Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
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In-Person & Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, May 8th at 10:15 am
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Wider and Deeper than Tolerance
Intolerance is clearly on the rise. The chasms between people on opposing sides of any and all issues are deepening and widening. Amidst such divisions and polarization, is mere tolerance really the aim? If we can’t count on basic tolerance, how can we build our capacity for genuine curiosity, openness, celebration of difference, and a willingness to be transformed in life-giving ways? Carla Williams and Cheryl Mounts were the bidders at the 2021 Serendipity Auction who won the chance to talk with Rev. Eileen and plan this sermon topic. Diane Markel will be the Worship Associate.
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Following Kinship Time in the back of the sanctuary (11:15-11:35 am), please join us for UCE's annual meeting. Childcare will be available in the lower level. |
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- All materials were emailed to voting members on May 1, 2022.
- You must be a member for 90 days prior to the annual meeting in order to vote (as of February 14, 2022).
- The Zoom link will be sent to voting members the morning of May 15, 2022 for those participating virtually.
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Non-members or non-voting members may observe the meeting in the sanctuary or on YouTube Livestream. Click here to join.
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Share Your Thoughts About this Year's Faith Formation Hour by completing this online form!
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The Future of Faith Formation
from Rev. Eileen Wiviott, Senior Minister
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There are moments as a minister when I think, “I can’t believe this is part of my job. I didn’t sign up for this!” In fact, most things from March 2020 until about June 2021 fell into that category. This past Sunday’s child dedications were the opposite of that. It was one of those moments when I thought, “I can’t believe I get to do this as part of my job!” Looking into each child’s beautiful face and blessing them with the elements was a lovely gift that I will treasure always.
I’m grateful to Shannon Lang for her easy and heartfelt presence in the pulpit as our Worship Associate. She contributed many important elements including readings and music, through the generosity of friends. I’m grateful to Ellen Bates-Jefferys for sharing her words about what she, as a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, wants from her faith community for her child. And I’m grateful to Nehanda Julot, who joined our congregation in March and who, beginning months ago, helped me dream up this service...
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Last Faith Formation Listening Circle THIS SATURDAY |
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Rev. Eileen and Kathy Underwood want to hear from you! As we near the end of this experimental church year, we want to hear what your experience with faith formation hour has been for you. And if you didn’t participate, what kept you from doing so? How can we make it better for next year? Please join us for the next gathering:
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Sale Dates:
Friday, May 20 ~ 9:00 am—6:00 pm
Saturday, May 21 ~ 9:00 am—1:00 pm
- It’s time to organize and drop-off your donations. Here’s what you need to know:
Drop Off Dates:
Sunday, May 15 ~ 3:00pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, May 16 ~ 9:00am – 8:00pm
(No Tuesday donations.)
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Refer to the Donation Tip Sheet for a listing of what items we are accepting/not accepting.
- Please organize your donations by department. This will save your fellow volunteers lots of time!
- All clothes must be on hangers.
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Consider staying after the annual meeting on May 15 to help with setup, unloading cars and distributing items to respective departments. Pizza will be served following set up. We hope that you can stay and assist with donations as they arrive.
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For those volunteering the week of May 16 – 19, a few reminders:
- Bring your own meals. Beverages will be provided
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Volunteers who work at least six hours will qualify for the presale on 5/19/22 from 10 am-6 pm. Presale items may be purchased at 25% above price; items must be removed from the church before the public sale begins the next day.
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If you haven’t signed up to volunteer, it’s not too late: Volunteer Signup Form
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Questions? Contact co-chairs Lynn Kendall or Margaret Schatz.
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Saturday May 14, 2-5 pm
Unitarian Church of Evanston
Parking Lot enter on Greenwood
1330 Ridge Avenue, Evanston
Plants, Seedlings, Divisions
Come with something you have, Leave with something you want to grow!
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UCE Building Availability -
The UCE Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am-5pm
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.
UCE's Rummage Sale is May 20-21! More info below!
May 29 - All Church Frozen Yogurt Social during Faith Formation Hour
May 31 - Endowment Fund Application Deadline. More info below.
June 5 - All Church Picnic during Faith Formation Hour
June 11 - Congregational Calendaring Event at 10:30 am - Noon. More info below.
