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Sunday, October 4
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"Is the Grass Really Greener?"
Ministeral Intern Kevin DeBeck examines the idea of theology in a UU setting and ponders this question: With no creed or statement of belief needed to become a Unitarian Universalist, do other religions "have it easier?"
New Orleans UU Project -
12:30pm
Come visit with YTC, Youth Technology Corps, partnering with Green Sanctuary, to build community with UU churches in New Orleans. Plans include a trip to New Orleans, two new YTC clubs in New Orleans. Fundraising includes an ongoing Indiegogo (via internet) project which as of this writing has raised over $2000. Come meet with YTC ETHS students their parents, instructors. Combining technology skills (providing refurbished computers) with social service. For more information contact Doug Erickson, Mary Dudek. Refreshments will be served.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Refugees and Displaced People"
The issue of refugees and displaced peoples is arguably old as the human civilization itself. While much of migration in modern times occurred due to economic reasons, with migrants pursuing a better quality of life, the majority of recent displacements is a result of extreme violence and political unrest in the native countries of origin. The current migration crises in Europe started, in many cases, with nations turning away refugees. They are perhaps condemning the displaced persons to death or persecution. We will discuss recent examples from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. Discussion leaders: Irv Badr and Julia Takarada.
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.
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From the Senior Minsiter 
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Our theme this month is "letting go," and what strikes me first is not why this is a worthy practice, but how it's even possible sometimes. We all realize that letting go of things that no longer sustain us, or that are doing us harm, or that disconnect us from others are worthy of being released from our lives-but how we go about doing this is the more difficult question.
Spiritual practice is a key to unlocking the "how" of letting go. I've just started an after-work meditation group on Thursday evenings, and this month we are exploring the Buddha's Four Noble Truths. At the core of the Noble Truths, which explore why we humans have anxiety and stress in our lives, and how we can have less anxiety and stress, is the notion of letting go of the fixations and attachments that weigh us down. We cling to all sorts of stuff that is often harmful to us: difficult pasts; haunting stories; losses, hurts and disappointments. Even the good stuff in life, when we cling to it, can lead to suffering because the good stuff can be taken away and cannot last forever. We lose (or fear losing) our friends and loved ones, we lose (or fear losing) our youth, we lose (or fear losing) the status and fortune we mistook for happiness. Click here to read more.
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| Upcoming Worship Services |
Sunday, October 11, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Changing the World"
In our world today there is so much brokenness and so much hope. How will we mend the brokenness and realize the hope? Rev. Connie Grant speaking.
Sunday, October 18, 9:15 and 11:00am "Letting go" We're often told to just "let it go," but not how. Spiritual practices are keys to learning how to let go, and what to let go of. Come explore what it means to have a spiritual practice, how to find one, and how going "deep" can change, or save, your life. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking. Sunday, October 25, 9:15 and 11:00am "Sticky Church" In their book Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die, Chip and Dan Heath list six features of a sticky idea. It is simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, and evokes a story. As a movement we've preached a lot of sticky ideas over the centuries: "One God, Not Three," "Give Them Hope, Not Hell," "Revelation is Never Sealed." What's our sticky idea for the 21st Century? Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
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Coming Out - Reflections and an Invitation
by Forrest Marie Linsell and Chris Allender
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Join the Rainbow Alliance Sunday October 11 to celebrate National Coming Out Day. This day of celebration and solidarity is for everyone, LGBTQs and allies alike. It is great day for allies to come out in support and love for LGBTQ folks. And it is often a powerful experience for LGBTQs to reflect and take pride in their individual journeys. Look for our free-standing stage door after each service and come out in love and solidarity.
