A Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Join us for worship and religious education at 9:15 and 11:00am on Sunday Morning!
The UCE Office will be closed from December 25th - December 29th and on January 1st. Happy Holidays!
December 22, 2017
Sunday, December 24

9:15 and 11:00am
Special returning guest preacher and musician (you've heard him at General Assembly!) Matt Meyer will lead a Christmas Eve morning worship with song and poetry

Childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers is available from 9:00-12:30.
 
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. 
Dr. Mary Lamb Shelden
Who Is the Guest At Our Table?

"As I thought back to that moment . . . I knew exactly why I looked away. I was so afraid of my own need, I couldn't look need in the eye."
~ Brené Brown,  Rising Strong

A few days after Thanksgiving this year, an old high school friend reported on an interaction he'd had with a stranger, a black man, on Chicago's South Side. The man had approached him saying, twice - "I'm not robbing you, but I'm desperate for money." My friend, a white guy, a tradesman working in the area, gave him the $20 he had in his wallet, and was now processing the event on Facebook, trying to figure out whether this was "a new kind of scam." With alarming speed, the discussion thread turned to weapons for self-defense. Few were the voices urging mercy and compassion - though when we emerged, I think we gently rounded off the discussion. I hope we helped others on the thread re-think their positions, but I have my doubts. Click here to read more.
Do you remember Joan Rivers, the comic many of us grew up watching on the Tonight Show?  As part of her schtick she often used the phrase, "Can We Talk?"  Audiences expected to hear it from her each time she performed even to the extent that they would shout it at her. 
 
Now, your Board of Trustees wants to ask, "Can We Talk?"  In fact, the Board wants to hear from you so much that it made "Continual Communication" with the membership one of its primary goals for 2017-18. Click here to read more.
As you look toward year-end, now is the time to get caught up on your church pledge.  And if you itemize this year, but plan to take the standard deduction under the new tax law in 2018, you might wish to pay the rest of your church year pledge yet this year. Remember, you can mail or drop off a check, or pay online with a direct debit from your checking account using the "Give" button on the UCE website.  Also, you will have gotten a mailed statement from the church in early December showing your contributions. If you see an error, it's very important you let us know at finance@ucevanston.org so we will be able to send you an accurate statement for tax purposes in January. 

Thanks, and Happy Holidays from the Finance staff!
Submitted by: Rev. Eileen Wiviott

Rev. Bret and I are pleased to announce that we passed the Evanston Sanctuary Resolution with 93% present voting yes to being in solidarity with the City of Evanston and other faith communities and to protect those who are marginalized and targeted, without due process, for deportation. There was relatively little discussion about the resolution itself, and more concern expressed about the way the vote was taken. We decided to have a secret ballot rather than a show of voting cards because, following our vote to put up the Black Lives Matter sign in 2015, some expressed that they didn't feel comfortable voting publicly against it. They feared the social pressure or stigma that might result. There can be no doubt that most of those who attend our church identify as liberal - both religiously and politically. We do strive to be open-minded and tolerant of a spectrum of views but there are those (and I am refraining from quantifying this) who feel we fall short in this regard. 

We live in highly polarized times. Speaking for myself, as extreme views on the political right are given legitimacy and greater power - views that feel threatening to everything I believe (and often are threatening to actual people), I know I am pulled further to the left. We each must struggle to keep our hearts and minds open to one another so that we do not lump every view that contradicts our own into a category such as "wrong" or "racist." Click here to read more.
We have just a few items unsold and they are very attractive.  Take a look at our list, and if something strikes your fancy please email Susan Comstock here.   Bidding will be open  until January 3rd, so if you are interested, please shoot Susan an email with your bid.  If she receives more bids than slots, she will write you back to see if you would like to increase, otherwise first bidder wins.  For our list of items, click here.
 
Susan Comstock and Jenny Walsh
Serendipity Auction Co-Chairs
1st Sundays of the month, starting in January, meet at the 1-on-1 table at the back of the sanctuary to connect with one of the leaders of the church for a one-on-one conversation. These are intentional and personal conversations about what matters most to us, to build connection and power. For more information and to ask questions, contact Rev. Eileen.
Please join Community Renewal Society for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Faith in Action, Monday Jan. 15, 8:30-12:00.  The event includes celebration, testimony (on issues such as youth, housing, jobs and violence prevention), accountability session with Chicago public officials, and a Governor's Candidate Forum. There is an optional lunch at MacArthur's Restaurant afterwards.  RSVP to  Becky Goldberg  or  Dale Griffin  so we can plan seating and transportation.
You may have noticed that some newer looking nametags are popping up. For years, Margaret Shaklee has been carving out new nametags on an ancient, behemoth of a machine in the basement. Well, she can't and she won't do it anymore! (Margaret, you are the best and I thank you for your years of diligent nametag carving.) 

