Sunday Service March 23, 2025 at 10:30am 

Rhythm for Congregations Masterclass with Matt Meyer

A workshop after worship on March 23rd



Whether you are a choir member or a non-chorister who simply who loves making music, join us for an energetic, fully participatory workshop designed to help choirs, and congregations better understand rhythm in the mind, body, and spirit. With Matt’s guidance, we’ll explore the theories and practices of West African, South Indian and European perspectives on rhythm. This is as much rhythm training as you can possibly fit into a 90-minute master class!

Matt Meyer, who’ll be our worship leader that Sunday, is a traveling musician and worship leader for UU congregations. He has a degree in hand drumming from Berklee College of Music, where he focused his studies on Cuban and Brazilian music. He's the drummer in the Sanctuary Boston worship band and has performed with a wide range of musicians and bands, including Ysaye Barnwell (of Sweet Honey in the Rock), Pete Seeger, Emma’s Revolution, Peter Mayer, Jim Scott, Nick Page, The Halalisa Singers, Samba Tremeterra, and Bloco de Afrobrazil.

*It's helpful to have at least some background in music, but anyone who's ever played an instrument at all or sung in any choir, will do fine.

Soulful Home Packet



Families can explore our new theme of Trust together at home here

UPDATES FROM KATHY UNDERWOOD

This is the time of year when I have many programs and projects that need wrapping up and yet I also need to start planning for the next church year. I feel torn in many directions, which is both tiring and exhilarating. The warmer weather and increased sunshine tries to lure me in a third direction, usually unsuccessfully. I find it hard to not get outside when the air is cool but the sun is warm. Those days are my joy!

This past month has been busy in faith formation. We have two adult programs that have been well-attended and will be ending: Planning for End of Life facilitated by Alison Issen, and Meeting Our Interfaith Neighbors with co-facilitators Dan Solomon, Bob Mesle, and Rev. Eileen... 

Continuing the conversation

Join the UCE Board of Trustees to continue building on congregational conversations held over this past year. How can we increase accessibility and connections to build a wider sense of "us"? Join the board at one of these four events. All are welcome (you do not need to register on Realm to attend but registration is encouraged)

•  Saturday, March 22nd 10–11:15 am on Zoom
•  Sunday, March 30th, noon - 1:15pm at UCE
•  Friday, April 11th, from 6:30 - 7:45pm at UCE
• Tuesday, April 22nd 7 - 8:15pm on Zoom

• Refreshments will be provided at both in-person sessions.

Register HERE

Our hats are off to our Lively Spirit Dancers who have been inspiring us to move, dance and be more engaged in our worship services. This group arose out of enthusiasm around our August service on Dance as a Spiritual Practice. Since then, the group has been meeting to design simple choreography to add to worship hymns and invite the congregation to join. On March 7th, they hosted their first dance party. There were a variety of videos from free-form dance, circle dances, and instructed dances to follow along with. It was fun for all ages and it was a delight to have those from the Fun Friday event join us. Look for the Lively Spirit Dancers at this Sunday's service with Matt Meyer and join along as they inspire us to be fully present in our bodies during worship. Thanks to Shirley Adams, Ellie Feddersen, Elizabeth Kennedy, Patrecia Lenore, Chris Meyers, Debbie Schaaf, and Susan Talmage.

• NEW way to submit Newsletter requests! Please use our new Google Form found HERE to submit your articles and images.

• 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!

Our Shared Offering Program is one of the ways that we live into our mission statement "for a world made whole." Each Sunday, the funds collected during our worship service either via text donations or in the collection bowls (and not otherwise designated for a pledge or something else) are shared equally between our operating budget and the current Shared Offering Recipient.



The current Shared Offering Recipient is the ​Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry of Illinois, whose mission is to equip UU's in Illinois to ​transform institutions; partnering with and supporting people harmed by the prison industrial complex.

Meeting Our Interfaith Neighbors

March 26 at 7pm at St. Mark’s

Our visit to St. Mark’s has been rescheduled to next Wednesday when Fr. Greg Millikin will lead a special worship service for us with conversation around the components of the liturgy.

Those who wish to walk from UCE the two blocks to St. Mark’s will gather in the lobby at 6:45pm.

Looking ahead, we’ll begin our exploration of Islam at UCE and on

Zoom on April 1.

We’ll begin our exploration of Islam with our guests,

Asif Masood and Dawood Ali.

We will then visit the Muslim Community Center on Saturday, April 5th at 6-8pm.

We will share reflections on April 15 at 7p at UCE.

You can register here to be included on future emails.

Donation Dates: Sun April 27 – Mon April 28

Setup Dates: Sun April 27 – Thurs 5/1

Want to learn more? 

