Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
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Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, May 23 at 11:15 am
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Transitions and a New Reality
Guest Preacher Rev. David Pyle
This time of pandemic has changed what it means to be a church in ways that we are only beginning to see. As we begin to contemplate coming back together, we are not in the process of recreating what was, but creating something new, which is work of both celebrating the possible and grieving the changes. We will explore together what the new reality of “church” can be. Rev. David Pyle preaching.
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From Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director |
Before launching into this exciting update on upcoming events and ongoing changes at UCE, I’d like to remind everyone to help us make our year-end budget by ensuring that your pledge payments are complete for this fiscal year ending on June 30. Vickie Doebele, Staff Accountant, will be sending out statements at the end of this month. Your generosity and financial support are greatly appreciated.
We are fast approaching our first-ever UCE Parking Lot Pop-Up Sale. Carol Nielsen and I have been ramping up all of the planning in preparation for Saturday...
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Hats Off to Jessica Tomell-Presto!
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When the staff discussed this week's hats off, there was unanimous agreement that Jessica Tomell-Presto, our Board President during a most extraordinary year, was well deserving. Jessica has put in 40 hours most weeks in this volunteer role, always going above and beyond to be communicative, kind, thoughtful, attentive, and focused on justice. Not only did she help coordinate two on-line annual meetings, finding phone buddies for those who needed help accessing the meeting on-line, but she coordinated the congregational vote to call your senior minister. If that wasn't enough, she has hosted Widening the Circle of Concern conversations with the board and on Sunday mornings with the congregation. She has helped to support health and covenantal work with Nominating & Recruiting, Endowment, and the Integrated Stewardship Council. She has been the champion and coordinated the efforts to form an Anti-Oppression Task Force, staying open and listening to the collective will of participants. She's also been a wonderful event coordinator for Bike the Ridge and the capital campaign celebration. Oh, and let's not forget yoga instructor extraordinaire! Jessica, you are a gem and we've all benefitted from your loving and generous leadership. Thank you! |
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Staff Profile: Adam Gough |
Adam Gough is truly a Renaissance Man. He operates, manages, and maintains the technical tools that keep our programs and worship services humming. In his role as Congregational Life Assistant, he assists senior staff, freeing them from tasks such as chasing down copyrights to music (critical but time-consuming), doing production for livestream events, and making our virtual choir recordings come alive in a rich and seamless way. For those who wish to join a covenant group, he finds one with openings... |
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UCE's First Ever Parking Lot Pop-Up Sale is almost here! |
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Join us on Saturday, May 22 from 10 am - 2 pm for a fun day of bargains and community. Our UCE Parking Lot Pop Up Sale is happening!
Don't miss this chance to be with fellow congregants of all ages. Come and shop for bikes, household items, art, and bargains galore! Nick the balloon guy will be there with his fun-tastical creations. We will also have covid-safe food and drink available for sale. Masks and social distancing will be required. The proceeds from this sale, support the Unitarian Church of Evanston. In case of rain, the sale will be rescheduled to Saturday, May 29.
If you have questions call or write Carol Nielsen or Sandra Robinson. There is still time to have a table and to plan to help in other ways. This is our first in-person gathering for church members and a great way to see old friends and make new ones. This sale is in-person! It is not by Zoom! Come and see what we can accomplish together and in-person.
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Flower Communion Pictures |
Please participate in our annual flower communion service on June 6th by sending in a photo or two of your favorite flowers. Whether they are from your garden, home, or neighborhood, please share your jpegs to this folder by June 1st!
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UCE Building Availability - The UCE building and grounds are available on a limited basis to small gatherings. Please read the updated UCE's Reopening Guidelines before contacting staff about availability.
Chalice Lighters Needed - 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.
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Endowment Fund Application Deadline is May 31. More info below.
Thanks and Farewell Celebration for Rev. Karen is June 6 following the service.
Sidewalk Chalk Games and Art is June 6 at 4 pm. More info below.
UCE's Annual Calendaring Event is June 12 at 10 am. Between now and June 9th, submit your planned or possible events to Jessica Meis to create a proposed calendar.
UUA Virtual General Assembly is June 23 - June 27. More info below.
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This Week's Events & Links |
Friday, May 21
Saturday, May 22
- UCE Parking Lot Pop-Up Sale at 10 am to 2 pm. Masks and social distancing are required.
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Virtual Art & Spirituality at 2:30 pm via Zoom. Click here to join.
Sunday, May 23
Monday, May 24
Tuesday, May 25
Wednesday, May 26
Thursday, May 27
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Virtual Meditation at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Andrea DeMers for the link.
