Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
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Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, February 21 at 11:15 am
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The Danger of a Single Story
Guest Preacher: Rev. Connie Simon
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has a wonderful TED Talk on the danger of a single story. When many of us talk about the history of Unitarian Universalism, we tell a single story – one that leaves out the contributions of Black and Biracial people, Indigenous People, people of color and others of marginalized identities. How must that make them feel? How does it diminish the message of Unitarian Universalism?
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From Rev. Karen Gustafson,
Interim Minister
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Congratulations, UCE! Being with you, even from my perch in the Minnesota north woods, as you voted in large numbers and with great enthusiasm to call Rev Eileen to be you Settled Minister, was truly a magic moment. On February I was moved to tears by your images on my screen as you lighted your covenant candles and symbolically added them to the common flame of your shared ministry. |
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Hats Off to the Congregational Care & Support Committee! |
Our Hats are off to the newly formed Congregational Care and Support Committee, brought to life through generative conversations and careful planning with Carol Nielsen and Dana Deane. To fill the shoes of Lois Taft who capably coordinated the Caring Committee for years, Carol and Dana helped form a team to share the fulfillment of mutual support. Moving forward, Dana Deane will coordinate rides for those needing to get to an appointment or to services. Karen Courtright, Lynn Kendall and Janet Lipner will coordinate meals for those post-surgery, with an illness or injury, or welcoming home a new child. Margaret Shaklee will coordinate memorial receptions when we are back in the building. Ellie Feddersen will sort the needs and make sure they are routed to the right coordinator. For those needs that are ongoing and are of a more spiritual nature, the Pastoral Care Team will enter in. Thank you, Carol, Dana, Karen, Lynn, Janet, Margaret, and Lois for all you do and have done to care for others!
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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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Rainbow Alliance Virtual Charades Party - February 26 at 7 pm. More info below.
Pledge Drive Kick-Off - February 28!
Realm Workshop - March 7 at 1:15 pm via Zoom. More info below.
Next Board of Trustees Meeting is March 18 at 7 pm via Zoom. Email admin@ucevanston.org if you would like to join.
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This Week's Events & Links |
Friday, February 19
Saturday, February 20
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Coat Drive at 1-3 pm at UCE Parking Lot. More info below.
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Immigrant Solidarity Team at 4 pm via Zoom. Contact Joe Romeo for the link.
Sunday, February 21
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Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 9:30 am via Zoom - Email Renee Hoff for details.
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Forum Discussion Group at 10 am via Zoom. Click here to join. More info below.
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Rev. Connie Simon Workshop Part 1 at 12:30 pm via Zoom. Click here to join. More info below.
Monday, February 22
Tuesday, February 23
Wednesday, February 24
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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 25
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Buddhist Meditation at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Andrea DeMers for the link.
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Rev. Connie Simon Workshop Part 2 at 7 pm via Zoom. Click here to join. More info below.
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What do you love about UCE?
UCE is more than just our spiritual home where we gather on Sundays (virtually these days!). It's also a place to share our time, talent and treasure as we bring our mission to life nurturing the human spirit for a world made whole.
You're invited to share what you love about UCE in a short video (3 minutes or less). If you'd like, you can also share some of those talents that make UCE the special place it is. So sing or dance or celebrate or speak in the way that feels best for you.
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Learn More about Realm!
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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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 |
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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 – Virtually on 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.
The Ecology Center Outing – Sunday, February 28 at 2-3:30 pm – we have two spots open for two more young people! The forecast looks good - mid-30s! Signup here.
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UCE Forum Discussion - Sunday, February 21st at 10 am |
Why an 8th Principle?
Leaders: Martha Holman and Team 8th
Come to Forum to learn a bit of the history of this proposed 8th principle, parse what it means, and consider how it might transform our lives here at UCE. The 8th principle is:
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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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 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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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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