Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole | |
Sunday Service September 15th at 10:30am | |
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Invitation and Welcome: Inside Out.
Radical welcome and hospitality is more than just inviting the ‘stranger’ into our homes or places of worship. It can also mean inviting the spirit into new and uncomfortable places, stretching ourselves to encounter differences in ways that put us in the position of being the minority. How are we willing to risk ourselves for love? Rev. Eileen and member, Lina Hilko, lead this service with Gregory Shifrin and guest singer Nythia Martinez providing music.
Children and youth will go to their Faith Formation program after joys and sorrows.
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Our new Ministerial Intern, Emma Farrell, will be available for two Meet-the-Intern opportunities:
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September 17th at 7pm on Zoom
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September 22nd (Sunday) after our Evacuation Drill at about 12:15 in Room 3
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Faith Formation Hour this Sunday | |
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Childcare (0-3 years) is available in room 11 - Note that we have extended the pickup time to 12:15p for parents with children in other faith formation groups to allow time to pick up all their brood. Please be considerate of staff and pick up your child(ren) before 12:15p.
Faith Formation Programming Begins!
All ages will begin in the worship service and then be invited to their program after joys and sorrows. Parents are asked to escort younger children and sign them into their program, and then pick them up at noon to sign them out.
Chalice Children (K/1) in room 9 – We start the new church year getting reacquainted with our first session, Welcome!
Heads, Hearts, and Hands (2nd-5th) in room 8 – We will get reacquainted by playing some games, possibly outside on the South Lawn.
Middle School Youth (6th-8th) in room 10 – Our new group will kick off with some games, choosing some topics to explore this year, and sharing ideas for social gatherings during the year.
High School Youth (9th-12th) will meet next Sunday, September 22.
New Faith Formation Groupings this year!
Based on those attending last year, and that we will be forming a new middle school group, we will be slightly changing our groupings as follows for the new church year:
Nursery Care – ages 0-3 years old in room 11
Chalice Children – K and 1st graders (4-6 years old) in room 9
Heads, Hearts, and Hands – for grades 2-5 in room 8
Middle School Youth – grades 6-8 in room 10
High School Youth – grades 9-12 in room 13
See our “living” calendar of programs and events here.
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It’s Registration Time!
Those who registered their child(ren) last year should have gotten an email with a link to a pre-filled form, so check your email for that. For those who did not register last year or who are newer to UCE, please use this link to register your young person.
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Orientation For Volunteers and Parents Tomorrow: Saturday, September 14th, 10-11:30am
All volunteers in our Faith Formation Program for Children and Youth and those considering it are invited to gather for a continental breakfast to learn more about what we’ll be doing this year, meet others, ask questions, and offer suggestions.
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OWL (Our Whole Lives) for 4th-6th Grades
SAVE THE DATE: We will have an Orientation for parents and young people on October 6, 12-3pm for those interested in learning more about this sex-ed program. Lunch will be provided. If childcare is needed, please let me know by September 30. Email Kathy Underwood for further details.
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Backpack/Bag Keychains
If you didn’t get a keychain at our Backpack Blessing, you can take one from the basket on the Soul Work table, on the East wall of the sanctuary.
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Picnics in the Park – September 22nd at Penny Park, 12-1p. Bring a picnic or snack and meet up with other UCE families! | | |
Greetings from Kathy Underwood | |
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An Invitation to a Faith Formation Year
As we begin a new church year, I wish to extend an open invitation to all of you. Actually, it is an invitation with many invitations within it. As we continue to build beloved community across all ages and stages of life, I invite you to explore the many ways to do so at UCE – for everything we do is faith formation, and you, the congregation, are the curriculum!
Get to know someone from a younger generation – a young adult, a youth, a child, or a middle-aged person:
> Sit next to them in worship or introduce yourself at Kinship Time
> Invite them to join an event or project you are involved in at UCE
or in the area
>Sit in on one of the faith formation groups for children and youth to see and do what they are exploring
>Share a hobby or skill with them
>Invite a younger adult to join a group or team you’re on, such as
a book group.
