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Sunday, January 17
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"The Third Reconstruction"
On this Martin Luther King Sunday, Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck will talk about The Civil Rights movement, past and present, including Black Lives Matter and Moral Mondays.
Special Program for Children: Aspects of Racial Equity - 9:15 and 11:00am
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.
What can WE do?
How will WE resist "the way things have always been"?
How will WE stand for equity?
Guest at Your Table Boxes
Guest At Your Table boxes are being collected this Sunday! Please return your box full of coins (or bills, or a check) to the back of the sanctuary after either service this Sunday!
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"The Triumph of Faith"
In this book, Rodney Stark argues that despite the predictions of academics and liberal religious leaders, the world is becoming more faith-filled, not less. The intellectual elites have been declaring the demise of religion for decades, asserting religion the province of the uneducated. We will review some of the data about religion historically, cross-culturally and demographically. Religious proxies, such as Marxism, and all sorts of supernatural beliefs held by many of the unchurched will also be considered. Do the trends suggest an eventual triumph of reason? Discussion Leader: Scot Campbell
The Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
This Sunday at 9:15am
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 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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Upcoming Crackerbarrel Topics |
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Sunday, January 24, 9:30am
"Reparations: Why and How?"
Led by Tom Hempfling.
Sunday, January 31, 9:30am
"Nature v. Nurture"
Led by: Scot Campbell
Sunday, February 7, 9:30am
"On The Nature of Things (De rerun natura),
Titus Lucretius Casus, 94 BCE"
Led by: Gordon Mallett
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125th
Anniversary All Church Potluck
Reprise: Gaslight Days
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Set back your kitchen timer one hundred and twenty-five years and prepare a turn of the 20th century recipe for the all church Gaslight Days Potluck, Saturday, January 30, 6-9 pm.
Recipes, or receipts as they were called, can be found in cookbooks, on the web and in family recipe collections.
Possibly the best known period cookbook is The Original Boston Cooking School Cook Book published in 1896 by Fannie Merritt Farmer. Later it was published as the Fannie Farmer Cookbook. Click here to read more.
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Kick off the 30 Days of Love and Celebrate Martin Luther King Faith in Action
Monday, Jan. 18
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Celebrate with over 100 members of UCE, Community Renewal Society (CRS) and the UU Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI). 9:30am-12:00pm at First Congregational Baptist Church, 1613 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, plus optional lunch afterwards at MacArthur's Restaurant (soul food cafeteria on Madison).
This family friendly event holds politicians accountable for their actions. Politicians will attend and attendee participation in the accountability presentations are expected. Young children may love the interfaith gospel choir, but may get antsy during the accountability presentations. Older children (fifth grade and up) should enjoy the entire event.
Carpooling or bus to the event available, contact Dale Griffin to RSVP and for more information. The best way to celebrate Martin Luther King Day and racial equity!
This year's 30 days, from Saturday, January 16 through Sunday, February 14, 2016, will be centered on racial justice as it intersects with other aspects of social justice, including immigration justice and LGBTQ equality.
Each week Standing on the Side of Love will send meditations and calls to action from partners working with Black Lives Matter and racial justice organizing. Visit the back of the sanctuary Sunday after the services or click here for a calendar.
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Lobby Staff Position Open
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A lobby staff position is open at UCE. If you know of someone (not a church member or family member), please contact Sandra Robinson.
This position hours are Sunday from 7:30am - 2:00 pm and Friday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm (hours are approximate). Some additional hours may be available to sub for other lobby staff.
While this is not a labor intensive position, it does require assisting members from time to time with small tasks, as well as light shoveling and salting in inclement weather. This person must have the ability to warmly greet congregants and guests, interact well with other staff, possess the ability to readily make decisions where security or safety are involved, and help accommodate the needs of groups meeting at the church. Above all, this person must be reliable and trustworthy.
