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Newsletter of Second Unitarian Church of Chicago
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F
rom the Interim Minister, Rev. Jennie Barrington
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"Let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him [and her] who shall have borne the battle, and for his [and her] widow, and his [and her] orphan-- to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."
[President Abraham Lincoln]
Dear Members and Friends,
I have several maps of the United States. Contemplating them helps me make sense of my career of having served UU congregations in so many different states and regions. I am often moved to send wishes for healing and hope to so many of the states, and to the ones adjacent to them, and to all of them, collectively. I would be hard pressed to name a state that I do not feel special concern about, because of a hardship it has endured, or because someone I know has lived there, and grew to love it.
This week I am moved to send healing wishes to the state of Kentucky, and its adjacent states. These prayers of mine are centered in Benton, Kentucky, which has just endured a horrible school shooting. This senseless violence must stop. I am grateful for the many ways that, through our congregation, we are advocating for stricter gun control laws, and working to end gun violence.
As I contemplate the map of the United States in my living room, I often think that our nation is grieving for so many reasons, from violence that has been heartlessly inflicted, to natural disasters, and defeats in the arenas of politics and social justice causes. And of course I wish that we had a national figure who would help us to "bind up the nation's wounds." But more and more lately, I think that that endeavor comes down to us -- to ordinary citizens and groups of ordinary people. Ultimately, we have more real connections with each other, and we have more power, to heal the broken divides in these too-often-not-United-States.
Last night I met with 2U's Strategic Planning Committee. They are: Elizabeth Kindig, Maureen King, Berlinda Browne, Tyler Duston, Ben Polson, and Bill Maurice. I hope that you will talk with them, ask them about their undertaking, and tell them your thoughts and hopes for how 2U could be different and better five years from now. [Regretfully, Bill Maurice will be stepping back from the committee. We thank him for his contributions, and will miss him, his insights, and his gentlemanly ways.]
Our conversation turned to young adults who are connected to our congregation, or who once were, but have now moved away. Ben Polson implored us to strengthen our relationships with these young people, approximately between the ages of 18 and 29. What about the ones for whom it is rarely possible to attend on Sunday mornings? What about the ones who grew up at 2U, but now live in another state? By reconnecting with them, Ben said, 2U and Unitarian Universalism would be reinvigorated and enlivened. This is a great and refreshing idea! I felt it important enough to lift up for you in this newsletter column. Now is an important time for us to remember that "2U" is a community that extends far beyond those of us in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings. There are many people out there, all across the United States, who have loved 2U in the past, and still hold 2U in their hearts. Reaching out to them can help us remember that we are not alone in either our struggles, nor in celebrating our joys and successes. And reaching out to them can help them feel, also, that they are still held dear in our hearts.
Of course I want to do what I can to help with Ben Polson's idea. But think of how much more can be done if we each do a little bit. Many of you probably are in touch with 2U's "extended family," especially through social media. Even without conveying anything confidential, many of you could make a point to let the rest of us know how some "once and former" 2Uers are faring.
This is an essential time for us to notice ways we can each be a thread to reconnect all of the states in our nation, as a more united tapestry of tender loving care.
In faith, your Interim Minister,
Rev. Jennie
Themes for my Worship Services in February:
The 11th "2U's History"
Please join us after the worship service as we talk about 2U's history, as part of our Interim work.
The 18th "Inky the Octopus's Great Escape!"
This amazing true story has much to teach us about ingenuity, persistence, and "thinking outside of the tank!" Join us for this intergenerational family-friendly worship service.
The 25th "Common Ground Between Religion and Science"
Inspired by the writing of physicist Richard Feynman, this sermon will explore ways science and religion do not have to be in conflict. This service is part of Evolution Weekend, sponsored by the Clergy Letter Project. Each year in February, clergy and congregations take part in Evolution Weekend by advocating for the protection of high quality science education and for religious freedom, through worship services and other events.
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"Tools for the Work of our Hands"
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Join us this Sunday, February 4th, for a special service by guest preacher, Mandie McGlynn.
Jael didn't fit nearly into one social category, yet she brought down a tyrant with a hammer and a bowl of milk. What unlikely tools for justice might be hiding in the closet of your complex identity? Let's explore together how the fullness of who you are might be exactly what your community and world need in this very moment.
