A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
The UCE building will be closed until further notice.
We will continue to offer ways to connect virtually.
A virtual service will be held at 11:15 am this Sunday
To join the virtual coffee hour by phone dial +13126266799,,770904305#
Virtual Sunday Service at 11:15 am
In celebration of the 50 th anniversary of Earth Day, we express our gratitude for earth’s lessons and consider our dependence, impact, and mutuality with the planet we call home. Before we join together at 11:15, we invite you to gather some items to include in a shared ritual of interconnection:
  • a rock or some sand or dirt in a small cup or bowl;
  • a small bowl of water;
  • and a candle or chalice.
Rev. Eileen Wiviott leads the service with Rev. Karen Mooney and contributions by the UCE Green Team.
UCE Shared Offering Continues
During these times when we are holding our worship service online please continue to support our shared offering. You can do these through "text to give" (instructions below), mail a check to the office with shared offering in the memo line, or go to our website and hit "give" on the upper right or click here. Staff will pick up mail from the post office once per week, so anything sent to UCE by mail is secure. This Sunday's shared offering recipient is Faith in Place ( Click here to learn more ).
Important News and Upcoming Events
All Church Zoom gatherings continue on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.
Look out for the link in our Wednesday e-mails. If you need online Zoom support before the All Church gathering begins, join us at 5:20 pm.
From Rev. Eileen Wiviott, Acting Senior Minister
Two Messages from the Board of Trustees
Annual Meeting Notice

At its Thursday, April 16th Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved a plan to hold the 2020 UCE Annual Meeting on May 17th online , as a virtual meeting using Zoom. Given the current health crisis and the closure of our church building it was decided that it would not yet be appropriate for us to meet in person...

And A Special Thank You from Martha Holman and the Board of Trustees:

During this COVID-19 crisis, it has become so apparent how valuable our staff is; they are treasures! Without a building, they have created an online church, coffee hour, weekly gathering for reflection and chatting, and even a spontaneous Caring Call following John LaPlante’s death. We can "see" each other on Zoom calls, say “hello” to each other during Sunday service if we wish, and share in the inspirational and wise words of our ministers. A lot of behind the scenes planning goes into all that...
Beware scam emails from those posing as UCE ministers
Please do not respond to the email scam that is going out with Rev. Eileen's name. The title is "MANY BLESSINGS" and they are asking for a favor. If you respond to the message they will ask you to buy gift cards for someone in need. UCE ministers will never ask you for money in an email or for you to send gift cards to anyone. Check the email address it is coming from. If it is not Eileen's or another minister's, it is a scam.  Most of you have gotten wise to these scams. They will keep coming nonetheless. Thank you to those who let us know they received this scam email.

This is someone who is using Eileen's name with a generated email address. They haven't hacked her personal email address. The email addresses she will send from will be either  ewiviott@hotmail.com  or  ewiviott@ucevanston.org .
Offer to Provide Technical Support
Physical separation is leading many of us to find new ways of forming and maintaining virtual connections through the internet. The UCE staff and Board of Trustees wants to make sure that no one is isolated because they lack access to technology or technical skills.

So if you would like assistance please reach out to: 

We will be happy to work with you to make sure that you get the most out of your membership experience using the latest tools.
Thank you from Carol Johnson
Dear UCE Friends,
I would like to express my gratitude from your cards, emails, phone calls and offers of help. The support in this sad time is greatly appreciated. Thank you again for your kindness.

Sincerely,
Carol Johnson
Memorials
The following memorials will be scheduled for a future day. We are considering virtual ways to honor these loved ones until we can be together again:

  • Raissa Landor
  • Sarah Kallick, beloved daughter of Bruce Kallick and Claudia Dancing
  • Gini Sayad
  • Ann Peterson
  • John LaPlante
  • Nancy Seyfried, sister of Bob Seyfried

Please stay tuned for more information on these celebrations of life.
Message from the Pledge Drive Team
Heartfelt thanks to all of you who have submitted a 2020-21 pledge during this challenging and worrisome time! If you haven't had a chance to turn in your completed form, please take a few minutes to do so now. Choose the option that's easiest for you.

