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Sunday, October 18
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
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.
Special Activity for Children - 9:15 and 11:00am in room 3 for K-8th Grade
Appreciating Difference and Diversity:
Different People Make Different Music
Craft real, working musical instruments inspired by Central American, African, and European traditions using a variety of materials including wood, metal, and string. Led by Andy Larkin, woodworking instructor from the Evanston Art Center.
Please let us know if your child will be participating so we can be sure to have enough materials available. A few adults will be needed to help with general supervision, so if you can help please let us know. RSVP ASAP to learning@ucevanston.org.
Child care will be available for infants and toddlers in Room 11, and the PreK class will be in session for three- and four-year-olds.
Meeting on our Church Name - 12:30pm
At last year's Annual Congregational Meeting there was discussion about possibly changing the name of UCE to something else that might better express our history and values. In that meeting we announced there would be opportunities for congregants to provide feed- back and ideas on possible names, The first of such opportunities is after our 11:00 service on Sunday, October 18, in Room 3. Please come and offer your input!
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Building an Islamic Caliphate"
The conflict in the Middle-East has turned into full-blown sectarian war, involving multiple parties. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), whose vision of rebuilding the lost Islamic Caliphate is largely responsible for escalating the violence, is exacerbating the already hostile relationship between the many religious and ethnic factions in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. ISIL's aggression has resulted in massive human displacement, casualties and destruction of property. We will discuss the current situation in the Middle East, the birth of militant Islamic fundamentalism, and the roles Iraq, Syria, Iran, and other regional nations are playing in deteriorating the situation. Discussion Leader: Irv Badr
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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New Member News!  |
Join us in welcoming those who became members of our congregation on Sunday, October 4. Click here to see their photos and brief bios and when you see them at church, please introduce yourself, and congratulate them.
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UU Principles and Sources Class
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Whether you are new to Unitarian Universalism or have been coming to this church for years, you can learn more about the sources and principles of our faith in a 45-minute class offered by the New Member Committee. The single sessions will be held at 10am the second Sunday of each month starting in November. How do the principles provide a doorway through which we enter into covenant and the sources inspire our journey? Join us to discover - November 8, December 13, or January 10 at 10am in room 12.
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| UCE Military Bridge Builders join the Winter Chicago Standdown |
Standdown offers a day of hospitality and support to indigent and homeless military veterans, serving breakfast and lunch, offering health support, and distributing warm clothing, shoes, toiletries and blankets. UCE Military Bridge Builders is fielding a team to volunteer the day of, serving meals, distributing clothing and wearing our warmest smiles - please join us! Carpooling to the Northwest National Guard Armory at 1551 N. Kedzie in Chicago, Tuesday, November 10, 7am to noon. We also need donations of gently-used and clean men's jeans (smaller sizes are especially needed) and warm clothing.
Sign up today with the Military Bridge Builders team or online at Volunteer Opportunities. Bring your donations to the specially-marked box in the lobby. Thanks so much for helping us put a face on our support to our vets! Contact Margaret Shaklee for more information.
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Rainbow Alliance Mini Golf Outing
This Sunday, October 18, 2pm
at the Skokie Sports Park |
Allies, friends, community welcome. - We will meet in the parking lot at 2pm for a round of mini golf. It's around $7 per game. The Skokie Sports Park is located at 3459 Oakton Street. Contact Jennifer Crosby for more information.
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| Common Threads |
 Common Threads, the UCE knitting and crocheting group, meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am, and the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm. We make hats and blankets for babies, and scarves and shawls for people who we think would like a hand-knitted or crocheted care shawl. Sometimes, we also work on our own projects. We have a huge stash of donated yarn, needles, and directions, as well as people who can help you improve your knitting and crocheting skills. Our next meeting dates are October 27 at 7pm and November 3 at 10am. Mark the dates on your calendar.
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Non-Fiction Book Group
Sunday, October 25, 12:30pm |
Join us to discuss The Spirit Level: Why Greater Equality Makes Societies Stronger by Richard G. Wilkinson, Kate E. Pickett.
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Growing American Inequality:
Reasons and Responses
Tuesdays, November 10, 17, & 24
7:00 - 9:00 pm
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Sessions will include presentations, TED Talks, optional readings from Joseph Stiglitz and Robert Reich, and discussion, concluding with ideas of actions we might consider as UUs. Facilitated by Tom Ticknor, Jane Bannor, and Brian Nielsen. To register, email learning@ucevanston.org or sign up on the Religious Education bulletin board near the lobby. For detailed information about session topics click here. |
Recyclery Drive Success!
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Thanks to all who brought bicycles to donate at church last Sunday for the Recyclery organization! They collected TWELVE bikes, sold a few Recyclery t-shirts, and received a cash donation! The Recyclery provides an open shop to allow bike owners to come in and learn how to keep their bikes in good running shape, as well as giving young people in their North-of-Howard neighborhood a chance to work in their shop in exchange for credit on a bike of their own. Recyclery also donates fully working bikes, through case workers, to clients served by Connections for the Homeless. We're looking forward to further contact with the Recyclery this year.
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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 $5 per person, per month to be paid to UCE by check (put "composting" in the memo), through automatic payments ($30 minimum), or by putting cash in a giving envelope marked "compost" (found at the back of the hymnal). 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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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 15 at Pick-Staiger Hall in Evanston. Tickets are $25. Email Marybeth Burdelak by October 14 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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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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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
Tuesdays, Oct. 20-Nov. 3, 7:00pm
A Chosen Faith Discussion Group
Sunday, October 18, 12:30pm
Meeting on our Church Name
Monday, October 19, 6:30pm
Women's Ecstatic Dance
Sunday, October 25, 12:30pm
Non Fiction Book Group
Monday, October 26, 7pm
Women in Transition
Tuesday, October 27, 5:30pm
Recently Retired (but never retiring!) Women's Potluck and Discussion
Saturday, October 31, 7:30pm
Our Haunted Coffee House
Tuesdays, Nov. 10-24, 7:00pm
Growing American Inequality: Reasons and Responses
Saturday, Nov. 14, 5:30pm
Serendipity Auction
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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Free Family Event at UCE
Saturday, October 17, 5pm
All are welcome to the first family event of the 2015-16 school year sponsored by Bayit Afterschool, a UCE rental.
Play games and win prizes designed by children from the Bayit Community exploring the concept of Kavod (honor).
Meet outdoors near the Bayit sukkah (weather permitting). Light refreshments will be served.
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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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Save the Date!
Serendipity Auction
Saturday, November 14
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Our Haunted Coffee House
Saturday, October 31, 7:30pm
at UCE
Spooky songs, stories, & poetry to entertain you. Costumes welcome! We dare you to miss it!
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Our Giving House
Our giving house for the month of October is collecting (full sized) conditioner, baby powder, lotion, razors and wash cloths. It is sponsored by the Herreid Covenant Group.
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Interested in exploring nature-based spirituality?
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 or email Eileen Wiviott.
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