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Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
June 1, 2014
In This Issue
Worship at 2U
 
Sunday, June 1
Flower Communion & Ingathering
Service at 10:30
Worship Leaders: Rev. Adam Robersmith & Raquel Garcia
Music by Carey Farrell

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

Sunday, June 15
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith

Sunday, June 22
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith

Sunday, June 29
L
GBTQ Pride Sunday
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Rudra Dundzila
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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, June 1
Intergenerational service: no classes

Sunday, June 8
Music Sunday
Intergenerational service: no classes

Sunday, June 15
Lemonade Stand Prep
All classes together in Fleishman Hall

Sunday, June 22
Lemonade Stand Prep
All classes together in Fleishman Hall

Sunday, June 29
L
GBTQ Pride Sunday
Lemonade Stand!
All classes together in Fleishman Hall
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Church Office Information & Staff

Minister
773-549-0260, ext. 13
Office Hours:
Wed-Thurs afternoons & evenings, other days & times by appointment
 
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

Covenant of Earth & Sky

Finance Committee

Green Sanctuary

Hospitality 

Library

Lifespan Faith Dev.

Membership

Music

Newsletter

Night Ministry Outreach

Pastoral Care

Safe Congregations 

Small Group Ministry

Social Justice

Sunday Services

Transylvania Church

Webmaster

Young Adult Group
Erin Rusmi
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Board of Trustees 
 









                                  
From the Board Chair

News from the Annual Meeting: 2U held its annual business meeting on Sunday, May 18. As Unitarian Universalists, we value the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large, and our annual business meeting is one of the most important mechanisms for expressing our shared commitment to the democratic process. Through the discussions leading up to and during the meeting, we affirm our commitment to one another and decide together how to best act on our values.

 

Thanks to all who participated in the meeting, especially Gregory Redfeairn, our Treasurer, who presented the budget for the new fiscal year; Laura Barnes, our Council Chair, who presented our annual awards; Adam Robersmith, our minister, who presented a proposal to ordain 2U member Karen Mooney; Margaret Redlich, the Chair of our Nominating Committee, who presented our slate of candidates for leadership positions for the coming fiscal year; and Tom Denio, Finance Committee Chair, who presented amendments to our by-laws to enable us to benefit most from our recently launched Planned Giving Campaign. Sue Dunmore, who served as our parliamentarian, Molly Rossow, who served as our time-keeper, and Neal Shankman, who served as our sound technician, also deserve a special thanks. Finally, so too do Kimberly Bares and Jen Duston, who prepared the materials for the meeting and certified a quorum, and Adam Robersmith, who helped prepare the agenda and who preached on the concluding words of our covenant ("living out our inner convictions through struggles for justice and acts of compassion") at the service immediately before the meeting.

 

Highlights of the meeting include:

  • More than 90 members of the congregation registered for the annual meeting. This number is well above the number we needed to achieve a quorum. Thank you to all who took the time to participate and for your active engagement with the process. The strong attendance signalled yet again that 2U is a thriving congregation.

  • We passed a budget that reflects our values: we have made a commitment to compensate our staff, including our non-salaried staff, more fairly than we have in many years and to meet most of the UUA's fair compensation guidelines (even as we recognize that there is more work to be done to get each of our staff members to a salary commensurate with the work they do); we have elected to devote more resources to meeting the needs of a congregation growing both in size and activity; we have planned an increase to our building maintenance and repair budget (even as we realize that we might do more to ensure long-term funding for our building needs); and, we have committed to spending no more than we generate in revenue. The progress we have made together this year is due largely to the efforts of our capable staff, the devotion to 2U of those who came before us, and the tremendous generosity of current members and friends.

  • We voted--with great rejoicing--to ordain Karen Mooney as a UU minister at our church, at a service sometime in the fall.

  • We voted to amend our by-laws in order to make best use of any revenue generated by 2U's planned giving campaign.

  • We elected strong candidates to serve in leadership positions for the coming years. Our new incoming chair (serving next year the first of a three-year term) is Susan Zeigler. Our new treasurer (serving next year the first of a two-year term) is Jim Redlich. Our new council chair (also serving next year the first of a two-year term) is Roger Wykes. Our new Nominating Committee members are: Kate Friedlob, Libby Harvey-Hill, and Katherine Wolf. Our new Endowment Committee member is Jackie Dienstag.


The Next Board Meeting: Please join us for the final meeting of the board of trustees for the current fiscal year on Wednesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. in the Palmer Room. Please contact me if you have questions or ideas.

