Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole |
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In-Person and Virtual Worship Service
this Sunday, October 24 at 10:15 am
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The Risk of Retaliation
Reasons for avoiding possible conflict abound. Many of us would rather bear the frustration or pain or even indignity of hurt feelings or misunderstanding or even broken covenant rather than risking the possibility of unpleasantness or rejection or further wounding on either part. When this is a pattern, we get good at cutting our losses and moving away. Harder to get good at is the practice of seeking reconciliation. Beyond avoiding the risk of further conflict what positive outcomes are we risking as well?
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Please join us for this Sunday’s
Faith Formation Hour (11:30-12:15):
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All-Ages Social Action - Fun Games with Fair Trade:
Understanding the importance of Fair Trade - Sanctuary
This Sunday Oct. 24 during the Faith Formation Hour, we’ll be learning about Fair Trade. There will be a story corner, videos, and stations where you will play games while finding out more about fair trade products and producers. There will be something for everyone of every age, and everything will be in the sanctuary. We are looking forward to a fun hour with you!
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Important Info for this Sunday's Service |
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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. |
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Celebrating Successes in Shared Ministry
From Kathy Underwood,
Director of Lifespan Religious Education
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As of this writing, we have had three Sundays of our new Faith Formation Hour! So far, things have gone smoothly, thanks to the many people who have been brave, excited about, and willing to try this ambitious idea. Some of the people who have been instrumental in working with our young people and youth: Penny Doyle, Wendy Drake, Ann Gadzikowski, Barb Ghoshal, Linda Herried, Sue Larson, Gillian and Dan Lawrence, Carolyn Leman, Norell Liddell, Janice Milanovich, Cheryl Mounts, Anne Seidenberg, Margaret Shaklee, Carla Williams, and Chris Yoo. And then there are those who have played a large role in organizing and facilitating our multigenerational and adult programs: Shirley Adams, Steve Courtright, Alicia Hempfling, Diane Markel, George Monical, Dan Solomon, Johna and Will Van Dyke, and our storyteller, Graig Tertulien... |
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Please send in photos for All Souls Worship Service |
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Please send in a photo of a recently deceased loved one or ancestor you want to honor in the October 31st All Souls worship service. Send those to Rev. Eileen at ewiviott@ucevanston.org by October 27th. If you plan to be inperson for the All Souls service, you may bring a photo with you to place on the alter.
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Let's Talk about our ENDS Statements |
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- What is our most significant collective purpose as a congregation?
- How does UCE help you tell your story of what matters most?
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Reflect on an ‘experience of the holy’ – a time you felt a deep sense of meaning, connection to all, or transcendence.
These questions were posed during the October 10th service as we begin the journey of reflecting on our End Statements. You are asked to join in a small group discussion, which will be open-hearted, spirit-filled conversations to explore our shared values. From these discussions, we will gather insights and begin to draft a new set of ends to be presented to the congregation for feedback and ultimately approved by the congregation next May at our annual meeting.
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Never heard of the Serendipity Auction before?
Here is something old and something new to learn
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The Serendipity Auction is a social highlight of the church calendar and one of our major fundraising events. Although we cannot be fully together for an evening of bidding, food and socializing, we can still have fun bidding and gathering virtually for connection and entertainment.
Our goals this year are to have a multi-generational event and to engage newer members to be a part of this fun event! Enjoy singing? Here are instructions to help record a parody of Let It Go from Frozen, (due Oct 29), which will be shown during our Celebration Party on November 20, 2021. All ages welcome.
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Hats Off to the Forum Team!
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We celebrate the Forum Planning Team led by Shirley Adams for coordinating a wonderful start to the new church year. The Team has navigated new technology to make Forum a multiplatform program so that people can choose to participate in a manner that works for them. They kicked off the year with a program on defunding the police with Evanston’s Mayor Bliss as their guest. They have since led a two-part program on non-violent communication, led by Diane Markel and George Monical. Coming up on November 7 is “Day of the Dead: Memento Mori” led by Shirley Adams. Adults and youth are invited to participate in this Faith Formation Hour program. Hats off to the whole Team: Shirley Adams, Peggy Boccard, Bob Mesle, Diane Markel, George Monical, and Steve Serikaku. |
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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.
