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, January 24
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The Only Lasting Truth is Change - Rev. Eileen Wiviott
In these tumultuous times, the earth shifting under us, it is natural to seek the steady ground of sameness. Can we embrace change as a constant, even comforting, principle? Can we welcome the emergent opportunities afforded by ongoing change? Can we ‘shape change’ as author, Octavia Butler’s prophetic protagonist, Lauren Olamina, advocates in the novel, Parable of the Sower? We explore this novel and the wisdom of embracing change.
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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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This Sunday's shared offering recipient is Community Renewal Society (CRS). Your offering can be given through Text-to-Give, online, or mailed to the office with "Shared Offering" in the memo line.
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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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Congregational Meeting following the service
Eligible voting members are invited and encouraged to attend. Please locate the separate email with the Zoom link and voting information. All are welcome to view the congregational meeting through the service livestream.
UCE Non-Fiction Book Group at 2 pm via Zoom
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From City of Evanston: COVID-19 Vaccination Update
ll individuals 16 years and older who live OR work in Evanston are encouraged to complete the form to receive regular updates on the vaccine process and when and where the vaccine will be available to them. This is not a vaccine registration form. Visit the City’s COVID-19 Vaccine web page for additional information and frequently asked questions.
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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 Rev. Susan Frances, Director of Congregational Life |
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Dear Friends,
Have you heard of the 8th Principle? It is a proposed new Principle that is a call to action and accountability to dismantle racism and other oppressions.
The following language for an 8th Principle was proposed at the 2017 General Assembly with an invitation for congregations to discuss it, adopt it, and act to live it:
“We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:
Journeying toward spiritual wholeness by working to build a diverse multicultural Beloved Community by our actions that accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and in our institutions.”
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From the Ministerial Search Committee: |
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From now until the congregational meeting and vote on January 24, we encourage you to reflect on your expectations of our senior minister. If the congregation calls Rev. Eileen, what actions do we take to support her ministry and continue, with her guidance, to create the Beloved Community?
To provide opportunities for us to reflect and discuss together how we move forward in our shared ministry, the Search Committee is hosting a virtual Candidating Week from January 13th to January 24th. We encourage all members of the congregation to participate, and encourage you to visit the MSC webpage for information about meeting dates and times, along with Zoom links for all scheduled meetings.
In preparation for these meetings, Rev. Eileen asks that we reflect on the following question: What do we (meaning each of us and all of us together) bring to the shared ministry and mission of UCE moving forward?
Shared ministry is a commitment to fulfill the mission of UCE as a mutually accountable partnership: the idea lives out the affirmation that all people are called to ministry. As members of a faith community, we are invited to serve together in a spirit of mutuality as partners. You can find more information about shared ministry on the MSC webpage.
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Attention Voting UCE Members
Please look in your email inboxes for an email from admin@ucevanston.org with the directions and Zoom information for this Sunday's Congregational Meeting following the service. This would be sent to the same email you have on file in your Realm profile. If you have not received this email, please contact the office by 5pm TODAY (Friday, January 22) to receive the link to join the meeting.
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An Important Message from the BOT:
Instructions for Voting at the Congregational Meeting
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A congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, January 24th, immediately following the service to vote on calling our ministerial candidate, Reverend Eileen Wiviott. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, we will be holding our meeting virtually.
In following UCE’s Bylaws, in order to be able to conduct a vote on this important issue, we must have a quorum of 40% of our congregation’s eligible voting members. This quorum differs from that of our annual meeting, which only requires 20%. You must be a UCE member for at least 90 days to vote. It is important that as many eligible voting members of the congregation as possible be present. Additionally, in accordance with our Bylaws, in order to be called, a minister must receive a positive vote from 80% of the votes cast by eligible voting members of the congregation present at the meeting. Most ministers see at least 90% as a successful call and will not agree to the call with less...
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Looking for chalice lighters for Sunday service! If you would like to light the UCE chalice OR record you and your family lighting a chalice at home to be used in the Sunday service, please send an email to Rev. Eileen at ewiviott@ucevanston.org. We'll find a time to meet in the sanctuary or I'll talk you through recording and submitting your own video.
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Rainbow Alliance Valentine's Day Card Making Night |
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You're invited to virtually join Rainbow Alliance on January 29 at 7 pm to make Valentines Day cards. You provide your own craft supplies and creativity while we craft some cards for some sweeties together over Zoom. Email Jordan (jordan.strueber@gmail.com) or Lizzy (eapowers1019@gmail.com) to be added to the invite list.