 

Thanks: Thanks to Adam Robersmith and Don Myers for their very generous donation of dozens of (comfortable and attractive) chairs for the sanctuary! This generous donation of chairs allows us to replace all of the old maroon chairs throughout the building (they'll be free-cycled) and to shift the plastic chairs that had been in the back of the sanctuary to other parts of the building. We'll now have a nicer set of chairs when we offer our space for rent.

 

And One Last Thanks: Thank you very much for the privilege of serving as your board chair this past year. I'd like to acknowledge the dedicated service of five members of the board whose terms will end on June 30: Gregory R. and Laura B., as mentioned above; Jill Siegel, who has decided for personal reasons to leave the board; Melanie Bienemann, who has served on the board as a trustee-at-large for the past four years; and, Berlinda Browne, who has served for the past three years as Incoming Chair, Chair, and Past Chair. Best wishes to Darrin Weatherspoon, who will become the new Chair on July 1.

 

Best,

Monica (Drane)
From the Director of Faith Development

Thank you for an amazing church year! During the month of June, Sue Dunmore and Libby Harvey-Hill will be preparing for the Annual Lemonade Stand, which will take place on Sunday, June 29th. If you would like to volunteer please contact Raquel Garcia, or look for more information on the bulletin board in the Palmer Room. 

 

Our Summer Session will then begin on July 7th. Please read this letter and explore the schedule. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact Raquel Garcia. Happy Reading!

Welcome to Our Newest 2U Members

Emily Dreke hails from Waukesha, WI. She attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where she studied political science and French (she particularly enjoy visiting France). Emily was a fundraiser and deputy finance director for Russell Feingold's senatorial campaign. She is now the director of development and communications for the Chicago Foundation for Women, a not-for-profit organization promoting basic rights and equal opportunities for women. In her free time, Emily enjoys biking, painting, reading (she's in a book club) and hanging out with her husband, Vince Angermeier. In making her New Year's resolutions, Emily decided to focus on her own spiritual growth and to find a more meaningful community. She likes how 2U fosters exploring one's own spirituality with community support. 

 

Emilio Blanco grew up in Costa Rico. He has been traveling to the United States off and on for three plus years. Emilio has worked in management consulting for an American company and is now seeking employment in the market research field. He is married to her partner, Dan. Emilio is interested in social justice and civil rights issues, sewing, and reading in three languages: English, Spanish, and French - especially books with social justice themes. Emilio discovered UUism when he attended a UU memorial service in Michigan and was so impressed he looked us up here in Chicago. At 2U, he may be interested in joining a small group, joining the Young Adult Group, or working on social justice issues. 

 

Caroline Prud'Homme grew up in Montreal, Canada. A scholar of French literature, she has lived and studied in Montreal, Montpellier (France), Toronto, and Liverpool (UK). She received her PhD from the University of Toronto. Caroline moved to Chicago last February to take up appointment at the Newberry Library, where she examines handwritings in medieval manuscripts. Having been actively involved in a UU congregation in Toronto, she eagerly sought out a UU church in Chicago, and found 2U. She appreciates the warm welcome she received and has already joined the choir. Caroline is considering training to become a UU minister. She particularly connects with Earth traditions, and leads workshops about Divine Feminine wisdom and teachings. She is also a part-time Law of Attraction coach. Caroline loves to make new friends and discover all that Chicago has to offer.
  
Joel Sharrod grew up on Long Island. He attended Rutgers University where he earned a degree in journalism. Joel worked in New York City where he raised his son, Antwan. He, and his husband, Darryl Sharrod, moved to Chicago a year ago, partly to be closer to family. Joel works in human resources as a job recruiter. In his free time he enjoys singing, poetry, Lake Michigan, and hanging out with Darryl. At 2U, Joel is interested in joining a small group, helping out with hospitality, and social justice activities. He and Darryl enjoy Rev. Adam's sermons also. After attending for a year, we are happy they decided to join 2U.

Ashley Ramchandani grew up in Louisville, KY. She received her bachelor's degree in criminal behavior studies from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY and her master's degree in public policy from the University of Chicago. Ashley works as a financial analyst in public finance. She enjoys running along the lake, is taking classical Indian dance classes, and loves stand-up comedy. Ashley began attending 2U in November and enjoyed the recent orientation. She admires the diversity of perspectives found at 2U, appreciates the work of the social justice council and feels more "centered" since finding 2U.
 
A warm welcome to Emily, Emilio, Caroline, Joel, Darryl, and Ashley!
Accessories Sale Fundraiser

 

"All the beauty that's been lost before wants to find us again."

