Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole
In-Person and Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, December 12th at 10:15 am
"Joy Shall Be Yours in the Morning"

UCE’s traditional Music Sunday with a medley of musicians to help us find joy on the journey through the longest night and the cold of winter. Worship leaders are Music Director, Vickie Hellyer, Rev. Eileen Wiviott, with guest storyteller, Greg Tertullien, and worship associates Tory Bassani, Jane Kenamore, and Robb Geiger.
Please join us for this Sunday’s Faith Formation Hour
(11:35-12:30): Music for All Ages
Please join us for one of these activities:
Storytelling Workshop – Sanctuary
Caroling - UCE Lawn
Important Info for this Sunday's Service
Please plan to arrive for worship at UCE no earlier than 9:45 am so Ministers & Staff can adequately prepare for the worship service in the Sanctuary.
The right of conscience and the
use of the democratic process
From Rev. Eileen Wiviott, Senior Minister
I am enjoying the spiritual practice of Chalica this week, reflecting on each of our principles, one a day, and thinking about how to live them in small ways. Today’s principle is the fifth: We affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. It is particularly poignant, in this moment, to reflect on the meaning of the democratic process and the right of conscience given the very real and present threats to both. 
 
I appreciate the bumper sticker philosophy: think globally and act locally. Each of us needs to find our way of balancing the practical demands of our daily lives, of caring for ourselves and our families, with responsibility of being global citizens. This is one of the benefits of being in a faith community where we can practice living our values and being accountable participants in a smaller, less complex system. 
Join an Ends Conversation!
Everyone with a stake in the future of the UCE congregation – where we are going and how we want to be in the world – is invited to participate in open-hearted and spirited conversations about our End Statements. You can sign up for one or more of these conversations here: 
  
  • January 2nd (Sunday) as part of Faith Formation Hour, 11:30 am-12:30 pm in-person 
  • January 5th (Wednesday) from 5:30-6:30 pm on Zoom 

PLEASE NOTE: If you have previously registered, but need to sign up for more than one time, please go through and update your registration. The settings have changed and you may now register for more than one conversation.
Mark you Calendar: December Holiday Events at UCE!
Has there been a child born in your family this year? Please send in the names and photos of your children, grand children, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friend's children for a special blessing this Christmas Eve. Names and photos need to be received by December 20th to be included. Send them to Rev. Eileen at ewiviott@ucevanston.org.
Hats Off to Dana Deane!
This week we tip our hats to Dana Deane, who is the Transportation Coordinator for the Caring Team. Since we returned to the building for worship in September, Dana has been coordinating rides for members and visitors on Sunday mornings, as well as coordinating rides for congregants with medical issues who need a ride to a medical appointment. Right now, Dana is coordinating rides for the Christmas Eve service. To get plugged into this program, you may fill out an Offer Care form if you are interested in providing a ride or fill out a Request for Care form if you are in need of a ride.

As part of Dana’s commitment to our congregation being a welcoming community, she is committed to our congregation’s anti-racism work. She serves on the Anti-Oppression Task Force and as one of our facilitators for our monthly discussions on the Widening the Circle of Concern report. Dana also serves as the Secretary of our Board of Trustees. 
 
Thank you, Dana, for all that you do to encourage growth and deepen connections within our community. 
Congregational News
UCE Building Availability - If your group would like to meet in-person at UCE, please fill out a Room & Publicity Request Form.

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.

UCE is hosting the Overnight Shelter through December 18. Rooms 2 & 3 will not be available for group meetings during the period. Learn about volunteering with Interfaith Action of Evanston below.
Save the Date
Wednesday Zoom Gatherings Continue on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 5:30 pm via Zoom.

Upcoming ENDS Statements Conversations:
  • January 2nd (Sunday) as part of Faith Formation Hour, 11:30-12:30 in person 
  • January 5th (Wednesday) from 5:30 – 6:30 on Zoom 
More info above! Register here.

