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

Sunday, April 19
Service at 10:30
Preachers: Rev. Adam Robersmith and Dir. of Faith Dev., Raquel Garcia
Music by 2U Choir

Sunday, April 26
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by Tom Clowes

Sunday, May 3
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Rudra Dundzila
Music by Amber Mack

Sunday, May 10
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music by Walker and Audrey Shadle
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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, April 19
Intergenerational service:
no classes

Sunday, April 26
Spirit Play
UU Explorers

Sunday, May 3
Spirit Play
UU Explorers

Sunday, May 10
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
______________________
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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

Congregational 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 Potluck Lunch

Small Group Ministry

Social Justice

Sunday Services

Transylvania Church

Webmaster

Young Adult Group
David Dyer
Stephanie Bens
_____________________
Board of Trustees 
 
 






                                  
Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 17th!
Mark your calendars NOW for the annual 2U congregational business meeting after service on Sunday, May 17th in the sanctuary.

As per one of the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism, "the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large," the annual meeting is the time in the life of our congregation when we gather to exercise the democratic process in our church. Additionally, our church bylaws state that it is the member's "right and responsibility to contribute to the democratic life of the community." In order to conduct the business of the congregation, there must be a quorum (25%) of members present. Come and be a part of our church celebration and the planning for next year!

 

The purpose of the meeting is to:

  • Provide a review of this year's current financial status and accomplishments

  • Approve the proposed 2015-16 church budget

  • Elect new church leaders

Stay tuned to your inbox for more information coming soon!
Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, May 10th!
In preparation for the annual meeting, there will be a town hall meeting after service on Sunday, May 10th in the sanctuary to discuss the current draft budget for the next fiscal year. Board Treasurer, Jim Redlich, will be presenting the draft budget and will ask for input from members and friends of the congregation before the board's vote on the final version of the draft budget during the board meeting on Wednesday, May 13th. Members of the congregation will then vote on the final draft budget at the annual meeting on Sunday, May 17th. Please contact Jim Redlich if you have any comments, questions or ideas.
Spring Orientation begins THIS Sunday, April 19th

Calling all visitors - who want to become members!


The 2U Spring Orientation will be held Sunday, April 19; Sunday, April 26; and Sunday, May 3 following services. Sessions are scheduled to begin at noon in Fleishman Hall and will end at 2:00 PM or before. If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the Welcome Table in the Palmer Room. Child care will be available for those who request it in advance.

 

While attending any one of these three orientation sessions 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.

 

Please contact Membership Chair, Judy Corbeillewith any questions, or for more information.
2U Family Group Fun Day THIS Sunday, April 19th!
Sunday, April 19th
Noon to 2:00 PM

Join the 2U Family Group on Sunday, April 19th from Noon to 2:00 PM! All the families with kids under 18 are invited to meet up and enjoy this now beautiful Spring.

Bring whatever food you'd like, perhaps a blanket to sit on, and come to the playground! We'll walk over together around Noon to the playground directly East on Barry -- at Barry and Inner Lake Shore Drive. Questions? Text or call Christy Grant at 312-213-1588.
Who Are Our Neighbors?
Do you have an interest in how to grow more comfortable being in relationships with people who are different from you? Would you like to learn how to be a better friend, ally, and neighbor? Would you like to explore why our nation and communities struggle with racism, classism, homophobia, sexism, and ableism? Are you wondering how you can be more effective in communicating with others in this increasingly diverse world?  If so, please join Rev. Adam on Saturdays May 2 & 9 from 12-5pm at 2U for "Who Are Our Neighbors?" (Please note the date change!)

In this class, we'll examine how we grow in our ability to speak to one another across our differences and think about how we can each develop greater communication skills. I have found this work transformative and enlightening, and I hope you will, too. You can sign up for the class by emailing me or using the sign-up sheet on the Welcome Table. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to ask me!
From the Committee on Ministries

Our words of covenant state, "We will be... honest in our communication, holding faithful to a love that embraces both diversity and conflict." But what happens when conflict between parties within the church, be they ministers, lay leaders, congregants or staff, cannot be amicably resolved by the conflicting parties alone? This is when the Committee on Ministries may be of assistance.

 

The primary role of the Committee on Ministries is to serve the overall health of the congregation. As such, we strive to serve as an impartial observer of congregational life, not advocating particular policies or issues of members or ministers. If requested to mediate a conflict, and it is appropriate for us to do so, our goal is not to eliminate the conflict per se, but to facilitate a resolution which promotes the creative potential for the further growth of the individuals involved and the church in as confidential a manner as possible. Depending on the circumstances, individual committee members or a subcommittee of members may be involved. If the conflict threatens to disrupt the church as a whole, a town hall meeting may be convened to discuss the conflict. In cases where no definitive resolution seems possible, the parties will be urged to agree to disagree and move on.

 

Whether the Committee on Ministries is involved or not, the primary responsibility for conflict resolution rests with the individuals involved. Remember that direct and open communication between individuals is always the preferred path towards smoothing the rocky road.

MidAmerica Regional Assembly is THIS WEEKEND

 

Registration is still open for the MidAmerica Region UUA Regional Assembly. Please click here to register and learn more. 

Stay Connected
Did you know that the UUA and MidAmerica Region UUA have their own respective newsletters?

Click here for more information about the UUA and click here to sign up for their newsletter, UU World.

