A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Join us for worship and religious education at 9:15 and 11:00am on Sunday Morning!
Holly Near in Concert at UCE -  Hosted by WomanSpirit 2018 -  Saturday, February 3, 2018 -  7:30pm
Tickets are $26.50 and available on the UCE website - ucevanston.org 
Click the Tickets/Giving tab at the top right on the home page
February 2, 2018
Sunday, February 4
"Planet Called Home" 
A musical service with our guest, Holly Near 
9:15 and 11:00am
For 40 years Holly Near has been combining her music and activism, sharing her joy and passion. She accesses all of these to celebrate the human spirit. Rev. Eileen Wiviott will be the worship leader for Holly at both of our Sunday services.

Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.

Crackerbarrel - 9:30am
"Simplicity"
Dick Whitaker will discuss some approaches to simplicity, and then we will discuss in relation to ourselves and the broader society. Discussion facilitator: Dick Whitaker

Connecting UU - 10:15am - Room 12
45 minute discussions; Sundays at 10:15 in Room 12 
These sessions are open to all,  no matter where you are on the journey.  Childcare available. No need to sign up in advance. This Sunday's Connecting UU discussion is about our Spiritual Journeys

Earth Centered UUs - 12:30pm
The UCE Earth-Centered UU Group (formerly CUUPs) is meeting this Sunday. All those interested in earth-centered spirituality or UU-style paganism are welcome. We'll have conversation, fellowship, and snacks in Room 12 at 12:30 p.m. For more information, email  Taryn Seawright

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 -  9:30am
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. 
Upcoming Worship Services worship
Sunday, February 11, 9:15 and 11:00am
"What Is Liberal Religion, And Why Should We Care?"
The question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists will we be, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., tells us. "Will we be extremists for hate or will we be extremists for love?" Following the tradition of liberal religion, a tradition that travels from the Buddha and Jesus to Ghandi and to you, we must be extremists for love. That is the root of liberal religion. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.

Sunday, February 18, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Ending the Silence: Getting Vocal About Mass Incarceration"
Based on changes to criminal law and racism, in the past 30 years the US penal population has increased from 300,000 to 2 million. To bring about the demise of the prison industrial complex, it will take not only changing those laws, but a cultural shift in how Americans treat those touched by the judicial system. This week, we will think about how we can join our voices to the struggle to end mass incarceration. Ministerial Intern Susan Frances speaking.

Sunday, February 25, 9:15 and 11:00am
"Persevering in Changing Times"
The particulars may change, but the arc of history teaches that change may be the only constant in the universe. How do we adapt when we don't know what is coming? Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.
From the Board of Trustees bot
Your Thoughts: "Black Lives Matter" Sign
Two Town Hall Meetings + Food!!

On April 12, 2015 UCE had a congregational meeting and voted to put up a temporary sign that says "Black Lives Matter." Since then we've had people standing in support of it each Sunday after the second service. We said at that time that it would be up for six months, then the congregation would once again decide about continuing with the sign. Thus, we are holding two Town Hall discussion meetings in preparation for a vote at our Annual Meeting on May 20th. The discussion dates are Sunday, February 11th at 12:45pm and Monday, February 26th at 6:30pm, both in Room 3. We'll be discussing the impact the sign has had, what it has meant to you, ideas for the future and how we should vote (public or private).

Food!!! -  There will be lovely desserts available in our meeting room to entice you to come to these conversations. February 11th is also our Soup-er Lunch to fill Empty Bowls day. So choose your soup, bring it to the meeting and have some lovely desserts while we discuss the Black Lives Matter sign. We will also have tempting desserts on the 26th.
 
Janelle Brittain, UCE Board Chair
Child Dedications childdedications
We will be holding a dedication for our UCE infants and young children on Sunday, February 11th at the 11:00am service. In our congregation, this ritual involves the congregation expressing its dedication to the well being and development of this child. Members who would like to have their children participate in this rite of passage, please reach out to Rev. Bret or Rev. Eileen  to let them know
New Nametagsnametags
You may have noticed that some newer looking nametags are popping up with the colorful chalice graphic and a magnet instead of a pin! Warning, these are not for those with pacemakers! If you need or prefer a pin, we can order those too. If current members would like to replace an old or lost nametag, please chip in $10 to cover the cost of these new tags. You can simply write a check or put $10 in an offering envelope marked 'nametag'. Send an email Rev. Eileen if you want or need a new nametag at ewiviott@ucevanston.org.
Chat With the Board chatwiththeboard
Two members of UCE's Board of Trustees will host a Q&A to answer your questions about the church and the work of the Board. Join us at the table at the back of the Sanctuary following the 11am service on Sunday, February 11. Bring your questions, complaints,and/or comments.
Transforming White Privilege
March 5, 12, 19 and 26 whiteprivilege
So what do we do about racial inequity, now that we're at least somewhat "woke," now that we begin to understand that white privilege permeates the justice, education, housing, and work systems that govern our lives?  

