A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
The UCE building will be closed until further notice.
We will continue to offer ways to connect virtually.
A virtual service will be held at 11:15 am this Sunday
“Good Enough Father” led by Rev Karen Gustafson. Like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day has a mixed history that has morphed into a more or less contrived cultural and commercial phenomenon. At best, perhaps, it offers a moment to pause amidst the chaos and ambiguity of this time of history in the making, to reflect with compassion on the relationships  of fathering and being fathered, over against its own cultural mythology. The fragile, imperfect, well intended people who enter into these relationships, on purpose and by accident, for better and for worse are inevitably shaped in the process. On this Father’s Day join with me in time of reflection on how to claim the blessings, small and great, of our paternal legacies. 

We encourage you to submit your joys and sorrows ahead of time to this online form . We will read aloud in the service, those that are submitted by 11 a.m. on Sunday. If you are unable to access the google form for some reason, you may send an email to Rev. Eileen Wiviott , 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. 

This Sunday's shared offering recipient is Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights ( Click here to learn more ). Your offering can be given through Text-to-Give, online , or mailed to the office with "Shared Offering" in the memo line.
Other Virtual Gatherings this Sunday
Chris Isely Cancer Support Group at 9:30 am via Zoom
Email Renee Hoff at  rdhoff99@yahoo.com  for details.
Virtual Coffee Hour after the service
To join the virtual coffee hour by phone dial +13126266799,,770904305#

High School Youth Gathering at 7 pm via Zoom
Look for an email from the advisors with info on how to join. 
Important News and Upcoming Events
All Church Zoom gatherings continue on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.
Look for the link in our Wednesday e-mails. If you need online Zoom support before the All Church gathering begins, join us at 5:20 pm.
On June 28 - General Assembly Worship Service 9 am or Noon
In place of a UCE worship service at 11:15 am on Sunday, June 28, UCE will take the unprecedented opportunity to virtually join in the largest annual gathering of UUs for worship. All are invited to attend the UUA General Assembly virtual worship service at either 9 am CST or Noon CST. The service will include a collection for the  Tomaquag Museum , an indigenous museum featuring an extensive collection and archive of Southern New England tribal communities. Members of the public are welcome. A link will be available in the newsletter and on the UCE website next week.
From Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director
Our Capital Campaign Improvements are moving forward. This has been an exciting week at UCE with so much being done to improve our facility while we are closed. At this moment the drain sewers are being replaced. Drilling and removal started on Monday with work continuing through the week. Photos have been assembled into a slide show so you can follow along on this significant work, including a shot of the 6 ft hole where sand has eroded over many years.  At the end of this operations update, there are slideshows of UCE's in-progress construction.
 
Window sills in the lobby and wing were replaced last week. This week our new lobby floor is being installed as well. The floors of the wing hallway, room 2 and 3 will be replaced...
UCE Fundraising in the wake of COVID-19
If you have been cleaning out your closets and organizing your space during this time of shelter-in-place, please hold onto your best items. Our newly formed Fundraising Steering Committee are exploring ideas on how to make Rummage Sale and Serendipity Auction happen. 
As you know, our budget is affected by the fact that we are unable to hold fundraisers in our building. So we have been researching ways we can offset these deficits. Other UU churches are doing it and so can we. Stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, hold your goods!
We will be looking for items like furniture, boutique clothing, accessories, shoes/boots, treasures, jewelry, art, books, bikes, children's toys and other items in good shape. More information will follow.
Message from the Board of Trustees
The annual General Assembly (GA) of Unitarian Universalists from all across the United States takes place this month virtually from the 24th through the 28th. So far, twenty-one people from UCE will attend this year, which may set a record for an all-time high. That number includes Rev. Eileen and Rev. Karen Mooney, Kathy Underwood, and eighteen members. See the article below from Denominational Affairs about registration and scholarships. You too can attend!

Based on the size of our congregation, we are allowed nine voting delegates to represent us in the business meetings at GA. Our Board-appointed delegates this year are Shirley Adams, Lee Bannor, Peggy Boccard, Andy Fisher, Martha Holman, Joe Romeo, Donna Schiller, Steve Serikaku, and Jessica Tomell-Presto...
From the Ministerial Search Committee
Over this past year, the Ministerial Search Committee took a step back from the search process in order to present a candidate for settled minister to the congregation in the spring of 2021. By doing so, our goal was to allow space for the congregation to engage in the interim tasks, which are critical to preparing for a new settled ministry. In 2019–2020, we focused on supporting the interim work by having someone from the Search Committee attend every activity planned by Rev. Karen G. We will be using the information obtained from these workshops and discussions to inform our discernment process during this coming church year...
Hats Off to UCE Young Adults!
Our hats are off to UCE's many young adults, and in particular, Lane Deamant, Ari Badr, Lizzy Powers, Natalie Lawson, Maxine Lapin, and Forrest Marie Peters Linsell. Your gifts and contributions are seen appreciated. Last week, Lane, Ari, and Lizzy contributed to the powerful pride worship service with words, music, and passion along with Rainbow Alliance elders, Chris Allender, Christine Peters, Judy Polifka, and Jordan Strueber. Last month, Forrest Marie, Natalie, and Lane, took part in the Chicago Area UU Council panel and workshop on lifelong Unitarian Universalists. They spoke to the spiritual needs and vital gifts of young adults in our faith. And Maxine and Natalie have been youth group leaders for the last several years and have provided integral connection and care.

