Calendar
Weds October 14
7:00pm - Board of Trustees
7:00pm - Music Rehearsal
Saturday October 17
9:45am - Council Meeting
Sunday October 18
Worship at 10:00 & 11:30
Rev. Owen-O'Quill Preaches Prayer; Music by 2U Ensemble with Sarah Buino
Directory photos after both services
1:00pm - Membership 101
Monday October 19
9:00am - 2U Employment Group
Weds October 21
7:00pm - Pastoral Care Mtg.
7:00pm - Music Rehearsal
Friday October 23
6:30pm - LFD Council Mtg
Sunday October 25
Intergenerational Worship at 10:00 & 11:30 with
Gabrielle Parra: I promise to treat each person as important and special.
Monday October 26
9:00am - 2U Employment Group
Tuesday October 27
6:00pm - Social Justice Council Meeting
Weds October 28
7:00pm - Music Rehearsal
Saturday October 31
HALLOWEEN!
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Unemployed or Underemployed?
Join the 2U Employment Group! Come for support, concrete
resources, and accountability. We meet every Monday morning in the Palmer Room
from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Activities include goal setting, resume writing and mock
interviewing.
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Church
Office Information & Staff
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Communication Deadlines
Sunday Order of Service Mondays by
noon. Please make sure that events are inclusive of all members. No
additional inserts will be included in the order of service without prior
approval of the church office. Send announcement requests to faithdev_2u@att.net. The Anvil - 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month.
Send newsletter submissions to faithdev_2u@att.net. Scheduling EventsAll space for church
activities must be scheduled in advance through the Membership Coordinator, Lisa
Todd, secondunitarian@att.net. The church is open for group
activities on Sundays 9am - 2pm or by appointment. |
September
Collection Plate
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 Do Prayers Get Answered?
(Prayer is the theme of this month's sermon series. This was first shared on Rev. Owen-O'Quill's blog, www.pastorjen.com).
Regardless of how we understand the nature of whom (or what) we are
addressing with our prayer, I believe our prayers are answered. But in
what way?
What happens in prayer is an attentiveness to life. Prayer is
our attempt to turn ourselves toward a larger hope, toward the holy.
When we pray we are trying to reach beyond our understanding, at times
beyond our own capacity: we are reaching toward something we can't seem
to grasp on our own.
I don't believe in a prosperity gospel that teaches prayer leads to
wish fulfillment. But I do believe prayer is a path to grace and
love. Prayer is also a journey toward self-understanding.
The Hebrew word for prayer means "to inspect oneself." Prayer is a
spiritual path that helps us describe our inner world. In prayer we
gain a more intimate understanding of ourselves and how we fit into the
world around us. Prayer isn't about getting what we want. Prayer is
about understanding our victories and losses, our aspirations and our
disappointments with a sense of love and compassion.
My hopes and dreams and even my fears may or may not come to pass.
Prayer equips me to greet my life aware of a larger reality. In prayer
I am companioned not cured, loved not rewarded, attended to not
directed.
Join in the conversation at pastorjen.com.
In faith,
Pastor Jen
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Check out Rev. Owen-O'Quill's blog at pastorjen.com.
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 Life's Too Short, Isn't it?
by Susie
This is why I've decided to step down from my role as leader of the Green
Sanctuary. I have begun a new chapter in my life. I am trying to get more work
as a freelance photographer and musician so I can quit my full-time job to live
and work in the city doing the things I love to do most. I have been at my
current place of employment for 11+ years, and although I love my co-workers
with all my heart, it is time for something new. This means spending my free
time obtaining work, practicing, and setting up a game plan. This also means
that my role in the Green Sanctuary must be put on the back burner. If anyone
is willing to step forward and resume the activities of the Green Sanctuary (and
even re-name it!) they are more than welcome. My gratitude goes out to all who
helped accomplish the following goals, and more:
- placed and labeled
recycling containers throughout the building
- hosted Green Coffee Hours,
with a "no trash" and organic theme (this can definitely continue!)
- held a
letter-writing campaign to make our representatives aware of our thoughts on
climate change
- enjoyed "worm bin" demos
- contributed to stocking the
kitchens with non-disposable, washable plates
- contributed to washing said
plates when the dishwasher broke
- helped out on B&G work days,
winterizing the building and weeding the garden without pesticides
- held a
water-efficient shower head sale
I realize that although this list seems
short - at least compared to the list of goals first put forth - a lot more
happened, stuff that's less tangible. Minds were influenced, friends were made,
and who knows what else the future will bring? Thanks so much for all of
it!
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 Last day for directory portraits - Oct. 18
If you have not yet had your photo taken, this Sunday, October 18 is your last chance! Susan Inverso Photography will be taking
portraits of individuals, couples, and/or families so we can have pictures in the
Church directory. You will also have the opportunity to order additional photos for personal use if you wish. Photos will be taken in the basement in the Library (southwest corner). Family members are encouraged to participate
regardless of their membership status. To view photos that have been taken, visit http://www.myeventorder.com/event/photos.php?id=_AR14592&page=3&cat_id=0. Type in your email address for the log in.
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Special Invitation to 2U Members to a Powerful Night of Celebration and Storytelling!
by Jill Siegel
In
gratitude for the Fitts Fund
("split-the-plate") contribution that Second
Unitarian made to the Preeclampsia Foundation and as event chair for the annual
Saving Grace - A Night of Hope gala
to be held for the first time here in Chicago, I would like to invite
2U members to attend the festivities! The evening will consist of a reception
with silent auction and a dinner program and live auction on Saturday, October
24 at the Renaissance Chicago. The reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the dinner
program begins at 7:00 p.m.
