A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole
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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.
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The virtual worship service will be at 11:15 am
This Sunday, December 13
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Stars over snow,
And in the west a planet
Swinging below a star—
Look for a lovely thing and you will find it,
It is not far—
It never will be far.
“Night” by Sara Teasdale
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The 7 candles of Chalica,
the 9 candles of the Hanukkah Menorah,
the 7 candles of Kwanzaa,
and a prominent star in the night sky . . .
Lights figure prominently in our December Holiday Season
As do moments of stillness and beauty!
UCE Choristers and Soloists, Gregory, and our guest clarinetist, Rob Nordli, will be sharing music and readings that celebrate the lights, stillness, mystery, and joy of this December Holiday Season.
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(Service designed and directed by Vickie Hellyer
and AV magic performed by Adam Gough)
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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 am 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.
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Other Gatherings this Sunday |
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Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 9:30 am via Zoom
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Reflection with the Board via Zoom at 10 am
To join the meeting by phone, dial
+13126266799,,86242887134#,,,,,,0#,,220807# US (Chicago)
Virtual Coffee Hour immediately following Worship Service
+13126266799,,94356542944#,,,,,,0#,,690720# US (Chicago)
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Holiday Happenings with UCE! |
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Can you believe that we don’t have any stars yet? And we could certainly use more animals! Those whmo sign up will have an opportunity to pick up a costume at UCE this Sunday at 2:30 p or Dec. 19 from 4:30-6 pm - or to be creative and make one from things at home. Sign up here for a part. An email will be sent in early December with further instructions to those who sign up. Feel free to email Kathy at kunderwood@ucevanston.org with any questions.
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Between December 14 and New Year’s and at the Solstice Campfire on the 19th, all ages are invited to add a decoration to the deciduous tree by the bench facing Greenwood Ave. Bring an ornament (weather-resistant) or make something edible for birds (popcorn, berries, nuts) to hang. You will find a container with hooks and pieces of yarn on the bench to use as hangers.
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"Christmas Magic"
UCE Christmas Eve Service - December 24 at 7 pm
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Join us via Youtube Livestream at 7pm on Thursday, December 24th.
There is still magic and wonder to be found, even in this Christmas. Without many of the expectations and traditions of this season, we might discover new possibilities, and the hope for something new to be born. A celebration in story and song. Have your candles ready for a virtual candle lighting.
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UCE Newsletters and Building Closing End of the Year |
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UCE will send out Wednesday newsletters on the weeks on Christmas and New Year's. Look out for the newsletters on December 23 and December 30. If you would like to contribute to the newsletter those weeks, please send your articles in by the deadlines below:
December 23 - Deadline is December 22 at Noon
December 30 - Deadline is December 23 at Noon
The UCE Office and Building will be closed on December 24 through January 1. All services will continue as scheduled. Small group virtual meetings and gatherings will continue as scheduled at the discretion of the groups and leaders.
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Important News and Upcoming Events |
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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.
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From Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director |
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Greetings from your Executive Operations Director
It is always a pleasure to see many of you on zoom throughout the week for meetings,
coffee hour and other connections. If you have not joined coffee hour after the service, I encourage you to do so. It makes a difference to see each other’s faces and to hear each other’s stories and life situations and to discuss important questions posed by the ministers. This past Sunday was especially meaningful as we had the opportunity to process the news of Alma Wood’s death, and to provide support to others in our congregation who are ill or have losses in their lives.
Remembering Alma Woods and her significant contributions to the life at UCE. Alma mentored me on accessibility and helped me understand ways to look at all we do to ensure that our facilities and our programming are easy to navigate for those who may have physical challenges or special needs. Alma was co-chair of the Accessibility Team with me. This team was formed during the Five-Year Plan in preparation for a future capital campaign, which we are in the midst of right now. Alma provided vast history and knowledge about access and was so helpful as we decided on the LULA (Limited Use Limited Access) that was installed near our lobby. Alma gathered together in one room people who had experience with various accessibility issues such as hearing, vision, physical movement, aging and speech to name a few. We were all enlightened on the way we needed to view our space and our offerings to include everyone. Alma was a force to be reckoned with and a person who has always been there to help and to share her care and knowledge. She will be missed.
Capital Campaign: We are now in the middle of our Capital Campaign projects with the kitchen, lobby and wing floors and shades, sewers, parking lot and walkway from Greenwood completed. Recently the lobby/wing project team...