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UU Annual Men's Retreat Online |
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The 36th Annual UU Men's Retreat, will take place on Saturday, January 30 at 10 am. This two hour online retreat is an opportunity for men to connect with their self and others. The January event will offer two sessions:
- Rich Pokorny will lead, "Connecting and Coping in COVID Times." We will break into discussion groups.
- Workshop led by Alan Johnson will examine how altars bring community, and personal happiness in many cultures. In this workshop we will ask participants to create a written description of a personal or family altar, consider how it might be used.
Two more events are planned/scheduled 4 weeks apart. For more information on upcoming events contact - MensRetreat@UnityTemple.org or UCE member Doug Erickson.
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Financial Update from the Executive Operations Director |
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Year-end tax statements will be sent by email during the last week of January. We know that some of you have been requesting these statements. Staff Accountant, Vickie Doebele, is still making year-end adjustments and tracking donations that occurred during December, so look for your statement by email later this month.
If you have registered in REALM you can look up your donations. If you are not, please contact Adam Gough to get registered. There are many benefits to signing up. The email statement will reflect your complete giving for calendar year 2020.
Last evening the Integrated Stewardship Council met for its usual 3rd Thursday of the month meeting. ISC members approved the preliminary budget, which will then go to the Board for review and approval on Thursday, January 21. Members of the Budget Working Group are Susan Comstock, Treasurer; Rev. Eileen Wiviott, Rob Wingader, ISC Member-At-Large; Joe Romeo, Board Vice President, and myself, Sandra Robinson.
A Budget Town Hall Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 14 at 12:30 pm after the worship service.
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Worship Planning Playdate – February 13th at 10 am to Noon
YOU are invited!
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Have you wanted to participate in planning worship but didn’t know how to get involved? Do you have ideas for music, visual arts, ritual, story, or videos that could make our services more meaningful and engaging for people of all ages? You are invited to join the ministers and program staff who plan weekly services for a fun workshop on Zoom. We’ll gather ideas and ‘metaphorage’ around service themes and topics. This is a great chance to dip your toe in – an investment of two hours that could scratch the itch or lead you to further involvement with worship planning because it’s just that much fun! Email Rev. Eileen if you’d like to join in or show up on Saturday, February 13th at 10 am.
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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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Hats Off to Michelle Novak! |
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Michelle is a treasure and invaluable resource to our Beloved Community. Michelle serves on the UCE Board of Trustees and has been working closely with staff to update UCE's website. Recently, Michelle researched ways UCE's website can be more accessible for all users, which has become so important as our community has shifted to online services and gatherings. This research and consulting with the accessibility team has created a list of exciting changes for staff to work on, so that our website will be easier to use for all in the future.
Michelle has also been a member of UCE's Immigrant Solidarity Team (IST), serving as the unofficial secretary taking notes at every meeting. She has helped organize their files so that everyone has quick, easy access to all of team documents. She has done a lot of work to support every project IST has undertaken. Michelle is also active on the Chicago Area UU Council and works on Evanston NAACP's website. Thank you, Michelle, for living out UCE"s mission to nurture the human spirit for a world made whole in all that you do!
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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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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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Beware scam e-mails and texts from those posing as UCE ministers |
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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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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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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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REAL Hope and Opportunity: A Path Forward |
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Friends, who could say in January 2021 that racism is “not my issue” as it threatens our very democracy? We invite you to join the REAL Team, because it will take all of us to turn the tide. All are welcome and needed.
On Wednesday, January 27 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, the Racial Equity Action Leadership Team will gather all of our members and all interested new members via Zoom to make plans and decisions about how we will move forward in 2021. What will that look like for activities inside UCE and in the Unitarian Universalist movement? In context of the events of January 6, what does it look like to stand against white supremacy in a nation that is at a crossroads that demands courage and integrity from us? During this meeting:
- We will create a covenant to guide our work and activities.
- We will define our learning goals for this year.
- We will make a decision about when to hold meetings and the frequency of meetings.
- We will discuss our proposed concurrent small group learning streams: Race, Privilege, and Bias; Policing and Mass Incarceration; History; and Faith Based Anti-Racism.
Please REGISTER HERE by January 25th. We hope to have our largest meeting ever as we define our path forward.
