Sunday Service

December 14, 2025 at 10:30 am 

Should We Change the Name of UCE?

In 2025, the Unitarian Church of Evanston Board of Directors held focus group conversations to hear what is important to the Congregation. One key theme that came up in every conversation we hosted was the desire to change our name. What do you think of the change to “Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Evanston”?

We would appreciate hearing from you. Feel free to email or talk with any Board member. Or, better yet, join us at one of the four opportunities for discussion:

Tuesday, January 20, 7-8 pm on Zoom

Monday, January 26, 7-8 on Zoom

Sunday, February 1, 12-1at UCE Room 6

Saturday, February 7, 10-11 on Zoom

Please register to attend one of these sessions.

We will also email out a survey to ensure we get all of your thoughts.

This Sunday…

Children and youth will go to their faith formation groups after Joys and Sorrows

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

Chalice Children (Pre/K/1st) in room 9 – Our children will hear the story Mr. Gumpy’s Outing and make Styrofoam boats. 

Hearts, and Hands (2nd-5th) in room 8 – Our young people will explore our theme of Choosing Hope as it connects to the winter solstice in Hope in Unexpected Places.

Youth Group (6th+) in room 10 – Our youth will explore our theme of Choosing Hope as it connects to the story A Christmas Carol by Unitarian Charles Dickens in There’s Hope in Scrooge.

Faith Formation Registration

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

Christmas Pageant – Next Sunday during worship

You can claim a role by signing up here or simply show up before worship to claim one not yet taken.

HOLIDAY SEASON AT UCE

December 14 - Holiday Music Service at 10:30am - Sanctuary and Livestream

December 21 - Christmas Pageant - 10:30am - Sanctuary and Livestream

Everyone takes part! Be a star, beast or wise one. Fun for all ages!

December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - 7pm - Sanctuary and Livestream

Readings and music celebrating wonder, hope and light

January 4 - Fire Communion

Save these dates!

Family Friday – January 9

Details coming soon!

Join us on Zoom January 12 at 7-8p!

We’ll share ideas on ways to build connections and community.

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

Join us on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/520586461667097

Ugly Crying, with Dignity

by Ally Hunter

Thus begins this month’s Board of Trustees offering:

What a minefield life is.

One day you’re taking a stroll in the sun,

the next your arms and legs are all over the hedge.

There’s no dignity in it.

—Christopher Fry, from A Yard of Sun



We lost our wise and beloved UCE board member Melanie Kitchner to cancer on November 28. Days ago, and rather suddenly. A lost voice, a precious legacy.

You’ll find us working together to attach our limbs, hearts and inspiration to her memory, and to honor the commitment she modeled in so many spheres of our congregational life.

Our hats are off to everyone who made this year’s Mitten Tree program successful and our Cocoa, Carols, and Community wrapping party festive! We are also grateful to everyone who donated a gift certificate on Bread Communion Sunday. We collected the equivalent of 29 $75 gift certificates.

A special thank you to our Mitten Tree co-leaders, Jenny Walsh and Alice Swan, and to their organizing volunteers, Maggie Weiss, Ellie Feddersen, Carol Nielsen, Carol Mergl, Meredith Haydon, and Gillian Lawrence. We appreciate everyone who signed up for shopping, collecting and counting, wrapping, and delivering the Mitten Tree gifts: Bonnie Bean, Alice Chrostowski, Cindy Sammons, Linda Herreid, Josh Goodrich, Robb Geiger, Erin Carpenter, Karen Courtright, Christine Peters, Sheila Holder, Norell Liddell, Kathy Monk, Mary Beth Roth, Cindy Dvorak, Pam Winkler, Sally Parsons, Brian Nielsen, Susan Talmage, Sue Larson, Jean Butzen, Jordan Sadler, Martha Holman, Debbie Schaaf, Steve Serikaku, Fay Robinson, Nina Tatarowicz, Jane Hampson, Tory Bassani, Sarah Kaiser, Nancy Katz, Barbara Mesle, Kiley Korey, Alexa Bezjian-Avery, Vickie Hellyer, Alison Issen, Wendy Drake, Jane Bannor, Renee Gatsis, Jeanne Kerl, Johna Van Dyke, Marcy Hicks, Margaret Shaklee, Dana Deane, Martha Holman, Susan Carlton, Michelle Thompson-Hay, Janice Milanovich, Margaret Schatz, Alyce Barry, Ellen Rieger, and those of you where were spontaneous volunteers here at UCE or at home with your family!

