Anvil header

Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
January 15, 2015
In This Issue
Worship at 2U

Sunday, January 18
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Rudra Dundzila
Music by the 2U Choir

Sunday, January 25
Service at 10:30
Guest Preacher: Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed
Music by Marianne Parker

Sunday, February 1
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by Lauren Nelson

Sunday, February 8
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev Adam Robersmith
_____________________
Children & Youth Faith Development Schedule
 
Child care for infants and toddlers is available every Sunday in the Green Caterpillar room.

Sunday, January 18
Spirit Play
UU Explorers

Sunday, January 25
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
Youth Group

Sunday, February 1
Spirit Play
UU Explorers

Sunday, February 8
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
Youth Group
______________________
_________________
Church Office Information & Staff

Minister
773-549-0260, ext. 13
Office Hours:
Wed-Thurs evenings, other days & times by appointment
 
Dir. of Faith Development
773-549-0260, ext. 12
Office Hours:
Sun 9:00-3:00
Other days & times by appointment

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

Adult Faith Dev.

Bookstore

Buddhist Fellowship

Building & Grounds

Committee on Ministry

Covenant of Earth & Sky

Fellowship Committee

Finance Committee

Green Sanctuary

Hospitality 

Library

Lifespan Faith Dev.

Membership

Music

Newsletter

Night Ministry Outreach

Pastoral Care

Safe Congregations 

Senior Luncheon

Small Group Ministry

Social Justice

Sunday Services

Transylvania Church

Webmaster

Young Adult Group
David Dyer
Stephanie Bens
_____________________
Board of Trustees 
 
 






                                  
From the Minister

We begin the new year with a staff transition, lots of activities, and ongoing exciting possibilities for the future. In today's Anvil, we'll introduce you to Andrew Zallar, our new Congregational Administrator, offer you some activities and possibilities at 2U and beyond, and hope to get you excited about where were going this spring.


In the next couple of weeks, please thank Jen Duston for her time as our Administrator -- she's been instrumental in getting us to where we are now -- and introduce yourselves to Andrew, as he steps in to continue this great work!

Faithfully,
Rev. Adam
Guest Preacher Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed

Sunday, January 25, 2015

10:30am

 

We are delighted to announce that we will welcome the Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, the foremost scholar of African-American Unitarian Universalist history, to 2U on Sunday, January 25 for our 10:30 service as well as for an afternoon presentation beginning at 12:15 pm in our sanctuary.

 

Rev. Morrison-Reed, raised as Unitarian Universalist in Chicago, and was ordained in the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 1979. For 26 years, he and his wife, Donna, served as co-ministers, first in Rochester, New York, then in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Rev. Morrison-Reed's graduate thesis, Black Pioneers in a White Denomination, was published in 1984 and is still in print. Now retired from full-time ministry, Morrison-Reed divides his time between writing and other interests. He has been working with Meadville Lombard Theological School to organize and build the library's archive of materials relating to African American involvement in Universalism, Unitarianism and Unitarian Universalism, and is teaching at the school on his research.


We are also fortunate that Rev. Morrison-Reed will be giving us an afternoon talk.  Please join him in our sanctuary after coffee hour for what we're sure will be an enlightening presentation and active discussion. Following is Rev. Morrison-Reed's  description of his talk: 
There are many more African-American UUs than you know about. Find out who they were? Learn what role UUs played in Selma.  And explore the question: why does UUism find becoming more diverse such a struggle? Hear Mark Morrison-Reed read meditation manual Voices from the Marginsexplore UU history in Darkening the Doorways: Black Trailblazers and Missed Opportunities in Unitarian Universalism and the new released The Selma Awakening: How the Civil Rights Movement Tested and Changed Unitarians Universalism.

We will have several copies of Rev. Morrison-Reed's books available for purchase in the Palmer Room during coffee hour and after his presentation. 

