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UPCOMING SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES  
10:15 AM in Sanctuary
Sunday, March 25, 2018
"Universalism, Christianity, and the UU Church Today"
Lane Schwartz

The modern Unitarian Universalist Association grew out of the merger of the American Unitarian Association and the Universalist Church of America, a Christian Universalist denomination. We gather together in a building founded as a Universalist church. Many UUs grew up in various Christian denominations. Today, we will delve into Christian Universalism and consider what place it might have in the modern UU church. 
Sunday, April 1, 2018
“Easter Sunday: Seeds!”
Rev. Florence Caplow

Every Easter we celebrate renewal: renewal of the land, renewal of hope, renewal of life. This Easter will be dedicated to the promise of seeds. Rev. Caplow will draw on her long experience as a botanist to tell stories about seeds and their miraculous powers. The UUCUC Choir and the CrUUners will be singing. Easter hats are welcome!
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Bookmark our UUCUC Events webpage for future reference.
Correction : Meditation at Channing Murray on hiatus and will resume on April 12th.
UU Happy Hour Group at Murphy’s Pub. Join us at the next UU Happy Hour TONIGHT , March, 22nd at Murphy’s Pub on Campus. The students will be on spring break, so there should be more space than usual. Come anytime between 5:00 and 7:00 pm to get together, chat, and relax. Murphy’s is located at 604 E Green St, Champaign.  For more information about the Happy Hour Group contact Russ Rybicki at  russadr@fastmail.fm .
Join our UU contingent at the “March for Our Lives” event this Saturday, March 24 . Moms Demand Action is the sponsor of this protest and advocates for stronger gun control legislation. We will meet at 2:15pm in the parking lot behind the Douglass library branch (just to the south of Douglass Park). Bring your protest signs; Social Action will bring the church banner. Contact Jim Hannum ( jwhannum@gmail.com ) or Sandy Hannum ( smhannum@gmail.com ) if you are coming. 
UUCUC Mindfulness Meditation Group Join fellow UU's in a mindfulness meditation practice before worship service on Sundays ( detailed schedule ) in the YRUU room. As always, the door will be left slightly open so that late arrivals can enter quietly.
Co-Housing Exploration Group. All are welcome to join a discussion about developing a co-housing community here in Urbana-Champaign. It’s okay if you weren’t at the first meeting - we’ll catch you up! We will be talking about our priorities for such a community and the process to get there.

We are meeting in the Children’s Chapel this Sunday, March 25th at noon. Bring some food to share and join in. Questions? Contact Betsy Hunter: betsyhun@gmail.com
End of Life: What Would You Do?
Sunday, March 25 th, 2pm, UUCUC Sanctuary, with refreshments to follow in Fellowship Hall

Please join us for a truly unique interactive theater experience. The Young At Heartland Theatre Group, based out of Bloomington-Normal, will perform four end-of-life vignettes. Audience participation will determine how the vignettes proceed as we explore issues families may face. Sponsored by the UUCUC Death With Dignity Group, Final Options Illinois, and Compassion & Choices of McLean County.
Maundy Thursday Worship Service will be held in the Sanctuary on Thursday, March 29 at 6 PM

Maundy Thursday is a Christian holy day remembering the Last Supper. This service will tie in closely with the March 25 service on "Christianity and Universalism in the UU Church Today". All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Lane Schwartz will be leading a brief worship service that will examine a modern theology of Universalism and Christianity. The service will include communion, in which all are welcome to partake.
Upcoming Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) Meetings Want to get even more involved in the Racial Justice Initiative? Our next meetings are Thursday, March 29th (5:30pm, UUCUC Library) and Sunday, April 8 th (9:00am, UUCUC Library). Please join us.
Exploring Whiteness Class. We are excited to announce that our church will be conducting an "Exploring Whiteness" class this spring. The class builds on the "Being White" workshop offered last year and will be co-led by AJ Herzog and Tim Livingston.

The workshop is patterned after a class developed by Rev. Kate Lore, a UU Minister in Portland, Oregon. Participants will focus on a variety of educational and personal exploration activities related to whiteness and the institutional systems that favor whites and reinforce inequality. Opportunities to take action related to broad racial justice topics will be offered.

The class will meet on the first four Mondays in April (April 2, 9, 16, 23) from 6:30-9pm in the Children's Chapel at UUCUC. Group size will be limited to 20. We encourage people to commit to all 4 meetings if you wish to join the class.

Please email ExploringWhitenessUUCUC@gmail.com if you would like to participate.  
Don't forget to get your tickets on Sunday for this year's Service AUUction on Saturday, April 7th (theme: Rainbows and UUnicorns). It is very important that people buy their tickets in advance so that we know how much food to purchase. Tickets are $10 per person, $30 per family when purchased in advance, $12 per person/$35 per family at the door. Come find us at the Hub table during the coffee hour to purchase your tickets!

