Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole

Sunday Service May 26th at 10:30am

Exploring Family Histories

On this Memorial Day, as we make time to honor and mourn military personnel who have served in the US armed forces, we will explore how we make space for the sharing of difficult stories among our family and friends. How do we create space for life experiences to be shared, for sitting in silence together, for acknowledging the sorrows and the challenges along with the good times? This week’s worship leaders include Rev. Susan Frances, Curtis Evans, Jenn Wisegarver, and Gregory Shifrin.

Children and Youth will remain in today's service.

Shared Offering - Night Ministry

Join the Services Livestream

Faith Formation Hour this Sunday

Childcare (0-3 years) is available in room 11 from 10:15a-11:45am.
BlUUey starts June 9! Our summer program for children is based on the animated show, Bluey. We’ll be exploring our UU values as we see Bluey learning them along the way. If you’d like to help on a Sunday, email Kathy for the details.

Families can explore our theme, The Gift of Pluralism, 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.

YoFresh Social on May 26!

Be sure to plan on staying after the service for our annual frozen yogurt. Enjoy conversations with our guests from Second Baptist Church, the making of balloon creations, and of course frozen yogurt from locally owned business YoFresh Cafe, sponsored by the REAL team and courtesy of a grant from UCE's Endowment Fund.

Fellowship and fun for all ages!

Greetings from Kathy Underwood, DLFF

The Jetpig Dilemma

A couple of Sundays ago, I led a worship service about Faith Formation and the process leading to the upcoming vote at General Assembly to accept the new changes to Article II of the UUA bylaws. The proposed changes describe our Unitarian Universalist values that we aspire to live by: justice, equity, transformation, pluralism, interdependence, generosity, and love. You can watch a short summary of these values HERE.

While many of you have participated in the conversations around this over the past year, many have not, and so I approached this worship service as an opportunity to be informative to the latter in a fun and creative way. Thus, the introduction of Jetpig and J. Piglet – which are mnemonics/acronyms for the proposed values of Article II.

Our Hats are Off to the Board of Trustees for successfully planning and orchestrating the annual meeting. There was a lot that had to happen behind the scenes to make it run smoothly as a multi-platform, voting meeting. Additionally, the Board coordinated the lunch to help us all sustain our attention and do the work we needed to do. Our elected leaders put in a great deal of time and attention focusing on the big picture of our congregation throughout the year. This meeting required a lot of attention to detail and you all did a brilliant job.

Deep gratitude to Board President, Carla Williams, as she steps off the board after three years of dedicated service. Thanks to Elaine Siegel for stepping into the President's role after serving as this year's VP. Thanks to Board member Hòa Voscott for taking the lead on planning the lunch for Sunday. Thanks to the remaining Board members for volunteering with the in-person and online check-in and vote counting: Peggy Boccard, Ally Hunter, Melanie Kitchner, Sally Parsons, Forrest Marie Peters Linsell, and Joe Romeo. Finally, thank you to Dana Deane, our Secretary, Tom Carlton, our Treasurer, and Ann McCallister, our Parliamentarian.

Join Us in Celebrating Sandra Robinson’s 22 years of service!

Appetizers and drinks will be served.

Please RSVP for the reception HERE.

Please sign up to volunteer

your time and/or bring something HERE.

Mark your calendars for this annual gathering on UCE's South lawn. We have fun activities planned for all ages, including games and decorating for the Evanston Pride car parade!

Bring a blanket or chair, and a dish to share!

UCE is providing the protein with meat and vegan options.

This Week's Events & Links

Friday, May 24th

No events scheduled.

Saturday, May 25th:

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

Writing Memoirs Group, 1-4pm, Rm 2

No Tai Chi today

Sunday, May 26th:

Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 9am in-person Rm 6 and via Zoom Link.

Worship Service at 10:30am Sanctuary & on YouTube

YoFresh Ice Cream Social! 11:30-1:30pm, South lawn

Parents Covenant Group, 4-6pm, offsite

Download UCE Zoom Backgrounds

Monday, May 27th:

UCE Office CLOSED in observance of Memorial Day.

Addictions and Recovery, 7-9pm, via Zoom

Tuesday, May 28th:

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

Wednesday, May 29th:

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

Please be aware we have an all Staff Meeting every Wed from 11-12:30pm

Thursday May 30th:

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

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

Choir Rehearsal, 7-9pm, Rm 3

Check out the UCE Calendar for more events!

Congregational News

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!

Room Request Form

PLEASE NOTE: Newsletter submissions should be sent to Newsletter@ucevanston.org by noon on Wednesday.

