Waking Lazarus

Second Unitarian and Endpoint Theatre Present a Benefit* Concert Reading of Waking Lazarus

SUNDAY, JUNE 19 - 1PM SHOW

 

Words & Music by Curtis Powell, Directed by George Cederquist

Waking Lazarus examines the church's conflict with homosexuality through the eyes of choir director, Lazarus Jordan. When a member is "outed" at a pride parade, Jordan is forced to choose between his career and speaking out against the church. Scenes from Jordan's childhood in a black gospel church circa 1967 are interspersed with the present; where as choir director of a conservative church, circumstances force Jordan to decide which is more important, his job or his soul.

Waking Lazarus features sixteen actors singing twenty new irreverent, thought-provoking songs, ranging in style from jazz, gospel and rock to classical. 

Ticket price of $50 includes:

Catered Community Luncheon prior to show (noon)

Waking Lazarus Concert Reading

Talk Back Session

Downloadable mp3 live cast recording in July (CDs also available)

Talk-back session facilitated by Ben Hollis (WTTW's Wild Chicago host)

Auction of 2 walk-on roles (one male, one female):

• Any amount over and above the $50 basic contribution gets one vote for $1. For example, a $100 contribution gets one ticket ($50) and 50 votes to allocate to the person(s) you'd most like to see on stage;
• Nominees for walk-on roles are Rev. Adam Robersmith, Gabrielle Montgomery, Laura McKee, Ian McPhaden & Larry Lefferts
• Results of walk-on auction announced on June 12 after service; persons chosen would need to rehearse with cast at least once before 6/19. 

* Proceeds split evenly between 2U and Endpoint Theatre

Rev. Mark Kiyimba, UU Minister from Kampala, Uganda will be preaching at 2U on July 3rd!

 

We hope that you all will be able to come to 2U for this special worship service and opportunity for discussion afterwards. Paul Konkoly is also in the process of coordinating with other area UU congregations for opportunities for Rev. Kiyimba to speak on the Friday and Saturday before. As we know more about the schedule of events for that weekend, we'll publicize them both within the congregation and the wider community.

 

You might have heard about Rev. Kiyimba in the UU World or during Rev. Adam's sermon on Unitarian Universalism in Africa earlier this spring. Uganda has been a place of great concern for LGBT rights and safety, as politicians and some religious leaders have sought to pass laws criminalizing homosexuality, with punishment including death sentences. On February 14, 2009, Rev. Kiyimba and his congregation sponsored a pro-LGBT equality conference called "Standing on the Side of Love: Reimagining Valentine's Day" in Kampala. The courageous position that he and his congregation took have resulted in significant danger for him and others in Uganda; Rev. Kiyimba is now in the US, travelling and preaching as a way of developing support for change and equality in his homeland.

 

Please join us on July 3rd! 

 

Rev. Kiyimba's visit also provides 2Uers with a unique opportunity to be hosts or event companions for his Chicago visit. If you can provide either your home or your time, please contact Curtis Smith cmwright@sbcglobal.net or Paul Konkoly pkonkoly@yahoo.com.

Introducing Marta Melkowska

Please welcome the newest addition to the 2U staff, Nursery Attendant Marta! She was born and raised in Gliwice, Poland. Relocated to the States (Memphis, TN) in 2000 as part of a cultural exchange program called EF Au Pair. After completing Masters in Management she started working as an accountant and also became a head of the nursery at St. Peter's catholic church. Relocated to Chicago in 2008 where she currently works a property accountant for a commercial real estate company. She likes to travel, cook, read and rollerblade (She is also available to babysit on week nights and weekends).

Pride Parade Planning Meeting

Sun. June 12, 1:30pm in the Library

We need planners, workers, and marchers (and planner/worker/marchers!) to get creative and get us ready for 2U's contingent in the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26, stepping off at noon. Bring your grand parade ideas and energy -- we will provide love, thanks, and LUNCH! Any questions? Contact Neal Shankman at nss.church@gmail.com.

2U Young Adults Transition Ceremony

 

Young Adulthood is a time of constant change. In order to recognize the major differences in people's lives over the past year, on Sunday June 12th after services the 2U Young Adult group will have a brief ceremony in the backyard of the church.  Food, fellowship, and fun will be provided.  All young adults are welcome, especially those who went through a change in the past year (graduation, big birthday, giving birth, getting married, etc.).  Upcoming events in the month of June for young adults include a yoga night, helping with the Pride Parade, and a trip to Taste of Chicago.  Please contact Arcenia Harmon at oya7@yahoo.com for more information. 

Summer Services Schedule

We have an exciting line up of Sunday services at 2U this Summer.

Message From the Treasurer

Dear 2U Members and Friends,

Thank you so much for your generosity over this fiscal year 2010-2011!  To quote UU Minister Rev. Thomas Disrud: "Generosity and most spirituality grow out of a sense of gratitude. We work hard and many of us struggle to overcome obstacles and oppressions. But we have also been given so much. We did not create our talents or our energy. The wonder of the natural world, the capacity to love and to be loved, to know beauty and to treasure friendship, life itself...these are all gifts we did not create."