And of course, without your creative and exciting donations there can be no auction. We’re under a month to go before the event, and your faithful AUUction Committee would sleep better for the next few weeks if we were flooded with donations early in the process rather than at the last minute. You can either pick up a paper donation form at the Hub table in Fellowship Hall or use our convenient electronic form to submit it.

Lastly, such a huge event takes many many volunteers to make it happen. If you can, please consider signing up to help before/during/after the event. We will have paper signup sheets at the Hub table or you can volunteer online .

Thanks in advance for your help!
Sign-up for the next Circle Supper that is planned for Sunday, April 8 at 5:00 pm. Email Scott Godlew or visit the HUB table to add your name to the list, last day to sign up is Sunday, April 1st. Please join in the fellowship and fun as we rekindle this UUCUC tradition.
Mark your calendars for the Partner Church Brunch on April 15, 2018. Please come and do something good by eating! Our Transylvanian /Hungarian Fundraising Brunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall, right after church service on April 15, 2015. Don’t eat too much breakfast! 

We are also celebrating the 450th anniversary of the Edict of Torda, the Act of Religious Tolerance for the Kingdom of Transylvania. This happened in the year 1568! And it is the beginning of our church history. Torda is close to our partner church in Szekelykal, and the Act of Torda is celebrated all year long this year by our churches in Transylvania.

All proceeds of the brunch are to support our Partner Churches in Transylvania and India.
We hope to see you on Sunday, April 15, 2018!
Join us for one of our next Pathway to Membership Classes!

Sunday, April 29, 12:30-3:30 pm or Monday, April 30, 5:30 - 8:30 pm in the UUCUC Children's Chapel.
 
In this fast-paced and interactive class for those considering membership with UUCUC, you'll learn about the principles and foundation of the Unitarian Universalist Church. You'll also learn about the governance of UUCUC, activities and opportunities available to our church community, our social action mission, religious education offerings, and the role you can play as a supporter. Anyone age 14 and up can become a UUCUC member.
 
At the completion of this class, you'll have an opportunity to "sign the book" and become a member of UUCUC. A Light meal will be provided at each class and child care is available with prior arrangement. 
 
For questions and to sign up, email  Sherry Bohlen  or (217) 417-1148. There will also be a sign-up sheet on the HUB table in Fellowship Hall throughout the month.  
When signing up, please indicate whether you're signing up for the Sunday or the Monday class. 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Making Connections within UUCUC. Why did you come to our church community? Have you found what you’re looking for? Is there something that you’re seeking that’s not yet offered? Click here to view our most recent “Connect with Us” listing of our current groups and committees. Contact people for each group or committee are listed. Connect with them for further information. They’ll love to hear from you and will welcome you to join them.

Please survey our current list, and if you see a need that isn’t being filled, contact Sherry Bohlen  MembershipCoodinator@uucuc.org and talk about creating a group to meet that need. Our “Connect with Us” offerings are not static. They are ever-changing and expanding. Let’s work together to create what helps you to stay connected. 
As we are getting closer to the year end of our fiscal/church year, please be aware when writing checks and designating in the memo line which church year (or pledge year) you want your donation allocated. Our fiscal/church year starts July 1 and ends June 30. This helps us process your contribution appropriately. Thank you in advance.
Rev. Florence will be out of the country from March 13 to March 28 and will not be available by phone or email. Please contact Cindy Loui,  cindyloui83@gmail.com , with pastoral care concerns. 
Library Available During Hospitality. Those looking for a quieter spot for conversation are invited to use the Library off of Fellowship Hall during our Hospitality Hour.
CARE CORE NEWS
Joys and Sorrows

Jenny Lokshin - I'm proud of the student activists who have been working so hard to plan "March for our Lives C-U", looking forward to marching in solidarity with them on Saturday.

Jim & Sandy Hannum - A sorrow as we remember the life of Gary Krull, friend and drummer for Jim's college singing group, who died this past week.

Jerry Carden - Lighting a candle of strength for Tanja Hodges and her mother. Tanja's mom is beginning her chemotherapy regimen and having some difficulty.

Harry Mickalide - Sorrow for each bird and bear lost in the expansion of the industrial capitalist project.

Jennifer Larkin Crozier - Remembering my mom, Judith Jones Larkin, with love.
New "Repair Corps"
Repair Corps is the newly formed skill-sharing volunteer group that will provide home maintenance and repairs for members and friends of UUCUC, especially for those with limited physical abilities and/or finances. Our team will tackle small tasks such as plumbing, electrical, furniture repair,and even sewing. If we can't do it, we'll try to make recommendations. 

