Anvil header

Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
November 15, 2013
In This Issue
Worship at 2U
 
Sunday, November 17
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by the 2U Choir

Wednesday, November 20
Vespers Service at 6:30pm

Sunday, November 24
New Member Ingathering
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by Rosalind Hurwitz

Sunday, December 1
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Rudra Dundzila
Music by Michael McElvain

Wednesday, December 4
Vespers Service at 6:30pm
Holiday Decorating at 7pm

Sunday, December 8
Music Sunday
Service at 10:30
Worship Leaders: Rev. Adam Robersmith & Marianne Parker

Wednesday, December 11
Vespers Service at 6:30pm

Sunday, December 15
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by Marianne Parker
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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, November 17
Spirit Play
Roots & Shoots

Sunday, November 24
Intergen: No Classes
 
Sunday, December 1
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
 
Sunday, December 8
Intergen: No Classes
Coming of Age meets at
1:00pm
 
Sunday, December 15
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
Youth Group 
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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 5:00-9:00 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
                                  
2U Ministry Leaders

Board of Trustees

Bookstore

Building & Grounds

Committee on Ministry

Finance Committee

Green Sanctuary

Hospitality 

Lifespan Faith Dev.

Membership

Music

Newsletter

Night Ministry Outreach

Pastoral Care

Safe Congregations 

Small Group Ministry

Social Justice

Sunday Services

Sun/Moon Group

Transylvania Church

Webmaster

Young Adult Group
Erin Rusmi
_____________________
 
Board of Trustees 
 









                                  
From the Board Chair
The Fall FUNdraiser: Thanks to those of you who contributed in one way or another to our annual fall fundraiser! This year's Oktoberfest was a resounding success: more than 100 people joined in the fun, which included a heartfelt kazoo rendition of 'Edelweiss' and the making (and eating) of spaetzle, and we raised just over $11,500, meeting our goal. Prost!
 
Each spring at our annual meeting, we vote on a budget that relies most heavily on pledges to pay our minister and staff, maintain our building and grounds, provide programming that we value, and serve the larger community. But a critical portion of the income that enables us to run the church-- at a cost of more than $5,000 a week-- is generated by two special fundraisers that we operate each year: the fall fundraiser and the special gifts campaign. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of a few members, the willingness of many others to lend a hand, and the generosity of dozens of members and friends, the revenue produced by the fall fundraiser will help the church continue its good work.
 
A HUGE thanks to the Oktoberfest planning team: Kimberly, Laura, Rose, Kate, Jill, Jeff, Adelaide, Andrea, and Karen. Thanks to Adam, Jen, Raquel and Marianne. Thanks, too, to Walker for providing music for the evening. And thanks to those of you who registered for volunteer jobs on VolunteerSpot, to those who solicited businesses and arts organizations for donations, to those who offered and those who bid on auction items, and to those who made contributions of one kind or another.
 
And the FUN continues! For those of you who purchased a slot at one of the 2U parties, please be on the look-out for news with details about those events.
 
If you bid on something at Oktoberfest and have not yet settled your bill, please be sure to do so as soon as possible. You should have received an invoice from Jeff. Contact Jen in the office if you have questions.
 
Administrative News: The board of trustees could not conduct business at its regularly scheduled monthly meeting in October because there was no quorum. The Executive Committee of the board, which functions as the church's personnel committee, met on October 23 to discuss routine personnel matters. The board held a regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m. in the Palmer Room. The board and Committee on Ministries will hold a meeting on November 17 immediately following the service to discuss the ministries of the church and the annual review of the minister, in particular; contact board chair-elect Darrin Weatherspoon or COM chair Marilyn Hebda for more information. On November 24 at noon, a member of the Finance Committee will brief the members of the board and anyone else interested on plans for a Planned Giving Campaign. The board will likely consider the plan at its December meeting. The board will launch the annual special gifts campaign on December 1; this is the second of two annual fundraisers that support the work of the church. Last, thanks to Norm, Lew, Tom, Jackie, and Jen for their contributions to the revised Money Matters section of The Anvil (see below).
 
The board will hold its next regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 11 at 7 p.m. in the Palmer Room. All are welcome! Look for the agenda on the church website a few days before the meeting; minutes from prior meetings are available on the website too. Please contact Monica Drane with questions.
 
Best,
Monica Drane
Chair, 2U Board of Trustees
Town Hall Meeting
November 17, 2013
11:30am - 1:00pm

Join us for a Town Hall meeting on November 17th, hosted by the Committee on Ministries (COM) with support from the Board of Trustees. As a part of COM's review of the minister and ministries of the church, we need your feedback on the ministries of 2U.

At a 2009 congregational business meeting, the congregation passed a resolution to evaluate the minister annually. We're going to use a new format that looks at the minister within the context of the overall ministries of the church. The final report will be completed by COM by January, 2014 and will be submitted to the Board of Trustees.

