A Unitarian Universalist Congregation |
|
|
|
The UCE building and grounds are available on a limited basis to small gatherings. Please read UCE's Reopening Guidelines before contacting staff about availability. We will continue to offer ways to connect virtually.
|
|
|
|
The Sunday virtual service will be at 11:15 am
|
|
|
|
“Let the Mud Settle” – Rev. Teri Schwartz
Our minds can be like the water of a pond--sometimes clear, and sometimes cloudy with the mud and muck from the pond bottom. There has been much in our world and lives that continues to unsettle the mud. Practices of mindfulness can bring us a bit more clarity in our interior landscape. When our minds are less clouded, we can then see our world more clearly, if even by a bit.
The Rev. Teri Schwartz serves the First Unitarian Church of Chicago, her along with her spouse, the Rev. David Schwartz as a co-ministry team since 2013. First U is a multi-racial, theologically a plural house of worship located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Teri also serves a chaplain to students at the Meadville Lombard Theological School since 2013. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School and Brown University, Teri has served as a professional hospital and hospice chaplain prior to her current call as a parish minister. You can find Teri walking around her home neighborhood of Woodlawn with her puppy, who is only one and a half times her size. She lives with her clergy spouse and their two elementary-aged kids and with their four cats, and that giant St. Bernard, their house is filled with chaos, fur, and even more love.
We encourage you to submit your joys and sorrows ahead of time to this online form. We will read aloud in the service, those that are submitted by 11 a.m. on Sunday. If you are unable to access the google form for some reason, you may send an email to Rev. Eileen Wiviott at ewiviott@ucevanston.org, however, it is easier for us to keep track through the google form. We continue to celebrate and mourn together through this important ritual and appreciate your understanding as we explore the various ways to hold what is on your hearts.
|
|
|
|
Other Virtual Gatherings this Sunday |
|
|
|
Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 9:30 am via Zoom
|
|
|
|
Virtual Coffee Hour
To join the virtual coffee hour by phone dial +13126266799,,94356542944#,,,,0#,,690720#
Please note this is a new link and dial in number. Links from emails sent in previous weeks will not work for this Sunday's virtual coffee hour.
|
|
|
|
Important News and Upcoming Events |
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Church Zoom gatherings continue on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.
Look 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. Karen Gustafson, Interim Minister |
|
|
|
Dear ones,
As your interim minister I take seriously my charge to help you to identify your strengths and your challenges in ways that will help you to thrive during this time of preparation for your next covenant of settled ministry. I also support the Ministerial Search Committee in presenting a clear and honest profile of the congregation to prospective candidates.
In the weeks since my last message in which I summarized the interim work going forward, I have been invited in a variety of ways into a new urgency of consciousness about white supremacy culture and systemic racism. At the UUA General Assembly the UCE delegates were present at the unveiling of the Report of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change entitled Widening the Circle of Concern. This document is an in depth report on the state of our association of congregations and our Unitarian Universalist faith regarding our understanding of racial justice and systems of oppression. It is a call to self examination and a call to meaningful action...
|
|
|
|
Message from the Board of Trustees |
|
|
|
The Board of Trustees at the Unitarian Church of Evanston has been having conversations and has been listening closely to conversations in our communities about race, anti-racism, and white supremacy. In response, the Board has created this statement:
We hear the clarion call to address issues of oppression both within our walls and within the larger community. We hear this call from our Evanston Interfaith leaders who say, “We call on our congregants, especially those who have white skin privilege, to engage in the struggle to dismantle white supremacy as it collectively exists.” We hear this call from our national organization, the UUA, who through the Commission on Institutional Change, states, “Our internal work as people of faith is to become more inclusive, equitable, and diverse while our external work is to be accountable to those most affected by injustice.” Black Lives of UU calls on all Unitarian Universalists “to advocate for the formal adoption of an 8th principle, articulating a commitment to the dismantling of white supremacy, within the stated principles of our faith.” Perhaps, most importantly, we hear this call in our congregation, on our doorsteps, and in our streets. We, as Dr. King said, feel “the fierce urgency of Now. [...] Now is the time to make justice a reality.” It is time to answer this call and continue this work...
|
|
|
|
Roots hold me close, wings set me free... |
|
|
|
Whether you are local or far away,
you are invited to lend your voice and your visage to an All-UCE "Spirit of Life" Virtual Choir Video!!!
What's even better than watching an online Virtual Choir that you are not in? Watching one that you are in!