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Anti-racism 8th Principle Adopted by UCE!!! |
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After five months of education, conversation, and debate about a proposed new principle focused on dismantling racism and other oppressions, the Unitarian Universalist congregation of Evanston, Illinois, formally adopted the principle by an overwhelming 95% vote. The new principle becomes the eighth in a list of guiding values that light the way for UUs everywhere. Here is the new 8th Principle as adopted at our annual meeting, followed by the full list.
We, a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.
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From the Board of Trustees |
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Want to know what the Board has been working on in April and May?
- Working with the YWCA Equity Institute to create our anti-oppression task force
- Reading and discussing Widening the Circle of Concern
- Attending the Revolutionary Love conference
- Attending the Breaking Covenant workshop offered by the Midwest UUA
- Supporting Rev. Karen in her interim work
- Supporting Team 8th in their work to inform the congregation about the Eighth Principle
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Updated Guidelines for UCE Building Use |
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The Covid Task Force, in consultation with the staff, have revised the guidelines for building use. We are planning a multi-access approach to Sunday worship services in September - live-streamed and in-person worship with modifications including masks, distancing, and reduced numbers in attendance. Over the summer, gatherings outdoors and in the sanctuary of up to 60 people will be allowed, again with masks and social distancing. Smaller groups are allowed in rooms 3 and 6. Please review these guidelines for full details and contact Rev. Eileen or Sandra Robinson with questions. |
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Endowment Fund: Deadline for Grant Applications |
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The final deadline for submitting Endowment Fund grant applications during the current church year will be May 31. There is about $10,000-$15,000 available for disbursement from the 2020-21 distribution amount.
Endowment Funds are a significant resource for our community because they can be used to support special initiatives that further the mission and work of UCE. For additional information, read What Can Endowment Funds be Used for? at UCE Endowment Fund: Frequently Asked Questions.
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Congregational Connections |
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2021 Minns Lecture Series - May 21 and 28 |
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The Minns Lectures Committee sponsors an annual series of free lectures by UU ministers on religious topics. The 2021 Minns Lecturer is Dr. Anthony B. Pinn, who is the Agnes Cullen Arnold Professor of Humanities and Professor of Religious Studies at Rice University. His 3-part lecture series explores the various aspects concerning the rabid nationalism and marginalization of despised populations marking so much of public life in the United States. |
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May Reflections with the Board |
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It is our goal as the Board of Trustees to maintain connections with you. To that end, we are hosting a program entitled, “Reflections with the Board.” We host these sessions via zoom once a month at 10am before the service. Our next session will be held on May 23rd at 10 am. For this session, the Board would like to spend some time talking with you about Widening the Circle of Concern. This month we will continue our discussion of Chapter Four, Hospitality and Inclusion. You did not have to attend any of our previous sessions to join us...
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Thanks and Farewell Celebration
for Rev. Karen
Join us on June 6th after the Flower Communion Service to say goodbye and express our gratitude
for the tremendous gift of ministry Rev. Karen has given us. We'll meet on the coffee hour link (Zoom)
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Annual UCE Calendaring Event |
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The Board and Rev. Eileen are hosting a calendaring event on Saturday, June 12th at 10-11 am. The purpose of this event is to create together a shared calendar of major events and programs throughout the year. It will be a time to vision together, see where there are potential conflicts, and share our space and energy more abundantly.
Between now and June 9th, we would like each group to discuss any planned or possible events and programs and send those events (with preferred times and dates) to Jessica Meis at admin@ucevanston.org. She will put these onto a proposed calendar that we will then review together on the 12th. We’ll go through month by month and work through any issues or adjustments that need to be made.
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Are you contemplating attending the virtual General Assembly (GA) this year?
There are scholarships available from UCE Endowment and from the UUA to cover the registration fee. The dates are June 23 - 27, 2021. More than 20 members attended last year. This year there is a youth track, so families can attend together.
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VirtUUal Faith Formation and Ways to Connect |
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Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – our last week! We will meet at UCE on the lawn at 5:30p for a short celebration and session.
Pre/K Kids and Families - POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – May’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 - We know this last month of school will be busy, so we won’t be meeting. Plans are being made for an in-person gathering next month, so look for an email soon!
Sidewalk Chalk Games and Art – June 6th – 4-5:30 pm! All ages are invited to gather in the UCE parking lot for some sidewalk chalk games and art! Bring a spirit of playfulness and your creativity!
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UCE Book Groups - This May |
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The UCE Fiction Book Group meets next on Friday, May 21 at 7-8:30 pm to discuss My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie.
Spanning the tumult of the Revolution and reaching all the way to the eve of the Civil War, through the decades where the nation itself was being invented out of whole cloth, My Dear Hamilton tells of the changes that swept Eliza into the maelstrom that was the birth of a nation, while maintaining its focus on her as the new revolutionary woman who shaped an American legacy in her own right.
