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Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
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From the Minister
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I cannot remember another year in my lifetime that has started off with such intensity. Not even other presidential transitions (whether or not I've been happy about them) have had this level of impact. I know I'm not the only one for whom this is true--quite a few of you have told me about the ways in which this year is impacting you, too.
I'm finding that there are a few things that help me manage the intensity of this time:
1) Gather with people in service: By being with people who are also working toward and fighting for the values I also share, I realize that I am part of a powerful and determined community. Even if our perspectives don't overlap perfectly, sharing our efforts toward the things we can have in common gives me a sense of possibility I don't find when I'm isolated.
2) Gather with people in fellowship: Getting together with people to enjoy their company or develop new relationships helps to relieve some of the intensity of the time and remind me of the goodness that is, in fact, all around me. Our presence, conversation, laughter, and kindness can be a help and a comfort.
3) Gather with people in worship: From shared singing to shared prayer, from talking with one another to hearing the day's message, worship helps us to recenter ourselves and remember what we know to be of great value in the world. Worship encourages us, challenges us, nurtures us, and offers us a moment to pause in the midst of everything else.
This Anvil is full of things that can help with all three of these ways to come together. I hope that you'll take advantage of them!
Faithfully,
Rev. Adam
PS: There will be more information to come, but I wanted to let you know that the congregation voted at the business meeting on Sunday, Jan 29th to sign on to both the
Illinois Coalition Against Handgun Violence and the
UUA/
UUSC's
Declaration of Conscience. Neither vote was unanimous, but both passed with majorities of 82% and 98% respectively. Thank you to all who attended, shared their thoughts, questions, and concerns, and voted.
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President Trump Criminalizes Immigrants and Refugees - What You Can Do
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Many people were horrified, if not surprised, that Donald Trump signed an Executive Order banning all foreign nationals from entering the U.S. from seven Muslim majority countries: Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. This includes people with green cards and other legal status who are trying to get home to the United States after visiting family abroad. Such people will have their visas cancelled at the port of re-entry and they will not be allowed through Customs. This began to occur on Saturday, January 28,
according to the Chicago Sun-Times
, as at least two families made up of permanent legal US residents were detained at O'Hare. Trump also issued other Executive Orders that are criminalizing undocumented immigrants. It is important to recognize that Executive Orders have the force of law immediately upon the President's signature, and are not subject to Congressional approval (or rejection).
Demonstrations have occurred at O'Hare, and several 2U members participated. On Sunday, January 29, at a congregational meeting, 2U voted to sign the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)'s
Declaration of Conscience.
Beyond these steps, what can UU's do to express our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and opposition to discrimination based on untrue stereotypes?
- Educate yourself. Know the facts. The UUSC has a good blog with information on this issue.
- Sign the UUSC's Declaration of Conscience yourself, as an individual.
- Confront anti-Muslim or anti-immigrant harassment when you see it; protect the person being harassed. This is a helpful infographic on what to do and not to do. UUSC has a terrific list of practical, everyday things we can all do. If you personally see an incident or are the victim of one, report it to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
- Support organizations like the CAIR and the American Civil Liberties Union which are bringing lawsuits against these Executive Orders.
- Get involved with the 2U Social Justice Council. Several 2U members are creating a small team to connect the congregation to the Sanctuary movement. We're looking for additional people who have several hours per month to spend on this work. You don't need to be an experienced activist or organizer - just someone who wants to help. Consider yourself asked!
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Special Friend Day!
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 The Children's Religious Education program is seeking 2U adults who want to be a special friend to a 2U child for the week of 2/5 - 2/12. You will choose a participating child and then do special things for them for a week, such as send them a card, call them and say hi, deliver some cookies etc... without telling the child who you are. The goal is for 2U adults to let 2U children know that they are appreciated and an integral part of our 2U family. The child will in turn try to guess who you are and make you a thank you card. After the service on 2/12, you will reveal yourself to the child and everyone will enjoy Valentine's treats. If you are interested in being a special friend to a 2U child, please email our Director of Faith Development, Alicia Obando, at
dfd@secondunitarian.org.
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Second Unitarian Chili Cookoff - bring a friend or two!
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 Who makes the best chili at 2U? Is it someone on the staff? Is it someone on the Membership Committee? How about the Board Secretary? Well, you can find out if you attend our inaugural
2U Chili Cookoff!!
Vegetarian, meat-filled, vegan - bring what you like and make best, and we will provide the rest (shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, non-alcoholic beverages, and limited beer will be available - otherwise, BYOB)!
Judges will be on hand to give out prizes for the best chili - please plan to bring one batch to share - if possible, bring the chili already warm - if you have a crockpot, bring it, otherwise, we will have the means to keep the chili warm on site.
