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Sunday, August 7
Worship Service - 10:00am
"Blessing of the Animals"
 Our annual blessing of the animals service will honor our Seventh Principle, the interdependent web of all being. In our homes and through the natural world, animals bless our lives by their very presence on the Earth and in our personal lives.
Bring your sociable animal companion to the 10am service, either on a leash or suitable abode, for a special blessing. Music from the Wailin' Mahalias.
Intro to UU - 11:30am-1:00pm
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.
Join us to stand in support of Black Lives Matter
11:30am-Noon
You are invited to stand on Ridge Avenue between 11:30am and noon to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
We hope to continue this on a weekly basis with your help.
Signs and buttons are available for purchase at the back of the sanctuary and signs will be provided for use today
Sponsored by the REAL team.
The Chris Isely Cancer Support Group
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 --
Spiritual Life and Outreach
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Rev. Bret Lortie |
Unitarian Universalism in Africa
Last year, a study group in which I participate each fall chose African theology as its topic for 2016. We will meet in November to discuss our findings. I was asked to research the state of Unitarian Universalism in Africa. Did you know we have Unitarian Universalist congregations in Africa?
There aren't many, but there is an emerging interest and enthusiasm for our faith. Perhaps it is our liberating theology that affirms that all are loved. Perhaps it is our inclusive culture of acceptance. Whatever the case, these churches are interested in being in partnership with the North American UU community. It is time we get to know them as well as they know us.
Click here to read more.
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Upcoming Worship Services
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Sunday, August 14, 10:00am
"Walking on Pain"
It has been a violent and tough summer. How do we deal with the seemingly never-ending assault on human life and dignity? Learning to walk with pain keeps us moving toward justice. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Sunday, August 21, 10:00am
"Unitarianism in Africa"
Unitarian Christianity has taken root in Africa, and it behooves us to look at what our brothers, sisters, cousins, and kin of faith are doing with a theology that affirms the worth and dignity of all people. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Sunday, August 28, 10:00am
"Faith in Place"
Faith in Place is joining us on Sunday August 28th! A local nonprofit that empowers Illinois people of all faiths to be leaders in caring for the Earth, providing resources to educate, connect, and advocate for healthier communities. Rev. Brian Sauder, a Mennonite Minister and President of Faith in Place, will guest preach at this service. His sermon title: Liberating White Environmentalism.
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Please Welcome New Staff at UCE
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Please welcome Jerry Lorran, our new UCE Bookkeeper. Jerry can be reached at
[email protected]
. His office hours are Tuesday and Friday 11:00am to 4pm.
Also new is Sarah Baker, our newest lobby staff team member. Sarah has begun working Sundays and will take on additional hours as needed. Please introduce yourself to Sarah on Sunday morning. She is eager to meet you.
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UCE Fall Weekend
September 29/30 to October 2
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If you have made a reservation, payment for the Fall Weekend is due by August 12. If you have not yet made a reservation, there are still a few rooms available (sign up by sending an email to [email protected] or seeing Peggy Boccard, Rebecca Fischer, or Luanne Vanderpool at the tables in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday). The rates are per person for the entire noted period, and include all meals from Friday evening through Sunday lunch: Thur-Sun: Single: $400, Double/Triple: $275; Fri-Sun:Single: $300, Double/Triple: $200. Payments should be sent to the UCE office (or put in the plate on Sunday). Please write the check to UCE or Unitarian Church of Evanston and put Fall Weekend in the memo field.
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Religious Education Teacher Orientation
Saturday, September 10, 9am- noon
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Together with our community of volunteer teachers, share inspiration and ideas about lesson planning and classroom management, learn procedural information, and plan together. For religious education teachers for kindergarten through eighth grade classes. Childcare will be available if requested by September 5. RSVP to [email protected].
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Religious Education Classroom Open House
Sunday, Sept 11, 10:15 am and 12:00 noon (after both worship services)
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An opportunity for children and their families to visit classrooms, learn about religious education curriculum and programming, register for religious education classes, and meet classroom teachers. Please drop in!
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Journeys: Boston and Beyond
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Seventh- and eighth-graders and their parents are invited to an orientation meeting on Sunday, September 25 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm to learn more about our Journeys: Boston and Beyond program. Our Journeys program focuses on our young people's own spiritual and religious journeys as they develop and articulate their Unitarian Universalist identities. The culmination of the program will be the students' presentation of their Credo statements to the congregation and a trip to Boston in the spring. RSVP for the September 25 orientation meeting to Rev. Connie Grant at
[email protected]
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Syrian Refugee Family Team Needs Volunteers
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The team working on sponsorship of the Syrian refugee family is gearing up for the next stage. We've raised the necessary funds, now we are gearing up for the arrival of the family in mid-September. But, we still need help! We need mentors, a furnishing team, and some help providing the family with rides to appointments. Click here for more information.
