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Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
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From the Board Chair, Tom Denio
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I have never seen this before at 2U: Passover Seder on Saturday night followed by Easter Sunday the next morning! If you've never been to a seder before, do check it out here at 2U (article below). The first time I went to one, it was at the Hyde Park home of one of Laura's friends from college. Knowing little about the ritual itself, I figured dinner was limited to the unleavened bread, horseradish, bitter herbs, etc. and promptly ate too many crackers and radishes. Was I surprised to learn the ritual was followed by a wonderful dinner!
Congratulations to Rev. Adam Robersmith
for a successful defense of his thesis this week. Completion of his doctorate from Chicago Theological Seminary in May is the culmination of a 4 year program and the only question is who will be happier: Adam or Don!
Building Update
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The Board met April 12 and reached consensus on two projects affecting our building. First, we will go forward with the installation of air conditioning and the replacement of three furnaces for the sanctuary and Palmer Room as soon as a second bid on the duct work is received. Please keep in mind that given the volume of the sanctuary, we are only expecting a 10 to 12 F reduction from the outside temperature. On a hot summer day, this will make a big difference. Cost of this project is expected to be just under $30,000 and is made possible by a generous, anonymous donor plus money set aside from last year's Fund-a-Need at the Fall Fest and other sources.
Second, we approved $8,500 to paint the exterior wood trim on the south side of the church as this takes the brunt of the sun and weather. The full job is over $22,000 and the remainder will wait until additional funds are raised and other priorities are sorted out. Many thanks to Monica Drane, Steve Hier, Lew Harding and Andrew Zallar for their involvement in these two projects.
Finally, the deadline for registration for General Assembly in New Orleans from June 21-25 is April 30. After this date, the fee increases. If you are interested in attending, please let Rev. Adam or Board Chair Tom Denio know.
See you in church!
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Both Sides Now - April 23
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Cheryl Pattin will present a lay-led service on April 23 focusing on transitions.
Cheryl was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis in 2007.
She will share her journey through the transitions she has faced, reflecting on the changes in her daily life, her personal perspectives, and some lessons she has learned along the way.
We all face challenges in our lives. We've all faced transitions, some welcome, some daunting. Cheryl will speak about making peace with her health challenges, allowing the 2U community to reflect on making peace with the transitions in our own lives.
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What Holds Us Close; What Sets Us Free?
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"Community." "Spirituality." "Social Justice." "Living Out 2U's Values." These are only a few comments members wrote on paper leaves and butterflies when Rev. Adam kicked off our 2017 Canvass with the theme "Roots Hold Us Close, Wings Set Us Free." He challenged us to think about what about 2U grounds us, and then be visionary about what the church can do to soar.
It's fitting that our canvass happens when new buds are forming on trees and the birds chirping herald a new, brighter day. While there are many times of the year that we are reminded of the church's impact in our lives, spring is when we are further compelled by the stewardship campaign to consider how our fiscal support keeps our community thriving.
When I think about how much to pledge each year, there are many things that cross my mind, including how much I connected with the messages coming from the pulpit, to what extent the church programming speaks to me, and how much the values bestowed through the social justice work align with my values. I am so proud, for example, to tell friends and co-workers that we help care for LGBTQ and homeless youth through our partnership with the Night Ministry and provide meeting space for faith communities like Masjid al-Rabia. In addition, it gives me great joy to talk to others about how 2U gives half of its weekly cash collections to local non-profits that reflect our covenant.
As you think about how much you will pledge to 2U this year, I ask that you consider how many "Yeses" you have as you answer these questions:
* Does the 2U covenant move you as you read and contemplate its meaning?
* Do you see reflections of the covenant in the inner-workings of 2U?
* When you leave church on Sunday, do you find yourself impacted by the music, readings, and sermon?
* When you are on your way home from church, do your children talk with enthusiasm about the stories/activities they participated in at Sunday School?
* Do you feel supported when you have had expressed pastoral needs?
* Do the church activities compel you to get involved?
When I read these questions my response is, "Yes, with great rejoicing!" This is why my wife Barb and I are making a commitment to increase our pledge for the 2017-18 church year by more than 15%. My hope is that this increased donation will help 2U reach its own goal of a 15% budget increase in order to, among other things, bring our minister closer to the mid-range of the Unitarian Universalist Association's recommended compensation, and to make an increased long-term commitment to the building and infrastructure needs.
