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The Anvil

Second Unitarian Church Newsletter

April 15th, 2024

Dear Friends,


I wonder if you got to see the eclipse. Did you travel somewhere to see the totality? Did you get a pair of glasses and take a break from work to witness the magnificence of it? During a recent meeting Ellen Rockett shared how the eclipse could be particularly meaningful for UUs as both a profound scientific experience as well as a magical one. There is something both spiritually profound and cosmically rational about watching the sun disappear behind the moon. Magic and science. A beautiful convergence, just like the convergence of the giant spheres themselves. 


As I write this letter, I am preparing to deliver a set of lectures over the coming months as part of the Minns Lecture Series. I am very excited to have the opportunity to share in this way with leaders in our faith. This project has been long coming for me. I was invited to submit a proposal nearly two years ago. It was at a particularly challenging moment in my life and it was such an honor to be considered for a prestigious lecture series such as this. I was flattered and overwhelmed by the prospect. The invitation was to specifically reflect on prison abolition and Unitarian Universalism. I was very excited when my proposal was accepted, even if also feeling daunted by the task ahead of me. 


My lecture series is very different from a sermon I would deliver before our congregation. I will say things in my lecture that I would not preach about from our pulpit. I am not couching my words much and will make some pretty radical statements about punishment, theology, and prison abolition. It is my prayer that as I do so, I do not alienate but hopefully inspire. I hope to be challenging but not overly divisive. The idea that we can live in a world free from punishment is one that I see deeply rooted in universalist theology. Freeing ourselves from conceptualizations of punishment broadens possibilities of accountability and transformation. If we understand that punishment causes greater suffering, what might we replace it with that could lead to greater healing? Even if we decide that replacement is not exactly the need, as punishment often serves no authentic purpose, how might we envision theologies and ideologies that not only object to punishment rationales but offer liberatory frameworks of care? This is what I am planning to reflect on. 


Two of my lectures will happen in Boston. One will be at First Church Boston the other at Kings Chapel. If you wish to attend virtually, you can. The registration information is available at the link above. I am, additionally, excited to spend a week in Boston with people I love while preparing for and delivering these lectures. The third and final lecture will occur on Thursday, May 9th at 7:00pm in our sanctuary. I am very excited that members of the choir will open up the event with a rendition of “Circle Round for Freedom.” You are certainly welcome to attend in person. This third lecture will be more personally focused than the first two. This lecture will look at the intersections of prayer and abolition. I will share quite a bit about my own journey with prayer while striving to highlight that abolition is, itself, a form of prayer in the universe. 


When I offer these lectures, I am not speaking on behalf of our church and yet, I am still the minister of our church. I do not think that anything I say will be particularly surprising to you, though the delivery of it will certainly be different (among the differences, these lectures are looooong). If things come up for you based on the things I say, please never hesitate to let me know. I always want to talk with you and look forward to being in relationship with you while navigating complexities as we face them. 


I am so thankful for your support as I take on this responsibility to articulate something for our larger faith. 


With appreciation, 


—RevJ

Please Note: Rev. Jason will be in Boston from Wednesday, April 17th until Friday, April 26th delivering the Minns Lecture Series. As this is study leave, you are welcome to call/text RevJ with any pastoral issues that come up at 312-543-5143. He will not be available via email.

Mental Health Moment



“Take this gilded cage of pain and set me free. Take this overcoat of shame, it never did belong to me.”


—Annie Lennox “The Gift”

Content Warning: the following article contains information regarding sexual violence


April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM.) In a time like this, it is easy to focus on the grim statistics (and the statistics are grim,) but today I want to talk about healing. Because healing from even the most horrific violence is always possible. In fact, healing is the most likely outcome. No matter a person’s age, gender, orientation, race, healing is possible. No matter how long it has been since a person experienced trauma, it is never too late to talk about it and recover. And there are many great resources available to help. Here are a few:


Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) STARS 

YWCA Chicago Sexual Assault Counseling

Resilience

Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Pillars Community Mental Health

Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline


During SAAM, many of these agencies have public talks, panels, art exhibits, and demonstrations to raise awareness of sexual violence and to give survivors a voice. Please check their websites to look for events near you. One that I have participated in, in years past, is Resilience’s Standing Silent Witness. Happening on Friday, April 19th, 2024, at Daley Plaza, Standing Silent Witness is, “… a visual demonstration of the silencing of survivors, participants gather silently for one hour wearing t-shirts with stories and messages protesting sexual violence and rape culture.” It is a powerful experience to participate in and to see.  


