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Sunday, January 31
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
As the end of the Nineteenth Century drew near, a group of women in Evanston, uneasy with their restricted lives, began meeting on Sunday afternoons to listen to and discuss poetry and readings from Shakespeare and the classics. Their favorite presenter was a young Unitarian minister from the West Side of Chicago, named James Vila Blake. The women liked not only his readings, but his theology so well summed up in the covenant we still use. So the women persuaded their husbands to put up the money to begin a church of which Blake became the minister. Many years later a minister who had become a UU in that same West Side Church was called to be the Senior Minister in Evanston and now, years after he left to revitalize a church on the West Coast, he returns to reflect on the history of this beloved church he once served. Rev. Dr. Dave Sammons speaking.
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 is going on a field trip and the senior high youth group meets at 10:30. All (except seventh-eighth grade) 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
"Nature vs. Nutrure"
Theories of the relative effects of heredity and the environment have been analyzed in many fields, with researchers and the public often having very strong opinions that may go beyond the science. The broad recent acceptance of evolutionary psychology is an endorsement that Darwinism applies to humans as well as animals. Steven Pinker states many contemporary fears of evolution and human nature - the fears of inequality, imperfectability, determinism and nihilism - are based on non-sequitors. Does the study of heritable individual and group differences enable human progress in many areas, such as individualized medicine? 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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Interfaith Action of Evanston's Annual
Vision Keepers Dinner 
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On Sunday evening, February 21, Interfaith Action of Evanston will hold its annual Vision Keepers award dinner. This year, UCE has nominated not one, but four church members to receive this honor. They are: Martha Holman, Joan Retzloff, Gail Smith, and Sarah Vanderwicken. Together, they constitute REAL: the Racial Equity Action Leadership team.
We want to encourage church members to attend the dinner to celebrate this honor. It will begin at 5:30 at the Hilton Orrington in Evanston. The cost is $75 per person. To reserve a space, send a check to the church office made out to the church OR Interfaith Action of Evanston, with "Vision Keeper dinner" in the memo field. All reservations, check included, must be in by February 12.
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Gaslight Days: a Reprise
All Ages Potluck - January 30, 6-9pm
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Reprise: Gaslight Days - As part of our celebration of the 125th anniversary of UCE, we have invited Rev. Dr. Dave Sammons for the weekend of January 30-31. Dave Sammons served UCE 1978-1983. We will have an all-ages potluck dinner Saturday evening January 30, 6-9pm. Rev. Dr. Sammons will then preach Sunday morning, January 31 at 9:15am and 11am. Plan to be part of this special weekend!
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Common Threads
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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. every month.
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 February 2 at 10am and February 23 at 7pm. Mark the dates on your calendar.
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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.
The first session which takes place this Tuesday, February 2 will cover the Introduction and Chapters 1-3 of the Righteous Mind, by Jonathan Haidt.
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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Overcoming Unconscious Bias...
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6pm
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The next REAL workshop facilitated by the Evanston YWCA --- Overcoming Unconscious Bias - will be held Wednesday, February 10 at UCE.
Recent studies have confirmed that we all have biases and assumptions regarding race, gender, age, etc. that we are not aware of and that have real impact. It turns out that more people are killed by hurricanes with female names than those with male names because they don't take seriously a threat with female connotations.
Come find out more, particularly as to unconscious racial assumptions, and how to beat these biases back.
Doors open at 6pm and light refreshments will be available. Program starts promptly at 6:30pm, and will end by 9. Register to assure snacks and seating by emailing jr1100@comcast.net or by calling the church office at 847-864-1330.
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Pantry Project
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 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!" |
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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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Ecstatic Dance led by Cindy Lortie
Monday, February 15, 6:30pm |
 Ecstatic Dance takes place the third Monday of each month. 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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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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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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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
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
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6pm
REAL Workshop - Overcoming Unconscious Bias
Friday, Feb. 12, 6pm
Rainbow Alliance Game Night
Sunday, Feb. 14, 10:15am
Principles and Sources Class
Monday, Feb. 15, 6:30pm
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
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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
February 7, 2016
Surprise Bread Maker to
Join us
The Food and Shelter Team is pleased to announce that Evanston's famous bread maker, Dave Bond - the bread guy, has graciously agreed to join us with some of his incredible bread creations. This is a hidden treasure treat of Evanston.
Please join us after the 11:00am service for the Empty Bowls lunch. Buy a pottery bowl created by both UCE potters and other Evanston potters. The proceeds benefit "Our House" (meals for the young men that live in the house) and Hillside Pantry. Fill with delicious soup, bread, cheese, cake, fruit and special bread from Dave.
See you there. An annual not-to-be-missed event!
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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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