Mandie McGlynn is a liberal theologian, itinerant preacher, and ministerial candidate. She attends Chicago Theological Seminary, and lives on the north side of Chicago with her two partners and three children. In the past two years she's fallen in love with Biblical narrative, Tarot, and God. She's still not sure exactly where she stands on the whole Jesus question.
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Our new Congregational Administrator!
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We are happy to announce that our new Congregational Administrator started on Monday, January 22nd.
Kate Learson was raised in south eastern Pennsylvania. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art and graduated in 2009 with a degree in Video. Kate lived in Baltimore for ten years where she discovered improvisational comedy. In 2015 Kate moved to Chicago to further pursue improv and performance art. She has produced a number of shows for the stage and several short films. In addition to her creative life, Kate has worked for many years as an administrator and customer service liaison and is excited to be working at 2U! She currently lives in Lincoln Square with her dog Charlie-girl.
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2U Annual Chili Cook-Off
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On Saturday, February 17th we will be having our second annual Chili Cook-off - prizes will be given for best meat and best vegetarian chilis - we will also have a category for best "other" dish for those who are interested in creating soups or stews.
The event will start at 5, 2U kids will be passing appetizers that they make themselves! The cook-off will wind down at 7. For the "night owls" we will start adult-themed board games after 7 in the sanctuary - kids are welcome to stay and play kid-themed games in the Palmer Room.
Date: Saturday, February 17, 2018
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm (cook-off); 7:00 pm - ?? (games)
Cost: $10 for adults; kids 16 or under free
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Spring Offering of Beloved Conversations
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Second Unitarian now plans to offer a new round of Beloved Conversations!
"I am really happy that Second will be participating in Beloved Conversations this year. This program is one that has proven to be transformative for congregations engaging issues around race and ethnicity. At Meadville Lombard, we recommend this program for our students' senior border crossing project. We recommend it because it works. It engages people to discuss racism in ways that allow them to move forward and change themselves, and their communities. It comes from a spiritual place, so that you can remember that this is sacred work. I hope that 2U members take the time to participate in this program. It will help us be the strong, antiracist faith community that is so needed in this time. "
Rev. Darrick Jackson,
Interim Associate Executive Director of the UU Ministers Association, as well as Second Unitarian member
The opening retreat is scheduled for March 2 -3 (Friday evening and all day Saturday), at a site still to be determined. While the retreat is held in the company of other congregations, follow-up session are held at the church. Tentative dates are:
March 11 and 25,
April 8 and 22,
May 6 and 20,
June 3 and 17
Participants are highly encouraged to commit to the entire series, with one scheduled absence possible.
Please contact Kim Warman if you are interested:
[email protected]
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Winter Orientation
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Calling all visitors who want to become members!
2U's Winter Orientation is going on now on Sundays, January 21, January 28 and February 4 following the morning service. Sessions are scheduled to begin at 11:45 AM in Fleishman Hall. If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the Welcome Table in the Palmer Room.
While attending any one of these three orientation sessions will meet the by-law requirements for membership, attending all three sessions will provide a greater breadth and depth of understanding for the theological roots of our community, ways to engage with the 2U community, how 2U is organized and what membership really means.
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Annual Special Friends Program with 2U Kids
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February 11th - 18th, 2018
 Are you interested in participating in the 2U Special Friends program? One 2U adult gets matched with a 2U child on February 11th. You are encouraged to do nice things for this child for a week while keeping your identity a secret. You can send a card, make a phone call, drop off a snack ... Then on Sunday, February 18th, you will reveal your identity to the child and you will exchange valentines (card, candy, small gift) with that child and we'll all celebrate with some valentine treats during coffee hour. The goal of this event is for adults to let the kids know that they are important members of 2U and are appreciated.
Thanks for recognizing a 2U Child this week!
To sign yourself or your child up for this program, please contact Alicia Obando:
[email protected].
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2U Salon
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 2U Salon is coming! An open mic on Saturday, March 3, from 7 to 9 p.m., will showcase the talent of our 2U community. Free, with light snacks provided. BYOB. Readings, music, spoken word, and dance are welcome -- and visual or other artists are invited to do a "show and tell" and display their works. There will be a 5 minute / 2 song limit for the first round of performances. If there is time at the end, performers may make an encore. Everyone is invited to perform or enjoy, both members and non-members. Sign-up isn't required, but it will help with planning. For more information or to volunteer your talent, contact Karen Goldner at [email protected] .