Jazz for Joy Holiday Concert and Coat Drive

Sunday, December 14th at 4pm at UCE

UCE is hosting this event in collaboration with Lula B. Sherman United Methodist Church, Shorefront Legacy Center, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Theta Kappa Kappa Chapter.

Julian Davis Reid and his 8-person band, the Circle of Trust, will toast the season - and help us ensure that our Evanston neighbors in need have coats.

There is no cover charge, but a suggested donation of a new coat of any size, or a cash donation is appreciated!

• HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: There will be NO newsletter on December 26th. The next newsletter after that will be January 2, 2026. The deadline for that newsletter is December 19th.
• To submit Newsletter requests Please use our Google Form found HERE to submit your articles and images. The deadline is Noon on Wednesdays.

• 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!

Friday, December 12th:

• NO EVENTS

Saturday, December 13th:

• Green Team Meeting, 9:15-10:15am, Room 13
• Virtual Pilates, 9:30am, via Zoom
• Music Sunday Saturday Rehearsal, 9:30-11:30am, Sanctuary
• Beginner Tai Chi, 9:45-10:45am, Room 6
• Intermediate Tai Chi, 11-12pm, Room 6

Sunday, December 14th:

• UCE Choir Rehearsal, 8:45-10:10am, Sanctuary
• Chris Isley Cancer Support Group, 9-10:15am, Room 6 & Zoom
• Worship Service, 10:30-11:30am, Sanctuary
• Young Adult Group Soulful Sunday, 12:15-1pm, Room 12
• Family Feedback Follow-Up, 12:15-1:15pm, Room 6 and Zoom
• Jazz for Joy Concert and Coat Drive, 4-6pm, Sanctuary

Monday, December 15th:

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

Tuesday, December 16th:

• Legislative Action Team, 4:30-5:30pm, via Zoom
• Peg Heads, 6:30-9:30pm, Room 5
• Caregiver Support Group, 7-8:30pm, via Zoom
• First Women's Circle, 7-8pm, Online

Wednesday, December 17th:

• Yoga Online, 9:30-10:30am, via Zoom
• Hope Covenant Group Potluck, 5-8:30pm, Sanctuary Cafe and Kitchen
• Integrated Stewardship Council, 5-6:30pm, via Zoom
• Pastoral Care Meeting, 7-9pm, via Zoom
• Social Justice Council, 7-8:30pm, via Zoom

Thursday, December 18th:

• Board of Trustees, 7-9pm, via Zoom
• Choir Rehearsal, 7-9pm, Sanctuary and Room 6

 Attend A Journey Toward Membership Class

Are you interested in a brief survey of UU history and values, learning about what it means to be part of a covenantal faith tradition, or in figuring out how to get more connected at UCE? Join Rev. Susan and the Membership Team at one of our Journey Toward Membership classes. This 90-minute class is offered once a month. If you decide you are interested in joining UCE as a member, you will need to have attended this class before signing our Membership Book. The next class dates are:

• Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 6:30-8:00 pm, via Zoom. Click here to register. 
• Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1:00-2:30 pm, Room 12, no child care available. Click here to register. 
• Sunday, March 1, 2026, 9:00-10:20 am, Room 12, child care provided. Click here to register.

If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Susan Frances at sfrances@ucevanston.org.

The Latest Endowment Grants

As you may know, a portion of the proceeds from the Endowment Fund investments are granted to support projects recommended to the Endowment Committee. Grants may be made for:

– Congregational Support for special projects, care of the building and property, and education and training;

– UCE Community Partners to deepen relationships with organizations that have long-term relationships with UCE volunteers and the Congregation; or

– Community Projects of nonprofit organizations that support the wider mission of Unitarian Universalism.

