Sunday, September 15
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by Nanna Cross
Wednesday, September 18
Vespers Service at 6:30pm
Sunday, September 22
Service at 10:30
Hymn Sing
Worship Leaders: The Sunday Services Committee
Accompanist: Marianne Parker
Wednesday, September 25
Vespers Service at 6:30pm
Sunday, September 29
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by the 2U Choir
Wednesday, October 2
Vespers Service at 6:30pm
Sunday, October 6
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by Jim Simonis
Wednesday, October 9
Vespers Service at 6:30pm
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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, September 15
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
Youth Group
Sunday, September 22
Singing Sunday
Intergen: No Classes
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
Youth Group
Sunday, October 6
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
'Coming of Age' at 1st Unitarian from 1-4pm
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
Youth Group
Sunday, October 20
Child Dedication
Intergen: No Classes
Spirit Play
Roots & Shoots
Youth Group
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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 12:00-9:00 pm
Sun 9:00-3:00
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
Safe Congregations
Small Group Ministry
Social Justice
Sun/Moon Group
Transylvania Church
Webmaster
Young Adult Group
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From Seth Fisher
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During the last year, attending services at 2U has often been bittersweet for me. Ironically, finding my spiritual home in Unitarian Universalism at 2U has lead me to a call to ministry, which means that I need to move on in pursuit of that call. There is an analogy in adolescence. Having fulfilled your role as my spiritual family, it is now time for me to leave the nest and set off to start my own family somewhere. It is an exciting time, and also an emotional one.
I'm sitting in my new office at Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis right now. I'm just getting settled in. There are pictures on the walls and random knick-knacks and decorations - some that I brought with me and some that are left over from past interns. I'm sure some of these new books, binders and artifacts will gain meaning for me over the coming months. One of them is a name tag that reads, "Seth Fisher Intern Minister". I also imagine that some of the things I brought with me will have a different significance by the end of the year. I'll be curious to see how I'll feel about the stack of books I'm reading in preparation for seeing the Ministerial Fellowship Committee in December after that meeting has taken place. Likewise, I'm meeting new people who will likely become very important to me, and I'm remembering all of you and the lessons you've taught me, which I'm sure will also deepen over time. When we have our ingathering service here in a couple of weeks I know that I'll be reflecting on the ingatherings at 2U and a part of me will be with you in spirit.
So, I want to thank you for being a home and a sanctuary to me for the last several years. Thank you for supporting me, for giving me a place to explore my spiritual life and my call, and for teaching me what a faith community can be. As a faith community, 2U has a unique place in your life in that you are more than a consumer, you are a member. It is your home. You get what you give and it can give you so much. To be honest, part of the twinge of sadness that I feel is really just jealousy. I think 2U is in a really great place right now and I wish I could be there to be a part of all the good things that are just around the corner for you. I'm still on the Anvil email list, and I look forward to hearing about what you are all up to. And I'll also try to write home every once in a while, just to check in and to let you all know what your boy is up to out here in the world.
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September CYFD News
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The beginning of Children and Youth Faith Development classes is here! We've moved some classes around, and have some exciting new offerings this fall:
Green Caterpillar: The Green Caterpillar room, for our littlest ones, is open in its new location on the west side of the basement. Just head down the stairs and take a right!
Spirit Play: Both classrooms will be exploring the Orientation Story on the first day of classes. The Promises Room is in its usual location on the east side of the basement, and the Sources Room is now located directly across the hall from the Promises Room.
Youth Group: Our new exciting youth advisors will be in the Youth Room, on the west side of the basement, waiting for 2U's YOUTH! Please read the short introduction written by our advisors, below:
Starting on September 15th we will be meeting every other week during service, discussing all kinds of things, playing some games, sharing deeply, and generally having a great time. As youth group is also a fantastic chance to meet and connect with other Unitarian Universalist youth doing amazing things in the world, we have planned on a dinner and game night with the Oak Park UU youth group, most likely in October, and hope to attend the fall youth conference (an incredible weekend of a youth led programming for 150 to 200 northern area UU youth), which will be held in Rockford this November.
The advisors for this year's youth group are...
Megan Selby started in a UU children's program at age 5. In high school she participated in youth groups in Lafayette, IN and the DuPage congregation, which were formative experiences for her. She now coordinates UU young adult activities around Chicago and works on bicycles. She participates in local movements for housing, in support of immigrants, and to build alternatives to prisons. She is very excited to help revitalize 2U's youth group!
Jonah Bondurant has been going to 2U since he was toddler and he grew up in its religious education program, including the youth group, where he learned what fellowship and living out UU values mean. 2U remains an essential part of his family's life. He is also an English teacher at a social justice alternative high school in Pilsen and is very excited to build connections with our youth and grow our youth group into a thriving program.
Jennifer Dunmore was born and raised at 2U and is living out a dream working as a youth advisor. Participating in youth group for Jennifer set her on a course in life that recognizes the inherently spiritual aspects of fighting for justice and building community. Outside of that, she currently sells outdoor gear to folks for a living and loves reading young adult fiction. For Jennifer, youth group really is an absolute dream that she can't wait to share!
