisions
Come with something you have, Leave with something you want to grow!
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Help Grow Food for the Hungry |
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Volunteers needed for planting session at the UCE Cahill Food Pantry Garden May 14th, 10 am - 12 pm
Join an intergenerational social justice effort in the garden! Last year UCE gardening at John J. Cahill, Inc. (on Church St.) resulted in almost 300 pounds of produce donations to Edible Evanston (for Harvest Pantry and Hillside Pantry). Be a part of the experience this season starting with a planting session Saturday May 14, 10 am - 12 pm. Young gardeners with adult supervision also welcome. Help later in the season with cultivating, weeding and harvesting is also needed. Please contact Dale Griffin or Barbara Butz to register or express interest for later. Thanks!
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Rally to Unite Against Anti-Semitism - April 24 at 5:30 pm
at Gallery Park, Glenview
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On Sunday, April 24th, community members from across Cook County will unite in their opposition to a spate of antisemitic hate packages distributed in March in Cook County residents’ front yards and in public parks in Niles, Park Ridge, Glenview, Skokie, and Arlington Heights, Illinois, as well as at Eastern Illinois University, University of Illinois-Urbana, and Lake Land College.
The United Against Antisemitism rally will be held at Gallery Park in Glenview, at 5:30pm, rain or shine. Speakers include Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Laura Fine and State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz. Ample parking is available at Attea Middle School, a 3-minute walk from the park.
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UCE UUtheVote 2022: Partnering with Reclaim Our Vote |
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Reparations Vote Prep Next Week |
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Join your fellow congregants on Wednesday, April 27th, at 5:30pm for an all-congregation discussion of reparations and racial healing. Team 8th leads a conversation about UCE's support for reparations and racial healing in preparation for voting. Get ready to vote! Let's hear your voice!
And/or join us at Forum on Sunday, May 1 at 11:35 am. Are you ready to vote on our Reparations Resolution? Hear Team 8th present and host a conversation about the resolution we will vote on at our congregational meeting in May. Be prepared to vote! Come ask your questions and share your thoughts about UCE support of reparations locally and nationally, and about pre-approved statements of advocacy against racism and for racial healing.
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UCE Joins YWCA to Stand Against Racism on April 28th |
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Bring your Black Lives Matter and other signs to UCE on Thursday, April 28, 2022, to Stand Against Racism along Ridge Avenue from 10:30 - 11:00 am. Meet in the sanctuary or outside by our Black Lives Matter sign.
The YWCA Evanston/North Shore has Stand Against Racism events across the Chicagoland area from April 27-May 1. Check out their website for more information.
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UU Prison Ministry Pen Pal Workshop - May 1 |
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Join the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) Ambassador Program of Illinois on Sunday, May 1, from 2 - 4 pm via Zoom for a workshop on being a pen pal with someone who is in prison or jail.
Learn what it's like to correspond with someone in prison or jail — the rewards & the pitfalls. The CLF has over 30 incarcerated persons waiting to be matched!
Pre-registration required to receive Zoom link. RSVP to prisonpenpals@unitytemple.org with your name, email address, congregation affiliation, and any questions. Upon confirmation, a short video prerequisite and the Zoom link will be sent to you.
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Harms Woods Outing May 22, 1 pm - 4 pm |
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Come celebrate spring with a habitat restoration outing at beautiful Harms Woods in Glenview! We will be removing invasive plants to allow more space and sunlight for our beautiful native trees. This outing is suitable for anyone 12 and older (youth must be accompanied by a responsible adult) and everyone works at their own pace. The woods are beautiful, the wildflowers will be out and you will be doing extremely important work in restoring vital habitat to support our native birds and insects. |
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Join the UCE Team in the Race Against Hate on June 19 |
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The Race Against Hate will be held on June 19, and UCE will again be a part of it. Some of us run, some walk, some roll! However you roll, please be a part of our Race Against Hate by joining the UCE REAL Team 2022. If you can’t be with us in the Race, but want to join in spirit, support the team through your donation. Dana Deane is coordinating the UCE REAL Team 2022. Please contact Dana through REALM or at ucerealteam@gmail.com if you have any questions.