Deadline for Serendipity Auction Donations is November 7! More info above!
ENDS Statements Conversations:
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November 7th (Sunday) from 1-2pm on Zoom
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November 10th (Wednesday) from 7-8pm on Zoom
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November 13th (Saturday) from 9:30-10:30 am in person at UCE
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December 4th (Saturday) from 12-1pm on Zoom
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January 2nd (Sunday) as part of Faith Formation Hour, 11:30-12:30 in person
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January 5th (Wednesday) from 5:30 – 6:30 on Zoom
Journey Toward Membership Part 1 & 2 will be on Tuesday, Nov 2 and Wednesday, Nov 3 at 6:30 - 8 pm. More info below.
Chicago Area UU Council hosts their Fall conference on Saturday, November 13 on Zoom. More info below.
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This Week's Events & Links |
Saturday, October 23
Sunday, October 24
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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 IN-PERSON or via Youtube. Click here to join.
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Faith Formation Hour at 11:30-12:30 at UCE. More details above.
- Kinship on the Lawn at 12:30 pm.
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Nonfiction Book Group at 2 pm on Zoom. Click here to join.
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Intro to UU at 3 pm on Zoom. Click here to join.
Monday, October 25
Tuesday, October 26
Wednesday, October 27
Thursday, October 28
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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.
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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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You're Invited! Rev. Eileen Wiviott's Installation - Oct 23 |
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If you did not receive a Paperless Post Invitation, know that all members and friends are invited.
Doors open at 2:30 pm and seating is first-come first-served. There will be 150 seats available in the sanctuary, 30 in Room 3, and 25 in Room 6. Seating is also available on the lawn. Thank you to all who RSVP'ed that allowed us to prepare the building accordingly.
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Upcoming Membership Classes |
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Intro to UU on October 24
Journey Toward Membership on November 2 & 3
Are you curious about UU History? Are you considering becoming a UCE member? You are invited to join Rev. Susan Frances for the following classes:
- Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, Sunday, October 24, 2021, 3:00-4:30 pm, online only.
- Journey Toward Membership: Part 1, Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 6:30-8:00 pm, in room 6 and via Zoom; and Part 2, Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 6:30-8:00 pm, in room 3 and via Zoom.
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Community Renewal Society - Annual Membership Assembly
Saturday, October 23 at 10 am
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Join our member congregations and volunteers for Liberating Love. Learn about our social justice victories and current campaigns, meet our board members and staff, and hear from guest speakers. Be inspired by a keynote presented by the Reverend Dr. Danielle J. Buhuro and spoken word poems offered by Kwyn Townsend Riley. Learn more about our keynote speake and our Spoken Word Artist below.
This year's assembly will focus on the movements of today! The theme is Liberating Love and one of our study scriptures is Galatians 5:13 -- “For you were called to freedom, siblings; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love to serve each other.”
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Endowment Members & Trustees: A Job Descriptions |
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The Endowment Committee is looking for additional members. We meet monthly, the second Monday of the month, and do more work between meetings. Following is a list of Committee responsibilities and desired qualifications. We are especially looking to diversify the group. |
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Member to Member Connection Calls |
As we all are welcomed back into our sanctuary, we are making a round of calls to check in on our members and friends. Please don't be surprised if you hear from a fellow member over the next couple of weeks asking for a 15-20 minute chat. It's a great way to increase our connectivity and we hope you will enjoy the conversation! |
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Rainbow Alliance Virtual Movie Party |
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Rainbow Alliance is hosting a Virtual Movie Party! We will be having a Zoom movie night on Sunday, Oct 24 and watching Hocus Pocus! All witches, warlocks, and cats are welcome. The movie will start at 7 pm.
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Retired (but never retiring!) Women |
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Tuesday, October 26, 4:30-6 pm - Rm 3 or Zoom: According to many articles, since we no longer have our working communities, retirees can sometimes experience feelings of isolation. What can we do about these feelings? If this has not been your experience, any ideas about why? All retired women are welcome to attend! For more information, please contact Margie Rogasner.
