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Sunday, December 13
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
All around are reminders to be present to our own lives, if only we listen. They tell us that hope and peace are not future events, but that their potential exists now. Paying attention is a lesson of Advent. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Children's Religious Education
This Sunday, December 13, our preschool, kindergarten-first grade, second-third-fourth grade, and fifth-sixth grade classes will meet from 9:15-10:30 and 11:00-12:15. The seventh-eighth grade class will take a field trip today, and the senior high youth group will meet at 10:30. All (except the seventh-eighth grade class this week) will begin in the sanctuary for the first part of the worship service before going to classes. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers will be available from 9:00-12:30.
Wailin' Mahalias at UCE
Come listen to music from the Wailin' Mahalias during both services on Sunday, December 13. Join us later that afternoon at 1:30pm for a CD release event for the new CD, Angel Voices. There will be food, drink, a concert and prizes. Suggested admission charge $10.
Principles and Sources Discussion - 10:15am
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.
Write for Human Rights
12:00pm at the back of the sanctuary
Amnesty International looks at their global portfolio of cases, including Prisoners of Conscience, human rights defenders, torture survivors and communities at risk to decide who will be featured in each year's Write for Rights. They then provide names, addresses and information for you to write letters to officials who can release these prisoners. We have paper, pens, envelopes, stamps. These letters have an impact. Prisoners get better conditions or are released and human rights defenders are protected. Take a minute to alleviate these terrible situations which are so unjust.
"The End of Doom"
Throughout the past five decades there have been many forecasts of impending doom, most proven wrong. The effects of human resourcefulness have often been underestimated. World poverty is in decline, cancer rates are falling in America, world population will soon be declining, food is abundant, life spans are up, pollution is decreasing, reforestation is occurring, and the cost of clean energy will soon fall below that of fossil fuels. In his book, The End of Doom: Environmental Renewal in the Twenty-First Century, Ronald Bailey details his optimism. Is it reasonable to extrapolate Bailey's analysis to the future or are there factors that should temper his optimism and call for a different policy approach? Discussion Leaders: Gordon Mallett 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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Upcoming Crackerbarrel Topics  |
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Sunday, December 20, 9:30am
"Winter Solstice Celebration (AKA Christmas)"
Discussion Leaders: Gordon Mallet and Scot Campbell
Sunday, December 27 - No Crackerbarrel
Sunday, January 3, 9:30am
"Modern and Contemporary Art"
Discussion Leader: Scot Campbell
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| Child Dedications Available |
A ceremony of dedication of children will be included in a Sunday morning service on December 20 and/or our Christmas Eve service at 5:00 pm on request. In this ceremony, children are named and blessed, parents dedicate themselves to the young lives entrusted to them, and the congregation dedicates itself to be a loving community in which all may thrive. This ceremony is appropriate for infants as well children who may be new to the congregation or have not previously been dedicated. Parents who would like their children to be included in this ceremony are asked to contact Rev. Connie Grant right away at cgrant@ucevanston.org.
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Special Program for Children:
Aspects of Racial Equity
January 3, 10, & 17 - 9:15 and 11:00 am
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In conjunction with our focus on racial equity this year, expert facilitators from the YWCA will offer a special program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at UCE.
January 3: Starting Out: Race, Culture, and Racism
Differences: race, culture, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic
Insiders and Outsiders
How does difference show up?
Equality vs. Equity
January 10: Standing up for what you believe:
What does it mean to be an Upstander? Interrupter? Ally?
January 17: What can WE do?
How will WE resist "the way things have always been"?
How will WE stand for equity?
Please plan to have your children attend these important programs!
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| Adult Religious Education |
Race: The Power of an Illusion
Tuesdays, January 12, 19 & 26, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
We'll view and discuss this must-see three-part series that takes us through the history, science and day to day experiences undergirding how race impacts life in the United States.
January 12 - Part One - "The Differences Between Us." Why there is no genetic basis for categorizing people into different races.
January 19 - Part Two - "The Story We Tell." How social inequalities became rationalized as natural. January 25 - Part Three - "The House We Live In." How white privilege accrues advantage. Facilitated by members of our Racial Equity Action Leadership (REAL) team.
Please sign up on the Religious Education bulletin board near the Lobby or with the UCE office at learning@ucevanston.org or 847-864-1330.
