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Sunday, April 3
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"Living Our Lives Fully and Creatively"
My benediction: "May we live our lives fully and creatively, so that we may be a blessing to ourselves, to each other, and to all those whose lives we touch." Some post-sabbatical thoughts about how to do this. Rev. Connie Grant 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.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Apple Inc. v. the Government"
Apple has been ordered by the court to make changes to the operating system of the iPhone to make investigations more possible by the FBI. Apple has refused. It certainly appears that the government's Fourth Amendment requirements had been satisfied in this case, given that the possessor of the phone had committed mass murder. After a brief outline of the legal issues, we will then extend the discussion to the question of what is the appropriate trade-off between security and privacy generally. Have the recent advances in technology made this problem more difficult to answer, and if so, how might we best codify the policy response, given that changes in technology will continue? Discussion Leaders: Scot Campbell & Irv Badr
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, April 10, 9:15 and 11:00am
"The Mediating Power of Music"
Three centuries. Three composers. Three cultures. Music has the power to transcend time, individualism, and culture. It can teach us to risk, teach us to listen, even teach us ways to help heal a wounded world.
Sunday, April 17, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Animal Blessings"
On Earth Day we often turn our attention to nature and the Earth. This year, we focus on the other creatures, large and small, that circle the sun with us on this, our "Blue Boat" home. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Sunday, April 24, 9:15 and 11:00am
"This is what I am interested in now..."
The second half of life is finding meaning and growing up. I came to UCE in 1999. In the 17 years to today, where have we been and how have we finally grown up? A reflection on the journey toward spiritual maturity. Rev. Sue Sinnamon speaking. Sue Sinnamon was Minister of Religious Education at UCE from 1999 until 2007. She works full time as a Spiritual Director. She created the Clergy Seminar in Congregation Based Spiritual Direction. She is Assistant Minister at First UU Richmond, VA and adjunct staff at Richmond Hill Virginia as a Spiritual Director.
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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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Multigenerational Conversation on Race
Sunday, April 17, 1:00-2:30 at UCE
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Whether you are 5 years old or 85 years old, this program is for YOU! Talking and working together across the generations, we will share how race and culture impact us, and how we impact others' sense of race and culture. Everyone will have a part in creating "action quilts" that will serve as a reminder of steps we can each take to create greater equity in our congregation, our schools, our community. Come by yourself, come with family members, come with a friend!
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Sue Sinnamon Potluck Dessert
Saturday, April 23, 7-9pm
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UCE's 125th anniversary celebration continues April 23-24 with the visit of the Rev. Sue Sinnamon, who served as Minister of Religious Education, 1999-2007. All are invited to a potluck dessert, which will be held in her honor, on Saturday, April 23, 7-9pm. The Rev. Sinnamon will deliver the sermons at both services on April 24. Sign-up for the potluck
As a fun way of commemorating the Rev. Sinnamon's work with UCE's Religious Education Program, Margaret Shaklee is preparing a collage of photographs of children and youth who attended Sunday School during her tenure. Photos of attendees from 1999-2007 with current photos of the same, yes, a look at the past and the present, can be sent to her at howshak@att.net. She can also scan photographs and return them; these can be placed in the Book H mailbox in the church office.
The Saturday evening dessert potluck, celebrating our shared history and community, will be a festive event for all UCE members; for some, it is re-visiting UCE's recent past, while for others, it is learning more about it.
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Childcare for Rummage Sale Volunteers
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Would you like to volunteer to help with the rummage sale, but would need childcare? Let's have a play date! If you have children between the ages of 1 and 5, bring them to the church on Wednesday, April 27 between 9-11:00am. Jessica Tomell-Presto and Christina Habib will be available to take care of your child(ren) during this two hour time slot while you help with the set up of the rummage sale. You must RSVP by April 24: prestomgk@comcast.net
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Volunteers Needed for Lynn Lawson Memorial Service
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On Sunday, April 17, we will celebrate the life of long-time member Lynn Lawson. Lynn started us on our wonderful journey toward environmental wholeness, convincing us to conserve resources, eliminate toxics in our kitchen and cleaning closets, choose organic foods, recycle and reuse. As a tribute to Lynn's gift to UCE, we thought we could put together a reception repast of all organic foods and include gluten-free and dairy-free foods as well. Many of us choose organic now, and several know how to do wonderful gluten-free baking. If this is something you can contribute to, please visit our volunteer page for memorial services on our UCE website. Thanks!
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Long Range Planning Materials Available
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As your committee, team or group is planning to create your 5-year goal(s), you can access all of the materials to guide you through that process on the UCE website on the Leadership/Governance page. Set your meeting now to make your plans for creating an even better future. Click here for the materials. For any questions, contact Janelle@DynamicPerformance.com.
