Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
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Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, February 14 at 11:15 am
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A Fine Time to Say I Love You
led by Rev. Karen Gustafson
The cultural phenomenon that is Valentine’s day has long presented both ardent and reluctant lovers a contrived opportunity to express love. It has become for all too many a watershed of variously met and unmet expectations. A special day to say “I love you”? Really, just one? Let us take some time to open our hearts and minds to the rest of the times and ways to express and receive love on the other 364 days of the year. Along with your chalice, bring a scrap of paper and a writing tool. There will be homework…
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From Rev. Eileen Wiviott,
Senior Minister
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Thank you for the kind words of excitement and support which so many of you have expressed to me over the past several weeks. For the 274 of you who hung out on Zoom for more than two hours to participate in our democratic process and vote at the congregational meeting, I am deeply grateful. |
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Hats Off to Lizzy Powers! |
Since the doors to our building have closed, you may have seen more of Lizzy Powers than ever before. Gracing us with her ukulele and singing, she has provided music for several Sunday morning services in addition to her recording of This Little Light of Mine that often follows the Story for All Ages. Her music was also part of our congregation’s Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil and she recently joined the choir.
Lizzy has brought her creative talents to being the co-chair of Rainbow Alliance. Besides being the facilitator of their monthly planning meetings, she has been the host of many of their virtual events. Her energy and authentic presence inspire us at each gathering.
Thank you, Lizzy Powers, for sharing your creativity and inspiring us!!!
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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.
Evanston Vote by Mail - In order to vote by mail in the upcoming primary (Feb. 23) and general election (April 6), Evanston voters have to request a mail in ballot. Learn more.
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Team 8th leads Forum - Sunday, February 21 at 10 am - Come learn and discuss the newly proposed 8th Principle.
Beyond Channing, Parker, and Francis David? with Rev. Connie Simon - February 21, 12:30-2 pm and February 25, 7-8:30 pm. More info below.
Realm Lunch and Learns - February 23 at 11am and March 7 at 1:15 pm via Zoom. More info below.
Pledge Drive Kick-Off - February 28!
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This Week's Events & Links |
Saturday, February 13
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Worship Planning Playdate at 10 am via Zoom. Click here to join. More info below.
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Virtual Art & Spirituality at 2:30 pm via Zoom. Contact Rev. Eileen for the link.
Sunday, February 14
Monday, February 15
Tuesday, February 16
Wednesday, February 17
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Virtual Yoga at 9:30 am via 8x8. Click here to join.
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All Church Zoom gathering at 5:30 pm - Look for the link in our Wednesday e-mails.
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Learn Spanish Group at 6:30 pm via 8x8. Click here to join.
Thursday, February 18
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Buddhist Meditation at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Andrea DeMers for the link.
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Board of Trustees Meeting at 7 pm via Zoom. Email admin@ucevanston.org if you would like to join.
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Realm Lunch and Learns
Did you know your privacy settings might be set so only some people can view your information in the directory? Check out this video on how to update your privacy settings.
Join one of the upcoming Realm Lunch and Learn sessions to learn more about using Realm: February 23 at 11 am or March 7 at 1:15 pm after coffee hour. Hosted by Adam Gough, Jessica Meis, and Rev. Susan Frances, come see how to update your profile and privacy settings, access the directory, see your financial donations, and more! Zoom link to be provided.
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Congregational Connections |
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Worship Planning Playdate
February 13 at 10 am - TOMORROW!
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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 all? You are invited to join the ministers and program staff who plan weekly services for a fun workshop on Saturday, February 13 at 10 am via Zoom...
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February "Reflections with the Board" |
Join this month's “Reflections with the Board.” UCE's Board of Trustees hosts these sessions via zoom once a month at 10am before the service. Our next session will be held this Sunday, February 14th at 10am. For this session, the Board would like to spend some time talking with you about Widening the Circle of Concern.
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BLUU Havens Chicago Feb 20 Gathering |
We welcome you to join us on Saturday, February 20th at 1-2:30 pm via Zoom for our February Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism BLUU Havens Chicago Gathering.
Our theme will be Self Care & Self Love. You may take care of others, but do you show yourself the same consideration? If so, how do you take care of yourself? When did you last treat yourself kindly? You may shower others with love but how do you demonstrate love of self?
