Rev. Bret Lortie

Care for the Caregivers

Once or twice a year I am asked, as a member of the Unitarian Universalist Trauma Ministry team, to assist a congregation dealing with extraordinary events. Often it is a disaster or tragedy. For example, the last two congregations to which I responded were dealing with the aftermaths of a tornado and a murder-suicide, respectively.

This time I've been asked to come to Bismarck, North Dakota, to assist our congregation that has been supporting the Water Protectors at Standing Rock. It's a unique "deployment" for a few reasons. First, it isn't over, and while the Standing Rock camp has asked for out-of-town campers to disband for the winter, or when called back, it doesn't feel like the last activity here has transpired. We are clearly in the middle of something that is ongoing. Click here to read more.

Sunday, January 15, 9:15 and 11:00am

"Dr. King's Legacy: Supporting Standing Rock"

What does it mean to stand on the side of love as an ally? Sometimes it means showing up just to listen to another's story, respond to another's call to action on their terms, and learn to follow more than lead. As I return from North Dakota to support our congregation that has been supporting the Water Protectors, I consider how this work relates to Dr. King's legacy of resistance. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.

Sunday, January 22, 9:15 and 11:00am

"The Meaning of Ministry"

We are mistaken if we think that only ministers get to minister. Have you heard your call to ministry ... yet? There are no spectators in our faith, only participants. Your ministry is vital to our faith and its future. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.

Sunday, January 29, 9:15 and 11:00am

"Our Famlies"

Families come in many shapes and sizes, and evolve through stages of life. Members of some UCE families will help us explore the question "What makes a family?" A worship service for all ages. Rev. Connie Grant and Rev. Bret Lortie leading.

Pledging members and friends received statements in early December reflecting balances due on fiscal year 2016-17 pledges.  Thank you to all who have made contributions.

 

During the month of January we will send tax statements to you. These statements will reflect Calendar Year payments  January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2016. When making a contribution, please use the memo line of the check or check box on the contribution envelope to ensure your contribution is directed how you intended.

 

Please contact me on Tuesday or Thursday at UCE.

 

jlorann@ucevanston.org or 847-864-1330

Sunday, January 15, 9:30am

"The Political Aspects of Bilingualism"

Facilitated by: Suzanne Hess

Sunday, January 22, 9:30am

"Increased Political Polarization and Possible Responses"

Facilitated by: Scot Campbell

Sunday, January 29, 9:30am

Discussion about the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.  Guest facilitator: Edward S. Linn, M.D.

Sunday, February 5. 9:30am

Dick Whitaker will lead a discussion, in part based on his recent trip to California and Hawaii.

Click here for more information about upcoming topics. 

Please join the Food and Shelter team for the annual Empty Bowls lunch. Buy a pottery bowl made by UCE potters and others and fill it with some delicious soup. Your lunch is free if you buy a bowl.

 

Proceeds from the lunch will benefit Interfaith Action's Producemobile, Curt's Café students with grocery cards, and Hillside Pantry. Click here to read more.

Actions you can participate in with CRS, UU Prison Ministry, and UUANI:

 

CRS (Community Renewal Society) - This year's actions will focus on employment opportunities for people with records, violence prevention, implementing the Fair Cops Ordinance in Chicago, and resolving the budget impasse fairly.  Some UCE members have met with Senator Biss and Representative Gabel to urged action on these issues.

 

Join Community Renewal Society for our Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Faith in Action on Monday, January 16, 2017.   Contact Dale Griffin or Doug Erickson for more information or to RSVP today!

 

The UU Prison Ministry of Illinois will celebrate its progress and new website and newletter with a party at UCE on February 18 at 7:00.  Please contact Doug Erickson for information.

 

UUANI (UU Advocacy Network of Illinois) begins a new year with emphasis on raising the minimum wage (economic justice) and passing anti-solitary confinement legislation (racial justice).  We celebrate a victory in passing the Future Energy Jobs Bill (the negotiated version of the IL Clean Jobs Bill) (environmental justice).

 

For more information on any of these please contact Dale Griffin or other participants.  

As families gather around the table, please remember to save a seat for Guest at Your Table. Your donations support the social justice work of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Add coins and bills to your box; and if you write a check or collect $125 or more, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Shelter Rock Church. What a great way to contribute during this season of giving. Bring your boxes back to church at our multigenerational service on January 29. 

On Saturday, January 21, starting at 10am, there will be a march in Washington, D.C. and in cities across the country (including Chicago). Its purpose is to show "solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families, recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country".  You can read more about the mission on their Facebook page Women's March on Washington.

 

If you want to go to D.C., or have already made arrangements to go, we invite you to join with other Unitarian Universalists as a statement of organizational support, and increased solidarity. The Women's Circles have selected Julie Milner to coordinate a group from UCE. Click here for more information .

(How) do the yoga sutras apply to contemporary yoga practice and contemporary life? How do these philosophies intersect with and diverge from Unitarian Universalist principles? What does it mean to be a yoga practitioner? Although yoga is most often recognized by its physical postures (asanas), practitioners may also use breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, chanting, and dietary restrictions.  Historically, yoga was more of a philosophy for living than an exercise regimen, including ethical guidelines for personal growth.   We will use Patanjali's  Yoga Sutras, considered one of the foundations of classical yoga practice, as our historical touchstone and Michael Stone's book  The Inner Tradition of Yoga as a way of connecting the sutras to contemporary life.  Suitable for practitioners, those considering becoming practitioners, and those who are interested in learning about the practice that is becoming widespread in the United States, including two classes weekly at UCE.

Facilitated by Jessica Tomell Presto, UCE member and certified yoga instructor.  Register here   or on the Religious Education bulletin board. 

We are pleased & excited to announce registration for the  2017 Black Lives of UU National Convening  is now OPEN. The very FIRST Black Lives of UU Convening will take place in New Orleans, LA on March 9-12, 2017.

Being held at The Double Tree by Hilton, this historic event will bring together Black Unitarian Universalists from across generations. Over the course of four days together we will co-create spiritual nourishment and healing through ritual, worship and pastoral care.  Click here for registration information.