Sunday, May 5
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by Nanna Cross
Wednesday, May 8
Vespers Service at 6:30pm
Sunday, May 12
Patchwork Service at 10:30
Preachers: Rhonda Kineman, Melanie Bienemann, Janice Stashwick
Music by Gail Gallagher
Wednesday, May 15
Vespers Service at 6:30pm
Sunday, May 19
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by Jim Simonis & Marianne Parker
Congregational Meeting Following the Service
Wednesday, May 22
Vespers Service at 6:30pm
Sunday, May 26
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
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Children & Youth Faith Development Schedule
Child care for infants and toddlers is available every Sunday in the Green Caterpillar room.
Sunday, May 5
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
Sunday, May 12
Spirit Play
Roots & Shoots
Sunday, May 19
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
Sunday, May 26
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
Sunday, June 2
Flower Communion
Intergen: No classes
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Recent 2U Plate-Sharing Recipients
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Church Office Information & Staff
Minister
773-549-0260, ext. 13
Office Hours: Wed-Thurs 1:00-9:00 pm
Dir. of Faith Development
773-549-0260, ext. 12
Office Hours: Wed 1:00-6:00, Sun 9:00-1:00
Office Administrator
773-549-0260, ext. 10
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 10:00-4:00
Community Minister
773-593-7500
Music Director
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2U Ministry Leaders
Board of Trustees
Bookstore
Building & Grounds
Committee on Ministry
Finance Committee
Green Sanctuary
Hospitality
Lifespan Faith Dev.
Membership
Music
Newsletter
Pastoral Care
Sunday Services
Safe Congregations
Small Group Ministry
Social Justice
Transylvania Church
Webmaster
Young Adult Group
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From the Minister
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Each year at this time, I think that the end of this church year is coming along faster than feels possible. It reminds me that there are just a few things that need to be part of the end of our "Spring Clean-up" to deal with the last loose ends before we embark on the next church year. This Anvil has a bunch of those sorts of reminders; later this week, you'll receive an email with information about our Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 19th.
Just a couple of spring clean-up type reminders:
If you haven't gotten your pledge card in yet, please speak with your canvasser or turn in your pledge directly to the 2U office. We need your input so that we can build our budget for next year!
Sunday, May 26th will be a Building and Grounds work day on which your help is necessary and deeply appreciated. We are continuing to attend to the needs of our building so it can serve the needs of the congregation.
I look forward to wrapping up this year (and starting the next) with all of you!
Faithfully,
Rev. Adam
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Beltane Celebration TODAY
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Wednesday, May 1, 2013
6:30pm
Spring is upon us! The Sun/Moon Group invites everyone to a celebration of Beltane on May 1, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
We will be planting seeds, dancing around the May Pole, and ushering in the season of cleansing and creation.
Beltane is a time of cleansing for all. It is also the time when the Sun God and Earth Goddess come together to create new life. After their joining, the Sun God takes on the role of the shepherd and is separated from the Earth Goddess until they come together again at the Summer Solstice.
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.
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Unitarian Universalists and the Boy Scouts
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Unitarian Universalist congregations, as well as the Unitarian Universalist Association, have a long standing affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Many congregations charter or have charted scouting units, while the UUA had been part of the BSA national religious emblems program. The BSA's discriminatory policies on women, gays and lesbians, and atheists have been challenged with UUA support. The BSA won two Supreme Court cases allowing it to ban gays/lesbians and atheists, as a private membership organization. At that time, it severed its ties with the UUA, because the UUA opted to include information about BSA discrimination in its religious emblems programs. The BSA continued to work with individual UUA congregations chartering scouting, many of which severed their ties with the BSA. Detailed information on the UUA's relation with the BSA can be found here. On the issue of women in scouting, the BSA relented to allow women to join the teen echelons of scouting.
The BSA has been considering lifting its ban on gays and lesbians since the start of this year. A February resolution would have removed the national ban, allowing local units to implement bans. The resolution was not approved, but tabled for further consideration. The BSA conducted a nation-wide feedback campaign within and outside of scouting. In April, the BSA proposed a revised resolution that would end discrimination against gay/lesbian scouts, but not parents, scout leaders, and employees. The current resolution proposes that, "no youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone." The complete resolution is available here. This policy change faces a vote by the BSA's National leadership meeting, May 22-24.
