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Sunday, September 11
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"
Ingathering and Water Communion"
Where have we come from? Who are we? Where are we going? The beginning of the church year is an opportune time to celebrate the gathering of community and the promise of our church year. Please bring a small sample of water gathered from your summer travels (near or far).
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"The Moral Imagination: A Reasonable Response to the Religious Right"
Over the last 70 years, Christianity has been hijacked and weaponized by an alliance between religious fundamentalists and political reactionaries, according to Catherine M. Wallace, author of Confronting a Controlling God: Christian Humanism and the Moral Imagination (Cascade Books, August 24, 2016). Writing in wholly secular terms and to a non-Christian audience, Wallace names the moral and intellectual failures of Christian fundamentalism. She sketches the fascinating cultural backstory of these mistakes. And then, issue by issue, she lays out relevant aspects of an alternative valued by Christian humanists and secular humanists alike: the moral imagination. Discussion leader: Catherine M. Wallace
Religious Education Classroom Open House
After both worship services - 10:15am and 12:00pm
An opportunity for children and their families to visit classrooms, learn about religious education curriculum and programming, register for religious education classes, and meet classroom teachers. Please drop in!
Peace and Justice Meeting - 12:30pm
All are welcome!
Join us to stand in support of Black Lives Matter
10:20am-10:50am
You are invited to stand on Ridge Avenue between 10:20am and 10:50am to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Each week, the reception has been a most affirming experience. We hope to continue this on a weekly basis with your help.
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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From the
Congregational Life Minister - Religious Education and Pastoral Care
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Rev. Connie Grant |
Our "Living the Interdependent Web" curriculum plan for children's religious education this year is ready to launch! Teachers are excited about the materials and approach, and learners are invited in! Classes begin Sunday, September 18.
In this multidimensional approach to our seventh principle, "Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part," we are informed by several of the six sources of our faith, including "Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life," "Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit," and "Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature."
This is not just a science program, but is deeply grounded in the context of our Unitarian Universalist religious values, ethics, and spirituality.
Members of the congregation have been or will be invited to visit a class to share their expertise and interest in topics such as composting, vermiculture, rain gardens, aspects of environmental science, and art. If you have an idea that could enrich a class, please contact me to discuss how this might fit into our schedule!
We're looking forward to a yearlong exploration of what reverence for and participation in the interdependent web means in our lives.
Keep the faith,
Connie
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Upcoming Crackerbarrel Topics
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Sunday, September 18, 9:30am
"The Channing Sermon and Unitarianism"
Discussion leader: Julia Takarada
Sunday, September 25, 9:30am
"Mass Immigration and the National Interest: the Case Against (mass) Immigration"
Discussion leader: Jack Cooksey
Sunday, October 2, 9:30am
"The Failed Coup Attempt in Turkey"
Discussion leader: Mike Ozmeral
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News from the Board of Trustees
Submitted by: Brian Meister
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During the month of October we will offer UCE members opportunities to share your thoughts on a possible name change for our Beloved Community from the Unitarian Church of Evanston. From Oct 2 to Oct 15 circles will be offered every day for the UCE membership to explore the name change topic. The Saturday and Sunday circles will start at 12:30. The weekday circles will start at 7:00. For those not able to join in a circle there will be an opportunity to fill out the same form that circle participants will be asked to fill out.
The circle and form will give you opportunities; to share your thoughts/feelings on a name change, to express empathy for those who think/feel differently than you do, and to share specific names you think fits our Beloved Community. We hope to hear from you as we will use the information we gather during October to make a recommendation on next steps. Thank you and peace to you.
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News from the Music Committee
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The choral year is warming up, and we're looking for new members! If you can carry a tune in a bucket and want to have fun singing with other UUs during Sunday services, please get in touch with our choir director,
Vickie Hellyer.
We'd also love to hear from any parents who would be interested in choir if childcare were available during rehearsals.
We rehearse Thursday evenings, 7:15-9pm at the church, and snacks are provided.
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Religious Education Classroom Open House
Sunday, September 11, 10:15am and 12:00pm
(after both services)
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What does it mean to respect, revere, and participate in the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part?
Click here
for more information on "Living the Interdependent Web."
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Evanston's Black History
Discovering the Past and Exploring the Future
Saturday, September 17, 7:00pm
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| Photo Courtesy of ShoreFront |
On Saturday, September 17, at 7pm, The Unitarian Church of Evanston will present a program about African American history in Evanston from the 1800s to the present day. Mr. Morris (Dino) Robinson of Shorefront Legacy Center will discuss the early history.