Dresser Needed for Refugee Family
We are pleased to be in the final stage of furnishing the apartment for the Syrian refugee family that we expect to arrive in mid -September. Our only remaining furniture need is one or two dressers. Due to space limitations we can only accept the upright type not the wider bureau type. If you have a dresser of this description that is in very good condition and would like to donate it for this cause please contact either
Marilyn Wroblewski or
Kay Gibbs-Novy. Please include a photo.
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News from Denominational Affairs - Part 3
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Another reflection about going to GA in Columbus OH in June:
From Ellen Rockett:
The best aspect for me of GA was just how diverse the experience was.
Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout led the GA choir in civil rights protest songs for our warmups each day, and his music showed an important consciousness of African American musical traditions. He treated choir practices as spiritual gatherings, and really "ministered" to the choir as the short time allowed. Click here to read more.
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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 services on September 11. 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. Please contact Rev. Connie Grant at
[email protected] if you would like your child to be included.
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Gen X Family Friendly Campfire
Saturday, August 13, 4 - 6:30pm
at the home of member Sarah Hendershot
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If you are in your 30's to 50's, with kids or without, come and enjoy an outdoor gathering with light refreshments, good conversation and space for the children to play. Please RSVP to Eileen Wiviott or Sarah Hendershot.
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Principles and Sources Class
Sunday, August 21, 11:15am
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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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Caring Concerns
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Are you having surgery or a baby? Would you like a meal as you recuperate? Do you need a ride to an appointment? Let us know. The Caring Program helps us care for each other by providing practical assistance to people in our congregation who are experiencing life changes and challenges. Contact Lois Taft, if you would like to volunteer for the Caring Program or if you have a need that the Caring Program can help you with.
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Upcoming Membership Classes
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Intro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, August 7, 11:30 - 1pm
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
Two Wednesdays, September 7 and 14, 7-8:30 pm
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
[email protected]
. 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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Sunday, August 7, 11:30am
Intro to UU
Sunday, August 7, 11:30am
Stand in Support of Black Lives Matter
Monday, August 8, 7pm
Hospitality Team Training
Monday, August 15, 6:30pm
Ecstatic Dance
Monday, August 15, 7:30pm
Women's Circles Informational/Planning Meeting
Sunday, August 21, 11:15am
Principles and Sources Class
Sunday, August 28, 5pm
Fiction Book Group Potluck and Discussion
Wednesdays, Sept. 7 and 14 , 7pm
Orientation Toward Membership
Saturday, Sept. 10, 9am
Religious Education Teacher Orientation
Sunday, Sept. 11, 10:15 and 12:00pm
Religious Education Classroom Open House
Sunday, Sept. 25, 6:30pm
Journeys Student/Parent Orientation
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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Community Involvement
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Click each event for more information.
YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
Third Thursday of the Month
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Summer Diaper Drive
Our Giving House will be collecting diapers all summer long. Diapers will be donated to the Bundled Blessings Diaper Pantry at First United Methodist Church. This program provides diapers to low-income families in Evanston. New as well as opened packages are accepted. All sizes needed. Let's fill our house for babies in need.
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Brush up on your Greeting/Welcoming Skills!
Hospitality Team Training
at UCE
Monday, August 8 from 7-8pm
We'll have a fun, interactive how-to session with all the nuts and bolts of being a hospitality team expert! All members of your family are welcome to attend and pick up tips on welcoming all to our thriving, beloved community. For more info or questions contact [email protected].
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Women's Circles
Women's Circles are small, on-going, self-run groups of UCE women members and friends. At a Women's Circle, we create connections with each other, share information, and share our life-journey in a caring and safe environment. There are two women's circles and there is space for some additional members who will make a strong commitment to attending. There will be an informational/planning meeting on August 15 at 7:30 at UCE. Click here for more information.
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Fiction Book Group Potluck and Discussion
Sunday, August 28
5-8pm at UCE
We will be discussing
The Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally.
We'll also be choosing books for the fall so bring your ideas.
Open to members, friends and visitors.
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Composting at UCE
At the south end of the parking lot, there are two green totes for compost. If you would like to participate in this composting program for church members and friends, please remember to contribute. We are asking for $60 per person, per year to be paid to UCE by check (put
"
composting
"
in the memo).
Thank you for caring for our planet by diverting waste from our landfills. A note to those composting in the bins outside - PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR COMPOST IN PLASTIC BAGS! It is not compostable that way. Stop by the compost station after church if you want to purchase an inexpensive kitchen counter container.
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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 vacation from August 11-15 and August 18-24. She 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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