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Sunday, January 29
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
Families come in many shapes and sizes, and evolve through stages of life. Members of some UCE families will help us explore the question "What makes a family?" A worship service for all ages. Guest at your Table boxes will be returned during the service. Rev. Connie Grant and Rev. Bret Lortie leading.
This exploration of families would be a great introduction for children who will be participating in "Our Whole Lives" classes.
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Preschoolers (3- and 4-year-olds) are welcome to attend our worship service for all ages or to participate in activities in their classroom. Nursery care is available from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
Edward S. Linn, M.D. is the Department Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. He will be speaking about the department as well as some of the challenges Cook County has experienced over the years. Guest facilitator: Ed Linn
Crystal Bowls and Gong Meditation - 3:00pm
Join us for a peaceful meditation experience in our sanctuary. Preston Klik will guide participants in a Crystal Bowls and Gong Meditation. Preston leads us from a beautiful altar filled with instruments, crystal bowls, candles and a gong. Donations will be received in lieu of tickets for this meaningful, artful meditation experience.
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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Updates from the Desk of the Executive Operations Director 
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Sandra Robinson |
The 2017-18 Draft budget was approved by the ISC and forwarded to the Board for a vote on Wednesday, January 18. A town hall meeting will be scheduled.
Our Accountant, Jerry Lorann has asked me to remind everyone who places a pledge payment or something other than shared offering make a note in the memo line of their check and/or fill out the envelope in the back of the hymnal.
Carli Magel requests that you send a photo to her for the church directory if you haven't already.
Joe Hampton, our new AV Tech is doing an excellent job with sound on Sunday morning. The quality of sound has much improved with his ability to use the settings on our equipment to their fullest extent.
Additional hearing device neck loops have been purchased. You can pick up hearing assist devices as you enter the sanctuary on Sunday morning. We are working to achieve better accessibility to the building and our services for all who enter.
See our Social Justice calendar for an important event scheduled at UCE: "Protecting our Civil Liberties."
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News from CRS, UU Prison Ministry, UUANI
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Actions you can participate in with CRS, UU Prison Ministry, and UUANI:
CRS (Community Renewal Society) - This year's actions will focus on employment opportunities for people with records, violence prevention, implementing the Fair Cops Ordinance in Chicago, and resolving the budget impasse fairly. Join Community Renewal Society for our annual mass trip to the capitol on May 9 to advocate for these issues.
The UU Prison Ministry of Illinois will celebrate its progress and new website and newsletter with a party at UCE on February 18 at 7:00.
Click here for more information.
UUANI (UU Advocacy Network of Illinois) has begun an "action of the week" in this time of rapid change due to the recent election. See the box on the right.
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Empty Bowls is Coming
Sunday, February 5, 12:00pm
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This year we are again pleased to feature Dave Bond, The Bread Guy, who will serve his wonderful homemade bread. Buy a pottery bowl and fill it with soup. When you purchase a bowl your soup is free.
This year's recipients of proceeds for Souper Bowl Sunday are Interfaith Action's Produce Mobile, Hillside Pantry, and Curt's Café South - Student Groceries. Sponsored by the Food and Shelter Team.
We need help to prepare and serve the lunch. Sign up to bring food and to help in the kitchen. Please help out if you are able.
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Yoga off the Mat
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How do the yoga sutras intersect with and diverge from Unitarian Universalist principles? (How) do these philosophies apply to contemporary yoga practice and contemporary life? Although yoga is most often recognized by its physical postures (asanas), practitioners may also use breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, chanting, and dietary restrictions. Historically, yoga was more of a philosophy for living than an exercise regimen, including ethical guidelines for personal growth. We will use Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, considered one of the foundations of classical yoga practice, as our historical touchstone and Michael Stone's book The Inner Tradition of Yoga as a way of connecting the sutras to contemporary life. Suitable for practitioners, those considering becoming practitioners, and those who are interested in learning about the practice that is becoming widespread in the United States, including two classes weekly at UCE.