"Evanston's Living History," a documentary film produced by resident Mr. Craig Dudnick, will document the 20th century events through interviews with families of early citizens and prominent civic leaders.
Following the film, Mr. Dudnick, Mr. Robinson, Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors, Ra Joy, and moderator Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan will discuss this history and the present day African American experience in Evanston.
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What is the Little Pink Wooden House in the lobby?
Our Giving House!
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 Our Giving House provides a place to collect monthly food and clothing donations for Connections for the Homeless. We ask for specific items that are in great need at Connections' Entry Point and Hilda's Place Shelter. Donations are matched by covenant groups, families, and good hearted individuals. Look for the house shaped box in the lobby and little signs of the house around the building to see what is planned for collection each month. If you would like to sponsor a month, please send a note to Johna Van Dyke
or Carol Nielsen.
This year's collection schedule is listed below:
September: Hearty Canned Soups/Stews
October: Razors, Shaving Cream, Deodorant
November: Gift Cards-you don't need or will not use--please put in envelope to leave at the office
December: No Collection
January: Tuna/Salmon/Chicken
February: Socks and Long Underwear
March: Adult Diapers
April: Hearty Canned Soups/Stews
May: Tuna/Salmon/Chicken
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Christianity Discussion Group
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Do you have an interest in exploring how Christianity has informed Unitarian Universalism? After all, Unitarian Universalists claim Jewish and Christian teachings as one of our six sources. Whether you identify as Christian UU or are simply curious to find out how Christianity and Unitarian Universalism intersect (or not), you are invited to join the new Christianity Discussion Group at UCE.
We will have our first meeting on Thursday, September 15 at 7:15 PM in Room 6.
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"Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War"
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Tuesday, September 20, 8:00 - 9:30pm
Watch the documentary on PBS at home
Tuesday, September 27, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Discussion at UCE
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War, directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky, is an account of a daring rescue mission that occurred on the precipice of World War II. It tells the story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister and his wife from Wellesley, Massachusetts, who left their children behind in the care of their parish and boldly committed to multiple life-threatening missions in Europe. Over two dangerous years they helped to save hundreds of imperiled political dissidents and Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation across Europe.
On September 20, the first night of this two week series, watch the broadcast of the film on PBS at home. On September 27, we will discuss the film at UCE, focusing on issues of interest to us as Unitarian Universalists. This will include an exploration of the Sharps' motivations and reaction, and how we can relate their story to the demands of our own time. Facilitated by Dan Solomon.
Click here to sign up for the discussion at UCE.
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Principles and Sources Class
10:15
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11:00am
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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: October 2 between services
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Spiritual Journeys
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a 3-part conversation
2nd, 3rd, 4th Sundays at 10:15-11:00am
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We
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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
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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: October 9, 16, and 23 between services
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The Coffee House is Coming!
Saturday, October 29
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Do you sing, play an instrument, tell stories, tell jokes, recite poetry? If you wish to go onstage - e-mail
Alicia Hempfling.
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From the REAL Team
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Join UUANI for nationwide Day of Action at state capitals around the nation, 11 am, Monday September 12. The UCE contingent will be traveling to Springfield with Faith in Place organizers/participants. Rev Barber NAACP leader, speaker at this past UU General Assembly will lead the rally declaring deepest public concerns of how to establish peace, equality, and justice for all. Contact Dale Griffin or Doug Erickson for more information.
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"Race: The Power of an Illusion"
Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 18
7:00-9:00pm at UCE
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We'll view and discuss this must-see three-part series that takes us through the history, science and day to day experiences undergirding how race impacts life in the United States.
October 4, Part One, "The Differences Between Us."
October 11, Part Two, "The Story We Tell."
October 18, Part Three, "The House We Live In."
Our hope is that this series can help us all navigate through our myths and misconceptions about race, and scrutinize some of the assumptions we take for granted. In that sense, the real subject of the film is not so much race but the viewer, or more precisely, the notions about race we all hold. We hope this series can help clear away the biological underbrush and leave starkly visible the underlying social, economic, and political conditions that disproportionately channel advantages and opportunities to white people. Perhaps then we can shift the conversation from discussing diversity and respecting cultural difference to building a more just and equitable society. Sponsored by our REAL team, and facilitated by Eileen Heineman,
Co-Director, Racial Justice Programs, YWCA Evanston/North Shore. Open to the public.