If you have already made your 2017-2018 pledge, thank you! So far, we have raised $170,813.80 toward our goal of $250,000. We're off to a great start, but, there is still work to be done!
If you have not yet completed your pledge card, please connect with your canvasser, who will call or email you, as soon as possible. We need to have all pledge cards completed and returned to the 2U office by April 23. This is essential to giving the 2U Finance Committee time to prepare a budget that the 2U Board will present to the congregation for approval at our annual meeting on May 21.
Please join me in rejoicing for all the ways that 2U contributes to our lives, and give as generously as you can.
Allen Hailey, 2017 Canvass Team
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Dreidels and Rabbits and Rakes, oh my!
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April is a busy month for children's programming here at 2U. Last Sunday we had our Spring Child Dedication service and welcomed little Ruby Ray into our 2U family. We look forward to helping her grow in her faith as a Unitarian Universalist. On Saturday night, April 15th, 2U will be hosting a Passover Seder. There will fun activities for the kids too, so please plan to join us at 6pm. It is a potluck so bring a dish to share. Sunday, April 16th, is Easter so the Easter Bunny will be stopping by to hide eggs all around the church for the kids to find after the service. And lastly we are participating in the City's Clean and Green program in honor or Earth Day. On April 23rd we'll be cleaning up our block on Barry after the service from 12pm - 2pm. People of all ages are welcome to join us in beautifying our neighborhood. For more information on any of these activities or to sign up to volunteer, contact our Director of Faith Development, Alicia Obando, at
dfd@secondunitarian.org
or 773-549-0260 x12.
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The Great 2U Seder! |
Saturday, April 15, 2017
6:00 PM
Join us on Saturday, April 15 for 2U's annual celebration of Passover, one of the highlights of the Jewish sacred year, and, traditionally, our church's biggest event honoring the Jewish sources of our Unitarian Universalist faith.
The seder is a worship service held around the dinner table, as the traditional story of the Jewish exodus from Egypt is retold. We use prayer, ritual, food, and song to celebrate our own freedoms, and to remember all those who do not. The seder also celebrates the return of spring and new growth as this part of the world awakens from the long sleep of winter.
We need ALL HANDS ON DECK to make this big, beloved event happen, so we hope you can sign up for at least one thing to bring and one thing to do, as you are able. Please contact Kate Friedlob at
kateringdesserts@aol.com or 773-528-0884 to sign up.
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Save t
he Date: 2U Annual Meeting
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Mark your calendars NOW for the annual 2U congregational business meeting after service on Sunday, May 21 in the sanctuary.
As per one of the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism, "the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large," the annual meeting is the time in the life of our congregation when we gather to exercise the democratic process in our church. Additionally, our church bylaws state that it is the member's "right and responsibility to contribute to the democratic life in the community." In order to conduct the business of the congregation, there must be a quorum (25%) of members present. Come and be a part of our church celebration and the planning for next year!
The purpose of the meeting is to:
- Provide a review of the 2016-17 financial status and accomplishments
- Approve the proposed 2017-18 church budget
- Elect new church leaders
Please stay tuned to your inbox in the coming weeks for more information!
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Citizens Climate Lobby Discussion
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On Sunday, April 23rd, 12 to 2pm, in the Spirit Play Room, there will be a brief presentation and discussion, facilitated by Karen Fort, on the UUA's Climate Action Team, and their link with Citizens Climate Lobby's Carbon Fee and Dividend Legislation.
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Summer Nursery Attendants Needed
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We are looking for two paid nursery attendants to watch our infants and toddlers (0 - 3 years old) during worship services this summer (June 4th - September 3rd) on Sundays from 10:15am - 11:45am. We have some volunteer attendants that also help out, so every Sunday is not needed. Dates can be negotiated. Childcare experience and background check required. Submit
inquiries
to Alicia Obando at dfd@secondunitarian.org.
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Communities Against Islamophobia |
Islamophobia is a very real and growing problem. Hate crimes targeting Muslims have become more frequent and a divisive campaign grew into an administration that continues to single out Muslims based on their faith. However, Islamophobia runs much deeper than that and we must do more than just show public #resistance to overcome it.