UCE ISRAEL-GAZA CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION PASSED AT MAY 19 A MEETING

Recognizing the complexities of the history and nuances of what is occurring in Gaza and Israel, we have spent the past 6 months in congregation-wide conversations and discernment with interfaith partners to craft a resolution supporting an end to the violence in the Middle East. At our May 19, 2024, annual meeting, members provided arguments in favor and against the language of the resolution, and a quorum of members present voted 79% for and 10% against the resolution. The resolution as passed is below.

Our Bylaws require a 2/3rds majority to pass a Statement of Advocacy. The resolution passed with 79% in favor and will now be a Statement of Advocacy posted on our website. If you have any questions about the process or the resolution, please reach out to me or Rev. Eileen.

The Unitarian Church of Evanston

Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Resolution

We, the members of the Unitarian Church of Evanston, in accordance with the 8 Principles of Unitarian Universalism, respect the inherent worth and dignity of each person. We affirm the principles of justice, equity and compassion in human relations and our interconnectedness. With this resolution, we add our voices to those of many faith organizations speaking out for peace and safety.

We urge U.S. federal, state, and municipal officials to call upon Israel and Hamas to:

● Enact an immediate, lasting, bilateral ceasefire.

● Enable humanitarian aid to enter Gaza in sufficient quantities to meet the scale of need.

● Unconditionally release all hostages held by Hamas and detainees held without charges by the Israeli government, and return human remains.

We call upon U.S. federal officials, including the President, Senators and Representatives to:

● Vote no on providing more military funding and weapons for this war.

● Pressure all sides of the conflict to address the root causes of the violence and work towards a future in which all Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and equality, with security and human rights protected for all.

We unequivocally and equally condemn the deadly attacks and sexual violence perpetrated on innocent Israeli civilians by Hamas on October 7, 2023, as well as the decades of disproportionate death, detention, and displacement of innocent Palestinian civilians by the Israeli government. The leaders of both Israel and Hamas have engaged in war crimes against innocent civilians who have endured decades of trauma. Continued escalation of this violence will only result in more death, destruction, and the absence of safety and security for all parties to the conflict. We denounce the rising tide of antisemitism and Islamophobia in our country and around the globe. We pledge to confront and disrupt it when we encounter it, and ask our elected officials to do the same.

The magnitude of this crisis continues to grow. The Israeli hostages have yet to be released. A grossly disproportionate number of Palestinians have been killed, injured, and gone missing. An overwhelming amount of civilian infrastructure in Gaza has been destroyed by the Israeli military. The Israeli government continues to block access to sufficient food and clean water, and the collapse of medical services in Gaza is catastrophic. Over one million Gazans face starvation, and many people, mostly children, have already died from dehydration and malnutrition. We urge all communities to demand a permanent, total ceasefire to address the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza so that the long process of finding a permanent and just political solution can begin anew.

Congregational Connections

Our shared values are the articulation of our mission and part of the Board's work, informed by the Committee on Shared Ministry and the Senior Minister, is to reflect on how we are living those values. For its May meeting, the board received a report on our fourth value:

We engage in our interconnected world, by forming diverse and lasting connections in the community, and acting for peace, social, environmental, and economic justice. Here is a link to the report.

Retired (But Not Retiring!)) Women: Tuesday, May 28, 5-7 in Room 3.

We will continue with our "really getting to know each other" meeting that we started last month!

Of course we will begin with our yummy potluck! Hope to see many of you there! For more information, please feel free to contact Margie Rogasner.

Tour a Piece of UCE History

Join Rev. Eileen at 11am Saturday 6/1 for a tour of the house UCE & 3rd Unitarian architect, Paul Schweikher, built for his family and have a bento box lunch among the peonies.

Although Paul Schweikher lived in the house for a few years, UCE member and artist Martyl Langsdorf and her husband, Alexander, were the true stewards, living there for 60 years. See the studio barely big enough for Martyl to create the soaring UCE mural, “Darkness into Light” and see how Paul Schweikher's design ideas helped create the church building that has nurtured our community since 1958. The Schweikher House is located at 645 Meacham Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193. Click here to reserve your space, tickets are $65. Click here to learn more about the Schwiker house and the amazing peony garden that we will get to see in full bloom.

HARMS WOODS WORK DAY!

Join us on Sunday, June 9th for an afternoon in beautiful Harms Woods, led by the very knowledgeable long-time stewards, John and Jane Balaban. We will be doing the critical work of removing invasive plants that crowd out native plants needed by birds and insects.