In 1999, Ricky Byrdsong was murdered by a self-proclaimed white supremacist. Byrdsong was a Skokie resident and the first African-American coach of the Northwestern University men’s basketball team. He was also the father of 3 young children, 2 of whom were with him near their home when he was shot...
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New Fundraising Effort for Afghan Family |
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The Immigrant Solidarity Team is so grateful for all donations to the Bakeer family last fall and winter. We were able to pay their rent through July and buy clothing as well with our fundraising and the generous support of an Endowment grant.
Now we are shifting our attention to an Afghan family. We are not naming them because of privacy concerns. The young woman who heads up this family is in her 20s and her husband is still in Afghanistan, unable to come to the U.S. for now. One of our volunteers, when making a visit to the apartment building of the Bakeer family (Syrian) was approached by this young mother—she asked “could you please help me too?” She was provided an apartment and some basics by the resettlement agency, but they are very strapped right now and she had no sponsoring family to help her learn the ways things operate in our society.
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Taproot: A National UU BIPOC Space |
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The work of spiritual community is complicated in the 21st century. From busy schedules to the ever-pressing tension brought on by systemic injustice, the need for faithful leadership that is grounded and resilient is imperative. This is all the more true for leaders within our congregations who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC). BIPoC Leaders rooted in Unitarian Universalist congregations are invited to take part in a monthly virtual gathering as we explore these pillars in creating means by which to ground ourselves in resilient communities of care:
- Rest & Renewal
- Analysis Building
- Leadership Development
Date & Time: May 12, 2022 at 7 pm CST
This space is explicitly for people identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC).
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What's Happening in Faith Formation? |
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Faith Formation Hour this Sunday at 11:35 am - Awakening to the Earth…
- Nursery (ages 0-3) in Room 11 from 10 am-12:30 pm
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Green Team Fair for all ages in the sanctuary - celebrate Earth Day weekend with activities for the whole family, including a scavenger hunt and bicycle jewelry making! The Family Ministry Team is joining in with a social action project: making lunch bags for Connections for the Homeless and learning about composting.
And families can explore our theme of Awakening in their own timeframe in the Soulful Home packet.
...and beyond!
Youth Group Gathering "CONtagion" at Busse Woods - Saturday, April 23, 2022 - 3-7 pm. Come for an afternoon of games, food, and fun with UU teens from the Chicagoland area.
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"Come and play, everything's a-okay!" Adult Playdate
April 26 at 7 pm on Zoom and/or at UCE in Room 3
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Adults are gathering for a “playdate” of sorts for an hour of imagining what programs and events we can offer parents and adults at all stages of life! We will have a “no-holding-back” brainstorming on what you need and want to experience in the coming year at UCE. Educational? Social? Religious? Experiential? |
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Faith Formation Listening Circles in May |
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Rev. Eileen and Kathy Underwood want to hear from you! As we near the end of this experimental church year, we want to hear what your experience with faith formation hour has been for you and how we can make it better for next year. Please join us for one of these gatherings:
- May 1 at 11:35 am at UCE
- May 4 at 7 pm on Zoom
- May 10 at 7 pm on Zoom
- May 14 at 10 am at UCE
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Join the nonfiction book group at 2 p.m. on April 24th to discuss Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Katharine Hayhoe.
Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe knows how to navigate all sides of the conversation on our changing planet, negotiating distrust of data, indifference to imminent threats, and resistance to proposed solutions. She has found that the most important thing we can do to address climate change is to talk to others to find shared values and plan for a better future. We invite members of the Green Team and others concerned about climate change to join us.
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The UCE Fiction Book Group is reading Persuasion, by Jane Austen and meeting on Zoom on Friday, May 20 at 7 pm.
Anne Elliott, perhaps Austen’s most engaging and complex heroine, negotiates troubled waters of engagement and marriage with characteristic Austen grace and humor. Reading a classic now and then is good for the soul!
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Registration Open for this summer's
Chalice Sparx Family Camp & Retreat for UU Families
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Registration for this summer’s Chalice Sparx Family Camp & Retreat for Unitarian Universalist families is now open. Join us July 8-10 in Cassopolis, Michigan for an amazing all-ages experience at lovely Camp Friedenswald in southwestern Michigan -- only 90 miles from Chicago. As an intentional UU covenanted community, we are especially welcoming to Trans children, youth and their families.
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Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
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