Facilitated by Jessica Tomell Presto, UCE member and certified yoga instructor. Click here to register. Minimum of five people registered by February 1.
Religious education for adults, sponsored by the learning associates.
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Rosemary Zwick Night of the Arts
Saturday, February 11, 6:00pm
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Painting, jewelry, greeting cards, collages, crowns, bookmaking, 3-D construction, paper animals, masks, face painting, music, magic and more! This is a great activity for all ages!
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2017 Soup Kitchens
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UCE hosts soup kitchens when our neighbor Beth Emet celebrates the Jewish Holidays. Mark your calendars for the following dates: Wednesdays, April 12, September 20 and 27, October 4 and 11. We will also be hosting soup kitchens at Second Baptist Church on Mondays, August 14 and 21. More information and sign up to follow. For question, contact
Winnie Stevenson or
Marilyn Wroblewski.
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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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We Know UCE's Got Talent!
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Do you sing, dance, play a musical instrument, or have another talent that you would like to bring to the UCE stage? You'll have an opportunity to show off your talent on Saturday, February 25 at 6:30 pm at a Talent Show sponsored by our Journeys students and mentors as a fundraiser for their Boston trip. Performers of all ages are invited to send in applications with the following information by February 12 to Amy Pooley at amycpooley@gmail.com or to the Religious Education mailbox in the office: your name and contact information, and your talent (with description and estimated length of your performance).
Tickets for this fun multi-generational event will be available in February for $12.00 for adults (age 12 and up); $6.00 for children (age 5-11); maximum $30 for families.
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Night Out With Rainbow Alliance
Friday, Feb. 10, 6pm at Hamburger Mary's
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Feel like a night out with friends? Join UCE's Rainbow Alliance for a meal in Andersonville at Hamburger Mary's on Clark St. All are welcome. Let one of us know you are coming so we can reserve a space big enough for all of us!
Shirley Adams or
Jeanne Kerl or
Sally Parsons can take your 'reservation'. Family friendly. No agenda except connecting and relaxing.
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Conflict in Groups - A Workshop Presented by the Congregational Relations Team - Sunday, February 12, 12:30pm
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Disagreement and conflict are inevitable and essential parts of a vibrant, diverse community and healthy group functioning, when handled well. But how do we do this? Building on our previous training on conflict between individuals, this hands-on interactive workshop will teach healthy approaches to handling conflicts in groups such as committees, teams, boards, task forces, discussions, and circles.
Please register ahead of time; however, walk-ins are welcome and will be accepted if space is available. Child care will be available if requested at least one week before the workshop. For more information and to register, please contact CRT co-chairs Tammy Besser or Carla Leone. If you would like to attend but can't make that date please let us know, as we plan to offer the workshop again if there is enough interest. Hope to see you there!
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Sign Up to Join a New Covenant Group
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Are you interested in further reflection on our monthly themes? Would you like a way of getting to know a small group of people well? Are you hungering for an opportunity to develop deep listening skills and to be truly listened to? If so, you might enjoy a covenant group. We have two groups starting: one will be a 6-month group, two Sundays a month at 12:30; the other will meet once a month on the 2nd Thursdays of the month. If you are interested, please contact Eileen Wiviott.
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GenX Gathering at Larry and Christina Sanborn's House
Saturday, January 28, 4pm
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If you are in your 30's - 50's, with kids or without, join us for a casual gathering, with light refreshments (bring healthy snack to share if you can) and meaningful conversation. To RSVP, contact Eileen Wiviott.
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Women's Circle Open Meeting
Monday, February 13, 7:00pm
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All are invited to an open meeting of the Women's Circles for a casual gathering with light refreshments.
If you attended the Women March in Washington D.C. (or here in Chicago) and/or the Womenspirit Retreat, you are particularly invited to come and share your experiences. Members of the UCE's Women's Circles will be present and provide information about the circles. These circles provide an opportunity to form connections, nurture one another and to tell your stories in a safe and trusting environment and are open to all UCE women members and friends.
Click here for more information about Women's Circles.