>Have coffee or lunch after worship together – on the lawn or at a café
>Share ideas with the Family Ministry Team about activities that
all ages can do together – for fun and/or to help others
>Participate in Family Fridays – usually the first Friday evening of the month – this is for all kinds of families, not just those with little kids!
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Our hats are off to the volunteers who staffed the UCE Table at the Evanston Own It & City of Evanston’s Praise in the Park event on August 31st. Evanston Own It is a group of primarily Black churches in the Fifth and Second Wards that focus on supporting local youth.
Thank you to Melanie Kirchner, Elaine Siegel, Meredith Haydon, Brian Nielsen, Shirley Adams, and Dana Deane, who paired up to take two hours shifts on a beautiful day at Twiggs Park. We are grateful for Ted Yasuda, Mary Dudek, Mary Browning, and Steve Serikaku, who attended the event and helped out as needed when they stopped by the UCE Table. Thank you all for expanding our community connections!
In Photo below: Meredith Haydon, JoAnn Avery with Family Focus, Rev. Eileen, Rev. Susan, Mark Wilson of Ebenezer AME, and Brian Nielsen.
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This Week's Events & Links | |
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Friday, September 13th
Saturday, September 14th:
- Faith Formation Orientation, 10-11:30am, Rm 3
- Virtual Pilates, 9:30-10:30am, via Zoom
- Beginner Tai Chi, 9:45-10:45am, Rm 3.
- Intermediate Tai Chi, 11-12pm, Rm 3.
Sunday, September 15th:
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Chris Isely Cancer Support Group, 9am-10:30am, in-person Rm 6 and via Zoom Link.
- TransParentsy, 12:30-2pm, Rm 2
- Music Committee Rehearsal, 12:30-1:15pm, Rm 3
Monday, September 16th:
- UCE Addictions & Recovery, 7-9pm, via Zoom.
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Tuesday, September 17th:
- Congregational Life & FF Council, 1-2pm, via Zoom
- Peg Heads, 6:30-9:30pm, Rm 3
- First Women's Group,7-8pm, via Zoom
- Meeting the Intern Emma Farrell, 7-8pm via Zoom
- Caregiver Support Group, 7-8:30pm, via Zoom
- Legislative Action Team, 5:30-6:30pm, via Zoom
Wednesday, September 18th:
- Yoga, 9:30-10:30am, via ONLINE LINK
- Staff Meeting, please be aware the staff meets each week from 11-12:30pm.
- Stepping Out for a World Made Whole, 7-8:30pm, in the Sanctuary
Thursday September 19th:
- Meditation Group 5:30-7pm, via Zoom
- Choir Drop-In with Rev Susan, 6-7pm, Rm 2
- Choir Rehearsal & Sectional, 7-9pm, Rm 3
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Congregational Connections | |
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Steppping Out For a World Made Whole...
Join us for an inspiring evening of song and community, featuring the talented volunteer church members. Enjoy a night of beautiful music and fellowship.
We are also looking for volunteers to bring snacks, as well as to help work the event. If you're interested in volunteering, please...
Sign Up Here
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Dance as a Spiritual Practice
If you were inspired by the August 25th worship service on Dance as a Spiritual Practice, and would like to join a conversation about having a regular practice of spiritual dance circles at UCE, join us on Wednesday, September 25th at 5:30pm on Zoom to discuss how to make it happen. Contact Rev. Eileen, Shirley Adams, or Elizabeth Kennedy for the Zoom link.
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TRY TAI CHI!
Tai Chi @ UCE is welcoming new students to the Beginner’s Class on Saturdays. The class will run from October 5 to December 21, from 9:45-10:45 am.
There will be no classes on 10/12 or 11/30. Spots are limited.
UCE member Renée Gatsis teaches the class. She has played Tai Chi for over 45 years and taught it for over 25. Renée credits Tai Chi in large part for her equanimity and good health.
Participants will learn the first part of a Sun-style tai chi form adapted and popularized by Dr. Paul Lam M.D. This meditation in motion is a gentle exercise with graceful, flowing movement performed at a slow tempo. The Sun style is a simple, upright form ideal for people of all ages from teens to elders.
Regular Tai Chi practice yields many benefits.
Interested in learning more? Contact Renée at renee.x.gatsis at gmail dot com.