It’s enjoyable and rewarding, and is appropriate for all ages, including young people (should be 12 or older and youth must be accompanied by an adult) and senior citizens. We each work at our own pace, but the ground can be uneven and muddy. Dress for the weather and possible muddy conditions and bring your own water bottle. Bring gardening gloves if desired (although gloves and other equipment will be provided). For more information or to reserve a spot: contact Susan Comstock (Susan.L.Comstock at gmail dot com) or Dale Griffin (dalecgriffin at comcast dot net).

Shared Offering Program Nominations Due June 30, 2024

Nominations for the 2024-25 Shared Offering Program are now being accepted by the Social Justice Council. Members and staff of UCE may nominate a non-profit organization.

Click Here to submit Nomination.

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

Will you organize a UCE contingent in the Evanston 4th of July parade?

The theme of this year's Evanston 4^th of July parade is "Seeds of Change." Visit www.evanston4th.org for more details.

Several folks have asked staff about having a contingent in the parade but we don't have an organizer yet. Are you interested and able to coordinate a UCE contingent in this year's parade? Registration for the parade is open until June 10, so we need an organizer by then. Email Rev. Eileen at ewiviott@ucevanston.org to volunteer!

Our Endowment

Community Project Grant Applications Due May 31

The UCE Endowment Committee is pleased to announce that a total of $33,380 is available for Community Project grants for the coming church year (starting July 1). Grant application forms are available HERE on the Endowment Fund page of the UCE web site.

The next deadline for grant application submissions is May 31st. Additional grant application submission deadlines are October 31, 2024 and January 31, 2025 if funds remain available.

For more information, contact Endowment Committee Chair, Bob Seyfried through the Realm Membership Directory.

Endowment Community Partner Grants

Approved for 2024-2025

The Endowment Committee received eight grant applications for fiscal 2024-25 for Community Partners, which support the ongoing work of these organizations. UCE members are active volunteers of all Community Grant recipients. All grant applications were accepted as satisfying at least one purpose of Article 4, section 2 of the UCE Endowment Fund bylaws (unanimous vote of Endowment Trustees). All eight grants were recommended for funding at the full amount requested (unanimous vote of Endowment Trustees) and approved by the UCE Board of Trustees. Each grantee will receive $2607.

Here are brief summaries of four of these grants, CLICK HERE.

Lifespan Faith Formation

BEACH DAY!

June 9, 12:30-3:30p at Lighthouse Beach

Bring a picnic lunch and grab your towel for an afternoon of sun and sand! Beach passes are required and can be purchased online at the Yodel Portal or in-person at the Dempster St. Beach Office or Clark St. Beach Office. Evanstonians can purchase guest passes for $5.

Picnics in the Park – 1st and 3rd Sundays at Penny Park, 12-1pm - weather permitting.

A fun and easy way for parents of young children to meet and socialize while the little ones play! Bring your own picnic or snack.

Families are invited to meet after worship to hang out at Penny Park. Here, the Briody Family stopped for a quick picture last Sunday.

The Well, a multiracial family camp at Ferry Beach, Maine: July 24-27th

The Well is an intentional gathering space of spiritual healing for individuals and families who are directly impacted by racism. It is a culturally proud, welcoming, and unapologetic space that centers the experiences and expressions of communities of color.

Social Justice

Can You Help House Migrants Temporarily?

The acute need for emergency housing for refugees and asylum seekers will worsen in the next few months because Chicago is closing its shelters. The UCE Immigrant Solidarity Team is working with the metro-wide Sanctuary Working Group (SWG), a large coalition of faith-based groups and other non-profit organizations, to provide temporary homes for individuals and families to stay in. SWG is compiling a list of hosts who can house visitors for a few weeks up to a few months while SWG helps them find permanent housing. Immediately, they are looking for housing for the summer for a young couple and their son for some or all of the summer. Jim Strickler and Jean Butzen have hosted three individuals—each experience has worked out great! If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jim (strickler47 at comcast dot net) or Jean (jeanbutzen at gmail dot com).

Support UU Values at the Polls

A round of applause for all your hard work! Your accomplishments since March:

Sent nearly 4000 postcards.
Hit key counties and districts Georgia and Virginia with critical races.
Built our UCE UUtheVote working Group to 172 strong!

Reminder: Mail your Virginia postcard bundles no later than June 3rd for their June 18th Primary.

Update: We are now writing postcards for the North Carolina general election with a mailing date by July 1st.

Visit our Program Table on Sunday after the worship service or reach out directly to Greg Grabowski through the Realm Membership Directory.

MIILWAUKEE VOTER REGISTRATION

Register voters in Milwaukee DMVs! The 45 minute Zoom training and great support from the Milwaukee Voter Project make this a satisfying slam dunk!

