Here’s what’s coming up in our congregational life—opportunities to connect, learn, and participate in the weeks ahead

Sunday Service

April 5, 2026 at 10:30 am 

Easter Sunday Potluck Brunch

Bring a dish to share for our Easter kinship time brunch on Sunday, April 5th - an egg or french toast casserole, fruit, bread, cheese or whatever else you like!

Children and youth will remain in the worship service.

This Sunday…

 Childcare (0-3 years) is available in room 11 from 8:45a-12:15p. 

Easter Egg Hunt after worship! Meet in The Nest for directions.



Faith formation groups will resume April 12 for Chalice Children (pre/k/1) and Heads, Hearts, and Hands (2nd-5th).

The youth (6th-9th) will be leading next Sunday’s worship service with 

members from the Young Adult group.

Faith Formation Registration

Please register your young person, ages 1-18 here.

Family-Friendly Seder

TONIGHT! April 3, 5:30p

Join us as we experience the stories, food,

and songs of Passover. 

Kids will search for the afikomen too.

Please bring a dish to share that doesn’t contain

 pork or yeast.

You can see what’s coming up on our evolving calendar here.

3rd Annual Easter Peeps Show – THIS SUNDAY April 5

Show your creativity, humor, and/or spirit this Easter

by creating a diorama using marshmallow peeps!

Leave your diorama on the counter by the storage room on the west wall before worship.

And if you’re into Peeps and art, be sure to check out the

Racine Art Museum’s annual Peeps Show!

Back and Forth

by Kathy Underwood

Congregational life in early spring is just like the weather: back and forth. One day it’s sunny and 72 degrees out and the next day it’s 27 degrees with snow flurries. I personally like the change in weather, because if it were nice and sunny every day, it would be difficult to get chores and work done. I also appreciate those nicer days even more after the colder, cloudy ones.



At UCE, my work life goes back and forth as well. There are the days when I am hunkered down and focused on what is happening in the coming week or two. There is a sense of routine in those tasks that makes it easier to stay the course. I have a particular destination that leads to various age groups connecting with one another and learning more about their UU identity, themselves, and the world around them.

Our hats are off to the members and friends of the Abortion Access Team who created abortion care packages this past Sunday for the patients of the Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF). 

We are grateful to our organizers: Martha Holman who was the lead organizer; Margie Rognaser who completed an inventory of existing supplies; Karen Courtright who ordered new supplies; Jane Bannor who handled publicity; Lee Bannor for moving supplies up from the lower level to room 3; and Jon Siegel for creating an information board about CAF.

At least two dozen spontaneous volunteers helped compile 100 care packages and write 100 postcards of loving care to include in each package. Jean Butzen and Christine Peters brought snacks and the highlight of the snacks were the delicious vegan donuts from Smack Dab Chicago provided by KT DiGiovanni.

We are thankful for the spontaneous volunteers who helped take the extra supplies and completed packages back down to the lower level and especially to Rachel Greeley who stayed until absolutely everything was cleaned up. 

After Martha and Christine delivered the completed abortion care packages, the Chicago Abortion Fund shared with us that UCE is their most consistent partner in this work and they are very grateful for us! 

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Friday, April 3rd:

• UCE Seder, 5:30-7:30pm, Sanctuary
• Young Adult Covenant Group, 7-9pm, Room 12

Saturday, April 4th:

• Virtual Pilates, 9:30am, via Zoom
• Beginner Tai Chi, 9:45-10:45am, Sanctuary
• Intermediate Tai Chi, Sanctuary

Sunday, April 5th:

• Chris Isley Cancer Support Group, 9-10:15am, Room 6 & Zoom
• Choir Rehearsal, 9-10:10am, Sanctuary
• Worship Service, 10:30am, Sanctuary
• Easter Potluck/Kinship Time, 11:30-12:30pm, Back of the Sanctuary
• Herried Covenant Group, 3:30-4:30pm, via Zoom
• Nominating Committee Meeting, 7-8:30pm, via Zoom

Monday, April 6th:

• UCE Addictions and Recovery, 6:45-7:45am, via Zoom
• Bernstein Covenant Group, 7-9pm, via Zoom
• Durkin Covenant Group, 7-9pm, via Zoom
• Monday Night Covenant Group, 7-9pm, via Zoom

Tuesday, April 7th:

• Membership Team Meeting, 12:30-1:30pm, via Zoom
• UCE Casual Rehearsal, 6:30-8pm, Room 3
• AI Workshop, 7-8:30pm, Room 3 and Zoom
• Caregiver Support Group, 7-8:30pm, via Zoom
• First Women's Circle, 7-8pm, via Zoom

Wednesday, April 8th:

• Yoga Online, 9:30-10:30am, via Zoom
• THAT Covenant Group, 7-9pm, via Zoom
• Meeting our Interfaith Neighbors, 7-8:30pm, Room 3
• Social Change Now, 7-8:30pm, Room 6

Thursday, April 9th:

• Beacons of Light, 5-5:30pm, Dempster and Ridge
• Meditation Group, 5:30-6:30pm, via Zoom
• Choir Rehearsal, 7-9pm, Rooms 3 and 6

How to Apply for an Endowment Grant

Join us for a short Zoom call to learn more about how to apply for an Endowment Grant.