To reserve your spot, CLICK HERE!
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SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS YOUR HELP NOW MORE THAN EVER.
The number of guests has increased from 70 to 100! We will be hosting the soup kitchen for 2 days this fall:
Wednesday October 2nd
Wednesday Oct 9th
Time commitments and times to show up vary. We would love to have you participate either by bringing food, food preparation or serving food. Please CLICK THIS LINK to sign up.
PLEASE NOTE: you need click on "SHOW MORE SPOTS" in the sign up to see all spots. Seven of them are not visible unless you do this.
If you have trouble opening the link or have questions, please contact
Ellie Feddersen, elliefeddersen at gmail dot com.
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Fall Friendship Meals Seeking Hosts!
The Congregational Connections Team is seeking 6 more hosts for Fall Session Friendship Meals, which will be held from October 25th thru November 3rd.
Contact Margaret Koreman (Margaret.Koreman at gmail dot com) or Lina Hiko (LHilko at aol dot com) ASAP if you would enjoy hosting, have questions, or are interested in future hosting. Fall session hosts must be secured by Sept 23rd and will have until Sept 30th to button down their details (date, time, venue/menu notes).
Hosts generously open their homes for guests to share a potluck brunch, lunch or dinner, or they organize a “split-the-bill” restaurant gathering within a mobility-accessible venue. Another possibility is hosting a potluck at UCE in Room 3 (some restrictions).
Friendship Meals are a great way for members and friends to make and strengthen relationships. Meal attendance sign ups begin 10/04/2024.
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Action Opportunity!
Postcard distribution continues every week in the back of the sanctuary! We target key districts in Georgia and North Carolina, sharing critical information and compelling reasons to VOTE. Come by for your packet of 20 or 40 cards. (current mail dates: Sept.15-30)
Need a “special order” of over 100 cards? Reach out to Carolyn Laughlin (CarolynBLaughlin at gmail dot com) who will bundle and deliver to you!
UUtheVote Milwaukee Final Push!! Nov. 2 and 3, 2024
Join Wisconsin UU State Action Network, First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee, and local partners taking action talking to voters in key districts. Join Milwaukee UUs on this crucial weekend before the November election!
Attend Friday social and stay for two days of canvassing. If staying overnight, First Unitarian will try to get you housing. OR, drive up with a UCE friend for one day of action and camaraderie! REGISTER HERE.
SAVE THE DATE:
Sunday, October 6th -UCE UUtheVote Grand Finale Celebration!
We will recognize and celebrate ALL of the UCE election work.
Accolades, cake, and prizes!
LAST DAY to pick up postcards to hit our final October 15th mail deadline!
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MEDICAL AID IN DYING (MAID)
End-of-Life Options SB3499
Have you ever wondered if you would want to determine your own time of death if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness? In 10 states plus D.C., you have that option. All eyes are now on Illinois where SB3499 has a strong chance of passing into law in the veto session of the state General Assembly this November. It creates the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act.
Here is how you can help. If you would like to have the choice of how you would die, or if you have someone in your family, or a friend, that you believe would like that opportunity, support passage of the bill. UCE’s Legislative Action Team supports this bill and will have representatives at a table in back of the sanctuary on September 15 following the service. Talk to them and write postcards to your state Senator and House representative. Postcards provided.
The Legislative Action Team is working in conjunction with Compassion & Choices and the local ACLU branch to bolster passage of the bill.
Come to the medical aid in dying (MAID) program table this Sunday, September 15th, to learn about the bill specifics and other opportunities you can join.
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Reproductive Freedom and Justice continue to be in jeopardy, even though these rights are guaranteed to all women in Illinois. So many of our sisters in surrounding states are not protected, and women of color are most seriously impacted by these threats. We have a responsibility to extend the right of reproductive choice to everyone.
Contact Gretchen Brewster for more info.
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Election Judges & Polling Place Technician Needed!
If you would like to be an Election Judge or Polling Place Technician for Cook County on November 5, 2024, go to this website to apply. If you email Rev. Susan at sfrances@ucevanston.org that you have applied for either of these election day roles, she will submit a request to the Board of Elections that you be assigned to one of the three precincts that will vote at UCE.
