Sunday, January 1, 2016
“On Faith” – 9:15 and 11:00am
As we begin 2017, Ministerial Intern Kevin DeBeck reflects on the nature of faith and what it means in an unstable world.
UCE We Stand Together – Women’s March on Washington
“We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us.” (From the Mission Statement of the Women’s March on Washington)
On Saturday, January 21st, starting at 10am, there will be a march in Washington, D.C. and in cities across the country (including Chicago). Its purpose is to show “solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families, recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country”. You can read more about the mission on their Facebook page “Women’s March on Washington”.
If you want to go to D.C., or have already made arrangements to go, we invite you to join with other Unitarians as a statement of organizational support, and increased solidarity. The Women’s Circles have selected Julie Milner to coordinate a group from UCE. You can reach Julie for trip details at milnerjulie@yahoo.com. We will have a brief meeting after the 11:00 service on January 15th to share participant contact information. (see the location posted at church)
Several of us are traveling by bus from Chicago on Friday afternoon, arriving in Washington on Saturday morning, and then returning overnight back to Chicago. It is not too late to sign up through RallyBus to join us! Some travel money is available if that would enable you to join us. All are welcome to join.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
“Stories of the Season” – 9:15 and 11:00am
Unconventional stories of the season, for Christmas Day and the first day of Hanukkah. Rev. Connie Grant speaking.
News from the REAL Team
A core group of leaders created the Racial Equity, Action and Leadership Team in early 2015 to create, sponsor and implement programs, activities and workshops for the UCE community. REAL is organizationally part of the Social Action Council and is focused on providing education about racism and what it means to be white in our work for racial justice; and to provide channels for direct action by members of the congregation.
After two years of successful programming, the REAL Core Team (Martha Holman, Joan Retzloff and Sarah Vanderwicken) is now defining a broader committee of UCE members and friends to be REAL Activators. Several UCE members have been invaluable in the execution of programs and activities REAL has sponsored, and have in fact initiated projects themselves. These contributors are the first new Activators: Heike Eghardt, Karen Courtright, Betty Walker and Shirley Adams. These newly designated team members will participate in planning, implementing and promoting new initiatives in 2017 and beyond.
News from the Fair Trade Cart: December 15, 2016
Here are some of the kids who are enjoying learning about healthy living at Chute Middle School with support from UCE’s Fair Trade Cart.
We have provided funds for their Healthy Eagles Club to plant and tend a garden at school and then to learn to prepare their harvest from visiting chefs. Your purchases make possible this year-long activity at Chute School in addition to paying for the gift certificates given to selected families at holiday time. We, and these kids, thank you for your continuing support of the Fair Trade Cart and wish you a Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 18, 2016
9:15am – “The Christmas Story”
Telling of the Christmas Story, with Christmas carols.
11:00am – “Participatory Pageant for All”
We’ll enact the Christmas story and reflect on its meaning. Have you always wanted to be a star? Or maybe an angel, a wise person, or a shepherd? This is your chance! No advance preparation is required: costumes, props, and stage directions will be provided on the spot. A worship service for all ages.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
”The Power of Silence”
“All I want for Christmas is a little peace and quiet,” someone recently said. This sounds like a cry for freedom: from the media, from the holiday blitz, from politics as unusual. Silence is one tool in our kit that we might cultivate, especially this time of the year, to regain our sense of equilibrium and even power. Rev. Bret Lortie speaking.