Make sure to read Chapter 4 of Widening the Circle of Concern for December 19 Faith Formation Hour. More info below.

UCE's Annual Pageant is Sunday, December 19!

Yule (Winter Solstice) Family-Friendly Ritual is on Tuesday, December 21 at 7:30 pm.

The UCE Christmas Eve Service is on Friday, December 24 at 7 pm.

The Next Worship Planning Playdate is Saturday, January 8 at 9 am - Noon. More info below.
This Week's Events & Links
Friday, December 10
  • Mitten Tree Wrapping Party at 9:30 am - 12:30 pm in the Sanctuary.
  • Charity, Carols, and Cocoa at 6 pm in the Sanctuary and on the Front Lawn

Saturday, December 11
  • Final Mitten Tree Wrapping at 9 am - 1 pm in Rm 8. 
Sunday, December 12
  • Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 8:45 am in Room 6 and via Zoom. Contact Renee Hoff for the Zoom link.
  • Worship Service at 10:15 am in the sanctuary and via Youtube. Nursery/PreK care available for 1-4 year olds. Click here to join.
  • Kinship Time at 11:15-11:35 am - back of the Sanctuary
  • Faith Formation Hour: Art for All Ages at 11:35 am-12:30 pm.
  • Storytelling Workshop - Sanctuary
  • Caroling - UCE Lawn

Monday, December 13

Tuesday, December 14
  • Retired Women's Group at 4:30 pm in Room 6 and via Zoom. Please email Margie Rogasner for the link to join.
  • Rainbow Alliance at 7 pm via Zoom. Email Lizzy Powers or Jordan Strueber for the link.

Wednesday, December 15

Thursday, December 16
  • Meditation Group at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Lisa Solomon for the link.
  • Choir Rehearsal at 7 pm in Rm 6, Sanctuary & on Zoom.
  • Board of Trustees meet at 7 pm on Zoom. Email the Office if you would like to join.
Special Board of Trustees Meeting - December 15
The Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting to consider the Endowment applications which were submitted this fall. The meeting will be held via Zoom at 7 pm on December 15. Applicants should receive a note from the Board and Endowment Committee regarding the time, if you wish to make a brief statement to the Board.
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!
Congregational Connections
Thank you for helping make Mitten Tree a success!
Thank you so everyone who has lovingly participated in Mitten Tree this year. We have been able to fill 415 discrete item requests for 5 recipient groups. On Friday, December 10 and Saturday, December 11 all items will be processed, wrapped, bundled and delivered. This year, over 30 people have donated their time and muscle to the cause in addition to the dozens of members who shopped or donated funds. If Mitten Tree is something you would like to be involved in planning or administering next year, reach out to Bridget Wild to learn more!
Want to Try Pilates?
Join Janelle Brittain for Free Zoom Pilates every Saturday from 9:30-10:15 AM in your own home. It is called Adaptive Pilates because she provides a variety of options for the movements depending on your abilities, aches, pains or injuries. She seeks to make it workable and fun for every level and every age. All you need is a mat or a carpet. And if you are shy, you can keep your camera off. Just email Janelle to receive the Zoom link at janellebri@aol.com.
Retired (but Never Retiring) Women Meet Dec 14
Retired (but never retiring!) Women: Tuesday, December 14, 4:30-6 pm in Room 6 & on Zoom. Come and have fun at our “annual” White Elephant party! For information, please contact Margie Rogasner.
Want to learn more about Youtube?
Do you have questions about streaming UCE services on Youtube? Are you having trouble commenting on the livestream? Come learn some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of our online streaming platform. All skill levels are welcome to attend. The workshop will be on Friday, December 17 at 1 pm on Zoom. More details and Zoom link coming soon
Widening the Circle of Concern
Reading for December 19 Faith Formation Hour
December 19th 11:30-12:30 
 
Come learn how hospitality imbues every aspect of congregational life. Congregants are encouraged to participate in small group discussions of the Report of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change, Widening the Circle of Concern. This report is a guiding document for UCE’s Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression work. 
 
