Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
|
Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, March 28 at 11:15 am
|
|
|
|
Tending the Invisible String: Commitment in Community
A community of faith thrives when the shared mission is at the center. Each of us has a different understanding of our personal commitment to that common endeavor of UCE – nurturing the human spirit for a world made whole. What does our shared commitment ask of us individually and collectively? Embracing brave commitment in community – authentically, accountably, and realistically.
|
|
|
|
From Rev. Karen Gustafson,
Interim Minsiter
|
Dear ones,
The snow is nearly gone from my part of northern Minnesota. Last night there was a little dusting from Mother Nature who remains decisively in charge of this nameless season between winter and spring. It seems likely that I will end my tenure as your Interim Minister without appearing again in person, but I am honored to think that my name will appear, for better, for worse, among the array of colleagues who have helped to shape the unfolding story of UCE...
|
|
|
|
Hats Off to Kathy Talmage! |
Our Hats are Off to Kathy Talmage for her seemingly endless supply of beautiful, hand-painted cards of sympathy, comfort, and cheer. Kathy listens to the joys and sorrows of our community and sends a note of kindness and care, uplifting spirits and weaving the fabric of connections. You may remember that Kathy also worked in the UCE kitchen on Sunday mornings and served as lobby staff on Thursday evenings before the building closed. Always ready with a joke, a laugh and a hug, Kathy continues to spread joy and live our covenant of engagement. Thank you, Kathy, for how you care for our community! |
|
UCE Needs Your 2021-2022 Pledge Today! |
If you’ve already sent in your 2021-22 pledge, THANK YOU. We are so grateful for your generosity.
If you haven’t pledged yet, please fill out your pledge form now!
The UCE budget for 2021-22 needs to be finalized in the next few weeks, and we need your financial commitment to make that happen. Time is running out!
Every pledge matters and every dollar makes UCE’s mission possible...
|
|
|
 |
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.
|
Reconstruction History Discussion Series with REAL starts April 7 at 7 pm via Zoom. More info below.
Worship Planning Playdate is April 10 at 10 am - Noon via Zoom. More info below.
The Next Board of Trustees Meeting is April 15 at 7 pm via Zoom. If you would like to join, please email the office.
Annual Meeting Preview Town Halls on April 21 at 6:30 pm and April 25 at 1 pm both via Zoom. More info below.
Evanston Earth Day Celebration - April 22 at 7 pm via Youtube Livestream. More info below.
"UU Justice Revival: Taking a Collective Breath" on Sunday, April 25th at 10 am in place of the 11:15 am service
UCE's First Pop-Up Parking Lot Sale is Saturday, May 22. More info below.
|
|
|
|
This Week's Events & Links |
TODAY, Friday, March 26
- CANCELLED - Rainbow Alliance Virtual Jackbox Game Night
Saturday, March 27
Sunday, March 28
-
Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 9:30 am via Zoom - Email Renee Hoff for details.
-
Virtual NonFiction Book Group at 1:45 pm. Click here to join.
Monday, March 29
Tuesday, March 30
Wednesday, March 31
Thursday, April 1
|
|
|
|
Tickets go on Sale Monday, March 29
Virtual Peter Mayer Concert
|
|
Peter Mayer, celebrated singer and songwriter, will perform on Saturday, April 24 at 7 pm. Peter's work is known throughout the Unitarian Universalists Congregations and one of his best known and beloved songs Blue Boat Home is included in the UU Hymnal.
Our congregation was honored to see Peter perform in our sanctuary last year and are very excited to welcome him back, this time on Zoom. The concert is hosted by the UCE Green Team with proceeds benefitting The Talking Farm. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
|
|
From the Board of Trustees |
|
As a part of the interim process, the Board of Trustees has been meeting with some of the committees with whom it has a working relationship, namely Nominating & Recruiting, Integrated Stewardship Council, and the Endowment Committee. The Board appreciates these conversations and the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with these committees... |
|
New Program and Group Review Process |
|
To establish a regular practice of reflection for the programs, committees and teams of the congregation, the ministers and staff have created Annual Program Review questions. These questions ought not to be “filled in” by any individual but are at best the product of an intentional conversation. The answers, in some cases, will not be readily available. For example, it has not been common practice at UCE for every group to have a plan for transfer of leadership or welcoming new members or looking at your work relative to the Mission of UCE or the Ends statements. These conversations would be a great opportunity to look at how those parts of your group life work. Check out the links to the forms below for more info. |
|
Congregational Connections |
|
Game Night with Rainbow Alliance - Cancelled
Rainbow Alliance's Virtual March Madness Jackbox Game party on March 26 at 7pm has been cancelled. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
|
|
Virtual Men's Retreat - Mar 27
Chicago Area UU Men's Virtual Retreat Event, Sat. March 27th at 10 am. The event includes "Chair Yoga" session with Doug Erickson. Discussion of article "Bruce Springsteen and the Art of Aging Well'', written by David Brooks led Bob Innocenzi. Let's share what a couple of the happiest Springsteen songs evoke in us about wisdom, maturity, and fulfilling life. Approximate length of this event is 120 min. TO REGISTER and GET ONLINE LINK: Send name & e-mail address to markeric-j@hotmail.com, no charge for attending.
