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Sunday, October 9
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
This coming Tuesday marks the beginning of Yom Kippur, the Jewish holiday of Atonement. Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck will discuss the concept of Atonement and what that means to Unitarian Universalists.
We are pleased to welcome guest musician
McKinley Carter, who will perform at both services. McKinley has been working professionally as a singer and actor in Chicago for over 20 years. She has performed in major theaters in Chicago and its suburbs. She has been seen at Lyric Opera in "The Merry Widow" and Mercury Theatre in "The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes." She performs one-woman cabaret shows, lives in Edgewater and is an avid kayaker.
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. All begin in the sanctuary for the first part of the worship service before going to classes. The sixth-seventh-eighth grade class begins at 9:30am this week to watch "Little Buddha." Senior high meets at 11:00am. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
Peace and Justice Meeting - 12:30pm
Our agenda includes reports from REAL (Racial Equality Action Leadership),
MBB (Military Bridge Builders), Prison Ministry and CRS (Community Renewal Society).
All are welcome.
"Name Change Circle"
A Name Change Circle will be held during Crackerbarrel session. The current name The Unitarian Church of Evanston is under consideration. This will give members an opportunity to share their thoughts/feelings on a name change, an opportunity to express empathy for those who think/feel differently about a name change, and an opportunity to propose a name.
Please note that this session will not follow the normal Crackerbarrel topic format of 15-20 minutes of presentation followed by discussion. This session will follow more closely the Covenant Group format of deep listening. There will not be time for discourse/debate. Discussion Leader: Barbara Ghoshal
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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From the Minister for Congregational Life -- Religious Education and Pastoral Care
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Rev. Connie Grant
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Considering 9:15?
Are the 9:15 religious education session and worship service an option for your family? There's plenty of room in our classrooms and sanctuary, and teachers and ministers are ready for you!
Since attendance at 11:00 has been significantly higher than at 9:15 this fall, particularly in our religious education classes, we encourage you to try out our first service. Although attendance typically fluctuates throughout the year depending on a variety of factors, at its high point so far this fall a couple of our classrooms verged on overcrowding at 11:00.
We want you to attend whichever service works for you and your family, but we hope you haven't overlooked the 9:15 option. The 9:15 session offers more individual attention for children. For children as well as adults, 9:15 offers a more reflective experience.
Click here to read more.
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Upcoming Worship Services
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Sunday, October 16, 9:15 and 11:00am
A happy 918th birthday to Hildegard of Bingen, the twelth-century "celebrity" monastic whose philosophy, music, theology, choreography, drama, and vision defied all convention. Despite her orthodoxy, her ideas about the harmony of body and spirit, the emptiness of thought without action, and theory that music speaks to the divine in each of us, still holds inspiration for us today. This service will be filled with Hilegard's music and poetry. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
Sunday, October 23, 9:15am and 11:00am
"Living the Interdependent Web"
What does it mean to respect, revere, and participate in the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part? We'll explore the "interdependent web" from a variety of perspectives, as a fundamental understanding of the ways everything affects everything in our lives and in the universe. A worship service for all ages. Rev. Connie Grant leading.
Sunday, October 30, 9:15am and 11:00am
How many of us have prayed as if our life depended on it? Such is not a universal Unitarian practice, yet in times of crisis we often find ourselves opening to "a universal mystery" for feelings of guidance, wholeness, connection and healing. Making sense of the act of prayer, and finding ways for Unitarian Universalists to engage in authentic acts of prayer, is a worthy theological challenge. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
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Special Programs for Parents and Kids
Sunday, November 13, 10:20 - 10:50am
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Answering Kids' Big Questions:
Talking about Death
Some of the hardest questions kids ask are the ones about what death means, either as a practical reality or a theoretical concept. How can Unitarian Universalist parents respond, even in our own uncertainty and grief? A sharing of ideas and resources, led by Rev. Connie Grant.