June 19 - Ricky Byrdson Race Against Hate. More info and Registration link below.
June 22-26 is the UUA General Assembly online or in-person in Portland, OR. More info below.
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This Week's Events & Links |
Friday, May 13
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A Night of Square Dancing at 7:30 pm at UCE. More info above. Email Gretchen Brewster about joining.
Saturday, May 14
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Virtual Pilates at 9:30 am on Zoom. Email Janelle Brittain to join.
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Tai Chi at 9:45 am and 11 am in the UCE Sanctuary.
- Listening Circles for Faith Formation at 10 - 11:30 am in Room 12.
- Garden Swap at 2-5 pm in the UCE Parking Lot.
Sunday, May 15
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Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 8:45 am in Room 6 and via Zoom. Contact Renee Hoff for the Zoom link.
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Worship Service at 10:15 am - Sanctuary & Youtube. Click here to join.
- Coffee Hour/Annual Meeting Check/in at 11:15-11:35 am
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Annual Meeting at 11:35 am in the Sanctuary & on Zoom. Email reminder with the zoom link will be sent out on Sunday morning.
- Childcare - Lower Level
- Rummage Sale Drop off begins at 3-8 pm.
Monday, May 16
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Rummage Sale Drop Off at 9 am - 8 pm. This is your last chance to donate.
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Addictions and Recovery Group at 7 pm via Zoom. Click here to join.
Tuesday, May 17
Wednesday, May 18
Thursday, May 19
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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 Meeting at 7 pm on Zoom. Email the Office 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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Nominating and Recruiting Task Force |
At the urging of our interim minister, Rev. Karen Gustufson, and in response to concerns expressed by members of the Nominating and Recruiting Committee, the Board has determined to form a Nominating and Recruiting Task Force. If you are interested in becoming a member of this Task Force, please send an email to Joe Romeo at bot@ucevanston.org by May 31. We want to form a group that will bring as many different perspectives as possible to this endeavor. If you know someone who would be an excellent addition to this task force, please encourage them to contact Joe.
The Task Force will review the policies and procedures that support and guide the work of the Nominating & Recruiting Committee, which is charged with creating a slate of candidates for elected leadership roles for consideration at the UCE annual meeting. Their work is done in alignment with our UU principles and with the specific goal of minimizing bias and widening...
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DO-SI-DO and Square Your Sets! |
For those who may have missed signing up at our Serendipity Auction for "A Night of Square Dancing," TODAY Friday night, May 13th, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm, spaces are still available. Adults will pay $15 per person, and kids over 8 years, $10. Light refreshments will be served. Just put on your favorite square dance attire. Basic instructions for many of us beginners will be provided! For further information and reservations, contact Gretchen Brewster at gsbrewster@gmail.com.
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1st Endowment Fund application deadline is May 31, just a couple weeks away.
Check the Endowment webpage for information on writing and submitting an application for the 2022-23 fiscal year, beginning July 1.
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Save the date for the return of our Annual Church Picnic |
June 5th after the worship service.
We’ll delight in our tradition of the flower communion and then enjoy a potluck meal (remember potlucks!!) out on the lawn, weather permitting. Bring a salad, side, or dessert. Rev. Eileen will supply the burgers (meat & veggie) and hot dogs.
**If you have a weber grill at home and you're willing to bring it to church for that day, please contact Rev. Eileen.
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2022/2023 Congregational Calendaring Event
June 11th, from 10:30 to Noon, in room 6 & on Zoom
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Board members, event/team leaders, committee/program chairs, and interested members, bring your date books and your dreams about meaningful and engaging events for the coming church year. We'll map out the calendar together.
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Come to General Assembly 2022!! |
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Friends, now is your opportunity to join thousands of other UUs at the annual General Assembly! The steps are easy. For information about GA, go here. At that GA website you’ll find links to everything you’d want to know. But for what you need right now:
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2) Sign up for Housing. If you’d like to take advantage of the special offers assigned to UUA GA participants, go to the sign-up page to select your hotel and room.