A light lunch and childcare will be provided for the meeting. COM may also continue the conversation in small group discussions after the meeting, if desired.

Your feedback is vital! If you have any questions, please contact a member of COM; their names can be found on the  bulletin board in the Palmer Room.
Party ON!
The fall fundraiser may be over, but there are still plenty of opportunities to have a great time with your fellow 2U-ers at dozens of parties being hosted by members. Buying a spot at one of these parties supports the life of 2U, and the offerings are diverse and varied-- how about a wig party, a guitar class, dinner with Rev. Adam, a game night? The list goes on and on! Don't miss out on the fun!

Parties will be on sale again at church this Sunday, November 17th. Cash, check, and credit card payments will be accepted. Reserve your spot, and party on!
News For 2U Young Adults
On Tuesday, November 19th, the Young Adult Group will be having a circle worship at 8:30pm in Fleishman Hall. We will also be having our monthly brunch on Sunday, November 17th after the service. For more information on the young adult group and its events, please contact Erin Rusmi and David Dyer.
Building and Grounds Improvements at 2U
Thanks to the generosity of many members, we have recently completed a few improvement projects to our physical plant to go along with the still relatively new kitchen that we've been enjoying. The loft and stairwell to the loft have been painted. There's new carpeting in the stairwells, and some new lighting. We've had an expert look at our elevator (really, a "platform lift") to make sure that it's safe and in good working condition (it is). The front yard has been redesigned and planted with several native shrubs and dozens of daffodil and tulip bulbs. We've also laid a small path to create interest. There's always more to be done-- both inside and outside-- but we should all feel good about the care we're giving to our church and the land upon which it sits. A special thanks to Steve, Lew, Don, Jen, Adam, Suzanne Frank of Bluestem Garden Design, and the intrepid gardeners (Judy, Susan, Erin, Libby, Larry, Sami, and Mike)!
Our intrepid gardening crew!
 
Welcome to our Newest 2U Members
Sarah Richardson and Rick Hudson: Sarah grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. She attended Brown University, graduate school at the University of Arizona in Tucson, and a post-doctoral program in Bloomington, Indiana. Her field is ecology and evolutionary biology. Rick grew up in Dayton, Ohio and attended Northwestern University, where he studied integrated science. After Peace Corps service teaching high school physics and chemistry in the Fiji Islands, he met Sarah at the University of Arizona, where he also received his PhD.

Both Sarah and Rick teach biology at DePaul University. In addition, Sarah does research at a prairie plant installation site through the Chicago Park District at 35th Street and Lake Shore Drive, and volunteers at the Magic Hedge at Montrose Park. Rick is an avid cyclist, and commutes to work on his bike even in the winter. He practices Aikido and both he and Sarah enjoy playing board games. They love to see nature every weekend, most often at Montrose Point or Ryerson Conservation Area, and would be happy to introduce other people to natural areas if anyone would like to accompany them. Sarah and Rick are working on adopting a child, possibly from Ethiopia or Haiti.

Sarah and Rick were both familiar with UUism from their earlier days: Rick attended the Stillwater UU Fellowship near Dayton, and Sarah in Lincoln. Although they found 2U a while ago through Marva Williams and David Leaman, they are glad to have recently joined. They have signed up to attend a small group, and hope to meet more 2U members.

A warm welcome to Sarah and Rick!
From the Sun/Moon Group
Full Circle 
This Saturday, November 16th at 7pm in Fleishman Hall, the Sun Moon Group will be showing the third film in the Women & Spirituality Series. This one, called Full Circle, shows the connection between our responsibility to the environment through the guidance of goddess-based religions of the past. It is an uplifting film about the interconnectedness of the earth and humans. Refreshments and discussion to follow.
 
   
Come celebrate Winter Solstice with the Sun Moon Group on Saturday, December 21st at 7pm in the sanctuary. We celebrate the beginning of winter on this shortest day, as well as the return of the light. Come celebrate with us in song and ritual. Refreshments and merriment to follow. 
2U Environmental Justice Task Force Meeting
Sunday, November 24, 2013
12:00pm

Calling all those interested in environmental issues and sustainability at 2U and beyond! The Environmental Justice task force of the Social Justice Council will hold a meeting on Sunday, November 24th at noon in the Youth Room after the service to look at what's already been done and make plans for the future. All people and ideas welcome. Have questions? Have input but can't make the meeting? Email Katherine Wolf, or call her at (630) 779-5424.
Thanksgiving Pot-Luck
Thanksgiving Potluck 07 Thursday, November 28, 2013
12:00pm
 
2U will once again be hosting a Thanksgiving pot-luck dinner, coordinated by Judy Corbeille. The bird and dressing will be provided; those who wish to attend should plan to bring their favorite dish to share. Look for a sign-up sheet and more news soon.