  1. Drop your completed paper pledge in the mail. Sandra Robinson is routinely stopping by the Evanston post office to pick up the mail. (If you can't find your form, you can download the form here). UCE's address is 1330 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201.
  2. Fill out the convenient online form. Use this link or reach the form directly from the home page by clicking on "Pledge" at the far side of the blue navigation bar. Scroll down to the bottom of the letter from the pledge team, and you'll see a link in a blue box that says "Sign Your Pledge Form Online." (Here's are a few tips on how to complete it.)
  3. The office is closed, but our staff is still working hard to help you with your pledge! Jessica Meis, our communications coordinator, is available to troubleshoot any issues that may come up; she can be reached at admin@ucevanston.org or 847-864-1330. If she isn't able to answer, leave a message and she'll get back to you!

You can also commit verbally to your pledge by talking with Jessica, and she'll complete a form for you.
Finally, if you have questions about your current pledge payments , please reach out to Vickie Doebele, our staff accountant, at finance@ucevanston.org .

Thank you for your financial generosity and support of our congregation.
Stay safe and be well.
Hats Off to Shirley Adams!
Our hats are off to Shirley Adams this week because she gives her all to UCE. From dancing, to leadership, to social justice, Shirley is helps our congregation thrive so many ways. She serves on the Ministerial Transition Team, has stepped up to become the kitchen coordinator for Rummage Sale - it was her idea it to have a sit down meal for volunteers and staff during the middle of a long set up day. Shirley wrote grant proposals to the Endowment Committee and successfully secured funding to seed sending adults and youth to Regional Assembly, General Assembly, and Midwest Leadership School for the next two years. We have had 5 applicants so far, and Shirley would love to see more!  Shirley has worked tirelessly on the #UUtheVote campaign, tracking involvement and helping the statewide team with online opportunities. She is working with Rev. Karen Mooney to connect members to other members in their neighborhoods, weaving tighter the fabric of community, and is reaching out to individuals in many caring ways. Her work on the Stewardship 2020 planning team, Nominating and Recruiting and the Green Team are other ways in which Shirley's work and love for UCE are expressed. 
Join the virtual Earth Day celebration!
Don't miss the Virtual Earth Day Celebration on Wednesday, April 22 @ 7pm ! All are invited to gather virtually in song, poetry, ritual, and learning to celebrate and share ways of protecting our precious planet. Evanston Mayor Stephen Hagerty and State Representative Robyn Gabel will join us. We hope that you will, too. Please contact Kristin Lems or Renee Hoff for more information .
Virtual Pathways to Membership
Introduction to Unitarian Universalism ON-LINE - April 26 at 1-2:30pm:  This introduction takes an in-depth look at our progressive faith, including Unitarian Universalist principles, sources, and covenant. Offered by Revs. Karen Mooney and Eileen Wiviott. We will meet on Zoom on April 26th at 1-2:30 pm after Virtual Coffee Hour.

Journey Toward Membership ON-LINE - May 5th and 7th : The Journey includes the exploration of our spiritual lives and what it means to be a member of an intentional community like the Unitarian Church of Evanston. Led by Revs. Karen M. and Eileen. You can take this class before or after you sign the book. Journey toward Membership class will be held in two parts - Tuesday, May 5th and Thursday, May 7th from 5:30 - 7 pm .

Please email Adam Gough at   agough@ucevanston.org   if you'd like to take part in any of those classes. And we're excited to offer our first (and maybe only) on-line membership joining ceremony on May 17th!
What's Happening in Lifespan Religious Education?
This Sunday in Religious Education
This Sunday in Religious Education
For some UUs, this coming week is more sacred than last week with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22. This week’s VirtUUal RE session is about Earth Day, with plenty of activities, books, and songs to keep you celebrating! You can read this week’s VirtUUal RE session by clicking here
or watch the video on the UCE homepage under “Virt-UU-al RE."