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Chicago Area UU Council (CAUUC) Fall Conference |
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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...
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What's Happening in Faith Formation this Fall? |
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Faith Formation Hour is Here!
- 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. Parents can meet younger children after worship at 11:15 am in room 3.
- All ages are encouraged to participate in Faith Formation Hour in the sanctuary from 11:30a-12:30p. Our focus this week is on social action with several activities facilitated by the Fair Trade Team, one of which includes chocolate milk!
- Kinship on the lawn begins at 12:30 pm, weather permitting.
Please give us your feedback on your experiences in Faith Formation Hour here. And if you want a way to connect with the next generation, be a volunteer! Contact Kathy if interested.
Registration for Faith Formation is here! 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.
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Halloween on the Lawn returns! October 27 at 5:30 – 7:30 pm. All ages are invited to wear their Halloween costume, enjoy some s’mores, and have some fun!
October’s New Soul Matters Theme – Cultivating Relationships! 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.
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Politics and the Making of Religious Diversity in the US - Tuesdays November 2, 9, 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.
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Forum – November 7 at 11:30 am in room 6 or via Zoom. Day of the Dead: Memento Mori led by Shirley Adams.
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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
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The nonfiction book group will meet at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24th via Zoom to discuss Bill Bryson's book The Body: A Guide for Occupants.
The book is described by various reviewers as informative, witty, delightful, and full of extraordinary facts and irresistible anecdotes. Everyone is welcome to join us. The book is available in public libraries in various formats.
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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.
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There are still some damp days ahead of us, and our friends with Connections for the Homeless are still in need of rain ponchos. They can also be an extra layer of protection against wet snows. Thanks as always for your generosity! |
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REAL Meeting - Tuesday, October 26 |
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The REAL Team will meet via Zoom on Tuesday, October 26 at 7 pm. We will explore two videos from Judy Blair of Diverse City on white supremacy culture: “Worship of the Written Word” and “Objectivity”. The examination of our assumptions and habits is yielding rich learning and discussion.
We also hope to have a brief update on the issues with the Evanston Public Library that we emailed you about, and its October 20 Board of Trustees meeting. We hope you will join us!
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La Bestia Screening and Discussion - October 27 |
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The Immigrant Solidarity Team will be showing the Movie La Bestia (2010) about the freight trains from southern Mexico to the US that refugees use to come north, at great peril to themselves. The film will be followed by a discussion with panelists Oscar Chacon and Charlotte Jones-Carroll to give an update to the migrant situation currently unfolding in 2021... |
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Syrian Refugee Family Update |
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We reached our $5000 fundraising goal! We are so excited, but please feel free to keep donating, as the need is great for the family. Rent is $1300 a month, so any donation helps them out. The Immigrant Solidarity Team thanks you for your generosity and support. The family is settling in, but it will take time. Carol Nielsen has gotten the mother a sewing machine as she sews for a living. Jane Kenamore is arranging rides for them to the doctor, so please reach out to Jane if you can help out with that as those arise.
We also had a few people ask us about the status of the Haj Khalaf family who we sponsored back in 2016 and who are related to this new family...
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Carceral Systems and Siding with Love - Nov 4 |
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UU Prison Ministry of Illinois, REAL, and the UCE Prison Ministry team invite you to join us for the last two sessions of Carceral Systems and Siding with Love.
How do we actively side with Love in the face of harmful carceral systems that especially target black and brown people? On November 4 we will discuss the Basics of Restorative Justice. Registration is required, and a short reading or video will be emailed to you one week before the session. This will be the final session of the series.
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Rainbow Alliance Meets on Nov 9 - All are Invited! |
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Donate to Evanston's Reparations Fund! |
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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.
Donations are tax-deductible and will be used to “directly benefit Evanston’s Black community and to heal racism and address harm caused by discriminatory practices.” Plans are underway for funds to be used to improve health care, pay for education, and help expand housing and business opportunities for Evanston’s black community. To find out more, you can visit the group’s website at Evanstonforever.org...
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Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
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