Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole

Sunday Service July 21st at 10:30am

This Crisis We Call Capitalism

This service will explore the interconnected economic crises of our times and how they challenge the long-term viability of capitalism as a system. Such concerns are nothing new, dating back to the beginnings of contemporary economics. And yet, the climate crisis, the stagnation of wages in the advanced industrial world, and persistent poverty in many parts of our planet can all be traced to trends in capitalist expansion and profit-seeking. What can be done?

Rev. Charley Earp, (he/him) is our worship leader this Sunday. Rev. Charley is currently completing a chaplain residency in Naperville. He is a 2018 graduate of Meadville Lombard seminary and was co-ordained by the Unitarian Church of Quincy IL and The Peoples Church of Chicago, where he holds his membership. Andy Fisher is our Worship Associate.

Children and Youth will go to their faith formation programs after

Joys & Sorrows.

Shared Offering - Restore Justice Illinois

Join the Services Livestream

One More Guest Preacher in July

Rev. Eileen is taking Sundays off for the month of July. Next week, we'll have the pleasure of this guest preacher:

July 28th: Rev. Gianni Fogliano (they/them) - the Manager and Strategist for Equity, Belonging, and Change from the Office of the UUA President

Faith Formation Hour this Sunday

Childcare (0-3 years) is available in room 11 from 10:15am-11:45am.

BlUUey (pre/K-6th) - Room 3 – BlUUey (pre/K-6th) in room 3 – We will watch the episode, “Army ”, play some games, and talk about one of our new UU values, Equity. Parents should pick up their youngster(s) at noon.

Picnics in the Park – July 21 at Penny Park, 12-1p. Bring a picnic or snack and meet up with other UCE families!

Families can explore our theme, The Gift of Renewal, at home and in their own timeframe with the Soulful Home packet. Send pictures to Kathy of your family as you explore the many ideas here!

See our “living” calendar of programs and events here.

Parents can register their children/youth for the Faith Formation Program here.

Spotlight on the CLFF Team

In case you haven’t heard yet, the Membership Engagement and Faith Formation Councils joined forces this past year to increase communication across the many teams within each council and to encourage more intergenerational programming. The name of Congregational Life and Faith Formation Council, fondly known as CLFF (cliff) became official one year ago. CLFF is comprised of representatives from the Family Ministry Team, Adult Faith Formation Team, Congregational Connections Team, Denominational Affairs Team, Leadership Development Team, Nominating Committee, and the Membership Team.

Our first gathering of the new church year is next week when we will be sharing how our various teams can embrace the new UU Values in our work at UCE. Our hope is that this will spread to all aspects of life in the congregation. As we begin planning programs and events for the new church year, we endeavor to support each other’s efforts and collaborate as much as possible. For example, we try to include as many ages and stages of life by asking, “How can we make this event accessible for families? For youth? How can we combine our efforts to reach more people?”

We’re always open to new ideas too, and you can submit yours by filling out the Program or Group Proposal Form. We invite you to come connect with us!

Our hats are off to Diane Markel! From choir to her covenant group, Diane creates community wherever she is. We appreciate her devoted leadership as chair of the Membership Team, formerly the New Member Team. Diane’s presence at membership classes creates an environment of joy and openness. Whether you have seen her on the chancel during the New Member Covenanting ceremony held twice a year during a Sunday worship service, or in the lobby as a greeter with the Greeters Hospitality Team, Diane’s capacity for welcoming folks is immense. This year, she is rolling off the Membership Team and Judith Rowell is the new chair. Thank you, Diane, for sharing your authentic self and, in doing so, inviting the rest of us to follow your example of making this congregation a welcoming space.

This Week's Events & Links

Friday, July 19th

Dance Lessons, 3:30-4:30pm, Rm 3

Fiction Book Group, 7-8pm, using our recurring ZOOM link.

Saturday, July 20th:

Virtual Pilates, 9:30-10:30am, via Zoom

Beginner Tai Chi 9:45-10:45am, Rm 3

Intermediate Tai Chi, 11am - 12pm, Rm 3.

Joan Taylor Memorial, 1-3pm, Sanctuary

Immigrant Solidarity Team, 4-5pm, via Zoom

Sunday, July 21st:

Chris Isely Cancer Support Group, 9am-10:30am, in-person Rm 6 and via Zoom Link.

Worship Service, 10:30am-11:30am, in the Sanctuary. Kinship 11:30am-12:30pm.

Monday, July 22nd:

UCE Addictions & Recovery, 7-9pm, via Zoom.

