Posts from January 2026

Apartment Kit Drive

We are embarking on our Third Apartment Kit Collection this Sunday. Copies of the list of requested items will be available in the Volunteer Office across from the Childcare room on the first floor.  Consider using the list to generate interest among members of family, close friends, covenant group, men’s group or even teams and committees.  Shopping and coordinating is more fun when you’re doing it together! Note:  Please stick with precisely what’s on the list to make it easier…

2026 Spring Directory

The 2026 Spring Directory will be available for pickup in the volunteer office beginning this Sunday, 1/25/26. If you would like a digital copy, please email Sarah Stultz at administrator@uuce.org.

POSTCARDS TO SWING STATES

The Social Justice Team has ordered 500 blank postcards ready to be written by our volunteers for mailing on Wednesday, February 18th. WE HAVE THE POSTCARDS NOW. We need 20 volunteers to write 25 postcards each. If you can volunteer to write 25 postcards in time to mail them on 2/18/26, PICK UP YOURS at Church this Sunday 1/25/26 after the service. Any remaining postcards will be available on Sundays 2/1, 2/8, and 2/15. You will receive: · A list…

This Week in Youth and Little’s Religious Education

Dear Friends, The cold weather seems to have a way of inviting us, or sometimes forcing us, to slow down, whether we want to or not. Maybe, like me, you’re working from home today. Maybe your house is full of children because school was canceled and everyone is e-learning (oh boy!). Or maybe you’re at work, without the option to stay home at all. Wherever you find yourself, this arctic blast is making itself known. Wintertime reminds us that growth…

This Week in Religious Education

Dear Friends, I’m feeling weighed down by the unsettling events unfolding in our world. I’m feeling a bit helpless. Maybe you are, too. I tend to be optimistic– and while I remain so, I’m having to make space for and feel the ickiness of it all. This has stirred up a bunch of emotions for me, and I’m guessing for some of you, too, and maybe for our Youth, and Littles, and there’s no one ‘right’ way to make sense…

This Week in Religious Education

Dear Friends, With the start of the new year, I’ve spent some time reading and reflecting on my first few months as Director of Religious Education, and one truth keeps rising to the surface: love belongs at the very center of all that we do in Religious Education at UUCE. Love guides how we teach, how we learn, listen, and grow, and how we build community across generations. With that spirit in mind, I’m excited to continue growing our RE…

Children’s Library Donations

The children’s library is looking for your donation of books that are appropriate for babies to 6th grade. Please place your books in the box that is next to the fair trade display. We are currently accepting donations until Sunday, January 25th. If you have any questions please contact Kira at kirafry25@gmail.com.

2026 MLK Food Drive: Jan 18

UUCE will once again participate in Elgin’s 2026 City-Wide Food Drive in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Please bring donations to UUCE on or before Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026; items will be transported to Food for Greater Elgin after Sunday Service on Jan. 18. Thank you for your generosity in honor of Dr. King’s legacy! Items in need: CANNED GOODSTuna, Mackerel, SalmonVienna Sausage, SpamBeef Stew, Ravioli, Spaghetti & MeatballsMixed Vegetables, Tomatoes, CarrotsCorn, Peas, Beans (Pinto, Kidney, Northern,…

This Week in Youth & Littles RE

Dear Friends, As we come together for the first time in 2026 for our Fire Communion service, I’m really grateful for the way our UUCE community makes space for all of it—the joys and laughter from the past year, along with the challenges, changes, and tender moments, too. This ritual gives us a chance to take a breath, let go of what we no longer need to carry, and open ourselves to the hope and possibilities ahead. I’m especially happy…

January & February Share the Plate Recipient: Elgin Area Immigrant Alliance

The STP will collect money for the Immigrant Mutual Aid Fund. This fund is designated for families affected by deportation. Families are referred to Centro de Informacion by the Elgin Area Rapid Response Team trained volunteers. 100% of all the donations to this fund support families reached by this partnership to help with expenses such as rental assistance, child care assistance, covering transportation or legal consultation expenses.