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Sunday, November 15
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"Learning History Through Story Telling"
With today's theme being Ancestry, Intern Minister Kevin DeBeck discusses one way to keep beloved people who have passed on alive-through story telling.
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.
Intro to Unitarian Universalism - 12:30pm
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.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Status Inequality and Well-Being"
In their 2009 book, The Spirit Level, Wilkinson & Pickett purport to scientifically show that a reduction in status inequality improves human well-being. We will first examine the Spirit Level's conclusions and graphs, in light of sample selection bias, cherry-picking of indicators, spurious causation and neglect of alternate explanations. We will then discuss what evidence in fact exists regarding the causal relationship of status, income and other inequalities with human well-being. Discussion Leader: 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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Upcoming Crackerbarrel Topics  |
Sunday, November 25, 9:30am
"Perspectives on Law Enforcement"
Discussion Leader: Irv Badr
Sunday, November 29, 9:30am
"Kimonos and Pre-WWII Japanese Cultural History"
Discussion Leader: Julia Takarada
Sunday, December 6, 9:30am
"Self-Evident Truths: Origins and Relevancy"
Discussion Leader: Gordon Mallett
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| Serendipity Auction |
Are those party clothes ready for Saturday night? Of course you can always come to the Serendipity Auction in your work garb, but if you have something sparkly or festive, pull it out of the back of the closet and add some more glamour to the evening. Costumes for the children create a celebratory atmosphere, and remember, there is a 'sleep-under' for kids after dinner, so if you have little ones, bring a sleeping bag for them.
We have a wonderful offering: "An Evening at the Goodman Theatre with Robert and Kat Falls." This extraordinary evening will include tickets and a backstage tour for you and your three guests.
There is one more marvelous offering in the Live Auction: Martha Holman & Wayne Guzy's comfortable home away from home, located 6 hours north in Boulder Junction, WI. You can stay in their cottage located just steps from the shore of High Lake, eat breakfast watching the water lap the shore and listen to the loons lull you into sleep!
Today may be Friday the 13th, but Saturday the 14th will be a lucky night for all those who offer winning bids on items and events to enjoy for the next year...
You can save the church 2% by bringing a check to pay for your auction items - tho we will of course accept your credit cards.
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| Adult Religious Education |
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Tuesdays, December 1, 8, & 15, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Reclaiming Prophetic Witness: Reclaiming Liberal Religion in the Public Square, by Paul Rasor
Paul Rasor, one of Unitarian Universalism's best political critics, says we need to recognize the built-in difficulties religious liberals face, including our commitment to liberty, which makes it hard to speak with a united voice. He finds that beneath our theological diversity there is a shared set of religious values, and seeks to restore the voice of progressive religion in the public square as a counter-weight to the religious right. He articulates nine core religious principles, including "the inherent worth and dignity of all persons," the importance of "cooperative power," and the principle of human liberation. The UUA recommends Paul Rasor's Reclaiming Prophetic Witness to be studied by all congregations as a way of undergirding our commitment to social justice. Facilitated by UCE's affiliated community minister, Rev. Jerry Stone. To register, email learning@ucevanston.org or sign up on the Religious Education bulletin board near the lobby.
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2015 UCE Mitten Tree
Give as a group. Give as an individual.
Give as a family!
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UCE's Mitten Tree has collected gifts and food for over 25 years and is a wonderful tradition of generosity for others who need help during the holiday season. Contributing generously not only helps those in need but helps each of us add to the love in our hearts during the holiday season. Paper mittens (with the wished for items noted) will be available from Nov. 8 to November 22 with collection on November 29 and wrapping at Ornament Sunday on December 6. We are providing gifts to seven different groups this year. Please do not wrap gifts. All gifts are new items.
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Growing American Inequality:
Reasons and Responses
Continues Tuesdays, November 17 & 24
7:00 - 9:00 pm
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Join us this Tuesday from 7-9 pm for the 2nd of 3 sessions, titled: Potential Remediation of Growing American Inequality. What are the most effective tax and economic solutions? Can economic policies work without combatting racism and classism? Why are other advanced democracies more egalitarian? Come to the 2nd session even if you missed the first. Click here 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.
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 this Sunday.
The deadline to sign up or RSVP is This Sunday, November 15. Contact Linda Clark for more information.
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UCE Writers Community
Thursday, November 19, 7pm
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Join us for the next meeting of the UCE Writers Community. This group is open to any type of writer - fiction, non-fiction, poet, etc. The purpose of the group is to support each other in the sometimes isolated practice of writing. We will meet on Thursday November 19 from 7-8:30pm. We will discuss our current projects or projects we are hoping to start. Email kerryheckman@gmail.com for the meeting agenda.
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Non-Fiction Book Group
Sunday, November 22, 12:30pm
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Join us to discuss the book Locked Down, Locked Out: Why Prison Doesn't Work and How We Can Do Better by Maya Schenwar. Author Maya Schenwar will be present.
The book looks at how prison tears families and communities apart, creating a rippling effect that touches every corner of our society. Through the stories of prisoners and their families, as well as her own family's experience of her sister's incarceration, Schenwar shows how the institution that locks up 2.3 million Americans-and decimates poor communities of color-is shredding the ties that, if nurtured, could foster real collective safety.
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Sing Thing
Wednesday, November 25, 7pm at UCE |
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! All are welcome!
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| Memorial Services and Receptions |
For special Memorial Services, we need volunteers to help with ushering and with the reception that immediately follows the service. Please use the link to sign up for a specific task. Times are provided for each.
Volunteers are needed to help with the reception for Cammie Sibley's Memorial Service on Saturday, November 21.
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UCE Men's Group Retreat
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The UCE Men's group is having a Saturday retreat November 21 at UCE. All are welcome. The morning session will be 9-12, with introductions, yoga, check-in, discussion topic. Lunch follows and then optional afternoon session games, cards, chit chat. Contact Dick Whitaker.
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Women in Transition
Monday, November 23, 7pm
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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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Principles and Sources Discussion
Sunday, December 13, 10:15am
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A discussion facilitated by the New Member Committee taking a deeper look at our seven principles and six sources with some helpful metaphors. Join us whether you are new to Unitarian Universalism or you think you've heard it all.
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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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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 5:30pm
Serendipity Auction
Monday, Nov. 16, 6:30pm
Ecstatic Dance
Tuesdays, Nov. 17 and 24, 7pm
Growing American Inequality: Reasons and Responses
Thursday, Nov. 19, 7pm
UCE Writer's Community
Saturday, Nov. 21
Men's Group Retreat
Sunday, Nov. 22, 12:30pm
Non-Fiction Book Group
Wednesday, Nov. 25, 7:00pm
Sing Thing
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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Sunday, November 22
9:15 and 11:00am
A Thanksgiving worship service for all ages. Please bring a loaf (or other form) of bread representing your heritage and accompaniments such as cheese, jam, or fruit. During the service, we'll partake of the bread in celebration of the sustenance we share. Following the service we'll share a simple meal of bread and the accompaniments you bring.
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Ornament Sunday
Sunday, December 6, 12:30 pm
Ornament Sunday is an opportunity to get together with people of all ages to make ornaments to trim the UCE tree and to take home.
If you would like to lead or assist with a holiday-related ornament/decoration-making activity, please email
by November 29.
Ideas for projects are available!
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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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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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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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Our Giving House for the month of November is collecting men's long underwear (size medium and larger) and socks.
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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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