 |
|
|
Sunday, September 27
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
It was once thought that religion emerged from village life when formerly nomadic peoples had enough time to contemplate the larger questions of existence. We now know, however, that the world's oldest temple, the earliest expression of religious organization, came before the village. We once thought: first came the village, then religion. But as Gobekli Tepe excavator Klaus Schmidt puts it, now we believe: "First came the temple, then the city." What kind of invitation creates that kind of response? Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Bike the Ridge
9:00am-1:00pm
Ridge will be closed between Howard and Church Street from 9:00am-1:00pm. Make a special plan to bike to church! Wear your helmet in order to collect cool stuff! There will be bike decorating on the church lawn. At 10:30am there will be a "blessing of the bikes." Everyone is welcome! A caregiver must accompany children.
The Recyclery Collective, a non-profit, educational bike shop that promotes sustainability by encouraging cycling and empowers the community through giving access to bike tools and skills, will be joining UCE at Bike the Ridge. UCE will also be hosting a bike drive with The Recyclery on October 11 from 8:30-11:30am. Stop by and meet our friends from the Recyclery at Bike the Ridge!
Udumbara Meditation Group Open House for
UCE Members and Friends - 12:45pm
The Udumbara is an auspicious flower that blooms every 3000 years. We are so pleased to be blooming here with you at UCE and look forward to meeting you. Udumbara is a UCE rental.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Illiteracy and Social Reform"
When sociologists apply demeaning terms like "underclass," "culture of poverty," and "social pathology" to persons of economic disadvantage, they point to high rates of unwanted pregnancies, single parent homes, academic underachievement, joblessness, drug use, violence, and gang membership and note how these social realities are highly correlated with illiteracy. The discussion will not be about how to remediate illiteracy, but how to help those struggling with literacy to develop lives of meaning and dignity. Discussion leader: John Tobin.
Non-Fiction Book Group - 12:30pm
The UCE nonfiction book group will discuss Reclaiming Prophetic Witness: Liberal Religion in the Public Square by Paul Rasor at its first meeting of the 2015-16 church year. This book was selected by the UUA as its Common Read for 2014-15. The author asserts that conservative Christianity is not the only valid religious voice in our national social policy. He invites UUs to explore and claim our contribution, as religious liberals, to the pressing moral and ethical debates of our contemporary world.
The Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
This Sunday at 9:15am in Room 2
If you have had cancer, are in treatment now, or have experienced cancer with a loved one, join us to talk and listen, learn and teach. Come with a caring heart. We keep the stories in the room.
|
|
From the Executive Operations Director 
|
New faces, updated spaces at UCE...
Two weeks ago we hired Amy Stanton as UCE Bookkeeper. Many of you met Scott Chambers, our new Sunday morning lobby monitor. I am most pleased that these new staff members are working out quite well. Kevin DeBeck also joined us as UCE Intern and Vickie Hellyer will begin October 1 as Interim Music Director. Welcome all.
Here are some of the changes to our space that provide enhanced safety, comfort and convenience.
New crash bars are being installed on the East entrance. While this is not our main entrance and exit, it is important that, in case of emergency, congregants can leave the building quickly. This new bar brings us into code and provides greater ease in exiting the sanctuary. Click here to read more.
|
Race gets REAL - Last Call!
|
It is not too late to sign up for the Race Gets REAL workshop October 9 and 10. This workshop is the centerpiece of a yearlong journey of learning and building stronger relationships both within our congregation and with our larger community. Our YWCA workshop leaders are skilled at creating safe space to explore and to bring our questions, struggles, and concerns.
We are at a critical point regarding race at UCE, in our Unitarian Universalist denomination, in Evanston, and in our nation. The Black Lives Matter call for police accountability and the vitriolic backlash against it have led many of us to challenge ourselves to learn more. The Unitarian Universalist Association's Action for Immediate Witness last June calls us to step outside our limited understanding and to hear the experiences of people of color. If you are a parent or if you work with young people, navigating the question of race is particularly important as these complexities unfold. Children's activities will be available during the workshop if requested in advance.
Come join the conversation. If you are part of UCE, we need your voice, too. Sign up at the back of the sanctuary this Sunday.
|
|
Women in Transition
Monday, September 28, 7:00pm |
This group for women who are contemplating or in the process of divorce meets the 4th Monday of every month at 7pm. Newcomers are welcome. For more information or meeting location, contact Noel Yovovich.
|
A Chosen Faith Discussion Group
Tuesdays, Sept. 29 - Nov. 3, 7-8:30pm
|
Explore sources from which the living tradition of Unitarian Universalism draws: direct experience of mystery and wonder; words and deeds of prophetic women and men; wisdom from the world's religions; Jewish and Christian teachings; humanist teachings; and spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions. Based on the book A Chosen Faith: An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism by John Buehrens and Forrest Church (available at the Book H). Appropriate for both new (or prospective) and longtime Unitarian Universalists. Facilitated by Rev. Connie Grant. To register, email learning@ucevanston.org or sign up on the Religious Education bulletin board near the lobby.
|
|
Food and Shelter Team Update on
"Our House"
|
|
Housing for five young men who are interns at
Curt's Café, sponsored by UCE's Food and Shelter Team
The house in Evanston has become HOME to five young men who are interns at Curt's Café. The men moved in about two weeks ago and are settling into household routines that some haven't experienced in the recent past.
