A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Join us for worship and religious education at 9:15 and 11:00am on Sunday Morning!
October 27, 2017
Sunday, October 29
Worship Service  -  9:15 and 11:00am
"When the Veil is Thinnest: A service honoring All Souls "
This traditional Mexican festival helps loved ones honor their ancestors and discover courage in the face of death. Celebrated October 31st through November 2nd, it is said to be a time when the veil between this world and the world of those departed is thinnest. This liminal space enables us to connect with the souls of those we've lost, and to celebrate their lives with joy. Ofrendas or altars displaying pictures or talismans of those who have died with colorful decorations and marigolds are an integral part of the tradition. You are invited to bring a photo or sacred object of your loved one to display on the ofrendas. After each service there will be a potluck meal. Please bring a favorite dish of your beloved to contribute to the celebration. This service will be led by Rev. Eileen Wiviott with support from the Retired Women's Group, Taryn Seawright, and Dr. Mary Shelden.

Religious Education
This Sunday  our preschool, kindergarten-first-second grade, and third-fourth-fifth grade classes will meet from 9:15-10:30 and 11:00-12:15 Start in the sanctuary for the first part of the worship service before going to classes. The sixth-seventh-eighth grade and senior high youth group meet from 11:00-12:15. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.


Celebrate Dia de los Muertos - 
Ofrendas and Potluck
10:15 and 12:00pm
Please bring a photo or a sacred object to honor a loved one who has died. Place it on the ofrendas or altar with their name and a few words about them on an index card. We will have tables set up in the sanctuary with Dia de los Muertos decorations. Please put your name on the item as well so you can easily retrieve it after the service.  There will be a potluck meal after each service. Please bring the favorite food of your loved one to add to the celebration.

Connecting UU: a path to belonging at UCE 
10:15am in Room 12
These sessions are open to all, no matter where you are on the journey. Click here for more information on Connecting UU.
 
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Hurricanes - Our Disastrous Response"
Hurricanes are a fact of life. Now, with global warming, they are getting worse. But, what are we doing about them? Mike Pence is praying. Donald Trump is throwing paper towels and pulling us out of the climate agreement. The EPA is rescinding power plant rules. Better construction is not encouraged or subsidized before the fact. Beachfront property still gets disaster relief. FEMA lets supplies sit unused at San Juan ports. Puerto Rican deaths are rising due to poor response. Where's the real disaster? Are we our own worst enemies? Discussion led by Dick Whitaker.

Click here for information about upcoming crackerbarrel topics.
 
Join us to stand in support of Black Lives Matter
12:10pm-12:30pm
You are invited to stand on Ridge Avenue between 12:10pm and 12:30pm to support the Black Lives Matter movement.  Signs and buttons are available for purchase at the back of the sanctuary. Signs and song lyrics will be provided for use.  Sponsored by the REAL team.

The Chris Isely Cancer Support Group -  9:30am
The group is open to anyone facing cancer, either personally or through a family member or friend. This lay-led group is a safe place for sharing and hope. Interested participants are encouraged to drop in any time. Questions? Contact Renee Hoff
Jeanne Kerl
Chat With the Board

The UCE board wants to make it convenient for members and friends of the Church to ask them questions or simply introduce themselves. With this in mind, we are starting a once-a-month event called "Chat with the Board".  One Sunday a month you'll see two board members sitting at one of the tables in the Social Justice corner (in the back of the sanctuary). We'll be there after each service. Please stop by and introduce yourself if you don't know us or feel free to ask a question. We may not have all the answers, but we can help you find the answer. Are you not sure what the board does? Just stop by and we'll share a quick description of what we do. Please join us.
Sandra Robinson

Our City of Evanston Building Permit, the last of three City reviews, is complete. On Wednesday I picked up the Building Permit and related documents after their questions to Architect Mark Miller and Construction Engineer Eric Barton were answered and drawing edits completed. Eric took the required test for contractors and has necessary approvals to go forward.
 