Another way to be involved on election day is to be a poll watcher, who is a representative of a civic organization who is legally in the polling place to observe the conduct of the election. If you are interested in being a poll watcher, look at Election Protection’s website for opportunities, including volunteering through the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. If you are interested in being a poll watcher at the Cook County Department of Corrections, you will need additional training and security clearance, which you can learn about HERE.
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UCE Non-Fiction Book Group
The UCE Non-Fiction Book Group is reading Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America by Steve Inskeep.
The author says "Lincoln preserved the country and took part in a social revolution because he engaged in politics." Lincoln's political skill is illustrated in sixteen encounters he had throughout his lifetime with people who disagreed with him and differed from him in race, gender, background, or beliefs.
The National Book Review says that Inskeep "cuts through the myth-making and offers a real, human Lincoln, rather than a transcendent savior, that is much more useful for the nation and our current moment."
Zoom discussion on Sunday, September 29th at 2pm, using our recurring ZOOM link.
October 27, 2024
The Future Earth: A Radical Vision for What's Possible in the Age of Warming by Eric Holthaus
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UCE Fiction Book Group
The UCE Fiction Book Group is reading Eastbound, by Maylis de Kerangal, translated by Jessica Moore (2023) A young Russian conscript and a French woman come together in a crowded compartment of the Trans-Siberian railroad, each of them fleeing to the East for their own reasons.
Friday, September 20th by ZOOM, 7-8pm using our recurring ZOOM link.
Future reads:
October 18: All Aunt Hagar’s Children, by Edward P. Jones (2007) Folks in the everyday Black community of Washington, D.C., thought the values of the South would sustain them in the North and find "that the cohesion born and nurtured in the south would be but memory in less than two generations.” E.P. Jones is the author of the 2004 Pulitzer-prize-winning The Known World.
November 15: Erasure, by Percival Everett (2011) Everett’s blistering, rollicking satire of the plight of the Black writer in the world of American publishing. Rejected by seventeen publishers for his latest manuscript, Thelonious “Monk” Ellison spins off a parody of “what the public wants,” My Pafology, which is, of course, a wild success.
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Celebration of the Life of Lorna Galich
Saturday, September 21, at 1 pm, we will gather to celebrate the life of our beloved Lorna Galich. Two Margarets (Shaklee and Talmage) are organizing hospitality. If it would please you to take on a small role or bring a favorite food for the reception buffet, please sign up HERE.
To opt out of the technology, email either Margaret with your offering.
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Serendipity Fundraiser: Nov 9, 2024
Calling All Artists & Makers!
We are entering into fall fundraiser season and that means all the magnificent artists and makers at UCE may want a little notice to prepare pieces they would like to donate to the Serendipity Auction. More information about this year's Serendipity Fundraiser is coming soon!
Contact the Serendipity Team with any questions - auction@ucevanston.org.
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ENVIRONMENT & SPIRITUALITY SUMMITS | |
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Annual Environment and Spirituality Summit
September 22-24, 2024
UCE is a Wild Indigo Sponsor of the Faith in Place 2024 Annual Environment and Spirituality Summit. Thank you to the Endowment Fund for the Community Partner grant that allowed us to become a sponsor.
Register below to join
Faith in Place for the hybrid 2024 Annual Environment and Spirituality Summit.
If you are interested in joining an in-person watch party for the Keynote Session with Lama Rod Owens, there is an option to indicate that and you will receive details closer to the event.
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UCE is a Bee Balm Sponsor of the UU Climate Justice Revival. Thank you to the collaboration of our Social Justice Council teams for each contributing a portion of their budgeted funds that allowed us to become a sponsor.
UU Climate Justice Revival September 28-29, 2024
Check out the map of all the UU congregations who are participating! We have registered as a congregation, so you do not need to register individually.
On Sat. September 28th UCE will host an event including a presentation by ACLU of IL Director of Communication and Public Policy, Ed Yonka. Watch the newsletter for an RSVP link.
On Sun. September 29th On Sat. September 28th UCE will host an event. Watch the newsletter for an RSVP link.
We'll see you then!
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Unitarian Church of Evanston
1330 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
847-864-1330
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