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Sunday, April 10
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"Music Sunday: The Mediating Power of Music"
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" Children are invited to attend.
"Mirrors of Privilege: Making Whiteness Visible" Film and Discussion
Program for Senior High - 11:00am
A special program led by Eileen Heineman, Co-Director, Racial Justice Programs, YWCA Evanston/North Shore features stories from white people on overcoming issues of unconscious bias and entitlement, revealing what is often required to move through the stages of denial, defensiveness, guilt, fear, and shame into making a solid commitment to ending racial injustice. What can we do to help bridge the gap between good intentions and meaningful change?
Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
Principles and Sources Class - 10:15am
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.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"The Future of Crackerbarrel"
Bring your crystal ball! Help create the perfect brainstorm to develop Crackerbarrel's long term plan. All groups making up our beloved UCE community have been invited to imagine a five year plan for their own team that will ultimately be integrated into the long range plan for the future. The object of the session is to come up with a 5 year goal for CB to strive for and to submit to the UCE Long Range Council. Discussion Leader: Tom Ticknor
Questions to ponder and discuss: What is Crackerbarrel's (CB) mission? What should Cracker-barrel look like over the next five years? How can CB appeal to a broader audience? How and should CB be better interconnected with the UCE community, with the Evanston community, with the world at large? Can CB be budgeted for guest speakers? Is "Crackerbarrel" the best name for our discussion group?
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 the Executive Operations Director 
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| | Sandra Robinson |
Today I want to focus your attention to our 2016-2017 Pledge Drive. Thank you to Chris Allender and James Clark who led the Pledge Drive Team comprised of John and Linda LaPlante, Amy Dooley, and Ann Peterson. A big thanks also goes to Carli Magel for administrative support. This is a big task which involves leaders, staff and the congregation to accomplish our goal of building a solid financial base so that we can operate the church and accomplish the many programs and activities at UCE.
On Wednesday of next week the Integrated Stewardship Council, of which I am staff lead, meets to review the budget draft. For those of you who have not turned in a pledge form, please do so this week. If we do not reach pledge income goal, the ISC must engage in the process of making cuts. We want to achieve goals the board and congregation have set to increase our minimum wages/provide appropriate funding of staff salaries and give 100% of our denomination dues to the UUA and Mid-American Region. Thank you to those who have pledged.
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Upcoming Crackerbarrel Topics
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Sunday, April 17, 9:30am
"Getting Men to Talk"
Discussion Leader: Edward Ravine, LCPC
Sunday, April 24, 9:30am
Discussion Leader: Tom Ticknor
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Recently Retired (But Never Retiring) Women
Monday, April 11, 1-3pm
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For April: New Date, New Time.
Let's make a Mission Statement. Let's discuss our 5-Year Plan: Where do we want our group to go? What do we want our group to look like? Come help with this timely discussion! For more information, please contact Margie Rogasner.
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Selma: History and Reflection
Continues Tuesdays, April 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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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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Take a Stand Against Racism with us on Friday, April 29, 12:30pm
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What can one person do to eliminate racism? You can take 15 minutes out of your day on Friday, April 29, to participate in YWCA Evanston/North Shore's annual Stand Against Racism along Ridge Ave.
In 2015, UCE was one of 100 local organizations in Evanston and Skokie that participated in the Stand. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us!
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7th-8th Grade Service Project
Fantastic Response -- Thank You!
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The 7th & 8th graders want to thank UCE for the approximately 250 pairs of shoes donated to Share Your Soles during the month of March. Wow! The shoes were boxed up and taken to the Share Your Soles warehouse on the south side of Chicago where they are destined for either Cameroon or Uruguay. We have added our contribution to the more than 2 million pairs that have been gathered and delivered to those most in need, both in the U.S. and internationally. Thank you!
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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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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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UU Animal Ministry Forming
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If you would like to help form a Unitarian Universalist Animal Ministry Chapter of UCE to promote the First Principle Project and meet other like-minded souls within UCE, then please contact Sarah Hendershot! We can begin by participating in "Reverence for Life: Transforming belief into practice through animal ministry," a one-hour education program produced by UUAM.
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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, 6:30pm
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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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News from Green Sanctuary
Earth Month Celebration
Sunday, April 24, 2pm at Fleetwood Jourdain Center
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The Evanston Interreligious Sustainability Circle, Citizens Greener Evanston and other groups are coming together to celebrate Earth Month by focusing on issues of Environmental Justice, specifically,
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UCE/Countryside Church UU Camping Trip August 19-21, 2016
Kettle Moraine State Forest, South Unit, Dousman, WI
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Please make your reservations soon for another fun church camping trip. This is a very informal trip, with time together or apart, as you wish. We have a potluck on Saturday night, and lots of opportunities to hike, swim, boat, visit small towns nearby, and have campfires. It is a great opportunity to get to know other UCE and Countryside members better.
Please complete this form and turn in by April 24! Payment of $55.65 is required. The $55.65 covers 2 nights of camping ($23/night) as well as the $9.65 reservation fee. Upon arrival, there is a $22 vehicle sticker fee as well. If you love camping, just sign up! We really need to send in request forms as quickly as possible as reservations are limited and are first come-first served. All checks must be made payable to: John Bolling.
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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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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 9, 9:00am
Orientation Towards Membership
Sunday, April 10, 9:15 and 11am
Music Sunday
Monday, April 11, 1pm
Recently Retired (but never retiring) Women
Tuesdays, April 12 and 19, 7pm
Selma: History and Reflection
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, 6:30pm
Name Change Discussion
Thursday, April 21, 6pm
Passover Seder
Saturday, April 23, 7pm
Sue Sinnamon Dessert Potluck
Friday, April 29, 12:30pm
Stand Against Racism
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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Multigenerational Conversation on Race
Sunday, April 17, 1:00pm at UCE
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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Friday, April 29 - 9am-6pm
Saturday, April 30 - 9am-Noon
There are still lots of empty spaces on the sign up sheets! Sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby!
When you volunteer:
Food is provided.
Babysitting is provided.
Good friends are provided!
In just 23 days:
Rummage Sale set-up begins!
In just 28 days:
The Rummage Sale!
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UCE presents
"Howard Levy's Musical Worlds"
Saturday, May 21, 2016 7:30pm
Featuring music representing multiple nations.
Ticket Sales will begin April 10
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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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Spiritual Journeys - a 3 Part Conversation
Sundays, April 17, 24 and May 1, 10:15-11am
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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All Hospitality Team Potluck
Friday, May 6, 6-9pm at UCE
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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An Evening of Storytelling and Sharing
Friday, May 13 at UCE
6pm Potluck, 7pm Program
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| | Mama Edie Armstrong |
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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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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