No matter what it looks like outside, the calendar tells us an important truth: the end of the year and the holiday season are upon us!

Each year, there are certain things that remind me of what I love about this time of year: decorating my home and the church, spending time with others in celebration, going to concerts and watching various holiday specials at home, preparing gifts to give. This is also a time when I seek out quiet and calm moments in direct proportion to the events and parties that I attend. The holidays, for me, are a time of seeking balance - it's so easy to be caught up in the rush or the doldrums, and neither extreme brings me joy. Instead, I remind myself of what I enjoy with little things: a good cup of eggnog, a beautiful ornament for the tree, a piece of music that speaks to my heart and soul.

Whether you celebrate one, many, or none of these winter holidays, I hope that you are able to enjoy the things that bring you joy and peace in this season!

Faithfully,
Rev. Adam

Whether you're new to 2U or have been around a while, only attended worship or sat on the Board, we invite you to attend Harvest the Power - a course designed to help us all understand how we each can contribute to the leadership of our congregation. Taught by Rev. Adam Robersmith, Marva Williams, Lizzie Kepler, and Jeff Siegel, participants will learn about themselves, our faith tradition, the congregation, and what being a leader means both spiritually and religiously - personally and institutionally. Participants can expect laughter and self-discovery, new information and understandings, and - we hope! - a sense of confidence in being able to participate in the life of the congregation in a new way.

Harvest the Power will be held at 2U at 7:30pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from January through June. We'll have a sign-up sheet on the What's Happening table in the Palmer Room; you can also contact Marva Williams at marva96@att.net with questions or to sign up to join the class.

If you're not quite sure whether you'd like to join us, you are welcome to come for the first four classes in January and February and then decide whether you wish to continue on. Think of it as an "open enrollment" period!

This is an excellent opportunity to connect with other members of the congregation and to deepen your engagement with your community - we hope you'll join us!

The Fall Feast may be over, but there is still time to enjoy fellowship with 2Uers. Parties offered "for auction" at the Fall Feast are happening over the next few months. First up: a wine tasting hosted by Dana and Libby Hill tasting that will entertain and educate on the joy of fine wines. A Wine Advisor from Wines for Humanity  will inform the group how to taste wine, how to pair wine with food, and how wine can be an integral part of a meaningful life - all while learning about and sampling seven fine wine selections. If you so choose, you can select wines from those sampled. A portion of the proceeds benefits a local charity that works for the prevention of homelessness in families with children. The average bottle price is $20.

Hosts: Libby & Dana Hill
Party date: Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: 2428 N. Drake Ave. in Logan Square
Price/spot: $20 (thanks to the generosity of the party hosts, the cost is a
donation to 2U) 

If you are interested in attending, please email Libby Hill at
threebmetaldesign@yahoo.com. You can put a check in the collection plate,
but please make note of the fall fundraiser on the memo line so that it gets
credited appropriately. 

Fiscal Year 2011-12 Operating Budget Status: YTD through November

Income                                                                                                         

Pledges & Collection Plate                                                                           71,888

Other Income                                                                                                   30,385

Total YTD Income                                                                                        $102,273

Expenses

Collection Plate Sharing                                                                                  2,062

All Other Expenses                                                                                         97,182

Total YTD Expenses                                                                                    $99,244

Total Annual Budget                                                                                  $284,722     

Balance Sheet Snapshot - November

Total Reserves & Investments                                                                   195,269

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

Endowment                                                                                                        1,256

Restricted Funds                                                                                               6,491

Total Long Term Debt                                                                                $284,835