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Sunday, February 14
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
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.
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 meets from 11:00-12:15, 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.
Town Hall Meeting - 12:30pm
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.
Principles and Sources Class - 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.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Morality"
"Suppose you have a moral disagreement with someone. You both assume that only one of you can be correct. Relativists reject this assumption. They believe that conflicting moral beliefs can both be true. Moral philosophers, theologians, and social scientists try to identify objective values so as to forestall the relativist menace. I think these efforts have failed. Moral relativism is a plausible doctrine, and it has important implications for how we conduct our lives, organize our societies, and deal with others." Jesse Prinz, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, CUNY. We will discuss how people with different "moral" beliefs (abortion? immigration? reparations?) can have useful discussions. Discussion Leader: Jack Cooksey
Yoga - 8:15am
Join us for yoga at UCE on Sunday morning. This week, there will be a special gong meditation.
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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Upcoming Crackerbarrel Topics 
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Sunday, February 21, 9:30am
"Confronting Religious Denial of Gay Marriage"
Discussion Leader: Catherine M. Wallace
Sunday, February 28, 9:30am
"Mediation as Alternative to Litigation: History, Opportunities and Limitations"
Discussion Leader: Bill Hartgering
Sunday, March 6, 9:30am "Zika: The Interdependent Web of All Existence" Discussion Leader: Brenda Russell Cooksey
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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!" |
The Psychology of Morality
Continues Tuesdays, February 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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News from REAL
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Join the REAL team at Second Baptist Church in Evanston for a Voter Education Meeting on Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30pm. You will hear retired Juvenile Court Judge and Public Defender Andy Berman talk about his experience with the States Attorney's Office and the importance of the upcoming Primary Election.
REAL stands for Racial Equity Action Leadership. Since our workshops in October, December, and this week, we have been expanding our understanding of systemic racism and white privilege, learning along the way to become better allies in the work needed to end racism. One of our seven initiatives coming out of the October workshop is the team working on engaging with community partners in this work.
OPAL is a new local organization working on improving voter participation in the area. REAL is working with them in several ways to help this effort, including providing meeting space at times. The privilege and responsibility of voting is crucial to moving toward a more just society. We urge you to consider going to this talk sponsored by OPAL - at Second Baptist right here in Evanston - to learn more about the state's attorney race in Illinois.
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Investment/Greenwood Group
Thursday, February 18, 7:30pm
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Attend the UCE Greenwood Group (Investment Club) which meets every third Thursday of the month. On February 18, we will discuss bitcoin technology. What is bitcoin and is it a good investment? In March we will discuss super technology stocks, are there buying opportunities?
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Ecstatic Dance led by Cindy Lortie
Monday, February 15, 6:30pm
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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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One Book, One Church
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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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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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Ethical Engagement through Religious Tradition
Tuesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, 7-9pm
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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.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
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
Tuesdays, Feb. 16 & 23, 7pm
The Psychology of Morality
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
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 5:30pm
Recently Retired (But Never Retiring!) Women
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
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Rainbow Alliance Game Night
Tonight - 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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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.
- 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.
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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.
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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 (Sunday, 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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