If you missed the virtual Easter Egg Hunt ( https://tinyurl.com/vpyujjy ) you can still participate until May 1. So far, over 500 people have done the hunt!

For middle school youth , you can learn about Native American spirituality in this shortened Map and Tack Sunday session. Click here to access the session.

High school youth can connect Sunday evening at 7 pm on Zoom. Look for an email from the advisors later in the week with info on how to join.

Of course, we also have our virtual worship service on Sunday mornings at 11:15 am. I continue to post ideas on the UCE Children and Youth Facebook page, along with some interactive things to share, so look for that as well.

For our theme of Liberation this month, click here for a family social action activity.

Click here for a new offering from Soul Matters : Creating Sabbath Space, week 3.
Upcoming Events
Next Tuesday , kids and parents can join me for a virtual Chalice Circle at 3:30 pm. We will have an Earth Day Challenge : using things around the house and in your recycling bin, build the tallest structure you can that can hold an egg on top. You can join the meeting here or by phone instead at +1 209-844-4600,,392873602#

The Non-Fiction Book Group will discuss An American Summer: Life and Death in Chicago by Alex Kotlowitz on Sunday, May 3rd with Sarah Vanderwicken leading the discussion . Connect to our 9:30 am video conference at https://8x8.vc/ucenonfiction .

A new program facilitated by Robb Gieger, The Infrastructure of Morality , will be on Wednesday evenings beginning May 6 . Email Robb if interested so he can send you some info and the link to the program: rjg6177@gmail.com
Parents looking for local resources and updates on COVID-19?
Local Resources and Info during this pandemic are being shared by Lincoln Elementary School in Evanston and can be found in their newsletter. Click below for this week's newsletter.
Family Fun and Resources for April's Theme, Liberation
Click here for ways to connect as a family to our faith!
Virtual MidAmerica Regional Assembly
Our MidAmerica Regional Assembly set for April 18, 2020 , will be virtual this year. Instead of meeting in-person on April 18, 2020, we will gather on-line for a report from the  Commission on Institutional Change  (COIC), annual  Business Meeting , Keynote presentation by  Taquiena Boston , and previously advertised workshops. We are grateful that all our partners were able and willing to transition to an on-line format. The schedule will be similar to what was originally advertised—the final schedule and meeting information will be sent to registrants after the registration deadline. Since the entire event is virtual there will be no live streaming. Please register to attend on-line RA at the button below !  Registration will end on April 15! Apply for a scholarship from UCE for the $50 registration fee too!
"Rooted, Inspired, Ready" General Assembly Goes Virtual!
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). This year it will be 100% virtual! Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through the democratic process. Naomi Klein is this year’s WARE Lecturer. She is a climate activist, an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author of On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal.

See full details on GAs here and a video here . Anyone may attend. Check out UCE scholarships below!
Calling all Youth!
Have you ever wanted to experience General Assembly? Every June, UUs from all over gather to vote on issues that matter, learn new things at a variety of workshops, enjoy inspiring and rocking worship services, and hang out with other UU youth.
July will be here soon!
...and July is the time for the MidWest Leadership School in Bloomington IL. UCE has scholarship funds from Endowment this year so you can attend the week long school without worrying about the student fees. UCE needs leaders now and in the future, so there are youth and adult scholarships available. Visit the RE Lifelong Learning Scholarship page and apply to learn new leadership skills. And meet lots of exciting UU folks from the MidWest.
UU Summer Camp Opportunities for all ages
Midwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly (MUUSA) is an intergenerational camp experience for fun, fellowship, and personal growth. This year's theme is “To Breathe on Purpose” with guest Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout. Enjoy nature, an art fair, a 5K walk/run, music, and more! Learn more here.

