A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
The UCE building will be closed until further notice.
We will continue to offer ways to connect virtually.
The UUA General Assembly virtual service will be held at
9 am CST or Noon CST this Sunday
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. Note: UCE Coffee and Conversation will be at 11:15 am this Sunday (see link below). 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. 

You can still give to this Sunday's shared offering recipient, the 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 at 11:15 am
To join the virtual coffee hour by phone dial +13126266799,,770904305#  
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.
Letter from UCE Ministers to the Congregation
It is with a mix of regret and appreciation that we share the news that Rev. Karen Mooney will be leaving the position of Congregational Life Director at the end of July to continue her work as the (Sabbatical) Executive Director for UUANI until the end of the year. 
 
This change was not anticipated when Karen was hired but the life events that brought Karen into that Sabbatical Ministry have worsened requiring her leadership for a longer period of time. Karen has been holding two half-time positions within our Unitarian Universalist faith since March – as the Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI) and as Congregational Life Director of UCE. The leadership at UCE has worked to ensure a smooth transition...
UCE in Phase 4
Your staff and leadership are hard at work developing guidelines for safe and responsible use of the UCE building and grounds as Illinois moves into Phase 4. We will continue to meet virtually for worship on Sunday mornings and on Wednesday evenings, at least until we enter Phase 5. Virtual gatherings remain the safest option for all gatherings beyond those you live with, and we are thoughtfully considering ways of gathering in small groups with specific guidelines. These guidelines will be issued soon. In the meantime, please consider completing this survey about your needs, comfort, and concerns related to current virtual and possible future in-person gatherings.
UUA GA is online this week!
There are some pieces of General Assembly that are free and available to everyone. They are listed here .

Read about the schedule of events here . 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 about the virtual service this Sunday.
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.
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 after 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. 
Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches Pride 2020
During this month of Pride, the 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.
It's Time to Choose Shared Plate Recipients
As you know, half the money collected weekly in our now virtual "collection plate" goes to support an organization that helps UCE meet its social justice mission. These funds often are enough to make a significant difference for the organization. The Social Justice Council (SJC) will again be choosing recipients for that collection. We will choose one recipient per month, plus one for the "fifth Sundays." As in the past, we will select from nominations made by congregants and staff. Nominations must be received by July 31 . 

This year, in light of the reality of our present crises, in order to be eligible for Shared Plate an organization must “address systemic racism and/or the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people of color and the poor.” As in the past two years, nominations must include evidence that the organization meets at least some of the criteria that the SJC will consider in deciding among nominated organizations.  Click here for a description of the criteria and the process. Nomination forms will be available starting July 1. Please start thinking about where this money should go!  
US Census Bureau is Still Hiring
The U.S. Census Bureau is still hiring temporary positions for the 2020 Census.  We are still looking for a lot of people in the Evanston area. Census counts have a huge impact on our community. The population count influences representation in congress and funding for hundreds of programs.
 
All 2020 Census jobs are temporary. The largest number of positions available are for census takers. Census Takers set their own hours, work in their neighborhoods and earn $26.50 - 29.50/hour in Cook County. Training is paid and held locally. Transportation costs are reimbursed as per Census policy.

If you’re interested, please visit the link below for more information and to apply online. You’ll also be able to see descriptions and frequently asked questions. Although our Skokie office is temporarily closed, phone interviews will resume once the quarantine is lifted.
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).
  3. If you'd like to donate financially, you can send a check directly to UCE with "south side" in the memo line. Cash donations can be dropped off in an envelope to Becky Crawford's house.

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.

Support 
  • From Dear Evanston: Black Lives Matter: Beyond the Yard Sign. So, you've asked, 'What can I DO?' Click here to read.
  • All-of-us must support black-owned businesses. Here’s how: Check out these apps: SBO (Support Black Owned), Black Nation, EatOkra (a black owned restaurant directory), WeBuyBlack (the largest black owned marketplace), The Official Black Wall Street, and I Am Black Business.
  • Project Hope: Their COVID-19 response has been underway since January, and we have already delivered millions of masks and other protective equipment to health workers all while continuing to deliver aid and training in the aftermath of deadly natural disasters in Puerto Rico and the Bahamas. Click here to give.

Learn
  • In August of 1619, a ship appeared on the North American horizon, near Point Comfort, a coastal port in the English colony of Virginia. It carried more than 20 enslaved Africans, who were sold to the colonists. No aspect of the country that would be formed here has been untouched by the years of slavery that followed. On the 400th anniversary of this fateful moment, it is finally time to tell our story truthfully. Read more history from the New York Times 1619 project
  • The Combahee River Collective Statement: We are a collective of Black feminists who have been meeting together since 1974. [1] During that time we have been involved in the process of defining and clarifying our politics, while at the same time doing political work within our own group and in coalition with other progressive organizations and movements. Click here to read more.

Take Action
  • Join Campaign Zero to end police violence in america. Click here to find out more.
  • This is indefensible. No American should have to choose between voting and staying healthy. Join Michelle Obama in advocating vote-by-mail. Click here to sign on.
  • 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 who 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 collect toothpaste and toothbrushes for the July 14 Produce mobile. Here is an Amazon Wish List. If it is easier Toni Rey offers to collect them at her home as well.

Social action continues! Check out the UCE Homepage for more ways you can support our communities. 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 item s on the bucket list as you can. We will honor all participants at a virtual Church Dinner later this summer. You’re encouraged to share your journey on social media using the hashtag  #UCEBucketList  too! 
 
High school youth will take a hiatus until August, when we hope to meet for a picnic at a park. Look for details later this summer. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to any of the advisors or Kathy Underwood if you want to chat.
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.

The Science of Well-Being - continues on Tuesday evenings for those enrolled.
Parent and Family Resources
Feel free to add new resources that you find!

Family Fun and Resources for Summer's Theme, Compassion
Click here for ways to connect as a family to our faith!
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!
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 for August or September. If you would like to take part in an upcoming 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.

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.

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 & July 11 - Please note we will not meet on 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 and Staff
Please do not respond to the e-mail or text scam that is going out with Rev. Eileen's or Sandra's names. UCE ministers and Staff 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 or Sandra'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. 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