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Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
July 15, 2016
In This Issue...
Worship at 2U

Sunday, July 17
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Karen Fort
Music: Gail Gallagher and Rosalind Hurwitz

Sunday, July 24
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music: Erin Rusmi

Sunday, July 31
Worship in the Park
Service at 11:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music: Jim Simonis

Sunday, August 7
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Colleen Vahey
Music: Glenn Danielson

Sunday, August 14
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music: Jonathan Dunmore and Carey Farrell
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Children & Youth Faith Development Schedule
 
Child care for infants and toddlers is available every Sunday in the Green Caterpillar room.

There will be no children's classes over the summer!

Classes will resume in the fall!
_____________________
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Church Office Information & Staff

 Minister
773-549-0260, ext. 13
Office Hours:
Wed-Thurs afternoons and evenings; Sunday afternoons
Other days & times by appointment
 
Congregational Administrator
773-549-0260, ext. 10
Office Hours: 
Mon-Thurs 10:00-4:00
Other days & times by appointment
 
Community Minister
773-593-7500
 
Community Minister
773-592-2809
                                  
2U Ministry Leaders

Board of Trustees
Tom Denio

Adult Faith Dev.

Bookstore

Buddhist Fellowship

Building & Grounds

Committee on Ministries

Covenant of Earth & Sky

Fellowship Committee

Finance Committee

Green Sanctuary

Hospitality 

Library

Lifespan Faith Dev.

Membership

Music

Newsletter

Night Ministry Outreach
Open

Nominating Committee

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 
 

 




                                  
From the Board Chair, Tom Denio
When does a new church year start? For most members, I suspect it feels it is after Labor Day in September but administratively, it starts July 1. And at our Board meeting on July 13 it felt like a new year with the change in faces around the table. Gone were stalwarts who served us very well: Karen Fort, Molly Rossow, Darrin Weatherspoon, Jim Redlich and Roger Wykes and in their places were Dana Hill, Susan Richter, Mary-Helen Steindler and Dan Lewis.
    
Part of my religious journey is the translation of the Christian teachings I was raised with into  a humanist and UU framework. Recent police killings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana and the murder of police officers in Dallas by a revenge seeking person are deeply troubling. In the context of our nation's history and current practices, the Biblical commandment: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor" comes to mind (along with a few others). Bearing witness resonates with me and is essential to our hopes and energy to move forward in justice, reform and social progress. I sometimes look away from things, but did watch the videos of the shooting of Mr. Sterling and the aftermath of Mr Castile's shooting. These are unforgettable images and having seen them (along with others in the past few years), it is clear that much change is needed. I remain a long run optimist and am hopeful that the undeniable visuals will promote lasting change but much work needs to be done. It is great to hear that some of you have been involved in the downtown protests and it is heartening to have raised the Black Lives Matter banner on the front of 2U!

Finally, a big "Thank You" to those of you who paid your pledges for our fiscal year just ended June 30. For some of you this was a real challenge and your efforts are much appreciated. Thank you also to those of you who donated hundreds of dollars more than your pledge to help out! For those of you who were a bit short, we appreciate your good intentions and you can help by letting the office know if you have had a change in circumstances. As a result of everyone's efforts, we achieved our pledge total in the budget with $230,926 despite concerns we would come up meaningfully short! More on our year end results in an August Anvil article.

Submitted by Tom Denio, Board Chair
Worship in the Park
Sunday, July 31, 2016
11:00 AM
Located at Grove 15 at:
3700 N. Recreation Dr.
Chicago, IL 60613


Please join us on Sunday, July 31 at 11:00 AM for 2U's Annual Worship in the Park located in Lincoln Park, right on Lake Michigan. We will meet at Grove 15, just south of the Waveland Clock Tower at 3700 N. Recreation Dr. Please click here for a detailed map.
 
There will also be a church-wide potluck meal right after the service. So, please bring your favorite dish or beverage to share! If you're bringing drinks: iced tea, lemonade or water are preferred!
 
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Darrin Weatherspoon either by email at [email protected] or by phone at 773-316-4264.
Join the 2U Family Group this Sunday, July 17!
Sunday, July 17, 2016
12:00 PM
Inner Lake Shore Drive and Barry:
3101 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60657

Join the 2U Family Group this Sunday, July 17, from Noon - 1 PM!

All families with kids under 18 are invited. Meet near the coffee and snacks after the service. We'll walk together over to the playground at Inner Lake Shore Drive and Barry to hang out approximately Noon - 1 PM. 