We have often sung “Spirit of Life” together and, through the magic of technology and Adam’s amazing technological abilities, we’ll be recreating the experience virtually.
To record yourself singing “Spirit of Life,” click here:
Here you will find:
- Directions on how to record your video
- “Spirit of Life” sheet music (from the grey hymnal)
- Gregory’s accompaniment of “Spirit of Life” and videos of Rev Eileen Wiviott and Jon Siegel singing along with Gregory's accompaniment. You will get to choose whether you'd like to record while singing "with" Gregory's accompaniment or with his accompaniment plus Rev Eileen or Jon Siegel singing in your ear! Cool beans, eh?
Recordings need to be uploaded by August 12th.
|
|
|
|
Widening the Circle of Concern Discussion |
|
|
|
August 23rd at 1pm on Zoom
Virtual General Assembly in June centered the voices of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in Unitarian Universalism. Featured was the report, three years in the making, of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change (COIC), Widening the Circle of Concern. Our hope is that every individual in our UCE beloved community will answer this call to radical change especially within our walls. During the worship service on August 23rd, those who attended General Assembly will share their perspectives on why it is essential for us to examine systemic racism within our movement and our congregation. After the service, at 1pm, we will gather on Zoom to watch the Commission’s presentation on their findings and suggestions and discuss how we can answer their call to action. Here is the Zoom link, which will also be listed in the 11:15 livestream service. (Meeting ID: 949 8941 2389 - One tap mobile: +13126266799,,94989412389#)
|
|
|
|
Parking Lot Blessing - Wednesday, September 2nd at 6:30 pm |
|
|
|
Drive, bike, or walk to UCE for a blessing of our new parking lot. No more dips, craters or crumbing asphalt. Just smooth, black asphalt with freshly painted lines and a newly laid sidewalk from Greenwood to the front door. We’ll gather safely from cars, or physically distanced with masks for walkers and bikers. We offer our gratitude to the Capital Campaign Implementation Committee for all their hard work and many hours of planning to make the UCE parking lot safe and smooth. Join us for a short blessing and to pick up a goodie bag for Water Communion on September 13th. |
|
|
|
Virtual Meeting Planning Tips! |
|
|
|
Do you need help setting up a virtual event? Have you been hosting a virtual event and want to make the planning and publicity process easier? UCE ministers and staff are here to help! There are several ways you can host an online event for free. If a free meeting won't work for your meeting, consider these steps:
-
Email the details of your meeting to admin@ucevanston.org so staff can help you set up and publicize your virtual event. Virtual UCE events can be advertised in the weekly newsletter, on the UCE calendar, on the UCE Facebook groups, and sometimes on the UCE homepage.
-
Work with staff on deciding who would be best to host the meeting. Do you or a member of your group have their own Zoom account? Is someone in your group willing and able to purchase an account? In these times of social distancing, it may be worthwhile to purchase an account for a year and use it for any personal or UCE-related events. Will a minister or staff member attend your meeting? Staff will put you in touch with that staff member to see if they can host your meeting with their Zoom account. If not, we can use another staff member’s Zoom account.
-
Once the Zoom link is created, consider whether you want to set up a registration for the virtual event. Is there a limit on how many you would like to participate? Do you want a list of participants so you can email them the link before the event?
Don't forget all UCE virtual events can be added to the UCE calendar. If you are interested in having your virtual events featured on the calendar, please contact the office at 847-864-1330 or email admin@ucevanston.org. If you want
|
|
|
|
Your financial support is so appreciated! |
|
|
|
Please help us ensure your contribution is credited appropriately by indicating on the memo line of your check if it is for 19/20 Pledge, 20/21 Pledge, Shared Offering or a Donation.
If you are texting to give, please send a text message to 312-584-9160 with the amount you would like to contribute and the one word code for where you would like it to go (e.g., 50 OFFERING). Valid codes are OFFERING (Shared Offering), PLEDGE (Pledge Payment), CAP (Capital Campaign), or MUSIC (music fund). If you do not include a code after your donation amount, the system will automatically select PLEDGE. To learn more, click here. If you experience any issues or would like a one-on-one session to go over Text-to-Give, contact Adam at agough@ucevanston.org.