We hope to see everyone on January 25 for this very special occasion!
Report From the Black Lives Matter
Congregational Conversation

On Sunday, December 21st, twenty-five 2U congregants gathered in the Sanctuary to lend their thoughts on racism and police brutality driving the Black Lives Matter Movement to action. The planning committee led participants through pair dialogues, small group discussions, and large group brainstorming sessions to gauge participants' awareness of current racist practices and their willingness to participate in anti-racist activism with the UU community moving forward.

 

Participants expressed an interest in learning more about the practical effects of racism. When asked what scares them most about the recent violent events, participants said they were afraid divisiveness would continue and complacency would take over and keep us from lasting change. Although these fears were potent throughout the conversation, participants were excited that the events gained national attention. Some also expressed excitement that these tragedies are happening at a time when there are people of color in positions of power to directly change policies.

 

As a way to move forward, participants felt their ethics and faith called them to engage with family, friends, and coworkers about the practical realities of systematic and individualized racism. Others felt it necessary to educate themselves about the history of racism, particularly in our UU faith; to continue intergenerational sharing; and to build a common UU community for planned actions.

 

At Second Unitarian, Rev. Adam Robersmith is planning a workshop during the Spring on intercultural communication. Details are soon to come!

 

Thank you to the participants who devoted their time and efforts to a difficult, but necessary conversation.

 

Black Lives Matter Movement Planning Committee:

Katie Wolf, Ashley Boyd, Erin Rusmi, Trixie Kelleghan, and Rev. Adam Robersmith

Welcome Our New Congregational Administrator, Andrew Zallar

Andrew is very excited to join the team at 2U!  Prior to his appointment as Congregational Administrator at 2U, Andrew served as Operations Manager at the Chicago Center for Music Education and Enrollment Coordinator and Music Librarian/Learning Services Coordinator at the Merit School of Music.


Regarding spirituality, Andrew believes that we are all here to love one another, serve our community and to strive to be the best person that we can be everyday.

Andrew is also an accomplished musician.  Raised in Milwaukee, WI, Andrew studied classical percussion and jazz at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and Milwaukee High School of the Arts.  In 2005, Andrew moved to Chicago to pursue his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies at DePaul University.  Since completing his degree in 2009, he's freelanced as a performer, composer and educator and also teaches jazz at the Merit School of Music as well as teaches in his own private studio.  Andrew was awarded the Jazz Improvisation and Jazz Arranging Award from the Luminarts Cultural Foundation in 2013 and also the Jazz Composition and Jazz Improvisation Award in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Andrew is very happy to be at 2U to not only further evolve the church and congregation but to also evolve his own spirituality and personal development.
Mayoral Candidates' Forum
Saturday, January 17, 2015
9:00-11:00am

What are YOUR priorities for Chicago? Ask the mayoral candidates your questions! Meet the candidates for mayor at a forum hosted by the Green Party of Chicago right here at Second Unitarian Church on Saturday, January 17th beginning at 9am. All ballot-qualified candidates have been invited, with Fioretti, Garcia, Wilson and Walls confirmed. Bring your questions and bring your friends!
Old Narthex Gallery

Susie Inverso's photographs will be on display from Sunday, January 18th through Sunday, March 29th in the Old Narthex Gallery at Second Unitarian. Opening reception during coffee hour; come meet the artist! Gallery hours Sundays 10-12:30pm and by appointment.

2U Family Group Indoor Game Day
Sunday, January 25, 2015  board games
12:00-2:00pm

All the families with kids under 18 are invited to meet up for an indoor game day at 2U-- a great way to spend a couple of hours together in January! Bring your favorite board game if you'd like, but come either way and join us downstairs in the Promises Room to play some games. Questions? Text or call Christy Grant at (312) 213-1588.
Imbolc Celebration

Sunday, February 1, 2015

7:00pm

 

Covenant of Earth and Sky, 2U's CUUPs Chapter, welcomes all to join us for the celebration of Imbolc. In the Wheel of the Year, we are turning towards early Spring. It is the time we honor Brigid, keeper of the sacred flame and healing waters. She is the goddess of poetry, youth, inspiration and transformation. We will celebrate her in ritual with chants, narrative, blessings and our altar where we welcome in the four directions. We welcome all to bring a dish to share (savory or sweet) at our reception afterwards.