2U's own
Stuart Iseminger and Karen Mooney will be featured in a very special
performance. The gala is the major fundraiser for the Preeclampsia
Foundation whose mission is to provide support to those affected, fund research
into causes and cures, and raise awareness about this life-threatening condition
that takes the lives of 76,000 women and 500,000 babies every year.
Veteran
Chicago broadcaster Sylvia Ewing will be on hand as mistress of
ceremonies and Dr. Michael Wolf, the Director of the Center for Communication in
Healthcare at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, will
deliver an insightful message on the impact that health literacy can have within
our communities.
I
hope you will join us; we will be Celebrating Our Voices, Remembering Our
Stories. 2U is already part of the story for a cure thanks to your generous
donation. If you are interested, please contact Jill Siegel at jill.siegel@preeclampsia.org or 773.301.7023. A limited
number of complimentary seats are available to 2U members for this
cocktail-attire event. More information can be found at https://www.preeclampsia.org/sghome.aspx.
By
the way, auction items being offered include: a trip to Paris, a trip to a Napa
Valley winery, a trip to a 17th century Hacienda in Mexico and a trip
to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. But, there are plenty more treasures that
will be available for those of staying right here in Chicago!
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Membership 101 - Orientation to Unitarian Universalism
When?
Sunday October 18,
1:00 -
2:30pm
Where? to be announced
Who? Anyone who wants to know more about UUism,
Second Unitarian Church, or wants to meet some other good
people.
What? A conversation about UU ideas and sharing
our own questions and paths. Snacks and childcare are provided. Check out the Sources of Our Faith sermon series
to help you think about questions you might have. Sign up at the What's
Happening table at church or contact Membership Coordinator, Lisa Todd at secondunitarian@att.net.
Why?
Because you have some questions about church or faith or belonging to a
community in an intentional way. Join us!
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 Social Justice Corner
"The religious community is essential, for alone our vision
is too narrow to see all that must be seen. Together, our vision widens and
strength is renewed." - Mark Morrison-Reed (Unitarian Universalist
Minister)
Wednesday, Oct. 21st, 2009, 6:30pm Do you think hospitals should provide
affordable care? The Health Care Task
Force of Lakeview Action Coalition has worked hard to improve access to affordable, hospital care for the
county's most vulnerable residents.
Now we need your
help. Show your support
for the Healthcare Access Protection Initiative (HAPI) Ordinance by attending a
community forum!
President Todd
Stroger and Commissioner Moreno will be there, amongst others. The HAPI Ordinance
mandates that hospitals promote their financial aid programs and sets thresholds
for the amount of assistance they provide.
Join us on the 21st at: Grace Place, 637 S. Dearborn.
Please direct questions or
RSVP to Hannah at 773-549-1947
x387
Thursday, Oct. 22nd, 7 - 8:30pm - The Lakeview
Action Coalition Fall Fundraiser 2009 This annual fundraiser will be
honoring the following leaders in our community: State Representative Sara
Feigenholtz, The Parkway Apartments Tenants Association, and Heartland Housing.
Tickets are $75. At St. Clement's Church -2524 N. Orchard Street, Chicago, IL
Peace with justice.
Curtis
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 Diwali
India's largest and best known holiday, Diwali is popularly known as the
"festival of lights"; however, its most noteworthy meaning in a spiritual sense
may be "the awareness of the inner light."
Fundamental in Hindu philosophy is the belief
that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure,
infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. Diwali is the celebration of this inner light.
The story behind Diwali, as well as the length and specific details of
the celebrations, varies widely from region to region; however, the essence is
the same: to rejoice in the inner light (Atman) or the underlying reality of all
things (Brahman) through festive fireworks, lights, flowers, the sharing of
sweets and worship. Shubh Deepawali is a
traditional greeting. It literally translates to "have an auspicious Diwali."
Although truly a global celebration, Diwali
is most widely - and enthusiastically - celebrated in India where it is a
holiday for people of all religions and faith traditions. There it is celebrated not only
by Hindus, but also by Jains, Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists and others. With nearly 1.2
billion people, India ranks second among all nations in population. On October
17th, as the world celebrates Diwali, we ask that you pause and, in a manner
consistent with your faith tradition and/or belief system, send heartfelt
feelings of love and good will to all of our Indian brothers and sisters.
Shubh Deepawali to you and your family!
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Pastoral Concerns
Pastoral Care Ministry team members are available every Sunday during coffee
hour. We are the ones wearing the lavender "Ask me about Pastoral Care" badges.
Please chat with us.
Is there something on your mind or heart that you
need to talk about with someone? The pastoral care ministry provides a listening
ear, and accompanies you on your journey. We also organize meals for people
experiencing a life transition such as a baby, a serious illness, or a death. We
are here to serve you. Please contact Rev. Rudra Dundzila, Community Minister at rdundzila@uuma.org or
773-593-7500.
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Donate Your Old Copies of UU World!
Do you have copies of UU World at home from 2009? Can't decide whether to recycle or re-read them? Donate them to 2U! We can make them available to visitors who want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism.
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Chicago Area Unitarian Universalist Council (CAUUC) News
The Rev. Qiyamah
Rahman at CAUUC gathering
The Reverend Qiyamal Rahman, Director of Contextual Ministry
at Meadville-Lombard Theological School will speak on "Multiracial
Congregations: Can we get there from
here?" at the annual meeting of the Chicago Area UU Council, Saturday, November 7, 9am-3pm at the North
Shore Unitarian Church in Deerfield www.nsuc.org. The day will include an afternoon of
roundtable discussions sharing perspectives and developing "next steps" toward
multiracial congregations. Register at www.uuchicago.org.
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