During these times when UCE staff are working from home we are trying to make trips to the church and our accounting tasks manageable for our Staff Accountant, Vickie Doebele. We respectfully request when you make a shared offering donation please do not ask for 100% to go to the organization. This truly would be helpful. We appreciate your understanding.
|
|
|
|
Brain Health & Wellness Virtual Series |
|
|
|
The Pastoral Care Committee invites all to take part in their new Brain Health and Wellness Series: Aging, Memory, and Care in partnership with the Great Lakes Clinic Trials. You do not have to attend each part of the series, but all are encouraged to attend. Please register to participate so we can send you a Zoom link. Click the buttons below for the schedule of speakers and topics and the registration link.
Upcoming Session - August 8 at 10-11 am - Introduction to Alzheimers's and Dementia
presenters: Steve Satek, President & Founder, Great Lakes Clinical Trials and Dr. Concetta Forchetti, Neurologist, AMITA Alexian Brothers Medical Center. Click here to join the Zoom session.
|
|
|
|
Social Justice & Volunteer Opportunities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you from the Soup Kitchen! |
|
|
|
Soup Kitchen coordinators extend our sincere thanks to all of you that responded so generously & quickly to our request for assistance in funding our most recent soup kitchen, July 29th. We are heartened and encouraged by the prompt response! As it turned out, last Wednesday guests were lining up on the steps of UCE when volunteers arrived to set up at 3 pm. Some reported that they had not eaten yet that day. Your contributions are truly meeting an acute community need. Our next Soup Kitchen event is on September 23rd, 2020. We invite anyone wishing to help us reach our goal to consider donating.
There are three options for making a donation:
-
Online payment at the UCE website donation page by clicking here. At the donation page, click the yellow “Contribute Now” button. At the next page, enter your donation amount after the Soup Kitchen option and click the “continue” button at the bottom of the page to enter payment information.
- Write a check to UCE for the amount of the donation. In the memo field indicate it is for “Soup Kitchen” and mail the check to Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Ave., Evanston IL 60201.
- Donation by text. Enter your donation amount (e.g. 20 - no dollar sign) followed by “Soupkit” and send it to 312-584-9160.
We look forward to seeing you all again when we can serve up a wonderful meal from our beautiful new kitchen! Questions? Contact Maggie Weiss at msmaggie6@comcast.net.
With gratitude for your support,
Soup Kitchen Team – Marilyn, Winnie and Maggie
|
|
|
|
REAL Team Food and Supplies Drive |
|
|
|
We are so grateful for UCE’s generous donations that have been pouring in! Our recipient group has responded numerous times that they are so thankful for how our congregation is responding to their dire needs. (We are keeping their identity under wraps at this point to protect them, as they have been targeted with looting and death threats).
Want to help?
The REAL Team has been asked to coordinate some much-needed supplies for some of our community partners who have been most impacted by the pandemic followed by civil unrest. Here is an Amazon list which includes the items that were asked for and especially needed. Please check the list and donate as much as you feel comfortable. We need multiples of many items. There are several ways you can help:
- Using the link above, you can order from Amazon and have your supplies delivered directly to our drop off location (when you check out, the delivery address should say, “Becky Crawford’s Gift Registry”) We have volunteers lined up to drive donations to the needed locations.
-
You can purchase from Amazon or elsewhere, and deliver to the Crawford-Cloonan household directly (email for address).
- If you'd like to donate financially, you can send a check directly to UCE with "south side" in the memo line. Cash donations can be dropped off in an envelope to my house.
|
|
|
|
Any questions, contact Becky Crawford. Thank you for your support! |
|
|
|
The Evanston Care Network |
|
|
|
The Evanston Care Network is a free online platform, created by the City of Evanston in partnership with the Evanston Public Library, Evanston 311 Center, AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital, and the Evanston Community Foundation, that allows residents to search for free and low cost local services including childcare, unemployment, jobs, housing, and more! Please spread the word to any and all who would find this information useful.
|
|
|
|
There are so many ways you can participate in social action, from showing up, signing on, donating, or committing yourself to learn more.
-
Donate to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, a Black women-led cross-sectoral alliance. They center Black mamas to advocate, drive research, build power, and shift culture for Black maternal health, rights, and justice.
-
Join ACLU in telling Congress: COVID-19 relief must include incarcerated people. Email your senators today.
-
Sign this petition and demand justice for Queasha Hardy, a Black trans woman killed in Louisiana on July 27. According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), she was at least the 25th trans person to be killed so far in 2020. #BlackTransLivesMatter
-
Sign the government petition on the White House to take action on the killing of Breonna Taylor.
- Inform yourself on early voting and mail-in ballot options in Evanston. Learn more here.