So, our nametags from this time forward will have a new look and a new style. In addition to the snazzy chalice graphic, it also has the magnet! No more putting holes in your fancy Sunday shirts and sweaters. Warning, these are not for those with pacemakers! If you need or prefer a pin, we can order those too. We'll be ordering nametags from this new vendor at no charge for our new members. If current members would like to replace your old one, please chip in to cover the cost, which is $10 a piece. The old ones were less than a dollar... except for the cost of Margaret's elbow grease. You can email Rev. Eileen if you want or need a new nametag.
Facilitated by the REAL Team and Friends

Save the date(s) for some enlightening videos and discussion. On January 16 and 23 we'll view some short films that provide new insight into where we've been and where can we go. These will include archival footage of an intense 1960's march in Cicero, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's marvelous "Danger of the Single Story," a Jay Smooth (hip-hopper) lesson on maintaining equity hygiene (you don't just brush your teeth once and they're done for life), and some other short and well-worth-it videos. On January 30 we'll watch the recently released "I Am Not Your Negro," with James Baldwin. If you haven't seen this before (or even if you have) it is an experience you will not regret.  FREE POPCORN! Click here to sign up.
Write a short letter to free someone who is unjustly imprisoned. This is an easy way to take a step toward global justice. Join us on January 7 after both services. We have sample letters, writing materials, etc.
Inquiry into Racial Equity History, Courage and What Can We Do - Through Film and Fabulous Discourse
Tuesdays, January 16, 23, 30, 2018, 7-9 pm
Facilitated by the REAL Team and Friends

Scientists Who Changed Our World
Tuesdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2018
Facilitated by Jerry Stone & Dan Solomon

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

The nonfiction book group will meet at 12:30 p.m. on December 31st to discuss one of this year's UUA Common Reads, books that UUs around the country are reading and discussing.  Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity and Power in Ministry, edited by Mitra Rahnema, centers the stories, analyses, and insights of Unitarian Universalist religious professionals of color as they explore how racial identity is made both visible and invisible in our communities. This book encourages UUs to examine,  explore, and act to dismantle white supremacy culture in our association, in our congregations and groups, and in ourselves.  The book is available at the Book H as well as in paper and electronic format on Amazon.com. 
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 at 7:30pm at UCE. Questions?  Contact Joyce Lofstrom  or Renee Hoff . **Note - We won't be meeting on Tuesday, December 26.**
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).
Upcoming UCE Events

Tuesdays, Jan. 16, 23, 30, 7-9 pm Inquiry into Racial Equity History, Courage and What Can We Do

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

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

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.

YWCA Let's Talk at Lunch
Third Thursday of the Month 
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services


5:00pm
"Lessons and Carols, UU-Style"
An untraditional service, crafted with families in mind, of Lessons & Carols with traditional texts set against modern poetry and prose. The trombone choir will play a brass prelude beginning at 4:45. 

9:00pm
"For the Time Being," a service of Lessons and Carols based on W. H. Auden's famous Christmas poem. 
A dramatic reading of W. H. Auden's For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio in the form of colorful monologues spoken by the traditional characters in the Christmas story. Widely viewed as one of Auden's greatest works in which he reconsiders the idea of faith in modern times, the poem recasts the story as relevant to finding hope in the dark days of the ancient world, and ours. The choir sings at the 9pm service.  The trombone choir will play a brass prelude beginning at 8:45. 
Holly Near in Concert at UCE

Hosted by WomanSpirit 2018

Saturday, February 3, 2018
7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available on the UCE website - ucevanston.org

Click the Tickets/Giving tab at the top right on the home page

Tickets are $26.50 

Upcoming Membership Classes

Intro to Unitarian Universalism 
Sunday, January 28
12:30 - 2:00 pm
An overview of our faith, led by Rev. Bret Lortie 

Orientation Toward Membership 
Saturday, January 13
9am - noon
Led by Assistant Minister, Rev. Eileen Wiviott. An interactive class exploring what it means to be a member of this congregation.

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.
Opportunities
 for Spiritual Practice

UCE Board of Trustees meeting is held the third Wednesday of each month in Room 3. All members are welcome. 
| 847-864-1330 | uce@ucevanston.org | http://www.ucevanston.org
1330 Ridge Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201