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A UU Justice Event
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Tearing Down Walls - Building up Connections, Community & Solidarity
a UU Justice Event :: Learn, Reflect, Act
Friday, March 23 (6:00 - 9:00 pm) / Saturday, March 24 (9:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist, 1025 N Smith St, Palatine, Illinois 60067
We recognize that dreaming, visioning and sharing a larger vision can dramatically sustain us in this work. We will weave a narrative together that includes a drastic reduction in our prison population, a fossil fuel free world and a fair economic world. We will abolish unjust systems by engaging in multigenerational work. We will build power through affirming our collective story.
Brought to you by UU Advocacy Network of IL, UU Prison Ministries of IL, and the Youth & Young Adult Visioning Team
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Book Notes from the 2U Library
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'Isms & 'Ologies: The 453 Basic Tenets You've Only Pretended to Understand, by Arthur Goldwag. Madison Park Press: New York, 2007. Call #301.03 GOL
"This strange encyclopedia turned out to be more than a reference book...For it did not merely answer my questions, it answered questions I had never thought to ask, but wished I had" wrote the author, Michael Lewis in his Introduction. The definitions are grouped according to these subjects: Politics & History; Philosophy & the Arts (Science, Economics, Religion); Sexual Perversions; and Eponyms, laws, and Foreign Words.
To those who've been humiliated by a knowing reference to Wahhabism at an Islington dinner party, caught short by a casual allusion to Orphism at a Hoxton private view, or flummoxed by a smug mention of post-structuralism by a fellow member of a suburban book group, "Isms and Ologies" offers hope and enlightenment. Crackpot convictions, perplexing philosophies, tricky tenets, and wacky Weltanschauungs - "Isms and Ologies" lists them all, and explains their salient features clearly and accessibly.
Arthur Goldwag is a freelance writer and editor. He is the author of The Beliefnet Guide to Kabbalah.
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UU Climate Action Team Meeting
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Every
Second Saturday at 2U!
Next meeting: January 13
, 2018
11 am to 11:30 am new members
11:30 am to 2:30 pm meeting
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2U Choir
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I
nterested in singing and joining the 2U Choir? Join the 2U Choir
on Thu
rsday evenings from 7:15 to 8:45 in the sanctuary under the direction of our Director of Music, Amanda Thomas! All are welcome!
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Amanda at
[email protected].
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Money Matters
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What is our current financial condition?
Our
budget for the 2017-18 year is $336,687 or $6,474.75 per week!
Here is a summary of our current finances July 1 through December 31:
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Actual |
Budgeted |
Over/Under Budget |
| Pledges |
$132,036
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$125,058
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+6978
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| New Pledges |
$0 |
$667 |
- $667
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| Collection Plate |
$6977 |
$7100 |
- $123
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| Celebrating Abundance Campaign |
$14,438 |
$15,000 |
-562
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| Fundraising (net) |
$11,327 |
$12,000 |
- $673
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| Space Sharing |
$25,752 |
$14,000 |
+ $11,752
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If you have any questions about the budget or would like more information, please contact the church office at
[email protected].
Collection Plate Sharing
In December, we raised $1022.39 towards our collection plate sharing recipient, Minister's Discretionary Fund, which aids members and friends in need.
Thank you all so much for helping to make 2U possible!
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Interested in Social Justice?
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Interested in social justice? If you haven't already, sign up for 2U's monthly social justice newsletter, The Hammer. You can "opt in" by clicking here
and entering your email. Both members and non-members are welcome to subscribe.
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#AmazonSmile
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 Do you love to shop? Do you love to support 2U? Well, now you can do both through AmazonSmile! 2U is now a supported charity on AmazonSmile. Search for Second Unitarian Church. Click here to sign up and to learn more!
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Stay Connected
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Did you know that the UUA and MidAmerica Region UUA have their own respective newsletters?
Click here for more information about the UUA and
click here
to sign up for their newsletter,
UU World
.
Click here for more information about the MidAmerica Region UUA and click here to sign up for their newsletter.
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Submission Deadlines
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 Have a message to put in the next Anvil or Orders of Service? Plan ahead!
Please have all submissions for the next newsletter submitted by
noon on
Sunday, February 11th
.
Please have all submissions for the Orders of Service submitted by noon on the Wednesday prior to the Sunday you'd like the announcement to appear. All announcements are subject to change at the discretion of the church office. Space is limited!
Second Unitarian Church of Chicago
656 West Barry Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone:
(773) 549-0260 ext. 10
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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