Social action continues! Check out the UCE Homepage for more ways you can support our communities. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rev. Karen Mooney at kmooney@ucevanston.org. Thank you all for continuing to live UCE's mission!
|
|
|
|
What's Happening in Lifespan Religious Education |
|
|
|
|
|
|
It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other, so we’re gathering in small groups on the lawn to catch up and play contactless games. To keep within our guidelines, please RSVP on the signup below that fits the age group of your kid(s). If you have kids in more than one age group, pick the one that fits your schedule better then. An email will go out a few days prior to each gathering with further info. See you then!
High School - see below
|
|
|
|
Summer Opportunities for Youth and Family |
|
|
|
For Families, Children, and Youth
How is your Summer Bucket List Challenge going? We are near the end already! If you’ve been doing the challenge, then send me a quick email by August 16 at kunderwood@ucevanston.org
Remember to share on social media what you and/or your family are/is doing with the hashtag #UCEBucketList so we can see your beautiful faces and efforts!
|
|
|
|
For Young People and Families
Be a UCE Pen Pal! We have about 20 older members who would love to correspond with younger folks this summer, and only 6 young people to do so at this moment. Email Kathy if interested at kunderwood@ucevanston.org.
Soulful Home: Compassion - Tons of Activities, stories, music, and more to explore on our theme this summer! Click here for ways to connect as a family to our faith!
|
|
|
|
For High School Youth
Gathering on the Lawn – August 30, 1-2:30 pm. All high school youth are invited for an end-of-summer gathering on the lawn at UCE! More details to come!
|
|
|
|
Parent and Family Resources |
|
|
|
Feel free to add new resources that you find! Together, we can nurture the next generations and create an anti-racist society.
|
|
|
|
Summer Opportunities for Adults |
|
|
|
The Science of Well-Being - continues at 7 pm Tuesday evenings for those enrolled.
|
|
|
|
Save the Date - Nonfiction Book Group! |
|
|
|
Join the nonfiction book group in a Zoom meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 30th to select the books we’ll be reading and discussing this church year. Everyone is encouraged to bring/recommend a book. Check the Friday, August 28th newsletter for a link to the meeting. Also, consider getting a head start on the book we’ll discuss on September 27 and October 25, A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn.
|
|
|
|
Want to take your leadership skills to the next level
with a team of other UCE members?
|
|
|
|
We have our first registrant for the MidWest Leadership School (MWLS) for 2020! Our region is planning an excellent curriculum and is packaging it into an online opportunity spread over 4 Saturdays starting this fall. They suggest we put together a team of attendees to enhance and strengthen the lessons learned. The training is useful for those who want to become more skilled at leadership roles in the congregation or in the community. The cost may be covered entirely by a grant from the Endowment committee. There is only an adult school this year (18 and over). Check out more details here.
Contact Kathy Underwood or Shirley Adams if you want to know more about how this opportunity might work for you this year.
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
How to get in touch with UCE's Ministers |
|
|
|
UCE ministers are available throughout the week by appointment. If you are in need of pastoral care or someone to talk to, please reach out to them by email.
We are here for you.
|
|
|
|
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.
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.
|
|
|
|
Opportunities For Virtual Connection |
|
|
|
Learn Spanish Group
For more information, click here.
UCE Men's Group
For more information, click here.
Caregiver Support Group
Tuesdays at 7 pm via Zoom.
Udumbara Zen Sangha
Tuesday Evenings and Saturday Mornings
For more information, click here.
Buddhist Meditation
UCE Addictions and Recovery
Form more information about the group, click here.
Virtual Art and Spirituality
Every other Saturday at 2:30 pm (next meeting is Aug 15)
For more information, click here.
Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
Sundays at 9:30 am via Zoom
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.
|
|
|
|
Beware scam e-mails and texts from those
posing as UCE ministers and Staff
|
|
|
|
Please do not respond to the e-mail or text scam that is going out with Rev. Eileen's or Sandra's names. UCE ministers and Staff will never ask you for money in an e-mail or for you to send gift cards to anyone. Check the e-mail address and phone number 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.
This is someone who is using Eileen's or Sandra's name with a generated email address and phone number. They haven't hacked their personal accounts. The e-mail addresses Eileen will send messages from will be either ewiviott@hotmail.com or ewiviott@ucevanston.org. The address Sandra will send messages from is srobinson@ucevanston.org. If you are unsure about the number texting you, please call the office.
|
|
|
|
The Board of Trustees meets the third Thursday of every month.
The next virtual meeting is on August 20 at 7:00 pm.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