Tuesday, July 23rd:

Retired Women's Group, 5-7pm, Rm 3

Leadership Development Team, 6-7pm, via Zoom

REAL Team, 7-8:30pm, via Zoom

Wednesday, July 24th:

Yoga, 9:30-10:30am, via NEW ONLINE LINK

Please be aware the Staff has a meeting 11-12:30pm every Wednesday.

Thursday July 25th:

Evanston Near South Proximity Group, 1-2pm, via Zoom

Meditation Group, 5:30-7pm, via Zoom

Download UCE Zoom Backgrounds

Check out the UCE Calendar for more events!

Congregational News

Room Request Form

Raising Funds for a Healing Space for Liz Kennedy Eason

Many of you know that Liz, our beloved UCE Sexton, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It is a difficult diagnosis and all of us who love Liz, Steven, and their family are holding them in care as they face a challenging time ahead. Liz begins chemotherapy next week and will be spending healing time at her daughter Lindsey's new home.

Many of you have asked, "How can we help?" Thank you for asking! We will all need to pitch in to continue Liz's incredible care for our building, along with Steven, our Custodian. AND another really great way to show your support would be to make a contribution, of any amount, to help Liz and her family set up a healing space in Lindsey's new home. If you have any cash to spare and would like to send a gift to Liz so that she can make the space supportive, beautiful, and filled with healing energy, that would be so appreciated.

To share your financial gift with Liz, please make out a check to Liz Kennedy Eason, or put cash in an envelope marked for Liz and send or drop it off at church. We will collect and deliver envelopes to her. Liz also can accept Zelle or Paypal. Let Suzanne know if you need instructions for doing that. Since these would be personal gifts to Liz, they would not be tax deductible.

Congregational Connections

Friday, August 23^rd

6-9pm

Members, Friends, Young and Old

join us for a POTLUCK and conversation with your Board of Trustees facilitated by Rev. Sharon Ditmar, our MidAmerica Regional Representative.

There will engaging conversation, fun and meaningful activities for young people and, of course, delicious potluck food from all of us!

The Chicago Disability Pride Parade

Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 11:00 am. The route starts at 401 S Plymouth Court. Goes 1/2 block west on Van Buren before going North on Dearborn. The route goes down Dearborn until it arrives at Daley Plaza for the post-parade festivities.

The overall mission of the Disability Pride Parade is to change the way people think about and define disability; to break down the internalized shame among people with disabilities; and to promote the belief in society that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity that people living with disabilities can take pride in.

Lifespan Faith Formation

Family Friday Nature Hike – August 16 at 6:30pm at

Emily Oaks Nature Center. CLICK HERE for more info!

All ages are invited to meet in front of the nature center at 6:30p for a nature hike and to hang out at the playground. There are picnic tables for those who wish to come early and enjoy a picnic supper before the hike.

Social Justice

The UUtheVote Team has set geographic targets for our next wave, beginning in early-mid July. Watch for our summer blast! Want to place an early order for yourself or a friend? Visit the back of the sanctuary after each Sunday service OR reach out to Greg Grabowski.

Join the UUtheVote Team - Want to join us as the election heats up? We’re fun, energetic, and we’d love to have you! Email or call Carolyn Laughlin through the REALM Membership Directory.

UCE Book Clubs

UCE Non-Fiction Book Group

The nonfiction book group will meet virtually on Zoom at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 28th using our recurring link to discuss an opinion piece by columnist David Brooks which appeared in the New York Times on August 10, 2023. In his article entitled "Hey America, Grow Up!", Brooks traces the decline of the American psyche since cultural changes that began after World War II. He says that therapy emphasized people's sense of self-worth and sometimes people depended on others to validate their own self-esteem. As time went on, we were in the middle of a mental health crisis, with rising depression and suicide rates.

To learn what David Brooks believes about how people build secure identities, read his article.

Zoom discussion on Sunday, July 28th at 2pm, using our recurring ZOOM link.

UCE Fiction Book Group

The UCE Fiction Book Group is reading a classic this month:

James, by Percival Everett.

This is the story of Huckleberry Finn told from the perspective of the slave Jim, who, like Huck, is escaping an abusive situation. In their runaway journey, the Black James (his mother called him James, not Jim) has a completely different experience from Huck, as an untethered Negro loose in the South. James in Everett’s novel is a more realistic picture of what being a Black man in the pre-civil war south was like. Still the same humor and nonsense of Huckleberry Finn, but with a definite bite.

Friday, July 19, at 7-8pm, using our recurring ZOOM link.

Celebration of Life

On Saturday, July 20, at 1 pm,

we will gather to celebrate the life of our beloved Joan Taylor.

Two Margarets (Shaklee and Talmage) are arranging hospitality. If you would like to take on a small role or bring a favorite food for the buffet, click HERE and signup! Or, email Margaret Shaklee.