Click here for a listing of upcoming Adult Religious Education classes.
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Somme Woods Solstice Bonfire
followed by Burt's Pizza in Morton Grove
Sunday, December 20 with Green Sanctuary |
This fun event culminates months of hard work by Friends of the Somme Woods in Northbrook in clearing invasive underbrush from their land. Regardless of the weather you'll find it a beautiful afternoon in the woods near a roaring bonfire two stories tall!
Afterwards we'll retreat to the warmth of an iconic Morton Grove establishment, Burt's Pizza. Having defrosted Chicago style we can then review the Paris Pledge, learn a bit about Community Solar programs and consider a spring trip to see environmental justice along the Calumet river.
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| Quasquicentennial Year of Celebration |
Rev. David Sammons, who served our church 1978-1983, is our first guest of our quasquicentennial year of celebration. He will be with us the weekend of January 30-31. SAVE THE DATE now for a potluck gathering on Saturday, January 30, and Dave Sammons in the pulpit on January 31.
Dave brought us "Gaslight Days," which showcased life in the 1890's, when our church was founded. We will reprise the "Gaslight Days" theme at the Saturday evening gathering.
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Special Holiday Sing Thing
Wednesday, December 30 |
Come sing Christmas carols and other winter songs at a special Sing Thing at the Nielsen's house! We'll assemble at 2100 Noyes Street in Evanston at 7:00, have some food and drink (bring whatever you wish to share), and go until 9:00. Bring a guitar, uke, harmonica, whatever you wish, or just your singing voice! We'll have a piano too! Lyric sheets for your favorite Yule carols will be available. It will surely be a fun evening! Contact Brian Nielsen for more information.
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The Homestretch Screening and Potluck
Saturday, January 16, 6:30pm at UCE |
Please join us for a screening of The Homestretch, a critically acclaimed documentary which tells the stories of homeless youth in Chicago. The piece includes several social service programs that UCE has rich histories and partnerships. Viewers will emerge with a deeper understanding of the problem.
The film will be shown at UCE on January 16, 2016.
There will be a 6:30 potluck and 7pm screening followed by a discussion. Hosted by the Rainbow Alliance and Food and Shelter Team.
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Women in Transition
Monday, December 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, call or email Noel Yovovich, 847 494-1361.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
Sunday, December 13, 10:15am
UU Principles and Sources Class
Sunday, December 20
Holiday Treat Celebration
Monday, December 21, 6:30pm
Women's Ecstatic Dance
Thursday, December 24, 5 and 9pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Wednesday, December 30, 7:00pm
Sing Thing (Offsite)
Saturday, January 2, 7pm
UU Wanna Dance
Sunday, January 10, 10:15am
UU Principles and Sources Class
Saturday, January 16, 6:30pm
The Homestretch Screening and Potluck
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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Community Involvement
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Click each event for more information.
YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
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"Participatory Pageant for All"
Sunday, December 20
9:15 & 11:00 am
We'll enact the Christmas story and reflect on its meaning.
Have you always wanted to be a star?
Or maybe an angel, a wise person, or a shepherd?
This is your chance!
No advance preparation is required: costumes, props, and stage directions will be provided on the spot. A worship service for all ages.
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Holiday Treat Celebration
Sunday, December 20
after both services
Celebrate the winter holiday with a little treat! Please bring your favorite holiday treat or finger food to share with the congregation after the service on Sunday, December 20. Labelling treats with content information, for example, "gluten-free", "contains nuts" or "vegan" would be appreciated!
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Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
with stories, carols and music
Thursday, December 24
5 pm and 9 pm
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UCE Office Holiday Schedule
Thursday, December 24
Open from 9am-12pm
Friday, December 25
Closed
Monday, December 28 through Friday, January 1
Closed
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Opportunities
for Spiritual Practice
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UU Wanna Dance
Saturday, January 2, 7pm at UCE
Waltz into the New Year!
Don't let the celebration end just yet! Come swing, waltz, tango and two-step into the best year ever! We will start with a short waltz lesson, but UU Wanna Dance is all about fun, not at all about form, so join a group of friends for an easy-going celebration of life, music and movement with snacks, champagne and dancing on January 2, 7pm in room 3. Bring a beverage if you like, or just put on your dancing shoes!
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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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