A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole
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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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UCE Ministers and Staff wish everyone warm and happy holidays!
Enjoy this Wednesday newsletter and know you all are held in our hearts. Whether you are spending this time with loved ones in person or through screens, may this time be filled with happy memories and smiles. Thank you for a wonderful year of community and love!
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Tonight's Wednesday All Church Zoom Gathering |
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We continue our All Church Zoom Gathering tonight at 5:30 pm.
If you need technical tips before the meeting begins, join us at 5:20 pm
Here is the information to join:
Meeting ID: 242 908 428
Passcode: 052171
One tap mobile (Dial In):
+13126266799,,242908428# US (Chicago)
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Reading and Questions for Tonight
Reading by Eugene Pickett
UUA President from 1979-1985 who died this past August at the age of 94
There is much in the Christmas season that speaks to deep human needs. The northern European countries needed the light-giving, warmth-giving aspects of the Yuletide. So the symbols of light have become an integral part of the season. Though much has been written deploring the commercialization of Christmas, the giving of gifts is still an offering of love. Evergreens, symbolizing the ongoingness of life, pervade the celebration.
Light, love, life - these are some of the universal needs symbolized in the Christmas season. But no less significant or universal are their opposites - darkness, death, hate. It is usually a mixture, if not a conflict, of these contrasting symbols that has come to characterize the season. It has given rise to the “Christmas Syndrome” of Christmas Depression - love/hate, elation/depression, togetherness/loneliness.
A way of not becoming entrapped in the “Christmas Syndrome” is to refuse to go along with whatever it is that works to spoil the season for you. What really counts at Christmastime are aspirations of hope and peace, feelings of goodwill and joy, and personal relationships - the sharing of warmth and love. These aspirations and feelings and relationships are not something that will happen just because it’s Christmas.
This is especially so for those of us who are prone to loneliness. Faced with loneliness, we can meet it creatively - recognizing our deep need for relatedness - and strive to build relationships that are rich with understanding, empathy, and affection.
Question
- If you are experiencing loneliness, how might you meet it creatively?
- What contrasting symbols of the season are you encountering?
- How are you recognizing your deep need for relatedness and how are you feeding that need?
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Tomorrow's Christmas Eve Service at 7pm: Christmas Magic |
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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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This virtual worship service will be at 11:15 am
This Sunday, December 27
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Fire Communion
On Fire Communion Sunday, we pause to reflect on the past year and look forward to the new year. During our virtual Fire Communion, you are invited to have a candle and matches with you, if possible. We will ground ourselves in love and acknowledge our sorrows, celebrations, anxieties, and joys from 2020. Then, we will turn ourselves toward all the possibilities of 2021.
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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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Virtual Coffee Hour immediately following Worship Service
+13126266799,,94356542944#,,,,,,0#,,690720# US (Chicago)
Nonfiction Book Group at 2pm via Zoom
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Important News & Upcoming Events |
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Holiday Message from the Board of Trustees |
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In this season of sparse daylight, but increasing hope for things to come, we are grateful for our UCE community. We appreciate the gifts and leadership of our ministers, the kind assistance of our staff, and the warm smiles of our friends. The Board of Trustees wishes you and your family happy holidays and a healthy new year. We look forward to the time when we will be together again. |
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Deck the Halls with Lights and All! |
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Between now and New Year’s, 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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Update from the Anti-Oppression Taskforce |
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UCE’s call to dismantle white supremacy, be inclusive, be antiracists, and be accountable continues and we need your assistance! Representatives from the Board of Trustees, the ministerial team, and REAL are in the midst of interviewing outside consultants to partner with UCE as we form our Anti-Oppression Task Force. Here is the list of the organizations being reviewed:
- Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Ministries at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
- Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism
- Crossroads of Chicago
- Evanston/Northshore YWCA
- Transforming Hearts Collective
Our first conversation was with the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Ministries at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis on November 24, 2020. Our second conversation was with Crossroads of Chicago on December 10, 2020. Please contact Rev. Susan if you would like to review a recording of these conversations and provide input.
Our next conversation will be with Evanston/Northshore YWCA on January 7, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Please contact Rev. Susan at sfrances@ucevanston.org by January 5, 2021 for the zoom link.
Thank you for being engaged with this important work!
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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 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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Denominational Affairs Next Meeting |
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The Denominational Affairs team meeting is coming up on the second Tuesday, Jan 12 at 11 am. Click here to join the Zoom meeting. Join us as we gear up for online leadership school in March and April and online General Assembly in June.
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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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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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Green Team Meets on January 2 - All are Invited! |
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Zoom into the UCE Green Team meeting on Saturday Jan. 2 at 1pm and talk with other UU's about priorities for this new year. How can we nurture our spirits for a world made whole (and green)? Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
Questions, contact Shirley Adams or Renee Hoff. All are welcome. All ages can participate.
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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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This Week in Lifespan Religious Education |
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Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it! We head into the end of 2020 (yay!) with one last week on our theme of Stillness. This week in the Soulful Home packet we focus on the segments At the Bedside and Blessing. Check out this week’s video for a short synopsis.
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 – we will not meet this Sunday but will reconvene on January 3. Look for an email with more details.
In January, we will begin exploring our new theme, Imagination. Look for your Soul Kit after the first of the year!
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UCE Forum - Sunday, January 3rd at 10 am
Facebook II: How We Can Confront Facebook's Worst Problems as We Move Forward
Leaders: Andy Schlickman and Jessica Meis
At our first session, there was a consensus we should continue using Facebook while at the same time taking tangible steps to rein in the worst aspects of the platform. At our Jan. 3 session, we will continue our discussion and consider alternatives to Facebook. How can we improve our use of social media, to continue building our community and address injustices that users face? Some options might include educational programs for UCE members to discuss social media use and impact, communication with UUA about congregational education on effective use of social media, as well as, supporting state and national initiatives to better regulate Facebook and other social media platforms. Join us to discuss ways we can make social media an online world made whole.
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 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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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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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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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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