Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
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Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, January 9th at 10:15 am
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Justifying Our Means and Ends
In October, we talked about renewing our Ends Statements and introduced the process of exploring our core values through an exercise called The Experience of the Holy. Many of you have participated in these meaning making conversations over the past several months. In this service, we will explore what we’ve learned so far about the values we share and the aspirations we can intentionally claim in the coming years. Rev. Eileen leads the service with Lynn Kendall as Worship Associate.
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Faith Formation Hour & Other Events Following Kinship Time |
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Storytelling Workshop with Olivia Behr following Kinship Time on Zoom - Click here to join.
- All-Ages Nature Walk & Gnome Hunt at Emily Oaks in Skokie at 12:30 pm
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Conversation about Long Term Care with Evanston Ombudsman, Candice Mitchell on Zoom at 1 pm: Candice Mitchell will speak to UCE members and friends about choosing a facility, how to age in place, and navigating the financial implications and possibilities of long term care. - Let us know you'll join the conversation. Click here to join.
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From Kathy Underwood, Director of Lifespan Faith Formation |
Well, here we go again! With the recent increase in Covid cases we find ourselves once again returning to virtual worship and faith formation. It may be bringing a lot of different feelings up for you and your family: frustration, boredom, feeling stuck and in a rut, perhaps tired and run-down too. Our resilience is being tested yet again.
And yet I am feeling more optimistic this time around. Winter is naturally a time for staying indoors more and taking time for reflection, especially at New Year’s. I am noticing that the sky is lightening earlier and staying out just a bit later in the day now. I am blessed with a warm house, a full refrigerator, a job that allows me to work from home when needed, and a spouse who puts up with me 24/7.
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Check out the Christmas Eve Photo Slideshow! |
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Thank you everyone who sent in photos to share during our Christmas Eve virtual service. Check out the link below for a recap of the memories we made that evening. |
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Reduced Building Office Hours this Month |
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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 - 5pm T-F), we encourage you to make an appointment with a staff member or call the office. Ministers and staff are still available via email.
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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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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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Hats Off to the Transitions Team! |
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Our hats are off once again to the Transitions Team that worked with Rev. Karen Gustafson during the Interim period and helped us navigate our way through challenge into the next stage of our shared ministry. The Transitions Team members were Shirley Adams, Judy Holman, Dave Schroeder, and Margaret Shaklee. We're highlighting this team along with the final Interim Report, which Rev. Karen shared with us and you can read here. This is a helpful guide to fulfilling our aspirations and to remembering the powerful work we did together as a congregation. May we continue to live into our mission and purpose with love and creativity. Thank you, Transitions Team, for all you did to set us on our way.
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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 next Introduction to Unitarian Universalism class is on Sunday, January 16 at 1 pm on Zoom. Register here. More info below.
Interfaith Action of Evanston's Walk for Warmth and Community Renewal Society's virtual Faith in Action Assembly are on MLK Day, January 17. More info below.
What do yUU Believe? Credo Class begins January 18. Register here. More info below.
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 next Journey Toward Membership class begins on February 1 & 2. More info below.
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This Week's Events & Links |
Saturday, January 8
Sunday, January 9
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Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 8:45 am via Zoom. Contact Renee Hoff for the Zoom link.
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Worship Service at 10:15 am via Youtube ONLY. Click here to join.
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Virtual Kinship Time immediately following the service on Zoom. Click here to join.
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Storytelling Workshop with Olivia Behr on Zoom following Kinship Time. Click here to join.
- All-Ages Nature Walk and Gnome Hunt at Emily Oaks in Skokie at 12:30 pm
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Conversation about Long Term Care with Evanston Ombudsman, Candice Mitchell on Zoom at 1 pm - Click here to join.
Monday, January 10
Tuesday, January 11
Wednesday, January 12
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Virtual Yoga at 9:30 am via 8x8. Click here to join.
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Wednesday Zoom Gathering at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Look out for Wed. Email.
- 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 13
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Meditation Group at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Lisa Solomon for the link.
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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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Next Worship Planning Playdate - Jan 8 |
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Our next Worship Planning Playdate is coming up Saturday, January 8th from 9:30 - 11 am on Zoom. All are welcome if you are interested in helping to shape the upcoming worship services. |
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Join Janelle Brittain for Free Zoom Pilates every Saturday continuing January 8 from 9:30-10:15 AM in your own home. It is called Adaptive Pilates because she provides a variety of options for the movements depending on your abilities, aches, pains or injuries. She seeks to make it workable and fun for every level and every age. All you need is a mat or a carpet. And if you are shy, you can keep your camera off. Just email Janelle to receive the Zoom link at janellebri@aol.com.
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Come Practice Compassionate Communication with us! |
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Communicating with compassion and empathy is often a lot trickier in the moment - especially when we're upset, tired, or years into a global pandemic! We've found that practicing empathy on a regular basis makes it much more accessible throughout the rest of the week. We would love for you to join us in our practice!
Each week we explore a different topic to help us become better at connecting with and understanding others and ourselves. Join us on Wednesday nights at UCE at 6:45-9 pm.
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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 below. 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. 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.
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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. Thanks.
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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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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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What's Happening in Faith Formation? |
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Faith Formation Hour this Sunday - Virtually!
Join our guest Storyteller, Olivia Behr, after worship and kinship time on Zoom (11:35 am) this Sunday for a storytelling workshop on our intentions. Together we will explore the hopes and obstacles of our journeys. Click here to join on Zoom!
And for those who prefer the great outdoors:
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January 9 – All ages are invited to meet at Emily Oaks in Skokie at 12:30 pm for a special activity – a Nature Walk & Gnome Hunt!
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January 16 – A Youth Group outing is being planned too, so stay tuned!
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January 23 – Sledding at 1 pm, as long as there is snow. More details to come!
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!
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Upcoming Adult Faith Formation Classes |
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Belonging to One Another in a Time of Rupture: How COVID Can Change Healthcare, Caregivers, and Relationships
Tuesday, Jan 11; 7:00-8:30 pm, on Zoom | Facilitated by Dr. Andi Chatburn
A Conversation with Andi Chatburn, DO, MA, HEC-C,
Regional Director for Ethics, Providence Health, Washington Montana Region.
Dr Chatburn will share personal experiences bearing witness to conflict from the bedside to the boardroom and beyond, working as a clinical bioethicist during the global COVID pandemic and ongoing domestic political turmoil…
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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. Steve Serikaku and perhaps one other co-leader and/or some youth who could participate. Words to contemplate before Forum: "The world has enough for everyone's needs, but not everyone's greed," Mahatma Gandhi |
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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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REAL Team History Program |
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The REAL History team will present 4 episodes of the series Amend from Netflix, on four Wednesdays from January 12 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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Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
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