We'll have enough food and drink for a light lunch and snacks! 

Hope to see you and your family!

Questions? Text or call Christy Grant at 312-213-1588.
2U Marketing/Fundraising Updates
The new 2U Marketing and Fundraising Task Force has been meeting for a couple of months, and is very excited about the energy surrounding its efforts. There are several events scheduled out for the new church year, so be sure to mark your calendars for the following:
 

Sunday, September 25, 2016Celebration Luncheon for the start of the church year


Saturday, October 22, 2016Fall Fest Fundraiser
 
Sunday, June 4, 2017Celebration Luncheon for the end of the church year
 
We are starting to plan for an open house for the church after the landscaping is complete in the front of the building - not sure of the date yet, but we will keep you posted.
 
If you are interested in the work of the 2U Marketing and Fundraising Task Force, please do join us for our next meeting that will take place on Sunday, August 14, 2016 after the service in the sanctuary. All are welcome, as there is a lot to get done - at this meeting in particular, we will be talking about more details for the fall events, recruiting for event leads, and discussing logistics for a marketing focus group. Hope to see you there!
 
If you have any questions or are interested in joining the 2U Marketing and Fundraising Task Force, you can send an email to us at [email protected].
COVES: LAMMAS
Friday, July 29, 2016
7:00 PM

COVES (Covenant of Earth and Sky), 2U's CUUPS Chapter, welcomes all to attend our celebration of LAMMAS, also known as Lugnasah. Friday, July 29 at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary. This is the First Harvest on the Wheel of the Year. The Second Harvest is Autumnal Equinox (Sept. 23) and the Third Harvest is Samhain (Oct. 30). On this day of Lammas, we honor the beginning of the Harvest season, the first fruits of the grain. The hot days of mid-summer are upon us.  It is a time of transformation as the Green Corn grows, the grain ripens and the cycle of life if full of abundance. The Goddesses Ceres, Demeter and the Corn Grandmother are honored as well as the God Lugh to whom we all give thanks. Bring a dish to share of the Harvest. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Shauna Womeldorff at [email protected].
2U Welcomes Rev. Colleen Vahey
2U will welcome guest preacher Rev. Colleen Vahey to the pulpit on Sunday, August 7. She will be preaching on her sermon, "Resiliency is Rooted in Love."

Rev. Colleen Vahey was ordained as a UU minister in 2012. Over the past 25 years she has served as a chaplain, religious educator, professor, and minister. Currently, she serves on staff at Unity Temple UU Congregation in Oak Park, helping coordinate their social justice ministries.
 
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Colleen has also lived in Australia, Switzerland, France, and Czech Republic. She and her partner currently live in the Chicago area with their three children and three animal companions. She enjoys reading, kayaking, and spending time in nature.
From Rev. Rudra Dundzila
Dear congregants,

Please feel free to read through Understanding the World's Religions by UU Minister Rev. Gary Kowalski by clicking the link here!

Yours in faith,
Rev. Rudra
Community Minister
Position Opening: Director of Faith Development
Please pass this posting along to anyone you think may be interested:

Second Unitarian Church (656 W. Barry, Chicago IL) is seeking a 15 hour/week Director of Faith Development (DFD) whose primary area of responsibility will be programming for children and youth, including Sunday morning classes and beyond. We seek a person who is interested in both the overarching vision of the ministry of religious education and faith development within the congregation and also the week-to-week management of classrooms, curricula, and volunteers. This position requires someone who works well both independently and collaboratively, with people of all ages. Strong communications (interpersonal, written, and technological) and administrative/organizational skills are essential in this position, as are a minimum of 2-3 years personal and/or professional experience with education/religious education and demonstrated experience with/commitment to the Unitarian Universalist religious life.

Second Unitarian Church is a congregation with a deeply committed faith development volunteer base, a growing community of young families and children, and a commitment to the development and health of the program. Our DFD will work closely with the Minister (who is also the position's supervisor) and the Lifespan Faith Development Council in planning curricula, intergenerational worship, and family rites of passage. We see faith development as an integral part of the ministry of the church, and want our DFD to be a partner in that ministry.

This is an hourly position to start in the month of August, paid in line with UUA compensation guidelines. The hours are generally flexible with the exception of Sunday mornings and regular office hours, which will be set in conversation with the Minister.