For our discussion in December, you are encouraged to read the chapter on Hospitality and Inclusion before December 19th so you are prepared for the conversation. You do not need to have participated in previous conversations to join this one! These conversations will be taking place in-person as well as on Zoom. If you hold a marginalized identity and would want an identity-based caucus space to discuss Widening the Circle of Concern, please contact Rev. Eileen Wiviott or Rev. Susan Frances by December 12th so we can arrange that space. 
Next Worship Planning Playdate - Jan 8
Our next Worship Planning Playdate is coming up Saturday, January 8th from 9 am – noon in the sanctuary at UCE. All are welcome if you are interested in helping to shape the upcoming worship services.  
Save the Date - Upcoming Classes for Deeper Engagement
Would you like to learn more about Unitarian Universalist history? Introduction to Unitarian Universalism is a single session class that will be offered virtually on Sunday, January 16 at 1:00-2:30 pm and in-person on Sunday, January 23 at 2:30-4:00 pm.  
 
Would you like to enhance how you express your personal theology? What do yUU Believe? is a 4-part class that will be offered on Tuesdays, January 18, 25, February 1, and 8 at 7:00-8:30 pm.  
 
Would you like to learn more about becoming a member of UCE? Journey Toward Membership is a 2-part class that will be offered in-person on Tuesdays, February 1 and 8 at 6:30-8:00 pm and virtually on Wednesdays, February 2 and 9 at 6:30-8:00 pm.  
A Few Auction Items Left
Just a few items are left in the catalog, including a few seats at some great and affordable virtual entertainment--Jim Strickler's Civil War Reparations talk, Kristin Lems' concert, a Virtual Karaoke night, Ben Butler a Play by Richard Strand, and an Evening Square Dance. Take a look here. All are now set as "Buy It Now", so items are first come, first served. If you are not registered, use your email in the church directory to do so or email us at auction@ucevanston.org for help. And if you haven't collected your boodle yet, please come during church office hours, Tues-Fri from 10 am-5 pm to pick up your items. 
 
Thoughts about how to make the auction better, or interested in being a volunteer for next year? We would love to hear from you at auction@ucevanston.org. 
Seeking Future Leaders
The Nominating and Recruitment Committee (N&R) is beginning to identify potential candidates for future positions, such as the Board of Trustees, Endowment Committee, and our own N&R Committee.   
 
Please help us! We may not know what skills and experience you have that would make you a perfect fit for one of the positions. You may know someone who would step up if asked. We especially want to encourage folks who have not previously served on these committees to consider this opportunity to support the church. 
 
Please fill out this Google form if you would like to nominate someone or volunteer yourself. Also feel free to reach out to Janice Milanovich (through Realm). See the website for more information. 
Lifespan Faith Formation
What's Happening in Faith Formation?
Faith Formation Hour this week
  • Nursery care (0-3) is available in room 11 from 10 am-12:30 pm. 
  • Faith Formation Hour begins at 11:35 am as follows: 
  • All ages are invited to join in a storytelling activity in the Sanctuary.
  • All ages are invited to sing Christmas carols out by the Black Lives Matter sign.

Please give us your feedback on your experiences in Faith Formation Hour here.

Christmas Pageant - December 19 during All-Ages worship
  • Families can participate from home or at UCE. We will have a Zoom link for those staying home. You can pick up a star or costume (see below) or make your own. Those on Zoom will be shown on the screen at UCE! 
  • Sign up here to guarantee your role and costume. You can pick up your costume  in the café area after worship this Sunday, or you can pick it up between 9:45-10:15 on the 19th. 
  • Don’t want to commit to a costume? Then choose your costume in the café area before worship on the 19th. 