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The UCE community mourns the loss of long time member, Alma Woods. She will be so dearly missed. Her family has published a virtual obituary where others can share memories of Alma. Visit at the link below. A larger celebration of Alma’s life will be held when possible in 2021.
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It seems some emails are not finding their way to me. If you have sent me an email or several emails and I haven't responded within 48 hours, it's probable I didn't get it. Please contact admin@ucevanston.org or you can call or text me on my cell phone which is available through the church directory. I do want to hear from you and I apologize for any missed communications.
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From the Board of Trustees |
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It is our goal as the Board of Trustees to maintain connections with you. To that end, we are beginning a new program entitled, " Reflections with the Board." We will host these sessions via Zoom once a month at 10 am before the service. The purpose of these sessions is twofold: One, we will often have information that we would like to share and two, these sessions are a time for us to listen to you. We want to hear how you are, as well as your ideas, suggestions, and concerns.
Our next session will be held this Sunday, December 13th at 10 am. For this session the Board would like to spend some time talking with you about Widening the Circle of Concern. For this session we will focus on Chapter One, Theology...
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From the Denominational Affairs Committee |
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The 2021 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association will meet virtually, Thursday - Sunday, June 23-27. This is an excellent opportunity for people who have not gone before to participate. Registration is open for youth and adults at UUA.org/GA. Financial support is available from both UUA and UCE for the $200 registration fee. UCE is seeking and encouraging first time attendees and those who may need financial assistance. Questions? Contact a board member or Lee Bannor or Shirley Adams for more information.
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UCE Building Use & Scheduling |
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With the rising of COVID-19 cases in the Chicagoland area, we highly encourage groups to meet virtually. UCE's building is available for small group meetings (10 or less people) or individual appointments on request. All meeting requests must be sent to Jessica Meis, Communications Coordinator at admin@ucevanston.org. Please note your request is not finalized until you have received an email confirmation from the office and you see your event on the UCE Calendar.
Please note that staff hours are mostly worked remotely from their homes. Ministers and staff are happy to meet with you by appointment over the phone or Zoom. Click here for ministers and staff contact information. At this time, the office is not open for drop-in visits. If you have a scheduled in-person meeting or appointment, please review UCE's Covid Guidelines. We ask that all who enter the building sign in and out on the clipboard at the door, wear a mask at all times, refrain from bringing food or drink (water is allowed), and follow the directions of staff on duty.
Thank you for keeping our UCE community safe during this time. We look forward to having you all back in the building when it is safe to do so.
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Rainbow Alliance Dinner and Game Night |
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Come virtually join the Rainbow Alliance on Dec 18 at 7pm. We will all eat dinner together and chat - we want to know your New Year's resolutions! After dinner we will all play virtual Scattergories. Email Lizzy (eapowers1019@gmail.com) or Jordan (jordan.strueber@gmail.com) to RSVP and receive the Zoom link.
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An Invitation to an Interim Virtual Event
Sustaining Member Engagement at UCE
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Here’s your last chance to get in on an exciting conversation:
A Workshop to consider: Succession planning, inviting participation and engaging the Mission of UCE
Saturday, December 19, 9:30 to Noon
via Zoom
Many leaders in UCE have been meeting to talk about how to strengthen the leadership of our various groups, how to reflect the mission in what we do, and more. If you missed those meetings in November and early December, here is a (last) chance to participate in the conversation. If you are responsible for groups who welcome UCE members into engagement with the life of our congregation, this is for you!
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Serendipity Auction Items Still Available |
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The Serendipity Auction has come but not quite gone! There are still a few items available for a "Buy-It-Now" purchase! Great deals can be had on a chiropractic session, some cool carved elephants, a patent leather clutch, and a detailed home inspection. There are also still some seats available for some shouldn't-be-missed upcoming virtual events: Kristin Lems' folk concert, a karaoke night (!), Jim Strickler's latest Civil War talk, and two sessions of adaptive pilates that are tailored to your needs. |
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Hats Off to Bridget Wild and Mitten Tree Volunteers! |
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Our hats are off to Bridget Wild who is taking on the mantle of leadership for UCE's Mitten Tree holiday giving program from Carol Nielsen, who has capably championed this project for years. Carol and Bridget deserve our thanks not only for the generosity they inspire and coordinate, bringing much needed holiday cheer, but because they are modeling a healthy hand off of leadership. Working together to ensure a vital church program continues and thrives, Carol mentors Bridget while encouraging her to innovate. Bridget helps preserve the program's legacy and carries forward Carol's wisdom. Meanwhile, a friendship has been born and the kinship of our community is strengthened - through shared leadership, the practice of generosity, and with appreciation of one another. Thanks to Bridget and Carol for the work you do and how you do it. Thanks as well to the countless people who donated gifts and money, wrapped and delivered packages for the Mitten Tree. Our hats are off to all of you! |
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Help Build Community Connection - Set up your Realm Account Today! |
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UCE's new membership database has launched! Don't forget to set up your account, so you can start taking advantage of this awesome system. Login to see your giving history, update your contact information, and access the updated and more secure directory! Group leaders can take attendance and keep track of who is participating in their group. Realm has so much more to offer, so join us online and check it out! Contact Adam if you need more help setting up your account at agough@ucevanston.org.
