Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
|
In-Person and Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, November 21 at 10:15 am
|
|
We Gather Together in Joyful Thanksgiving
This Sunday, we express gratitude for the nourishing, sustaining, and transformating power of community. Our annual bread communion is a treasured tradition. As with all traditions and rituals in a progressive faith, they adapt and evolve to speak to the reality of our current lives. If you are participating from home, please have some bread or other nourishing food with you to enjoy during the service. Rev. Eileen Wiviott and Heike Eghardt lead the service. THIS YEAR BREAD WILL BE PROVIDED SO NO NEED TO BRING YOURS TO CHURCH.
|
|
|
|
Please join us for this Sunday’s Faith Formation Hour
(11:35-12:30): AntiRacism AntiOppression Work
|
|
Please join us for one of these activities:
-
Forum Discussion Group – Rm 6 and on Zoom. Click here to join on Zoom. More info below.
-
Small Groups discussing Widening the Circle of Concern* - Sanctuary, Rm 12, and on Zoom. Click here to join on Zoom. More info below.
- Junior and Senior High Youth Group – ARAO Conversation – Rm 13
- Head, Heart and Hands (ages 5-11) – Rm 3
- Nursery and Pre-K (ages 0-4) – Rm 11 or Rm 9
|
|
Widening the Circle of Concern
Reading 2 Chapters for This Sunday's 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.
|
|
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. |
|
Much to be Grateful For...From Rev. Eileen Wiviott
|
In preparation for this Sunday’s service, our annual bread communion, I am reading the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address attributed to John Stokes and Kanawahientun. You’ll hear a portion of it this Sunday. Here is a link to the complete address, and I hope you do read it. You may want to read it quietly and thoughtfully to yourself. Or you might consider bringing it to your family gatherings to read together this holiday season:
|
|
|
Join an Ends Conversation! |
|
- 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.
|
|
Have you signed onto the Serendipity Auction website yet? It has over 200 different donations from 141 different members and businesses! Easy to use and fun to peruse, please take a look–you only have one day left to bid! Click here to go to the UCE auction website! You can register using your email that you use in the church directory. There is something for everyone, including children–and five different raffles, with tickets only $5 each! Stop by tomorrow from 10:00 am-1:00 pm to check out the auction items, socialize, get a balloon sculpture and pick up your pre-ordered dessert boxes.
Later today, we will send members and registered bidders the Zoom link for our entertaining Celebration Party on Saturday evening at 7 pm, with lots of Zoom preparties starting at 6:40 pm. The Celebration will be your last chance to get your final bids in, all the raffle winners will be drawn and announced, and you will get to see up close the final minutes of action. Hope to see you there!
And don’t forget, you need to actually get your won items. Physical auction items and gift certificates need to be picked up on Sunday, Nov. 21 after church. Any issues or questions, contact us at auction@ucevanston.org.
|
|
|
Hats Off to the Caring Call Crew! |
|
Our hats our off to Susan Comstock who organized a team of caring UCE folks including Jean Butzen, Susan Carlton, Ellie Feddersen, Linda LaPlante, Carolyn Laughlin, Jinny Niemann, and Jessica Tomell-Presto, who planned and implemented a huge effort to deepen our caring connections. This terrific team recruited a long list of caring members to reach out to the whole congregation to see how everyone is doing and to let them know they are cared about. It was well planned and implemented, a genuine act of kindness, and demonstration of shared ministry if ever there was one. With deep gratitude for the organizing team and all those who took part in these calls. Thank you for living our practice of Beloved Community. If you don't think you received a call, please let the staff or ministers know. The intention was to reach everyone. |
|
 |
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.
|
Interfaith Action of Evanston - Thanksgiving Eve Service on Wednesday, November 24 at 7 pm. The service will be held at Lake Street Church and on Zoom.
UCE Office will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 25 - Friday, November 26.
|
Wednesday Zoom Gatherings Continue on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at 5:30 pm via Zoom.
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
|
|
|
|
This Week's Events & Links |
Friday, November 19
Saturday, November 20
- Auction Viewing & Dessert Box Pick Up at 10 am - 1 pm in the Sanctuary.
-
Immigrant Solidarity Team at 4 pm via Zoom. Email Lee Bannor for the link.
-
Transgender Day of Remembrance Service at 5 pm in Room 3 and via Zoom. Click here to join.
-
Serendipity Auction Celebration at 7 pm on Zoom. Look out for the link or email the Auction Team.
Sunday, November 21
-
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 & Auction Item Pick Up at 11:15-11:35 am - back of the Sanctuary
- Faith Formation Hour: Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression at 11:35 am-12:30 pm.
-
Forum Discussion Group - Rm 6 & on Zoom. Click here to join.
-
Widening the Circle of Concern Small Group Discussions - Sanctuary, Rm 12 & on Zoom. Click here to join.
- More activities listed above.
Monday, November 22
Tuesday, November 23
Wednesday, November 24
-
Virtual Yoga at 9:30 am via 8x8. Click here to join.
-
Wednesday All-Church Zoom Gathering at 5:30 pm via Zoom.
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
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. |
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
Join in Yoga as Spiritual Practice |
|
Yoga is a practice/doing. Yoga at UCE is intended to be relaxing and soothing with stretches, range of motion accommodations, and some breathing exercises. Every Wednesday from 9:30-10:30 am Doug Erickson or Jessica Tomell-Presto lead an online Yoga session. Click here to join or email Doug Erickson at thinkactlove@gmail.com for the link.
Sunday, November 28th is our next multiplatform Yoga session during the All-Ages Faith Formation Hour from 11:30 am – 12:15 pm in Room 3 and via Zoom. If you are new to yoga or in need of a gentle yoga practice, come join us!
|
|
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!
|
|
Looking Ahead - December Holiday Events at UCE |
|
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. In order to protect the safety of our guests, staff, and volunteers, all staff and volunteers must show evidence of being vaccinated against Covid, wear a mask and maintain a safe distance. Please bring a copy of your vaccination card the first time you come to the center to volunteer.
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...
|
|
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:
- Pre/K in room 9 – Learning about the idea of Seven Generations
-
Heads, Hearts, and Hands (1st-6th Grades) in room 3 - Learning about the idea of Seven Generations
-
Youth Group (7th-12th Grades) in room 13 - exploring the hidden, painful and shameful parts of history as a means of healing and repair.
- Forum in room 6– Giving Thanks for GA (General Assembly) – hear the experiences of some who have attended GA and learn more about this year’s GA in Portland, Oregon.
- Widening the Circle Conversation in the sanctuary
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 19 during All-Ages worship – Another traditional favorite! Details soon!
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.
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.
|
|
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
|
|
New Program begins Tuesday! Towards an Understanding of Toni Morrison's A Mercy - Tuesdays, November 23, 30 at 7-8:45 pm | All sessions will be via Zoom | This two-part program is facilitated by Barbara Mesle.
|
|
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.
|
|
Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
