Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole
In-Person and Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, November 14 at 10:15 am
Stories of the Land, Stories of the People

UCE is a sacred space where we gather together to share our celebrations and our sorrows. We lovingly care for and tend to the building and the land upon which it resides. Our Principles call upon us to live accountably with the land and the people who have, do, and will inhabit the land. This accountability calls on us to address the narrative many of us learned growing up of the founding of the United States which leaves out the voices of the Indigenous peoples of North America. This Sunday, we will explore ways to expose this disconnection from reality through supporting Native American communities, scholars, and environmentalists. We will share some of the stories of the land upon which UCE resides, stories of the Indigenous communities who were the first to care for this land, and stories of how it became a commodity for sale under settler colonialism. 
Please join us for this Sunday’s Faith Formation Hour
(11:35-12:30): Art & Music for All Ages
Please join us for one of these activities:
  • Storytelling Workshop - Rm 3 & on Zoom. Click here to join.
  • Drum Circle - Sanctuary
  • Soul Collage - Rm 5
  • Nursery - Rm 11
Important Info for this Sunday's Service
Please plan to arrive for worship at UCE no earlier than 9:45 am so Ministers & Staff can adequately prepare for the worship service in the Sanctuary.
From Rev. Susan Frances,
Assistant Minister for Congregational Life
Dear Friends, 
 
New Times Call for New Plans! 
 
I want to thank everyone who has provided feedback to me, the other staff, and the Faith Formation Force about the worship service and faith formation hour on Sunday mornings. We’ve been back in-person for Sunday morning worship for 9 Sundays now. We have a sense of how many people are attending, a sense of how our traditional 13 Hospitality Teams schedule is going, and a sense of what people are enjoying.  
 
As with most things in this pandemic, we are making plans with the information we have and then we are adjusting as we gather feedback and experience. With this in mind, we are making two adjustments to our Sunday morning in-person flow. 
Join an Ends Conversation!
Everyone with a stake in the future of the UCE congregation – where we are going and how we want to be in the world – is invited to participate in open-hearted and spirited conversations about our End Statements. You can sign up for one or more of these conversations here: 
  
  • November 13th (This Saturday) from 9:30-10:30 am in person at UCE 
  • December 4th (Saturday) from 12-1 pm on Zoom 
  • January 2nd (Sunday) as part of Faith Formation Hour, 11:30 am-12:30 pm in-person 
  • January 5th (Wednesday) from 5:30-6:30 pm on Zoom 

PLEASE NOTE: If you have previously registered, but need to sign up for more than one time, please go through and update your registration. The settings have changed and you may now register for more than one conversation.
Serendipity Auction is Finally Here!
The hybrid Serendipity Auction opens on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 11:15 am after the church service. We are thrilled with the catalog–over 200 items of “Boodle”. Now we just need YOU “Bidding” so that we end up with a lot of “Bonding”! 
 
Here is your “To Do” list: 
  • Complete registration on the Auctria auction website using the email you use for the church directory–it’s very quick. Refer to the two emails (check spam) you got on November 8 and 9 from “Unitarian Church of Evanston” for detailed instructions and the link to register. Do this NOW so we can fix any registration issues early. 
  • If you have any questions or problems with registration or bidding, we will be available after church on Nov. 14 or email us at auction@ucevanston.org. 
  • Have an item to drop off? Bring it to the church on Sunday, November 14th or drop it at the church Tues-Fri from 10 am-5 pm this coming week. If you need other special arrangements, contact us at auction@ucevanston.org 
  • Come to the church on Saturday, November 20th from 10 am-1 pm to see the items, socialize, get a balloon sculpture and pick up a pre-ordered dessert box.  
  • Don’t forget to buy raffle tickets–we are running FIVE different raffles this year for a variety of wonderful items.  
  • Mark your calendar for our big closing celebration on Saturday, November 20th (preparties start at 6:40, and the celebration–which we promise will be a lot of fun–is from 7 pm to 8 pm). 
  • Buy a 4- or 8-piece dessert box from the catalog by Nov 19th to have desserts from UCE’s talented bakers during the celebration. 
Hats Off to Diane Markel!
This week we tip our hats to Diane Markel. Her commitment to community and relationship building is reflected in her engagement within our congregation. Diane is a facilitator of one of our three 6-month covenant groups, while still being actively engaged in her long-term covenant group. She is on the Forum Planning Team and an avid choir member, singing soprano. Diane is also a co-organizer of the PHENOMS Proximity Partners group, creating ways for our congregants living in some of the suburbs to connect with each other. Thank you, Diane, for all the ways you foster connection within our congregation.
Congregational News
UCE Building Availability - If your group would like to meet in-person at UCE, please fill out a Room & Publicity Request Form.

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.
Save the Date
Wednesday Zoom Gatherings Continue on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 5:30 pm via Zoom.

Join in the Serendipity Auction Celebration on Saturday, November 20. Check out the auction items in-person and pick up dessert boxes from 10am-1pm in the sanctuary. Then, join in the virtual celebration at 7pm.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Service is on Saturday, November 20 at 5 pm.