 

On June 14th and 15th you will have the opportunity to accessorize your spring and summer outfits. There will be shoes, purses, wallets, belts, scarves, jewelry, and hats. We hope to make some $$ for 2U and at the same time, make you happy! The sale will be held in the 2U loft on Saturday, June 14th from 10am-3pm, and Sunday, June 15th from 9:15-10am.

 

If you would like to donate to this great cause, look into your bureaus and closets and select new or gently used items such as those mentioned above. You know those we mean-- those items you found "at such a deal" but now just don't "do it for you" any more, or it doesn't match the outfit you bought it for, and you have been meaning to get rid of that accessory. This is a great time to bring those items out of the closet and let them be used by someone else who would really appreciate it.

 

Donations may be given on any Sunday prior to the sale to Jill Althage, Jodi Cerny or Berlinda Browne. Or if you'd like to volunteer to help at the sale, just let us know!

Summer Solstice Celebration

summer sun Saturday, June 21, 2014

5:30pm

 

COVES invites all to our Summer Solstice celebration on Saturday, June 21 at 5:30pm. This is the longest day and shortest night when the Sun God is at his zenith. He will be entering the dark the day after, as the Earth Mother prepares for the bounty of the earth and the harvests to come. Come celebrate the sun, the earth and the sky. Afterwards, we will have a potluck, so bring your favorite summer dish to share. We are hoping to have the ritual outside; location is TBD.  Look for future postings for more details. Blessed Be! 

2U's LGBTPride Events

Sunday, June 29, 2014 

 

pride cookie Lemonade Stand: Our Faith Development kids and teachers will be hosting our annual 2U Lemonade Stand and Bake Sale during the Pride Parade. The kids are spending the month of June learning about the parade and why it's important in our community; they're also preparing for the lemonade stand by creating decorations and signs, and asking for donations and help. As always, we rely on our 2U family for all the tasty treats-- please see the bulletin board in the Palmer Room for more information or to sign up to bring your favorites!

 

Pride 2011 Pride Parade: March with the 2U/Chicago Area UU contingent in the parade! The parade kicks off at noon at Montrose Avenue and Broadway in Uptown, and ends near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park. Wear your Standing on the Side of Love t-shirt or your most fabulous outfit, and get ready to share with the city what Standing on the Side of Love means for people of Unitarian Universalist faith. It would be wonderful for us to have a huge contingent of 2Uers at the parade, so please march if you are willing and able. Remember to bring water and sunscreen if you will be marching!

Job Opening at the Night Ministry

The Night Ministry The Night Ministry is recruiting to find a new director for the Outreach and Health Ministry (known by many as "The Bus"). If you are interested in working with the homeless population and with the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual components of health, this job may be for you! Click here to see the posting on npo.net.

UU Midwest Leadership School

July 13-19, 2014

Beloit College

Beloit, Wisconsin

 

Find room to grow in a safe, immersive environment. Experience an intense week of small-group activities. Nurture your sense of the sacred through personal and shared theological exploration.

 

Concurrent adult and youth programs allow for a rich intergenerational experience. Come alone or with a team of adults and youth from your congregation.

 

To find out more, or to register, go to mwls.org.

MUUSA 2014

It is my pleasure to invite you to join us this summer in the Missouri Ozarks at the annual Midwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly (MUUSA) from June 29th- July 5th, 2014.

 

Our Adult Planning Council and Youth Program leaders have created an extraordinary offering of workshops and community activities for families, couples and singles of all ages.

 

Reverend Amy Shaw will lead the daily Morning Celebration service on this year's theme: "Sailing Strange Shores: The Wisdom of the Weird." Come gather with us in the beautiful forests and rolling hills of the Missouri Ozarks at YMCA Trout Lodge, where you can connect with old friends, make new ones and participate in a wide variety of activities.

 

In 2014, we will be planning and building a permanent labyrinth on the Trout Lodge campus. We are also introducing a new room selection tool on our website. I truly hope you will be able to join us for what is sure to be an unforgettable year!

 

Chris Cable
2014 MUUSA President

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 April 30, 2013:
Actual Pledges + Collection Plate =
$180,310
Budgeted Pledges + Collection Plate =
$180,102
     Surplus or (Deficit)
$       208

ActualBudgeted
Total Revenues Year-to-Date =$243,076$227,173
Total Expenses Year-to-Date =$239,370$227,304
     Total Surplus or (Deficit)$   3,706$    (131)

In April, we raised $915.69 for the collection plate sharing recipient, our Transylvania Partner Church in Kenos.

Thank you so much for helping to make 2U possible!
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, June 25.