Coming out is tough. There's no perfect time or opportunity to come out, because the act is different for everyone. Sometimes, just coming out to ourself is very difficult. Other times, folks live dual lives, with an "out" community of friends & loved ones, and with a "straight" community of coworkers, bosses, family members. For some of us, that boundary is blurry, and we oscillate between being closeted and out, even within the same day. For some of us, being out is life-threatening, and we need to closely guard our authentic selves. Others of us who live openly and transparently assume great risk. Job loss, housing loss, assault, murder. Some of us remain closeted our entire life. Most everyone has some portion of their life where they remain closeted. For many of us, being a part of the UCE community means that we have this place where we can live out loud, authentically, transparently, and as our full selves. Click here to read more.
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| From the Food and Shelter Team |
FAST is happy to announce that Chute School, a partner and recipient of Fair Trade Cart contributions, is now providing a food market for its families. Volunteers are needed to help set up, distribute, and close the market on the second Tuesday of every month. The next market is on Oct. 13 and volunteers would be asked to be present between 4:15 and 7 PM. Please contact Randy Barrengos or Joan Retzloff for more information.
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| News from the Serendipity Auction Team |
Serendipity brings pleasant surprises and at this year's Serendipity Auction, we invite you to create your own fortunate happenstance to auction to UCE Members.
Some fresh ideas have been floated but need a champion: lead a bike ride to your favorite historic place or gardens; organize a craft beer tour; teach us how to cook a healthy quick meal; organize an activity for children that is fun and educational. And we know you have even fresher ideas. Participate in the auction as a donor, a volunteer (volunteers have even more fun), and on the evening of November 14 as a bidder. It will bring out the serendipity in all of us.
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Donate your Bike!
Sunday, October 11 at UCE |
 Do you have any old bikes hanging around in your garage? Any that are too small for your kids? Or too broken down to ride?
UCE is hosting a bike drive at the church in collaboration with The Recyclery Collective on October 11 from 8:30-11:30am. No bikes will be refused!
The Recyclery is a non-profit, educational bike shop that promotes sustainability by encouraging cycling and empowers the community through giving access to bike tools and skills. The Recyclery, on Paulina just north of Howard, repairs donated bikes and gives many away through partner organizations. These bikes provide practical transportation for recent immigrants, people experiencing homelessness, and low-income families. Other bikes are sold to raise money for the Collective's educational programs. These bikes are affordably priced and available for purchase on Saturday mornings at The Recyclery. UCE is proud to highlight The Recylery as an organization building community in our area. Hope to see you on October 11!
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| A Chosen Faith
Discussion Group
Continues Tuesdays, October 6 - November 3, 7 - 8:30pm
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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.
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Women in Transition
Monday, October 26, 7pm |
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, email Noel Yovovich.
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| UCE 35-50 Social Group |
Please join us to enjoy the Chicago Philharmonic perform works by Schubert, Brahms and Kilar at 7PM on November 15th at Pick-Staiger Hall in Evanston. Tickets are $25. Email Marybeth Burdelak by October 14th to ensure seating with the group. Singles / Couples / Got Kids / Still Feel Like a Kid: all are welcome!
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UCE After Work Meditation Group
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 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.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
Tuesdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 3, 7:00pm
A Chosen Faith Discussion Group
Sunday, October 4, 12:30pm
New Orleans UU Project
October 9-10
Racial Equity Workshop
Sunday, October 11, 8:30am
Recyclery Bike Drive
Sunday, October 11, 12:00pm
National Coming Out Day
Monday, October 19, 6:30pm
Women's Ecstatic Dance
Monday, October 26, 7pm
Women in Transition
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 |
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Ecstatic Dance takes place the third Monday of each month, alternating between Women's Ecstatic Dance and Ecstatic Dance for all genders.
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. Contact Cindy Lortie for more information.
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Are you a member of CUUPs (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans), pagan-identified, or just interested in exploring nature-based spirituality?
Taryn Seawright is hoping to start a chapter of CUUPs at UCE, and is looking for others who would like to participate. Please email Taryn to get involved.
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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.
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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.
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Add your photo to the Member Directory
A directory of members on our website includes photos. 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.
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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.
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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, 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.
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