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Sunday, September 18
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
The idea of creating covenantal, rather than creedal, community comes from our Pilgrim roots. With covenant comes responsibility: to help each other grow spiritually, to live into our promises, and to care deeply for that which has been entrusted to us. Our own church covenant is grounded in both Biblical and humanist understandings of what it means to be "promise makers and promise breakers" - and from our humanity help to form the Beloved Community. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Religious Education
This Sunday our preschool, kindergarten-first-second grade, and third-fourth-fifth grade classes will meet from 9:15-10:30 and 11:00-12:15, beginning our focus on "Living the Interdependent Web." The sixth-seventh-eighth grade class meets at 11:00. All begin in the sanctuary for the first part of the worship service before going to classes. The senior high youth group will not meet this Sunday because of their lock-in Saturday night. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"The Channing Sermon and Unitarianism"
On May 5, 1819, William Ellery Channing gave a sermon at The First Independent Church of Baltimore, now The First Unitarian Church of Baltimore. The sermon defined the essence of Unitarianism and led to the formation of the denomination in 1824. We will read excerpts from the sermon, discuss the sermon and its relevance to today. Discussion leader: Julia Takarada
Intro to Unitarian Universalism - 12:30pm
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.
Sign up at the Guest & Member Table in the lobby or email Eileen Wiviott.
Join us to stand in support of Black Lives Matter
10:20am-10:50am
You are invited to stand on Ridge Avenue between 10:20am and 10:50am to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Each week, the reception has been a most affirming experience. 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. Signs and song lyrics will be provided for use.
Sponsored by the REAL team.
The Chris Isely Cancer Support Group -
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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Evanston's Black History
Discovering the Past and Exploring the Future
Tomorrow -
Saturday, September 17, 7:00pm
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| Photo Courtesy of ShoreFront |
On Saturday, September 17, at 7pm, The Unitarian Church of Evanston will present a program about African American history in Evanston from the 1800s to the present day. Mr. Morris (Dino) Robinson of Shorefront Legacy Center will discuss the early history.
"Evanston's Living History," a documentary film produced by resident Mr. Craig Dudnick, will document the 20th century events through interviews with families of early citizens and prominent civic leaders.
Following the film, Mr. Dudnick, Mr. Robinson, Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors, Ra Joy, and moderator Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan will discuss this history and the present day African American experience in Evanston.
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Sing in the Choir!
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We invite you to participate in the only team sport available to singers. Discover how fun it can be to make fine, blended music, in a variety of styles, with a great group of people! The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings and sings in services three Sundays a month (September through June). All adults and youth who can carry a tune are welcome.
If you have any questions, please e-mail UCE's Director of Music, Vickie Hellyer, at
[email protected]. We'd also love to hear from any parents who would be interested in childcare during choir rehearsals.
P.S. We would be remiss if we didn't also tell you that snacks are provided at each rehearsal.
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Our Giving House
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Our Giving House is under the care of the Van Dyke Covenant Group for this year. We publicize, and see to it that there is a sponsor every month. The sponsors volunteer for a given month, and are responsible for two things. One - matching the amount of product in the Giving House for their month, and two - getting it to Hilda's Place along with the existing contributions from the house. However your group decides to accomplish this is entirely up to you. We will count up the contents, call you with the amount you need to contribute on the last day of the month, and when you are ready, we will choose a time to consolidate all of the items for your group to deliver. We will need a contact from your group.
Click here to read more.
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"Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War"
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Tuesday, September 20, 9:00 - 10:30pm
Watch the documentary on PBS at home
*Please note that WTTW is broadcasting this at 9:00pm
Tuesday, September 27, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Discussion at UCE
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War, directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky, is an account of a daring rescue mission that occurred on the precipice of World War II. It tells the story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister and his wife from Wellesley, Massachusetts, who left their children behind in the care of their parish and boldly committed to multiple life-threatening missions in Europe. Over two dangerous years they helped to save hundreds of imperiled political dissidents and Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation across Europe.
On September 20, the first night of this two week series, watch the broadcast of the film on PBS at home. On September 27, we will discuss the film at UCE, focusing on issues of interest to us as Unitarian Universalists. This will include an exploration of the Sharps' motivations and reaction, and how we can relate their story to the demands of our own time. Facilitated by Dan Solomon.
Click here to sign up for the discussion at UCE.
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Are you interested in Denominational Affairs?
UUA Presidential Candidate to speak Saturday, October 1 at UCE
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If you are interested in learning more about the activities and interests of the larger UU world or are curious about what the Denominational Affairs Committee at UCE is doing, this event may be for you! On Saturday, October 1 at 12:00 noon, the Denominational Affairs Committee will be welcoming Susan Frederick-Gray, a candidate for UUA President, with a potluck lunch for church leaders and any others interested in UUA affairs. This event will give Chicago-area UUs an opportunity to meet Susan and discuss UUA issues with her. This is a chance for a crash course in denominational affairs--what are the concerns and issues that a UU presidential candidate has on her mind. If you are interested in joining others in meeting with Susan, please sign up for the event at
http://tinyurl.com/susan-gray-potluck.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 2 to hear Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray preach at UCE.
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Sing Thing
Wednesday, September 28, 7pm
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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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Principles and Sources Class
10:15
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11:00am
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Whether you are new to Unitarian Universalism or you would like to better understand the seven principles and six sources of our faith, 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.