Even if you were unable to attend the first session, we invite you join Second Unitarian Church and the American Friends Service Committee for this one-of-a-kind workshop on countering Islamophobia specifically designed for non-Muslim allies. The workshop on April 30 from 12:30 - 3:00 PM will explore strategies for intervention and lifting up Muslim-led movements. RSVP here >
https://goo.gl/forms/aKFsfGIRK71bkuCx2
(If you attended Session 1 and already RSVPd for both, you do not need to fill out this form)
A light lunch will be available at 11:45 a.m. Sign-in starts at 12:00.
Please contact Kim Warman to coordinate accessibility needs. ekwarman@gmail.com / 773.575.1361
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Welcome, New Members
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Abi Hoverman is from Minnetonka, Minnesota.
(Abi is short for Abigail.)
Abi grew up going to the UU Church of Minnetonka. She then went to college at Notre Dame in Indiana, and now is a third year law student at Northwestern graduating this spring. In her free time, she loves to bake, be active, and watch movies.
Abi tells us, "I am hugely appreciative of the community of like-minded, justice-oriented people I have found at 2U, especially because my family lives in Minnesota."
After serving a congregation during his seminary years,
David Matteson
chose teaching and counseling, even though he was ordained in United Church of Christ. David has taught psychology and practiced as a counselor in the Boston area, in Marietta, OH, and then at Governors State University in Chicago's south suburbs. David says, "I've been a civil rights activist beginning in high school, and with my wife Sandy, adopted a biracial son and daughter. I've been openly bisexual for decades, the theme of my memoir, my 4th published book." Welcome to 2U, David, we're so glad you're here!
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Spring Orientation |
Our Spring Orientation will be offered for visitors and friends interested in becoming members on April 23 and 30, following the service.
Orientation is offered three times per year. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to the church office at
office@secondunitarian.org
or you can also sign up at the Welcome Table following service.
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Chicago Earth Day 5K - April 22, 2017
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Come celebrate Earth Day by joining the Chicago Race Against Extinction Earth Day 5K Run/Walk and Bear Cub Kids Fun Run April 22nd! Everyone from experienced runners to walkers, with or without strollers and pets, and those who won't be walking but still want to support the World Wildlife Foundation are invited to participate.
11:00 AM
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Lincoln Park
Our Second Unitarian team is Lorax. Be sure to register with team Lorax, so we will know who to expect. All are welcome, bring your friends!
Entry fee is $30.00 per person ($15 for Bear Cubs).
Proceeds will be donated to World Wildlife Fund.
March for Science after the 5K
We are still waiting for details on the March for Science. The plan is to go after the 5K, depending on time and location.
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2U Dinners |
Want to get to know people at 2U? Please join us for our evening of 2U Dinners on
Saturday, April 29. These are small dinners in people's homes. The host provides the main course and menu, and lets the guests know what to bring. We will also be having a dinner at 2U as well, to make sure that we have an easily accessible option for all our members and friends.
Hosts are needed! If you would like to host, either at your home or at the church, please contact
Judy Corbeille at
Sign up sheets are available at the Welcome Table.
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BELTANE
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Covenant of Earth and Sky invites all to
BELTANE,
Sunday, April 30th at 5:30pm
in the Sanctuary
. We will
celebrate entering the season of Growth on the Wheel of the Year. The Goddess is now Maiden of Spring, fertile with the energies of the Earth and Love. The God is now the Greenman, the symbol of joy and growth in the winding tendrils of ivy, laughing his way through our touch and senses. His hidden smile peaks out at you at every turn, on every branch, in every flower. This is the season to look within at your own manifestations of love. Whether it be nourishing your own spirit or others, you feel the energy of love all around. Let us find inspiration in the Bel-Fire, the colorful ribbons of the Maypole, the Maiden of Spring and the Greenman. Please bring a sweet or savory dish to share at our community time. Blessed Be!
Any questions or comments, please email covenantearthsky@secondunitarian.org.
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From the Leadership Development and Nominating Committee |
D
o you feel
squeamish
about staying for coffee and fellowship after church on Sundays? Some of us have felt that way too. Come talk with people who feel just like you--we want to be connected to folks at church, but feel just a bit shy. Let's talk about it on Sunday, May 7 right after church (beginning at 11:45) in the Sanctuary. That way we will be away from the noisy hubbub of the Palmer Room. We'll have some snacks and beverages too. Who are we? Sue Dunmore, Karen Fort, Kate Friedlob, and Jill Althage.