The UUA, along with its faith partners, has been involved in national campaign to influence the BSA's decision. Second Unitarian Church recently showed the award-winning documentary Scout's Honor about the discrimination in the BSA. Congregants are now asked to send letters to the BSA requesting a policy change that would allow gay and lesbian scouts, scout leaders, and employees. A sample letter can be found here for your consideration.
Let's help encourage the BSA to end discrimination and stigmatization now.
Thank you for your concern and assistance,
Rev. Rudra Dundzila
Community Minister
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Ribbons, Not Walls Fabric Arts Project
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The Ribbons, Not Walls fabric arts project for Immigrant Rights is headed for Louisville and General Assembly in just a few weeks. 2U is contributing two panels to the project; one of these beautiful works in progress is pictured here. Over 24 panels will be put on display, and a library of some 150 Banned Books by Hispanic authors will be presented to a community organization in that city.
You can support this important Social Justice work by sponsoring a book or panel for a donation of just $20. Smaller donations are also very welcome.
Kellie Kelly will run an information and donation table at coffee hour on Sunday, May 5 and Sunday, June 2 to answer your questions and solicit your support.
Full details are available at ribbonsnotwalls.org, or on Facebook.
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Beer, Brats and Bratz House Party
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Saturday, May 11, 2013
5:30-8:00pm
Join Kimberly Bares and MarySue Barrett at Kimberly's place for a 2U house party! This is a fundraiser for 2U-- all proceeds benefit Second Unitarian Church, and a good time is (nearly) guaranteed!
Tickets are $20, and kids under 5 are free.
We will have beer, soft drinks, brats, sides, and lots of veggie options, too. Kids' activities and great conversation are planned. Plus, did we mention beer?!
Please RSVP ahead of time-- we want to be sure we have enough beer and brats to go around! To RSVP and get directions, email Kimberly at [email protected], or call (773) 744-1669.
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Theological Education Forum
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Sunday, May 12, 2013
12:15-1:00pm
Ever consider formalized theological education? What is that, anyway? Join us in the Sanctuary on May 12th to learn more about theological education and how you can get involved.
Nic Cable, a UU and Master of Divinity student at Chicago Theological Seminary, as well as Darrick Jackson, Director of Contextual Ministry at Meadville Lombard Theological School will facilitate this event. They will provide information about different models of theological education and offer time for lots of questions and answers.
Whether you are very interested in theological education or completely unsure about what that might mean, we hope you can make it to this gathering!
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Mother's Day Patchwork Service
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Sunday, May 12, 2013
10:30am
This is a day to celebrate those who mothered us and those who are now mothering. In this lay-led patchwork service, Melanie Bienemann, Rhonda Kineman, and Janice Stashwick will reflect on how we change from someone who is cared for to someone who cares for others.
We're asking that you send us (electronic) pictures of people you would like to honor so that we may display them either in the Sanctuary or in the Palmer Room. Please identify the people in the photos and their relationship to you, and send them to Janice Stashwick no later than May 3.
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Building and Grounds Work Party
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Sunday, May 26, 2013
12:00pm
The next Building & Grounds work party will be on Sunday, May 26 at noon. Help us install shelving and organize the music storage closet behind the chancel. All hands are welcome!
Many thanks to all who helped with the yard clean-up! The church grounds look great, just in time for the warm weather.
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Welcome to Our Newest 2U Members
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Christy Grant grew up in Battle Creek, MI. She attended Calvin College where she earned a degree in English. After an internship in Chicago as part of her college curriculum, she decided to stay. She worked as an editor for a children's book publisher, in web development and electronic publications for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and for Homefinder.com. Currently, Christy works in project management for the Chicago Tribune. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, theater, photography, and hanging out with her husband David Martin and daughter Audrey, age 5. Christy and David were members of a neighborhood church but came to 2U which is a good fit for them now; Audrey especially enjoys the children's religious education program. Christy is volunteering in Spirit Play and is interested in developing a new website for 2U.
David Martin was born in Kentucky, but grew up in Kokomo, IN. After graduating from Perdue University, where he studied computer science, he moved to Naperville, IL where he worked at Bell Labs. He moved to the city, and has worked at IBM, Fermi Lab, and is now at Argonne National Lab running large networks. David enjoys theater, travel and chasing Audrey around. He has helped out at 2U sealing the windows, and enjoys the church community.
A warm welcome to Christy, David and Audrey!
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Spring Recycle Challenge!
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By donating the following items to 2U, you can clear out clutter, help us raise funds and help keep our landfills free of electronic waste!
