A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Join us for worship and religious education!  Services and activities for children take place on Sunday morning at 10:00am during the summer.
June 23, 2017
Sunday, June 25
Worship Service  -  10:00am
"Courage!"
In this time when our nation seems to be going backwards and the forces of reaction growing ever stronger, courage is definitely needed. But where can we get courage, when things seem pretty hopeless? This sermon will draw upon some of the great discussions of courage in the traditions of the world, Plato, Aristotle, the Bhagavad Gita, the way of Bushido, and Thich Nhat Hanh for the insights they can give us for the courage needed for these days. Rev. Dr. Jerome Stone speaking.

Children in kindergarten through sixth grade will meet in room 5 for activities. Childcare for infants, toddlers and preschoolers will be available from 9:30-11:30am.  

Join us to stand in support of Black Lives Matter
11:10pm-11:30am
You are invited to stand on Ridge Avenue between 11:10am and 11:30am 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 -  9:00am
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.
It's a sad time right now at UCE as we have lost some beloved members of our community.  We usually gather as a church to celebrate the lives of our departed members. One way to express appreciation is to participate in the reception by helping or bringing food. Sign up here for these events - 

Irv Badr - Wednesday, June 28, 11am

Alex Sproul - Saturday, July 1, 10am

Jane Punwani - Sunday, July 2, 1pm

Charlie Rey - Saturday, July 15, 2pm
We invite you to submit nominations for UCE's shared offering recipients for the 2017-18  year starting in September. At the August meeting of the Social Justice Council, charitable 501c(3) organizations with which our members have a relationship and that align with our UU values will be chosen from the nominees. Please submit a Nomination Form to Jeanne Kerl by July 31. The form must be submitted electronically as we have to make packets of the nomination forms for the Social Justice Council's consideration. You do not have to make a PDF document. The form is in Word and can be easily completed and attached to an email. Please be aware that there are additional responsibilities for nominees this year. They are outlined on the Nomination Form. If you have questions, please contact Jeanne Kerl
Join Peace and Justice for a panel discussion on the state budget impasse with State Sen. Daniel Biss and representatives from the Fair Budget Coalition and AFSCME, the state employees union. At this meeting you'll get a chance  to ask questions and find out what the public can do to lobby for a solution to this problem.
Are you a frustrated musician who can't play an instrument or carry a tune, but you love music? Consider joining the UCE Music Committee which works with our Music Director Vickie Hellyer on our ongoing music program. We meet once a month to review past programs and plan upcoming events such as the Coffee House and special music programs. If you are interested contact Robb Geiger or Lynn Kendall, our committee co-chairs.
First, our always very filling potluck in the back of the sanctuary. After eating, our discussion will center on where are we, and how are we reacting to the fact that too many of our friends and acquaintances have died in a very short time. Ellen Rieger will facilitate. All women in this category are warmly encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Margie Rogasner.
If you are in a caregiving role of any sort, we invite you to drop in at the next Caregiver Support Group.  We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.  The next meeting is June 27 from 7:30-9:00pm at UCE. If you have questions, please contact Renee Hoff or Joyce Lofstrom.
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!
Joys and Sorrows - do you have something you would like to share with the congregation during the joys and sorrows time of our worship service? Please write it in the book (small, black journal) found on the table along the back wall of the sanctuary (to the right as you walk in). Your joy or sorrow will be read by the minister or worship associate and will be included in the following newsletter. There is also a binder of recent joys and sorrows kept at the table for you to see when you are at church.
 
Nametags - if you are just getting acquainted with us and haven't gotten a nametag yet, please stop by the Guest and Member Services table in the lobby. If you sign our guest registry, you will receive a nametag on the newcomer board. After the service, please drop your nametag back in the basket rather than pinning it back on the board. Thanks and Welcome!
 
Caring Concerns - are you having surgery or a baby? Would you like a meal as you recuperate? Do you need a ride to an appointment? Let us know. The Caring Program helps us care for each other by providing practical assistance to people in our congregation who are experiencing life changes and challenges. Contact Lois Taft if you would like to volunteer for the Caring Program or if you have a need that the Caring Program can help you with.
 
