 |
|
|
Sunday, January 22
Worship Service - 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.
Henry Pleas III, an accomplished soloist in venues across the United States and Europe will sing at UCE Sunday, January 22 at both services. He was tenor section leader and part of the UCE community during the late 1980s and 1990s. He is very thankful for the friendships and associations that were established at that time and is so happy to return to share in the special gift of this worship community. For more information on Henry please visit
www.HenryPleas3.com
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. Starting time for the sixth-seventh-eighth grade class to watch this week's movie is 9:30am. Senior high meets at 11:00am. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Three Forms of Conservatism Backing the Republican Party"
The recent election can be viewed through Karen Stenner's 2008 book, The Authoritarian Dynamic. We will discuss three very different psychological types of people who have been supporting the Republican Party since the 1980's. Click here for more information. Facilitated by Gordon Mallett and Scot Campbell
Getting Involved at UCE - 12:30pm
If you're a new member or are looking to discover the best ways to engage at UCE, join us on Sunday, January 22 at 12:30 in room 6. New Member Committee members will answer questions and walk through the various ways to connect with the goings-on in our community.
Non-Fiction Book Group - 12:30pm
The non-fiction book group will meet to discuss: This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate by Naomi Klein and Laudato Si': On the Care of Our Common Home (Catholic Social Doctrine - Papal Documents) by Pope Francis. All are welcome to join the discussion.
Join us to stand in support of Black Lives Matter
12:10pm-12:30pm
You are invited to stand on Ridge Avenue between 12:10pm and 12:30pm to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
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.
|
|
Composting at UCE 
|
You may have noticed and wondered about the two green containers at the southeast corner of our church parking lot. They are vital links in UCE's commitment to caring for our green planet by diverting waste from our landfills.
You can easily become a part of this commitment for a small annual contribution of $60 per person (up to a $180 maximum per household). If you are interested in joining this movement, contact the church office (by mail or in person), or fill out this form and email it to Carli Magel, or return it to the church office. For an additional $10, we will provide you with your very own kitchen counter composting bucket. (Plastic bags are not acceptable containers because they are not compostable.)
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Compost Program Coordinator John LaPlante at church or through the church office.
|
Accessibility Update
|
UCE's Accessibility and Inclusion Team (AIT) reports new hearing assistance devices are now available at the sanctuary entrance before each Sunday service. A wire loop installed around the perimeter of the room allows the devices to pick up broadcast sound and deliver it directly into the ear of a device user. Try them and let us know how you like them.
Also new is an incremental replacement of fluorescent lighting with LED tubes to help reduce sensitivity to UV rays. AIT plans include installation of emergency defibrillators; first aid supplies are already in place. Some other improvements we're working on are replacement of the stairway chair lift with an elevator to the lower level and construction of a ramp access from the main floor south area doors to the lawn. For more information about the team, please call Alma Woods at 847/767-8990. AIT meets on Saturday mornings twice a month and welcomes comments and participation.
|
Interfaith Action of Evanston
Vision Keepers Dinner
|
Help honor Steve Serikaku as UCE's Vision Keeper at the annual Interfaith Action of Evanston banquet next month: Sunday, February 19, 5:30 pm at the Hilton Orrington. To reserve a seat, send a check for $75 (per person) made out to UCE, with "Vision Keepers" in the memo field, to Carli in the church office. DO NOT send money directly to Interfaith Action. Carli will keep a list of reservations, our accountant Jerry will handle all the checks. Deadline Feb. 5. The church will send the reservation list and the consolidated amount to Interfaith Action.
|
We Know UCE's Got Talent!
|
Do you sing, dance, play a musical instrument, or have another talent that you would like to bring to the UCE stage? You'll have an opportunity to show off your talent on Saturday, February 25 at 6:30 pm at a Talent Show sponsored by our Journeys students and mentors as a fundraiser for their Boston trip. Performers of all ages are invited to send in applications with the following information by February 12 to Amy Pooley at amycpooley@gmail.com or to the Religious Education mailbox in the office: your name and contact information, and your talent (with description and estimated length of your performance).
Tickets for this fun multi-generational event will be available in February for $12.00 for adults (age 12 and up); $6.00 for children (age 5-11); maximum $30 for families.
|
Recently Retired (but never retiring!) Women
Tuesday, January 24, 5:00pm
|
After our delicious Potluck to meet and eat, Jinny Niemann and Susan Atkins will be encouraging us to think about and discuss a very timely and thought provoking issue: "Accepting the Aging Process." Is that possible? Why is that important? How does that affect our behavior? We welcome all women in this stage of life to attend and to interact on this very important topic. Please contact
Margie Rogasner for more information.
|
Sing Thing
Wednesday, January 25, 7:00pm
|
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! We supply words (and chords if needed). All are welcome!
|
Empty Bowls is Coming
Sunday, February 5, 12:00pm
|
This year we are again pleased to feature Dave Bond, The Bread Guy, who will serve his wonderful homemade bread. Buy a pottery bowl and fill it with soup. When you purchase a bowl your soup is free.