Here are other details:
Date/Time: Saturday, February 18, 2017, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Second Unitarian Church - Palmer Room
Cost: $10 for adults (18 and older), kids are free
Please plan to sign up at the welcome table if you would like to attend or volunteer to assist with this event - you may also email Susan Zeigler (
susanraezeigler@yahoo.com) if you want to be added to the sign up list. The sign-up sheet will be available starting Sunday, January 22, 2017.
See you at the cookoff!
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Membership Orientation
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Membership Orientation will conclude this Sunday,
February 5, following the service:
In this last session, we talk about governance and finance. Although our by-laws only state that you must attend one session, we always encourage people interested in pursuing membership to attend all the sessions as it gives you a much broader idea of our church life. Each session lasts until about 2 p.m.
Orientation is offered three times per year. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to the church office. You can also sign up at the Welcome Table following service.
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Plate Sharing Applications
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Applications for plate sharing are due by Sunday, February 26th for the April-June quarter. The application form may be secured through the 2U office, or from Norm Groetzinger at
Groetzinger.N@Comcast.net
. Electronic submission is encouraged. The organization for which you are submitting must be one in which you are involved, preferably as a volunteer. Applications are to be submitted to both Norm and to Susan Richter, who chairs the plate-sharing committee at
susan.richter@gmail.com
. Feel free to approach either of us with any questions about plate sharing.
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COVES: IMBOLC
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Sunday, February 5, 2017
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Covenant of Earth and Sky (CUUPS Chapter) welcomes all to join us for IMBOLC. We are still in the resting period in the Wheel of the Year, but the thaw is coming and the light is returning. We honor the Goddess Brigid. She is the keeper of the hearth, inspiration, poetry and illumination of the spirit. We will work with the sacred elements of fire and water as well as doing some candle magic during this ritual. Please bring a sweet or savory dish to share. Any questions or comments, please email
covenantearthsky@secondunitarian.org.
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Making Peace with Your Religious Past
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Thursdays, February 9, 16, 23 and March 2 & 9
7:00 pm to 8:45 pm
We try to offer this class at least once a year to give members of the 2U community an opportunity to explore their own religious past and figure out their religious present and future. Whether you're a long-time UU or just recently come to UUism, whether you have a happy, difficult, or non-existent history as a member of a religious community, you are welcome to take this class. By understanding where you've been, it becomes easier to be more fully here right now!
If you'd like to join Rev. Adam and other 2Uers for any of these, please let him know
via email or by signing up on the Welcome Table.
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Understanding the World's Religions
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Understanding the World's Religions
delves into the UUA principle of "The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all" and the UUA source of "Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life." Who are our religious neighbors in Chicago? What beliefs or practices do we Unitarian Universalists share with others? How can our religious neighbors inspire our own faith? The 6 sessions, led by 2U's Community Minister, Rev. Rudra Dundzila, cover Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Native American religion, and conclude with a final integration. The sessions will meet 7-9 PM. Some will be at Second Unitarian, and some will be field trips to our partners in faith.
Dates & Tentative topics
Wednesday, February 8 -
Native American (at 2U, w/ Rev. Christopher Basaldu, via Skype)
Wednesday, February 15 - Islam (at 2U, w/ Dawud Wharnsby, via Skype)
Wednesday, February 22 - Hinduism (at Brahma Kumaris)
Wednesday, March 1 - Buddhism (at 2U, w/ Stephen Starkey)
Wednesday, March 8 -
Sikhi (at Spirit Rising Yoga, w/ Shiva Singh Khalsa)
Wednesday, March 15 - wrap up (at 2U)
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A 7th Principal Inspired Theater Performance Authored by a 2U Member
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I wrote my new play Groundswell out of my passion to respect the interdependent web of existence, of which we are a part. In it, there is a lucrative mining offer that confronts a family under pressure. People respond personally to the effects of climate change. Faced with rough weather that forces choices, they find a path forward and the earth abides. I hope that our Second Unitarian community will consider attending, especially since it's "pay what you can" at the door. Sundays at 7pm: Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19, Feb. 26 at Prop Theater, 3502 N Elston Ave. Reserve online at
proptheater@gmail.com or
through Brown Paper Tickets for $12
. Tickets at the door $15 or pay what you can. A climate social follows at 8:15pm with snacks and drinks provided.
-- Karen Fort
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From the Staff
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To all of you wonderful Second Unitarian members and friends, thank you!
More specifically, thank you for:
- Holiday cards -- you all have remarkable taste in beautiful cards! -- and holiday wishes;
- Gifts of food and drink and soap and calendars and all the other thoughtful ways you shared your abundance and appreciation with us; and
- Your participation in the holiday services and goings on at 2U; by being here, you told us that you appreciate what we do and you made the services and events even more wonderful by your presence.
We are so fortunate and thankful to work with and for you here at Second Unitarian Church. We look forward to this new year and what we will give, receive, and offer together!
Faithfully,
Rev. Adam, Andrew, Alicia, and Amanda
Your 2U Staff
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2U Senior Potlucks
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Are you a "senior"? Are you a member or friend of 2U? Then join us at our Senior Potluck Luncheon for a tasty lunch and casual conversation. We meet at 12:30, on the second Wednesday of every month, in the Palmer Room. It's fun, it's simple, and there is always good food and good company!