Training dates:

Email Laura Kushner (laurakushnerx2 at gmail dot com) to let her know which date/time works best

Thursday, June 6 at 7:00 PM
Wednesday, June 12 at 1:30 PM

Once trained, pick virtually any day or time to drive up and do the work. Carpooling is available.

For questions, contact Shirley Adams through the Realm Membership Directory.

Join the UCE Team in the YWCA Race Against Hate

Some of us run, some walk, some roll! How ever you roll, please be a part of our Race Against Hate by joining the UCE REAL Team on June 16, 2024.

Register by May 26th to receive early bird pricing. Register for the Race here. Be sure to join the UCE REAL Team. CLICK HERE.

If you can’t be with us in the Race, but want to join in spirit, support the team through your donation. Be sure to apply your donation to the UCE REAL Team.

DONATE HERE.

More information on the race can be found at: Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate. Questions? Contact Dana Deane.

CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH EVANSTON UUs

Evanston Youth Pride Car Parade - June 2nd at 1pm

ALL ARE WELCOME!

The 2024 Parade Route is here! Below you can find our starting spot if you’re driving in the parade, or meeting spots to watch the parade and cheer on the participants!

Let us know if you’ll be joining us! RSVP here.

Evanston Township High School Parking lot 2 and 2a - Meet us here for events, snacks, car decorating, and the kick-off!
Robert Crown Community Center
Chicago Main Newsstand
Fountain Square
Ingraham Park (Simpson and Asbury, behind the Civic Center) - The end of the parade! Feel free to bring your own chairs, blankets, snacks, and activities if you want to chill. We will not be hosting any after-parade events but you can join us at Double Clutch brewery (2121 Ashland Ave) for a hang out.

We can’t wait to see you there! This parade should be the best yet!

Join us for the inaugural Interfaith Family Pride Festival in Evanston!

Save the date for the Interfaith Family Pride Festival, a joyous celebration of Pride month for families on June 2, 2024, from 2-5pm, at Raymond Park in Evanston, IL. Organized by 15 diverse faith communities, this event will honor LGBTQ+ families, while recognizing the importance of repairing relationships and building bridges between faith communities and the LGBTQ+ community.

This family-friendly festival will feature captivating performances by renowned artists including Flamy Grant, Artemis Singers, and The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, along with engaging activities for children. Additionally, don't miss the inspiring Youth Showcase, highlighting the talents and voices of our younger generation. All are welcome to an afternoon filled with love, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. Stop by the UCE table for a glitter blessing!

For more information, visit the Facebook Event page.

To volunteer on June 2nd for this interfaith event please click here.

SAVE THESE DATES!

June 9th Evanston Pride Candle Lighting Ceremony at 7:00 pm in St. Paul Park, 760 Chicago Ave, Evanston
Queer Market - July 11. get some shopping in and support queer makers!
Pride Community Picnic - July 27th. Ridgeville Park, 11am - 3pm.

We will update you with more information as the dates approach!

UCE Book Clubs

UCE Non-Fiction Book Group

The UCE nonfiction book group will not meet during the month of May because of several important Sunday afternoon events: e.g., the annual meeting and the ice cream/frozen yogurt social with Second Baptist Church.

We will meet virtually on Zoom at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 30th using our recurring link to discuss Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under Color of Law by Richard Rothstein and Leah Rothstein.

Our group previously read Richard Rothstein’s The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. In their book Just Action, the authors offer programs that activists and their supporters can undertake in their communities to address historic inequities. They show how community groups can press firms that imposed segregation to take responsibility for reversing the harm.

Zoom discussion on Sunday, June 30th at 2pm, using our recurring ZOOM link.

UCE Fiction Book Group

The UCE fiction book group is reading Glory by NoViolet Bulawayo.

Short-listed for the Booker Prize is Bulawayo’s tale of Zimbabwe under siege by its citizens. A satire told in the vein of Animal Farm, Glory follows a nation of animals as they try to define true liberation when their oppressive leader Old Horse is pulled down.

Although Zimbabwe is the immediate inspiration, Glory is written in a time of global clamor, with resistance movements across the world challenging different forms of oppression. It feels like Bulawayo captures several places in one blockbuster allegory, crystallizing a turning point in history with texture and nuance.

Zoom discussion: Friday, June 21, at 7-8pm, using our recurring ZOOM link.

July 19:

Percival Everett, James. The story of Huck’s slave companion Jim that was never told in Huckleberry Finn. Perhaps the story of slavery in America that Mark Twain would have told if his publishers had let him.