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Sunday, March 20
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
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.
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.
Intro to Unitarian Universalism, 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. Please email Eileen Wiviott to sign up.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Renewal in the Wilderness"
The author of Renewal in the Wilderness: a Spiritual Guide to Connecting with God in the Natural World (Skylight Paths Publishing, Woodstock, VT), John Lionberger, will give a talk and lead a discussion as he shows select slides of the many wilderness trips he's lead over the past 15 years as founder of Renewal in the Wilderness, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit. A former happy atheist, Lionberger discovered on a dogsled trip that atheism just wasn't going to work any more, and that the spiritual power of nature simply does not care what religion we profess, if any. So his trips focus on the spiritual yearnings we all have whether we're Jews, atheists, Christians, Muslims, agnostics, Buddhists, etc. In other words, what unites us rather than separates us. Discussion Leader: John Lionberger.
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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We Want Your Input! Congregational Survey 
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To help guide all of our teams, committees, councils, staff and the board to make decisions and plans, we want your input. We have designed a very practical survey. Please click here to take it. March 24 is the last day. If you prefer to take a paper version, we will hand it out at Sunday services this Sunday. Your input will help to create our future. Please fill it out!
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Ethical Engagement through Religious Tradition
Continues Tuesdays, March 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?
Facilitated by Dan Solomon and Dick Whitaker, with assistance from Rev. Jerome Stone and others who have expertise in these religious traditions.
March 22, Buddhism, facilitated by Rev. Bret Lortie
March 29, Confucianism and Taoism, facilitated by Rev. Jerry Stone
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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Recently Retired (But Never Retiring!) Women - Tuesday, March 22, 5:30pm
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After our wonderful potluck, Donna Urbikas (a UCE member) will be involving us in her process of Memoir writing. Her memoir, My Sister's Mother: A Memoir of War, Exile, And Stalin's Siberia is being published at the end of April! How do you decide what to include? How emotional was it? Bring your questions for, perhaps someday, writing your own memoirs, whether for your families or just for yourselves! For more information, please contact Margie Rogasner.
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All Church Easter Potluck
Sunday, March 27, 12:15pm
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Everyone is invited to bring a food item to share for Easter Brunch. Easter ham will be provided, and the rest of the menu will be determined by what you bring to this "true potluck." Egg casserole, fruit salad, breakfast bread, or other traditional or non-traditional item-bring what you wish to share. This is sponsored by the Religious Education Children/Youth Team. There will be no charge for brunch. Contact Catherine Deamant with questions.
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The Stone Soup of UU Prison Ministry of Illinois
Submitted by: Dale Griffin
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We at UCE are beginning a new endeavor that typifies the amazing things that can happen when a community of people follow their instincts and discover new purpose and skills. Just like making stone soup!
An eye-opening beginning came when UCE chose Michelle Alexander's book The New Jim Crow as a non-fiction book group selection. What a revelation it was to see that mass incarceration was happening in our country more than in any other, and that its roots were in racial bias. What a call to action it was, because it requires a movement to change it. Click here to read more.
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Be a Part of Designing UCE's Long Range Plan
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Are you on a UCE team or committee? We want your input into creating the plan for your team's future and UCE's Five Year Long Range Plan. We would like the leaders and representatives from all of the teams & committees to come to a training program on Saturday, March 26, 9-11:00am to learn how to facilitate the process for your team. Be a part of Creating Our Future! Send the names of who will be representing your team to Eileen Wiviott.
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Doing the Most Good Interest Group
Tuesday, March 29, 7-8:15pm
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How can we ensure that when we try to help others, we do so as effectively as possible? How can we ensure that we avoid accidentally causing harm, and succeed in having the greatest positive impact we can? At our first meeting we will share the ideas of the Effective Altruism Movement and hear your ideas. We will also be discussing The How and Why of Effective Altruism, a 17 minute TED Talk. Please view and be ready to discuss. For more information, please contact Jordan Skowronski.
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CRS, UUANI and UU Prison Ministry Potluck/Training
Saturday, April 2, 6-8pm
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Come to a potluck and training on issues we will advocate for in Springfield! And come to Springfield April 12 and/or 21! Please contact Dale Griffin to RSVP or for more information.
The potluck/training is for UCE and other local Community Renewal Society churches. Learn about the issues of race and poverty we will address on the April 12 trip with CRS, UUANI (UU Advocacy Network of Illinois) and the UU Prison Ministry of Illinois:
- Ending absolute bars to employment for people with records
- Fair tax for Illinois to increase revenue and protect the most vulnerable
- Removing barriers to filing a complaint against a police officer
and the UUANI issue for the April 21 trip:
- Clean Jobs Illinois - reducing greenhouse gases through efficiency, renewables and incentives
The UU Prison Ministry of Illinois held a workshop March 11-12 led by Chris Crass on racial justice, prisons and UU, for all the UU churches involved. Books by Chris are at the Book H.