Blessed Be!

For any questions or comments, please email Shauna.
Second Sunday Social: Hugs and Quiches

Sunday, February 8, 2015 

11:30am

 

We're planning an early Valentine-themed Sunday Social called "Hugs and Quiches." As always, we need your help to make this a success! We request A-F to bring desserts with a Valentine theme, G-L quiches, M-R drinks and S-Z condiments, salads, etc. 

 

We also need volunteers for set up and clean up. If we have some aspiring artists who would like to dress the tables and hall appropriately for the holiday, that would be greatly appreciated also. A $5 donation for the Night Ministry is requested if you don't bring food, and all the more appreciated if you bring food AND donate.

 

Sign up on the Welcome Table, or email Nancy with questions!

Green Sanctuary Book Club Planning Meeting
Persons interested in participating in the Green Sanctuary book club are invited to gather on Thursday, February 12 at 7pm in the 2U library for a planning meeting. If interested but unable to attend, please contact Norm Groetzinger.
Classes From the Pastoral Care Team in 2015

The Pastoral Care Team at 2U is hosting a series of classes to provide information about approaches to planning for many aspects of the end of life. They hosted three sessions during fall 2014, and will hold several more in winter and spring 2015. Mark your calendars for these upcoming session dates: 

  • Healthcare decisions related to aging and end of life: Saturday, January 24, 10:00am-12:00pm in the Palmer Room. Rev. Elizabeth Harding, 2U member and Chaplain at Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, will lead this workshop. She will discuss the benefits of palliative care and hospice, and will review grief counseling. She will also provide an overview of what services are covered by Medicare and supplementary/long-term care insurance.
  • Financial planning considerations: Sunday, February 22, 12:00-1:30pm in the Sanctuary. Joan Ente, geriatric care manager for CJE SeniorLife, will join us as a guest presenter. She will discuss important financial obligations to keep in mind as age and you approach end of life, in relation to health/long term care expenses, housing, funeral and burial, etc. She will help people get a sense of what it costs to "get old".
  • Legal aspects of planning for end of life: Sunday, March 22, 12:00-1:30pm in the Sanctuary. August Staas, 2U member and attorney at law, will cover considerations related to the law that you may have questions about as you age. Topics include wills, trusts, power of attorney, bequests to the church, and tissue/organ donations.
  • Death with Dignity: While not legal in Illinois, physician-aid-in-dying is an important movement in relation to end-of-life care options, so we will host two events this spring in relation to it. on Saturday, April 25, 10:00-12:00pm, we will screen the documentary How to Die in Oregon, which tells the stories of terminally ill Oregonians, their family and friends, and their doctors, as they consider utilizing physician aid in dying. The following weekend, on Sunday, May 3, 12:00-1:30pm, we will be joined for a panel discussion by two individuals who are leading the movement to legalize physician aid in dying in Illinois: Bess Schenkier of Compassion & Choices, and Ed Gogol of Hemlock of Illinois.

Please RSVP here to help us plan for each session, and a reminder email will be sent to you the week before. The series is open to everyone, regardless of age, spot in the "planning" process, or being a 2U member or not. To help cover costs of guest speakers, we request each attendee to donate a one-time amount of $10, no matter if you attend one class or all of them. You can bring cash or check (made out to Bonnie Ewald) on the day of the event.

Please contact Nanna Cross or Bonnie Ewald with any questions.

Update on Plate-Sharing Applications

Organizations to receive plate-sharing dollars, 50% of the plate of a designated month, are selected by the Social Justice Council (SJC). Members of 2U who are active with an organization involved in social justice or social service work may secure an application form and submit it through the church office. Applicants are provided an opportunity to meet face-to-face with the SJC, which meets after services the first Sunday of each month, for approximately 20 minutes. Applications for April-June 2015 will be due on Sunday, February 15th. SJC's March 1st meeting will provide an opportunity for face-to-face meetings with the applicants. If you are considering applying, please feel free to approach Norm Groetzinger, who is coordinating the plate-sharing program on behalf of SJC. Electronic submissions are preferred, so that we can distribute them to the entire SJC in advance of the meeting. I can be reached via email, or by phone at 773-525-4262.