The following grants were recently recommended by the Endowment Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees:

• Congregational Support
• $2,500 for the February 14, 2026, All-Congregation Event Celebrating Hearts, Hands, and Connection.
• Community Projects
• $3,000 to Interfaith Action Evanston for laundry service for the overnight shelter.
• $2,100 to the FAST Team for a new 6-month food program to provide 6 lunches (once a month) at First Congregational Church; UCE would provide volunteers. If this pilot is successful, FAST plans to request funds for lunches again next year.
• $600 to the REAL Team for Curt’s Cafe to subsidize SafeServ certificates for food service jobs.

The Endowment Committee and Board of Trustees are delighted to support these amazing programs.

Making our Holidays More Green!

This month, the Green Team looks at the 2030 version of a UU Green Sanctuary to see how our members can become even better friends of the Earth. Join us on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 9:15am as we look at the progress we are making and set some future goals. Meet in person in room 13 or on zoom. Join the Green Team in REALM for updates and zoom links.

The next meeting of the UCE Fiction Book Group

is Friday, December 19th, using our Recurring Zoom link



The Fiction Book group is reading "The Inheritance of Loss," by Kiran Desai.

In a crumbling, isolated house at the foot of Mount Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas, an embittered judge wants only to retire in peace when his orphaned granddaughter, Sai, arrives on his doorstep.

Winner of the Man Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Award for 2007.

We will also choose books for our winter quarter.

The Nonfiction book group will meet online at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 28th , using our recurring Zoom link.

Join us to discuss On Looking: Eleven Walks with Expert Eyes by cognitive scientist Alexandra Horowitz. The author shows us how much there is to see on daily walks if only we would really look.

Her book is structured around eleven walks she takes with experts on a range of diverse subjects, including a geologist, a physician, an artist, and an urban sociologist. Horowitz shows how different perspectives can change the way we see the ordinary world around us.

In January, we’ll discuss The Quiet Before: On the Unexpected Origins of Radical Ideas by Gal Beckerman.

Pagan Yule party!

Please join the UCE Pagan Collective at our Yule/Winter Solstice celebration at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21. We'll light the Yule log, share a potluck meal, sing carols and craft our own logs to take home. Bakers, we'll also renew the UCE Pagan tradition of having a Yule log cake competition - award categories will include tastiest, prettiest, and most original decoration.

All ages and all paths are welcome. A vegan main course and wassail will be provided. Please, if you can do so, bring your favorite holiday dish to share.

Email tarynnelsonseawright at gmail.com with any questions.

Healthcare is a Human Right

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, 1/10/2026 at 1:30 PM in Room 3 and on Zoom.

The UCE Catalyst for Democracy team is hosting a presentation by ACLU Heidi Dalenberg on our current Access to Healthcare and Civil Rights. In her role as Director of the Institutional Reform Project, she will explain how healthcare benefits programs can change and your right to protest. This is a very important and timely issue! The event will be open to the public. Please contact Mary Dudek of the Catalyst team for more details (mdudekpa at gmail dot com).

UCE Cares

UCE is a congregation of mutual care and support in service of our overall mission to nurture the human spirit for a world made whole. In these difficult and overwhelming times, we’re all struggling in different ways to take care of ourselves and each other. The Congregational Care and Support Teams are here to help.

The Caring Team provides practical care like meals and rides during health challenges or other family transitions.

The Pastoral Care Team works with the ministers to provide spiritual accompaniment for members of the congregation struggling with loneliness, grief, anxiety and other concerns. We don’t provide therapy but a thoughtful listening partner.

If you’re struggling financially or need short term help with a bill or payment, please reach out to one of the ministers to access our pastoral care funds.



If you know of someone who might need care, if you need care yourself, or if you would like to offer care to others, please visit our Congregational Care Page

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 FORA, Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA)provides intensive, one-on-one tutoring and family-school support for refugee children who have arrived in West Roger’s Park with significant literacy and numeracy gaps. FORA (www.refugeefora.org) helps students rebuild their educational foundation to thrive in school, and pursue meaningful futures.

