|
Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
|
|
Worship in the Park
|
THIS SUNDAY, August 2, 2015
11:00am
Please join us this Sunday, August 2 at 11:00 AM for our Annual Worship in the Park in Lincoln Park, right on Lake Michigan. We will meet in Grove 15, just south of the Waveland Clock Tower at 3700 N. Recreation Dr. Click here for a map.
There will be a church-wide potluck meal right after the service. Please bring your favorite dish or beverage to share! If you're bringing drinks: iced tea, lemonade or water are preferred-- we had plenty of leftover soda from last year.
We'll try to have a few extra chairs available, but please bring your own if possible, or a blanket to spread in the grass.
There is a chance of rain in the forecast this Sunday; in case of rain, we will hold the service and potluck meal at 2U.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Darrin Weatherspoon by email, or by phone at 773-316-4264.
|
From Susan Zeigler, Board Chair
|
Thank you so much to all of you who have welcomed me as the new board chair!
During the last month, I have gotten my feet wet by having conversations with a number of you regarding your visions for the future at 2U. A common thread in many of these discussions has been how we can continue to build on the congregation's strengths while Adam is on sabbatical. I see this as an intentional journey that we will take in order to keep 2U running like a "well-oiled machine" in his absence, and, to hone in on what we can do to increase momentum towards our goals.
In speaking with the lay leadership and other members of the congregation, the themes I have heard have inspired the following questions, among others: 1) What size congregation and type of programming is the most comfortable fit for our community? 2) What conscious efforts can we make to be more inclusive of the larger world around us? 3) How should we prioritize and address important short- and long-term maintenance issues with our physical plant?
As we all know, these are not easy questions to answer, but do Unitarian Universalists ever pose easy questions? An important tenant for me is to allow for adequate transparency in the process and provide an environment where it is safe to sit with discomfort, as this is part of an honest exploration.
Please do come along for this ride - see you in church!
Susan Zeigler
|
#BlackLivesMatter
|
2U is selling Black Lives Matter yard signs for $1 each! Available at the Welcome Table after Sunday services. Please join us in supporting this important movement of prophetic witness. Learn more at BlackLivesMatter.com.
|
Old Narthex Gallery Opening Reception
|
Sunday, August 9, 2015
11:30am
Covenant of Earth and Sky (COVES), 2U's CUUPS Chapter, lead a group class from September 2014 to May 2015 from the UUA called "Rise Up and Call Her Name". It is a course exploring the sacred feminine through world cultures. As a group, we experienced a journey of the spirit through crafts, dancing, singing, video, readings and personal stories. At the end, we each created a mask that was the expression of our personal experience through the course.
On August 9th, COVES will host a reception during Coffee Hour for all to view our masks. Please visit the Narthex Gallery to view these works of personal expression, and to speak with us.
Blessed Be!
|
Chicago Pagan Pride 2015
|
Covenant of Earth and Sky (COVES), 2U's CUUPS Chapter, is proud to be presenting the Opening Ceremony at Chicago Pagan Pride in Oak Park on September 13th at 11:30am. We are presenting the concept of Pagan Unity as a group to the community. We have a drumming group joining us and will present the ceremony with the call of Directions and a costumed Earth Mother and Sun God. We are excited for this opportunity to make connections, educate, spread joy and celebrate the Earth and the Wheel of the Year. Come join us and stay through the day for workshops, vendors (50+!), music and kids activities. Please see the Chicago Pagan Pride website for more detailed information on workshops, entertainers and location.
|
Ways to Pay Your Pledge
|
Did you know that there are several ways to pay your pledge every month?
Check: Please make your check payable to "Second Unitarian Church" and either drop it in the collection plate on Sunday or mail it directly to the church at:
Second Unitarian Church
656 West Barry Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
*Please be sure to write "Pledge 2015-2016" in the memo line for this to be attributed towards your pledge for the year.
Cash: Please enclose your donation in a sealed envelope (available at the Welcome Table) and include a note with your name and indicate you'd like this to be attributed towards your pledge.
Automatic withdrawal from your checking account: Most banks now have an option for you to enroll in an online bill payment program to pay your bills every month, including your pledge payment! Please talk to your personal banker today or contact Andrew Zallar in the church office at (773) 549-0260 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
Credit Card: You can pay your pledge online using a credit card with PayPal by going to www.secondunitarian.org/contribute and clicking the "Make A Donation" button on the bottom of the page or by contacting Andrew Zallar in the office.
*Please be aware that this costs 2U approximately 4% of the transaction value. We encourage you to increase your payment amount by 4% to help cover the transactions fees if you are able.
|
|
Choir Corner
|
The 2U choir is taking a break over the summer. Tuesday night rehearsals will resume with the start of the official church year in the fall. New voices are always welcome! If you would like to be added to the 2U choir notification list, please email Congregational Administrator Andrew Zallar. For more information about the choir, please 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 was $306,403.
For the Year to Date period July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015:
Actual Pledges + Collection Plate = |
| $229,670 | Budgeted Pledges + Collection Plate = |
| $248,870 | Surplus or (Deficit) |
|
($19,200)
|
| Actual | Budgeted | Total Revenues Year-to-Date = | $303,852 | $304,720 | Total Expenses Year-to-Date = | $319,330 | $306,403 | Total Surplus or (Deficit) | ($15,478) | ($1,683) |
In June, we raised $503.22 towards the collection plate sharing recipient, Between Friends.
Thank you so much for helping to make 2U possible!
|
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.
|
Submission Deadlines
|
Have a message to put in the next Anvil or Orders of Service? Plan ahead!
Please have all submissions for the next newsletter submitted by noon on Wednesday, August 12.
Please have all submissions for the Orders of Service submitted by noon on Wednesday prior to the Sunday you'd like the announcement to appear.
Second Unitarian Church of Chicago
656 West Barry Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|