Norman J. Groetzinger.

Coffee Hosts Needed!

We need you to help make 2U a more welcoming place on Sunday mornings! Signing up to host coffee hour couldn't be easier-- just add your name to the signup sheet in the Palmer Room, or click here to see available dates, and to sign up online.
 
 

Then, on the date you've selected, you'll:

  • bring snacks for about 100
  • make coffee
  • set out coffee & snacks prior to the end of the service
  • clean up at the end of coffee hour
  • bask in the warm glow of a grateful community
Questions? Contact coffee hour maven Laura McKee.
UUJEC Conference

The UUJEC (UUs for a Just Economic Community) is hosting a conference February 20-22, 2015 at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, so participants can share ideas on implementing the Escalating Inequality Congregational Study/Action Issue passed at the last General Assembly, and walk the talk of creating a society with more equality of wealth and opportunity.


The conference, titled Escalating Inequality or Opportunity for All, will be held from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. Topics to be covered at the conference include wage issues, money in politics, and racial justice. The Rev. David Breeden from the Commission on Social Witness and Chuck Collins of the Institute for Policy Studies will be keynote speakers. Bertha Lewis, President of the Black Institute and co-founder of ACORN, will speak on racial justice issues.

The conference will help equip activists to return to their congregations ready to guide their members in action and reflection on the problems of income inequality. Those attending will also have the opportunity to learn what other congregations are doing to implement the CSAI, find out what UU legislative networks are doing nationwide, and provide feedback on the UUA's Escalating Inequality study guide. Attendees can also preview UUA curricula on economic justice and classism and screen films on these topics.
 
To register for the conference or to find out more, visit the UUJEC website.
CAIR-Chicago Fundraiser
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) is holding our annual fundraiser banquet February 7th. Anyone interested in supporting our mission to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance is invited to attend, become a sponsor, or volunteer. More information can be found at cairchicago.org/banquet2015 or by talking to Renner Larson after the service.
Looking for Volunteers for the Pastoral Care Team
practical care
The Pastoral Care Team at 2U provides two separate ministries: a Listening Ministry and a Practical Care Ministry. Volunteers for the Listening Ministry are partnered with a church member who is experiencing a stressful life transition.

 

The Practical Care Ministry provides hands-on assistance; for example: rides, meals, emergency babysitting or light housekeeping. 2U has a tradition of providing meals for new parents after the birth of a child and for members recently discharged from the hospital. Other members request rides for a doctor's appointment or clinic visit, or rides to church.

 

The Pastoral Care Team currently has requests for rides to and from church because of the severe weather. Contact Nanna Cross if you are able to provide rides to members, either only occasionally or on a regular basis.

 

If you are interested in the Listening Ministry, contact Rev. Adam Robersmith for more information.

Choir Corner

The 2U choir rehearses in the sanctuary on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 8:30. Fend of the winter blues with the warmth of musical community - join the choir! All voices are welcome; sopranos are especially welcome. For more information, contact music director Marianne Parker.

Money Matters
The weekly cost of running 2U is $5,890!

2U's annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 is $306,403.

For the Year to Date period July 1 to December 31, 2014:
Actual Pledges + Collection Plate =
$122,107
Budgeted Pledges + Collection Plate =
$122,035
     Surplus or (Deficit)
$        72

ActualBudgeted
Total Revenues Year-to-Date =$169,380$162,761
Total Expenses Year-to-Date =$153,109$152,713
     Total Surplus or (Deficit)$ 16,271$ 10,048

In December, we raised $1,112.81 for the collection plate sharing recipient, the Minister's Discretionary Fund.

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, Jan. 28th.