This year's recipients of proceeds for Souper Bowl Sunday are Interfaith Action's Produce Mobile, Hillside Pantry, and Curt's Café South - Student Groceries. Sponsored by the Food and Shelter Team.
We need help to prepare and serve the lunch. Sign up to bring food and to help in the kitchen. Please help out if you are able.
|
Doing the Most Good Group
Monday, January 23, 7pm
|
How can we ensure that when we try to help others, we do so as effectively as possible? How can we ensure that we avoid accidentally causing harm, and succeed in having the greatest positive impact we can? Doing the Most Good Group will continue to explore these questions as we d
iscuss Part I from the book, "
Reinventing Philanthropy: A Framework for More Effective Giving.
"
Reading is strongly encouraged but not mandatory to attend.
Please join us. Newcomers are welcome! Contact Jordan Skowronski for more information.
|
Conflict in Groups - A Workshop Presented by the Congregational Relations Team - Sunday, February 12, 12:30pm
|
Disagreement and conflict are inevitable and essential parts of a vibrant, diverse community and healthy group functioning, when handled well. But how do we do this? Building on our previous training on conflict between individuals, this hands-on interactive workshop will teach healthy approaches to handling conflicts in groups such as committees, teams, boards, task forces, discussions, and circles.
Please register ahead of time; however, walk-ins are welcome and will be accepted if space is available. Child care will be available if requested at least one week before the workshop. For more information and to register, please contact CRT co-chairs Tammy Besser or Carla Leone. If you would like to attend but can't make that date please let us know, as we plan to offer the workshop again if there is enough interest. Hope to see you there!
|
Green Team Film Showing
"This Changes Everything"
Friday, January 27, 7:00pm
|
 Please join the Green Team for movie night!
W
e will be viewing and discussing the film "This Changes Everything." This is the film version of the book that the UCE non-fiction book club will be discussing January 22. Bring a snack and a beverage for yourself and to share with others. Questions? Contact Heather Brown. Click here for more information.
|
Sign Up to Join a New Covenant Group
|
Are you interested in further reflection on our monthly themes? Would you like a way of getting to know a small group of people well? Are you hungering for an opportunity to develop deep listening skills and to be truly listened to? If so, you might enjoy a covenant group. We have two groups starting: one will be a 6-month group, two Sundays a month at 12:30; the other will meet once a month on the 2nd Thursdays of the month. If you are interested, please contact Eileen Wiviott.
|
Guest at Your Table
|
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.
|
Rosemary Zwick Night of the Arts
Saturday, February 11, 6:00pm
|
The new year has begun, and we all know that Rosemary Zwick Night of the Arts is not far behind. This year, it is Saturday, February 11 in the sanctuary as usual from 6 to 9 pm. Once again we are calling for volunteers to help with creative projects, setting up, food and other tasks. If you know someone who would be willing to do a project talk to them or give us their name so we can contact them. We are always looking for new ideas and new faces. If you need help with a project or need suggestions, please let us know. We have a ton of ideas.
Please let us know if you will volunteer or not so we can make a plan. We are hoping to see you all there once again. Please contact
Johna Van Dyke to let us know if you will be available.
|
GenX Gathering at Christine Cochran's House
Saturday, January 28, 4pm
|
If you are in your 30's - 50's, with kids or without, join us for a casual gathering, with light refreshments (bring healthy snack to share if you can) and meaningful conversation. To RSVP, contact Eileen Wiviott
or Christine Cochran.
|
Women's Circle Open Meeting
Monday, February 13, 7:00pm
|
All are invited to an open meeting of the Women's Circles. If you will be attending the Million Women March in Washington D.C. (or the local version) and/or the Womenspirit Retreat, you are particularly invited to come and share your experiences.