Rainbow Sticker and Gender Pronouns for your nametag. Rainbow stickers on our nametags show support for and alliance with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals in our congregation and beyond our walls. Stop by the Guest and Member Services table and pick one up. Everyone is encouraged to add a purple pronoun tag on your nametag. This is a way to honor each person's individual gender expression. These are found by the nametag board. All are encouraged to participate in celebrating our Welcoming Congregation in this way.
 
Flowers and Chalice - Do you have a special occasion that you would like to mark or someone you'd like to honor? Consider bringing flowers and lighting our chalice during the worship service. You can sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby, on our website, or by contacting Carli Magel in the church office [email protected].
The search committee charged with hiring a Director of Religious Education (DRE) consists of seven members: Bret Lortie and Ann Gadzikowski (co-chairs), Rachelle Brooks, Sandy McNabb, George Monical, Winnie Stevenson, and Jessica Tomell-Presto. This DRE role a new position at UCE, in some ways similar to the position of Congregational Life Minister held by Connie Grant, but different in other ways. For example, the DRE is a staff position, reporting directly to the Senior Minister, not the Board of Trustees. The DRE will not deliver pastoral care and other duties typically performed by a called minister. The primary responsibility and focus of the DRE is to develop and manage the religious education programming for children, youth, and adults. Click here to read more.
If you are wondering about covenant groups and want to learn more, stop by the information tables at coffee hour (we have treats!) to talk with covenant group facilitators and members about their experiences. A covenant group could be a part of your monthly spiritual practice. Contact Rev. Eileen Wiviott for more information. 
Don't forget to sign up for the Fall Weekend as soon as possible! We need to submit a count of how many rooms are needed by July 24. You will need to submit a $100 deposit when you sign up with the balance paid no later than August 20 (firm).  However, because of the early count needed, if you're not ready to give a deposit, please at least let us know that you are seriously planning to come so we can add you to the count.  We have rooms in Lakefront 8 (single queen beds only) and in Winston Paul. 

The charge for the whole weekend for a double room will be $320 per person and for a single room will be $405 per person.  Sign up now by emailing Peggy Boccard, or watch for a display in the back of the Sanctuary on Sundays.
Non-fiction book group has rescheduled their meeting to Sunday, July 23 at 11:30am. We will be discussing The South Side: a Portrait of Chicago and American Segregation by Natalie Moore.
Upcoming UCE Events

Saturday, June 24, 1:00pm
Panel Discussion with Sen. Dan Biss


Tuesday, June 27, 5:00pm
Recently Retired (but never retiring!) Women


Wednesday, June 28, 7:00pm
Sing Thing


Sept. 22 - Sept. 24
Lake Geneva Fall Retreat


Thursday Nights, 7pm
UCE Addictions and Recovery Group


Sunday Mornings, 8:15am & Wednesday Mornings, 9:30am
Yoga


Saturdays at 10:00am
Open Drumming Circles

Community Involvement
Click each event for more information.

Monday, June 26, 6pm
Susan Burton: Becoming Ms. Burton


YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
Third Thursday of the Month
 
 UCE Food with Spirit Group

Thursday, June 29
5:30pm at UCE

Do you have a complicated relationship with food? Join us  to discuss nutrition, eating patterns, emotional triggers, recipes, or whatever comes up among the group members.

We have read a couple of helpful books together recently. Talk to Noel Yovovich or Shirley Adams if you want to know more. All are welcome.
Yoga at UCE


Join us every Sunday at 9:00am 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.

The Unveiled Voices Project presents

In a Persian Garden: The Life of Liza Lehmann

A Song-Cycle for Four Solo Voices (Soprano, Contralto, Tenor & Bass)

Friday, July 7, 7:30pm at UCE


Featuring Carl Alexander (Soprano), Matthew Truss (Contralto), Henry Pleas III (Tenor), Vince Wallace (Bass), Charles Thomas Hayes (Pianoforte).
UCE Facebook Groups
Did you know that, in addition to the UCE Facebook Page, there are two UCE groups that members can join - the UCE Member to Member Group and the UCE Social Action Group?  

These are closed groups that allow members to post directly to each other. If you have an event you want members to know about, or have a cause you hope to bring attention to, in addition to the newsletter and order of service, you can post to the Facebook Group. Click the links above or search for the groups by name when you are on Facebook and ask to join.
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.
[email protected]. (847) 864-1330 ext. 103 (office); (847) 840-8542 (cell).
| 847-864-1330 | [email protected] | http://www.ucevanston.org
1330 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201