Click here for more information about the MidAmerica Region UUA and click here to sign up for their newsletter.
Selma at 50: Still Marching

Chicago Theological Seminary is pleased to announce their 2015 Spring Conference, "Selma at 50" Still Marching." The conference, taking place on campus Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, will trace a thread through the legacy of civil rights activism to current activist movements in Chicago and around the country to inspire a new generation of leaders working toward a more just society in our lifetime. The conference includes keynote addresses from Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. and Michelle Alexander, award-winning author of The New Jim Crow. Featuring practical workshops, a dedicated track for youth participants, special performances and events this conference is not to be missed! To see the full line up of speakers, partners and events, or to register, please visit selma.ctschicago.edu.

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. Thank you to those of you who have attended some of our session so far this year! Mark your calendars for these upcoming session dates:

  • 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, 10:00am-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.

Grief Support Groups for Members and Friends of 2U
Rev. Elizabeth Harding, a member of 2U who works as a Grief Support Counselor with Midwest Hospice and Palliative Care facilitates grief support groups for those who have recently experienced the loss of family members or close friends.  

Elizabeth is willing to do a grief 
support group at 2U but would like at least 8 participants to do the group. Please contact Nanna Cross ([email protected]) if you are interested in participating in a grief support group at 2U. This group wouldn't meet until late spring/early summer. 
 
Elizabeth will be facilitating a group at the Bodhi Center in April, which is on Diversey and Magnolia Wednesday evenings, 7 to 8:30 PM. There is no set date for that group yet. Members and friends of 2U are welcome to join, but Elizabeth requests contacting her at work to register (847-730-1209;
[email protected]).
Beltane Celebration

Friday, May 1st

7:00 PM

 

It is still Early Spring in Chicago, but the Earth will wake up soon and bring forth flowers and milder temps as the Wheel of the Year turns. The Covenant of Earth and Sky welcomes all to join us in one of the most popular celebrations, BELTANE, also known as May Day, on Friday, May 1st at 7pm. It is time to light the fires of Beltane in anticipation of the Summer drawing nearer. Fires of transformation, fires of illumination for all! We will dance around the Maypole, outside if it is mild enough, and celebrate! All are welcome, including children. Please bring a dish to share (sweet or savory) and bring a drum or hand instrument to play for the Maypole dance. Blessed Be!!! 

Chicago Pagan Pride - Opening Ceremony

The Covenant of Earth and Sky is proud to announce that we will be giving the Opening Ceremony of this year's Chicago Pagan Pride in Oak Park, Sunday, September 13th at 11:30am. This is a great opportunity to connect with the Pagan community of Chicagoland as well as those who come from IL, WI, IN and MI to the festival.

 

It may seem early in the calendar, but it is time to start planning!!!! We need a strong group to represent Second Unitarian's CUUPS chapter at this event that draws about 500 people in attendance. We welcome all who would like to participate! Our first meeting will be Wednesday, May 20 at 7pm. Please contact Shauna at [email protected] for any questions or comments.
Chicago Area Unitarian Universalist Council Annual Meeting

Saturday, May 30, 2015

 

Held at U.U. Church of Elgin

39 W 830 Highland Ave.
Elgin, IL 60123
(from the Northwest Tollroad, take Randall Rd. south to Highland Ave., then take Highland Ave. about 3 miles west to the church)
 
9:40-10 a.m. - Sign-in, with light refreshments and socializing.
 
10 a.m. to Noon - Program
 
"Making Our Social Action More Effective"
An interactive workshop on increasing congregational involvement in social action, led by the Rev. Scott Aaseng
 
Noon-12:45 p.m. - Lunch (suggested contribution $5) 
 
12:45-2 p.m. - Annual Business Meeting
 
The Annual Business Meeting will include consideration of a number of proposed By-Law changes, which were shared via the CAUUC mailing list on April 14.  The proposed budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2015 includes a measure to incorporate the Chicagoland Marketing Initiative into the basic CAUUC dues as of July 1, 2016.  This measure, the result of a survey of Chicago are UU congregations, will increase CAUUC dues from $1 to $3 per as of July 1, 2016, the extra $2 to be devoted to promoting and advertising UUism in the Chicago area.
 
We encourage all CAUUC member congregations to send representatives to the CAUUC Annual Meeting.
 
For further information write to [email protected]
 
If you plan to attend, please send an RSVP email to [email protected] to help us plan, particularly for the food.
Coffee Hosts Needed!

Please sign up to be a coffee host! Providing snacks assures that we have a welcoming environment for guests and more reasons to connect with our community following service. Your service and participation is GREATLY appreciated!

 


Please sign up in the Palmer Room or by clicking below:

 


Please contact our coffee hour maven, Laura McKee, if you have any questions at [email protected].
Choir Corner


Sing to Spring!

 

Join the choir! The 2U choir rehearses in the sanctuary on Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 8:30. All voices are welcome. Sopranos and tenors are especially welcome! For more information, please contact our 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, 2014 to March 31, 2015:
Actual Pledges + Collection Plate =
$179,615
Budgeted Pledges + Collection Plate =
$185,353
     Surplus or (Deficit)
($5,738)

ActualBudgeted
Total Revenues Year-to-Date =$247,861$236,393
Total Expenses Year-to-Date =$233,688$228,854
     Total Surplus or (Deficit)$14,173$7,539

In March, we raised $910.75 towards the collection plate sharing recipient, 2U's The Night Ministry outreach program.

Thank you so much for helping to make 2U possible!
Anvil Deadlines
Have a message to put in the next Anvil? Plan ahead! Please have all submissions for the next newsletter submitted to Andrew Zallar, Congregational Administrator, at [email protected] by noon on Wednesday, April 29th.