Each of you brings your unique spirit, creativity, insight and love to the life of UCE and Unitarian Universalism more broadly. Your faith community is grateful for you
Your financial support is so appreciated!
Please help us ensure your contribution is credited appropriately by indicating on the memo line of your check if it is for 19/20 Pledge, 20/21 Pledge, Shared Offering or a Donation. 
If you are texting to give, please s end a text message to  312-584-9160  with the amount you would like to contribute and  the one word code  for where you would like it to go (e.g., 50 OFFERING ). Valid codes are OFFERING (Shared Offering),   PLEDGE  (Pledge Payment),  CAP  (Capital Campaign), or MUSIC (music fund). If you do not include a code before your donation amount, the system will automatically select PLEDGE. To learn more,  click here . If you experience any issues, 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. 
John LaPlante Virtual Memorial Service
A Virtual Memorial Service for John LaPlante will be held on Saturday, June 20th at 2 pm . The service will be YouTube Livestreamed as our Sunday services are, and we will have a Zoom reception following. Use the buttons below to attend these virtual events..
UUA GA is online next week!
There are some pieces of General Assembly that are free and available to everyone. They are listed here . But actually, if you have never been to GA and you are a member or a UCE youth, the whole experience can be essentially 'free' because you can apply for a scholarship to cover the $150 fee.

Read about the schedule of events and register here . If you wish to apply for a scholarship from Endowment, please do it by Monday June 22 using the form on the Lifelong Learning web page .

This year, all UCE members will get the chance to experience the Sunday worship service offered by General Assembly. This service is always a beautiful, moving, and memorable hour. Look above for more info from the staff about this service on Sunday morning, June 28.
Grief and Loss Support
What can you do to ease the pain of the losses you feel? Shakespeare wrote: “Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break.” The “over wrought heart” – the heart that feels too much pain to bear, breaks. So Shakespeare would recommend that we talk about our sorrow, talk about our loss. When we let ourselves really feel how much the loss hurts and talk about that loss and pain to other people, it can ease our hearts. You are welcome to join Ellen Rieger LCPC CADC and Rev. Karen Mooney for the last session on Tuesday June 23 @ 5:30 - 7 pm.

Meeting ID: 858 8718 3997
Password: 262644
One tap mobile  +13126266799,,85887183997# US (Chicago) 
Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches Pride 2020
During this month of Pride, Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches (CCWC) invites you to join in celebration and fellowship. While physically distant, we're excited to share this opportunity to connect as a community of religious families and share in Love's warm welcome for all, especially our LGBTQ+ siblings!  Save the date for a Virtual Pride Celebration Saturday June 27 10:00 AM.  

We stand together as a community in this difficult time. 
Endowment Application Deadline June 30, 2020
The application deadline for projects to be completed in FT20-21 is June 30 . The recently revised application is in a new location on the website, under Ways to Give/Donate/Endowment. Use the buttons below to reach the downloadable application or to read the list of past projects that received funding last year.

If you have any questions about the grant application process, please do not hesitate to contact Jane Kenamore, Tel. 847-275-0335, email: jkenamore@ameritech.net.
Ann Peterson's Virtual Memorial Service
Ann Peterson's virtual memorial service will take place on Saturday, July 25 at 11 am. More details will be provided soon.
Social Justice & Volunteer Opportunities
REAL Team Food and Supplies Drive - OUR HELP IS NEEDED NOW!
The REAL Team has been asked to coordinate some much-needed supplies for some of our community partners who have been most impacted by the pandemic followed by civil unrest.  Here is an Amazon list which includes the items that were asked for and are especially needed. Please check the list and donate as much as you feel comfortable. We need multiples of many items. Since the church parking lot will not be accessible as of June 15, there are several ways you can get your donations to us. 

  1. Using the link above, you can order from Amazon and have your supplies delivered directly to Becky Crawford (when you check out, the delivery address should say, “Becky Crawford’s Gift Registry”) (sorry it’s weird; could not rename that). We have volunteers lined up to drive donations to the needed locations. 
  2. You can purchase from Amazon or elsewhere, and deliver to the Crawford-Cloonan household directly in South Evanston (private message Becky on Facebook or text 224-304-4735 for address).