UCE Young Adult Group

Third Friday Faith Formation & Game Nights

Our next gathering is Friday, December 19th



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.

Family Fall Feedback – December 14 at 12:15pm

Based on our gathering with Rev. Eileen recently, we now invite parents/families to help us prioritize the many ideas that were shared. Childcare available.

If you’d like to add your thoughts, please respond to this short survey.

UU History Program

Whether or not you are new to Unitarian Universalism, you are sure to learn something new from our history.

This 4-part series will cover a wide range within our Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist roots, including the unique history that is UCE.

January 7, 14, 21, 28 at 7p in room 3

Facilitated by Rev. Eileen Wiviott, Kathy Underwood, Bob Mesle, and Dan Solomon

Click HERE to register

Come be a Beacon of Light!

Inspired by Beacons of Light, bring a colorful sign with a positive message visioning a future shaped by love and justice (sign inspiration here) or include The Beacon’s QR code to spread the light even further. You may join the Beacons of Light WhatsApp group by filling out their form.

Join us at the corner of Dempster & Ridge, Chicago & Main, or Central & Lincolnwood on Thursdays from 4:00-4:30 pm. Will be gathering on December 18th and then taking a break until January 15th.

Whether we’re three people or 100, we continue to provide a source of hope and solidarity for the participants, those driving by, and our neighbors. All are welcome!

LOVE RESISTS

Community Support/Mutual Aid

These are a few ways to provide mutual aid to our communities this winter. If you have another idea, please email it to Rev. Susan Frances.

Ideas added this week - 

Help build Evanston’s new community resource, the 611 Free Store! Everything is free and

offered as-is.

The store is looking for more volunteers to staff shopping hours. This is the link to

volunteer. Volunteers must be 18 or older, and children may not accompany volunteers during shifts. Shopping is by appointment. This is the link to schedule shopping time. Please distribute widely.

Located at 611 South Blvd, Evanston. This location is not wheelchair accessible.

Ongoing ways to provide mutual aid -

Jazz for Joy Coat Drive in the UCE Sanctuary on Sunday, December 14,

2025, at 4 pm. Along with Sherman United Methodist Church, Shorefront, and Omega Psi Phi fraternity from Northwestern University, we are hosting a holiday jazz concert.

Free to the public. Donation of one new coat, any kind and any size, encouraged. You

may also drop off a coat donation Sunday morning if you are not able to

attend the concert.

Donate to your local food pantry and soup kitchen. In Evanston, these include:

• Fill up the UCE Giving House located in our lobby. We are collecting pasta, rice, grains, beans, cereal, soups, canned fish, and canned meat to donate to C&W Market Foundation in Evanston. 

• Interfaith Action of Evanston (IAE) publishes the schedule of Soup Kitchens, sponsored by them and other nonprofits. We keep hard copies of this schedule, along with the IAE Overnight Shelter in the red folder in the Welcome Center cabinet.

• Support the Evanston Community Fridges. You may contribute funds online or donate food at one of the three locations in Evanston: 1601 Payne Street, 1335 Dodge Avenue, 620 Madison Street. 

Patronize local Mexican, South American, and Latin American restaurants, grocery stores, and street vendors, especially in neighborhoods that are predominately Hispanic and Latinx, in an effort to help those small businesses stay in business when so many of their customers do not feel safe being out and about.

Donate to Evanston Latinos, which is working with local Sanctuary groups to support local families impacted by ICE detentions. When you donate online, write in the memo line either “Sanctuary Evanston” or “Sanctuary Niles Township.”

Carry a whistle as part of local whistle brigades (short rhythm for ICE agent or vehicle sightings; long continuous rhythm when witnessing an abduction in process). Take photos or video of what you are seeing.

When ICE is active in your area, create a plan for transportation for anyone working inside or outside of your home and also plan to be at home to provide emergency inside space for outdoor workers who are tending to your yard, snow removal, painting, or other home improvements. ICE agents, or any other federal, state, or local agent, may not enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge with a valid date, the name of a specific person, and your address on it.

ONGOING UU CONNECTIONS

Unitarian Church of Evanston

1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201

847-864-1330