The first in a series of discussions on Parenting for Unitarian Universalists. Next, December 11: Navigating the Winter Holidays.
Yoga for Kids
A 30-minute session of yoga specially designed for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Yoga is beneficial for reducing stress, connecting mind/body, and promoting body awareness. We will do basic yoga postures: twists, backbends, seated, standing, and balancing poses. Songs and games will be incorporated into the lesson. Please bring a yoga mat, if you have one. Taught by UCE member and certified yoga instructor, Jessica Tomell-Presto. The first in a series of special activities for kids. Next, December 11: Meditation for Kids.
Childcare will be available for infants and toddlers in Room 11, and for three- and four-year-olds in Room 9.
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From the Board of Trustees
Name Change Circles
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The Importance of Feedback
We have received two important bits of feedback this week from our Beloved Community on the Name Change Discussion Circle Process. One was that we were not loud enough in introducing the Circle Process, which we hope was answered by the blast that went out Monday to our members.
The other bit of feedback was that our silence on the history of past name change discussions and why we chose this time to have another discussion might seem to some that the Circle Process is inside politics. The feedback we received was that the Circle Process blast might not engage members who might be more engaged with details about the past and the present.
Click here to read more.
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Serendipity Auction
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Our online catalog is getting populated with many interesting items. Two favorites from last year: Our Senior Minister will again offer a sermon topic of the winner's choice to be delivered in the Spring of 2017 on a mutually agreeable date. And--UCE Choir Director, Vickie Hellyer, will offer "Choose a Song" - for the UCE choir to sing during a service later this church year. See the Serendipity Auction catalog at
http://www.togetherauction.com/ucevanston
and think about what kind of gift you can offer that will be uniquely yours.
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Request for Music Committee Volunteers
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Are you a music lover who doesn't have time to sing in the choir but wishes to be involved in UCE music? Think of joining the Music Committee and help develop the UCE music program. We meet the first Wednesday each month and help Vickie Hellyer to coordinate various UCE music programs. If you are interested contact
Lynn Kendall or
Robb Geiger.
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Endowment Sunday is October 30! Meet the Khalaf family! Join us for an all-church potluck!
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We have lots to celebrate! The Board of Trustees and the Endowment Committee supported a number of special projects this year, including providing funding for furniture for our sponsored Syrian refugee family. Mark your calendars for a heartfelt welcome and greeting to our Syrian family, the Khalaf family and for a wonderful celebration of the Endowment.
Click here to read more.
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"Race: The Power of an Illusion"
Continues Tuesdays, October 11 and 18
7:00-9:00pm at UCE
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The Evanston YWCA and UCE's Racial Equity Action and Leadership team are presenting a three part film, "Race: The Power of an Illusion" this October 4, 11 and 18 at UCE.
We have shown this film before. Why show it again? Why watch it? Why watch it again?
Because this film reveals how we came to believe, incorrectly, that there are real, immutable differences among us.
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News from the CRT
Conflict Resolution Workshop
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"We Can Work It Out: Constructive Conflict as Part of Healthy Engagement"
The UCE Congregational Relations Team (CRT) will offer our previously well-received workshop "We Can Work It Out: Constructive Conflict as Part of Healthy Engagement," on Sunday, October 30 from 12:30-2:30.
The workshop is intended to help us keep the commitments made in our Covenant of Engagement - something that can be easier said than done once feelings are hurt, tempers flare or anxiety (including anxiety about conflict!) is stirred. The workshop will be both didactic and experiential, including a brief power point presentation, small group discussions and role plays. Click here to read more.
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CROP Walk
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Join the students and teachers in the Religious Education classes as we participate in this year's Crop Walk. The 5K course will be along the lakeshore. A shorter course is available. The walk begins at First Congregational Church of Evanston. We are encouraging participants to meet at the church and carpool to First Congregational Church. Visit the display table at the back of the sanctuary for more information, to make a donation and to sign up.
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Interested in Joining a Covenant Group?