|
|
Do you want to learn more about Realm? Join one of the upcoming Realm Workshops.
-
April 1, 2021 at 6:30-7:30 pm - Intermediate REALM training focused on Financials, such as Giving Statement and contributions to capital campaign.
-
April 12, 2021, 12 - 1 pm - Basic REALM training.
|
|
Come and Learn about the 8th Principle! |
|
Learn about the 8th Principle at the next 8th Principle Town Hall gathering on Sunday, April 11 at 1:15 pm. ALL ARE INVITED!
You can also join the forum discussion on April 4 at 10 am! If none of the dates fit 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 may also plan to have your covenant group or small group discuss the 8th Prinicple when you meet in March or April.
|
|
UUA "Breaking Covenant" Workshop April 10 |
|
Breaking Covenant: Repair Restore Renew is a one-day workshop designed to assist us with honoring the holy space between us and recognizing that when covenant is broken between any people in our community, it's broken between us all. This workshop will address the theological underpinning of covenant, as well as policies and procedures that can be put into place to set boundaries and to call each other back into covenant.
For registration: Please register individually. UCE already has a dozen people registered, so you may select the fee of $20 when you register. After you register, please contact Carla Williams with the Committee on Shared Ministry to let her know you have registered as she is keeping track of the UCE attendees.
|
|
Upcoming Worship Planning Playdate - April 10 - 10am to Noon
Have you wanted to participate in planning worship but didn’t know how to get involved? Do you have ideas for music, visual arts, ritual, story, or videos that could make our services more meaningful and engaging for people of all ages? You are invited to join the ministers and program staff who plan weekly services for a fun workshop on Zoom. We’ll gather ideas and ‘metaphorage’ around service themes and topics. This is a great chance to dip your toe in – an investment of two hours that could scratch the itch or lead you to further involvement with worship planning because it’s just that much fun!
|
|
Annual Meeting Preview - Town Halls April 21 & 25 |
|
As a part of the interim process, the Board of Trustees has been meeting with each of the committees with whom it has a working relationship, namely Nominating & Recruiting, Integrated Stewardship Council, and the Endowment Committee. The Board appreciates these conversations and the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with these committees.
In addition this year there will be proposed changes to our bylaws to vote on and a vote on adopting the 8th principle. How can we all find out more about these two voting issues? Read on, and come to a congregational conversation at our Town Halls.
|
|
Healthy Planet, Healthy People - Earth Day 2021 |
|
Join us through livestream on YouTube on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, from 7-9 pm, in this city-wide, youth led event, including poetry, music, speakers (including the present and incoming mayors of Evanston) and more!
|
|
"UU Justice Revival: Taking a Collective Breath"
Sunday, April 25th @ 10 am - Instead of UCE Service at 11:15
|
|
Twenty five Unitarian Universalist congregations in IL, the UU Advocacy network and UU Prison ministries are gathering to take a collective breath. As spring waits on the horizon, can we breathe? We can breathe as vaccines become available. We can breathe as we once again gather together. We can breathe into a new administration, breaths of accountability, breaths of attention. We have work to do to create a just world where everyone can find their breath. It is time to breathe. Let us take a collective breath together. |
|
UCE's First Ever Pop-Up Parking Lot Sale is Coming Soon!
Join in on the fun May 22, 2021 (rain date May 29) from 10-2 for our first-ever UCE Parking Lot Pop-up Sale. This is an event for the entire family which will be fun and will help UCE make it's 2021/22 budget for Rummage Sale. All proceeds from the sale will benefit UCE in lieu of our regular Annual Rummage Sale.
