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Sunday, March 6
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
For 125 years, the Unitarian Church of Evanston has been "open for good." Two factors are primary in the success of this congregation's ministry: fostering a sense of belonging amongst members and friends; and keeping our doors open to hear the voices in our larger community. Once a year we dedicate a service to kick off our annual stewardship drive. This is it, and this year's message is spectacular! UCE. Open. For. Good. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
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
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.
Understanding Fair Trade - 12:30pm
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.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Zika: The Interdependent Web of All Existence"
The Zika virus poses a global public health emergency according to the World Health Organization and joins Ebola in that category. Infection of pregnant women with Zika can cause an underdeveloped brain (microcephaly) of the fetus, leading to recommendations for contraception or abortion because there is no treatment or vaccine. Both Ebola and Zika are spread by mosquitos and have jumped from another species into humans who travel world wide. In 1947, Zika was found in a rhesus macaque in the Zika Forest, Uganda. Discussion Leader: Brenda Russell Cooksey
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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Upcoming Worship Services 
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Sunday, March 13, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Buddhism for UUs"
In the last Association-wide survey conducted, 25 percent of Unitarians identified Buddhism as a primary influence for their spiritual lives, at least 10 percent consider themselves practicing Buddhists, and more than half have an affinity for Buddhist philosophy. James Ford, a UU minister and ordained Zen priest, notes that Buddhism (alongside humanism) is one of two deeply important spiritual currents informing Unitarian Universalism today. What's this interest we have in the teaching from a simple meditation teacher from 2,500 years ago? Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Sunday, March 20, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Leaving the Shadows"
To say clearly what is in us and to act clearly asks of us awareness, will, risk. The poet Adrienne Rich said that we can depend on so few "to go that hard way with us." Learning to regard others in their particularity is our challenge and our hope. Rev. Barbara Pescan speaking.
Sunday, March 27, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Three Perspectives on Easter"
From the time they are very young we teach our children that ours is a religion of the head, heart and hands. In each of three "acts," we'll explore these aspects of our Unitarian tradition through the lens of the Easter story. If an epic is defined as a tale surpassing the ordinary, I hope to share a story that transcends one man's losing fight with the establishment, his death, and his reported resurrection. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
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From the Board of Trustees
Submitted by: Janelle Brittain
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Creating Our Future
As we look at UCE's accomplishments over the last 125 years, it prompts us to think, "What do we want to accomplish in the future?" We create our future every day. The Board of Trustees has decided to lead us in a conscious, focused and purposeful choosing of what we want to accomplish and living who we want to be. As Yogi Berra said, "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going, because you might not get there."
We have started a Long Range Planning process and we want everyone's input in 2 ways - A Congregational Survey and a Long Range Plan. Click here to read more.
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7th-8th Grade Service Project
Collecting New or Gently-worn Shoes
Every Sunday in March
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UCE's 7th & 8th graders will be leading a church-wide service project during the month of March.
We have chosen to partner with Share Your Soles®, a Chicago-based charitable organization dedicated to sharing gently worn/new shoes to those in greatest need. They provide shoes both worldwide, as well as right here in the United States - more than 2 million pairs to date!
Please bring in new or gently-worn shoes on any Sunday in March. The 7th & 8th grade students will be in the back of the sanctuary before and after the service to collect the shoes.
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Welcome back to Revs. Barbara Pescan and Ann Tyndall
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Continuing our celebration of our quasquicentennial - 125 years - we will welcome back Barbara Pescan and Ann Tyndall the weekend of March 19-20. Revs. Pescan and Tyndall were co-ministers in the 1990's and Barbara continued solo senior minister until 2011.
We will have a family potluck reception Saturday evening, 6-9pm, with programming celebrating our history. Rev. Pescan will preach on Sunday at both services. Plan to RSVP for the potluck, online or after church, so we know how many to plan for.
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MidAmerica Regional Assembly
April 29 - May 1
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Join us at the MidAmerica Regional Assembly in St. Paul, April 29 - May 1. Good speakers, important business, and fun evenings.
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Wednesday Night Soup Kitchens
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On March 23, we are hosting while Beth Emet celebrates Purim. The staffing and much of the food will be provided by a Girl Scout troop associated with some UCE members. But, we still need those casseroles cooked! Please click here to sign up now to make red beans and rice.
