Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
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Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, January 16th at 10:15 am
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Reparations: To Share Love and Power
How does a nation make amends for its deepest moral failing, the evil of enslavement? How can our society be repaired, unless we acknowledge the historic and ongoing devastation of white supremacy? To fulfill the dream of Beloved Community and create a whole and just world, we must learn to share love as well as power. Rev. Eileen Wiviott leads the service with Worship Associate, Sarah Vanderwicken.
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Faith Formation Hour & Other Events Following Kinship Time |
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Forum Discussion Group during Faith Formation Hour at 11:35 am on Zoom. More info below. - Click here to join.
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Small Group Discussions of Widening the Circle of Concern during Faith Formation Hour at 11:35 am on Zoom. More info below. - Click here to join.
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From Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director |
Greetings from your Executive Operations Director,
Building office hours are limited during January. Some staff members, including myself, have been ill and are avoiding in person office hours. Jessica has posted in this newsletter our current hours. If you need to be in touch with me please call the office and you will be given my cell phone number or email me at srobinson@ucevanston.org. Otherwise, for staff members who may not answer their church phone, please leave a message. Messages are forwarded to individual staff members. If you need to stop by the church for any reason, please contact us ahead of time.
This is the time of the year when the Integrated Stewardship Council ramps up discussions on budget and pledge drive. The Budget Working Group of the ISC (Joe Romeo, Board President; Tom Carlton, UCE Treasurer; Susan Comstock, ISC Member-At-Large and Rev. Eileen Wiviott, Sr. Minister, and me as Executive Operations Director) We have prepared a rough preliminary draft that was shared with ISC and the Board. The Board of Trustees has had in depth conversations to focus on their priorities going forward. We are taking those into account as we structure the budget for fiscal year 2022/23...
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Listening Sessions on the Way Forward,
hosted by Rev. Eileen and the COVID Task Force
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Sunday, January 16th 1-2 pm and
Wednesday, January 19th 5:30-6:30 pm, both on Zoom
The decision to return to virtual worship services was a hard but necessary decision. As we consider when and how to return to our building, we would like to hear your thoughts, concerns, and questions. Please join us!
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UCE Worship Services will be virtual through January |
To protect the safety of our community, we will remain virtual for Sunday services and Faith Formation through January and then re-assess toward the end of the month whether we will return to the building and multi-platform services. Worship leaders, musicians, and technical support will be in the sanctuary to livestream the service, while the rest of the congregation will participate from home.
Small groups are still able to meet in the building following the existing protocols including masking at all times, social distancing, and hand washing. We’ll hold off on introducing eating together, even in small groups, at this time.
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Celebrate MLK Day in our Community |
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Faith in Action Assembly
Join the Community Renewal Society in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The virtual assembly will take place from 10am – noon on Monday, January 17 (and replay may be viewed at 7 pm –9 pm).
The keynote speaker will be Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, senior pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. Rev. Moss is one of the most inspirational speakers you will ever hear. Also present will be the poet Kwyn Townsend Riley, from the southwest side of Chicago. Register at the link. When registering, please note that you are a member of the Unitarian Church of Evanston. A link will be shared via email leading up to the event.
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Interfaith Action of Evanston's 3rd Annual
Walk for Warmth
Join Interfaith Action of Evanston's 3rd annual family-friendly Walk for Warmth on Monday January 17, 2022, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Day of Service. There is no charge to register for the walk, but registration is required. Advance registration is greatly appreciated as it will help get the walk started on time. The 2-mile walk through central Evanston starts at 11 AM at First United Methodist Church at 516 Church St. in downtown Evanston. Look for Rev. Eileen Wiviott in her yellow Side with Love stole to join with other UCE walkers.
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Join us to raise awareness of homelessness and hunger in Evanston. Bring the family. Invite your friends and neighbors to join you. For everyone's safety, please leave your dog at home.