Thank you for your support! 
We plan to continue this drive throughout the summer, so check back often!
Take action today!
There are so many ways you can participate in social action, from showing up, signing on, donating, or committing yourself to learn more.

  • Poor People's Campaign: The Poor People’s Assembly & March on Washington: A Mass Digital Gathering is going digital! Click here to join. We will gather from all 50 U.S. states and territories, and from across the world. Visit June2020.org to tune in. And you can sign up now to indicate that you will attend. And, why not invite others to do the same?
  • The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is therefore sending this letter to our nation’s lawmakers to end systemic racism and implement a reconstruction agenda for our country. Click here to join.
  • From UltraViolet Action: Continue speaking up for Breonna Taylor. Breonna Taylor was an EMT in Louisville, Ky., who was shot by police officers in her own home while they were looking to arrest someone else who did not live with Breonna and was already in custody. Please donate to our fund to go on an all-out offensive on behalf of Breonna. The fund will help support local organizers on the ground and pay for a mobile billboard, a double-page centerfold ad in the Louisville Courier-Journal, and an airplane bearing the message, "Breonna was essential."
  • NPR: Learn more about policing Interesting point is the history of policing itself. Did you know that the start of the “police” was to find slaves who were trying to escape. Slave patrols. Here’s another resource looking at the history of policing: a podcast by NPR.
  • Peggy MacIntosh: Interested in exploring white privilege? "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" by Peggy McIntosh can be found here.
  • Immigrant Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR): Ensure that people are taking part in the census. Click here to find more information about the census from ICIRR.
  • Love Resists: Click here to send a letter to urge your U.S. Members of Congress to pressure the BOP (Board of Prisons) to follow its own policies and adopt better ones. People with risk factors should be released, and new admissions to federal prisons should be significantly reduced. Those with less than one year remaining on their sentences should be released. And conditions should be safe and humane for those still left behind in prison.
  • AOC Checklist: Despite providing a vital service (including ballot delivery), the U.S. Postal Service could be forced to shut down within months, yet the White House has threatened to veto any stimulus package that includes Postal Service funding. While we wait for Congress to act, you can take steps to support the USPS. 
  • The United States Postal Service employs over 500,000 people and is the #1 employer of veterans. Donald Trump has rejected a bill that would save it from running out of money in September. Show those that wish to dismantle and privatize the USPS that we are against letting one of our prize institutions fail. Click here to sign on.
  • Interfaith Action has distributed nearly 1,500 bars of soap to households of more than 2,000 people. We'd like to try toothpaste and toothbrushes for the July 14 Produce mobile. Here is an Amazon Wish List.

Social action continues! Check out the UCE Homepage for more ways you can support the Black Lives Matter movement. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rev. Karen Mooney at  kmooney@ucevanston.org . Thank you all for continuing to live UCE's mission!
What's Happening in Lifespan Religious Education
This Summer in Religious Education
Summertime is traditionally more laid-back in congregational life, as well as in other aspects of life. Enjoying the outdoors and nature becomes a necessity with the warmer weather. With this in mind, individuals and families are invited to our  Summer Bucket List Challenge!  Check it out here.

The family who completes the most items will win a chalice for the family and their picture in the newsletter! The contest ends on August 16, which gives you 10 weeks to do as many as you can. We will honor all participants at a virtual Dinner Church later this summer. You’re encouraged to share your journey on social media using the hashtag  #UCEBucketList  too! 
 
High school youth can connect Sunday evening at 7 pm on Zoom. Look for an email from the advisors later in the week with info on how to join. 
Rev. Eileen and I would love to see your beacon of light in our worship services! We’re looking for families to light the chalice for virtual worship. How will this work, you ask? She will arrange to meet you at UCE, and video-record your family lighting the chalice and/or saying our covenant together. Social distancing protocols will be maintained too. If you’d like to participate, email Kathy at kunderwood@ucevanston.org or Eileen at ewiviott@ucevanston.org.
Restorative Justice and You: A Place to Begin
Join this virtual webinar
Monday, June 29 at 5:30-6:30 pm . Brought to you by UCE’s REAL Team, Lifespan Learning Council, and
Prison Ministry Team.

Restorative Justice is an approach to justice that emphasizes repairing the harm done when an injustice occurs. Find out more about what restorative justice is and how it is being used in Evanston. This intergenerational webinar will be led by Meagan Novara, District 65 Restorative Practices educator and trained restorative justice facilitator working with non violent juvenile offenders at the Evanston Police Department. The presentation will be followed by breakout groups in which participants experience a sharing circle, some led by UCE youth. We will reflect on how a restorative mindset can be a place to begin to think about some of the issues facing our communities today: how to be anti-racist allies, alternatives to traditional policing, and prison abolition. Click the button below to register.
Life Planning Series Continues via Zoom in July
Save the dates Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, 29 ! All seminars will be held from 7-8:30 pm.  

