A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Join us for worship and religious education!  Services and Religious Education Classes take place on Sunday morning at 9:15 and 11:00am
Note - The UCE Office will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
November 23, 2016
Sunday, November 27
         
Worship Service  -  9:15 and 11:00am
"Our Story in Africa"
Through interviews conducted by Rev. Bret with ministers and lay leader serving in each African country with a Unitarian Universalist presence, stories emerge of hope, inspiration, and struggle.

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 will be emailed to parents. Senior high meets from Noon to 3:00pm this week. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30. 

Crackerbarrel 
No Crackerbarrel for the Thanksgiving holiday.
 
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.
UCE Mitten Tree mittentree
UCE's Mitten Tree has collected gifts and holiday food for over 25 years and is a wonderful tradition of generosity for those who need help during the holiday season.  Contributing generously not only helps those in need, but helps each of us add to the love in our hearts during the holiday season. Paper mittens (with the wished for items noted) will be available through Nov. 27 at tables at the back of the sanctuary. Please bring your new, unwrapped gifts to UCE as soon as you purchase them. The final deadline for bringing gifts is Dec. 4. We are providing gifts and food for nine groups this year.
 
If you have questions about Mitten Tree please contact Carol Nielsen .
Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve Service
Tonight - Wednesday, November 23, 7pm
St. Luke's Episcopal Church  iathanksgivingservice
939 Hinman Ave. Evanston, IL Keynote speaker: Chaplain Tahera Ahmad, Director Interfaith Engagement at Northwestern University. Music from the Interfatih Community Choir led by Andrew Lewis. Sponsored by Interfaith Action of Evanston. 
Adult Religious Education
Military Ministry Toolkit
December 6, 13, & 20, 7:00-9:00pm militaryministrytoolkit
We'll explore how our church regards those who currently serve in the United States military, who among us have served in the past, and what we can do as a congregation to provide a welcoming space for those who serve.  We'll look at ways to hold both members of the military and the peacemakers in our midst. Facilitated by Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck and Gary Zacny.  Register here or on the Religious Education bulletin board. 
Christianity Discussion Group  christianity
Whether or not you identify yourself as Christian, this group meets on alternating Thursdays to discuss how Christianity might be understood by UU's.  Our next meeting on December 1 at 7:15 in Room 6 will be discussing the book Christ for Unitarian Universalists, by Scotty McLennan. Questions? Contact Brian Nielsen or Heike Eghardt.
Sing Thing
Wednesday, November 30, 7:00pm  singthing
If you play a folk type musical instrument (or anything else that would blend with guitars and banjos), please bring it. Or just come and sing along!  We supply words (and chords if needed). All are welcome!
Transgender Lending Library  transgender
Six books are now available for sign-out on transgender issues, as put together by the Rainbow Alliance. Ranging from historical perspective to fiction, from bios to personal essays, from adult to children, in their own way all present a truth worthy of exploration.
 
Available for sign-out now. Look for them on the new lending library shelves.

Transgender History
Gender Outlaws: the Next Generation
Gender Failure
Red: A Crayon's Story
10,000 Dresses
Symptoms of Being Human

Click here for more information about the books.
Women's Circles - Open Meeting
Wednesday, November 30, 6:30pm  womenscircles
You are invited to join us if you are interested in knowing more about our Women's Circles. The Circle is a place for women to tell their stories and be heard in a safe environment. Martha Holman will give us a short intro to the Womenspirit retreat, to be held at UCE February, 2018. Click here for more information about Women's Circles.
Ecstatic Dance led by Cindy Lortie
Monday, November 27 - 6:30-8:00pm 
(note date change for November) ecstaticdance
Ecstatic dance is free-form movement inspired by music which allows our bodies to move freely without judgment and develops a direct body-spirit connection. It's about being present with your own energy and discovering your own inner dance using movement and energetic experience to release stuck patterns in your body, emotions, mind and spirit. Ecstatic dance usually meets the 3rd Monday of the month, but will be meeting the 4th Monday in November. Contact Cindy Lortie for more information.
News from the REAL Team  real
REAL Recommends...

SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice)
Hold Dec 10 to attend the SURJ  training   on accountability, privilege, and the movement for racial justice. 

Bystander Intervention Workshop
Hollaback (ihollaback.org) is an organization and movement to end harassment in public spaces.

YWCA Evanston/Northshore
There are lots of ways to take advantage of the YWCA's programs to eliminate racism and empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities is as relevant as ever.

Click here for more information.
UCE Green Team  greenteam
No fooling, the Green Team will meet! Join us December 4 at 12:30pm to discuss our new Zero Waste strategy, and how Faith in Place, UUANI and the Recyclery will help us re-accredit as a UUA Earth Ministry Green Team. Please contact Michael Drennan for details.
Recently Retired (but never retiring!) Women
Tuesday, December 6, 5-7pm  retiredwomen
Change of Date: Because the holidays occur at both the end of November and of December, we are combining the two months into one! We are getting together on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 5-7 for a potluck and holiday social!
Adult Religious Education
The Inner Life:  Therapeutic and Spiritual Reflections
Concludes November 29 7:00 - 9:00pm  adultre
Psychotherapist Jay Einhorn will discuss a model of the relationship of psychotherapy, religion and spirituality. Psychotherapist Chet Mirman will argue that reli-gion is largely a methodology for self-transformation, helping to foster a "felt sense of di-vine, loving presence." Dan Solomon will discuss how Martin Buber's philosophy of "I-Thou" relationship has been applied in approaches like "dialogical therapy." Register on the UCE website or on the Religious Education bulletin board.
Upcoming Membership Classes  upcomingmembership
For those who are thinking about becoming a member of the church.

Intro to Unitarian Universalism  
Sunday, December 11, 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 
Saturday, January 21, 9am - Noon
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. 
Quick Links
(protected documents)
Upcoming UCE Events

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 7pm
The Inner Life: Therapeutic and Spiritual Reflections


Thursday, November 24
Congregational Thanksgiving Dinner


Tuesday, December 6, 5pm
Recently Retired (but never retiring!) Women


Tuesdays, December 6, 13 and 20, 7-9pm
Military Ministry Toolkit


Sunday, December 11, 12:15pm
Ornament Sunday


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

Community Involvement
Click each event for more information.
 
YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
Third Thursday of the Month
 
Ornament Sunday

Sunday, December 11, 12:30pm


Ornament Sunday is an opportunity to get together with people of all ages to make ornaments to trim the UCE tree and to take home.

If you would like to lead or assist with a holiday­-related ornament/decoration-­making activity, please email
please email Ellis O'Connor at 
Our Giving House


Our Giving House is collecting gift cards during the month of November.  Please bring gift cards to the UCE office and place in the envelope marked "Our Giving House Gift Cards." If your group or committee is interested in sponsoring the giving house, please contact Johna Van Dyke.
Gen X Family Friendly Campfire 
December 4 (note date change), 4 - 6:30 pm at the home of member, Sarah Hendershot



If you are in your 30's to 50's, with kids or without, come and enjoy an outdoor gathering with vegan refreshments, meaningful conversation and space for the children to play. It might be chilly but we'll keep warm by the fire and in good company. Please RSVP to Eileen Wiviott or Sarah Hendershot.
Non-Fiction Book Group
Sunday, December 4, 12:30pm


Non-fiction book Group will meet after the second service to discuss "The Fate of Gender," by Frank Browning. All are welcome.
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: December 4 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: 11/27.

Opportunities
 for Spiritual Practice

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.
cgrant@ucevanston.org. (847) 864-1330 ext. 103 (office); (847) 840-8542 (cell).
| 847-864-1330 | uce@ucevanston.org | http://www.ucevanston.org
1330 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201