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Sunday, April 17
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
A service exploring our deep connection to pets and other animals, affirming our connectedness and interdependence. This is not our Blessing of the Animals Service, which will be held in August, but if you'd like to bring your dog to the service as a guest, please do!
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 and the senior high youth group meet 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 - a 3 Part Discussion
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.
Multigenerational Conversation on Race
1:00-2:30pm
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! Lunch will be provided in Room 3 before the program (12:15-1:00) for those who attend.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Getting Men to Talk"
Edward Ravine, LCPC
Psychotherapist and Consultant
Wisdom Years Leader, Victories Men's Retreats
Edward will lead a discussion on "Getting Men to Talk". He will share perspectives after treating male clients since 1970. He has experience with Veterans with combat related trauma, cancer patients, and the general population of men who suffer from depression. Weekend retreats and male oriented psychotherapy have helped men express themselves with deeper emotional literacy. Likewise this has resulted in better connection with those that they love. Everyone (women included) welcome.
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 our Senior Minister --
Spiritual Life and Outreach 
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| | Rev. Bret Lortie |
The opportunity we've been waiting for!
On the Table Potluck Dinners, Tuesday, May 10 I'm so excited to share this opportunity. Since UCE planted its Black Lives Matter sign a year ago, we've had workshops, conversations, discussion groups, and other ways to build understanding and wisdom around issues of racial equity and privilege. And we've been looking for opportunities to reach out to our neighbors in the larger North Shore and North Chicago areas to connect and grow together in unity. Click here to read more.
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From our Minister for Congregational Life -- Religious Education and Pastoral Care
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Connecting and Reconnecting
I'm glad to be back from my three-month sabbatical and look forward to connecting and reconnecting with you!
In case you want to see a picture of my new grandbaby Avery, I just happen to have one right here.
In faith and hope, Connie |
Religious Education is for Everyone!
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Do you have an idea for an adult religious education presentation, class, or workshop that you'd like to offer at UCE in the coming year? To make a proposal, please contact Rev. Connie Grant at cgrant@ucevanston.org or a member of the Learning Associates team: Bill Irons, Dan Solomon, Jerry Stone, Tom Ticknor, or Dick Whitaker
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Child Dedications Available
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A ceremony of dedication of children will be included in our Sunday morning worship service on May 8 at 11:00. In this ceremony, children are named and blessed, parents dedicate themselves to the young lives entrusted to them, and the congregation dedicates itself to be a loving community in which all may thrive. This ceremony is appropriate for infants as well children who may be new to the congregation or have not previously been dedicated. Parents who would like their children to be included in this ceremony are asked to contact Rev. Connie Grant at cgrant@ucevanston.org or 847-864-1330 ext. 103.
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From the Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
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Thank you to Will Van Dyke for creating this beautiful chalice for our group. It is a fitting honor to Chris's legacy and ministry at UCE. We look forward to lighting it every week!
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Photo Credit: David Linsell
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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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Rummage Sale Requests/Information
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Attention Bakers!
We need your yummy creations to sell at the Rummage Cafe on April 29 and 30. If you can contribute, or you have questions, please email Sheila Holder at sheila052130@yahoo.com. Both breakfast and dessert treats are welcome. Make your specialty, or bring brownies, cookies, cupcakes or rice krispy treats. If you don't bake, cash donations for bagels and supplies are welcome. Please label your contribution with your name and deliver to UCE any time fron the evening of April 28 evening through the morning of April 30.
Childcare for Rummage Sale Volunteers
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
Clothing Rack Assembly for Rummage Sale
If you have some time this coming Monday, April 18 at 7:00pm, please join us while we assemble the clothing racks for the rummage sale. I'm hoping we can break the 1:15 hour record for assembly time. Stop by, it should be fun. If you have questions contact John Poust - poustus@hotmail.com.
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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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On the Table, Evanston
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In collaboration with The Chicago Community Trust's On The Table initiative, on May 10, more than 2,000 Evanston residents and those affiliated with Evanston institutions will come together in small groups of ten or 12 at a variety of Evanston's nonprofit agencies, businesses, and religious organizations. We'll get to know one another better by sharing an intimate potluck dinner with people of different backgrounds and with varying perspectives, engaging in courageous conversations, and helping unite this place we call home. Click here for more information and to sign up.
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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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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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Thursday, April 21, 7:30pm
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The UCE investment club, Greenwood Group meets 3rd Thursday of the month 7:30pm. This month we will be discussing the impact of exponential technology and investment. Please join us.
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Selma: History and Reflection
Concludes Tuesday, April 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.
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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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Access Issues Interest Group
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As part of the Long Range Planning Committee's goal setting process, an interest group is being formed to focus on issues of access and inclusion of the building and the grounds. Since the late 1960's, there have been loosely organized efforts to upgrade physical access to the building, some successful and some less so. Areas which could be addressed include entry ways; access to balcony and lower level areas; sound enhancement; seating; and attitudinal issues. If you have interest and/or skills in this subject, please contact Alma Woods at dnwoods618@sbcglobal.net.
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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. Please contact John Bolling with any questions.
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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 Membership Classes
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Intro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, June 5, 12:30 - 2pm
Led by Rev. Bret Lortie, 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, June 11, 9am - noon
Led by Rev. Connie Grant, Membership Director, Eileen Wiviott, and members of the New Member Committee. 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 at ewiviott@hotmail.com. 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.
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
Tuesday, April 19, 7pm
Selma: History and Reflection
Wednesday, April 20, 6:30pm
Name Change Discussion
Thursday, April 21, 6pm
Passover Seder
Thursday, April 21, 7:30pm
Greenwood Group
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
Tuesday, May 10
On the Table Evanston
Friday, May 13, 6pm
An Evening of Storytelling and Sharing
Saturday, May 21, 7:30pm
Howard Levy's Musical Worlds
Sunday, June 5, 12:30pm
Infro to UU
Saturday, June 11, 9am
Orientation Towards Membership
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
9 Days Until Setup Begins!
Bring your wonders to sell! (Clean, on hangers, not broken, no holes)
April 24, 1-6pm
April 25-26, 9am-8pm
Help sort, setup and price
April 24, 1-6pm
April 25-28, 9am-9pm
14 days until the sale begins!
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UCE presents
"Howard Levy's Musical Worlds"
Saturday, May 21, 2016 7:30pm
Featuring music representing multiple cultures.
Tickets are $30 each.
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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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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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| | | Susan O' Halloran | |
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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 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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