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Volunteers Needed for the Pastoral Care Team |
Do you enjoy being helpful, while getting to know others at 2U? The Pastoral Care Team at 2U provides two separate ministries, a Listening Ministry and a Practical Care Ministry.
The Listening Ministry
Volunteers for the listening ministry are partnered with a church member who is experiencing a stressful life transition or just would like someone to talk to; if you are interested in becoming a Listening Ministry partner, please contact Rev. Adam Robersmith at minister@secondunitarian.org or 630-414-5340 for more information.
The Practical Care Ministry
The Practical Care Ministry provides hands-on assistance to 2U members and brings the satisfaction of feeling you've been useful. For example, members sometimes need rides to appointments or to church, emergency babysitting, light housekeeping, or help packing to move. 2U also has tradition of bringing meals to new parents and people recently discharged from the hospital.
Volunteering can be occasional and short term, or may be ongoing. The benefits of volunteering are getting to know church members on a deeper level as well as the satisfaction of helping someone in need.
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Help Wanted: Leadership Development and Nominating Committee
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The Leadership Development and Nominating Committee is made up of 5 members (3 elected and 2 appointed by the Board of Trustees). It is a two-year commitment. We are charged to motivate others to lead. Our goal is to help people who want to develop their leadership skills. Every spring, we bring to the Board of Trustees a list/slate of candidates for open positions. These names are then approved by the Board, and the congregation votes on the slate at the Annual meeting in May.
Fellow Committee members will be Sue Dunmore, Karen Fort, and two others. Our Board of Trustees Liaison has been Daniel Lewis.
If you are interested in being on our Committee, please contact Jill Althage at cjalthag@gmail.com.
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Unitarian Universality Military Ministry Great Lakes
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The Unitarian Universalist Military Ministry Great Lakes offers weekly Unitarian Universalist worship for young adult Navy recruits. Great Lakes Naval Station is 25 miles north of Chicago and 20 miles south of Kenosha on the shores of Lake Michigan. All Navy recruits attend basic training (boot camp) there. Last year, 550 young adults attended our UUMMGL worship services. UUMMGL will be conducting a Faithify drive in April. We need $5,300 to reach our fiscal year 2017-2018 budget. Our annual budget this year is $9,300. The budget pays for the ministerial coordinator, UU religious literature for the recruits, and the miscellaneous incidentals for worship and an Illinois not-for-profit. The ministry distributes about 500 copies of the UUA's Bless All Who Serve: Sources of Hope, Courage and Faith for Military Personnel and their Families and 100 copies of Becoming: A Spiritual Guide for Navigating Young Adulthood.
More information about the ministry is available from the web site,
www.uummgl.org
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Please donate generously at the Faithify link:
https://www.faithify.org/projects/support-uu-young-adult-worship-at-navy-boot-camp/. Thank you!
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MidAmerica Regional Assembly
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Radical Hospitality Workshop 101
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The UU Prison Ministry of Illinois will be leading the Radical Hospitality Workshop 101 on Saturday, April 22, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL, 60201. The workshop was developed by the UUPMI to give individuals and congregations some of the tools they need to successfully undertake the work of being a Radically Welcoming Congregation.
The workshop will examine the ways that the prison industrial complex is more than just prisons and jails. There will be an opportunity to explore transformative justice and the relationship between UU theology and the criminal legal system. The four-hour experiential training incorporates the voices of formerly incarcerated people and gives attendees a background in why we are called as UUs to do this work.
For more information on the Radical Hospitality workshop and to register to attend the April 22 event, please visit
www.uupmi.org
.
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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 March 31:
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Actual |
Budgeted |
Over/Under Budget |
Pledges |
$169,309
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$162,925 |
+ $6,384
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New Pledges |
$815 |
$1,270 |
- $455
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Collection Plate |
$10,877 |
$11,300 |
- $423
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Special Gifts |
$14,570 |
$15,000 |
- $430
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Fundraising |
$14,877 |
$14,000 |
+ $877
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Space Sharing |
$28,030 |
$15,100 |
+ $12,930
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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 March, we raised $714.33 towards the collection plate sharing recipient,
RefugeeOne.
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, April 26
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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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