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Building Up Community Tearing Down Walls: A Celebration of UUPMI
Saturday, February 18, 7pm at UCE
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Spend an evening celebrating with the UU Prison Ministry of Illinois! It's been a powerful year as we've gotten this organization off the ground. We want to celebrate all the love, time, material resources, compassion, and faith that so many people have put into this project.
People of all ages are welcome. There will not be childcare. Suggested donation of $25 but no one turned away because of lack of funds. Spread the word! Bring your friends and fellow congregants! Contact Doug Erickson or Dale Griffin. Click here for more information.
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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, March 5, or March 26. You can find the book at Book H.
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Women in Transition - New Group
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This group for women who are contemplating or in the process of divorce is not currently accepting new members. But because those of us who are in this group find it of great benefit, I am offering to help set up a second group if there are interested women. The only criterion for membership in the current group is the feeling that it may be helpful. And being female. But I would also be happy to help get a group started for men if there is interest. Please contact Noel Yovovich.
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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
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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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Upcoming UCE Events
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Friday, January 27, 7:00pm
Green Team Film Showing - "This Changes Everything"
Sunday, January 29, 3:00pm
Crystal Bowls and Gong Meditation
Sunday, February 5, 12:00pm
Empty Bowls Lunch
Saturday, February 11, 6:00pm
Rosemary Zwick Night of the Arts
Monday, February 13, 7:00pm
Women's Circles Open Meeting
Tuesdays, Feb. 7-28, 7pm
Yoga off the Mat
Saturday, Feb. 25, 9:30am
One Book, One Church
Saturday, February 25, 6:30pm
UCE's Got Talent
Sunday, March 5, 12:30pm
One Book, One Church
Sunday, March 26, 12:30pm
One Book, One Church
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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Note - Office Administrator Carli Magel will be out of the office from February 11 through February 21.
If you have something to be included in the newsletter on
Friday, February 17, the deadline is
Wednesday, February 8.
Please contact
Carli with any questions.
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Check out the "30 Days of Love" calendar and the Social Justice calendar - both on our website under the Social Justice link on
ucevanston.org
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Interfaith Action of Evanston Vision Keepers Dinner
Help honor Steve Serikaku as UCE's Vision Keeper at the annual Interfaith Action of Evanston banquet next month: Sunday, February 19, 5:30 pm at the Hilton Orrington.
To reserve a seat, send a check for $75 (per person) made out to UCE, with "Vision Keepers" in the memo field, to Carli in the church office.
DO NOT send money directly to Interfaith Action. Carli will keep a list of reservations, our accountant Jerry will handle all the checks.
Deadline Feb. 5. The church will send the reservation list and the consolidated amount to Interfaith Action.
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Friday, January 27, 7:00pm
Please join the Green Team for movie night!
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e will be viewing and discussing the film "This Changes Everything." Bring a snack and a beverage for yourself and to share with others. Questions? Contact Heather Brown.
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Hosted by State Senator Daniel Biss, State Rep. Robyn Gabel, State Rep. Laura Fine, and the Unitarian Church of Evanston
Monday, February 27, 7:00pm
Doors open at 6:30pm
Learn about the biggest concerns, challenges and threats to civil liberties and what you can do to protect your rights in a discussion with the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, ICIRR, and Equality Illinois.
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Fiction Book Group
Friday, February 17, 7:30pm
We will read and discuss
October Light by John Gardner.
All are welcome to join the gathering.
Non-Fiction Book Group
Sunday, February 26, 12:30pm
We will read and discuss Rev. Barber's book. Rev. William Barber participated in the 2016 General Assembly and has a strong message for UU's. All are welcome to join the discussion.
The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and the Rise of a New Justice Movement. By William J. Barber II, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
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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
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ll use thought provoking metaphors to dive deeper into the foundations of being a UU.
Next Principles & Sources Class: February 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: 1/29.
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Upcoming Membership Classes
For those who are thinking about becoming a member of the church.
Intro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, Feb. 19,
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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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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