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News from Green Sanctuary
Congratulations to Lynn Lawson
Submitted by: Alex Sproul
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 Long-time UCE member Lynn Lawson, 90, was honored recently by the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies (NCEHS), as the first recipient of it's Pioneer Award. The award was presented to Lynn on December 14 at her home by US Representative Jan Shakowsky. Lynn is celebrated for her success in publicizing the dangers of toxic substances to public health. In 1994 she published a trail-blazing book, Staying Well in a Toxic World, with a substantial update in 2000. She was editor and principal writer for the Canary News, a newsletter which became prominent nationally. Lynn was active for many years in UCE's Green Sanctuary. Upon its founding some years ago by Marjorie Fisher, Lynn was one of the first members, and one of the most effective, acting as secretary of the group and writer of Eco-Notes, which appeared regularly in the UCE newsletter for many years. Green Sanctuary is proud of Lynn's accomplishments and congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition. |
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Day of Mindfulness with Santikaro and
Rev. Bret
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A one-day retreat of mindfulness as taught in the Buddha's discourses. We will review the basics of posture as well as centering and relaxing within the body and mind. Santikaro will lead a guided meditation and provide meditation instruction based on "mindfulness with breathing." This retreat is suitable for both new and experienced meditators.
Santikaro is a Dhamma student-practitioner, translator, and meditation teacher who lives at Liberation Park in southwest Wisconsin. Inspired by the suttas of early Buddhism, Santikaro seeks to translate the heart of the Buddha's liberating message into a life free of suffering in the midst of the challenges of modern life.
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Program Fair
Sunday, January 24
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Join us after each service on Sunday, January 24 to learn more about the programs, activities, and events that build our thriving and engaging congregational life.
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Greenwood Group
Thursday, January 21, 7:30pm
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Attend the stock investing UCE group which meets every third Thursday of the month. This month, January 21, we invite new members, the time of year to plan an investment strategy. Next month, February 18, we will be featuring "Bitcoins" cyber currency.
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An Invitation from Peace and Justice
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Gail Smith has had a central role in this community in illuminating, modeling, encouraging, helping, being present, and in other ways getting us to be more like the people we would like to be. Among many other things, she was the moving force in the erection of the Black Lives Matter sign outside our building. She is moving to New York to head up the Women in Prison Project of the Correctional Association of New York and we would like to wish her a fond farewell. If you would like to come to a party for her in the sanctuary on January 16 from 3 to 5pm, and have not already responded to an invitation, please RSVP to Sarah Vanderwicken.
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Race: The Power of an Illusion
Continues Tuesdays, January 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 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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The Psychology of Morality
Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16 & 23 - 7-9pm
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Do we make moral judgments intuitively or rationally? According to Jonathan Haidt, Professor of Ethical Leadership at The Stern School of Business at New York University, "we are intuitive creatures that are not persuaded just by logic, things have to feel right first, and then we look for supporting evidence, and if it feels right and we see the evidence, then we believe." Says Haidt, "When it comes to moral judgments, we think we are scientists discovering the truth, but actually we are lawyers arguing for positions we arrived at by other means."
Source material for reading and discussion on the psychology of morality, currently a subject of research in the field of Evolutionary Psychology, will include The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt and Moral Tribes by Joshua Greene, both available at the Book H. Facilitated by Bill Irons and Robb Geiger.
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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| Pantry Project |
 In February, the students in the 5th and 6th grade class at UCE are collecting items to provide birthday kits to people who receive food from the Hillside Food Pantry here in Evanston. The Pantry is part of Feeding America's network of 200 food banks. The pantry feeds between 2,200 and 2,400 families every month.
Please help us provide a birthday treat to people who receive food from Hillside Pantry by donating the following items: packages of cake mix, plastic containers of frosting, packages of birthday candles, and gift bags to hold the items in each kit. The students in our 5/6 class will add birthday greetings, pack up and deliver the kits. Donations can be given to students in the back of the sanctuary after services in February or placed in the box near the coat rack. We appreciate any and all items that you can donate! Please help our children to "Let them eat cake!" |
Principles and Sources Class
Sunday, February 14, 10:15am |
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Whether you are new to Unitarian Universalism or you would like to understand the seven principles and six sources of our faith better, join us for this rich 45-minute discussion led by members of the New Member Committee. We'll use thought provoking metaphors to dive deeper into the foundations of being a UU.
