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Sunday, May 7
Worship Service - 9:15 and 11:00am
"White Supremacy Teach In"
This Sunday our congregation joins a large, growing group of Unitarian Universalists who will shift our regularly scheduled Sunday morning worship to participate in a teach-in on racism and white supremacy. Led by UCE's Beloved Conversations group, our community will be participating with hundreds of UU churches around the country in this large-scale historic action.
Religious Education
This Sunday, In keeping with our congregation's participation with other Unitarian Universalist churches in the nationwide teach-in on racism and white supremacy, all our classes will explore identity and privilege in age-appropriate ways.
Our preschool, kindergarten-first-second grade, and third-fourth-fifth grade classes will meet from 9:15-10:30 and 11:00-12:15. Children in kindergarten - 5th grade will begin in Room 3 and remain there for special activities this week (and preschoolers will begin in their usual classroom). The 6th-7th-8th grade class and senior high group meet at 11:00. Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
Director of Religious Education Listening Session
12:30pm
The search committee charged with hiring a Director of Religious Education for UCE will hold a listening session after church. Join us for a facilitated discussion about our hopes and priorities for religious education under a new Director of Religious Education. The May 7 discussion will focus on children and youth. A session focusing on adult religious education will also be scheduled soon. For more information about the DRE search, please contact Ann Gadzikowski.
Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Accessibility and Hearing at UCE"
Question: How do you attend an event on the UCE south lawn or lower level if you use a wheelchair? Answer: You don't. Working with staff, the Accessibility and Inclusion Team (AIT) is addressing this issue. We have examined the relative merits of elevators, lifts, and LULAs (limited use/limited application elevator). AIT will lead the May 7 Crackerbarrel where we will discuss this and other issues and ask for your feedback. Some other items we'll talk about are hearing assistance, both ear-buds and T-coil units that feed directly into Bluetooth-capable hearing aids; either device is now available at the sanctuary entrance. That's also where you can pick a large-print hymnal. Discussion leaders: Jim Kepler and Jon Siegel. Click here for upcoming topics.
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.
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Sunday, May 14 - 9:15 and 11:00am
"What I Believe In"
Participants in our "Journeys: Boston and Beyond" coming-of-age program will offer their responses to the question "What do you believe in (today), not just in your head but in your life?" As they continue learning to develop and act upon their own beliefs, our seventh- and eighth-grade students will present their credo statements.
Sunday, May 21 - 9:15 and 11:00am
"Music Sunday"
Come to services and hear the UCE Choir and guest soloists sing a rich assortment of spirituals. In addition, Bret will share his insights and thoughts that will help us to see ever greater depths in this great American art form.
Sunday, May 28 - 9:15 and 11:00am
". . .And I Thank You"
In his final day in the pulpit as the Ministerial Intern, Kevin DeBeck reflects on the lessons he's learned in his time at UCE.
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Please join us on Sunday May 21 for our UCE Annual Meeting. An email with information went out to members today for your review before the meeting.
The 2017-18 Budget, Slate of Officers, Leadership Proposals and Minor By-Laws Wording are items on the agenda to be voted on. Please help us make the necessary quorum.
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A beautiful and restorative (to forest and self) afternoon with other UCEers and Evanston congregations working with Forest Preserve stewards in nearby Harms Woods.
Please join us for a brief religious ceremony at 1:15 and project 1:30-4:00, a twice yearly event. Wear work clothes and boots if it might be wet. Meet at the parking lot on the west side of Harms Road just south of Glenview Road.
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The UCE Bluegills classroom (our 3rd-5th graders) is going to publish a vegetarian cookbook and is looking for your yummiest recipes. This will be a capstone project in our year of learning about our 7th principle--the interdependent web of life. When we did our unit on the various facets of climate change, we talked about how raising livestock for meat production makes for much more intensive use of natural resources than raising food for vegetarian diets.
To promote green practices within our church, these students would love to include your favorite vegetarian recipes--especially ones that kids love!--in our cookbook in order to encourage all of us to consider more vegetarian meals.
If you have a favorite recipe or two to share, please email it to
Susan Comstock. If it's typed, that's wonderful, but if not, you can snap a photo of the recipe. And look for us in early June--we will be in the back of the sanctuary selling the finished cookbook.
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Mother's Day Luncheon will be served following the 11:00am service on Sunday, May 14, sponsored by the Men's Group. There'll be a flower given to each lady attending. Lunch will be a Pita Inn Mediterranean style meal for everyone! What a way to spend Mother's Day! $8 per person, $25 max per family.
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UCE has a new, more unified approach to organizing for justice - we are using the reconstituted UCE Organizing Team to organize turnout for many UCE social justice events, including CRS, UUANI, Green Team, Prison Ministry, REAL Team, etc. Here are some events to know about:
CRS (Community Renewal Society) - This Tuesday, May 9, join CRS for our annual mass trip to the capitol. We have a bus leaving from UCE at 6am., returning about 7pm. Contact Dale Griffin or Doug Erickson for more information or to RSVP!
The UU Prison Ministry of Illinois held a workshop on "Radical Hospitality" April 22 at UCE, on welcoming returning citizens at church and partnering with them to transition into life outside of prison. To be involved with this project please contact Dale Griffin.
UUANI (UU Advocacy Network of Illinois) is supporting the UU Prison Ministry as part of UUANI's racial justice work.