Next Principles and Sources Class: October 2 between services
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Spiritual Journeys
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a three-part conversation
2nd, 3rd, 4th Sundays at 10:15-11:00am
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We
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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
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exploring membership, new members and long-term members alike. You can participate in any one or all three in any order.
Next Spiritual Journeys Sessions: October 9, 16, and 23 between services
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Curious about the world's refugee crisis?
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FAST is helping to sponsor a presentation by Tara Magner of the MacArthur Foundation & Scott Hibbard of DePaul University. Join diverse faith communities in the Evanston area for an insightful presentation on the plight of refugees worldwide, and begin an interfaith discussion of what we can do to make this a truly welcoming community.
When: Thursday, September 29, 2016 7:30pm
Where: St. Nicholas Church, Oldershaw Hall (behind Church), 806 Ridge Avenue
More details on the FAST bulletin board.
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The UCE Endowment Fund Encourages Applications for Special Projects
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Each year, the Endowment Fund makes available 5% of the net worth of the fund available for various projects. Funding is granted to projects that help us within the church and also for projects that are more outreaching. Projects that are or should be part of the annual budget are not eligible for funding. We have $7,135 remaining in this year's allocation. Applications for funding are sent to the Board of Trustees Chair and the Endowment Chair simultaneously. The Board reviews applications and votes on funding. After the Board votes, the request is sent to Endowment for consideration.
Click here to read more.
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The Coffee House is Coming!
Saturday, October 29
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Do you sing, play an instrument, tell stories, tell jokes, recite poetry? If you wish to go onstage - e-mail
Alicia Hempfling.
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"Race: The Power of an Illusion"
Tuesdays, October 4, 11, 18
7:00-9:00pm at UCE
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We'll view and discuss this must-see three-part series that takes us through the history, science and day to day experiences undergirding how race impacts life in the United States.
October 4, Part One, "The Differences Between Us."
October 11, Part Two, "The Story We Tell."
October 18, Part Three, "The House We Live In."
Our hope is that this series can help us all navigate through our myths and misconceptions about race, and scrutinize some of the assumptions we take for granted. In that sense, the real subject of the film is not so much race but the viewer, or more precisely, the notions about race we all hold. We hope this series can help clear away the biological underbrush and leave starkly visible the underlying social, economic, and political conditions that disproportionately channel advantages and opportunities to white people. Perhaps then we can shift the conversation from discussing diversity and respecting cultural difference to building a more just and equitable society. Sponsored by our REAL team, and facilitated by Eileen Heineman,
Co-Director, Racial Justice Programs, YWCA Evanston/North Shore. Open to the public.
Click here to sign up.
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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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Upcoming UCE Events
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Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:00pm
Evanston's Black History: Discovering the Past and Exploring the Future
Sunday, Sept. 25, 9:00am
Bike the Ridge
Sunday, Sept. 25, 12:30pm
Non-Fiction Book Group
Sunday, Sept. 25, 6:30pm
Journeys Student/Parent Orientation
Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7:00pm
Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7:00pm
Sing Thing
Thurs, Sept. 29 - Sunday, Oct. 2
Fall Weekend
Saturday, October 1, 12:00pm
Potluck/Discussion with UUA Presidential Candidate
Sunday, October 2, 10:15am
Principles and Sources Class
Tuesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 7:00pm
Race: The Power of an Illusion
Sundays, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 10:15am
Spiritual Journeys
Saturday, October 29, 7:30pm
UCE Coffee House
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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Save the Date:
Sunday, September 25 is Evanston's Bike the Ridge!
Ridge will be closed to vehicular traffic between Howard and Church Street from 9:00-1:00pm.
Make a special plan to bike to church. Decorate your bike on UCE's lawn.
At 10:20am there will be a "blessing of the bikes."
Everyone is welcome. A caregiver must accompany children. Don't forget to wear your helmet!
Additional volunteers are needed to help staff tables and assist with bike decorating for this event. Please sign up here to help.
Click here to read about the benefits of bicycling.
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Soup Kitchens this Fall
Update on What's Needed
Please sign up online at the links below or at the table on Sunday. We especially need the following:
Lobby Beverages (3:45-6:00 pm)
Lunch and dinner food purchases
Casserole cooks
Clean up coordinator and volunteers (6:45-8:00 pm)
Lunch and dinner food purchases
Casserole cooks
We host these soup kitchens when our neighbor Beth Emet is celebrating Jewish holidays. We welcome about 100 people for dinner, a sack lunch and our best hospitality.
Mark your calendars: 2017 Soup Kitchens are April 12, September 20, September 27, October 4, October 11.
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Friendship Dinners
2016-17
Join a UCE tradition: a series of four dinners shared in the homes of fellow members and friends. Hosts provide the main dish; guests bring the other dishes. Sign up to host one time during the year. Come to enjoy the fun and fellowship. See the sign up table at church beginning Sunday, Sept. 11 or
click here
to sign up online.
Dinner dates are Oct. 22, Dec.10, Feb.25, April 22.
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Gen X Family Friendly Campfire
Sat., September 17, 4-6:30pm
at the home of member Sarah Hendershot
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
and
Sarah Hendershot
.
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Non-Fiction Book Group
Sunday, September 25, 12:30pm
We will discuss
Saving Capitalism:
For the Many Not the Few by Robert Reich
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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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