Queries, cover letters, and r�sum�s can be sent to the Rev. Adam Robersmith at [email protected]. We will begin scheduling interviews after July 22 and will accept r�sum�s until we find the right person.
From Jill, the Librarian
The 2U Library will be open the following Sundays:
                                         
July 24                             
August 14 and 28
September 11 and 25
October 9 and 23
November 13 and 27
December 11 and 25
 
New books added recently:

Call Number: 635.092 NOL

Simple, Delicious solutions for Gluten-free and Dairy-free Cooking by Sueson Louise Vess.    
Call Number: 641.56318 VES

The Leader Within: Articles on Community Building, Leadership and Personal Growth by Shauna Aura Knight.  
Call Number: 291 KNI

Happy reading!
Jill Althage
2U Night Ministry Position Open: Program Coordinator
2U Night Ministry Volunteers:

It is with mixed emotions that I need to let you know that I will be leaving my role of 2U's Night Ministry Program Outreach Director. Due to circumstances beyond my control, my current wage earning job that I have had for the last 18 years is coming to an end. This places me in a situation where I need to dedicate all of my time to identifying the specific particulars for the next chapter in my life. Unfortunately, that means that I have to let go of this position to ensure I am successful.

With this in mind I, along with Church Leadership, need to identify my replacement.  

Here are the current Roles & Responsibilities of the Program Coordinator:
  • Acts as the liaison between The Night Ministry Organization & 2U Church Leadership
  • Is the face of the 2U Night Ministry Outreach Program. Speaks to Congregation and other groups on behalf of the Program
  • Adheres to and enforces all Rules or Guidelines outlined for any of the volunteer positions for any Night Ministry Event
  • Works with Church Leadership to identify the annual fiscal budget
  • Accountable to manage, adhere to, track and speak to the program budget
  • Identifies and trains Event Coordinators
  • Recruits Program volunteers
  • Identifies, implements and provides training on the required administrative tools for the Program utilized by all Program volunteer positions
  • Coordinates the needs of the Night Ministry Organization with the Program capabilities and resources
  • Schedules use of Church rooms (including Kitchen) for Events
  • Maintains the volunteer distribution list
  • Disseminates Program & Event communications
  • Provides Program status to appropriate resources including the 2U Church Leadership and The Night Ministry Organization
  • Coordinates all other Program logistics
  • Ensures each Event is adequately staffed and supports Event Coordinator as necessary throughout the Event lifecycle
  • Acts as Event Coordinator for months not assigned to a specific Event Coordinator
This opening provides an excellent opportunity for an individual or two person team who can dedicate (on average) 4-12 hours a month, have good organizational and time management skills, enjoy working with others, and loves working/cooking in the kitchen!

Over my tenure in this position, I have documented all of the necessary steps and processes to ensure that the Program became truly "turnkey" and because of that, it can easily be transitioned to my successor.   It is my hope that we identify my replacement by June 21st and train the next coordinator by July 21st so they can take over the Program starting with the August Meal on the Street Event.

If you are interested and would like more information about this opportunity, please let me know and I can send you additional materials for your consideration.

Running the program has been a lot of fun and truly personally rewarding.  I have met and worked with a lot of wonderful people in the four years I have been supporting the 2U Night Ministry Program. It has been wonderful being part of an organization that has provided such an important community service for the last 40 years and it is my hope that I have added something special to it so that when I pass the baton - the next coordinator can do the same and the program will continue to grow and flourish! 

Kind Regards,
Kerry Marchetti-Knarr
#AmazonSmile
Do you love to shop? Do you love to support 2U? Well, now you can do both through AmazonSmile! 2U is now a supported charity on AmazonSmile. Click here to sign up and to learn more!
Money Matters
The weekly cost for running 2U is $5,835.60! 

2U's annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 was $328,672.

Below is a brief summary of our pledging/collection plate revenue vs our expenses through May 31, 2016. A detailed summary of the full July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 fiscal year will be coming soon.

Budget Update: 11 months ending May 31, 2016


Actual
Budget
Difference
Pledges
$210,107$204,437
$5,670
Collection Plate
$12,989
$17,055
($4,066)
Total Expenses
$306,015$301,539
($4,476)

Collection Plate Sharing
In June, we raised $434.58 towards the collection plate sharing recipient, Crossing Borders Music Collective.

Thank you all 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, July 27.

Please have all submissions for the Orders of Service submitted by noon on the Wednesday prior to the Sunday you'd like the announcement to appear. All announcements are subject to change at the discretion of the Congregational Administrator. Space is limited!

Second Unitarian Church of Chicago
656 West Barry Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657

Phone: (773) 549-0260