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Sunday, February 28
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
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.
Children's Religious Education - 9:15 and 11:00am
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.
Spiritual Journeys
10:15am - February 28 and March 6
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.
Non Fiction Book Group - 12:30pm
The nonfiction book group will meet to discuss The Road to Character by David Brooks. David Brooks challenges us to rebalance the scales between our "résumé virtues"--achieving wealth, fame, and status--and our "eulogy virtues"--those that exist at the core of our being: kindness, bravery, honesty, or faithfulness.
This is a good follow-up to the recent Tuesday series on The Psychology of Morality.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Mediation as Alternative to Litigation: History, Opportunities and Limitations"
Bill Hartgering will discuss mediation. He will review what mediation is and what it is not. He briefly go over the history of mediation, outlining its growth over the last 35 to 40 years. He will explain when to use mediation as an alternative to litigation. He will discuss opportunities that mediation presents as well as its limitations. We will then open the discussion to how it might work in situations raised by those attending. Bill Hartgering, a founding member of JAMS, established EnDispute's Chicago office in 1982 that merged with JAMS in 1994. Bill's national practice includes the resolution of well over 1,000 complex matters arising in 45 states and foreign countries and co-mediations with a sitting federal judge and a variety of experts. His Vitae on the JAMS website, under Hartgering, Chicago office: http://www.jamsadr.com. Discussion leader: Bill Hartgering
The Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
This Sunday at 9:15am
The group is open to anyone facing cancer either personally, or through a family member or friend, this lay-led group is a safe place for sharing and hope. Interested participants are encouraged to drop in any time. Questions? Contact Renee Hoff or Brian Meister.
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From Our Executive Operations Director 
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There are always interesting and varied hats to be worn when in charge of our UCE building and institutional operations.
For example, in my role as steward of the building I hired ABC Wildlife to remove a dead animal from beneath the large storage room near the kitchen. Donned in a daunting hazmat suit, a guy crawled in and pulled out the smelly, deceased culprit. ABC will return in the next two weeks to do a further clean-up and will install additional neutralizing and sanitation agents.
Carli has ceased feeding the birds, per the advice of ABC. They will install a fence down into the ground under the steps and along the entrance to the space. We will find another storage area for the ladders and will keep the metal door down preventing animals from entering.
Then there's the financial hat... On Sunday, February 14, a Town Hall Meeting was held to present the proposed draft of the 2016/17 fiscal year budget. The next step is a meeting of the Budget Working Group and Integrated Stewardship Council to make adjustments based on our March Pledge Drive results. We trust that we will exceed our pledge income goal and can work on implementing the list of additional funding priorities. The Board will then review and approve. The next Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 1 at 12:30pm in Room 3. A vote on the final budget draft will be taken at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 15 in the sanctuary after the second service.
On the website front... Click here to read more.
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Rummage Sale - Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30 - SAVE THE NEW DATE!
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What is this thing that has a new day?
Well--our huge rummage sale will not be in May!
Instead, our great sale will be one week before -
So we start bringing our items on April 24!
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Reception for Barbara Pescan and Ann Tyndall - Saturday, March 19, 6pm
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As part of the continuing celebration of our 125th anniversary, we will welcome former minister Barbara Pescan back to UCE on March 19-20. UCE members will also have the opportunity to see former Co-Minister Ann Tyndall, who will accompany Reverend Barbara for the event.
Our church owes a debt to all former ministers, most recently to Barbara Pescan and Ann Tyndall. Much of the culture and programming integral to UCE at the present time, began during the their tenures. For example, we wrote our mission "Nurturing the Human Spirit for a World Made Whole;" we instituted Unitarian services at Great Lakes Naval Air Station -- our first military involvement in many years; we became a Welcoming Congregation, a process that had begun years earlier; we mentored a series of outstanding interns -- Mark Stringer, Kathleen Green, Abhi Janamanchi, and David Pyle; we completed the renovation of the Sanctuary; and we developed a new spirituality, along with our traditional Unitarian humanism.
Come and celebrate our past and present on March 19! The reception will be 6-9pm, and as always, children are welcome. Again, we will enjoy the best of food -- potluck contributions from members. To register, please see the signup sheet in the lobby or register online.
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Understanding Fair Trade
Sunday, March 6, 12:30pm in Room 3
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Ever wonder what "fair trade" really means? How does it mesh with our UU principles and why do we sell fairly traded products here at UCE?
Come hear Robb Geiger and Betty Walker present the basic principles behind fair trade and the stories of the artisans and farmers who are helped by fair trade practices.
Examples of products from our own Fair Trade Cart and from Ten Thousand Villages will be available to view and to taste.
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Pantry Project - Thank You!
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The 5th and 6th grade education class is grateful to everyone who donated to the birthday kit project supporting Hillside Food Pantry which is winding up on the last Sunday in February. Thank you to everyone who donated and worked on the project, especially Jen Meyer and Vickie Doebele. We appreciate the opportunity to "Let them eat cake!"
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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 Membership Classes
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Intro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, March 20, 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, April 9, 9am - noon Led by Rev. Connie and 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.
Sundays, Feb. 28 and March 6, 10:15am
Spiritual Journeys - a 3 part conversation
Tuesdays, March 1-29, 7pm
Ethical Engagement through Religious Tradition
Tuesday, March 1, 7:00pm
One Book, One Church
Saturday, March 5, 4:30pm
Pledge Drive Kick Off Party
Sunday, March 6, 12:30pm
Understanding Fair Trade
Saturday, March 19, 6pm
Reception for Barbara Pescan and Ann Tyndall
Sunday, March 20, 12:30pm
Intro to UU
Monday, March 21, 6:30pm
Ecstatic Dance
Saturday, April 9, 9:00am
Orientation Towards Membership
Thursday, April 21, 6:00pm
Passover Seder
Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30
Rummage Sale
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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One Book, One Church
Tuesday, March 1, 7pm
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.
Additional Discussions will be held on March 14 and April 3.
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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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Common Threads
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 March 1 at 10am and March 22 at 7pm. Contact Joan Horberg with any questions.
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Opportunities
for Spiritual Practice
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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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