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Virtual Karaoke is still open! Saturday, February 20th at 7pm |
The Auction item from November is still open for all singers - young and old, talented and...shy. Tom Hempfling, Gillian Lawrence, Norell Liddell, Kera Beskin, and Rev. Eileen hope you will join us! Singers will need a desktop/laptop and a good Wi-Fi connection for the best results. There are FIVE available seats left. This fundraiser item went for $15 for each participant.
Please email the office at admin@ucevanston.org if you would like to participate. You can make your payment online here. Choose the Serendipity Auction fund and add a note that says Karaoke. You can also mail your payment, with auction karaoke in the memo line.
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Workshop: Beyond Channing, Parker, and Francis David? with Rev. Connie Simon |
Rev. Connie Simon, warm, approachable, and knowledgeable, shared her insights about Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist history from an anti-oppressive lens with the Midwest Leadership school this past fall. She will be preaching for us on February 21st, followed by a 2-part workshop on February 21st, 12:30-2pm and February 25th, 7-8:30 pm, that we hope the whole congregation will take part in. Please mark your calendars!
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Rainbow Alliance Charade Party - Friday, February 26 |
Rainbow Alliance's next event is a virtual Charades party! All ages (and people) are welcome! Join us on Friday, February 26 at 7pm. Register at the button below to get the link. |
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VirtUUal Faith Formation and Ways to Connect |
Sledding at Lovelace Park - Saturday, February 13 at 10:30 am. Meet at the Pavilion.
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Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. Look for the email that went out with the link.
High School Youth – Sunday at 4 pm. Look for an email with details.
Pre/K Kids and Families - POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – February’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.
We have two spots open for a Visit to the Ecology Center! - February 28 at 2-3:30 pm. Sign up at here.
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Current and Upcoming Adult Religious Education |
Process Buddhism: Zen Style (Part of the “Visions of God” series.)
Sponsored by UCE and the Cobb Institute for Community and Practice - Tuesdays, February 16, 23 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Dr. Jay McDaniel, Cobb Institute
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Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison - Tuesday, March 2. 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.
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Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry – March 9 at 7 pm via Zoom As a part of our denomination’s work and effort to examine white fragility and supremacy, this book was chosen as the Common Read. Congregations all over the country are reading and discussing this book to help understand these complex systems and relationships that support racism and oppression. Facilitated by Kathy Underwood.
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Lila, homeless and alone after years of roaming the countryside, steps inside a small-town Iowa church — the only available shelter from the rain — and ignites a romance and a debate that will reshape her life.
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The nonfiction book group will hold its next Zoom meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 28th. We will discuss How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. Kendi uses his own experiences as well as history, science and ethics to support his main thesis that simply not being racist isn't enough. We must actively choose to be "antiracist," and work to undo structural racism in order to build an equitable society. Everyone is invited to join our discussion of this timely book. Look for a Zoom link in the February 26th newsletter.
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UCE Forum Discussion - Sunday, February 21st at 10 am |
Newly Proposed - UU 8th Principle
Leaders: Martha Holman and others
We will discuss the newly proposed 8th principle: We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.
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Beloved Conversations Virtual Spring Registration is Open |
Beloved Conversations—a faith formation anti-racism program through our Unitarian Universalist seminary in Chicago, Meadville Lombard Theological School—went virtual last fall and over 1,200 learners joined the first 'Within' phase (23 were from UCE)! We would love to have you join us for spring! This program is an experience of connection and spiritual development that you don’t want to miss... |
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Clothing Drive for Connections for the Homeless—February 20 & February 27 |
As part of our partnership with Connections for the Homeless we are holding a clothing drive for the clothing cupboard. Since we can’t do “Our Giving House” because we aren’t at church, we thought this offering might be a good option. We need very specific items in sizes medium, large, and extra large; there is always a demand for large sizes.... |
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Rainbow Alliance Meeting on March 4 - All are invited! |
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Online UUA Anti-Racism Training |
Do you wish to deepen your understanding of how race and ethnicity play out in our institutions and our daily lives? Are you ready to take a leading role to nurture a multicultural future in the face of opposing cultural currents?
You Are Invited to Participate in Jubilee Three Anti-Racism Training: Learning Together About Systemic Racism. This Training consists of three sessions taking place over one weekend: March 19-21.
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Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
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