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Sunday, March 5
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
In Edward Packard's 1970s "Create Your Own Adventure" book series, at the end of each page or so the reader was offered a choice, and in the choices taken, the story would unfold. It didn't take but a few books to realize that the more daring a choice, the more interesting a storyline. As we explore this year's pledge theme of "together we can," we create the adventure of our church bounded only by the risks we take and the vision we share-together. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
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. All begin in the sanctuary for the first part of the worship service before going to classes.
Starting time for the sixth-seventh-eighth grade class to watch this week's movie is 9:45am. Senior high meets at 11:00am.
Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Against Empathy - The Case for Rational Compassion"
Many humanitarians think more empathy is needed to make a more moral world. Not so fast says Paul Bloom, Yale professor of (evolutionary and) moral psychology. Author of the recent book Against Empathy, Bloom argues that rational compassion (and making cost benefit trade-offs) are a more useful road to moral behavior. Empathy often makes problems worse than better. Bloom argues we should put empathy in it proper place, and realize that empathy is not needed for moral decision making. Discussion Leader: Gordon Mallett. Click here for upcoming topics.
Journeys to Justice - 12:30pm in Room 3
Concerned about what's happening in the world but don't know how to get involved? Come to our first Journeys to Justice session, led by our Faith in Action Minister Scott Aaseng. We'll share what's calling to each of us, and talk about ways to move into action. Representatives of UCE social justice teams will share what they're doing and upcoming opportunities for action. Newcomers and longtime members alike are welcome. Contact Scott for more info.
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 -
9:15am
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
or Brian Meister.
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Upcoming Worship Services 
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Sunday, March 12, 9:15 and 11:00am
"The 2017 Auction Sermon: God for Unitarian Universalists"
What's God got to do with your life? How is the concept of God useful to Unitarian Universalists, for whom the divine name may not hold imaginative power? How are we supposed to think about God in a post-modern world of inclusion and religious pluralism? Each year at our annual fundraising auction, one member wins a sermon to be preached on the topic of their choice, and this year Ellen Rieger has chosen the topic of "God for UUs." Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Sunday, March 19, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Jefferson's Greatest Story Ever Told"
Throughout his adult life, Thomas Jefferson, a self-professed "Unitarian of one," was obsessed with creating a single, cohesive narrative of Jesus' teaching, which he eventually titled The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth. With razor in hand, he literally spent decades cutting apart the gospels to reveal what he felt were the essentials of Jesus' ministry. It's the "Greatest Story Ever Told" as only Jefferson could. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Sunday, March 26, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Our Selves, Our World, Our Stories"
We can keep on having half-conversations about who's right and who's wrong and further feed the brokenness that threatens to tear us apart. Or we can see each other as part of a larger We-a We that is broken, but a We that is in this brokenness together. Rev. Scott Aaseng speaking.
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From the Board of Trustees
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This year's annual pledge drive kicks off on Sunday with the theme, Together We Can. Together We Can create an environment where we discuss the issues we face in a safe space, a space where Together We Can share our love for what's important in the world, where Together We Can show compassion to others, and where Together We Can take action to have a meaningful impact on our world.
The Board of Trustees set three goals for our operating budget for the coming fiscal year:
- to welcome a new ministerial intern whose responsibilities will include a focus on social justice issues and worship arts;
- to engage an AV technician to ensure our worship and special large gatherings have excellent AV services;
- and, given Reverend Connie's announcement, to employ both a full-time Assistant Minister to support social justice activities and membership, and a full-time Director of Religious Education.
We need your financial backing to carry out our UU values and to support programs which have deep meaning to us. Please consider your pledge carefully in light of all we hope to accomplish, and remember, Together We Can.
Click here to learn more about the Pledge Drive.
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Celebration Sunday Extravaganza
Sunday, March 19, 12:00pm
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Join us for a Pledge Drive Celebration Extravaganza on Sunday, March 19, immediately after the 11:00 service to celebrate the successful conclusion of our 2017-18 Pledge Drive.
There will be a Free Lasagna Lunch (please sign up with Michael Skilton) and fun activities for old and young alike. Activities coordinated by William Phillips, Johna Van Dyke, Wil Kurth and Jennifer Tackett will include music, art, and special activities for kids--like making Slime. Learn or relearn how to dance The Madison--you never know how much fun it is until you try. Paint like Jackson Pollack or other abstract expressionists. Click here to read more.
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Green Team Movie Night
Friday, March 10, 7pm at UCE
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Please join the Green Team for movie night! We will be viewing and discussing the documentary film "Tapped," which examines the role of the bottled water industry and its' effects on our health, climate change, pollution, and our reliance on oil. Feel free to bring a snack for yourself or to share with others. Click here for more information about the film. Questions? Contact Heather Brown
We hope to see you there!