If we've convinced you that youth group would be a good fit for the 9th-12th grader in your life, please let us or our fabulous DFD Raquel Garcia know, and we would love to see you at the open house on Sept 15 to get to know you and tell you more about our plans for the year. If you are unsure about youth group and/or still have more questions, we would still love to see you at our open house on Sept 15. Youth group meant a lot to all of us and we can't wait to share that with a new generation of young people.
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For Young Adults
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The Young Adult Group will be having its monthly brunch TODAY, Sunday, September 15th, after the worship service.
The YA Group has also signed up to host coffee hour on October 13th. If you would like to bring something to share, or contribute to set-up and clean-up for coffee hour, please email David Dyer at [email protected].
MidAmerica Region Unitarian Universalist Young Adults will be hosting a young adult conference, open to individuals ages 18-35, at the UU Church of Rockford on October 25-27. This con will provide an opportunity to join other UU young adults from throughout the midwest in seeking joy and serenity through workshops, worship, and social justice. More con information and registration can be found here.
For more information about these events and the Young Adult Group, please contact Erin Rusmi and David Dyer.
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Fall Orientation
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Calling all visitors-- who want to become members!
The 2U fall orientation will be held Sunday, September 22; Sunday, September 29; and Sunday, October 6 following services. Sessions are scheduled to begin at noon in the 2U library and will end at 2pm or before.
If you are interested in attending and have not already signed up, please reserve your place with Jen Duston, church office administrator; you can contact her via email, or by phone at (773) 549-0260 x10.
Child care will be available for those who request it in advance.
While attending any one of these three orientations will meet the by-law requirements for membership, attending all three will provide a greater breadth and depth of understanding for the theological roots of our community, ways to engage with the 2U community, how 2U is organized, and what membership really means.
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Lost & Found Last Chance!
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Our Lost & Found is overflowing! To tidy things up for the start of the church year, we'll be donating any unclaimed items to charity at the end of September.
The Lost & Found box is located at the Welcome Table in the Palmer Room. Please claim any misplaced items by Sunday, September 29th.
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Lay-Led Service in September: Singing Sunday
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Sunday, September 22, 2013
10:30am
Usually, on Sunday mornings, the sermon is the main course; the hymns are added as the side dishes. On September 22, the hymns are the entire meal. We'll raise the roof, rattle the rafters, soothe our souls, boost our spirits, and maybe entertain our Barry Street neighbors, as we sing some of our congregational favorites.
The service will be led by Myra Epping. Myra has been a Unitarian Universalist for the past 30 years, a member of the Second Unitarian Choir for two years, and a life-long alone-in-the-kitchen singer.
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Fall Involvement Fair
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Sunday, September 22, 2013
12:00pm
Mark your calendars for 2U's Fall Involvement Fair! The Involvement Fair is a great opportunity to learn about all of the different dimensions of the church. Interested in Social Justice? Curious about Building and Grounds? Thinking about singing in the choir? Have bold new ideas for Faith Development? Come and explore the many ways to connect and get involved with the church.
After all, as JFK said, "Ask not what your church can do for you, but rather what YOU can do for your church." (Or something like that.) If you're part of a committee or group and would like to have a table at the Involvement Fair, it's not too late! Please contact council chair Laura Barnes.
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2U Family Fun Group
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Sunday, September 22, 2013
12:00-2:30pm
Our new 2U Family Fun Group officially kicks off the new year on Sunday, September 22!
What is the 2U Family Fun Group?
No family fits a single mold of how we came to be, how we're structured, how we get along, how we show our love and frustration, how we handle things together, and how our daily lives work. But families with kids share common joys and worries and kinds of experiences. Our 2U Family Fun Group is for all 2U families with kids under 18 years old.
What's the Kickoff Activity?
Let's enjoy the outdoors while we still can and go to the Lincoln Park Zoo! It's free, and it's not too far. We'll all leave 2U together at noon and take the #36 bus south to the Zoo. It's a straight shot on the bus. Bring your own picnic food or purchase something at the Zoo Cafe. We'll eat together, explore together, talk and play.
If the weather does not cooperate, we'll have an indoor picnic at 2U. If you have any questions, email Christy Grant, or call or text her at (312) 213-1588.
See you on September 22!
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Welcome to Our Newest 2U Members!
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Karen Goldner grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, earning a BA in political science at the University of Nebraska. She moved to Fort Wayne, IN, where she received her master's degree in public administration from Indiana University. After twenty-eight years in Indiana, Karen changed course, traveled around, and settled in Chicago. She works as an economic development consultant. She has a blog called "Driveabout", is writing a novel, and recently completed her first 5K race! A life-long UU, Karen attended UU churches in both Omaha and Fort Wayne. She is already involved with hospitality at 2U and may be interested in joining a small group.