Registration for Faith Formation continues! This year more than ever, it is important that parents register their young people, so that we can plan according to current guidelines. Please complete the form here for all young people, 0-18 years old. 
Charity, Carols, & Cocoa
Join for some holiday charity, carols, and cocoa on Tonight Friday, December 10 at 6-7:30 pm.
  • Assembling care boxes for Connections for the Homeless – 6-6:45 pm in Sanctuary
  • Tree lighting and caroling – 6:45-7:30 pm on the front lawn by the bench.

Oh the weather outside might be frightful…
The forecast for tonight calls for rain, but we won’t let that dampen our holiday spirits! In the event of rain, we will spread out in the sanctuary to sing carols – masked, of course. Join us at 6:45 pm – whether inside or outside!
Forum Discussion - Dec 19
Third Sunday Forum on December 19 The Best Gift: Your time and interest in another person. We will discuss how to emphasize personal connections during the holidays, the pandemic, and the cold of winter. Let's warm ourselves around the fire of human connection and explore ways to connect to each other virtually and in person to grow our faith community. Led by Dale Griffin, Carolyn Laughlin and Rev. Scott Aaseng. This forum is hybrid: join the group meeting in room 6 downstairs or by a zoom link below.
UCE Book Groups
The UCE Fiction Book Group is reading A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet on Friday, December 17 at 7 pm on Zoom.

Naomi Klein in This Changes Everything talks about the many ways we avoid engaging with the impending climate crisis — or acknowledge then look away again — thus making us complicit in inevitable apocalypse through our inaction. So give the children the stage to figure out how to move forward. Mining a book of Bible stories for children for metaphors and narratives of climate apocalypse. Years ago, William Golding's Lord of the Flies engaged children to help us see what the world is coming to politically. So renown environmentalist Lydia Millet lets the children puzzle out the climate crisis.
The nonfiction book group will meet via Zoom at 2 pm on Sunday, December 19th to discuss The Darkness Divine: A Loving Challenge to my Faith by UU minister Kristen L. Harper.

The author addresses how a culture of white supremacy is reinforced in damaging but unexamined ways in our faith communities and invites readers to de-center whiteness and stretch their understanding and imagination to radically transform perceptions of blackness. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Social Justice & Action
REAL Team Meeting - Wed, Dec 15
Join the Real Team this Wednesday, December 15 at 7 pm on Zoom to discuss how we can acknowledge our defensiveness and change our behavior. In addition, we’ll get a glimpse of turmoil and pain faced by the black community when white supremacy interferes with liberty and justice.  Last of all, we will briefly discuss the use of light and darkness imagery, especially at this time of year, and how to keep our language mindful and anti-racist. 
Volunteer with the Overnight Shelter
Cold weather is here now and the Overnight Emergency Shelter providing a warm space to sleep, needs volunteers. The link below will take you to a Google doc where you can choose the times you want to help our homeless neighbors. In order to protect the safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers, all staff and volunteers must show evidence of being vaccinated against Covid, wear a mask and maintain a safe distance. Please bring a copy of your vaccination card the first time you come to the center to volunteer.

This year 9 congregations are hosting. You can volunteer at any congregation and please note that UCE is hosting from Nov 28 - Dec 18. There are always staff on-site to give you support and direction. For more information you can call or text Toni Rey.
REAL Team History Program
The REAL History team will present 4 episodes of the series Amend from Netflix, on four Wednesdays from January 12 through February 2. Amend tells the story of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. From its origins in the heart and mind of Frederick Douglass to the political wrangling needed to get ratification to the attempts to nullify it over the years and the struggle to make this country live up to its stated ideals. This series tells unfinished story of this life-changing, controversial addition to the Constitution. The REAL team will show episodes 1, 2, 3, and 6 - - the ones that involve race and ethnicity.  
Donate to Evanston's Reparations Fund!
At our Interfaith Reparations workshop we learned about an exciting opportunity to support Evanston’s Reparations program. A group of UCE members has pledged up to $11,000 to match any contributions made to the Evanston Community Foundation’s Reparations Fund. Contributions to the fund will be doubled. To find out more, you can visit the group’s website at Evanstonforever.org...
UCE Resources
Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330