Reverend Bret Lortie Called as UCE Senior Minister

Photo by: David Linsell

The UCE Sanctuary was filled with cheers, songs and bubbles when results were announced of the congregational vote to call Rev. Bret Lortie as our Senior Minister. The vote on April 28 followed a service led by Rev. Lortie that included a sermon titled “The Future of Our Faith.” Rev. Lortie addressed the question: “How do we honor our Unitarian and Universalist traditions of reason and reverence and continue growing into a more bold and relevant expression of Unitarian Universalism?”

After the results of the vote were announced, the congregation sang “Happy Birthday” and the Ministerial Search Committee presented Reverend Lortie with a birthday gift: a selection of books from Book H. The congregational meeting and the celebration were the final events in a busy week of candidating activities for Rev. Lortie and his wife, Cindy. They will be making the transition from San Antonio, Texas to Evanston this summer, with Reverend Lortie’s official tenure at UCE beginning in August.

UPCOMING WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday, May 26, 10:30 am

“For Peace and a New Hope?”

The poet Archibald MacLeish wrote “The young dead soldiers do not speak. Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses…. They say: whether our lives and our deaths were for peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say; it is you who must say this….”  How will we respond?  Rev. Connie Grant speaking.

For additional information about upcoming worship services, please click here.

CRACKERBARREL DISCUSSION GROUP

Sunday, May 26, 9:15 am

Former Illinois Superintendent of Education and Deputy Undersecretary in the U.S. Department of Education Dr. Michael Bakalis will discuss his newest book, The Achilles Heel: A Citizen’s Guide to Understanding and Closing the Black-White Academic Achievement Gap in Our Schools. Discussion leader: Mike Bakalis.

LGBT Aging Program – Gen Silent Screening and Discussion

Saturday, June 29

Serendipity Auction

The Auction Committee thanks everyone who helped make the 2012 Serendipity Auction a success.  We invite you to send us feedback on what you think went well and/or what you think we can do better.  Please send replies to Tom Hempfling at th45@comcast.net. Be sure to save Saturday Nov. 16 for the 2013 Serendipity Auction on your calendar!