Click here to sign up.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Saturday, Sept. 10, 9am
Religious Education Teacher Orientation
Saturday, Sept. 10, 1:00pm
Meditation Worship - Deepening Good Practices
Sunday, Sept. 11, 10:15 and 12:00pm
Religious Education Classroom Open House
Thursday, Sept. 15, 7:15pm
Christianity Discussion Group
Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:00pm
Evanston's Black History: Discovering the Past and Exploring the Future
Sunday, Sept. 25, 9:00am
Bike the Ridge
Sunday, Sept. 25, 12:30pm
Non-Fiction Book Group
Sunday, Sept. 25, 6:30pm
Journeys Student/Parent Orientation
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7:00pm
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War
Thurs, Sept. 29 - Sunday, Oct. 2
Fall Weekend
Sunday, October 2, 10:15am
Principles and Sources Class
Tuesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 7:00pm
Race: The Power of an Illusion
Sundays, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 10:15am
Spiritual Journeys
Saturday, October 29, 7:30pm
UCE Coffee House
Thursday Nights, 5:30pm
Meditation Group
Thursday Nights, 7pm
UCE Addictions Ministry Group
Sunday Mornings, 9:00am & Wednesday Mornings, 9:30am
Yoga
Saturdays at 10:00am
Open Drumming Circles
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Community Involvement
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Click each event for more information.
YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
Third Thursday of the Month |
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Friendship Dinners
2016-17
Join a UCE tradition: a series of four dinners shared in the homes of fellow members and friends. Hosts provide the main dish; guests bring the other dishes. Sign up to host one time during the year. Come to enjoy the fun and fellowship. See the sign up table at church beginning Sunday, Sept. 11 or
click here
to sign up online.
Dinner dates are Oct. 22, Dec.10, Feb.25, April 22.
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Save the Date:
Sunday, September 25 is Evanston's Bike the Ridge!
Ridge will be closed to vehicular traffic between Howard and Church Street from 9:00-1:00pm.
Make a special plan to bike to church. Decorate your bike on UCE's lawn.
At 10:20am there will be a "blessing of the bikes."
Everyone is welcome. A caregiver must accompany children. Don't forget to wear your helmet!
Click here to read about the benefits of bicycling.
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Wednesday Night Soup Kitchens This Fall
We host these soup kitchens when our neighbor Beth Emet is celebrating Jewish holidays. We welcome about 100 people for dinner, a sack lunch and our best hospitality. We need volunteers to cook and purchase food, set up, serve, and clean up, and serve lobby beverages. Click the link below or visit the tables at the back of the lobby starting September 11. Questions? Contact Janet Hartmann.
Mark your calendars: 2017 Soup Kitchens are April 12, September 20, September 27, October 4, October 11.
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Women's Circles at UCE
Women's Circles are small, on-going, self-run groups of UCE women members and friends. At a Women's Circle, we create connections with each other, share information, and share our life-journey in a caring and safe environment. Click here for more information.
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Gen X Family Friendly Campfire
Sat., September 17, 4-6:30pm
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 light refreshments, good conversation and space for the children to play. Please RSVP to
Eileen Wiviott
and
Sarah Hendershot
.
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Non-Fiction Book Group
Sunday, September 25, 12:30pm
We will discuss
Saving Capitalism:
For the Many Not the Few by Robert Reich
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Upcoming Membership Classes
I
ntro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, Sept. 18, 11:30 - 1pm
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.
Sign up at the Guest & Member Table in the lobby or email Eileen Wiviott at
ewiviott@hotmail.com. Childcare available upon request. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need childcare.
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Sunday, September 18 at 3pm, members of LURE (Lakeview, Uptown, Rogers Park, and Edgewater), UCE's Northside of Chicago neighborhood group, will gather at Fireside Restaurant (5739 N Ravenswood). Our agenda is simply to have no agenda other than to socialize with other UCE-ers from our neighborhood. We meet four times a year. If you are interested in learning more about LURE, contact Jean Durkin.
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Composting at UCE
At the south end of the parking lot, there are two green totes for compost. If you would like to participate in this composting program for church members and friends, please remember to contribute. We are asking for $60 per person, per year to be paid to UCE by check (put
"
composting
"
in the memo).
Thank you for caring for our planet by diverting waste from our landfills. A note to those composting in the bins outside - PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR COMPOST IN PLASTIC BAGS! It is not compostable that way. Stop by the compost station after church if you want to purchase an inexpensive kitchen counter container.
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Opportunities
for Spiritual Practice
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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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