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Sunday, November 1
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"Our Transcendentalist Roots"
As we begin a month of exploring the theme of "ancestry," we explore a core group of spiritual ancestors, the Transcendentalists. From their call to pay attention to nature to noticing threads of truth that wind through all religion, theirs is a theology that informs Unitarian Universalism most profoundly today. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
You are invited to add a picture or memento of a loved one to Sunday's Day of the Dead altar. Simply bring it up before the service.
Children's Religious Education
Preschool, kindergarten-first grade, second-third-fourth grade, and fifth-sixth grade classes meet from 9:15-10:30 and 11:00-12:15. The seventh-eighth grade class meets at 11:00 and the senior high youth group meets at 10:30. All will begin in the sanctuary for the first part of the worship service before going to classes. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"The Coddling of the American Mind"
In the name of emotional well-being , college administrators are increasingly censoring words and ideas they don't like. Outside the campus, political liberals such Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins and Bill Maher have very vocally criticized what they call the Regressive Left for its intolerance toward free speech. We will discuss the appropriate balance between any right not to be offended with free speech. Discussion Leaders: Gordon Mallet and Scot Campbell.
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 Executive Operations Director  |
As we turn back the clocks this weekend we look behind on our accomplishments and challenges as we look forward to opportunities as UCE.
As of July 1, my role as ISC Staff Lead began. We are off to a good start with two meetings of sharing good conversation and decision making around all areas of financial health at UCE. The Budget Working Group has been established and will begin work in November on a preliminary spreadsheet. A letter will go out to councils and committees seeking spending requests for 16/17 FY. Our Annual Pledge Drive planning has kicked off with new Co-Chairs Chris Allender and James Clark. The pledge drive will officially kick-off Sunday March 6, 2016.
A "Financial Review" was done last week by ECS Financial Services. The off-site follow up work is in process. No significant finds have been found at this time. An official report will be sent during the next two weeks. This review brings our financial procedures into compliance with UCE by-laws.
Staff is about to launch a website upgrade. We are identifying web developers who can work with our existing software and integrate an updated version to better present our church to the public and provide good information to congregation members, friends and guests. Click here to read more.
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| UCE Member to Member Facebook Group |
You may have noticed that you've been added to a group on facebook called "UCE Member to Member." This is a listserv type group where members and friends can communicate with one another, share personal news, events or activities.
UCE staff created the group and added UCE members that we are connected to on facebook.
If you do not want to be a part of this group, there's an option to leave the group at the top of the page.
If you do want to be a part of the group and were not invited, please click this link and request to join.
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| UU Principles and Sources Class |
| Serendipity Auction |
48 hours! We have 48 hours to type up our auction items so they can appear in the printed catalog. The print version is important because we have a ritual of sharing the catalogs on Sunday mornings before the auction - so do get your idea confirmed and entered into the system (or at least sent to Tom Hempfling) by Sunday evening, Nov. 1. You must have at least one treasure at home that has lost its luster for you but would tempt other members in the silent auction.
Some new ideas this year include an offer for an 'all-night' baby-sitting service from Ellis O'Connor. Your children might bid on this, if you don't.
The 125th celebration team is offering a tour of homes built around 1891 (our founding date) followed by lunch at a restaurant in a historic building.
There are some other fresh ideas from members in the online catalog. Read through and see if other donations inspire you to create an auction item.
And this year the children have an option of a 'sleep-under' movie after dinner - so parents can play in the sanctuary. Be sure to make dinner reservations. Dinner is inexpensive if you have a reservation, and the sleep-under is free.
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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 November 3 at 10am and November 24 at 7pm. Contact Joan Horberg with any questions.
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| Join the Mentoring Post and the Food and Shelter Team for an interesting movie! Sunday, November 8, 12:20pm |
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We will screen "SHOW ME THE WAY: How Mentoring Impacts a Young Person's Life." We are learning about the important impact mentoring has on youth to assure their success in college and careers. Young adults who attend college or technical school and have an expressed plan to a career or job are much less likely to end up homeless, in a detention center, or incarcerated. This movie shares the stories of five urban high school kids with very diverse needs and backgrounds as they navigate the challenges of home and school life while utilizing the dedication of a mentor. We watch as these young adults attempt to realize their dreams via partnership, education and very hard work. Snacks provided and short discussion afterwards
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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. |
| 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! 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 Gary Zacny for more information.
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Congregational Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 26
Breakfast at 9:00am, Dinner at 2:00pm |
You are cordially invited to join your UCE community for our annual Thanksgiving Day celebration! This year we will share our table with recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Base. Come for breakfast or come for dinner, come to share our wonderful UCE fellowship with some sailors far from home.
Breakfast at 9, Dinner at 2. Bring a dish to share! RSVP for dinner after church. Volunteer to help host our guests: prepare and serve breakfast at 9 or dinner at 2. Chat with our guests and join in games in the morning or afternoon. Sign up online or after church. Contact Linda Clark for more information.
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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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| Thanksgiving Day Vegan Potluck |
UCE member Sarah Hendershot seeks other UUs interested in celebrating Thanksgiving within the context of two of our UU values: the respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part and the inherent worth and dignity of every being. Whether you're vegan or just willing to be vegan for this meal, you are welcome. Please call Sarah at 847-864-0460 if you would like to participate.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
Saturday, October 31, 7:30pm
Our Haunted Coffee House
Sunday, Nov. 8, 10:00am
UU Principles and Sources Class
Sunday, Nov. 8, 12:20pm
Mentor Post and Food and Shelter Team Film Screening
Tuesdays, Nov. 10-24, 7:00pm
Growing American Inequality: Reasons and Responses
Saturday, Nov. 14, 5:30pm
Serendipity Auction
Monday, Nov. 16, 6:30pm
Ecstatic Dance
Thursday, Nov. 26
Congregational Thanksgiving
Sunday, December 13, 10:00am
UU Principles and Sources Class
Sunday, January 10, 10:00am
UU Principles and Sources Class
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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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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Serendipity Auction
Saturday, November 14
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Mitten Tree
It's Mitten Tree time again! And it takes many volunteers to make this a generous, giving event. Sign up after both services this Sunday, November 1.
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 UCE After Work Meditation Group
Thursdays at 5:30pm
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 walking, then a second sitting meditation, followed by a half-hour discussion on a short provided text.
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. The group is open and anyone can join us on any Thursday evening they are able.
Contact Rev. Bret to be put on the mailing list for readings and information. Drop ins welcome any time.
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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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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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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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