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Town Hall on Fair Tax led by Dennis Wilson
Saturday, April 16, 9:00-11:00am
First Congregational Church of Evanston
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This is a Community Renewal Society event on a live bill that would reduce inequality in Illinois through state tax rates and by allowing adequate funding of education, the great equalizer. Please contact Dale Griffin or Dennis Wilson to let us know you can come. We hope to have local legislators there too. First Congregational Church of Evanston is located at
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UCE Name Change Discussion
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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An Evening of Storytelling and Sharing
Friday, May 13, 6pm Potluck, 7pm Program
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The Unitarian Church of Evanston will present "An Evening of Storytelling and Sharing." The theme will be "Exploring Racism" and is targeted to adults and high school youths. This event will continue UCE's year-long work on racial justice issues.
Susan O'Halloran and Mama Edie Armstrong of Illinois Storytelling, Inc. will tell their stories beginning at 7pm after a potluck supper in the Unitarian Church Sanctuary. Adults and older teens are invited to join us for this fun and educational community gathering.
The potluck supper will start at 6:00pm. You are invited to bring a dish to share for 8 people. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
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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 you're on, Eileen can help you with that too.
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Being Mortal
Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17 & 24, 7:00 - 9:00pm
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Join us to gain new insights into such important current issues as quality of life, crucial conversations, advance directives, hospice care, and elective dying as we explore the book Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End (Metropolitan Books, 2014), available at the Book H.Author Atul Gawande, a practicing surgeon, turns his attention to age and infirmity, and how 'the medicalization of death' is failing us. Noting the difficulties that doctors and relatives have with end of life issues, Gawande argues that survival should not be the main concern, but rather well-being. In a war you cannot win "You don't want a general who fights to the point of total annihilation," he suggests. "You don't want Custer. You want Robert E. Lee who knows how to fight for territory that can be won and how to surrender when it can't." Facilitated by Cathy Deamant, Carol Nielsen, and Dick Whitaker.
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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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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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. Childcare is available if requested by April 4.
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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, 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
Sunday, April 10, 9:15 and 11am
Music Sunday
Sunday, April 17, 1:00pm
Multigenerational Conversation on Race
Sundays, April 17, 24 & May 1, 10:15am
Spiritual Journeys - a 3 part conversation
Monday, April 18, 6:30pm
Ecstatic Dance
Wednesday, April 20, 7pm
Name Change Discussion
Thursday, April 21, 6pm
Passover Seder
Saturday, April 23, 7pm
Sue Sinnamon Dessert Potluck
Friday, April 29 and Saturday, April 30
Rummage Sale
Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17 & 24, 7pm Being Mortal
Friday, May 13, 6pm
An Evening of Storytelling and Sharing
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, April 3, 2:30pm
Piven Popup Storytelling Show
Tuesday, April 5, 7:30pm
Laughs Unlocked Improv
Saturday, April 16, 9-11am
Town Hall on Fair Tax
Saturday, April 16, 1-2:30pm
Sister Helen Prejean Reading and Book Signing
Saturday, April 16, 7:30pm
Peter Mayer in Concert at Lake Street Church
April 16-May 15, 2016
Deadman Walking at Piven Theater Workshop
July 24-29 on Fort Gibson Lake in Oklahoma
The Point UU Camp
YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
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Music Sunday
Sunday, April 10
9:15 and 11:00am
Three centuries
(18th, 19th, 21st)
Three composers
(Mozart, Fauré, Gjeilo)
Three cultures.
Music has the power to transcend time, individualism, and culture.
It can teach us to risk,
teach us to listen,
even teach us ways to help
heal a wounded world.
Please join us to hear the UCE Choir and Gregory Shifrin combining forces with our guest String Quartet to bring you three of the most beautiful pieces from the choral repertoire and Rev. Bret Lortie sharing his insights into
"The Mediating Power of Music"
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Friday, April 29 - 9am-6pm
Saturday, April 30 - 9am-Noon
I'm too busy to Volunteer for the Rummage Sale!
But, are you too busy to:
--Buy some really wonderful things? --Make new friends? --Feel part of a larger community? --Show gratitude for all that UCE does for you?
If you said yes to any of these, Sign up on the sheets in the bulletin board in the UCE lobby!
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Women, Food and God, An Unexpected Path to Almost Anything
Do you have a complicated relationship with food? Join others like yourself to read and discuss Geneen Roth's book, Women Food and God, An Unexpected Path to Almost Everything. This may lead to regular meetings on the subject of food issues. All genders welcome.
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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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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 is generally in the office during the day on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and often has evening meetings on those days. She takes Mondays off and works at home on Fridays. Please email or call Connie for an appointment.
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