Here is one thing to do: Set aside the four Mondays evenings in March to participate in a seminar using a curriculum that will help us learn how to break into the system of white privilege and disrupt it. The curriculum was designed by some key players in the racial equity training world and field-tested nationally; the folks who have been planning the seminar (members of UCE's REAL and Organizing Teams, Rev. Eileen Wiviott, and folks from Beth Emet, Grace Lutheran Church and Lake Street Church) are excited about the strategies and tools it provides. We think the seminar will attract a range of people from the various churches and the broader community.

I f you are interested, and can set aside the time, please click here to register as soon as possible.   The seminar is free, but does require consistent attendance. For a flyer or more information, email Sarah Vanderwicken.
Join UCE Caregivers Group for Special Presentations caregivers
The larger UCE congregation is invited to join the UCE Caregivers Group on the 2nd Tuesday of February, March and April with presentations on a number of interesting topics.
 
Here are the dates of the UCE Caregivers Group - Guest Speaker Sessions.
 
Tuesday, February 13, 7-9pm, room 6
Hospice and Palliative Care - how are they different/similar. What benefits do these services offer and when is it time to choose?  Eileen Boggins - with JourneyCare
 
Tuesday, March 13 , 7-9pm, room 6
Advance Directive Planning - how to navigate Living Wills, Power of Attorney, and similar legal issues.  Nancy Flowers, MSW, LCSW, with Rainbow Hospice
 
Tuesday, April 10, 7-9 pm, room 6
Challenge of Change - healthy tips for finding joy and peace in everyday life, even in the midst of major changes. Eileen Boggins
 
If you have questions, contact Renee Hoff or Joyce Lofstrom.
Radical Welcome Circle radicalwelcome
UCE is forming a Radical Welcome Circle to support individuals re-entering wider society after time in prison. Re-entry is difficult, emotionally, socially, and materially. Circle members will help by providing any of the following, as we are individually willing and able: emotional support, social interaction, material or logistical support. Please consider joining us. We will have an informational meeting in the second week of February; contact Taryn Nelson Seawright for more information.
Empty Bowls - What You Need to Know
Sunday, February 11, 12:00pm emptybowls
What? "Fill Your Bowl and Warm Their Hearts" Fundraiser
Who? Co-sponsored by the Food and Shelter Team and the Rainbow Alliance. Beautiful, handmade pottery bowls donated by our very creative members and friends
When? Sunday, Feb.11 after the 11am service. *NOTE THIS IS NOT SUPERBOWL SUNDAY
Where? UCE
Why? We have food insecure people in our community. Donations will help provide food for Interfaith Action Produce Mobile, Hillside Food Pantry, and the Youth Empowerment Performance Project (LGBTQ youth)
How? How can you help? Use the links to volunteer for food and/or helping. Everyone is invited to share in a delicious lunch of soups, chilis, bread and extras.

Special Guest - "THE BREAD MAN" will be there!

Our Southeast Neighbors group will hold its first potluck of 2018 on Sunday, February 25 at 5:30pm. Our hosts Alice Swan and Nick Wallin live at 711 Madison. An email has gone out to the group, and another will go out shortly, but you can RSVP any time to Barbara Butz.  Bring a dish to share, BYOB, and come enjoy socializing with fellow church members in a smaller setting. Oh, and the food is always great too! If you think we might have missed you, contact Barbara and she'll be sure you're on the list. It includes people living south of Dempster and east of Asbury.
Facilitated by Jerry Stone & Dan Solomon

We will look at four physicists who revolutionized physics, and with it the modern worldview. This class will explore each of their ideas and influence on science, religion, and society. Click here for more information and to sign up.
Sunday, February 25, 12:30pm  nonfiction
The nonfiction book group, at the recommendation of the REAL team, will be discussing Tears We Cannot Stop: a Sermon to White America by Michael Eric Dyson.
 