July 8—Mental Health: Presented by Judy LeFevour
This seminar will discuss the human costs of the Pandemic. These costs can be far reaching and there are coping skills and resources to share that can help build resilience and manage these struggles. Let's help each other through this!
Parent and Family Resources
Feel free to add new ones that you find!

Family Fun and Resources for June's Theme, Compassion
Click here for ways to connect as a family to our faith!
Virtual Chalice Sparx Family Camp
Chalice Sparx Family Camp & Retreat for Unitarian Universalist Families will be held virtually July 10 to July 13. "Camp" in your backyard in a room in your house. Activities include multigenerational worship, workshops for all ages, Minecraft for kids, covenant groups, a scavenger hunt, a dance party, and more fun. Learn more about the virtual camp here.
Welcome to Our Community
Interested in knowing more about UCE? Scroll down for info on ongoing programs and useful information. Can't find your answers here? Click the button below to learn more on our website.
How to get in touch with UCE's Ministers
UCE ministers are available throughout the week by appointment. If you are in need of pastoral care or someone to talk to, please reach out to them by email.
We are here for you.
Rev. Eileen Wiviott - ewiviott@ucevanston.org
Rev. Karen Gustafson - kgustafson@ucevanston.org
Rev. Karen Mooney - kmooney@ucevanston.org
Pathways to Membership
Our next set of membership classes will be coming soon. If you would like to take part in a future class, p lease email Adam Gough at   agough@ucevanston.org. We're excited to welcome our new members that have recently joined! Click here for more information about membership classes .
Offer to Provide Technical Support
Physical separation is leading many of us to find new ways of forming and maintaining virtual connections through the internet. The UCE staff and Board of Trustees wants to make sure that no one is isolated because they lack access to technology or technical skills.

So if you would like assistance please reach out to: 

We will be happy to work with you to make sure that you get the most out of your membership experience using the latest tools.
Opportunities For Virtual Connection
Learn Spanish Group
Mondays at 7 pm
For more information, click here.

UCE Men's Group
1st & 3rd Mondays at 7 pm via conference call.
For more information, click here.

Caregiver Support Group
Tuesdays at 7 pm via Zoom.
E-mail Renee Hoff at  rdhoff99@yahoo.com  or Joyce Lofstrom at  joycelofstrom@gmail.com  for details.

Grief and Loss Support
Tuesdays @ 5:30 - 7 pm via Zoom: 5/12, 5/26, 6/9, 6/23.
See more information above.

Udumbara Zen Sangha
Tuesday Evenings and Saturday Mornings
For more information email udumbara@udumbarazen.org .

Wednesdays at 9:30 am   (Virtual 8x8 Meeting)
For more information, click here.

Buddhist Meditation 
E-mail Andrea DeMers at ademers99@gmail.com for the link.

UCE Addictions and Recovery
Form more information about the group, click here.

Virtual Art and Spirituality
Every other Saturday at 2:30 pm (next meeting is June 27 - Please note we will not meet on June 20 or July 4 due to other events)
For more information, click here.

Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
Sundays at 9:30 am via Zoom
E-mail Renee Hoff at  rdhoff99@yahoo.com  for details.

Staff are available to help with setting up virtual meetings and getting the word out to the congregation. For more information on how to set up a digital meeting, click the button below. Email Jessica Meis at admin@ucevanston.org to add your event to UCE's calendar and to submit an article about your virtual meeting to the newsletter.
Beware scam e-mails and texts from those posing as UCE ministers
Please do not respond to the e-mail or text scam that is going out with Rev. Eileen's name. The subject line may say MANY BLESSINGS or some other greeting and they ask for a favor or gift cards. If you respond to the message they will ask you to buy gift cards for someone in need. UCE ministers will never ask you for money in an e-mail or for you to send gift cards to anyone. Check the e-mail address and phone number it is coming from. If it is not Eileen's or another minister's, it is a scam. Most of you have gotten wise to these scams. They will keep coming nonetheless. Thank you to those who let us know they received this scam.

This is someone who is using Eileen's name with a generated email address and phone number. They haven't hacked her personal accounts. The e-mail addresses she will send from will be either  ewiviott@hotmail.com  or  ewiviott@ucevanston.org . If you are unsure about the number texting you, please call the office.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees meets the third Thursday of every month.
The next virtual meeting is on July 16 at 7:00 pm.

Questions for the board? Email BOT@ucevanston.org.
UCE Facebook Groups
Did you know that, in addition to the  UCE Facebook Page , there are three UCE groups that members can join - the  UCE Member to Member Group , the  UCE Children and Youth Religious Education Group, and the  UCE Social Action Group ?  

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.
Quick Links