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The Nonfiction book group will discuss Isabel Wilkerson’s book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent at 2 pm via Zoom on Sunday, May 23.
In this book, Wilkerson explains how the hierarchy of caste goes far beyond the confines of race, class, or gender and she documents how the caste system in the U.S. parallels two others, in India and in Nazi Germany. She brings the topic alive with real people, as she did in her previous book, The Warmth of Other Suns.
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Current and Upcoming Adult Religious Education |
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Deepening UU Identity - May 26 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom and June 30 at 6:30-8 pm at UCE – Join us for our next session UU Spirituality: what does spirituality mean to us and how can we practice spirituality however we answer ultimate questions. Led by Rev. Eileen and Rev. Susan Frances
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Sealed by Katie Langston: Q&A with the Author – Tuesday, June 1 at 7 pm - Katie Langston’s memoir, Sealed, tells the story of her conversion to mainline Christianity out of Mormonism. Attendance at the 4/27 reading group led by Ruth Orme-Johnson is not required to also attend the Q&A.
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Make an Impact on Next year's Forum Discussion! |
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Have you attended it? Avoided it? Wondered about it? A team is forming to plan 9 months of Forums for next church year, that is 18 sessions in all (two per month). Would you like to offer some topics for the Forum to tackle next year? You are invited to help shape these sessions. Your input is gonna be helpful. Email or call Shirley Adams, Diane Markel, Bob Mesle, or Steve Serikaku and offer ideas or join the team! The more, the merrier! |
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Dear Chalice House Supporters |
Happy May! Last year at this time, the world was in the midst of a lockdown, and Chalice House was in the midst of a transformation from a rental property into a home for immigrants seeking asylum. Repairs were underway, flooring was being installed, walls were being painted and furnishings were being gathered. By July, we welcomed a family into the home.
Financial Update
One year in, we can confidently report that this community-based housing model is working. Our goal is to sustain this program for many years, but to do so requires continued financial support to replace the lost rental income that Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist (CCUU) sacrificed to make Chalice House a reality. We’ve created this short video that tells the Chalice House story. Please take a moment to watch and be reminded that your support made this story possible. Then, we invite you to share it with others who you think might also be inspired to support the program.
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Now Accepting Nominees for the 2021-2022 Shared Plate Program |
The Social Justice Council invites you to submit nominees for the 2021-2022 Shared Plate Program. Each year, UCE’s Shared Plate Program donates half of the Sunday offering received to 13 organizations in support of their social justice efforts. The deadline for submitting a Nomination Form is June 30, 2021.
Organizations may be nominated by a UCE member or staff. For 2021-2022, in light of the reality of our present crises, in order to be eligible for the Shared Plate Program an organization must address systemic racism and/or the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people of color and the poor.
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Interfaith Action of Evanston Virtual Fundraiser Celebrates Hospitality Center's 35th Birthday |
Join Interfaith Action of Evanston in a joyous celebration of the 35th anniversary of its Hospitality Center at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Evanston. In a Facebook Live event, Interfaith Action will share the history of this critical service for those experiencing homelessness and celebrate those who have helped the Hospitality Center make an impact on that community. In addition, a host of participants, led by renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine and Evanston rapper Big Chuck, will celebrate the event musically. The event will go live on Interfaith Action of Evanston’s Facebook page on May 23, at 7 pm. It will be archived for later viewing in the Facebook page as well. Donations can be made through the link below. Participation does not require a Facebook membership.
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REAL Team Meets Tuesday, May 25 |
The next Racial Equity Action Leadership (REAL) Team meeting is Tuesday, May 25 at 7-8:30 pm via Zoom.
The REAL Team invites you to join us as we continue to explore how individuals and groups are addressing Racial Injustice. Discuss how confronting injustice and self-reflection can be manifested. The goal is intended to expand our knowledge on what anti Blackness is and how systemic racism works. Together we will foster awareness, understanding, and action regarding anti-racism, equity, inclusion, and justice. Be a part of the solution!
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Rainbow Alliance Meets June 1 |
Rainbow Alliance Meets on Tuesday, June 1 - All are Invited! Rainbow Alliance's next planning meeting will be held on June 1 at 7:00 pm. If you are interested in joining, please email Lizzy at eapowers1019@gmail.com or Jordan at jordan.strueber@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
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Events with the Green Team |
UCE and the Green Team are on the move this summer! Head outside to walk, to garden, to restore nature and your spirits.
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Buy or sell at the UCE Parking Lot Pop Up Sale on Saturday, May 22. Reduce, reuse, recycle, reSale! More details on UCE homepage.
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Saturday, June 5, 1pm. Zoom in with the Green Team and offer your ideas and energy. Click here to join.
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Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
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