Take care and don’t be afraid to ask for help and support. You deserve it!


Jennifer Kronk is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor practicing in the Chicago area.

Financial Stewardship and the Heart of Our Mission


Dear Second Unitarian Church Community,


We are pleased to share that your commitment to our congregation is strong! Our pledge revenue increased significantly in February 2024, rising 83% from the previous month. This growth is also clear compared to this time last year. Your ongoing generosity embodies the Unitarian Universalist principles of compassion, generosity, and our dedication to building a more just world together.


While our revenue is increasing, so are our expenses, driven mainly by staffing costs. As a community, we made the important decision to invest in the individuals who support our ministries and mission. Upholding fair compensation and supporting our hardworking staff team aligns with our values of justice, equity, and the inherent worth and dignity of all people.


Overall, our church's net income for February 2024 reached $40,000. This financial health puts us in a strong position to carry out our mission, serve others, and continue creating a welcoming, spiritually rich space for all.


Highlight: Generosity Beyond Our Walls

We'd also like to acknowledge the increase in donations to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund and recognize the tireless work and volunteer hours our community dedicates to supporting migrants. Additionally, the generosity of our members and friends who contributed to plate share demonstrates our commitment to environmental justice; these gifts support the vital work of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LEVJO).


A Stewardship of Gratitude

Thank you, everyone, for your faithful pledges, generous donations, continued commitment to the transformative work of Second Unitarian Church, and for serving as a beacon of compassion in our community. Your contributions are not just numbers on a page; they represent the heart and soul of our community. Together, we make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.


In Service,


—The Stewardship Ministry Team

On Monday, April 29th at 12pm, we will embark on a church-wide spring cleaning project, tackling everything from the Loft to the kitchen and Palmer Room, all the way down to Fleishman Hall in the basement. Whether you're eager to help or take a leadership role, please reach out to Brandon Nicks. Let's work together to refresh and renew our cherished community space!


Additionally, before we dive into our construction project, we need your help sprucing up the backyard. Join us on Saturday, April 13th, Friday, April 19th, and Saturday, April 20th at 10am. It's just an hour or so of work, followed by a quick cleanup. No experience necessary, we've got the tools and gloves. Some tasks are light-duty, so everyone can pitch in. If it rains, we'll reschedule. Just show up, get dirty, and be part of the transformation!

Join 2U's collaboration with The Night Ministry to provide a meal to LGBTQ+ youth! Volunteers are needed to help prep and cook dinner for The Crib, a safe and supportive overnight emergency shelter for young adults ages 18 through 24. We will meet in 2U's kitchen from 5:30-8:00 PM on Sunday May 5th. Ingredients and recipes will be provided. For more information or to sign up to help, please email Leiszle Lapping-Carr.

Join 2U's Social Justice Ministries as an on-the-ground volunteer with Chicago Community Jail Support, a daily grassroots mutual aid project to assist those being released from Cook County Jail. Upcoming volunteer shifts are on Mondays, May 6th and May 20th from 5:30-8pm, at 27th & California. Shared rides to and from can be arranged. Email Eli Sander for more info and to join.

Brittany Morse invites you to join a book discussion group focusing on Tending the Flame: The Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting by Michelle Richards on Sunday, June 6th at 12:15pm in the 2U Library. Although this is a book about parenting, all are welcome! If you plan to participate, email Brittany Morse and acquire a copy of the book or let Brittany know if you would like help locating one. Childcare provided!

Do you consider yourself a “senior?” Then join us for our monthly brown bag lunch at the Admiral at the Lake, on the third Wednesday of each month, at 12pm. You may bring a dish to share, but most will find it easier to just bring their own meal, as our meeting place doesn't have a microwave, oven or stove. Please email Dave Haeckel or call at 312-307-8518 for details.

Harris McKee (he, him) will speak on the topic “We don’t need more God, we need more atheists” on Sunday, April 21st. His talk will challenge us to consider what we believe. He will show how Unitarian-Universalism provides a community where atheism can flourish. Raised as a Presbyterian, Harris is a long-time Unitarian-Universalist, has been a member of six Unitarian-Universalist churches and served as board chair in three including one in Benton County, Arkansas where he and Mary were Charter Members. He currently facilitates our satellite service at The Admiral at the Lake.