• Visit the rummage sale info table after Sunday services through the end of April. Come learn more about the sale, get your questions answered, and sign up to volunteer. You can also pick up popular rummage-sale materials.  
• Go online and sign up to volunteer or view/print the Donation Tip Sheet.
• Check out the Rummage Sale FAQ page for answers to the most commonly asked questions.

UCE’s rummage sale is a fun, community building event that you won’t want to miss! Join us!

And, as always, you can reach us at rummage@ucevanston.org. 

We love hearing from you!

You are invited to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and UCE. Our 90-minute Journey Toward Membership class will give you an overview of UU history and values, what is means to be part of a covenantal faith tradition, and the rewards and responsibilities of becoming a member of UCE.

If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Susan Frances at sfrances@ucevanston.org.

Here are the class dates (you only need to take the class once):

Virtual, Wed. Mar. 26, 2025, 6:30-8:00 pm. To register and get Zoom link, click here.

Virtual, Thurs. Apr. 3, 2025, 6:30-8:00 pm. To register and get Zoom link, click here.

In-person, Sun. Apr. 6, 2025, 9:00-10:20 am, Room 12, child care provided. To register, click here.

Join UCE's Family Ministry Team!

The Family Ministry Team is on a mission to nurture a vibrant and inclusive community that engages and anchors all ages in our UU faith. We're recruiting new members to support our efforts.

When: Meet once a month to plan multigenerational events and serve as a sounding board for Faith Formation initiatives.

Past Initiatives: We've launched The Nest, Family Friday events, and led service projects.

Your Role: Bring fresh ideas and energy to enhance our efforts and create a stronger, more connected community.

Reach out to our team to get involved! Find us on Realm or ask us questions on Sundays to learn more. We can't wait to welcome you!

Sincerely,

Wendy Drake, Norell Liddell, Janice Milanovich, and our team leader, Kathy Underwood.

Resist the Onslaught of Hate, Fear, and Lies:

Hold the Date for Cultivating Hope: A Justice Revival

Join us for UCE's Justice Revival on April 12th from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, hosted by the Anti-Oppression Task Force. This event will uplift, encourage, and equip us in our ongoing journey of anti-oppression work.

It’s an opportunity to revive our spirits, cultivate hope, and renew our commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion.

The Anti-Oppression Task Force has been meeting for over four years to find ways our congregation can be more inclusive, equitable, and diverse. This work is complex, challenging, and moral. We’re grateful for the contributions of more than 30 participants, and excited to share the next phase of our efforts, including:

• Expanding ownership of anti-racism/anti-oppression work
• Increasing power-sharing within UCE
• Promoting radical inclusion and hospitality

Please mark April 12th on your calendar and plan to attend. We need as many people as possible to join us in this collective effort for a better world.

Soup Kitchen Needs Your Help!

Wednesday, April 16th



There are multiple ways to get involved—whether by bringing food, preparing meals, or serving. Time commitments vary, and we’d love to have you join us!

➡️ Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/mrDaZEb

Important: Be sure to click "SHOW MORE SPOTS" on the sign-up page to view all available opportunities. Some spots may not be visible at first.

If you have any trouble accessing the link or have questions, please reach out to:

Ellie Feddersen – elliefeddersen at gmail. dot com

Thank you for your support!

DO SOMETHING with the Catalyst Team!

How You Can Get Involved:

Feeling overwhelmed by the current political climate and wondering, “What can I actually DO?” UCE’s Catalyst Team is here to help!

We offer two ways to take action:

• Speak Out at the Federal Level – Protest, demonstrate, and raise your voice against harmful policies.
• Advocate at the State Level – Influence Illinois legislation on immigration, the environment, and criminal justice by connecting with your state representatives—through writing and in-person advocacy.

Choose one or both—each track offers clear, short-term actions so you can make an impact and feel empowered.

🔥 Ready to DO SOMETHING?

➡️ Sign up here to share your interests.

📍 Or visit the Catalyst Team at our table in the back of the sanctuary during Kinship Hour.

Together, we can make a difference!

Catalyst Team: Shirley Adams, Jane Bannor, Mary Dudek, Brian Nielsen, Mary Ellen McGoey

UCE Endowment Grant Supports Community Air Quality Monitoring

A UCE Endowment Grant is funding a project to help Evanston residents in areas with poor air quality monitor the air in and around their homes.

Join the Evanston Environmental Justice Conversation Series (EEJCS) on April 5, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Loder Hall, Garrett/Northwestern campus (2121 Sheridan Rd, Evanston). Scan the QR code on the poster for updates.

