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Sunday, March 27
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
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.
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.
Hunting for Canned Goods - 10:20am
On Easter Sunday, 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.
 All Church Easter Potluck - 12:15pm
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.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Cuba in Transition (Go Now!)"
President Obama ordered restoration of full diplomatic relations with Cuba in December of 2014. Tom Ticknor will share observations from recent readings and a Road Scholar trip to Havana he took this February. Others who have recently gone, or are thinking about visiting before the deluge of American tourists, are urged to join in. What does the future hold for a society with literacy and health comparable or surpassing the US but where the economy is so controlled that doctors can earn more as cab drivers than as doctors? Suggested readings: Julia Sweig, Cuba: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford University Press, 2012) and Christopher P. Baker, Cuba (Moon, 2014). Discussion Leader: Tom Ticknor
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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UCE Pledge Drive Team Appeal 
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Please submit your pledge form if you have not done so already. The ISC Budget Working Group's work depends on pledge income committed prior to the April board meeting, where the board will vote on the budget. In order to meet our budget goal and avoid budget changes, we need your pledge form as soon as possible.
Open for Good
Why invest in the future of UCE? Some of us, when we first "signed the book," came from religious experiences far different that what we thought we observed here. Our experiences in the social action milieu may have been minimal at best. Dealing with social justice issues - not even on the horizon. Coming to a place where we could have an open, honest, frank discussion about issues, both religious and secular - no such opportunity. UCE gave us the opportunity to explore our religious beliefs in a free and open forum, without the fear that we were going to be judged as naive or lacking sophistication. What a great place this was and is! Click here to read more.
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Music Director Search
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This is exciting: there is good progress in the search for a permanent music director! If you were in church last Sunday, you may have noticed that the choir was singing on a Sunday when they normally would have the morning off. And you may have noticed that the person directing the choir was not our interim music director, Vickie Hellyer. The woman directing was the first finalist for the permanent music director position, Anastasia Balmer. In the next couple months, there will be three more finalists that get to rehearse the choir on Thursday, then conduct the choir on Sunday, doing one piece of their choice and one piece of our choice. Look for the other candidates on April 17, May 1, and May 22.
As Vickie has also applied for the job, we have a strong field of five finalists. Please be kind to the people on the committee: Lynn Kendall, Rev. Bret Lortie, Steve Courtright, Ruth Orme-Johnson, Nick Wallin, William Phillips, and Robb Geiger. Because of the strength of all the finalists, they will have a tough decision to make; this is a good problem to have! They should be able to announce their choice by early or mid-June. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to talk to anyone on the committee.
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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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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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UCE Rummage Sale
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It's time to give back, if you've attended:
Sunday Worship, Religious/Adult Ed, Social Action, or Potlucks.
It's time to give back, if you're involved with: Music, Covenants, Small Groups, Mentoring, or Other Activities.
If you have done any of these, then please donate!
Volunteer! Sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby!
Support UCE! Only 30 days until the rummage sale experience begins!
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Ethical Engagement through Religious Tradition
Concludes Tuesday, March 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 29, Confucianism and Taoism, facilitated by Rev. Jerry Stone.
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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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UCE Name Change Discussion
March 30 and April 20, 7:00pm
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There is a motion to change our name, Unitarian Church of Evanston, on the ballot at the upcoming Annual Meeting. There have been open discussions about a name change in a Town Hall meeting, a couple of Crackerbarrels, and during informal settings. There are opinions on both sides of the issue and diversity of thought within each side of the issue of reasons for and against a name change. We would like to offer a few opportunities to discuss the motion to change our name during the week as the other formal discussions were held on weekends. Please join us to explore the issue wherever you stand on the issue or if this is the first you have heard of the issue. Contact Ellis O'Connor, Bedford West, Dana Deane, or Brian Meister if you have any questions.
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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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All Hospitality Team Potluck
Friday, May 6, 6-9 pm at UCE
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Let's celebrate our first (and successful) year of the Hospitality Teams and get re-energized for the coming year. All team members, including all ages, are invited. Bring a dish and enjoy getting to know your team a little better. A prize for the team with the most members present! Any questions, contact your team leader or Eileen Wiviott at ewiviott@hotmail.com. If you don't know what team your on, I can help you with that too.
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Principles and Sources Class
Sunday, April 10, 10:15am
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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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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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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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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. 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.
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
Ethical Engagement Through Religious Tradition
Tuesday, March 29, 7pm
Doing The Most Good Interest Group
Wednesday, March 30, 7pm
Name Change Discussion
Wednesday, March 30, 7pm
Sing Thing
Saturday, April 2, 6pm
CRS/UUANI Potluck Training
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
Wednesday, April 20, 7pm
Name Change Discussion
Thursday, April 21, 6pm
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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Friday, April 29 - 9am-6pm
Saturday, April 30 - 9am-Noon
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Congregational Survey
Hurry! Get Your Input in!
We want to know what you think about the many aspects of UCE. What ideas do you have? Please complete our Congregational Survey. Your input will help guide all of our teams, committees, councils, staff and the board to make decisions and plans. It will only take about 20 minutes that will help guide our future. We have 118 people who've expressed their opinions. Our goal is 150! Click here to take the survey.
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Sing Thing
Wednesday, March 30, 7pm
We'll do lots of songs for St. Patrick's Day, so join us! If you play a folk type musical instrument, or anything else that would blend with guitars and banjos, please bring it. Or just come and sing along! All are welcome!
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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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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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Common Threads
UCE Knitting and Crocheting Group
Meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10am and the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm
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 date is April 5 at 10am. 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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