If there is something that we can help you with, or if you have a skill to share, call Herb Hiestand at (217) 550-8492.
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE NEWS
Bisexuality Primer by Jerry Carden            
              
In the demographic section of last year’s ministerial search survey, completed by 173 congregants, over 7% reported their sexual orientation as bisexual. Surprised? Most folks I know would identify me as gay, since I’m married to another guy, but I identify as bisexual. I am attracted to, and have enjoyed sex with both men and women. It just happens that for 37 years my relationship preference is my current husband. Likewise, opposite sex couples are usually assumed as straight, but one or both might identify as bisexual. Bisexuals can be attracted to one gender more than another, equally attracted to all genders, or may consider gender unimportant. Attraction toward one gender or another may change over time. What are the rest of our statistics? 1.27% identified as gay male; 4.46% as lesbian; 1.27% as questioning; 78.34% as straight/heterosexual; .64% as other; 7% did not specify. https://www.uua.org/lgbtq/identity/bisexuality
Two-Year Initiative Proposals Due Next Friday, March 30th!  What would you like the church to take on as a two-year social justice initiative for 2018-2020?

If you are thinking about submitting a proposal for the next initiative, you can  download a form here  or pick one up from the Social Action Table. Submit yours to SAC Co-Chairs,  Pam Richart   and  Kate Mayer  on or before March 30.  Then, if you can, join us at our April 17 Social Action Committee Meeting to present your idea. We meet in the Fellowship Hall from 7pm to 9pm. 
The Shared Offering recipient of all designated funds and half of the plate cash collection in March is Partner for People & Place /Jatropha Projenou. Improving land and livelihoods in Haiti. When people in poverty can tap into their talents and wisely use the land they live on, they can shape their lives for a better tomorrow. Helping them make this journey is what we do. www.peopleandplace.org
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (RE) NEWS
Upcoming RE Dates

Sunday, March 25
No regular RE classes. There will be an all-ages craft activity downstairs led by
Carol Osgood and Laura Davis.

Sunday, April 1
Regular RE classes resume. There will be an Easter egg hunt after the service!
Calling all Easter Egg Hunt helpers. Help us hide eggs on Sunday, April 1st. Weather permitting, we will hide them outside during the end of the service. In case of inclement weather, we will hide them in the classrooms immediately after service. Contact mona4shannon@gmail.com .
CHURCH CALENDAR
Dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit our UUCUC Calendar page .

Note: Parenthesised meetings/events are outside rentals. Asterisk meetings/events are closed.
Thursday, March 22
(Rental: Many Paths: an Agnostic AA) / 6:00 pm / Classroom #1
*New Member Covenant Group / 7:00 pm / Library
 
Friday, March 23
Moving Forward Divorce/Separation Group / 3:30 pm / YRUU Classroom
 
Saturday, March 24
Loss of Life Partner Covenant Group / 11:00 am / Library
(Rental: Many Paths: an Agnostic AA) / 4:30 pm / Classroom #1
 
Sunday, March 25
Children's Choir Rehearsal / 9:15 am / Classroom #1
Mindful Meditation Group / 9:20 am / YRUU Classroom
Worship Service / 10:15 am / Sanctuary
Book & Magazine Exchange Sunday / after service / Table in Fellowship Hall
Young Adult Group / 11:30 am / Table in Fellowship Hall
Co-Housing Exploration Group / Noon / Children's Chapel
RE Advisory Group / Noon / Classroom #1
End of Life: What Would You Do? / 2:00 pm / Sanctuary
 
Monday, March 26
Bridge Group / 1:00 pm / Children's Chapel
Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) Meeting / 7:00 pm / Fellowship Hall
 
Tuesday, March 27
(Rental: DSC Playgroup) / 9:00 am / Nursery
Board of Trustees (BOT) Study Session / 7:00 pm / Library
 
Wednesday, March 28
eNews and OOS content is due to pubs@uucuc.org by noon
CrUUners Rehearsal / 6:00 pm / Sanctuary 
Adult Choir Rehearsal / 7:00 pm / Sanctuary
 
Thursday, March 29
(Rental: Many Paths: an Agnostic AA) / 6:00 pm / Classroom #1
Racial Justice Initiative (RJI) Meeting / 5:30 pm / Fellowship Hall
Maundy Thursday Worship Service / 6:00 pm / Sanctuary
Upcoming Publications - Mark Your Calendars!
Next eNews: March 29
Deadline for content: Wednesday,
March 28 by Noon (or earlier)
April 2018 Uniter: March 30
Deadline for content: Closed.
UUCUC Contact Information
Church Office
(217) 384-8862
Rev. Florence Caplow
Minister
Jody Hanger
Interim RE Coordinator
Matt Sheppard
Music Director
Sherry Bohlen
Membership Coordinator
Rosalyn Maziarka
Office Administrator
Shornor Vineyard
Custodian and Building Caretaker
Beth Cobb
Assistant for Services
Matthew Gladden
Accompanist
Stephanie Cobb
Sunday Kitchen Helper
Mary Foltz
Childcare Coordinator