EEJCS is a biannual forum amplifying the voices of environmental justice advocates and fostering dialogue between community members, leaders, and organizations. This spring, Alderwoman Maria Hadden (49th Ward, Chicago) will discuss equitable environmental advocacy and municipal-community partnerships, followed by a panel of Evanston youth and adult leaders.

The event will also feature an update on Evanston’s Environmental Advocacy Investigation (EEAI) and the Community Air Quality Monitoring Kickoff & Training. Attendees can learn to use new air quality monitors—available for checkout at Evanston Public Library—purchased through the UCE Endowment Grant.

The UCE Pagan Collective is meeting this Sunday, and the third Sunday of every month, at 12 p.m. in room 2. Today, we'll be talking about what Paganism is, where it fits in Unitarian Universalism and here at UCE, and we'll start planning our Beltane ritual. Our meetings are for all Pagans, all earth-centered Unitarians, and anyone else who would just like to hang out and ask questions. Please join us! We'll also be talking about the Pagan holiday calendar - Ostara which has just passed and Beltane, for which we are preparing now. 

Retired (But Not Retiring!) Women

We will be meeting Tuesday, March 25, 7-9. After our pot-luck dinner, we will talk about "What we want to do, can do, have always wanted to do, now that we are retired!"

For information, feel free to contact Margie Rogasner.

🎶 Don’t Miss the MO Blues Band Dance Party – Happening SOON! 🎶

Time is running out to grab your tickets for an unforgettable night of live blues, dancing, and celebration with Alicia Hempfling and the MO Blues Band! This high-energy event is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss out!

What to Expect:

🎸 Soulful, electrifying music from a band with 10 years of experience bringing the blues to life

Complimentary snacks & beverages, including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options

All ages welcome – bring the whole family! Childcare available

A night of pure fun and dancing you won’t forget!

Friday, March 28 | 6:00 – 8:30 PM

$8 in advance | $10 at the door – Get your tickets NOW!

Purchase your tickets here!

Don’t wait—secure your spot and get ready to dance the night away!

Link to purchase tickets is here

 April 4th at 6 PM

Spring is here, and it’s time to start building our playscape! 🌿🎉 Join us on the south lawn as we kick off Phase One by spreading mulch and setting up some equipment.

More details coming soon—stay tuned!

Heads up! Our May Family Friday is now on May 9 (instead of May 2) due to the rummage sale. Mark your calendars!

UCE Young Adult Group

Third Friday Faith Formation & Game Nights

Our next gathering is April 18, 7-9pm



The Young Adult Group at UCE is a group for young adults (18-35) interested in exploring spiritual deepening in community. We meet on every 3rd Friday from 7-9pm in Room 3 to discuss monthly Soul Matters themes, check in with each other, eat snacks, and play games.

Contact Kiley Korey (kileyekorey at gmail dot com), Kevin Barrow (kbarrow13 at gmail dot com) or Kathy Underwood (kunderwood at ucevanston dot org) with any questions.

 Adult Game Night

Got a game that’s not exactly kid-friendly? Or just want a night of fun with other adults? This is your chance to laugh, compete, and unwind with games made for the 18+ crowd!

• BYOB & bring a snack to share
• Play your favorite games (the ones best saved for grown-ups!)
• Need childcare? Register HERE by April 6
• Friday, April 12 | 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Picnics in the Park resumes in April!

Weather-permitting, families of all ages (not just littles!) are invited to meet up at 

Penny Park after worship on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.

Save the Date!

UCE Campout 2025 – June 6-8

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park Campground

Reserve your site here.

Or stay at the nearby Illinois Beach Hotel!

More details to come!

The next meeting of the UCE Fiction Book Group

is TONIGHT, Friday, March 21 by ZOOM, 7-8pm

using our Recurring Zoom link

The UCE Fiction Book Group is reading Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. A newly sober, orphaned son of Iranian immigrants, guided by the voices of artists, poets, and kings, embarks on a remarkable search for a family secret.

UCE Nonfiction Book Group

The group will meet on Zoom at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 23rd using our recurring ZOOM link.

We will discuss The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society by Joseph Stiglitz. In this book, the Nobel prize winner dissects America’s current economic system and the political ideology that created it. He writes of how ‘free’ and unfettered markets have led to a series of crises: the financial crisis, the opioid crisis, and the crisis of inequality and how a small portion of the population has amassed considerable wealth while wages for most people have stagnated. He says that we need to make changes to accomplish our American ideal of an economic and political system that delivers well-being, opportunity, and meaningful freedoms for all.

ONGOING UU CONNECTIONS

Unitarian Church of Evanston

1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201

847-864-1330