You can also join by sponsoring a walker and donating Online. Make a monetary donation and join Interfaith Action in fighting hunger and homelessness. Interfaith Action's shelters provide safe and warm spaces, food and services for anyone in need. Your donation of any amount is greatly appreciated. You may Donate Online, or send a check to Interfaith Action of Evanston, PO Box 1414, Evanston, IL 60204. Write "Walk for Warmth-Unitarian Church of Evanston" in the memo line on the check.
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Hats Off to Janice Milanovich! |
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Hats off to Janice Milanovich, for leading a nature walk at Emily Oaks Nature Center on a cold and icy winter afternoon. She organized a “treasure” hunt of human-made items (the fairies were a hit!) for people to try and find hidden among trees, shrubs, and in the snow. Janice also serves on the Family Ministry Team and the Nominating and Recruiting Team; the latter team is actively seeking people to fill important leadership roles at UCE. She is always willing to help and brings her two children along to join in. Janice always has a smile to brighten your day! |
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UCE Building Availability -
The UCE Office will have reduced office hours for the month of January. If you have a need to access the building during what would be normal office hours (10 am - 5 pm Tue-Fri), we encourage you to make an appointment with a staff member or call the office. Ministers and staff are still available via email.
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.
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Wednesday Zoom Gatherings Continue on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 5:30 pm via Zoom.
The UCE Fiction Book Group meets next on Friday, January 21, at 7pm to discuss The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner. The UCE Nonfiction Book Group meets next on Sunday, January 23, at 2 pm to discuss The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again by Robert D. Putnam. More info below.
The What do yUU believe? credo class continues on Tuesday, January 25. More info below.
The next Journey Toward Membership class begins on February 1 & 2. More info below.
Google Drive Training on February 8 at 2 pm. More info below.
The next Intro to Unitarian Universalism class is February 27. More info below.
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This Week's Events & Links |
Saturday, January 15
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Virtual Pilates at 9:30 am on Zoom. Email Janelle Brittain to join.
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Immigrant Solidarity Team at 4 pm on Zoom. Email Lee Bannor to join.
Sunday, January 16
Monday, January 17
- UCE Office Closed
- Community Renewal Society Martin Luther King, Jr. Faith in Action Assembly at 10 am & 7 pm on Zoom.
- Interfaith Action of Evanston's Walk for Warmth at 11 am.
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Addictions and Recovery Group at 7 pm via Zoom. Click here to join.
Tuesday, January 18
Wednesday, January 19
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Virtual Yoga at 9:30 am via 8x8. Click here to join.
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Listening Session on the Way Forward at 5:30 pm on Zoom. Click here to join.
- Compassionate Communication Meet up at 6:45 pm in Rm 3.
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REAL's Amend: The Fight for America Teleparty at 7 pm. Register here.
Thursday, January 20
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Meditation Group at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Lisa Solomon for the link.
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Board of Trustees at 7 pm on Zoom. Contact the Office to join.
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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!
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Congregational Connections |
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Widening the Circle of Concern
Reading for January 16 Faith Formation Hour
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Come learn ways to live our UU values in the world. 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 January, you are encouraged to read the chapter on Living Our Values in the World before January 16th 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 via breakout rooms in 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 so we can arrange that space.
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What do yUU Believe? A credo class
for youth and adults together on Zoom
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How do you talk about what you believe and how does what you believe show up in the way you live your life? How do you articulate what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist? In these four sessions, designed for youth and adults (age 12 and up) Kathy Underwood and Rev. Eileen Wiviott will accompany you on the journey toward understanding and articulating your beliefs and how they align with our UU faith.
- January 18th 7pm - 8:30pm
- January 25th 7pm - 8:30pm
- February 1st 7pm - 8:30pm
- February 8th 7pm - 8:30pm
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Pathway to Membership Classes |
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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, February 27 at 2-3:30 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 virtually on Wednesdays, February 2 and 9 at 6:30-8 pm and in-person on Tuesdays, March 1 and 8 at 6:30-8 pm.
