The Anvil - October 15, 2012

community tree We have come such a long way in the past three years, but we're not done yet! As I said on Sunday, Sept 16th, we need to sing a new song, begin a new story, speak about who we are in such a way that it leads us forward and gives us direction. Our story didn't end with settling a minister - that was another beginning.

It's time to develop a vision of this congregation that we can make come true together. I hope that we will aspire to something powerful, transformative, and faithful. To be an effective leader, I need to know what you want me to help make come true. We need to tell each other what will inspire greatness among us!

Your voices will be heard in a series of discussions facilitated by the Board and members of the Committee on Ministries. The first session was held on October 14, and there are many more opportunities for you to contribute to the conversation:

Sunday, October 21 at noon
Wednesday, October 24 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, October 28 at noon
Tuesday, October 30 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, November 4 at noon
Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 pm

You can sign up on the sheets posted in the Palmer Room, or just drop a line to Jen in the office and let her know which session you're interested in.

I would love to have at least half of our membership participate, so that the members of 2U can truly create this vision together. The more voices that join in this conversation, the more this new vision will speak to the whole of our hopes and goals. Deciding our future direction isn't just one person's job, or just the Board's job - it requires us all to participate.

Please plan to attend one of these sessions, and help shape how we move forward together.

Faithfully,

Rev. Adam

Fall Orientation

Interested in membership? Want to learn more about 2U? Take a look at our new fall orientation schedule:

Sunday, October 21, 12:00-2:00: Session one the new three-session orientation series. This session will focus on theology, and on making peace with your religious past.

Sunday, October 28, 12:00-2:00: Session two will focus on Lifespan Faith Development, social justice, small groups, and other ways to more deeply participate in the 2U community.

Sunday, November 4, 12:00-2:00: The third session will take a look at the way 2U is organized and governed, the process of pledging, the committee and Board of Trustees structure, and so on.

We will also continue to hold our monthly '2U 101' session from 11:45-12:30 on the first Sunday of each month. These sessions will give you a chance to meet the minister and get the answers to some frequently asked questions.

We hope that these sessions will provide plenty of in-depth information, and will help you to make the decision to move from being a friend or visitor to becoming a full member of the 2U community.

Please sign up on the 'What's Happening' table in the Palmer Room, or contact John Broome, chair of the membership committee, with any questions or to register for a session.

2U Fall Fest: Harvesting Our Treasures

Saturday, October 20, 2012

6:00 - 10:00 pm

Our annual Fall Fest is just a few short days away! There are still plenty of ways for you to lend a hand:

prepare a dessert
host a party
decorate and set up
registration
prepare and serve food
run the sound system

and lots more! The link to volunteer for the event is here, and you can contact Nanna Cross with questions.

And, of course, buy your event tickets here, and join us on Saturday night for all the fun: great food, silent and live auctions, quilt and 50/50 raffles, tons of kids' activities, and the highly competitive 2U staff baking competition!

Don't miss it!

Samhain Ritual

Wednesday, October 31

6:30 pm

The Sun/Moon Group invites everyone, whether or not you have experience with a Pagan tradition, to celebrate Samhain on October 31, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Samhain (pronounced Sow-en) is the third and final harvest festival in the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. It is the time when the Sun God and Earth Goddess rule over the underworld as equals, giving each other the divine gift of knowledge and insight. It is a time to be thankful for the harvested food that will last us through the dark winter. The Samhain ritual gives each of us a moment to honor our ancestors and to celebrate those we have loved and lost.

In the spirit of Halloween, we invite children to attend in their costumes. Please bring your left over candy and treats or a beverage to share during the community time after the ritual. Adults are invited to bring and wear masquerade masks (invited, not required).

Pagan traditions and philosophies vary, so here are a few thoughts about the core concepts the Sun/Moon Group has decided to use for its rituals. The Sabbats, or high holy days, celebrate the balanced interlinking between the male principle as symbolized by the Sun, the God, and the female principle as symbolized by the Earth, the Goddess. The Eight Sabbats as depicted by the symbol of the eight-spoked Wheel of the Year. This symbol represents the life story of the God, as the Sun, consort to the Goddess, as the Earth. Consistent with the Laws of Nature, the Wheel of the Year forms the story of birth, life, death, and rebirth. It is the metaphor for ongoing life.

Child Dedication

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Each spring and fall, we at 2U share in the dedication of members' children who have come into our community. Whether babies or teenagers, we celebrate and welcome all those who have not yet come of age, and offer up our promise to be alongside them as they grow in their faith. If you and your children would like to participate in the upcoming child dedication ceremony on October 21, please contact Director of Faith Development Kellie Kelly.

Musicians Wanted

Interested in playing in a classical music ensemble for fun and/or for performing during a Sunday worship service? The 2U Music Committee is always looking for musicians! Please contact Music Committee member Monica Drane or 2U Music Director Marianne Parker for more information or to have your name added to the roster .

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 28, 2012

10:30 am

The annual Blessing of the Animals service is Sunday, October 28th at 2U. All healthy, friendly, leashed or otherwise contained pets (or photos or stuffed animals) are invited to join their families in the sanctuary for this one-of-a-kind service. As stated by Anatole France, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." The human/animal bond is a deep relationship that has brought great joy to people of all walks of life for centuries. At this service, we will explore how these relationships have enriched our lives and give thanks for all that animals have given us.

Young Adult Circle Worship

Sunday, October 21, 2012

All UUs age 18-35 are invited to join the 2U Young Adults for a circle worship on Sunday, October 21st after the morning service. Please contact Erin Rusmi with any questions.

Navigators USA

Anyone interested in starting a chapter of Navigators USA: A Different Kind of Scouting at 2U? Navigators USA is the Unitarian Universalist co-ed scouting organization that does not discriminate.

We'll have a parents' meeting on Sunday, Oct 21, at 12-1 PM at 2U to discuss the possibilities. Please contact Rev. Rudra Dundzila if interested.

Anvil Deadlines

Have a message to put in the Anvil? Plan ahead! Please have all submissions in to Jen Duston at office@secondunitarian.org by 5pm on the Wednesday before the 1st or the 15th of the month.