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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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Volunteers Needed for Memorial Service
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Volunteers are needed to help with the reception for Lynn Lawson's Memorial Service on Sunday, April 17 at 4:00pm at UCE. Help is needed for greeting, ushering, set up, serving and clean up. Food for the reception will feature ORGANIC/non-GMO items, both savory and sweet. Vegan and gluten free foods are also welcome.
Organic fruits, vegetables, eggs, yogurt and some cheeses are available at most food stores. Good places for other items such as chips, crackers, nuts and cookies and baked goods can also be found at Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Costco and Valle's on Dempster. Please click here to sign up for specific tasks or for food. And keep in mind that the service and reception will be held at 4:00pm. Thank you!
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Passover Seder
Thursday, April 21,
6:00-7:30pm
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 We will recount the Passover story of freedom and share symbolic and traditional foods. Rotisserie chicken, matzoh, charoset and Seder plate items will be provided. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children ($15 max for families). RSVP and pay in advance, in the back of the sanctuary during April or to the UCE office. Please plan to help clean up if you can. Many hands make light work!
Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. In keeping with the dietary laws for Passover please do not include: pork, shellfish, dairy products, or leavening (no yeast, baking soda or baking powder.) What to bring? Matzoh ball soup, vegetable dishes and salads are all good ideas. Desserts without dairy and leavening include fresh fruit, macaroons, flourless chocolate cake or truffles. Please join us at this meaningful celebration of freedom! Any questions, please contact Maureen Richnak.
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Spiritual Journeys - a 3 part conversation
Sundays, April 17, 24 and May 1, 10:15-11am
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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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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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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 seven days before Easter. Join us in chanting, singing, skits, speeches, and prayers. For carpooling and information contact Doug Erickson.
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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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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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Harms Woods Restoration Project
Sunday, May 15, 1-4pm
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Join the Evanston Interreligious Sustainability Circle in this twice yearly fun and productive afternoon in the woods, pulling garlic mustard, planting native seeds or cutting buckthorn.
Meet at 1:00pm and have a brief religious opening at 1:15 before heading off with our forest preserve stewards Jane and John Balaban. The activity is suitable for kids 10+, and teens to seniors. Wear work clothes and boots if it might be wet. Please call Dale Griffin or email dalecgriffin@comcast.net to RSVP.
Meet at the parking lot on the west side of Harms Road just south of Glenview Road.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
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
Tuesday, March 22, 5:30pm
Recently Retired (But Never Retiring!) Women
Tuesdays, March 22 and 29, 7pm
Ethical Engagement through Religious Tradition
Friday, March 25, 7pm
Selma Film Showing
Sunday, March 27, 10:20am
Hunting for Canned Goods
Sunday, March 27, 12:15pm
All Church Easter Potluck
Tuesday, March 29, 7pm
Doing The Most Good Interest Group
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
Sundays, April 17, 24 & May 1, 10:15am
Spiritual Journeys - a 3 part conversation
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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Community Involvement
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Click each event for more information.
Sunday, March 20, 2pm
#standwithmuslims
Thursday, March 24, 6pm
Life and Death in the Criminal Justice System at Bookends & Beginnings
Thursday, March 31, 12:00pm
Symposium on Incarceration and Women
Tuesday, April 5, 7:30pm
Laughs Unlocked Improv
Saturday, April 16, 7:30pm
Peter Mayer in Concert at Lake Street Church
July 24-29 on Fort Gibson Lake in Oklahoma
The Point UU Camp
YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
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Come celebrate our past and present with a potluck reception for former UCE minister Barbara Pescan. UCE members will also have the opportunity to see former co-minister Ann Tyndall, who will accompany Rev. Barbara for the event.
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Saturday, March 19, 8:30-9:30pm
Join Green Sanctuary in this annual, worldwide event encouraging individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol of their commitment to the planet.
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Selma Film Showing
Friday, March 25, 7pm at UCE
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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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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One Book, One Church
Sunday, April 3, 12:30pm
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.
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Mark your calendars for an evening of great music!
UCE will present "Howard Levy's Musical Worlds"
Featuring music representing multiple nations.
May 21, 2016 at 7:30pm
Ticket Sales will begin April 1
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You're so happy to be having a baby, but worried about what that entails?
Buying cribs and clothes, and toys and books?
Remember the Rummage Sale!!
So you've finally decided to downsize, but exhausted by so many details?
Where to take chairs, and shelves, and that old bike?
Remember the Rummage Sale!!
You just got a fabulous job, and you surely don't want to fail?
Need suits and shoes, a briefcase and coat?
Remember the Rummage Sale!!
April 24: Set up Begins!
April 29: Buying Begins!
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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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