UCE hosts the Overnight Shelter on November 28-December 18. Learn about volunteering with Interfaith Action of Evanston below.

Upcoming ENDS Statements Conversations:
  • December 4th (Saturday) from 12-1pm on Zoom 
  • January 2nd (Sunday) as part of Faith Formation Hour, 11:30-12:30 in person 
  • January 5th (Wednesday) from 5:30 – 6:30 on Zoom 
More info above! Register here.
This Week's Events & Links
Saturday, November 13
  • ENDS Conversation at 9:30 am in Room 2. Register here.
  • Chicago Area UU Council Fall Conference at 9:30 am via Zoom. More info below.

Sunday, November 14
  • Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 8:45 am in Room 6 and via Zoom. Contact Renee Hoff for the Zoom link.
  • Worship Service at 10:15 am in the sanctuary and via Youtube. Nursery/PreK care available for 1-4 year olds. Click here to join.
  • Kinship Time & Serendipity Auction Kick Off at 11:15-11:35 am - back of the Sanctuary
  • Faith Formation Hour: Art & Music for All Ages at 11:35 am-12:30 pm.
  • Storytelling Workshop - Rm 3 & on Zoom. Click here to join.
  • More activities listed above.

Monday, November 15

Tuesday, November 16

Wednesday, November 17

Thursday, November 11
  • Virtual Meditation at 5:30 pm via Zoom. Email Lisa Solomon for the link.
  • Choir Rehearsal at 7 pm in Room 3 or via Zoom.
  • Board of Trustees meet at 7 pm via Zoom. Email the Office if you would like to join.
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!
Congregational Connections
Widening the Circle of Concern
Reading 2 Chapters for November 21, 2021 Faith Formation Hour
 
Wanting to learn what our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is recommending as ways to dismantle white supremacy culture within our governance and leadership structures? Congregants are encouraged to participate in small group discussions of the Report of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change, Widening the Circle of Concern. This report is a guiding document for UCE’s Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression work. 

For our discussion in November, we will be reading 2 chapters. You are encouraged to read the chapter on Governance and the chapter on Congregations & Communities before November 21st so you are prepared for the conversation. You do not need to have participated in previous conversations to join this one! This month's two chapters are dense, so stick with it and we'll be on to our next topic next month.

These conversations will be taking place in-person as well as on Zoom. If you hold a marginalized identity and would want an identity-based caucus space to discuss Widening the Circle of Concern, please contact Rev. Eileen Wiviott or Rev. Susan Frances by November 14th so we can arrange that space. 
Chicago Area UU Council (CAUUC) Fall Conference
The Chicago Area UU Council (CAUUC) Fall Conference will be held on Saturday, November 13 at 9:30 am - Noon and be conducted via Zoom. There is no fee required to participate though donations are welcome and appreciated to help defer the costs of the conference and support the ongoing work of CAUUC.

Topic: There's a strong desire among most of us to reconnect in-person with our church communities, especially if we haven't been able to thus far. Elders and families with young children, in particular, have been isolated throughout the pandemic...
Interfaith Action of Evanston - Thanksgiving Eve Service
This year the annual interfaith service will take place on Wednesday, November 24th, at Lake Street Church (607 Lake St., Evanston) at 7:00 PM and over Zoom. The service will feature keynote speaker Bennett Johnson, Evanston history maker, and the Evanston Interfaith Community Choir, led by Music Director Dr. Diana Schmück of Lake Street Church of Evanston. All attendees must wear a mask and be fully vaccinated.

CALLING ALL SINGERS - THANKSGIVING EVE INTERFAITH COMMUNITY CHOIR - 6 PM rehearsal in the Sanctuary (enter through 607 Lake Street door), the service begins at 7 PM.) All choir members will be required to wear singers’ masks, there are few masks available, but please if possible bring your own. If you are interested, come at 6 pm for rehearsal. All are invited to join this traditional interfaith choir. Any questions, contact Dr. Diana Schmück, Music Director - schmuck@lakestreet.org. Come as you are!
Seeking Future Leaders
The Nominating and Recruitment Committee (N&R) is beginning to identify potential candidates for future positions, such as the Board of Trustees, Endowment Committee, and our own N&R Committee.   
 
Please help us! We may not know what skills and experience you have that would make you a perfect fit for one of the positions. You may know someone who would step up if asked. We especially want to encourage folks who have not previously served on these committees to consider this opportunity to support the church. 
 
Please fill out this Google form if you would like to nominate someone or volunteer yourself. Also feel free to reach out to Janice Milanovich (through Realm). See the website for more information. 
Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil - Nov 20
The Transgender Day of Remembrance service will be held on Saturday, November 20 at 5 pm in Room 3 or on Zoom. Click here for the Zoom link.
Mitten Tree 2021
Happy Everything! Mitten Tree is BACK with some “fleece linings” of lessons learned and skills gained courtesy of our mostly contactless efforts last year.  
 
This winter holiday tradition of gift giving is a wonderful way to connect with organizations and neighbors outside the walls of UCE.  
 