Here's what we need from you. Sign your family and friends up to host a table or volunteer. You can sign up as an individual, a family, two friends, three friends, or your covenant group or any church group you belong to...
|
|
Are you registering for General Assembly for this June? Hooray! It is a great way to learn and expand your thinking and your spiritual life. Last year about 20 members attended the virtual sessions. The fee is $200 for this year's virtual meeting. There are scholarships from both UCE and the UUA to help make it accessible to you. Registration page is here. And good news: there is a youth program this year!
Scholarship application form for UCE is here.
After you register, please log in to this google sheet to help UCE create a list from which to choose delegates to represent us at the general sessions. If you did not attend last year, just add your name to the list and indicate your interest in being a delegate.
|
|
VirtUUal Faith Formation and Ways to Connect |
Welcome as we continue our theme of Commitment!
|
|
Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. See the email with Zoom info.
Pre/K Kids and Families - POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – March’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.
High School Youth – Outdoor gathering this weekend. Look for an email with details.
Looking Ahead
Easter Sunday – April 4 – once again this year we will be participating in a virtual egg hunt with over 70 UU congregations around the country and Canada! Details in next week’s newsletter and on Facebook!
Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grade Youth - Sunday, April 11 at 1 pm.
|
|
Current and Upcoming Adult Religious Education |
|
Neo-Paganism History, Theology, and Ritual - Tuesdays, March 30 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Rev. Susan Frances and Taryn Seawright. In this three-part series, Taryn and Rev. Susan will explore the history, theology, and ritual of Neo-Paganism.
|
|
UCE Forum Discussion - Sunday, April 4 at 10 am |
Join us for Forum on April 4 at 10 am to discuss the Imagining the 8th Principle!
Come join us to hear about how the 8th Principle is being discussed within our congregation and to get an update on its adoption by other congregations and the UUA process for adoption. Bring your ideas to add to the list of suggestions about how the adoption this new principle could shape UCE.
|
|
Deepening Our UU Identity
Starts Mar 31 at 7pm
|
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 Nonfiction Book Group |
|
|
|
The nonfiction book group will meet on Sunday, March 28th at 1:45 pm via Zoom to discuss What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City by Mona Hanna-Attisha. In this inspiring story, Pediatrician Dr. Mona tells how she and a team of others discovered lead in Flint, Michigan's tap water and fought the government to expose the truth.
Everyone is welcome to join us!
|
|
Interfaith Action of Evanston Launches SNAPGap 2021 |
The federal SNAP program doesn’t cover toiletries. Please help us fill in the gaps! This month we’re collecting shampoo (such as Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisturizing), body wash(such as Dove Body Wash), and disinfectant wipes (such as Lysol Wipes). We appreciate all donations! Items will be distributed to more than 250 households through the monthly Producemobile in James Park.
Drop off at First United Methodist Church of Evanston: 516 Church St., Evanston on Saturdays thru April 10: 10:30-1:30 or Sundays thru April 11: 12:00-2:00. Thank you for helping neighbors in need!
|
|
REAL Movie Night - March 29 |
|
Join us for REAL Movie Night on Monday, March 29 from 7 - 8:15 pm. We are featuring Emmanuel Acho and his Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man series where he addresses issues of race in America.
We invite you to join the conversation where “Getting uncomfortable is the whole idea. Everything great is birthed through discomfort.” We need you to be part of the conversation!
|
|
|
|
Rainbow Alliance Meets on April 7 |
All are Invited!
Rainbow Alliance's next planning meeting will be held on April 7 at 7 pm. If you are interested in joining, you can find the Zoom link on Rainbow Alliance's group page in Realm.
|
|
Reconstruction History Discussion Series
with UCE's REAL Team - Starts April 7
|
Please join the REAL History team in watching and discussing the 4-part PBS Series “Reconstruction: America After the Civil War” and then discussing each episode. WTTW (or other PBS station) members can stream each episode, or you can watch them on DVD, then join us for a discussion on Zoom at 8 pm. Or you can join at 7 pm to watch the episode on Zoom and stay on for the discussion. DVDs are available at local public libraries, or you can arrange to borrow one of the 2 UCE copies by contacting Dana Deane. You do not need to attend all four sessions to participate. |
|
Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