In August, the Food and Shelter Team held a luncheon with a fantastic presentation on the house and the project for helping the Curt's interns. We asked persons who attended to donate $5, 10, or $20 a month on a recurring basis to Connections for the Homeless so that as a church, we could pledge to provide a $1000 a month to help support the house. While it sounds like a lot of money, it is achievable if only 100 UCE members make this small commitment. Click here to read more.
|
Sing Thing
Wednesday, September 30, 7:00pm at UCE |
All are welcome! 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!
|
UCE After Work Meditation Group
|
 Join us for a weekly "after work" meditation group every Thursday night from 5:30-7:00pm at UCE.
To start, we will have a 20-minute sitting meditation, followed by a half-hour discussion on a short provided text, and then a second sitting meditation.
Rev. Bret Lortie will lead the group at least twice a month, with members of the group leading on other Thursdays. Generally this will be led in the Insight (or Vipassana) tradition, but other traditions will be respected and perhaps explored by participants. We'll give it a three-month trial period and see where we go from there. The group is open and anyone can join us on any Thursday evening they are able.
|
New Orleans UU Project
Sunday October 4, 12:30pm at UCE
|
|
Green Sanctuary presents an exciting community building project connecting New Orleans UU, Evanston Township High School (ETHS), and UCE.
The Youth Technology Corps (YTC) club at ETHS with the New Orleans UU Center of Ethical Living and Social Justice Renewal is starting two clubs in New Orleans. Youth gain job-ready tech skills/certifications as they learn to refurbish computers which they donate to their community. Come find out what we do and the many possibilities including a trip to New Orleans. For more information contact Doug Erickson or Mary Dudek. Refreshments will be served.
|
|
|
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, read Rev. Bret's blog, or sign up for weekly meditations, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming UCE Events
|
Click each event for more information.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 9:00am
Bike the Ridge
Sunday, Sept. 27, 12:30pm
Non Fiction Book Group
Sunday, Sept. 27, 12:45pm
Udumbara Open House for UCE Members and Friends
Monday, Sept. 28, 7:00pm
Women in Transition
Tuesdays, Sept. 29-Nov. 3, 7:00pm
A Chosen Faith Discussion Group
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7:00pm
Sing Thing
October 1-4
Fall Weekend
Sunday, October 4, 12:30pm
New Orleans UU Project
October 9-10
Racial Equity Workshop
Sunday, October 11, 8:30am
Recyclery Bike Drive
Women's Ecstatic Dance
Monday, October 19, 6:30pm
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
Friendship Dinners |
|
Community Involvement
|
Click each event for more information.
YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
|
Racial Equity Workshop for UCE
October 9 - 10
Explore our role in building a world of justice, engagement and right relationship.
Led by the Co-Directors of the Evanston YWCA Racial Justice Program.
Friday, October 9
5:00pm - Dinner
6:00pm - Training
Saturday, October 10
8:30am - Coffee and Bagels
9:00am-5:00pm - Training
Lunch Included
Reserve now! RSVP at the back of the sanctuary on Sundays
$5 donation to cover food
(optional)
|
Rainbow Alliance invites you to Northwestern Pride Night
A Pride Panel event before the 7pm game against Ball State includes a discussion with LGBTQ coaches and staff about gender and sexuality in sports. Tickets starting at just $15 are available at nusports.com/groups
using promo code NUPRIDE. Mike Takada has 2 extra tickets!
Questions? Contact Mike Takada or Karl Malachut.
|
8:15am on Sunday Mornings
9:30am on Wednesday Mornings
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.
Contact Doug Erickson or Jessica Tomell-Presto with any questions.
|
|
|
Upcoming Membership Classes
Intro to Unitarian Universalism Sunday, November 15, 12:30-2pm. Led by Rev. Bret, 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, November 21, 9am - noon. Led by Rev. Connie and Membership Director, Eileen Wiviott. 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 of email Eileen Wiviott.
Our next New Member Joining Sunday will be Sunday, October 4th. If you've taken the membership classes (Intro to UU and Orientation Toward Membership) and are ready to sign the membership book, please contact Eileen Wiviott.
|
|
|
Our Giving House
For the month of September, our giving house will be collecting (full sized) Soap, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste and Shampoo. Please bring your items to church and place inside the giving house in the lobby. This month's items will be matched by the Van Dyke Covenant Group.
|
|
Add your photo to the Member Directory
Remember that there is a directory of members that includes photos on our website. This is a password protected document. Contact the office if you don't know the password. If you would like to add your photo to the directory, please send us a jpeg or let us know you'd like your picture taken on Sunday morning. Contact Membership Director, Eileen Wiviott or Communications Coordinator, Carli Magel.
|
|
Caring Concerns
Are you having surgery or a baby? Would you like a meal as you recuperate? Do you need a ride to an appointment? Let us know. The Caring Program helps us care for each other by providing practical assistance to people in our congregation who are experiencing life changes and challenges. Contact Lois Taft, if you would like to volunteer for the Caring Program or if you have a need that the Caring Program can help you with.
|
|
|
|