The Spirit of Life calls us to respond with gratitude. One great theologian said that if our only prayer is "Thank you, thank you, thank you," that would be enough. But that feeling of gratitude for all we have been given also calls us to give back, to find ways to bless the world as we have been blessed.

 

I hope that you have felt those blessings in your life and I call on you to continue your generosity and complete your pledge for this fiscal year.  Currently as a congregation we are at 78% of our fiscal year pledge contributions and we have until July 1 to complete the fiscal year and reach 100%.  Please get the rest of your annual contribution into the collection plate as it comes around or send your check to the church or contribute via paypal.

 

Thanks again for all your contributions to the community in time, talent, and money, er treasure.  Without it, we'd have a deficit of spirit as well as the many wonderful services the church provides for the community.

 

In gratitude for your blessings,

Laura McKee

Singing in the Journey (teal hymnal)

Gay Pride Sunday

Marilyn Hebda will be preaching on Pride Sunday, June 26th. The topic of her sermon will be "How Can We Make It Better and A Celebration of Illinois Civil Unions." The "It Gets Better Project" was started in 2010 to support young people in the GLBTQ community assuring them that life gets better as we get older. She will be preaching about how we as individuals, as a church, as a State, and as a country can make it better for people in the GLBTQ community. We will also be acknowledging couples in the church that are in committed same sex relationships. (These couples must contact Marilyn ahead of time at Mfranceshebda@Mac.com). We want to celebrate the historic legislation that grants couples a Civil Union in Illinois. One step closer to equality!

Annual Gay Pride Parade Lemonade Stand

Sunday, June 26 during the Pride Parade

It is time again for 2U's children and youth to share our church's message of welcoming, inclusivity and love. And to sell lemonade and baked goods to parched parade goers! We need your help. We need donations of paper cups, napkins, lemonade mix, bags of ice and lots of baked goodies. We also need help setting up the lemonade stand, staffing during the parade, and cleaning up at the end of the parade. If you can help in any way, please let Gabrielle know, programs@secondunitarian.org. Thanks!

Green Sanctuary News

Thanks to everyone who came to the Plant Exchange last weekend. It was great to see some new faces and spend a little time hanging out in the backyard with you all!

 We still have Pagoda Dogwoods available for $30 each. They make great Father's Day gifts! Birds love them! They eat carbon dioxide (CO2), the chief greenhouse gas that results from human activities and causes global warming and climate change! Buy one now and support 2U's backyard! 

Keep an eye on what we're doing in the backyard over the summer. Planting will continue, we're adding a raised bed for herbs, as well as a compost bin and rain barrel.  

Add a Rain Barrel and Compost Bin to your living area and take part in controlling storm water runoff and minimizing landfill waste. The City of Chicago is offering rebates of 50% off, up to $100 on rain barrel, compost bins and native plants/trees. 

Contact Libby at threebmetaldesign@yahoo.com for trees and/or questions.

New Member

 

Ann Nelson grew up in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in political science. Ann works at Northwestern University's Law School where she runs the trial advocacy program. In her free time, Ann enjoys reading, crocheting, and playing Scrabble. Ann has been attending 2U for about a year, having been brought here by Nathan Miller. She is active with the Hospitality Committee and is thinking about joining a small group. Although not necessarily looking for a church community, Ann is happy to have found 2U and we are glad she did.

 

Welcome Ann!!

Orientation to 2nd Unitarian Church

Picnic & Worship in the Park

Sunday July 17, 2011

 

Once again, 2U will hold a summer service in the park.  This year's date is Sunday, July 17, and you are invited.

 

We need all the tables, folding chairs and food folks would like to share.

 

If you are interested in helping or participating, please contact Fran Simons (frandidit@aol.com) or 773-960-8934 or David Leaman (deleaman@att.net).

 

All members of the family are welcome-including those with four feet as well as with two.

 

Last year's picnic was lots of fun, and the rain showers helped us clean up quickly!  Plan now to be a part of this year's picnic service.

2U Music BBQ & Potluck

Sunday, July 10 at Noon in the Backyard

Join the music committee and musicians at 2U for a celebration of our music ministry. After the all music service honoring the folk musician Pete Seeger

on Sunday, July 10, we will have a pot luck luncheon and backyard BBQ.  Meat or vegan substitutes will be provided.  Please bring side dishes--salads and desserts.  We are in need of a portable BBQ grill for this event.  Contact Nanna Cross at nannacross@ymail.com if you have a grill we can borrow for the day!

Disability Pride Parade

 

 

Money Matter$

Fiscal Year 2010-11 Operating Budget Status: YTD through May 

 

Income                                                                                                         

Pledges & Collection Plate                                                                          173,513

Other Income                                                                                                    35,936

Total YTD Income                                                                                        $209,449

 

Expenses

Collection Plate Sharing                                                                                  6,843

All Other Expenses                                                                                       198,872

Total YTD Expenses                                                                                  $205,715    

Total Annual Budget                                                                                  $254,474     

Balance Sheet Snapshot - May

Total Reserves & Investments                                                                   212,290

Land & Building (2001 appraisal)                                                          2,060,000

Endowment                                                                                                        1,256

Restricted Funds                                                                                               7,949

Total Long Term Debt                                                                                $286,148

Second Unitarian Church of Chicago
656 West Barry Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60657
www.secondunitarian.org