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Sunday, June 19
Worship Service - 10:00am
"Where Do We Go From Here?"
Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck will speak on gun violence, and Rev. Bret Lortie will speak on how to move ahead in difficult times such as these. Join us at 10am for a time dedicated to being together and sharing our grief, disappointment, and lamentation.
The Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
This Sunday at 11:15am
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
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Spiritual Life and Outreach 
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| | Rev. Bret Lortie |
A Love that Casts Out Fear
Like most of you, I suspect, I've had many emotions this week. Anger at the gunman who killed so many at a Florida nightclub - and ideologies of hate. Frustration over how this shooting is being spun. Sadness knowing this will escalate racial, ethnic, GBLTQI, and religious tensions. Lamentation over the unbearable weight of empathy for the families and loved ones of the victims. Prayers for those recovering and fighting for their lives. Prayers for our families. Prayers for our country, our world, ourselves. In times like th ese there is no escaping the heat of our emotions. Yesterday, a friend reminded me that the most we can do is "seek out the coolest place in the blast furnace" and allow the heat to be what it will be. We can't escape the furnace right now; all we can do is allow the emotions and feelings to surround us and penetrate our hearts to the deepest levels. Click here to read more.
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Shared Offering Nominees for Next Year Deadline is July 31
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We invite you to submit nominations for our shared offering recipients for the 2016-17 shared offering. Charitable 501c(3) organizations with which our members have a relationship will be chosen by the Social Action Council from the nominees. Please submit a shared offering form to Carol Nielsen or Doug Erickson by July 31. The form must be submitted electronically as we have to make packets of nominees for the Social Action Council.
At the August meeting, the Social Action Council will be deciding on the monthly offerings. Again, please note that suggested organizations must have a 501(c)3 status and be doing work that aligns with our UU values. Guidelines are listed on the Nominee Form. If you have questions, please contact Carol Nielsen or Doug Erickson.
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the quest for a spiritualized racial justice
Saturday, July 9, 1-3pm
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Book Reading and Discussion at UCE
Author Shelly Tochluk will join us to discuss the tensions that arise when we pay attention to race and spirituality together. She speaks from long experience in racial justice work and as Chair of the Education Department at Mount Saint Mary's University in Los Angeles.
Books will be available for purchase at the Book H and for signing at the event.
Sponsored by the REAL team. Click here for more information.
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UCE Refugee Project
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The UCE refugee project has met its fundraising goal of $8000. We would like to thank all donors for their generous support and we look forward to keeping you up to date with the progress that we are making. We expect the Syrian family to arrive in Chicago in early September. We will be working over the summer to prepare. If you would like to join a team, find more information on the Volunteer bulletin board in the lobby. Contact Jeanne Kerl with any questions.
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News from Green Sanctuary
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Please join Green Sanctuary on Wednesday June 29 at 6pm at Blind Faith Cafe (525 Dempster) as we plan upcoming Green Sanctuary events and explore our visions for the committee. Even if you have never attended a Green Sanctuary meeting, or it's been awhile, whether you're just a little green or a whole lot of passion about the environment and all things green, we'd love to have you join us for a great meal. Bring your fresh ideas!
If possible, please RSVP to Heather Brown or if you decide to attend last minute, that's fine too.
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Volunteers Needed for Memorial Service
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Volunteers are needed to help with the reception for Kay Roberts' Memorial Service on Saturday, July 2 at 2:00 pm. Kay was a member of UCE since 1949. She loved 4th of July celebrations, enjoying holiday and picnic foods such as deviled eggs, finger sandwiches and chocolates. A volunteer sign-up sheet is available on the UCE website for you to choose how you wish to volunteer. You can sign up to help with bringing food or serving at the reception. Thank you!
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CRS, UUANI, UU Prison Ministry -
Victories and Opportunities
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Victories! - We have some things to celebrate due to our efforts through Community Renewal Society, UU Prison Ministry of Illinois and UU Advocacy Network of Illinois! Three bills passed both houses of the IL General Assembly and await the governor's signature. We expect and hope that he will sign them, as he favors job opportunities and less incarceration. The bills are in three of the four areas we worked in:
HB 4360 - schools
SB 42 - health care
SB 3005 - park districts
You can google these bills for more info, but THANKS for your successful efforts and keep up the good work!
Opportunities! SAVE THE DATE - June 30 - Community Renewal Society (CRS) is joining a budget rally at the Thompson Center, Randolph Street in Chicago at 4:15, and a "train takeover" (riding the train to the rally together, with signs) at 2:00. If you can join the either event please contact Bedford West or Doug Erickson.
For more information on any of these please contact Dale Griffin or other participants.
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News from the Music Committee
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The Music Committee is seeking members of the congregation interested in the future of music at UCE. As we begin work for the coming year, this is an exciting time to become part of the planning and organizing of musical projects. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Lynn Kendall.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Click each event for more information.
Tuesday, June 28, 5pm
Recently Retired (But Never Retiring) Women
Wednesday, June 29, 7pm
Sing Thing
Friday, July 8, 6pm
Family Potluck Karaoke/Game Night
Saturday, July 9, 1-3pm
Living In The Tension
Thurs, Sept. 29 - Sunday, Oct. 2
Fall Weekend
Thursday Nights, 5:30pm
Meditation Group
Thursday Nights, 7pm
UCE Addictions Ministry Group
Sunday Mornings, 9:00am & Wednesday Mornings, 9:30am
Yoga
Saturdays at 10:00am
Open Drumming Circles
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Sing Thing
Wednesday, June 29, 7pm
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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Family Potluck Karaoke/Game Night Sponsored by the New Member Committee
Friday, July 8, 6-9pm
Join us at UCE for a fun Friday night activity for all ages. Bring a dish to share - something easy - and your favorite family game. We'll sing some karaoke and have a great time together.
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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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