Chalice Sparx Family Camp & Retreat for Unitarian Universalist Families is an amazing all-ages experience at lovely Camp Friedenswald in southwestern Michigan-only 90 miles from Chicago. At Chalice Sparx camp and retreat for families you will experience a truly multigenerational community. There are no camp counselors here to whisk away the children separate from their families. Here we learn together, worship together and explore together in a community of all ages – including elders who complete our multigenerational village. We also have fun together. Swimming, hiking or riding a wagon through the trails, canoeing, archery, popcorn popped in a kettle over an open fire, and of course, S’mores and singing camp songs. Learn more here.

Camp Marwood - Midwest Unitarian Universalist Youth Camp (MUUYC) , also known as "Marwood" is a 50 plus years old not-for-profit “rites-of-passage" junior/senior high summer camp designed for youth to attend for 4 consecutive years beginning as they enter 7th grade. Marwood creates a culture with values that we believe are the most important qualities and behaviors to actively demonstrate and live. These values, expressed in the Unitarian-Universalist covenant, guide and form the development of learning processes in our courses and various camp programs.  Learn more here.
Looking for Ways to Help?
If you have any ideas for virtual Lifespan Religious Education that spark your inner light, email Kathy at kunderwood@ucevanston.org.
Social Justice & Volunteer Opportunities
How can you help your UCE Community?
Many of you have asked what you can do to help some of our older members who are at risk or others who might need assistance. Again, there is a team of people coordinating this led by Rev. Karen Mooney ( pastoral.care@ucevanston.org ) and member, Ellie Feddersen ( elliefeddersen@gmail.com ). Please contact either of them to offer your help and we can add you to a list of people willing to buy and drop off groceries or meds. When helping members of our congregation, it is important to practice good hygiene by washing your hands if dropping off supplies (before and after); do not help if you are sick; practice physical distancing (drop off supplies to reduce physical contact rather than handing them to the recipient). 
Young and Healthy UUs Consider Donating Blood

For those who are younger and healthy, consider donating blood as often blood supplies can be reduced in times of crisis. Research your local blood banks to make sure you fit within the criteria and make an appointment.
Looking for ways to take action from home?
Even though we are living through a pandemic, UCE social action work continues. Here are some ways to act in this time of COVID-19:

Please contact these organizations to ensure you know current guidelines for dropping off any donations. Respectfully we do not have the expertise to make such recommendations and we realize that these are likely changing continually in response to new understandings around the novel coronavirus.   

If you know of ways fellow UUs can continue to participate in social action that are not included in this list, please reach out to Rev. Karen Mooney at  kmooney@ucevanston.org . Thank you all for continuing to live UCE's mission here is a view of the folks showing up in the snow to give meals on Wednesday! Let us know how you are showing up in the world .
Interfaith Action Needs Your Help!
For anyone qualified available, Interfaith Action is in need of volunteers who are not at risk due to their age or underlying conditions. Please contact them, if you might be able to help serve meals for other congregations who’s regular volunteer pool is unable to assist:   ia@interfaithactionofevanston.org .  Thank you!
#VoteLove Deep Canvassing Training
Deep canvassing training isn’t just for those wanting to canvass! It’s about learning skills to help us have good and deep conversations with others where we feel confident and competent explaining how our UU values and principles inform our life choices. And it’s also learning more about how to listen to others deeply from our hearts. This workshop series is for EVERYONE! Please sign up and make our web of connection stronger! For more info contact MaryBeth Napier at mbnapier@comcast.net. 
How to get in touch with UCE's Ministers
Join Rev. Eileen Wiviott for lunch on Tuesdays. See the Wednesday email for more details.

Please contact Rev. Eileen via email at   ewiviott@ucevanston.org
Rev. Karen Gustafson will be with us virtually from her home in Minnesota. Rev. Karen G will be available for virtual office hours. See the Wednesday email for more details.

Look out for virtual opportunities to work with the Transitions team soon.