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Call for UCE Delegates to the UUA General Assembly |
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Now is your opportunity to join thousands of UUs, both in-person or virtually, at the 2022 UUA General Assembly (GA). UCE is looking for members interested in serving as delegates. Whether attending in-person or virtually your participation supports your personal development and our congregation’s growth and development, which in turn supports our mission to nurture the human spirit for a world made whole.
Delegates are asked to commitment to the following:
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Study: https://www.uua.org/ga/congregations/delegates
- Read and review the proposed issues for the assembly
- Attend Preparing for General Assembly workshop(s) about planned issues to discuss and understand the congregation’s response/concerns
- Attend plenary sessions (business meetings) at assembly and vote as appropriate
- Contribute to a consolidated report back to the Board and congregation after the assembly (major vote results, new resolutions, significant theme messages)
Funds Available for Delegates and Non-Delegates Attending General Assembly
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What's Happening in Faith Formation? |
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No Faith Formation Hour - Please attend the Annual Meeting this Sunday
- Voting members will begin checking in immediately after the worship service. Light refreshments will be available during this Kinship Time.
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Childcare will be available for those who register ahead of time. Click here to register your child(ren).
- Nursery care (ages 0-3) during worship in room 11 from 10 am to 12:30 pm.
And families can explore our theme of Nurturing Beauty in their own timeframe in the Soulful Home packet.
The Family Ministry Team is making summer plans!
- Geocaching at Emily Oaks – June 12 – bring a sandwich for a short picnic before we try our geocaching skills
- Penny Park Picnic – July 10 at noon
- Sidewalk Chalk Games – August 7
- Wednesdays on the Lawn returns on Wednesday evenings! Mark your calendars for the following dates: June 22, July 6, 20, August 3, 17
Youth Service Opportunity on behalf of Connections for the Homeless! Spring clean-up at Our House (on Dewey just north of Emerson) on Saturday, May 14 at 10 am. Our House is one of the housing programs for young people ages 18-24 based in Evanston. Supplies provided, and volunteers will freshen the front and back yards to get ready for summer. This can be used for community service credit needed for high school, scouts, etc. Contact UCE’s Carol Nielsen at carolnielsen2100@gmail.com if you can help.
Summer Camp Time! UU camps in the Midwest:
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The UCE Fiction Book Group is reading Persuasion, by Jane Austen and meeting on Zoom on Friday, May 20 at 7 pm.
Anne Elliott, perhaps Austen’s most engaging and complex heroine, negotiates troubled waters of engagement and marriage with characteristic Austen grace and humor. Reading a classic now and then is good for the soul!
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Join the nonfiction book group on Zoom at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 22nd to discuss Heather McGhee’s book The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.
The author traveled across the country and heard the stories of how racism hurts all types of people in many different ways when they buy into the zero-sum paradigm that progress for some of us must come at the expense of others. She also found proof of what she calls the Solidarity Dividend: the benefits gained when people come together across race to accomplish what they can’t do on their own. One reviewer calls the book “an absolute anti-racist must read!
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Last Week's Gardening Day |
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The Garden Goddess smiled on us at our first Gardening Day of the season last Saturday. It was a beautiful sunny day and everyone came with a pent up need to play with Mother Nature. We had 9 enthusiastic gardeners willing to do whatever it took to clean up and spruce up our 10 gardens around the church. And please picture Shirley's smiling face in there too (she had to leave a bit earlier). We enjoyed being with each other, planting, mulching, picking up millions of sticks, weeding/thinning, picking up garbage and large stones/bricks. Be sure to notice the colorful Peace Garden as you enter our front door. Whew! Then we celebrated with cookies.
Looking forward to next Saturday's vegetable planting at the Cahill garden from 10:00-12:00. Barbara Butz is running that one, so please let her know if you can come.
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Help Grow Food for the Hungry
Saturday, May 14, 10 am to noon - WE NEED YOU!
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We need a few volunteers to help plant vegetables at the UCE/Cahill Food Pantry Garden on Church street in Evanston! We’ll put in tomato and pepper seedlings, set up poles and plant bean seeds, and plant seeds in a squash bed. This team effort will get us off on a good foot to raise hundreds of pounds of vegetables to donate this summer through Edible Evanston to places like Hillside Food Pantry in Wilmette. Come join me, Barbara Butz. Contact me at bkbutz@sbcglobal.net, or respond to this posting and I’ll contact you. It will be fun, I promise!