Our next lunch is Wednesday, February 8. For more information and to get on our email reminder list, please contact Dave Haeckel at
davehkl@yahoo.com, or telephone 773-281-0429.
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Greetings from Partner Church in Kenos
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From Rev. Andorkó Attila in Kenos:
First of all I wish the congregation a very happy new year. Thank you for the cards, we received last week, but the children were very excited, to see what was in the envelope. Thank you.
In the end of last year (in December) we almost finished the roof of the church (only the part of the main entrance needs to be finish). We had a very good Christmas celebration with the children.
I've attached to this letter a few pictures, while we were reconditioning the roof of the church, after that, the cleaning the church yard, and the children at Christmas evening in the church.
I hope you and the congregation had a good ending in 2016 and a better start of this new year 2017.
In this year, in October 5-7, we will have the Bishop's Visitation, it should be a celebration for the village, and for us too.
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Thrive Youth Summer Program for UU Youth of Color
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 Apply Now for the Thrive Youth Summer Program for UU Youth of Color!
Thrive Youth is a 5-day gathering of UU youth of color who come together to "deepen our faith, lift our spirits, and build critical skills for leadership in the face of our uncertain, broken and beautiful world." The program is for high school age youth who are in 9th-12th grade during the 2016-2017 school year. It's also open to any youth who bridges into young adulthood in the summer of 2017.
Thrive Youth offers two regional gatherings, Thrive Youth West and Thrive Youth East.
Thrive Youth West will take place August 3rd-7th in Seattle, WA while
Thrive Youth East
will take place
July 26-30th
in Annapolis, MD.
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Help Wanted
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Persons interested in helping to keep our lovely old building functioning well and for all to enjoy. Lots of people use our building each and every day: members of the congregation, staff, those who share our space via rentals, and visitors. The BIG (Building, Infrastructure, and Grounds) Committee seeks both those with knowledge of building maintenance and/or "handy" skills, and novices. If you can pick up the phone to contact a professional in order to obtain the estimated cost of a certain repair or project, then you can help! If you have particular building-systems expertise, such as electrical, plumbing, or carpentry, then that's even better. Our committee meets quarterly, but our work is ongoing. Contact Monica Drane or Andrew Zallar for more information.
Also...
Those willing to get their hands dirty! The BIG (Building, Infrastructure, and Grounds) Committee also seeks those willing to help with maintenance of the church's sizable grounds. There's always lots to do during the growing season: weeding, watering, pruning, planting. Occasional "yard days" provide the opportunity to work with others to beautify and improve the space. Contact
Monica Drane or
Andrew Zallar for more information.
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2U Member Survey
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 In an effort to get to know our congregants better, and to learn what motivates you to be a part of the 2U community, the Fundraising and Marketing committee is launching a survey. This survey asks basic demographic information about you and your household members (this information will be kept private), as well as questions regarding your training, work and volunteer involvement, and the activities that are of interest to you at Second Unitarian Church.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey - it will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
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Choir Corner
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Interested in singing and joining the 2U Choir? The 2U Choir meets on Thursday evenings from 7:15 to 8:45 in the sanctuary under the direction of our Director of Music, Amanda Thomas! All are welcome!
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Money Matters
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What is our current financial condition?
Our
budget for this year is $303,451 or $5,836 per week!
Here is a summary of our current finances starting July 1 through December 31:
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Actual |
Budgeted |
Over/Under Budget |
| Pledges |
$121,974 |
$106,539 |
+ $15,435
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| New Pledges |
$0 |
$815 |
- $815
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| Collection Plate |
$6,155 |
$7,100 |
- $945
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| Special Gifts |
$11,814 |
$14,200 |
- $2,386
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| Fundraising |
$14,423 |
$14,000 |
+ $423
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| Space Sharing |
$22,028 |
$9,100 |
+ $12,928
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If you have any questions about the budget or would like more information, please contact Andrew Zallar in the 2U office.
Collection Plate Sharing
In December, we raised $1,088.74 towards the collection plate sharing recipient, the Minister's Discretionary Fund.
Thank you all so much for helping to make 2U possible!
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Introducing Breeze!
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Have you heard about Breeze, 2U's new online church management software for members?
This new software enables 2U members to have access to our online member directory (with pictures!), update their contact information, check their contributions online and much more!
Have you had a chance to update your profile and add your photo yet?
By now, you should have received an email inviting you to create your account login. If not, please let me know!
You can access the database here!
You can also now download the Breeze app at the Apple Store or Google Play Store by
clicking here
!
Thank you!
Andrew Zallar
Congregational Administrator
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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
Wednesday, February 8
.
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 Congregational Administrator. Space is limited!
Second Unitarian Church of Chicago
656 West Barry Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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