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What's Happening in Lifespan Religious Education |
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Welcome to our December theme of Stillness! |
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If you missed the Welcome and Intro to RE, check it out here, or you can read about it here.
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Pre/K Kids and Families - POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – Decembers’s materials are available here. The password is YouGotThis2020 (case sensitive.) This UU-based program is to be used all month long. Do whatever fits your family’s schedule.
Popcorn Theology Online for 6th-8th Grades – December 13 at 1 pm - Look for Zoom info in the RE Weekly Update.
High School Youth - Youth Group 4-5 pm - look for an email with details!
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UCE Forum - Sunday, December 20th at 10 am
What about Facebook? An Exploration
Leaders: Andy Schlickman, Jessica Meis, George Monical, Joe Romeo
Click here to join the Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 924 4957 5721; Passcode: 489150; One tap mobile +13126266799,,92449575721#,,,,,,0#,,489150# US (Chicago)
Christ for UU’s
Continues Tuesday, Dec. 15; 7:30-8:45 PM,
Facilitated by UCE member Amy Pooley.
The upcoming session will discuss Chapters 5 and 6.
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The Fiction Book Group meets next on Friday, December 18 at 7 pm via Zoom. Link will be available closer to the date.
Our selection this month is Jenny Erpenbeck's, Go, Went, Gone. Centered on the crisis of African refugees in Berlin, Go, Went, Gone is a scathing indictment of Western policy toward the European refugee crisis, but also a moving portrait of compassion and transformation.
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The nonfiction book group will meet on December 27th at 2 p.m. via Zoom to discuss Rebecca Solnit's book entitled Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities. In this book Solnit celebrates the accomplishments of grassroots activists and says that those activists often fail to recognize the power of their activity. She encourages us to be hopeful as we stand up and participate in the work to bring about needed changes in the world.
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Revisioning Our Multigenerational Community |
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We have been exploring our purpose and mission during this interim ministry period with Rev. Karen’s grace and guidance. Before we closed our doors last March, a group of us had met to share our hopes and dreams for the religious education program as we look towards calling a new minister. We had many insights and ideas! And now we are ready to continue the journey. Will you join us?
Rev. Karen, Rev. Eileen, and I want to hear what is on your heart and mind, centered around the questions:
- “What is the role of a faith community in your life and your child(ren)’s life?”
- “How can UCE create a mutually caring, thriving, supportive faith community?”
It is not our intent to stir up feelings of guilt either. Rather, we wish to discover what obstacles you’re facing and what you have passion around.
Please join us for ONE of the following virtual gatherings:
January 9 – 10-11:30 am
January 16 – 1-2:30 pm
January 17 – 2-3:30 pm
We look forward to seeing you there!
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We're looking for virtual worship participants |
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Would you like to share your talents and gifts in a worship service? We are looking for people of all ages to pre-record service elements such as:
- Songs
- Dances
- Readings
- Stories
- Our covenant
- Lighting the chalice
The process involves video recording yourself and uploading the file to a shared google folder. Instructions will be provided. You might be asked to read a particular story or sing a song that fits the theme of the service. Or, you might offer a song, story or poem you’d like to share, which we can use when and where it fits.
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Social Jutice & Volunteer Opportunities |
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List of Amazon-Alternative Online Shopping |
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Are you online shopping this year for the holidays or just more frequently because of the COVID-19 pandemic? If you are looking for alternative online marketplaces from Amazon, check out this list of Fair Trade, ecologically sustainable, or BIPOC-owned businesses that offer online shopping. How we spend our money, can be an act of justice. See where your money can go to make a positive impact on the Earth and in these communities. |
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Try on one of these ideas and find a fit – Serving Connections for the Homeless in the Season of Giving |
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As the winter holiday season approaches, have you wondered how you and your family could tangibly help other community members? Do you find yourself torn between feeding the hungry or advocating to build affordable housing in Evanston?