The construction engineer met with the roofer, excavator, electrician and plumber on details needed to finalize paperwork, pricing and certificate of insurance.  Eric is awaiting clarification on an electrical detail of DME access, the lift provider. Click here to read more. 
Evanston Faith and community leaders have proposed a resolution to build solidarity and unity in response to the Trump administration's actions and intent to increase deportations, end DACA, ban immigrants from certain countries, and put many families at risk. Our congregation is being asked, along with every faith community, to sign onto this resolution and commit to actions that promote welcome, inclusion and safety for those at risk. The congregational vote on this resolution will be Sunday, December 17, at 10am (voting members will receive an electronic notification of that meeting separately). Two question and answer sessions will be held on November 5 at 12:30 and November 15 at 7pm. Please join us. If you are unable to make it to one of those sessions and would like to speak to one of the ministers about the resolution, please contact us via email to set up a time to meet.
The Serendipity Auction has been around for at least 40 years and this year it's getting a few exciting upgrades.  We are thrilled to announce that for the first time Curt's Cafe is catering the event. Come and enjoy delicious food with a purpose. There will be gluten-free and vegetarian options available, and a vegan option upon request.  We also have a brand new auctioneer who performs magic. It will be fun for all of you to meet him and enjoy some new tricks. We are sure you won't be disappointed. Click here to read more.
Join the Evanston Interfaith Clergy and Leaders group, along with our allies and friends! 
  • Diverse, Inspiring Speakers
  • Opportunities to Take Action
  • Live Music
  • Learn about Sanctuary! 
At the White Supremacy Teach-in II a couple of weeks ago, we asked congregants to slip any questions they have about race issues into the Q and A box that is on the table at the back of the sanctuary.  Here are the questions we received that day, and the REAL team's initial answers. Click here to read more.
UCE will host the Emergency Overnight Shelter again this year. Interfaith Action of Evanston provides some staff to manage the shelters, which rotate among six different faith communities but we need you to help volunteer, especially when UCE hosts during the weeks of February 25, March 4, and March 18. What we need to focus on now is the brief but necessary training. Three opportunities for this hour-long training will be offered at 7pm on 11/7, 11/8, 11/9. You only need to attend one of these evenings if you haven't been trained before. Thank you for your much needed help keeping people off the streets on the coldest winter nights. Click here for information about volunteer roles and training location.
You are cordially invited this year to join your UCE community for our annual Thanksgiving Day celebration!
 
This year we will again share our table with recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Base.    Come for breakfast at 9 or come for dinner at 3, come to share our wonderful UCE fellowship with some sailors far from home.
 
Opportunities for participation include contributing food, helping to prepare our meal, and hosting our guests.  You may sign up electronically by visiting our signup page  at "volunteer opportunities, " or sign up to host/bring food here, sign up to attend   here ,
UCE Military Bridge Builders
invites you to participate in Winter Chicago Standdown standdown
Held at the Northwest National Guard Armory on Thursday-Friday November 16-17, Standdown offers a day of hospitality and support to indigent and homeless vets, serving breakfast and lunch, offering health support, and distributing warm clothing, shoes, toiletries, sleeping bags and blankets .

You are invited to donate gently used winter-worthy clothing - especially jeans!  A box is in the lobby for that.

UCE Military Bridge Builders will coordinate a team to help out and welcomes your participation.  Click to sign up Thursday, 10-2pm and Friday, 8-noon
Great American Freethinkers: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frederick Douglass
Tuesdays, November 7 and 14, 7:00pm  freethinkers
The past is relevant! It gives perspective to our present lives.  Frederick Douglass was a former slave, abolitionist, sometimes champion of women's rights, orator, and diplomat. He wrote an account of his experience of slavery, and escape. Suggested reading: The Portable Douglass; Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom; Douglass, Life and Times of Frederick Douglass Elizabeth Cody Stanton was a champion of women's rights, and a long-time but contentious friend of Susan B. Anthony. She co-authored The Women's Bible, a major critique of the Scriptures. Suggested reading: Ellen Carol Dubois, The Elizabeth Cady Stanton-Susan B. Anthony Reader.  Facilitated by Rev. Jerome Stone, UCE's Affiliated Community Minister. Click here to sign up
Do you or someone you know come from a fundamentalist or otherwise authoritarian religious background? If you would like to talk about your experiences with others who understand, please join us at our discussion group. For more information, contact Taryn Nelson Seawright
If you are in a caregiving role of any sort, we invite you to drop in at the next Caregiver Support Group. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7:30pm at UCE. Questions?  Contact Joyce Lofstrom  or Renee Hoff .
Join us for Hands-on Habitat Restoration with the Evanston Interreligious Sustainability Circle. The opening religious ceremony begins at 1:15pm.  The location is the Harms Woods Forest Preserve. Meet at the Forest Preserve parking lot on the west side of Harms Road, just south of Glenview Road. Come dressed for the woods.
 
