Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
|
Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, February 28 at 11:15 am
|
|
|
|
The Collective Goods: Time, Talent and Treasure
In Beloved Community, each of us brings our whole selves, and contributes as fully as we are able to the life of the congregation. Our faith tradition is built upon the principle that each of us has inherent value, yet no two people bring the same gifts to the collective. UCE thrives and fulfills its purpose when every one of us participates in some way, giving what we can and receiving in turn what we need. Together, we celebrate the abundance of time, talent, and treasure shared among us.
|
|
|
|
From Rev. Susan Frances,
Director of Congregational Life
|
Dear Friends,
I think of wintertime as a time of transformation. When nature rests and gets ready to emerge in the spring as something new. The interim work of Rev. Karen has helped us recognize areas where we have needed some reflection in order to transform practices and processes. As we look out our windows, some of us to enjoy the snowy landscape and some of us tired of it, we are reminded that we...
|
|
|
|
Hats Off to the Caring Callers! |
It has been almost a year since we closed the doors of our building in an effort to keep each other healthy during the pandemic. We have missed checking in with each other during coffee hour and before or after meetings and events. This month a group of UCE members came together to make phone calls to the entire congregation, to let you know that we are thinking about you and care about you.
Thank you so much to Ellie Feddersen and Diane Markel for organizing the calls and the callers. Thank you to Shirley Adams, Jane Bannor, David Bates-Jefferys, Eleanor Boyer, Susan Comstock, Trudi Davis, Dana Deane, Merle Gleeson, Judy Holman, Martha Holman, Connie Karduck, Nancy Katz, Jane Kenamore, Lynn Kendall, Ben Kornfeld, Judy LeFevour, Joyce Lofstrom, Nancy Morris, Carol Nielsen, Linda Piele, Ellen Rieger, Brenda Russell, Barb Seyfried, Johna Van Dyke, Betty Walker, Bridget Wild, and Chris Yoo for making phone calls, listening, reconnecting, and leaving caring messages. We appreciate you sharing your love! Know that we are thinking about you and care about you too!
|
|
UCE is Kicking Off Our First-Ever Virtual Pledge Drive
|
Get ready to celebrate our time, talent and treasure at UCE with the 2021-22 Pledge Drive!
To keep volunteers and staff safe, everything will be done virtually this year. Here’s how it works:
STEP ONE: Look in your email inbox for your pledge drive packet from the UCE Office. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder or, if you use Gmail, the promotions tab.
Still can’t find it? Let Jessica Meis in the office know ASAP by calling her at 847-864-1331 or emailing her at admin@ucevanston.org.
|
|
|
 |
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.
|
Realm Workshop - March 7 at 1:15 pm via Zoom. More info below.
Pledge Drive Virtual Celebration - March 13 at 7 pm. 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.
|
|
|
|
This Week's Events & Links |
Friday, February 26
-
Rainbow Alliance Virtual Charades Party at 7 pm. More info below.
Saturday, February 27
-
Coat Drive at 1-3 pm at UCE Parking Lot. More info below.
-
Virtual Art & Spirituality at 2:30 pm via Zoom. Click here to join.
Sunday, February 28
-
Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 9:30 am via Zoom - Email Renee Hoff for details.
-
Nonfiction Book Group at 2 pm via Zoom. Click here to join. More info below.
Monday, March 1
Tuesday, March 2
Wednesday, March 3
-
Virtual Yoga at 9:30 am via 8x8. Click here to join.
-
All Church Zoom gathering at 5:30 pm - Look for the link in our Wednesday e-mails.
-
Learn Spanish Group at 6:30 pm via 8x8. Click here to join.
Thursday, March 4
-
Buddhist Meditation at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Andrea DeMers for the link.
|
|
|
|
What do you love about UCE? - Tell Us by Mar 4
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.
|
|
Congregational Connections |
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
UCE Board of Trustees Invites you to the Pledge Drive Kickoff this Sunday! - Feb 28 |
The 2021 pledge drive kicks off this Sunday, February 28th at the 11:15 am service. Important announcements about the pledge drive will be made at that time; so please join us! This year the pledge drive will be different: In order to keep all volunteers and staff safe, it will be our first-ever all virtual pledge drive. You will be receiving all of the information you need to pledge through email... |
|
Learn More about Realm!
Join one of the upcoming Realm Lunch and Learn sessions to learn more about using Realm: 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!
|
|
|
Mark your calendars! Pledge Drive Celebration - March 13
Join us on Saturday, March 13th for a fun “evening in” to celebrate the end of the pledge drive. Pre-parties – a great chance to chat with old friends and make new ones - begin at 6:30 pm. The main event gets underway at 7:00 pm and will showcase the New Rhythm Arts Center.
|
|
8th Principle Adoption Process |
|
Learn about the 8th Principle at the next 8th Principle Town Hall gathering on
Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30 pm. Zoom link to be provided. ALL ARE INVITED!
We will have addition congregation wide gatherings on March 21, April 4, and April 11. If none of these dates fits into your schedule, Team 8th is considering adding either a Monday or Friday evening presentation later in April. Email Sally Parsons (psally944@gmail.com) by April 1 stating your preference. You will be notified once a date is selected. If you are in a covenant group or small group, check with your group leader about discussing the 8th Prinicple in March or April.
|
|
VirtUUal Faith Formation and Ways to Connect |
|
The Ecology Center Outing – THIS Sunday, February 28 at 2-3:30 pm – we have one spot open and the forecast looks good - mid-30s! Signup here.
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.
|
|
UCE Nonfiction Book Group |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Current and Upcoming Adult Religious Education |
|
Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison - Tuesday, March 2. 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.
|
|
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.
|
|
Deepening Our UU Identity - Register Today! |
What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist? Without a common creed or theology, what unites us and grounds us? Contrary to the common misunderstanding of our inclusivity, that we are the ones who "can believe whatever we want," Unitarian Universalism is a chosen faith that asks a great deal of those who commit to its aspirations and covenants. In this four-part series, we will explore the religious roots... |
|
|
UCE Forum Discussion - Sunday, March 7 at 10 am |
The Forum's Future
Leaders: Carol & Brian Nielsen
This discussion will provide an opportunity for Forum participants to consider the future of the Forum, evaluate this past year’s program, and discuss plans for going forward.
|
|
Beloved Conversations Virtual Spring Registration CLOSES TODAY |
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... |
|
|
|
|
UUA New Day Rising Conference National 2021 |
Saturday, February 27 at 11-8 CT with plenty of breaks
Is your congregation ready to take a new step in changing white supremacy culture? Want to learn what your fellow congregations are working on, and how you might apply it at home? Join a continent of UUs as we explore next steps in creating Beloved UU Communities.
|
|
Clothing Drive for Connections for the Homeless
February 27 at 1-3 pm
|
We didn’t get a large amount of clothing last week so we are hoping people will find or buy things to drop off this Saturday. The big snow may be over but if you are living on the street, you may need a new jacket. Connections for the Homeless Clothing Drive--Drop off at UCE on Saturday, February 27 at 1-3 pm. We can only accept specific items in sizes medium, large, extra-large—there is always a demand for large sizes.
- Adult Winter Hats, Scarves, Gloves
- Adult Men's Shirts
- Adult Winter Coats XL & Larger
- Adult Underwear & Socks
- Backpacks
All items must be new or gently used. If used, they must be washed. Questions: Call or email: Sheila Holder or Carol Nielsen
|
|
|
|
Rainbow Alliance Meeting on March 4 - All are invited! |
|
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.
|
|
|
Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