UCE has started a partnership with Connections for the Homeless and their housing advocacy group, Joining Forces for Affordable Housing. You can work with UCE friends to do some task from a wide range of service work from making lunches, collecting specific clothing, working at Hilda’s place or working on a myriad of housing advocacy projects including advocacy work with our local and state governments. Whether your passion is food, housing, children's issues, legal justice reform, mental health, or equity, there is a role for you in this project...
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January Shared Offering Recipient: Community Renewal Society |
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In January UCE is sharing our loose plate offering with the Community Renewal Society. CRS is an organization of over 70 churches in the Chicago area who have been fighting for social justice for over 130 years. Each church member of CRS organizes a social action team that supports CRS activities and policy goals. These goals include policies to reduce and eliminate race and class barriers in our society, and to provide better education, jobs, housing and justice for minorities and the poor.
This year CRS is focusing on more initiatives to promote more police accountability in Chicago, and to stop police actions that are directed against minorities. This includes better oversight of Chicago police practices, and ending the cash bail system that denies bail to those who have no money when they are arrested – a result that mostly hurts black and brown people. Your donations will help us reduce these injustices and improve our community.
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Rainbow Alliance Meets on January 7 - All are Invited! |
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Prison Industrial Complex 101: Virtual Training |
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Saturday, January 16, 2021, 10:00am - 11:30pm CST and
Saturday, January 23, 2021, 10:00am - 11:30pm CST
It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of the racial and economic injustice in our society. This is an opportunity to learn and reflect on what we can do to change it. This workshop is intended to educate participants and inspire action. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to:
- Examine the prison industrial complex root: its reach, impact and our ability to transform it.
- Connect Unitarian Universalist (UU) values to the work to divest from prisons and police and invest in building new systems of safety, healing, and accountability.
- Build connections with organizations engaged in prisoner solidarity and restorative justice.
- Learn about the UU Prison Ministry and how your congregation or community can support our work.
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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. |
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How to get in touch with UCE's Ministers |
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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.
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Our next Intro to UU and Journey Toward Membership classes will be announced soon.
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Opportunities For Community Connection |
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UCE Addictions and Recovery
For more information about the group, click here.
Grief Support Group
Every other Monday at 6:30 pm (next meeting is December 14)
UCE Men's Group
1st & 3rd Mondays at 7 pm via conference call.
For more information, click here.
Retired (but never retiring!) Women
Monthly on the 4th Tuesday at 5pm.
For information, contact Margie Rogasner.
Caregiver Support Group
Tuesdays at 7 pm via Zoom.
Udumbara Zen Sangha
Tuesday Evenings and Saturday Mornings
For more information, click here.
Learn Spanish Group
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm (Meetings are on a break during the holidays. Group will resume on January 6, 2021)
For more information, click here.
Women's Spiritual Group
Every other Wednesday (next meeting is December 16)
Email Amy Grabowski at if you are interested in joining.
Buddhist Meditation
Greenwood Investment Club
People interested in learning about personal investing by doing
3rd Thursday this month at 7:30 pm (next meeting is TBA)
Virtual Art and Spirituality
Every other Saturday at 2:30 pm (next meeting is December 19)
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.
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Your Financial Support is So Appreciated! |
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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), SOUPKIT (Soup Kitchen), or MUSIC (music fund). If you do not include a code after your donation amount, the system will automatically select DEFAULT and the church office will contact you to determine how to direct your gift. 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.
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Virtual Meeting Planning Tips |
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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
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Offer to Provide Technical Support |
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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.
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Beware scam e-mails and texts from those
posing as UCE ministers, Staff, or Board Members
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Please do not respond to the e-mail or text scam that is going out with Rev. Eileen's, Sandra's, or Jessica Tomell-Presto's names. UCE ministers, Staff, and Board Members 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 familiar, 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, Sandra's, or Jessica'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. The address Jessica willIf you are unsure about the number texting you, please call the office.
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The Board of Trustees meets the third Thursday of every month.
The next virtual meeting is on December 17 at 7 pm. Please email the office at admin@ucevanston.org if you would like to attend.
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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.
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