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We are caught between Postmodernism and the legacy of the Enlightenment. This conflict affects how we think of science, other cultures and even liberal religion. The class shows how we got here and suggests that we need more reason, not less. Recommended: The Enlightenment: A Very Short Introduction and Postmodernism: A Very Short Introduction. Facilitated by Rev. Jerome Stone, UCE's Affiliated Community Minister. A former United Church of Christ pastor and philosophy teacher, Jerry is the author of A Minimalist Vision of Transcendence and Religious Naturalism Today.
Click here for information about upcoming Adult Religious Education programs sponsored by the Learning Associates.
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2017 Soup Kitchens
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UCE hosts soup kitchens when our neighbor Beth Emet is celebrating the Jewish holidays. We have added two dates this year to assist Second Baptist Church. March your calendars for the following dates: Wednesdays - April 12, September 20, 27, October 4 and October 11 at UCE and Mondays - August 14 and August 21 at Second Baptist Church. Click here to sign up. For questions, contact
Winnie Stevenson or
Marilyn Wroblewski.
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One Book, One Church
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 Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankin "throws a Molotov cocktail at the notion that a reduction of injustice is the same as freedom." (NY Times) This book length poem about race and the imagination is the chosen book for our coming discussions. Called one of the best books of the year, you will not want to miss one of the discussions on February 25 - 9:30am, March 5 - 12:30pm, or March 26 - 12:30pm. You can find the book at Book H.
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Caregiver Support Group Exploratory Meeting
Tuesday, March 7, 7pm
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Whether it be caring for an ill family member, a handicapped child, an aging parent or any of a number of other caregiving arrangements, talking with others who understand and who "have been there" can be helpful. If you are in a caregiving role, we invite you to come to an exploratory meeting on Tuesday, March 7, at 7:00 p.m. at UCE to share ideas on how we might create a Caregiver Support Group at UCE. Topics will include group purpose, format and guidelines. If you are interested but cannot attend this first meeting (or have any questions), please contact Renee Hoff
or Joyce Lofstrom.
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Women Making Change
Saturday, March 25, 6pm
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Let's celebrate Women's History Month with dinner, conversation and a question: What can we learn from the stories of black women in Evanston about the way forward? Speakers will include Dr. Cheryl Johnson-Odim, Morris (Dino) Robinson, Joanne Avery, and Karli Butler. Sponsors include Shorefront Legacy Center, YWCA Evanston-Northshore, Family Focus and the Unitarian Church of Evanston (where the event will be held). All are welcome. Click here for more information and to register.
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Doing the Most Good Group
Monday, March 20, 7pm
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The book, "Reinventing Philanthropy: A Framework for More Effective Giving,"challenges common views about charitable giving and offers practical strategies for donors to maximize the impact of their gifts. The book raises many important questions, however Friedman writes that it is intended to provide donors with a framework to make the biggest impact with their donations.
Also join us on April 5 at 7pm for a public lecture at UCE from the author.
Click here for more information.
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"Protecting our Civic Liberties"
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Several hundred gathered at the Unitarian Church of Evanston on Monday, February 27 to hear
Rep. Robyn Gabel, State Sen. Dan Biss, State Rep. Laura Fine and panelists from the ACLU and Planned Parenthood.
"Protecting our Civic Liberties" provided an opportunity to learn about the biggest concerns, challenges and threats to civil liberties and what citizens can do to protect rights.
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Composting at UCE
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You may have noticed and wondered about the two green containers at the southeast corner of our church parking lot. They are vital links in UCE's commitment to caring for our green planet by diverting waste from our landfills.
You can easily become a part of this commitment for a small annual contribution of $60 per person (up to a $180 maximum per household). If you are interested in joining this movement, contact the church office (by mail or in person), or fill out this form and email it to Carli Magel, or return it to the church office. For an additional $10, we will provide you with your very own kitchen counter composting bucket. (Plastic bags are not acceptable containers because they are not compostable.)
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Compost Program Coordinator John LaPlante at church or through the church office.
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UCE/Countryside Church UU Camping Trip August 11-13, 2017
Kettle Moraine State Forest, South Unit, Dousman, WI
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Please make your reservations soon for another fun church camping trip. This is a very informal trip, with time together or apart, as you wish. We have a potluck on Saturday night, and lots of opportunities to hike, swim, boat, visit small towns nearby, and have campfires. It is a great opportunity to get to know other UCE and Countryside members better.
Please complete the form and turn in by March 31.