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Sign Petition by May 24th to Support Local Housing Program
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Please consider signing a petition to support the purchase of the Margarita Inn by Connections for the Homeless in order to operate their Bridge Housing program. Throughout the pandemic, Connections heroically stepped up to provide shelter for more than 300 people experiencing homelessness. Since 2020, 184 homeless individuals have been served at the Margarita Inn, including men, women, and children. Currently, 86% are Evanston residents. We believe all our neighbors deserve a safe, stable place to call home. The services provided by Connections for the Homeless at the Margarita Inn create the path to stable housing and a brighter future.
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Social Justice Lending Libraries Reopen at Back of Sanctuary |
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The Racial Equity Action and Leadership (REAL) Lending Library and the Rainbow Alliance Lending Library have moved to the back of the sanctuary in the café area. They are open and books are available to be checked out.
We were extremely happy that the lending libraries are now in an accessible space with ample room for browsing and expansion. We hope this will encourage everyone to use them and enjoy what they offer.
In unpacking and restocking the REAL Lending Library, we found that several books are still checked out - or missing. After two years of pandemic isolation, those books may be hiding on a bookshelf or a bedside table in your home. They are easily identified by a label inside the front cover marking them as belonging to the REAL Lending Library. Please check to see if they are indeed hiding in plain sight! A complete list of what is missing is here and can be found on the library shelves. There is a separate shelf unit next to the library marked "Please Return Books Here" where you can return what you find.
Thanks for helping and enjoy the return of the lending libraries!
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UUANI & CAUUC Vote Love Joint Conference on May 14 |
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This year, as we live into the impact of the 2020 census results, we will be called upon to vote for most of our elected officials. Imagine being able to show up with the power of knowing your vote supports your core values. Voting our values is a critical way to advocate in our communities. Knowing how our values inform what and who we vote for is a critical step to ensuring we live in communities working toward a just and equitable world.
This time together will be filled with gathering inspiration, practical learning, and application of several key skills related to getting out the vote. Rev. Susan Frances is one of the presenters. Register here. We hope you will join us!
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Volunteer Opportunities and Information on
Connections for the Homeless Youth Program
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In January, UCE’s Endowment sent $23,000 to support Connections expanded youth program. We are invited to tour “Our House" - the home for young people served through Connections supportive youth program. UCE is one of many partners working with Connections to prevent and end youth homelessness. Connections can host a group of 5-7 people for a tour of Our House (housing program for young people ages 18-to-24) and a meet & greet with the youth programs staff. UCE congregants have been invited to tour on Tuesday, May 17th at 11 am.
We also can help do a Spring clean-up at Our House on Saturday, May 14 at 10am: 5-8 people needed to clean the outside grounds at Our House, part of our housing programs for young people ages 18-24 based in Evanston. Connections will provide the supplies, and volunteers will freshen the front and back yards to get ready for summer.
If you have questions send an email to Carol Nielsen through REALM or at admin@ucevanston.org.
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Harms Woods Outing May 22, 1 pm - 4 pm |
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Come celebrate spring with a habitat restoration outing at beautiful Harms Woods in Glenview! We will be removing invasive plants to allow more space and sunlight for our beautiful native trees. This outing is suitable for anyone 12 and older (youth must be accompanied by a responsible adult) and everyone works at their own pace. The woods are beautiful, the wildflowers will be out and you will be doing extremely important work in restoring vital habitat to support our native birds and insects. |
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Join the UCE Team in the Race Against Hate on June 19 |
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The Race Against Hate will be held on June 19, and UCE will again be a part of it. Some of us run, some walk, some roll! However you roll, please be a part of our Race Against Hate by joining the UCE REAL Team 2022. If you can’t be with us in the Race, but want to join in spirit, support the team through your donation. Dana Deane is coordinating the UCE REAL Team 2022. Please contact Dana through REALM or at ucerealteam@gmail.com if you have any questions.
In 1999, Ricky Byrdsong was murdered by a self-proclaimed white supremacist. Byrdsong was a Skokie resident and the first African-American coach of the Northwestern University men’s basketball team. He was also the father of 3 young children, 2 of whom were with him near their home when he was shot...
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Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
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