 |
|
|
Sunday, January 15
Worship Service - 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.eaking.
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 10:00am. Senior high meets at 11:00am. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"The Political Aspects of Bilingualism"
Our discussion will be a follow up from our earlier crackerbarrel on bilingualism. We will focus on the political implications of bilingualism. Facilitated by Suzanne Hess
Women's March on Washington and Chicago Women's March Informational Meeting - 12:30pm
If you're going to the Chicago march on January 21st, or the Women's March on Washington - or thinking of going to the march, come to the meeting!. Meet and greet others who are going. See how many are going to Washington! Get some basic info about traveling downtown together.
Mentor Post Meeting - 12:30pm
Come join Mentor Post after church for our second presentation of the year, by Jessica Paulsen. She worked at the New Sector Alliance, and she is the current executive director of Pass With Flying Colors, a tutoring/mentoring program that prepares under-served high school students to succeed in college. She will talk about her experiences with mentoring in both organizations. You will surely find her informative and inspiring.
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.
|
|
Board of Trustees Report on the Status of the Black Lives Matter Sign 
|
Following last summer's General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio, UCE's attendees and several other interested congregational members became involved in several long e-mail conversations about the status of our Black Lives Matter sign. At the July Board Meeting, the Trustees voted to appoint a task force to advise us on the issues raised in these conversations. The task force submitted a report to the Board in August, and followed up with a presentation to the Board and further discussion at the October 19, 2016 meeting.
The task force consisted of Heike Eghardt, Sarah Vanderwicken, and Karen Courtright. They were joined by Martha Holman for an edifying presentation and discussion at the October Board meeting, during which the Board accepted their report, including their recommendations. Here is the report for your information.
Barbara Ghoshal
President, Board of Trustees
|
From Eileen Wiviott, Membership Director
|
 |
|
|
Eileen Wiviott |
Dear Friends,
I am so honored and grateful for your affirmations, congratulations and your unanimous vote this past Sunday to ordain me into Unitarian Universalist Ministry. I don't remember ever feeling more held in love and I am humbled by your generosity and kindness. The ordination will be Sunday, June 4th at 4pm. More formal invitations will be sent out soon but I hope you will save the date to join me for this meaningful celebration. Some of you have asked for the written version of the comments I made on Sunday after the vote. I may have strayed from this a bit but, in essence, this is what I said and very much what I feel.
|
UCE Leadership Toolkit is a Great Resource!
|
Any church, in order to stay healthy and growing, depends on regularly developing a new cohort of leaders to work with and eventually replace the existing leadership team. UCE is no exception to this need, but we do have a significant advantage: we have created a Leadership Toolkit specifically designed for building UCE leaders. For those of you who might be considering stepping up into a beginning leadership role and are wondering what Committees and Teams are available in UCE and then how to go about the who's, what's and how's of leading a committee, team, task force or council, the UCE Leadership Toolkit can answer your questions and much, much more. And current church leaders may also want to refer to the toolkit to get information about a specific item or question.
The Toolkit is available to peruse and download on the UCE Website. Click here to view it. Scan the Table of Contents for the topic you want more information on. Get ready to be impressed with all of the resources available for you, and we are looking forward to having you help take UCE into an exciting and rewarding future.
|
|
Update from the Refugee Family
|
The Syrian Refugee Family team would like to thank everyone who donated yarn for Fattoum's knitting projects. You have our sincere thanks because this work gives her a great sense of purpose. We are looking for someone who would like to play chess occasionally with Mohammad. Please contact
Jeanne Kerl if you are interested.
Both Mohammad and Aya got jobs this week with a catering company that makes food for Mariano's, Whole Foods, etc. Aya and Mohammad also started intensive English classes at Truman College this week.
Click here to read more.
|
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 [email protected] 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
|
We are back to our regular 4th Tuesday meetings at 5:00 in the back of the sanctuary. All retired women are invited to attend, beginning first with a potluck and then discussions on topics relating to support and social interaction. Please contact
Margie Rogasner for more information.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Empty Bowls Lunch
Sunday, February 5, 12:00pm
|
 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.
|
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.
|
Getting Involved at UCE
Sunday, January 22, 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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Greenwood Group
Thursday, January 19, 7:30pm
|
Greenwood Group, UCE's personal investment club meets 3rd Thursdays of the month at 7:30pm. Join us!
|
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.
|
|
Quick Links
(protected documents)
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming UCE Events
|
|
Sunday, January 15, 12:30pm
Women's March on Washington Informational Meeting
Sunday, January 15, 12:30pm
Mentor Post Meeting
Sunday, January 15, 12:30pm
Intro to UU
Saturday, January 21, 9:00am
Orientation Toward Membership
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
The Practice of Yoga
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
|
|
|
Auction Item - Interactive Viewing of Rocky Horror Picture Show
Tonight!
Friday, January 13, 7:00pm
Looking for something exciting to do Friday, January 13? Come join us for an interactive viewing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show starting at 7pm in Room 3.
If you are new to the film, this is a perfect way to see what all the fuss is about. If you are a loyal viewer, come dressed as your favorite character and help us learn to dance the Time Warp.
Everyone will enjoy popcorn, soft drinks and bags filled with appropriate props. Open for high school students and older. Adults can BYOB.
At only $12 a head, we're not sure why this fabulous auction item didn't sell out, but there is still room, so please RSVP to Shirley Adams. Limit 40 people.
|
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!
|
|
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.
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.
|
|
|
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: 1/15, 1/22, 1/29.
|
|
|
Upcoming Membership Classes
For those who are thinking about becoming a member of the church.
Intro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, January 15, 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., January 21, 9am - Noon
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.
|
|
|
|