Beginning this weekend, you will have the opportunity to sign up (HERE) to fulfill gift requests. This year we are leaning into our SHARED MINISTRY all around. There will be opportunities for everyone to lend a hand and fill a mitten that speaks to them.  
 
This longstanding tradition is an overwhelmingly beautiful snapshot of our community’s shared values and a privilege to help organize. Read on below about where your gifts will go this year, AND MAY WHAT YOU GIVE BRING YOU JOY! 
Lifespan Faith Formation
What's Happening in Faith Formation?
Faith Formation Hour this week
  • Nursery care (0-3) is available in Room 11 from 10 am-12:30 pm. 
  • At the beginning of the sermon, Heads, Hearts, and Hands (preK-6th) will meet at the back of the sanctuary and go to room 3. 
  • Faith Formation Hour begins at 11:35 am as follows: 
  • Storyteller Program in Room 3
  • Soul Collage in Room 5
  • Drumming in the Sanctuary

Please give us your feedback on your experiences in Faith Formation Hour here.

Registration for Faith Formation continues! This year more than ever, it is important that parents register their young people, so that we can plan according to current guidelines. Please complete the form here for all young people, 0-18 years old. 
November’s New Soul Matters Theme – Holding History! Check out the new Soulful Home packet here! The packet is designed for families to explore the monthly theme at their own pace and interest. 

Ornament Sunday - December 5! A fun tradition for all ages! Come make an ornament for your tree at home and at UCE. Do you have a simple ornament craft you could share? Sign up for a table here!  
 
Christmas Pageant - December 17 during All-Ages worship – Another traditional favorite! Details soon!  
Adult Faith Formation
Politics and the Making of Religious Diversity in the US - Tuesdays November 16 at 7-8:45 pm Session at UCE, conditions permitting | Facilitated by Jason Seawright, Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University 

In these sessions, we will explore how politics and religion have interacted throughout US history to shape who counts as “religious;” which kinds of religious groups get access to rights, privileges, and liberties; how our historical memory of American religion has been shaped; and the ways that religion, race, and ethnicity interact in terms of social and political identity today. 
Forum - November 21 during Faith Formation Hour - Wondering what these words have in common? They were generated by UCE members to describe their experience attending the annual UUA General Assembly. Join the Denominational Affairs team for the November 21 Forum to learn what puts the WOW in attending General Assembly and why we find it such a POWERFUL, GALAVANIZING, INSPIRING, UPLIFITING,….experience! 

Meeting ID: 952 0422 2158 Passcode: 422880
Towards an Understanding of Toni Morrison's A Mercy - Tuesdays, November 23, 30 at 7-8:45 pm | All sessions will be via Zoom | Facilitated by UCE member Barbara Mesle
UCE Book Groups
The fiction book group is reading multiple award-winner The Great Believers, by Rebecca Makkai, meeting for discussion on Friday, November 19 at 7 pm.

A sensitive, riveting take on the AIDS epidemic. Two intertwining stories, one set in 1985 in the growing awareness of the epidemic, the other in 2015, take us within and beyond that devastating era in American life. 
The nonfiction group will meet via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 21st to discuss Why We're Polarized by Ezra Klein.

According to the author, Over the past 50 years in America, our partisan identities have merged with our racial, religious, geographic, ideological and cultural identities and are breaking much in our politics and tearing at the bonds that hold this country together. Everyone is welcome to join us. The book is available in various formats at public libraries.
Social Justice & Action
REAL Team Meeting - Wed, Nov 17 @ 7-8 pm
How does it feel when someone raises an uncomfortable issue? Do you ignore it, think the person is rude or just walk away? Fear of Open Conflict holds us back from learning and growing as anti-racists. 
 
Couple that fear with the feeling that we have a Right to Comfort. You know, it’s that feeling where we are physically relaxed and contented. We’re not feeling any pain or other sensations. We’re not really a part of the conversation.
 
Fear of Conflict and the Right to Comfort disregard the ideas of others, inhibit meaningful discussion and can cause harmful misinformation. It is through valuing discomfort that we become courageous and able to work with others in our beloved community.
November Giving House
In November we are collecting deodorant, toothpaste, and toothbrushes for Interfaith Action's SnapGap at the Produce Mobile. 

As usual, your donations may be deposited in the little house just inside the UCE entrance. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Volunteer with the Overnight Shelter
Cold weather is here now and the Overnight Emergency Shelter providing a warm space to sleep, needs volunteers. The link below will take you to a Google doc where you can choose the times you want to help our homeless neighbors. 

This year 9 congregations are hosting. You can volunteer at any congregation and please note that UCE is hosting from Nov 28 - Dec 18. There are always staff on-site to give you support and direction. For more information you can call or text Toni Rey.
Donate to Evanston's Reparations Fund!
At our Interfaith Reparations workshop we learned about an exciting opportunity to support Evanston’s Reparations program. A group of UCE members has pledged up to $11,000 to match any contributions made to the Evanston Community Foundation’s Reparations Fund. Contributions to the fund will be doubled. To find out more, you can visit the group’s website at Evanstonforever.org...
UCE Resources
Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330