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 20
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A Virtual Christmas Pageant for All
We gather on-line to retell an old, familiar story in a new way. The joy of our annual Christmas Pageant continues with costumes and carols. Join us!
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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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Forum Discussion via Zoom at 10 am
More information below in "What's Happening in Lifespan Religious Education"
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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Deck the Halls with Lights and All! |
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Between now and New Year’s and at the Solstice Campfire tomorrow on December 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 of 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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Be Still….
From Rev. Eileen Wiviott, Acting Senior Minister
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This is a time of stillness and I invite you to be still with me for just a moment. Whether you are sad about not being able to gather in person with loved ones and friends during the holiday season or you’re finding new ways to enjoy simpler celebrations, let’s allow ourselves a minute to adjust.
For the last nine months, we have endured a sort of forced stillness, like we’re frozen in anticipation of what might happen next. The pandemic has caused a tidal wave of grief and change that has or will impact nearly every person on the planet in one way or another. Anxiety is undeniably on the rise, and for good reasons. Our hurting world is in need of repair. Our spirits need to be nurtured in order to help make the world whole. Will you take a moment to be still with me?...
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As you have no doubt heard, a Covid-19 vaccine is being distributed to healthcare workers this week and will soon be more widely available. This is a joyful gift of hope signaling the end of a long winter of despair. Members of our church and Covid task force, including Bridget Wild, have received the vaccine and are happy to answer questions or concerns you may have about getting vaccinated. Lake County is generating a registry for those interested in being vaccinated. The registry will take into consideration a person's profession, age and personal health factors that may elevate their place in the priority cue for the eventual distribution of the vaccine. It is hoped that Evanston and Cook County will also follow suit. Please contact Rev. Eileen if you have concerns that she can bring to the Covid task force. |
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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 probably means 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 Ministerial Search Committee:
Read the Congregational Record
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After spending the last several months gathering information about our congregation and what we are looking for in a new senior minister, the Ministerial Search Committee has completed work on the Congregational Record, a document that honestly and completely describes our congregation. Questions range from a description of Sunday services to UCE's history to expectations of the senior minister and include the feedback that we received from members fo the congregation in the focus groups, cottage meetings, and congregational survey.
You can read the completed version of the congregational record - all 50 pages of it!
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In addition, we heard from several of you at our presentation a couple Sundays ago that there are questions over the UUA's process for considering internal ministerial candidates and why an internal candidate must be considered before opening the search...
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UCE Building Use & Scheduling |
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Please note the UCE Office and Building will be closed on
December 24 through January 1.
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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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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Rainbow Alliance Dinner and Game Night |
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Come virtually join the Rainbow Alliance on TODAY, 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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RE-visioning 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 Kathy Underwood 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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Hats Off to the Transitions Team! |
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Every successful ministry is embedded in the efforts of the lay people who support it. The Interim Ministry is being ably and generously supported by the Transition Team which includes Shirley Adams, Judy Holman, Dave Schroeder and Margaret Shaklee. They have been meeting with Rev. Karen regularly since the fall of 2019 to provide counsel, feedback and a consistent monitoring of the progress of the Interim Tasks. They have been playfully present, attended to detail and taken notes and provided valuable insights into the history and systems at UCE. Pre Covid they supplied snacks and set up and cleaned up after meetings. Many, many thanks for their generous contributions to the health and future of UCE! |
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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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Social Jutice & Volunteer Opportunities |
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Congrats! Collective Resource recently announced an inspiring “7000 Ton” achievement – check out the article reprint below. If you are not currently composting, we urge you to get on-board! One easy way is to join the UCE Composting Coop for only $5/month per person (max of $15/month per household.) See the 2-page Composting Tip Sheet for details. When you’re ready to sign up, just fill out the online UCE composting signup form. Questions? Contact Renee Hoff at rdhoff99@yahoo.com.
And (drumroll!) here’s the Collective Resource article reprint
We’re happy to announce that we have reached another diversion milestone: 7000 tons! Can you believe it?...
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From the Immigrant Solidarity Team |
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You may recall that UCE made a contribution from Endowment Funds last summer to help support Chalice House, a home associated with Countryside UU Church, which was made available for a family seeking asylum. Here is some holiday news from them, which we hope will warm your season. Please note that if you would like, there is an opportunity for individual donations for Christmas. (See below)
Thank You from the Immigrant Solidarity Team.
Family Update and Christmas
We are happy to report that the family thoroughly enjoyed their Thanksgiving meal and was very grateful for the generous gift card to Eurofresh grocery. Thanks to all who contributed.
We’re hoping to make the Chalice House family’s first holiday season in the United States extra special, and we’d love your help and holiday spirit!...
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Update from the UCE-Connections Partnership |
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WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO, LATELY?
1,025 tasty, healthy sack lunches, that’s what!
Bravo! to the volunteers who shopped, made sandwiches, packed and delivered them! Many hungry people had a meal instead of an empty stomach.
Last October an article in our Newsletter gave details of our new partnership with Connections for the Homeless. Connections is a long-standing non-profit in Evanston with the goal of finding permanent housing for all, with supportive resources all along the way. UCE has had a relationship with Connections for many years, through our Giving House, Mitten Tree, and volunteer work of many of our members.
The UCE Endowment Fund and the Board of Trustees approved a grant of $40,000 to fund a Housing Specialist position for Connections for the Homeless. We also wanted to find volunteer opportunities for our members to assist in the effort to change lives, one person at a time.
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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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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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What's Happening in Lifespan Religious Education |
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Here’s a creative idea to occupy the kids: have them create their own Christmas pageant with stuffed animals! And be sure to join the 1st Virtual Pageant on Sunday! |
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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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Solstice Campfire and Carols on the Lawn – Spaces were limited due to Covid restrictions and have filled up. If you want to attend a future gathering, please let Kathy know at kunderwood@ucevanston.org.
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.
High School Youth - Two Opportunities on Sunday: Forum at 10 am - Facebook Controversy Discussion. Click here to join the meeting. Youth Group 4-5 pm - look for an email with details!
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UCE Forum - Sunday, December 20th at 10 am
Facebook: "Friend" or Foe
Leaders: Andy Schlickman, Jessica Meis, George Monical, Joe Romeo
Join us for a discussion about the pros and cons of using Facebook, especially in our socially and politically polarized environment. We would also like to hear your views on what steps can be taken to use Facebook in a more responsible manner, and whether UCE should somehow limit its use OF Facebook.
Suggested readings:
Click here to join the Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 924 4957 5721; Passcode: 489150; One tap mobile +13126266799,,92449575721#,,,,,,0#,,489150# US (Chicago)
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The Fiction Book Group meets next on TODAY, Friday, December 18 at 7 pm via Zoom. Click here to join the Zoom meeting. Meeting ID: 341 460 7142, Passcode: 847328, One tap mobile +13126266799,,3414607142#,,,,,,0#,,847328# US (Chicago)
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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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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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 28)
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 30)
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 January 2)
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 January 21 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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