Update from the Director of Religious Education Search Committee
The members of the search committee charged with finding a Director of Lifespan Religious Education are pleased to announce that the position has been filled by Dr. Mary Shelden. The interim position is for a two-year period. Mary brings to UCE a strong background in teaching, leadership, mindfulness, and music. She has relocated to Evanston from Virginia where she was a lay leader at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Glenn Allen, Virginia, and a faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University. The search committee was particularly impressed with Mary’s passion for social justice, worship arts, lifelong learning, and artistic expression, as demonstrated in her work, teaching, and UU service. We are also excited about her background in curriculum development and teaching experience with adults. We are thrilled to welcome her to UCE!
New Titles Added to Rainbow Alliance Transgender Lending Library
Rainbow Alliance announces the addition of 27 new titles to the UCE Transgender Lending Library. The additions span all age groups from pre-school through adult. These books range from fiction to anthologies, sociology resources, and one graphic novel.
Here’s a preview of a few of these informative and inspiring books:
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino: A picture book about a sensitive and artistic child who is bullied for wearing an orange dress. Presents a message of self-empowerment. Winner of three accolades, including the American Library Association’s Rainbow List. Pre-K – Grade 2.
George by Alex Gino: George wants to play Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web in her 4th grade class play. The teacher says no, she can’t, because she’s a boy. George hatches a plan to be Charlotte and also to show who she really is. Winner of multiple book awards. For Grades 4-6.
Beyond Magenta by Kuklin: Interviews with and photos of six transgender teens as they describe the transition each of them made to recognize their true selves. A Stonewall Honor Book. Teens.
Outside the XY, Morgan Mann Willis, editor: an anthology of more than 50 autobiographical pieces by people of of black or brown color that examine what it is like to inhabit masculinity outside of cisgendered manhood. Offers a variety of perspectives from those too often marginalized. Adults.
Becoming Nicole by Amy Ellis Nutt: a true account of a family learning to embrace a transgender child. Based on 4 years of reporting by a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Includes glossary, reader’s guide, and bibliography. A New York Times Notable Book and recipient of accolades from People, Men’s Journal, and Stonewall Honors in Nonfiction. Adults.
The Transgender Lending Library book cart is outside Room 3. Browse through the books. You’re sure to find something you’ll want to read.
Sunday, July 30, 2017
“The Courage To Be Whole” – 10:00am
There is a courageous beauty in LGBTQ people’s struggle to live into their whole selves. Indeed this struggle to step into our own wholeness is one we all share. The Rainbow Alliance will share inspiration, stories, even a playbook for each of us to draw from.
UCE Organizing Team news and opportunities – CRS, Prison Ministry, UUANI, Green Team
The UCE Social Justice Organizing Team organizes for turnout at many UCE social justice events, including CRS, UUANI, Green Team, Prison Ministry, REAL Team, etc. Here are some news and events to know about. For more information on any of these please contact Dale Griffin or other participants. DaleCGriffin@comcast.net
The Green Team and Organizing Team invite you to view a free movie at UCE on Friday, July 28 at 6:30, titled “Merchants of Doubt”, and a short discussion of climate change opportunities for action by the Citizens’ Climate Lobby follows. Please RSVP to Heather Brown or Dale Griffin.
Rep. Jan Shakowsky will be meeting with a small group of citizens on Monday, July 31, local venue TBD, to talk with us about where we can put our energies to be most effective, particularly on the local scene. RSVP to Dale Griffin.
CRS (Community Renewal Society) – The expansion of employment opportunities bill HB2373 that we, as CRS members, advocated for passed, and is waiting for Gov. Rauner’s signature!
The UU Prison Ministry of Illinois will hold part two of “Radical Hospitality” soon at UCE, on welcoming returning citizens at church and partnering with them to transition into life outside of prison. We are setting up support circles and other re-entry support for returning citizens. To be involved with this project please contact Dale Griffin. We are holding covenant groups at Cook County Jail and will soon do the same at the Logan Correctional Center, a women’s prison in Lincoln, IL.
UUANI (UU Advocacy Network of Illinois) continues to advocate the areas of race, income inequality, and climate change. Contact Scott Aaseng or uu-advocacy-illinois.org to receive weekly emails that make it easy to join other UUANI supporters on timely advocacy on racial, economic and environmental justice, and more! Over 50 members of UCE have participated.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
“Faith Healing” – 10:00am
How can we be healed by our faith? Reflections on healing, faith, and the challenges we face. Charley Earp speaking. Charley Earp is a candidate for ministry, a student at Meadville Lombard, and intern minister at Third Unitarian Church of Chicago. He lives in Evanston.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
“Notes from New Orleans” – 10:00am
Members of UCE who attended this year’s Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly in New Orleans will reflect on their experiences of this important moment in our movement. Service will be led by Rev. Eileen Wiviott.