Payment of $55.65 is required. The $55.65 covers 2 nights of camping ($23/night) as well as the $9.65 reservation fee. Upon arrival, there is a $22 vehicle sticker fee as well.
Reservations can be limited and are offered on a first come-first served. All checks must be made payable to: Unitarian Church of Evanston. Please write "Camping Trip" in the memo. Drop off the form with payment in the "camping folder" in the church office.
Contact John Bolling or Dale Griffin for information.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Sunday, March 5, 12:30pm
Journeys to Justice
Sunday, March 5, 12:30pm
One Book, One Church
Tuesday, March 7, 7pm
Caregiver Support Group Exploratory Meeting
Friday, March 10, 7pm
Green Team Movie Night
Sunday, March 19, 12;30pm
Pledge Day
Monday, March 20, 7pm
Doing the Most Good Group
Saturday, March 25, 6:00pm
Women Making Change
Sunday, March 26, 12:30pm
One Book, One Church
Wednesday, April 5, 7:00pm
Reinventing Philanthropy: A Framework for More Effective Giving
Sunday, April 9, 12:30pm
Town Hall Meeting
Thursday Nights, 5:30pm
Meditation Group
Thursday Nights, 7pm
UCE Addictions Ministry Group
Sunday Mornings, 8:15am & Wednesday Mornings, 9:30am
Yoga
Saturdays at 10:00am
Open Drumming Circles
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Pledge Day
Sunday, March 19, 12:00-2:30pm
Join us for free lunch, music, art and kids activities to celebrate the end of our upcoming annual pledge drive (March 5-March 19.)
Door prizes (get your name in the Grand Prize drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader by getting your pledge in by the 19th!)
Please sign up for lunch at the back of the sanctuary on Sunday or email
Michael Skilton with number of people and any dietary restrictions.
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Save the Date!
Town Hall Meeting
Sunday, April 9, 12:30pm
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2017 General Assembly
Persons who would like to attend General Assembly in New Orleans June 21-26 but would need some financial assistance should contact Lee Bannor
[email protected]
as soon as possible.
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Save the Date!
Put a big circle around
May 5th and May 6th
When our RUMMAGE SALE will astound!
It's never too early
to start organizing things,
so for set-up week
find those treasures you'll bring!
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 A bill to end unlimited solitary confinement in Illinois will have a hearing before the IL House Restorative Justice Committee on Thursday, March 9.
Go to
uu-advocacy-illinois.org to fill out an online witness slip as a PROPONENT of HB259 to limit the amount of time people can be held in solitary confinement (Testimony section: check Record of Appearance Only).
The UU Prison Ministry of IL and Black & Pink Chicago will have an online Teach-In & Act Out Against Solitary Confinement webinar on Monday, March 6 from 6 - 8pm.
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UU Identity Discussions
Continued learning opportunities offered monthly by the New Member Committee; open to all who want to better understand what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist, no matter where you are on the membership journey:
Principles and Sources Class
1st Sundays 10:15 - 11am
Whether you are new to Unitarian Universalism or you would like to better understand the seven principles and six sources of our faith, join us for this rich 45-minute discussion led by members of the New Member Committee. We
'
ll use thought provoking metaphors to dive deeper into the foundations of being a UU.
Next Principles & Sources Class: March 5 between services.
Spiritual Journeys -
a 3-part conversation
2nd, 3rd, 4th Sundays
at 10:15-11am
We'll explore our religious and spiritual backgrounds, where we come from, what we want to cherish and what we want to release as we continue our journeys. This is a conversation open to all no matter where you are on the path - exploring membership, new members and long-term members alike. You can participate in any one or all three in any order.
Next Spiritual Journeys Sessions: 3/12, 3/19, 3/26.
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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.
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Opportunities
for Spiritual Practice
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Upcoming Membership Classes
For those who are thinking about becoming a member of the church.
Intro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, March 12,
12:30 - 2pm
Led by Rev. Bret Lortie, we'll look at our history, our principles, the sources of our faith, and the meaning of covenant. (This is the first step in the membership process.)
Orientation Toward Membership
Sat. March 25, 9am - 12pm
Led by Rev. Connie Grant, Membership Director Eileen Wiviott, and members of the New Member Committee. An interactive class exploring our spiritual journeys, the diversity of our beliefs, and what it means to be a member of this congregation. (This is the second step in the membership process.)
Sign up at the Guest & Member Table in the lobby or email
Eileen Wiviott. There will be childcare available upon request in advance for both of these classes.
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Quick Links
(protected documents)
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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
www.liberalfaith.org
.
Rev. Connie Grant is generally in the office during the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and often has evening meetings on those days. She takes Mondays off and works at home on Fridays. Please email or call Connie for an appointment.
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