Join us for worship! 
Services take place on Sunday morning at 9:15 and 11:00 am
February 5, 2016
Sunday, February 7
     
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"Choosing Your Obsessions"
It is human nature to obsess, so discerning between obsessions that pull our lives down and passions that lift us up is key to a healthy spiritual life. There is continuum that begins with attraction, moves to passion, then obsession, and can lead even to addiction. The trick is developing insight so we can tell the difference. Welcome to your homework for this month in which we explore our Soul Matter theme of "Desire." Rev. Bret Lortie 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 11:00. 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.
Empty Bows Soup-er Bowl Lunch - 12:00pm
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!

Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"On The Nature of Things (De rerun natura), Titus Lucretius Casus, 94 BCE"
In 1417, Poggio Braccolini, Gifted Latinist and scribe, Notary Public and onetime Apostolic Secretary to the then defrocked Pope John XXIII, discovered in the Benedictine Abbey at Fulda, the only surviving Epicurean 7,400 line poem of lyric beauty with philosophic meditations on: religion, pleasure and death, complex theories of the natural work, evolution of the human species, perils and joys of sex, nature and disease. This poem is by Lucretius. We will discuss the poem and Lucretius. The discussion will draw on "The Swerve: How the World Became Modern" by Stephen Greenblatt. Discussion Leader: Gordon Mallett

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.
News from Our Senior Minister -- 
Spiritual Life and Outreach
srminister
Rev. Bret Lortie
Keep UCE?

Many of you have asked why I haven't shared my opinion, which you suspect may be a strong one, about the proposed church name change. In a word, curiosity. I want to remain curious before calcifying a position. 
I have wanted to listen.

I have heard some questions that I can answer:

1. Why is this conversation happening now?
This conversation was not generated by the ministers, other staff, or your Board of Trustees. A signed petition asking for a church name change was delivered to the Trustees last year, which per our by-laws requires a congregational vote.

2. What is lost by changing the name? 
Some of you are concerned that our name has special, positive meaning in our larger community. Changing the name of an institution, when it has a strong public presence, runs the risk of diminishing the reputation and power of that name. For examples from the tech industry, consider how many of us know Google (which is everywhere) is now a company called Alphabet? Or that IBM personal computers (which used to be everywhere) are now Lenovo?

Message from Sandra Robinson, 
Executive Operations Director sandra
A Town Hall Meeting will be held after the worship service in Room 3 on Sunday, February 14. Topics of discussion are:
  • 2016-17 Proposed Budget
  • Two-Services Follow-up
  • UCE Name Change Proposal
Please join us for this important meeting where you will have the opportunity to hear presentations, ask questions and learn more about topics related to the health and vitality of UCE.

The Integrated Stewardship Council (ISC) and Budget Working Group have worked diligently to provide a balanced budget which includes priorities of the board, including 100% Fair Share Contribution. The Budget Working Group is comprised of 3 ISC members - Martha Holman, UCE Member-At-Large; CJ Presto, Treasurer; and Sr. Minister Bret Lortie, headed by me as EOD/ISC staff lead. The ISC and the board have approved this preliminary budget, which now moves to the congregation for review and final approval at the May Annual Meeting. 
Upcoming Worship Services worship
Sunday, February 14, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Longing for Belonging"
Human beings are social animals. We need connection with each other just as much as we need air to breath and food in our bellies. On this Valentine's Day, Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck explores the ideas of how a desire to be a part of something bigger than one's self can lead to great change, or great calamity. 

Sunday, February 21, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Senior High Youth Group"
The Senior High Youth Group will explore the idea of Beloved Community.  Be expected to share your thoughts as well at this all-ages interactive service.
 
Sunday, February 28, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Coming of Age"
UCE came of age in the 1960's and 70's, as we moved out from our warm nest of Unitarian Universalism into the world around us, to bend that arc of the universe toward justice.  Working for civil rights in our Evanston community and for ending our nation's Vietnam War occupied our days and years.  Nationally, too, our denomination took courageous stands. Rev. Charles Eddis led the congregation through those tumultuous times and will be speaking (by video) continuing our UCE celebration of 125 years.
Interfaith Action of Evanston's Annual
Vision Keepers Dinner visionkeepers
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. 
General Assembly
A Great Unitarian Universalist Experience! ga
Can you imagine 3,000 UUs singing together? You can experience it at the General Assembly in Columbus, OH, June 23 - 26.  You can also attend numerous workshops of interest to UUs and participate in the business of the UUA.  To learn more, attend the Denominational Affairs Meeting after church on February 7 in room 12 at 12:30. Members who have been at previous GAs will be there to answer questions.  
 