Please email Judy Corbeille or call her at (773) 525-9416 with any questions, or if you'd like to volunteer to help out.
Bilingual Storytelling Help Needed
Our community minister, Rev. Rudra Dundzila, is leading worship on Sunday, December 1st, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It is the confluence of World AIDS Day, the first Sunday of Advent, and mid-Channukah. The Story For All Ages will tentatively be in Spanish. Rudra is looking for someone fluent in Spanish to pare down the story and either tell it or coach Rudra with his basic Spanish skills. Is there someone available? Please email Rudra if you're able to help.
Choir Corner
choir Enjoy the warmth of musical community in the cold of winter-- join the choir! All voices are welcome! The 2U choir rehearses in the sanctuary on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 8:30pm. For more information, contact music director Marianne Parker, or just come to a rehearsal.
The Pastoral Care Team is Here to Support You!

Second Unitarian Church laypersons have a rich history of providing support to congregants who are experiencing changes and/or challenges in their lives; for example, the loss of a loved one, a new addition to the family, or an illness. The Pastoral Care Team has a newly expanded membership, and we want to take this opportunity to update you on the ways in which the team can support you.

 

The team is divided into two functions: practical and pastoral care, and the functions are managed by Practical Care and Pastoral Care Coordinators. With Rev. Adam's leadership and support, Colette Wright Adams coordinates the practical care, and Rachel Schripsema and Susan Zeigler coordinate the pastoral care.

 

Practical Care: The practical care group provides support with activities that are finite in nature. Activities may include (but are not necessarily limited to): meals after an illness or the birth of a baby,  providing rides to appointments or errands, assistance with light handy-work, light cleaning, respite care (adults or children), or emergency child care.

 

Pastoral Care: The pastoral care group generally works with members of the community on a more long-term basis. Activities may include (but aren't necessarily limited to): hospital visits, follow-up home visits after a hospital stay, companionship (listening partner), and grief support (after death of a partner/spouse, family member, or other crisis.

 

The Pastoral Care Team is currently working with several members of the congregation on both short-term and ongoing care needs. The group meets once a month to assess current needs and to provide its membership with training and support.

 

If you are either interested in receiving support from the Pastoral Care Team or becoming a member of the team, please speak with Rev. Adam, or email the Practical Care team or the Pastoral Care team.

Caregivers Group
The last meeting of the Caregivers Group will be on Wednesday, December 11th from 7:00 to 8:30pm downstairs in the library at 2U. For more information, email Myra Epping, or call her at (773) 338-4086.
Deck the Halls at 2U!
sanctuary wreaths
Wednesday, December 4, 2013

7:00pm

 

Save the date for 2U's annual holiday decorating party! Come at 6:30pm for Vespers, and stick around afterward to decorate the sanctuary and Palmer Room for the holidays. The staff will provide the decorations, the music, and the coffee, tea, and hot cocoa; we're counting on you to provide the laughter, the helping hands, and the fellowship to get us ready for the holiday season.

 

We hope to see you there!

Santa Songs: A Christmas Cabaret
December 13 and 14, 2013
8:00pm

Santa Songs is a concert of holiday music celebrating Santa traditions, featuring original music by New York City composer Paul Johnson, as well as traditional favorites such as Toyland by Victor Herbert and Here Comes Santa Claus by Autry and Haldeman, together with songs from stage and screen. This is family-friendly entertainment starring Daniel T. Johnson, with music director Matthew Ellenwood.

This 2013 edition of Santa Songs: A Christmas Cabaret is being presented to benefit Brotherhood of the Phoenix, a neo-pagan order for gay, bisexual, and transgender men who love men. Tickets are $20 for general admission, or $10 for children under 12 years of age, and can be purchased at (800) 838-3006 or via Brown Paper Tickets.
Money Matters
The weekly cost of running 2U is $5,275!

2U's annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014 is $274,324. This includes a budgeted deficit of $7,174.

For the Year to Date period July 1 to October 31, 2013:
Actual Pledges + Collection Plate =
$63,179
Budgeted Pledges + Collection Plate =
$69,757
     Surplus or (Deficit)
$(6,578)

ActualBudgeted
Total Revenues Year-to-Date =$86,589$85,871
Total Expenses Year-to-Date =$92,720$89,584
     Total Surplus or (Deficit)$(6,131)$(3,713)

In October, we raised $745.56 for the collection plate sharing recipient, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.

Thank you so much for helping to make 2U possible!

Did you know?
Prefer to give by donations of stock? 2U can accept your donation of stock via the UUA. Please contact Jen Duston for details. This could be a way to preserve your cash and give in a tax efficient manner if you have unrealized capital gains. Please allow up to two weeks for processing.
Anvil Deadlines
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, November 27.