When: Saturday, April 11th at 12:00 pm

Where: on Zoom

Register: Email Shirley Adams (her address is in Realm) and she'll send you the link

Shirley Adams and Jeanne Kerl will share some information about the process, types of grants, and deadlines. Then, we'll answer any questions that you may have. Maybe you're just curious? Join us.

If you can't make the meeting, reach out via email to Shirley or Jeanne with your questions.

Celebration of Life for Charlie Pekarak

On Saturday, April 25 at 11 am, we will celebrate the life of our beloved Charlie Pekarak. Two Margarets (Talmage and Shaklee) are organizing hospitality. If it would please you to contribute to this event, sign up HERE to bring a treat or help with the reception. Email either Margaret if you would like further information.

The UCE Fiction Book Group is reading "The Playground," by Richard Powers. On the island of Makatea in French Polynesia in the (near?) future, four disparate people meet to develop the technology-riddled future of our civilization, launching into the world’s largest ocean -- the last uncivilized place on earth -- floating autonomous cities. But first they must win the support of the island’s people, who can see the ramifications for human history that the inventors cannot or will not see.

Meeting Friday, April 17, at 7pm by ZOOM

Future reads: May 15 "The Antidote" by Karen Russell, June 19 "Vigil" by George Saunders

The Nonfiction book group will not meet in March or April.



We urge our readers to participate in UCE’s programming of the UUA Common Read book Social Change Now by Deepa Iyer.

See the article below about small group discussions of this year’s Common Read in March and April. Four sets of 2 discussions will be offered on different days of the week and at different times of the day. A joint meeting of the four groups will take place on May 9th.

the UUA Common Read: Social Change Now by Deepa Iyer

This three-session program will engage with the UU Common Read of Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer. This workbook-style book delves into a "social change ecosystem." You are invited to explore how to be more authentic, connected, and effective as we pursue transformative justice together.

The first two sessions will be in a small group. The third session will bring the four small groups together in a multi-platform setting (in-person and on zoom) on May 9 from 2:00-3:30 pm.



Click here to register for the Tuesday Group. This small group will meet in-person on March 17 and April 21 from 6:30-8:00 pm with co-facilitators Shirley Adams and Mags Johnston. 

Click here to register for the Wednesday Group. This small group will meet in-person on March 25 and April 8 from 7:00-8:30 pm with co-facilitators Lee Solock and Alison Issen. 

Click here to register for the Thursday Group. This small group will meet in-person on March 19 and April 16 from 1:30-3:00 pm with co-facilitators Sue Larson and Jackie Seaman. 

Click here to register for the Sunday Group. This small group will meet on zoom on March 29 and April 19 from 2:00-3:30 pm with co-facilitators Rev. Susan Frances and Elaine Siegel. 



You may buy a copy of the book at the Catalyst for Democracy’s Program Table in the café area after the service this Sunday, order the book at InSpirit Bookstore, or let Rev. Susan Frances know that you need a donated copy.

EMBRACING POSSIBILITY

UCE’s theme this month is EMBRACING POSSIBILITY. What possibilities will you consider?  

• Deepening relationships while working toward a worthwhile cause? Sign up online to volunteer at our upcoming Rummage Sale! We need folks to set up, cashier, clean up, donate baked goods, and help to feed volunteers.
• Decluttering and simplifying your life? Collect and organize your donations using the Donation Tip Sheet.
• Practicing hospitality and community connection? The Rummage Sale is a great opportunity to welcome neighbors into our beautiful space for one-of-a-kind shopping and friendly conversation, while enjoying a cup of coffee and a treat from Café Rummage. Invite friends and neighbors to shop the sale!

Visit the Rummage Sale web page or email rummage@ucevanston.org with questions or comments. 

UCE is Going Camping!

UCE is going camping May 29-31! Please click on this link to reserve a campsite. The top of the form includes links to reserve a site directly with ExploreMore IL, as well as a link to a table where you can see where other UCE campsites will be. If you have any questions or need help with reserving your site, email Grey Wiviott (greyleewivs at gmail dot com). Happy Camping!

AI Workshop: Skills for Everyday and Congregational Life

Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 pm

Room 3 & Zoom

This will be our final session in this series facilitated by Dr. Emma Farrell

Click HERE to register

MEETING MORE INTERFAITH NEIGHBORS

We continue this series as we explore the Sikh faith 

On April 8 at 7p at UCE and on Zoom

with our guest Shiva Singh Khalsa.



We will then visit the Sikh Religious Society Palatine Gurdwara (1280 Winnetka St., Palatine) on April 11 from 11a-1p.



Our final session will be on Tuesday, April 21 at 7-8:30pm to reflect on our experiences.

Register here to get reminders.