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Interested in joining a covenant group?
Want to know what a covenant group is? Contact Eileen Wiviott
to learn more and be connected with a group.
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From the Syrian Refugee Family Team -
Khalaf Family
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The Syrian refugee family we are sponsoring are getting settled in. They are delightful: friendly, outgoing, eager to learn English, and to get settled in America. We have taken them shopping for clothing essentials, but we still need many specific items. If you can help, please bring your donations to the box under the coat rack at UCE.
Click here to see the list.
It would also be very helpful for their language learning if they had a laptop computer. Would anyone at UCE have a working laptop that they would be willing to donate to the family? If so, contact Jeanne Kerl 847-899-1077.
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For those who are thinking about becoming a member of the church.
Intro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, October 16, 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, November 12, 9 am - 12pm
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.
There will be childcare available upon request in advance for both of these classes.
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UU Identity Discussions
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Continued learning opportunities offered monthly by the New Member Committee; open to all who want to better understand what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist, no matter where you are on the membership journey:
Principles and Sources Class
1st Sundays 10:15 - 11am
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 & Sources Class: November 6 between services.
Spiritual Journeys - a 3-part conversation
2nd, 3rd, 4th Sundays at 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. 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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Gen X Family Friendly Campfire
October 22, 4 - 6:30 pm 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 vegan refreshments, meaningful conversation and space for the children to play. Please RSVP to Eileen Wiviott or Sarah Hendershot.
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Race: The Power of an Illusion
Sundays, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 10:15am
Spiritual Journeys
Saturday, October 29, 8:30am
Activate Your Voice - REAL Workshop
Saturday, October 29, 7:30pm
UCE Coffee House
Sunday, October 30, 12:00pm
Endowment Sunday All Church Potluck
Sunday, October 30, 12:30pm
We Can Work It Out Workshop
Sunday, November 6, 10:15am
Principles and Sources Class
Saturday, November 12, 5:30pm
Serendipity Auction
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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Activate Your Voice
Saturday, October 29
9:30am-4:30pm
Need to Challenge Yourself?
Want to be a Better Ally?
Come participate in an interactive workshop led by a strong and experienced presenter. Learn how we can be better, more effective allies in the movement for racial justice.
Workshop facilitated by Elisabeth (Biz) Lindsay-Ryan, an expert in building capacity for anti-racism work.
Registration includes lunch -
$5 suggested donation
Sponsored by OPAL (Organization for Positive Action and Leadership) and the UCE REAL (Racial Equity Action and Leadership) Team
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Non-Fiction Book Group
Sunday, October 23, 12:30pm
We will be discussing:
Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War
by Robin Yassin-Kassab, Leila Al-Shami
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Common Threads
Common Threads, the UCE knitting and crocheting group, meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 10am, and the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm.
We make hats and blankets for babies, and scarves and shawls for people who we think would like a hand-knitted or crocheted care shawl. Sometimes, we also work on our own projects.
We have a huge stash of donated yarn, needles, and directions, as well as people who can help you improve your knitting and crocheting skills.
Our next meeting dates are October 25 at 7pm and November 1 at 10am. Contact
Joan Horberg
with any questions.
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Save the Date!
Serendipity Auction
Saturday, November 12
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Congregational Thanksgiving
You are cordially invited this year to join your UCE community for our annual Thanksgiving Day celebration!
 We will again share our table with recruits from the Great Lakes Naval Base. Come for breakfast or come for dinner, come to share our wonderful UCE fellowship with some sailors far from home.
Watch this space for opportunities to sign up, to volunteer to bring food, and to help host our guests.
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The Coffee House is Coming!
Saturday, October 29
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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Our Giving House for the month of October is collecting Razors, Shaving Cream, and Deodorant.
Donations will be matched by a Covenant Group or family or other group of sponsors. Donations are given to Connections for the Homeless for distribution at Hilda's Place pantry or the Entry Point program.
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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 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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