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Weekend Meditation Retreat with Beverly Unitarian Church |
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The Beverly Unitarian Church meditation group is offering a weekend meditation retreat January 28-30, 2022, at a retreat center in Frankfort, Il. The topic is "Love and Meditation: Mindful Relationships." |
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Google Drive Training - February 8 at 2 pm |
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Join Adam Gough and Jessica Meis for an intro to Google Drive! We'll work together on some basic skills on how to use Google Drive successfully to communicate and share files with your group. Come learn more about Google docs, sheets, slides, and more! |
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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.
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Syrian Refugee Family Update |
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The Bakir family continues to settle in after their arrival in the U.S. in September. The UCE community’s generous response to our fundraiser in the fall means that they have their rent paid for December-February. And the extra good news is that we received an endowment grant that will help them out with rent over the spring months as well.
We have purchased clothes for them and they received many lovely gifts from Mitten tree donors as well. The kids are adjusting to school in Skokie. The mother, Ghurfran, will soon begin learning English in an Oakton Community College class. Right now, the class is taught remotely, so she is getting a laptop and will be learning how to use that as well. But in the future, she may go to an on-campus class. The kids receive tutoring through Catholic Charities, but if anyone is interested in helping to tutor Ghufran, please email Jeanne Kerl at figkerl@gmail.com.
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REAL Team History Program |
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The REAL History team presents episodes of the series Amend from Netflix, on continuing January 19 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.
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Now is a Pivotal Moment to Express Our Value
that Everyone Deserves a Vote
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Please call, email, or write your federal Senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, before January 17, 2021 asking them to support both the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and to urge their Senate colleagues to support both bills as well as not let the filibuster rules prevent them from passing.
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The Freedom to Vote Act will make it easier for all citizens to vote; end gerrymandering so that electoral districts are fairly drawn; and reduce the impact of big money in politics.
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The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will restore the full protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act against discriminatory voting laws.
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What's Happening in Faith Formation? |
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Faith Formation Hour this Sunday...
The Youth Group will not be meeting this week, but will meet at Lovelace Park on January 23 at 1 pm for sledding. More details below.
Forum Discussion Group resumes Sunday at 11:35 am on Zoom. More info below! Click here to join.
...and beyond!
Last Chance to Sign Up! What Do yUU Believe? A credo class for youth and adults together. How do you talk about what you believe and how does what you believe show up in the way you live your life? How do you articulate what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist? More info above!
January 23 - Sledding at Lovelace Park at 1 pm if there is snow. An email will go out on Sunday at 11:45 am with an update to those who register here, and will be posted on the UCE Facebook pages.
Do you have an idea for a new program? Is there a group you would like to form? Simply fill out a Group or Program Proposal Form and a staff member will get in touch with you!
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Forum Discussion - January 16 at 11:35 am |
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Scaling up social solidarity: Is it realistic for all to have what they need? Envision what is possible. Words to contemplate before Forum: "The world has enough for everyone's needs, but not everyone's greed," Mahatma Gandhi
From Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “On the one hand we are called to play the good Samaritan on life's roadside; but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life's highway...
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The UCE Fiction Book Group meets next on Friday, January 21, at 7pm to discuss The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner.
“Sweet, smart escapism,” according to People magazine. Perfect for the holidays!
Just after WWII, in a small English village of Chawton a group of like-minded wildly diverse people gather to preserve the legacy of their most famous past resident, Jane Austen (Chawton was the final home of Austen).
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The UCE Nonfiction Book Group meets next on Sunday, January 23, at 2 pm. We'll discuss The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again by Robert D. Putnam.
In this book, political scientist Robert Putnam describes the pattern in American history which he calls “I-we-I” when the individualism of the Gilded Age moved to the community mindedness of the Progressive Era and then back to the individualism of current times when everyone is on their own. Everyone is welcome to attend!
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Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
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