UCE Young Adult Group

Third Friday Faith Formation & Game Nights

Our next gathering is Friday, April 17th



The Young Adult Group at UCE is a group for young adults (18-35) interested in exploring spiritual deepening in community. We meet on every 3rd Friday from 7-9pm in Room 3 to discuss monthly Soul Matters themes, check in with each other, eat snacks, and play games.

Contact Kiley Korey (kileyekorey at gmail dot com), Kevin Barrow (kbarrow13 at gmail dot com) or Kathy Underwood (kunderwood@ucevanston.org) with any questions.

Breaking the Chain: Transforming the Legacy of Enslavement to Justice and Liberation for All

How did we get here—and what is ours to do now?

Join UCE REAL, the Prison Ministry and Reparations Teams, Living Legacy Pilgrimage participants, and local advocates for a four-part, multi-platform learning and conversation series exploring the systems that connect enslavement, incarceration, and reparative justice.

Together, we will examine:

• the historical roots linking slavery and mass incarceration
• the economic forces that sustain systems of injustice
• the role faith communities can play in accountability, repair, and transformation
• how reparations work is unfolding in Evanston and beyond

• April 22 – The Economics of Maintaining Systems of Injustice
• June 24 – How Faith Communities Can Help Break the Chain
• August 26 – Reparations: In Evanston and Beyond

ONLINE UU THEOLOGY SERIES - OPEN TO ALL!

Wednesdays, April 8 - May 13

7:00pm-8:15 pm CT on Zoom

The Faith Forward program out of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas is excited to offer an online session of our Unitarian Universalist Theology series for all congregations. This interactive series explores theological concepts through a Unitarian Universalist lens and helps participants clarify and act on their beliefs. Each session offers a forum for learning, sharing, and growth that can enrich our faith journeys.

To register for free and secure your individual logins - use this link:

Once you enroll in the class, you will get access to all of the introductory materials plus the Zoom link. A reminder email will be sent by Faith Forward a few days before the class begins. 

Our Shared Offering Program

Our Shared Offering Program is one of the ways that we live into our mission statement "for a world made whole." Each Sunday, the funds collected during our worship service either via text donations or in the collection bowls (and not otherwise designated for a pledge or something else) are shared equally between our operating budget and the current Shared Offering Recipient.

This Sunday's offering will be shared with Connections for the Homeless, whose mission is to serve and catalyze our community to end homelessness, one person at a time.

Interfaith Action of Evanston SNAPGap – April 2026

According to SNAPGap’s schedule, it’s time to do laundry again! Since we will distribute items on Earth Day, April 22, we have selected an Earth-friendly option of laundry sheets that will be handed out at the Vineyard Food Pantry, along with Interfaith Action’s monthly purchase of toilet paper. Items can be purchased online .

If you buy these items locally, you can drop them off at: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1509 Ridge Ave., Evanston, Monday-Friday, 7am-11am, until April 21. Just ring the bell and someone will answer. 

Please know that the more than 100-150 households that benefit send their warm thanks and deep appreciation!

Kind regards,

The SNAPGap Team 

Save the Date  

“Organizations Making a Difference”  

Thurs., April 23, 2026  

Beth Emet, the Free Synagogue  

1224 Dempster  

Evanston, IL 60202  

7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  

Join us to learn about these organizations, their work and impact! 

 Children of Abraham  

 Crossroads-Chicago R.O.A.R. (Regional Organizing for Antiracism) Evanston Grows  

Indivisible Evanston  

Moran Center for Youth Advocacy 

LOVE RESISTS

No Kings 3 protest – We did it! 

There’s a lot to celebrate for our collective actions on 3/28/26: Over 8 million Americans turned out across more than 3,300 nationwide events to resist the authoritarian regime in our country. That is worth uplifting and sending gratitude to all who supported the protests! This is a photo from the Chicago march in which 200,000 participated. Many UCE members were in multiple different marches, including Evanston, which had 2000 in attendance.  

The Catalyst for Democracy team wants to keep organizing and connecting folks to ways to further participate. Another upcoming mobilization will be on May Day with a National Day of Economic Disruption. More information will be forthcoming. For now, let’s celebrate this success!

ONGOING UU CONNECTIONS

Spotlight on the Rowe UU Retreat and Conference Center 

UUNT connects UCE with national-regional-local UU and social justice organizations, and UU camps and retreats.  

The Rowe Center is a UU retreat and conference center located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Since 1924 it has been dedicated to fostering personal growth, community connection, and a deep appreciation of nature. The Rowe experience “builds community and transforms lives by creating opportunities for people of all ages to explore, reflect, grow, and play”. Rowe offers a number of programs including:

• Youth Camps: Engaging summer camps that foster creativity and personal development.
• Conferences: Opportunities for learning and connection.
• Personal Private Retreats: Opportunities for individual reflection and relaxation.
• Legacy Programs: Retreats for Men Who Love Men

Check out the Rowe Homecoming: Back Where We Belong. June 19–21. Registration. All are welcome — whether you've been coming to Rowe for decades or this is your very first visit. Come as you are. We can't wait to see you.

Unitarian Church of Evanston

1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201

847-864-1330