The Green Team and organizing team encouraged UCE participation in the April 22 March for Science and the April 29 People's Climate March. Thanks to all who participated.
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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.
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Congrats to the Denominational Affairs committee! UCE had the largest delegation of any congregation in the whole region at the Regional Assembly last weekend in Oak Brook IL. We numbered 14 in all and covered most of the workshops offered. Our denominational affairs team really helped rally us and keep us involved in the region and the UUA.
Do you know which 9 year old at UCE is going to celebrate his tenth birthday in New Orleans at the annual UUA General Assembly? He will celebrate with his Mom and grandparents and several of the dozen or so UCE attendees. Answer next week.
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If you have an idea for an Adult Religious Education class or workshop that you'd like to present in the upcoming church year, please contact one of the the Learning Associates -
Bill Irons,
Dick Whitaker,
Dan Solomon,
Tom Ticknor or
Julia Takarada.
In your proposal, please include: presenter(s) name(s) and brief bio(s); a catchy title; and a description of your proposed topic (and why it's relevant). Also, please let one of the Learning Associates know if you are interested in being part of the team to help plan and implement adult religious education programming.
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Caregivers' Journey
Tuesdays, May 9, 16 & 23, 7:00pm
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Energy Management for Caregivers: Being a caregiver is a deeply stressful and meaningful experience. In our first session, we will explore questions about stress, energy management, and ways the caregiver can use mindfulness techniques to help them help themselves-and then become more comfortable caregiving as a result.
Conversations with our Loved Ones: In our second session, we will help the caregiver think through different situations and levels of care, navigate your loved ones' wishes for their own care, and have difficult conversations with them about advance directives.
Making Meaning: In our third session, we will explore questions of meaning and purpose-how do our Unitarian Universalist values help shape our understanding of caregiving as an important part of our beliefs and values?
Facilitated by Rev. Elizabeth Harding, A.M., M.Div., LSW. Elizabeth grew up Unitarian Universalist and is a bereavement counselor with JourneyCare, the state's largest nonprofit hospice and palliative care provider. She is an affiliated community minister with the Second Unitarian Church of Chicago.
Click here to register, or sign up on the Religious Education bulletin board.
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Quick Links
(protected documents)
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Upcoming UCE Events
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Sunday, May 7, 12:30pm
DRE Listening Session
Tuesdays, May 9, 16 and 23
Caregivers' Journey
Sunday, May 14, 12:15pm
Mother's Day Luncheon
Friday, May 19, 7:30pm
Fiction Book Group
Sunday, May 21, 9:15 and 11:00am
Music Sunday
Sunday, May 21, 12:30pm
Annual Meeting
Thursday Nights, 7pm
UCE Addictions and Recovery Group
Sunday Mornings, 8:15am & Wednesday Mornings, 9:30am
Yoga
Saturdays at 10:00am
Open Drumming Circles
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Community Involvement
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Click each event for more information.
YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
Third Thursday of the Month |
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Sunday, May 21
9:15 and 11:00am
"Why it is that 'man's inhumanity to man' should often produce great art is one of the mysteries of the human spirit
."
- Alice Parker
composer/arranger/conductor
"Yes, indeed a mystery, but these strong people did indeed create perhaps one of the greatest Art forms in America, the Negro Spiritual."
-Andre Thomas
composer/arranger/conductor
Wade in the Water,
Elijah Rock,
Steal Away,
Deep River,
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot . . .
. . . and more.
Come to services on May 21 and hear the UCE Choir and guest soloists sing a rich assortment of spirituals. In addition, Bret will share his insights and thoughts that will help us to see ever greater depths in this great American Art form.
We hope you can attend the 9:15 or 11am service on May 21!
Thanks,
Vickie
Hellyer
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Fiction Book Group
Friday, May 19, 7:30pm
The Fiction Book Group selection for May offers a chance to examine our last presidential election from a fresh and imaginative point of view.
Read and discuss: Philip Roth's 2004 novel,
The Plot against America.
All members and friends are invited to join us for the book discussion.
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UU Identity Discussions
Ongoing learning opportunities offered by the New Member Committee, open to all, no matter where you are on the journey. Childcare available.
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.
Next Principles & Sources Class: May 7 @ 10:15am
Spiritual Journeys -
a 3-part conversation
2nd, 3rd, 4th Sundays
at 10:15-11am
Explore your religious and spiritual background, where you come from, what you want to cherish and what you want to release. You can participate in any one or all three in any order.
Next Spiritual Journeys Session: May 14 @ 10:15am
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Upcoming Membership Classes
2 Step Path to Membership
For those who are thinking about becoming a member of the church.
Intro to Unitarian Universalism
Sunday, June 4, 12:30 - 2:00pm
An overview of our faith led by Rev. Bret Lortie.
Orientation Toward Membership
Sat. May 13, 9am - 12pm
Led by Membership Director, Eileen Wiviott, and Rev. Connie Grant. An interactive class exploring what it means to be a member of this congregation.
Sign up at the Guest & Member Table in the lobby or email
Eileen Wiviott. Childcare available upon request in advance for both of these classes.
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CAUUC
The annual meeting of the Chicago Area Unitarian Universalist Caucus is on Saturday, May 20, at the Beverly Church.
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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.
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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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