Feel free to e-mail kgustafson@
Join Rev. Karen Mooney for virtual office hours. See the Wednesday email for more details.

Please contact Rev. Karen Mooney via email at   kmooney@ucevanston.org
Welcome to Our Community
Interested in knowing more about UCE? Scroll down for info on ongoing programs and useful information. Can't find your answers here? Click the button below to learn more on our website.
Virtual Meeting Tools
Despite UCE's physical closure, many meetings can and are continuing online. Staff are available to help with setting up virtual meetings and getting the word out to the congregation. For more information on how to set up a digital meeting, click the button below. Email Jessica Meis at admin@ucevanston.org to add your event to UCE's calendar and to submit an article about your virtual meeting to the newsletter.
Giving By Text at UCE
Giving by Text is now possible for four areas:
Shared Plate Offering, Coffee & Bagels, Music Fund, UCE Operating Fun, and Capital Campaign.

Send a text message to  312-584-9160  with the amount you would like to contribute and  the code  for where you would like it to go (e.g., 50 OFFERING ). Valid codes are  OFFERING  (Shared Plate Offering),  PLEDGE  (Pledge Payment), MUSIC (music fund). Example text:  50 OFFERING  (give $50 to the shared offering). If you forget the funds, simply type in  FUNDS  and the list will pop up.

Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder name and debit or card information. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt of your donation via e-mail. For future giving, send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will process automatically! You can even text “repeat” to make it a recurring donation. Text giving is one of the fastest, easiest ways to give. We hope you enjoy this new way to share your generosity, and we thank you for supporting the church. To read more,  click here . If you experience any issues, contact Adam at  agough@ucevanston.org .

Once you have completed this process successfully, you can save the number in your text as UCE Donation and giving becomes one simple step.Please note: You can still pay for Fair Trade Cart and Book H items at those locations on Sunday morning. Joan Retzloff and Margaret Shaklee have an iPad and card reader for those accounts.
UCE Support Groups
The Cancer Support Group and the Caregiver Support Group are meeting virtually via Zoom during the pandemic. The Cancer Support Group call takes place every Sunday at 9:30 am , while the Caregiver Support Group meets virtually ever y Tuesday at 7:00 pm .  Even if you have never participated in these groups, if you are looking for support in these areas, you are welcome to join in. And, if you don't have the Zoom app installed on your computer/phone, you can just dial in. More than ever, we need to support one another during this difficult time. Email Renee Hoff at   rdhoff99@yahoo.com  or Joyce Lofstrom at  joycelofstrom@gmail.com  for details.

Grief support group  for those who have suffered a loss will be facilitated by Ellen Rieger, an experienced grief therapist. No registration is required. If you are interested in attending virtual meetings or have general questions, contact Ellen at ellenerieger@gmail.com .
Opportunities For Virtual Spiritual Practice
Udumbara Buddhist Zen Community
Check out their website and Facebook for updates and virtual offerings.
All Welcome. For more information, click here.

Wednesdays at 9:30 am   (Virtual 8x8 Meeting)
For more information, click here.

Buddhist meditation with  Andrea DeMers
Email Andrea at ademers99@gmail.com for the link if you are interested in joining.

UCE Addictions and Recovery
Form more information about the group, click here.
Board Of Trustees
The Board of Trustees meets the third Thursday of every month.
The next virtual meeting is on May 21 at 7:00 pm.

Questions for the board? Email BOT@ucevanston.org.
UCE Facebook Groups
Did you know that, in addition to the  UCE Facebook Page , there are three UCE groups that members can join - the  UCE Member to Member Group , the  UCE Children and Youth Religious Education Group, and the  UCE Social Action Group ?  

These are closed groups that allow members to post directly to each other. If you have an event you want members to know about, or have a cause you hope to bring attention to, in addition to the newsletter and order of service, you can post to the Facebook Group. Click the links below or search for the groups by name when you are on Facebook and ask to join.
Quick Links