Leadership Camp
A week in July in Decorah, Iowa. Summer camp for Susan Comstock and Eliza Khan-Roberts? Not quite. Susan and Eliza attended the UU Midwest Leadership School, a program which develops leadership tools and skills in the context of UU identity and congregational involvement.
Susan described her week as a “transformational” experience which centers on the individual, not the congregation. She was cautioned not to return to her religious community and say “I know it all.”
Eliza, a high school sophomore and member of the senior high group, compared her experience to a “week-long CON, more about learning, but still lots of fun.”
Each day was tightly scheduled starting with a 7 a.m. breakfast and ending with after-dinner worship. Throughout the week, in small group sessions, participants tackled difficult “situations” by discussing leadership options. Situations highlighted issues such as conflict, difficult people, change and mission.
In another daily activity, groups, combining adults and youth, wrote credos and developed worship services. Each day ended with the entire school taking part in one of the services which had been created. Susan mentioned that the youth had a much easier time with this creative exercise than many adults.
Susan learned that UCE is ahead of many congregations with policies in place which deal with personal conflicts, welcoming and steps to membership.
Both UCE participants enjoyed their week of sharing and learning with other UU’s, always a winning and worthwhile combination, especially in the middle of summer.
Two Fun Upcoming UCE Choir Events!
Expanded Choir for Ingathering – all are welcome!!!
Have you wanted to sing in the choir but don’t have the time to make the commitment? Have we got a deal for you! You are invited to join us in singing the choir pieces for our 11 a.m. Ingathering service on Sunday, September 10th. Here are the particulars:
Participation is open to ages 12 and up. Auditions are not required. Simply attend the evening rehearsal on 9/7 (starts at 7:15 pm) and the 9:30 rehearsal on 9/10 and then stay for the service and sing the Introit and the Anthem with the choir.
This is a no-obligations opportunity for you to get the chance to sing with the choir once (though you’d be welcome to keep singing with the choir if you find it to be a good fit for you.)
We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to sing shoulder-to-shoulder with our UCE Choristers. Whoohoo!
Got questions? Contact UCE’s Music Director, Vickie Hellyer, at vhellyer@ucevanston.org.
Sunday, August 13, 2017
“Question Box” – 10:00am
They say that UU churches are great at offering “questions for your answers.” On this morning, Rev. Bret Lortie will attempt to do better by addressing questions that you bring to the service. Live, in real time.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
“The Gods We Worship” – 10:00am
In 2001 author Neil Gaiman wrote a book, American Gods, that would capture the essence of Emerson’s warning “to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshiping we are becoming.” This summer American Gods was been made into a television series and is my summer “entertainment” pick.
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.