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Sunday, February 5
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
This month's theme of identity begins with exploring the question "Are you your work?" The idea of vocation is often misunderstood to be question of employment, but it goes deeper. Continuing the conversation begun in "The Meaning of Ministry," we will explore what it means to be called to serve the world in your unique way. 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 10:30am. Senior high meets at 11:00am.
Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Agendas and Courage"
We will discuss tree planting on strip mined land in Southeast Ohio. The story has a number of ecological and spiritual dimensions. Facilitated by Dick Whitaker
Empty Bowls Souper Bowl Lunch - 12:00pm
 Buy a pottery bowl and fill it with soup. When you purchase a bowl your soup is free. This year we are again pleased to feature Dave Bond, The Bread Guy, who will serve his wonderful homemade bread. 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.
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, Februrary 12, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Marriage that Works"
What does it take to form a lasting marriage partnership with another? Romance is nice. Common interests are nice. But these are not what will keep you going toward what songwriter Patty Griffin calls a "mad mission" to the finish line. Maintaining our personal identity while opening ourselves to the language of another's heart are keys to a lasting union. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Sunday, February 19, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Serving Those Who Served Us"
Due to the recent news that the federal hiring freeze will affect veterans and the services they will receive, Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck will discuss ways in which this congregation can help expand the our ministry to help serve those who served our country.
Sunday, February 26, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Senior High Youth Group"
The Senior High Youth Group will explore the idea of Beloved Community. Be expected to share your thoughts as well at this all-ages interactive service.
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From the Faith in Action Minister
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Rev. Scott Aaseng
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I'm thrilled to join you at UCE as your interim Faith in Action Minister! Uniting the communal and spiritual grounding of religious community (Faith) with public expressions of our values (Action) has been a central theme throughout my life, and is one the main reasons I became a UU.
I have alternated between working for peace and justice in the public arena--resisting registration for the draft, co-leading a community-based youth organization in Chicago, networking across the country for an exhibit showing the human cost of war--and working in faith communities--on college and seminary campuses in the U.S. and South Africa, as a musician at Third Unitarian and other churches, as a minister on the Southwest Side of Chicago, in Oak Park and Quincy, IL and Hobart, IN--and now here!
Click here to read more.
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From the Board of Trustees
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"The Board Wants to Hear from You"
Submitted by Kerry Heckman
This year the Board of Trustees set the following goal: "Increase Congregational Linkage Through Communications"
Our original intent was for us to communicate more to the congregation, through media such as the newsletter. Then, we realized communication goes two ways and we'd like to invite the congregation to communicate with us.
The recent Presidential election may have some of us questioning, "Who does the government actually work for?" The government is supposed to work for us. That is the purpose of the Board of Trustees. We are here to work for you. We are here to understand and bring about your vision for the church. Click here to read more.
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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.
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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Denominational Affairs Program
Sunday, February 12, 12:30pm in Room 3
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The Denominational Affairs Committee invites you to a special program on the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association. We will have videos of past GAs and members who have attended will be there to answer questions. Light refreshments will be served.
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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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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: Wednesday - April 12, September 20, 27, October 4 and October 11 at UCE and Monday - August 14 and August 21 at Second Baptist Church. More information and sign-up to follow. For questions, contact
Winnie Stevenson or
Marilyn Wroblewski.
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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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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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Doing the Most Good Group
Monday, February 20, 7pm
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How can each one of us and our community maximize the impact of our charitable donations? Join Doing the Most Good Group as we discuss the practical strategies offered in Part II of the book, "Reinventing Philanthropy: A Framework for More Effective Giving." Reading is strongly encouraged but not mandatory to attend.
Please join us. Newcomers are welcome!
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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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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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REAL Recommends...
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How can we be engaged to bring about the change we seek? Some of us are focusing on local government to work toward equity in public education and throughout our Evanston community.
Here's an easy way to get involved: volunteer to be a greeter or usher at the upcoming candidate forums being hosted by the League of Women Voters/Evanston. Can you help at any or all of these events?
March 7 at 7pm:
Evanston Township High School, District 202 candidates
March 14 at 7pm"
Joseph E Hill Education Center near Martin Luther King Jr. School, District 65 candidates
March 18 at 1, 2:15, and 3pm:
Civic Center for alderman, mayor and city clerk contests
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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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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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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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Upcoming UCE Events
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Sunday, February 5, 12:00pm
Empty Bowls Lunch
Saturday, February 11, 6:00pm
Rosemary Zwick Night of the Arts
Sunday, February 12, 12:30pm
Denominational Affairs Program
Monday, February 13, 7:00pm
Women's Circles Open Meeting
Tuesdays, Feb. 7-28, 7pm
Yoga off the Mat
Monday, Feb. 20, 7:00pm
Doing the Most Good Group
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 10 or 17, the deadline is
Wednesday, February 8.
Please contact
Carli with any questions.
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From the REAL Team
Please check to see if you have books or DVD's at home from our Racial Justice Lending Library that you have finished reading or viewing but have not yet returned. A list of borrowed materials is posted on the bulletin board above the shelves.
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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 The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and the Rise of a New Justice Movement. By William J. Barber II, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove.
Rev. Barber participated in the 2016 General Assembly and has a strong message for UU's. All are welcome to join the discussion.
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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: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26.
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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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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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