You are invited to join us if you are interested in knowing more about UCE's Women's Circles. They all provide an opportunity to form connections, nurture one another and to tell your stories in a safe and trusting environment. Members of the four circles will be present and provide information about their circles. Circles are open to all UCE women members and friends.
|
One Book, One Church
|
 Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankin "throws a Molotov cocktail at the notion that a reduction of injustice is the same as freedom." (NY Times) This book length poem about race and the imagination is the chosen book for our coming discussions. Called one of the best books of the year, you will not want to miss one of the discussions on February 25, March 5, or March 26. You can find the book at Book H.
|
Women in Transition - New Group
|
This group for women who are contemplating or in the process of divorce is not currently accepting new members. But because those of us who are in this group find it of great benefit, I am offering to help set up a second group if there are interested women. The only criterion for membership in the current group is the feeling that it may be helpful. And being female. But I would also be happy to help get a group started for men if there is interest. Please contact Noel Yovovich.
|
Religious Education for Adults
|
Yoga Off the Mat -
February 7, 14, 21 & 28
How do the yoga sutras intersect with and diverge from Unitarian Universalist principles? (How) do these philosophies apply to contemporary yoga practice and contemporary life? 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. Click here to register.
Postmodernism & the Legacy of the Enlightenment
March 7, 14, 21 & 28
We are caught between Postmodernism and the legacy of the Enlightenment. This conflict affects how we think of science, other cultures and even liberal religion. The class shows how we got here and suggests that we need more reason, not less. Recommended: The Enlightenment: A Very Short Introduction and Postmodernism: A Very Short Introduction.
Facilitated by Rev. Jerome Stone, UCE's Affiliated Community Minister. A former
United Church of Christ pastor and philosophy teacher, Jerry is the author of A Minimalist Vision of Transcendence and Religious Naturalism Today. Click here to register.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming UCE Events
|
|
Sunday, January 22, 12:30pm
Getting Involved at UCE
Monday, January 23, 7:00pm
Doing the Most Good
Tuesday, January 24, 5:00pm
Recently Retired (but never retiring!) Women
Wednesday, January 25, 7:00pm
Sing Thing
Thursday, January 26, 5:30pm
UCE Basic Food Group
Friday, January 27, 7:00pm
Green Team Film Showing - "This Changes Everything"
Sunday, January 29, 3:00pm
Crystal Bowls and Gong Meditation
Sunday, February 5, 12:00pm
Empty Bowls Lunch
Saturday, February 11, 6:00pm
Rosemary Zwick Night of the Arts
Monday, February 13, 7:00pm
Women's Circles Open Meeting
Tuesdays, Feb. 7-28, 7pm
Yoga off the Mat
Saturday, Feb. 25, 9:30am
One Book, One Church
Saturday, February 25, 6:30pm
UCE's Got Talent
Sunday, March 5, 12:30pm
One Book, One Church
Sunday, March 26, 12:30pm
One Book, One Church
Thursday Nights, 5:30pm
Meditation Group
Thursday Nights, 7pm
UCE Addictions Ministry Group
Sunday Mornings, 8:15am & Wednesday Mornings, 9:30am
Yoga
Saturdays at 10:00am
Open Drumming Circles
|
|
|
Mount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra presents
Mary Lyon Concert
Saturday, January 21, 4pm at UCE
|
Crystal Bowls and Gong Meditation
Sunday, January 29, 3:00pm
Join us for a peaceful meditation experience in our sanctuary. Preston Klik will guide participants in a Crystal Bowls and Gong Meditation. Preston leads us from a beautiful altar filled with instruments, crystal bowls, candles and a gong. Donations will be received in lieu of tickets for this meaningful, artful meditation experience.
|
|
Fiction Book Group
Friday, January 20, 7:30pm
We will be reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. All are invited to the discussion
Non Fiction Book Group
Sunday, January 22, 12:30pm
The non-fiction book group will meet to discuss: This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate by Naomi Klein and Laudato Si': On the Care of Our Common Home (Catholic Social Doctrine - Papal Documents) by Pope Francis. All are welcome to join the discussion.
UCE Basic Food Group
Every other Thursday, 5:30pm
Currently we are discussing a 2016 book: Obesity Code by Jason Fung, MD.
The group is open to anyone who feels they have a complicated relationship with food. Join us on January 26 at 5:30pm.
|
|
|
UU Identity Discussions
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: February 5 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: 1/22, 1/29.
|
|
|
Upcoming Membership Classes
For those who are thinking about becoming a member of the church.
Intro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, Feb. 19,
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
Sat. March 25, 9am - 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.
|
|
|
Yoga at UCE
Join us every Sunday at 8:15am and every Wednesday at 9:30am.
Yoga at UCE is designed to reduce stress, bring relaxation, increase range of motion, and find balance - restorative yoga. If you never have done yoga before, this is your opportunity. Drop in, wear comfortable clothing for stretching, and try it. Yoga is learned by doing. Community yoga mats provided if needed.
|
|
Opportunities
for Spiritual Practice
|
|
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.
|
Quick Links
(protected documents)
|
|
|
|