At this year's General Assembly we'll be choosing one of four topics to study and work on for the next four years. From 2016--2020 we'll develop a denomination-side statement of conscience on either racism, money in politics, environmental justice or gun violence.  Come to the meeting on February 7 to learn more about these four options and to help potential delegates decide which topic to support.
 
For more information, contact Lee Bannor.
Overcoming Unconscious Bias...
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6pm unconsciousbias
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.
The Psychology of Morality
Continues Tuesdays, February 9, 16 & 23 
7-9pm  psych
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.
Pantry Project pantry
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!"
One Book, One Church onebookonechurch
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.
Spiritual Journeys - a 3 part conversation spiritualjourneys
Sundays, February 21, 28 & March 6, 10:15am
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. 
Ethical Engagement through Religious Tradition
Tuesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 7-9pm ethicalengagement
We'll explore non-Christian traditions which inform UU ethics: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Chinese religion. Which teachings are common to all of these traditions, and which are distinctive? How do these traditions inspire ethical engagement, as their followers put their teachings into practice? What can we learn from them on our own journey "to become more fully human," in the words of Stephen Prothero? 

In addition to materials presented by our speakers, discussion will draw from two recent books on religion and ethics. The first, Prothero's "God is not One," surveys eight "great religions," disputing the view that these are, in essence, the same. Kenan Malik's "The Moral Compass" is a global history of ethics, showing how morality is determined by social conditions as much as by religious ideas. These texts will not be required, and key passages will be presented in class. 

Facilitated by Dan Solomon and Dick Whitaker, with assistance from Rev. Jerome Stone and others who have expertise in these religious traditions.

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. 
Quick Links
ucevanston.org
Calendar
Upcoming Worship Services
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.
Upcoming UCE Events
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

Sunday, Feb. 14, 12:30pm
Town Hall Meeting

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 

Tuesdays, March 1-29, 7pm
Ethical Engagement through Religious Tradition 

Saturday, March 5, 4:30pm
Pledge Drive Kick Off Party

Thursday, April 21, 6:00pm
Passover Seder

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
Community Involvement
Click each event for more information.

February 4-6 at First Unitarian Church
Winter WomanSpirit Conference

Saturday, March 5, 8pm
Emma's Revolution at North Shore Unitarian Church

July 24-29 on Fort Gibson Lake in Oklahoma
The Point UU Camp

YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
Please remember that the Music Director Search Committee still wants your input about UCE's music program.  If you have rants and raves, here is the link to give us your point of view:


We will look at all your comments and try to incorporate them into our search process.  Thanks for your time attention
 
--The Music Director Search Committee (Lynn Kendall, Rev. Bret Lortie, Steve Courtright, Ruth Orme-Johnson, William Phillips, and Robb Geiger)

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.

Click here for information about projects we have planned.

If you have any questions or want more information contact
What should be included in the UUA's statement of conscience in income inequality?  

Join us Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7:30pm to give us your ideas and to help plan activities for the Inequality Task Force for the rest of the year.  Once a year we get the opportunity to submit ideas directly to those who are developing policy statements for our denomination.  Come let us know what aspects of the topic are most important to you.  

Contact Jane Bannor for more information.
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.
Principles and Sources Class
Sunday, February 14, 10:15am

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. 
Pledge Drive Kick Off Party 

Come kick-off the pledge drive singing about your favorite things with all of your favorite people! This interactive film experience will be unlike any sing-a-long you have may have attended before. We promise lots of surprises and special UU themed activities. 

- The entire event is free.

- To RSVP, please click "Going" on the facebook event page, email ucepledgedrive@gmail.com, or sign up on the bulletin board in the UCE lobby.

- The lasagna dinner will be served at intermission and includes vegetarian and gluten free options.

- You'll want to be there at 4:30! There will be a 30-minute pre-show with special performances and you'll learn when to use your props and where all the interactive scenes are.
Save the Date!  

Our annual UCE Seder Dinner will be held Thursday, April 21 at 6pm
Please join us for this celebration of freedom sponsored by the Children/Youth Program Team.
Serendipity Auction Event

Superbowl Party
There are still spaces available for Sunday's Superbowl Party! Our hosts are providing two levels of entertainment: one for football on a large screen TV and pool; one for conversation and music.  

Located at Montrose and Greenview (1500 West) in Chicago. 

Cost is $25; 21 years and over, please.  E-mail Tom Hempfling if you would like to join us.
Opportunities
 for Spiritual Practice


30 Days of Love kicks off for Martin Luther King Day (Saturday, January 16) and goes through Valentine's Day (Saturday, February 14.) 
| 847-864-1330 | uce@ucevanston.org | http://www.ucevanston.org
1330 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201