Due to our Rummage Sale schedule, the April 27 soup kitchen is no longer being hosted.
Dates for fall 2016 will be posted soon!
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UCE Explores Sponsoring a Refugee Family
Monday, March 7, 7:00pm
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Please join the Food and Shelter Team for a follow-up meeting to last week's presentation by staff from the Refugee One organization. We will review what we learned at the last meeting and begin a discussion to explore what are our priorities, interests, and concerns about undertaking such a project.
There are many questions to be explored - can we raise the money, do we have enough people who have the necessary skill set, do we have a mentoring team, what country do we want to sponsor a refugee from, and do we want a family or an individual? The exploration about refugee sponsorship will require a series of informational meetings as we assess what we should do.
We hope to make a decision in early May so we can move forward over the summer if we decide to sponsor a family. Please contact Johna Van Dyke if you have questions. If you can't come to this meeting but are interested in this work, please let Johna know. We will try and assemble a mailing list so everyone can be kept informed.
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Palm Sunday Takeover
Sunday, March 20, 1:00-2:00pm
Rogers Park Police Station
6464 N Clark St. Chicago
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On Palm Sunday, Community Renewal Society will protest at EVERY Chicago Police Station. Join us at the Rogers Park station as we PRAY and DEMAND action in support of the F.A.I.R. C.O.P.S. Ordinance. #CRSFAIRCOPS
The CRS members of UCE and other churches are organizing the event at Rogers Park Police Station.
Palm Sunday signifies tumultuous times the 7 days before Easter. Join us as in chanting, singing, skits, speeches, prayers. Contact Bedford West for more information.
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Friday, March 25, 7pm
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Come join Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck in room 3 to watch the movie Selma, which is based on events that took place in Selma, Alabama in 1965. Bring your popcorn and bring your questions as there will be a short discussion after the movie.
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Selma: History and Reflection
Tuesdays, April 5, 12 &19, 7-9pm
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In his book The Selma Awakening, Mark Morrison-Reed points to the Selma march in 1965 as a turning point for Unitarian Universalists. Morrison-Reed points out that Unitarians and Universalists had an uneven record when it came to racial equality before the merger in 1961, and the experience of marching for equality and the murder of two UUs galvanized those who marched into more direct action in the Civil Rights Movement. We'll study the background of the Selma March, the UU ministers and lay people who participated, and the aftereffects on Unitarian Universalism that influence our religion today. Facilitated by Kevin DeBeck, Ministerial Intern.
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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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 Membership Director and UU seminarian Eileen Wiviott, 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. There will be childcare available upon request for both of these classes. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need childcare.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
Saturday, March 5, 4:30pm
Pledge Drive Kick Off Party
Sunday, March 6, 10:15am
Spiritual Journeys - a 3 part conversation
Tuesdays, March 1-29, 7pm
Ethical Engagement through Religious Tradition
Sunday, March 6, 12:30pm
Understanding Fair Trade
Sunday, March 13, 10:15am
Principles and Sources
Monday, March 14, 7:00pm
One Book, One Church
Thursday, March 17, 7:30pm
Greenwood Group
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
Friday, March 25, 7pm
Selma Film Showing
Sunday, March 27, 10:20am
Hunting for Canned Goods
Sunday, April 3, 12:30pm
One Book, One Church
Tuesdays, April 5, 12, 19, 7pm
Selma: History and Reflection
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
Monday, March 14, 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 Discussion will be held on 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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Principles and Sources Class
Sunday, March 13
10:15-11:00am
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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Rummage Sale Countdown!
The 2016 UCE Rummage Sale is on Friday, April 29 and
Saturday, April 30
ONLY 51 DAYS LEFT to collect:
Your mother's Beanie Babies,
Your father's lava lamp,
Your grandmother's raccoon coat,
and your grandfather's Hot Wheels!
Also: clothing, jewelry, shoes, electronics, books, linens, furniture, china, toys, sporting goods, treasures and anything else, all in very useable condition.
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Hunting for Canned Goods!
On Easter Sunday, March 27, children will be invited to participate in a "canned goods hunt" at 10:20am.
Children will hunt for the hidden cans and then may trade in the cans they find for a small bag of toys and treats.
 Please bring in your donations of canned goods by Sunday, March 20 and place them in the labeled bin in the lobby.
After the "hunt," these items will be donated to Hillside Food Pantry.
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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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