Thinking about becoming a member? 2U’s New Member Orientation is for those pursuing membership at Second Unitarian or wanting to know more about Unitarian Universalism, 2U history, involvement, and governance. Our 3-part class are on Sundays, April 21st, April 28th and May 12th at 12:00pm, both in-person in the 2U Sanctuary and online via Zoom. For more info, contact Judy Corbeille.

Wise Older Women (WOW) actively supports and addresses the challenges associated with aging for women 60 and above. Our approach involves regular member check-ins and insightful presentations on topics relevant to older women. Join us for our upcoming meeting on Sunday, March 17th at 1pm via Zoom. For more details and to get the Zoom link, please email Eileen Meyer.

Celebrate liberation and community at our upcoming Liberation Seder Service and Potluck on Saturday, April 27th, from 6-8:30 pm. Join us as we honor traditions of freedom and resilience with a meaningful Seder ceremony followed by a potluck feast. Share in the spirit of unity and reflection as we gather together for an evening of storytelling, song, and fellowship.

Join us for a Planting Party in the serene back garden following the service on Sunday, April 28th, designed for kids, families, and RE teachers. Delight in the experience as little ones get their hands dirty planting seeds in small pots filled with rich soil. Every child will have the opportunity to nurture their own plant and bring a piece of nature home with them, fostering a love for gardening and the natural world. Let's cultivate memories and watch as these seeds blossom into beautiful flowers together!

Beltane is almost here! It is the time of year when the air is buzzing with energy. The manifestation of creativity and blossoming of Nature is found abundant in the flowers, the trees, the leaves, the primal energies swirling about us. COVES is currently planning an online Ritual Celebration sometime between April 28th-May 5th. The specific day and time will be listed on our Facebook page with the Zoom link. Stay tuned!

Join Second Unitarian Church and First Unitarian Church as we come together for a special collaborative service on Sunday, May 5th at 10:00am at First U in Hyde Park. This unique service marks a beautiful union of our congregations. Experience the harmony of our combined choirs as they lift their voices in unison, filling the sanctuary with melodies of unity and inspiration.


For those unable to attend in person, join us via Zoom as we stream the service live, bringing the spirit of community directly to you. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to celebrate community, connection, and shared values with friends old and new.

Join us for an enlightening lecture by Rev. Jason Lydon titled "Praying for Abolition" on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 7:00pm at the Second Unitarian Church and via Zoom. As part of the Minns 2024 Series, this event delves into theology and social justice, with Rev. J addressing the violent theological underpinnings and racism within the prison system, exploring the imperative for prison abolitionism among Unitarian Universalists.

Join us Sunday, June 2nd for a heartwarming service led by our talented children! Our Sunday service will be a testament to youthful creativity and spiritual energy as the children take the helm, curating songs, readings, and more. Experience the joy and inspiration as they share their unique perspectives and gifts with our community. Don't miss this special service filled with innocence, wonder, and the boundless spirit of youth. All are welcome to join us for this unforgettable experience!

The Library is open on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, with our next opening on April 28th. While you may have spotted some of our latest treasures on the red cart in the Palmer Room, did you know we have an entire downstairs room bursting with over 2,600 books? From religion to philosophy, Paganism to cookbooks, and much more, there's something for everyone. Feel free to self-check out a book, and if you need assistance locating a specific title, don't hesitate to ask Don MacGregor, Berlinda Browne, Sue Burke, Jennifer Kronk, Nanna Cross, Lew Harding, or myself, Jill Althage. Simply whip out your cell phone and access our online catalog on our website under 'About,' then click on 'Our Library.' Give it a whirl with a search term like 'Cooking' and let Jill know what you discover. I'm waiting!

Palestinian youth and the fight for their village Silwan is a Palestinian village located just outside the ancient walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. Determined to Stay: Voices of Silwan is a moving story of a village and its people. As Silwani youth and community members share their lives with us, their village becomes an easily accessible way to understand Palestinian history and current reality. Written with young people in mind, the richly illustrated text stresses connections between the lives of youth in the US and Palestine: criminalization of youth, forced relocation, the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities, efforts to bury history, and inspiring examples of resistance and resilience.

We seek to create a vibrant, inclusive faith community. We envision a place of sanctuary and spiritual growth. Together, we aspire to build a just and compassionate world.