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Sunday, December 20
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"Participatory Pageant for All"
 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.
Children's Religious Education
This Sunday, December 20, children are invited to join their parents in the sanctuary for the worship service. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers will be available from 9:00-12:30.
Holiday Treat Celebration - 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!
Last Sunday you were provided with names, addresses and information to write letters to officials who can release prisoners chosen by Amnesty International. Please put your unstamped Amnesty letter in the basket at the back of the sanctuary. We will stamp and mail. Thank you.
"Winter Solstice Celebration (AKA Christmas)"
The Christmas celebration, which can be traced to Roman times and even further back, has evolved in many different ways during the past two millennium and has many different personal meanings in current times. Come and share your short and unique traditions and remembrances. Discussion Leaders: Gordon Mallett 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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The REAL Project - What we've done this year; What's coming up in 2016
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UCE's Racial Equity Action Leadership (REAL) Team has been coordinating various efforts to help all of us better understand racism, its effects and its perpetuation through individual and institutional behavior. Over this past year, REAL has:
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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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Race: The Power of an Illusion
Tuesdays, January 12, 19 & 26, 7:00 - 9:00 pm |
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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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Please celebrate with UCE, Community Renewal Society (CRS) and the UU Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI) at the annual MLK Day of Faith in Action January 18th (Monday, MLK Day)at First Congregational Baptist Church, 1613 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, from 9:30am-12:00pm, plus optional lunch afterwards at MacArthur's Restaurant (soul food cafeteria on Madison). We will be over 100 people from UCE and over 1000 people of faith together to take action to:
- Reduce Violence through Restorative Justice
- End absolute, lifetime bars on employment for people with criminal records;
- Seek Justice in Education Funding and Adequate State Revenue
- Fight for Good Jobs and Housing through the Westside Community Benefits Campaign
- End Police Brutality, Sweeps, and the Criminalization of People of Color
We will car pool or bus to the event. Contact Dale Griffin to RSVP and for more information.
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Somme Woods Solstice Bonfire
followed by Pequods 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, Pequods 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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Special Holiday Sing Thing
Wednesday, December 30 |
Come sing Christmas carols and other winter songs at a special Sing Thing at the Nielsens' 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.
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 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
Friday, February 12, 6pm
Rainbow Alliance Game Night
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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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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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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Udumbara Zen Sangha's Annual Winter Poetry Open Mic
Special Guest
Chicago Area Poet Charles Rossiter
Saturday, January 16, 2-4pm at UCE
A warm afternoon for sharing tea and sharing your original or found poems
Suggested Donation: $10
Everyone is welcome!
For more information
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Opportunities
for Spiritual Practice
*Note - There will be no yoga on Sunday, December 27 and Wednesday, December 30.
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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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