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Spiritual Journeys - a 3 part conversation
Sundays, February 21, 28 & March 6, 10:15am
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We'll explore our religious and spiritual backgrounds, where we come from, what we want to cherish and what we want to release as we continue our journeys. This is a conversation open to all no matter where you are on the path - exploring membership, new members and long-term members alike.
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| Becoming a Member of UCE |
Intro to Unitarian Universalism Sunday, January 24, 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, January 30, 9am - noon. Led by 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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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
Saturday, January 16, 6:30pm
The Homestretch Screening and Potluck
Monday, January 18, 6:30pm
Ecstatic Dance
Tuesdays, January 19 and 26, 7pm
Race: The Power of an Illusion
Friday, January 22, 7pm
Volunteers Needed for Memorial Service
Saturday, January 23, 9am
Day of Mindfulness Retreat
Monday, January 25, 7pm
Women in Transition
Tuesday, January 26, 5:30pm
Recently Retired (But Never Retiring!) Women
Tuesdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 & 23, 7pm
The Psychology of Morality
Saturday, Feb. 6, 6pm
Night of the Arts
Sunday, Feb. 7, 12:00pm
Empty Bowls Soup-er Bowl Lunch
Friday, Feb. 12, 6pm
Rainbow Alliance Game Night
Sunday, Feb. 14, 10:15am
Principles and Sources Class
Monday, Feb. 15, 6:30pm
Women's Ecstatic Dance
February 20, March 1, March 14 or April 3
One Book, One Church
Sundays, Feb. 21, 28 and March 6, 10:15am
Spiritual Journeys - a 3 part conversation
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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Day of Mindfulness Retreat
With Santikaro and Rev. Bret Lortie
Saturday, January 23
9:00am-4:00pm at UCE
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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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Saturday, February 6
6-9pm
Come to the Rosemary Zwick Night of the Arts! The sanctuary will be filled with people of all ages enjoying a variety of art projects. Some projects will be individual for taking home, and some will be group projects for display. Make a valentine for your honey, make an artistic creation to take home, enjoy music and noshes, and ward off the winter blahs. It may be cold outside, but we'll keep it warm and cozy inside making art. The cost is $5.00 per person, or $15.00 per family.
We are also looking for people willing to lead a project, so put on your creativity hat if you are so moved, and let us know. The more the merrier.
Click here for information about projects we have planned.
If you have any questions or want more information contact
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Empty Bowls-Soup-er Bowl Sunday Lunch
The Food and Shelter Team needs help to serve and prepare the Soup-er Bowl Sunday Lunch. Proceeds benefit "Our House" (meals for the young men that live in the house) and Hillside Pantry.
Sign up for helping with the meal:
Sign up to help bring food: At the lunch: Buy a pottery bowl made by UCE potters and others and fill it with some delicious soup.
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Rainbow Alliance Game Night
Friday, February 12
6-8pm at UCE
Please join us for a game night for all ages! Pizza, salad, and snacks will be provided - just bring yourself, your family, and if you want, your favorite games! Hosted by the Rainbow Alliance - everyone is welcome.
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Join the whole church to read and discuss Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. The book is a powerful expression of how it feels to be black in America today. This honest and compelling book can open eyes and hearts.
Join discussions on Feb. 20, March 1 or 14, or April 3 at UCE.
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Opportunities
for Spiritual Practice
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30 Days of Love kicks off for Martin Luther King Day (Saturday, January 16) and goes through Valentine's Day (Saturday, February 14.)
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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 will be on sabbatical from January 1 through March 31. Rev. Seth Fisher will serve as Sabbatical Minister and will be at UCE on Thursdays and Sundays. Contact Rev. Seth at fishercommaseth@gmail.com.
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