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Rainbow Alliance Meets on February 4 - All are invited |
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Earth Day 2021 Planning - Join Green Team Meeting Feb 6 |
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As we gear up for Earth Day 2021, the UCE Green Team is taking time to celebrate our accomplishments and set new goals. You are invited to help plan Earth Day 2021 and provide input on those new goals.
Last April, we were able to pivot and provide a youth led, citywide virtual Earth Day with the Evanston Mayor and many others participating. What will UCE’s Earth Day 2021 look like? Join the Green Team’s next meeting on February 6, 2020, from 1-2 pm. Email Rev. Susan Frances at sfrances@ucevanston.org for the Zoom link.
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Interfaith Action of Evanston's Walk for Warmth on Wheels Success! |
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It was a joyous explosion of enthusiasm and support (pandemic style) for Interfaith Action of Evanston's Walk for Warmth on Wheels yesterday. IAE is SO grateful to everyone who supported, participated, and designed this day. They raised at least $32,000, which shattered their original goal of $30,000. Thank you to the UCE members that participated in this fun and important event to keep the emergency overnight shelters open. |
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What's Happening in Lifespan Religious Education |
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Welcome to our January theme of Imagination! |
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REvisioning Our Multigenerational RE Program Update
We had 19 members participate in last weekend’s gatherings! Thank you to all who came to the conversation on our hopes and dreams for our program as we begin a new ministry with a settled minister and a vision for when we return to in-person gatherings. Looking ahead, we are forming a task force to explore models of faith formation that fit our shared values, inspire us, and meet the needs of our children, youth, families, and whole congregation. This task force will meet virtually 4-6 times over the next 3-6 months. We’d love to have a few more folks – preferably young adults, older youth, and parents of younger children. Email Kathy at kunderwood@ucevanston.org to learn more.
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Pre/K Kids and Families - POP (Parents of Preschoolers) – January’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.
Taking Flight Sex Ed Program for 7th-9th Youth – Sunday at 1:30 pm. Youth must be registered to attend. Look for the email that went out with the link.
High School Youth – Sunday at 4 pm. We'll take a leisurely walk around the Landfill/Lakefill path. Look for details in the email, and RSVP to Mike Takada at mdtakada@gmail.com.
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UCE Forum - Sunday, February 7th at 10 am
This Land is Your Land: But is it really?
Leaders: Jim Kepler
- Can anyone actually possess land? If so, how far down and how far up? We’ll talk about how and when our culture’s principles of land ownership evolved, how they differ from other people’s concepts, and to
what extent land stewardship and ownership/control may be at odds.
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Upcoming Adult RE Programs |
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PROCESS RELATIONAL THEOLOGY: A Vision For Environmental And Social Justice - (Part of the “Visions of God” Series)
Tuesday, January 26. at 7-8:30 pm
Facilitated by Rev. Eileen Wiviott and Bob Mesle.
The process relational worldview, values, and modes of thought offer a broad worldview which creatively links these UU principles and give them greater depth. Since this is part of a larger series on VISIONS OF GOD, we will give some attention, but not all of our attention, to this radically different concept of God. Process relational thinking is a valuable resource helping us address issues of environmental and social justice, and links with feminist, womanist, and queer theologies.
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Towards an Understanding of BELOVED by Toni Morrison - (Get a jump on this read now so you can join us next month! Tuesdays, February 2; March 2. 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. Facilitated by Barbara Mesle.
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The nonfiction book group will meet via Zoom on Sunday, January 24 at 2 pm to discuss The End of Policing by Alex Vitale. Vitale says that the problem with policing is not police training , police diversity, or police methods. It is policing itself. In chapters on the school-to-prison pipeline, mental illness, gangs, sex work, drugs, border work, and homelessness, Vitale sets out the policing problem in depth, explores the success of reforms, and then offers ideas for alternatives.
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Lila, homeless and alone after years of roaming the countryside, steps inside a small-town Iowa church — the only available shelter from the rain — and ignites a romance and a debate that will reshape her life.
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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 class is on Sunday, March 21 at 2-3:30 pm. Click here to register. Our next Journey Toward Membership class will be offered in two parts on Tuesday, April 6 and Wednesday, April 7 at 7-8:30 pm. Click here to register.
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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 January 25)
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
For more information, click here.
Women's Spiritual Group
Every other Wednesday (next meeting is January 27)
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
Virtual Art and Spirituality
Every other Saturday at 2:30 pm (next meeting is January 30)
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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The Board of Trustees meets the third Thursday of every month.
The next virtual meeting is on February 18 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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