Accepted items to recycle:
- Inkjet Cartridges
- Cell Phones/Pagers/PDAs
- iPods/MP3 Players
- iPads/Tablets
- eBook Readers
- Digital/Video Cameras
- Mobile Hot Spots
- GPS and Radar Detectors
- Calculators
- Video Games and Accessories
- Video Game Consoles
- Video Game Handhelds
Drop off by Sunday, June 9th at Second Unitarian. The Recycling Box will be located in the Palmer Room.
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Plate-Sharing Applications
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We are soliciting applications for July-September 2013 at this time. If you are involved in a social justice organization and are interested in presenting for each Sunday in one of these months, please secure an application here, or you can request a copy from Jen Duston in the church office.
The fundamental criterion is that the activity should match one of our UU principles. Electronic applications are preferred. Applications should be submitted to the office by Sunday, May 19th. In-person presentations to the Social Justice Council will then take place on Sunday, June 2nd. Applicants will have 20 minutes at that time: ten minutes for presenting and ten minutes for Q&A.
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Caregivers' Support Group
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Wednesday, June 12, 2013
7:00-8:30pm
It's estimated that one in four Americans are unpaid family caregivers. "Caregiving" ranges from full-time, hands-on care to a weekly long-distance phone call. Whatever the level of care, caregiving is a unique mix of love and worry that sits in the heart. It takes a toll: studies show that caregivers have more physical, emotional, family, and financial issues than the rest of the population. We need support!
The first meeting of the Caregivers' Support Group at 2U will be on Wednesday, June 12 from 7:00 to 8:30pm. The monthly meetings will be on the second Wednesday of every month. If you come once to try it out, are you stuck forever? No! If you can't make it every month but would like to come when you can, is that okay? Yes!
For more information, please email me, Myra Epping, or call me at (773) 338-4086. If you plan to attend the June 12 meeting, please sign up at the Welcome Table in the Palmer Room.
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Hungry, Not Hopeless Dinner & Movie Night
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Mark your calendars now for Roots & Shoots upcoming Hungry, Not Hopeless Dinner & Movie Night!
When: Saturday, June 1st, 5:00pm
Where: Second Unitarian Church
What: Chili dinner, followed by a viewing of Where God Left His Shoes
Who: You, and everyone you want to invite
Child care will be provided during the movie. All proceeds will be donated to the Second Unitarian Night Ministry Outreach fund.
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Chicago Area UU Council Annual Meeting
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Saturday, May 4, 2013
Unity Temple
875 W. Lake Street
Oak Park IL 60301
10:00 to 10:15am: Sign-in, with light refreshments and socializing
10:15 to 11:30am: "Out of the Sanctuary, Into the Streets" program
A panel presentation, featuring the following:
- Rich Pokorny on the Community Renewal Society, and UU involvement with it.
- Finley Campbell on the UU General Assembly, and its place in our acting to promote our values in the broader society
- Dave Segal on sustainability, and how UUs can help promote it in the wider world
- Karla Chew on involvement, with a proposed constitutional amendment to do away with corporate personhood and the concept that money is not the same as free speech.
11:30am to 12:30pm: Annual Business Meeting
Agenda to include:
- Chair/Co-Chair Report
- Financial Report
- Proposed budget for the new fiscal year
- Motion to limit CAUUC membership to dues-paying congregations
- Election of officers and directors for the new fiscal year
- Reports of CAUUC-supported organizations and events
- Other business
- Adjournment
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Choir Corner
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There is still time to join the 2U choir before the summer break! The choir rehearses around the piano in the sanctuary on Tuesdays at 7:30pm. There will be no rehearsal on May 7 and May 14. All voices are welcome; tenors and basses are especially welcome. For more information, contact music director Marianne Parker, or just come to a rehearsal.
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Money Matters
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Fiscal Year 2012-13: YTD Through March
Income
| | | | Pledges & Collection Plate | $ 148,530 | | Other Income | $ 53,284 | | Total (YTD) | $ 201,814 | | Budget Projection 2012-13 | $ 244,725 | | | |
Expenses
| | | Collection Plate Sharing | $ 7,452 | | All other Expenses | $ 184,018 | | Total (YTD) | $ 191,470 | | Budget Projection 2012-13 | $ 254,958 | | | |
Debt and Deficit
| | | Projected Deficit 2012-13 | $ 10,233 | | Long Term Debt | $ 233,706 |
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Anvil Deadlines
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Have a message to put in the Anvil? Plan ahead! Please have all submissions in to Jen Duston at [email protected] by 5pm on the Wednesday before the 1st or the 15th of the month.
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