After a time away, Stephen Starkey has re-joined 2U. Originally from Ohio, he attended the UU Church in Akron from 1997 to 2000 while he studied computer science and philosophy at the University of Akron. Then he moved to Chicago to accept a position at Motorola. He attended Meadville-Lombard Seminary for a time, studied Shambala Buddhism and is integrating "the Buddhism from the East with the religious freedom of the West." Stephen recently completed training to be a life coach and works for a software company where he combines programming with coaching individuals and groups. In his free time, he is an avid gamer, enjoys meditation and contemplative photography. At 2U, Stephen may be interested in joining a small group and/or choir and possibly starting a meditation group. He feels 2U is a vibrant, loving community and already feels welcome.
A warm welcome to Karen and Stephen!
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Coming Soon: Small Groups
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Small Group Ministry is a wonderful way for all members of the 2U community-both newcomers and long-term members-to connect with one another. In once- or twice-monthly sessions, participants learn about themselves and Unitarian Universalism while building relationships with a variety of people.
Keep an eye out for sign-up sheets on the welcome table!
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Choir Corner
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The 2U choir rehearses around the piano in the sanctuary every Tuesday evening from 7:15 to 8:30pm. All voices are welcome! Basses and tenors are especially welcome! For more information, email music director Marianne Parker-- or just show up.
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From the Sun/Moon Group
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Please join the Sun/Moon Group for our Autumn Equinox celebration on Saturday, September 21st at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. We will celebrate the balance of the season when there are equal parts light and dark. Come celebrate the transition of the earth at this harvest time. Refreshments to be served afterward.
You are also invited to join us for the first of our three-part Film Series. On Saturday, September 28th at 7:00pm we will watch Part I: The Goddess Remembered. This is an hour-long documentary about the goddess-worshiping religions of the past. We will have refreshments and discussion afterward. In Fleishman Hall. Contact Shauna with any questions.
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Calligrapher Needed
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We are in need of a calligrapher to help us update our Volunteer Award plaques! If you have some experience with calligraphy and would be willing to lend a hand, we would be very grateful! Please email Jen Duston in the office for details.
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From the Membership Committee: 2U Dinners Return
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What are 2U Dinners? 2U Dinners are planned pot-lucks held every few months in members' homes purely for social enjoyment. You may sign up to be a guest or to host a dinner, usually for 8 to 14 persons. The host provides the main dish, and "assigns" the other participants one item to bring, i.e. salad, vegetable, dessert, etc.
It's a fun way to get to know your fellow members, and to enjoy the 2U community. Find the sign-up sheet on the Welcome Table. The first dinners will be held on Friday, October 11th and Saturday, October 12th. Come join us!
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Save the Date For Oktoberfest!
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Save the date for 2U's Oktoberfest Fall Fundraiser on Saturday, November 2nd. Look for more details in the next Anvil!
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Caregivers Group
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013
7:00-8:30pm
The Caregivers Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of every month. Why? Because caregivers need support! It's a tough job! The next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 9 from 7:00 to 8:30pm in the 2U library. For more information, email Myra Epping, or call her at (773) 338-4086.
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2U History at Open House Chicago
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If you've ever wondered what our congregation's first building in Chicago was like, here's an opportunity to see the site and how it was rebuilt after the Great Chicago Fire! Now owned by Harvest Bible Chapel, for many years after the rebuilding it was the Scottish Rite Cathedral. On October 19th from 9am to 5pm, the building at 935 N. Dearborn Street will be open to visitors as part of Open House Chicago.
In addition to all the other wonderful opportunities, don't miss the chance to see our old congregational home!
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Multicultural Ministries Sharing Project
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Multicultural Ministries, the UUA team that hosts Finding Our Way Home each year, has just launched a groundbreaking project called the Multicultural Ministries Sharing Project. The project is designed to seek input from people within Unitarian Universalism who have historically marginalized races, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and/or gender identities/expressions, with the goal of helping congregational leaders and UUA staff understand where we are now and what we need to be well-equipped to meet the ministry needs of people seeking a liberal religious home in the 21st century. There are two parts to the project: a comprehensive survey and, later, focus groups.
Please consider being a party of this project by taking the survey and spreading the word. All those 13 and older with a UU affiliation who are people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ, or otherwise marginalized due to gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, race, and/or ethnicity are warmly invited to participate.
The Sharing Project is open now, and ends October 31, 2013. Click here to take the survey.
For more information on the Multicultural Ministries Sharing Project, check out uua.org/sharingproject.
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Money Matters
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Fiscal Year 2013-14: YTD Through August
Income
| | | | Pledges & Collection Plate | $ 30,367 | | Other Income | $ 3,247 | | Total (YTD) | $ 33,614 | | Budget Projection 2013-14 | $ 267,150 | | | |
Expenses
| | | Collection Plate Sharing | $ 1,286 | | All other Expenses | $ 43,421 | | Total (YTD) | $ 44,707 | | Budget Projection 2013-14 | $ 274,324 | | | |
Debt and Deficit
| | | Projected Deficit 2013-14 | $ 7,174 | | Long Term Debt | $ 231,099 |
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Anvil Deadlines
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Have a message to put in the Anvil? Plan ahead! Please have all submissions for the next newsletter in to Jen Duston at [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, September 25.
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