Habitat restoration is FUN! It is an activity appropriate for young people (generally ten and older-must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) and senior citizens. This habitat restoration afternoon will provide an opportunity to cut down buckthorn, an invasive species, and to collect the seeds of native plants, which we will then sow next spring. For more information, contact Dale Griffin or Susan Comstock. We'd like to know how many people are coming. But, most important, just come.  It's a wonderful afternoon in a beautiful woods with friendly and enjoyable people, and you learn a lot about native plants and woods in the process.
Ministers' Schedules

Rev. Bret Lortie  is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and by appointment. Monday is sabbath and Friday devoted to writing. To send a message or read Rev. Bret's blog, visit

Rev. Eileen Wiviott has office hours most Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, and  Thursdays, and often evening meetings on those days. Mondays are sabbatical days and Fridays she works from home. Please contact her via email at ewiviott@ucevanston.org , or via phone at (847) 864-1330 x111 (office), or (224) 565-3952 (cell).
UCE Board of Trustees meeting is held the third Wednesday of each month in Room 3. All members are welcome. **Note - The board meeting in November has been moved to November 30 in room 6.
Upcoming UCE Events

Saturday, October 28, 7:30pm
UCE Fall Coffeehouse


Sunday, October 29, 12:00pm
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos Ofrendas and Potluck


Sunday, November 5, 12:30pm
Evanston Sanctuary Community Resolution Q&A Sessions
 

Sunday, November 5, 1pm
Hands-on Habitat Restoration


Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 7:00pm
Great American Freethinkers: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Frederick Douglass


Saturday, November 11
Serendipity Auction


Wednesday, November 15, 7pm
Evanston Sanctuary Community Resolution Q&A Sessions
 

Thursday, November 23
Thanksgiving with the Navy


Tuesdays, November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 7:00pm
The New Testament for UU's


Thursday Nights, 7pm
UCE Addictions and Recovery Group


Sunday Mornings, 9:00am & Wednesday Mornings, 9:30am
Yoga

Community Involvement
Click each event for more information.

October
Book Drive for Chicago Women in Prison


YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
Third Thursday of the Month
 

UCE Fall Coffeehouse

Saturday, October 28, 7:30pm

Free will offering accepted. Snacks and beverages provided. Come for music, poetry, story telling, and a great time!
Serendipity Auction

Saturday, November 11, 2017


The Serendipity Auction, the social highlight of our church year, is coming soon!



In October we are collectings toiletries including feminine hygiene pads, shampoo, bar soap, toothpaste, razors; sponsored by the Recently Retired Women's Group and donated to the Evanston Interfaith Refugee Round Table.
Upcoming Membership Classes

Intro to Unitarian Universalism 
Sunday, November 12
12:30 - 2:00 pm
An overview of our faith, led by Rev. Bret Lortie 

Orientation Toward Membership 
Saturday, October 28 
9am - noon
Led by Assistant Minister, Rev. Eileen Wiviott. An interactive class exploring what it means to be a member of this congregation.

Sign up at the guest table in the lobby or email Rev. Eileen Wiviott at  ewiviott@ucevanston.org. Childcare available upon request for both of these classes.
Things to Know About our Community

Interested in knowing more about UCE? How to submit something to Joys and Sorrows? How to get a nametag, or a rainbow or pronoun sticker for your nametag? Interested in bringing flowers and lighting the chalice on a Sunday? Click here for more information about our community!
Yoga at UCE


Join us every Sunday at 8:15am and every Wednesday at 9:30am.

Yoga at UCE is designed to reduce stress, bring relaxation, increase range of motion, and find balance - restorative yoga. If you never have done yoga before, this is your opportunity. Drop in, wear comfortable clothing for stretching, and try it. Yoga is learned by doing. Community yoga mats provided if needed.

Add Your Photo to the Photo Member Directory

Remember that there is a directory of members that includes photos on our website. This is a password protected document. Contact the office if you don't know the password. If you would like to add your photo to the directory, or update your photo, please send  a photo to  Carli Magel , or let her know you'd like your picture taken on Sunday morning. 
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 above or search for the groups by name when you are on Facebook and ask to join.
Connecting UU: a path to belonging at UCE

45 minute discussions; Sundays at 10:15 in Room 12
These sessions are open to all,
no matter where you are on the journey. 
Childcare available. No need to sign up in advance.

UU Principles  - Understanding the seven principles, an enlightening discussion led by members of the New Member Committee.

UU Sources A discussion of the six sources from which we draw wisdom and spiritual nourishment.

Spiritual Journeys (4 parts) - take any one or all of them in any order. Explore your religious and spiritual background, where you come from, what you want to cherish and what you want to release, and how you practice your spirituality.

How to Get Involved  - Learn how to become more engaged in the life of the church, find groups and activities of interest, discover the way things get done, answer your questions about belonging in our community.

UCE History and Tour - Learn more about the history, architecture and art of our building through a guided tour led by one of our long-term members. Tour begins at the back of the sanctuary near the large mural.
Opportunities
 for Spiritual Practice

| 847-864-1330 | uce@ucevanston.org | http://www.ucevanston.org
1330 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201