Dyson believes that if society is to make real racial progress, white people must understand the privilege and power whiteness grants them. They must face difficult truths, including how black grievances  have been ignored, dismissed or discounted, and then move on to embrace the struggles of black Americans and to work to end racism. In this, his most recent book, Dyson uses personal recollections and cultural analysis before guiding us towards steps to take to end racism.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Books are available at public libraries as well as at the Book H and bookstores.
The Sanctuary Team invites you to Upstander Training Saturday, February 24th, 2-3:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church. An interactive workshop, led by Pastor Daniel Ruen of Grace Lutheran and Gail Schechter of the Addie Wyatt Center for Nonviolence Training, on how to be in solidarity with those most vulnerable and marginalized in our community.
The new tax law, which begins with 2018, increases the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples. That may mean that those people who itemized deductions in the past may not have enough deductions, including charitable contributions, to exceed the standard deduction allowances, and will lose the tax benefit of such contributions. However, there is a way to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA that will not count as income if certain requirements are met. Click here to read more.
Are you interested in going to the UUA General Assembly next summer in Kansas City (June 20 through 24) but are not sure you'd be able to afford it?  UCE offers up to three $800 stipends to encourage attending GA, and maybe you can apply for one!  You can learn more about GA at https://www.uua.org/ga .   Applications for the stipend are available at http://ucevanston.org/denominational-affairs and on the Denominational Affairs bulletin board between Rooms 1 and 2 in the main hall off the lobby.  The deadline for completed applications is February 15, 2018.
Join with other church members this year in using the church's composting service for a small annual contribution of $60 per person (up to a $180 maximum per household). You may have noticed the two green containers at the southeast corner of our church parking lot.  They are there for your use once you have committed to this service.

If you are interested in joining this movement for 2018, fill out this form and submit it to the church office (by mail or in person) and we will sign you up.  And 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.
We're talking about the Evanston Emergency Overnight Shelter, sponsored by Interfaith Action. We are participants at UCE and will host people during the weeks of Feb. 25, Mar. 4, and Mar. 18, providing the night time temperature will be 15 degrees or lower. 
 
I was curious, myself, so I took a short training in the Fall. Volunteers are needed for three time frames: set up 8-9:30pm; overnight 9:30pm-7am; cleanup 6-7am. I didn't intend to ever do the overnight shift, but when extreme temperatures were sustained during the holiday period, I decided I'd give it a try. Click here to read more.
We Can Work It Out: Dealing with Conflict Constructively - Individually and in Groups
Tuesdays, March 6 and 13, 2018
Facilitated by members of the Congregational Relations Team

Daring Democracy in Today's Political Environment
Tuesdays, March 20, 27, April 3, 2018
Facilitated by Tom Ticknor

Paganism
Tuesdays, April 10, 17, 24, 2018 
Facilitated by Taryn Nelson Seawright and ministerial intern Susan Frances

Simplicity
Tuesdays, May 8, 15, 22, 2018
Facilitated by Dick Whitaker

Hannah Arendt and the Banality of Evil
Tuesdays, May 29, June 5, 12, 2018
Facilitated by Julia Takarada and Dan Solomon

UCE Board of Trustees meeting is held the third Wednesday of each month in Room 3. All members are welcome. 
Upcoming UCE Events

Saturday, February 3, 7:30pm
Holly Near Concert

Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, 7-9pm
Scientists Who Changed Our World

Saturday, February 10, 6:00pm
Night of the Arts

Sunday, February 11, 12:00pm
Empty Bowls

Tuesdays, March 6 and 13, 7-9pm
We Can Work It Out: Dealing with Conflict Constructively

Tuesdays, March 20, 27, April 3, 7-9pm
Daring Democracy in Today's Political Environment

Tuesdays, April 10, 17, 24, 7-9pm
Paganism

Tuesdays, May 8, 15, 22, 7-9pm
Simplicity

Tuesdays, May 29, June 5, 12, 7-9pm
Hannah Arendt and the Banality of Evil

Thursday Nights, 7pm
UCE Addictions and Recovery Group

Sunday Mornings, 9:00am & Wednesday Mornings, 9:30am
Yoga
Community Involvement
Click each event for more information.

Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24
Tearing Down Walls - Building Up - Connections, Community and Solidarity - A UU Justice Event

YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
Third Thursday of the Month 

The Rosemary Zwick 
Night of the Arts

Saturday, February 10, 6-9pm

Reviving a tradition started by artist and UCE member Rosemary Zwick, The cost is $5.00 per person, or $15.00 per family. The sanctuary will be filled with people of all ages enjoying a variety of art projects. Some projects will be individual for taking home, and some will be group projects for display. Make a valentine for your honey, enjoy music and noshes, and ward off the winter blahs. It may be cold outside, but we'll keep it warm and cozy inside making art. If you are interested in doing a project, helping or attending, contact Johna Van Dyke  or Will Van Dyke.
Our Giving House


This month we are collecting warm adult socks for Connections for the Homeless. Please place all donations in the little pink house in the lobby.  The collection will be sponsored by the RE classes. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Post Your Reviews of UCE on Social Media

Whatever app you use, post a review of your experience at UCE. We hope you find meaning, joy and healthy challenge in our community. And we hope that others who would benefit from a community like ours will find us. If you want to share the impact that our congregation has had on your life, consider writing a quick, positive review of our church on Facebook, Yelp, Google maps, Twitter, Instagram or whatever apps you use.
UCE Food With Spirit Group

Do you have a complicated relationship with food? Join us on Thursday, Feb. 8 and 22 at UCE at 5:30pm (every other Thursday) 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 Peggy Boccard  or Julia Takarada  if you want to know more. All are welcome.
Upcoming Membership Classes

Intro to Unitarian Universalism 
Sunday, February 18
12:30 - 2:00 pm
An overview of our faith, led by Rev. Bret Lortie 

Orientation Toward Membership 
Saturday, March 31
9am - noon
Even if you didn't sign up but would like to attend, please join us. This is a meaningful and engaging way to learn about what it means to be a member and how to become more deeply involved in the life of the congregation. Led by Assistant Minister, Rev. Eileen Wiviott. 

Sign up at the guest table in the lobby or email Rev. Eileen Wiviott at  ewiviott@ucevanston.org. Childcare available upon request for both of these classes.
Things to Know About our Community

Interested in knowing more about UCE? How to submit something to Joys and Sorrows? How to get a nametag, or a rainbow or pronoun sticker for your nametag? Interested in bringing flowers and lighting the chalice on a Sunday? Click here for more information about our community!
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.

Add Your Photo to the Photo Member Directory

Remember that there is a directory of members that includes photos on our website. This is a password protected document. Contact the office if you don't know the password. If you would like to add your photo to the directory, or update your photo, please send  a photo to  Carli Magel , or let her know you'd like your picture taken on Sunday morning. 
UCE Facebook Groups
Did you know that, in addition to the UCE Facebook Page, there are three UCE groups that members can join - the UCE Member to Member Group, the UCE Children and Youth Religious Education 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.
Connecting UU: a path to belonging at UCE

45 minute discussions; Sundays at 10:15 in Room 12
These sessions are open to all,
no matter where you are on the journey. 
Childcare available. No need to sign up in advance.

Connecting UU 
classes will resume after the new year, on January 7th with Spiritual Practices


UU Principles  - Understanding the seven principles, an enlightening discussion led by members of the New Member Committee.

UU Sources -  A discussion of the six sources from which we draw wisdom and spiritual nourishment.

Spiritual Journeys (4 parts) - take any one or all of them in any order. Explore your religious and spiritual background, where you come from, what you want to cherish and what you want to release, and how you practice your spirituality.

How to Get Involved  - Learn how to become more engaged in the life of the church, find groups and activities of interest, discover the way things get done, answer your questions about belonging in our community.

UCE History and Tour - Learn more about the history, architecture and art of our building through a guided tour led by one of our long-term members. Tour begins at the back of the sanctuary near the large mural.
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

Rev. Eileen Wiviott has office hours most Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, and  Thursdays, and often evening meetings on those days. Mondays are sabbatical days and Fridays she works from home. Please contact her via email at ewiviott@ucevanston.org , or via phone at (847) 864-1330 x111 (office), or (224) 565-3952 (cell).
Opportunities
 for Spiritual Practice

| 847-864-1330 | uce@ucevanston.org | http://www.ucevanston.org
1330 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201