Anvil header

Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
September 1, 2016
In This Issue...
Worship at 2U

Sunday, September 4
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music: Carey Farrell
Accompanist: Cody Bradley

Sunday, September 11
Homecoming and Gathering of the Waters Intergenerational Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music: 2U Choir
Accompanist: Reece Johns

Sunday, September 18
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Rudra Dundzila
Music: Tom Clowes
Accompanist: Reece Johns

Sunday, September 25
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music: Chicago Folklore Ensemble
Accompanist: Reece Johns
_____________________
Children & Youth Faith Development Schedule
 
Child care for infants and toddlers is available every Sunday in the Green Caterpillar room.

Classes will resume on Sunday, September 18! Stay tuned for more details soon!
_____________________
_________________
Church Office Information & Staff

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

Director of Faith Development
773-549-0260, ext. 12

Music Director

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 

Leadership Development and Nominating Committee

Library

Lifespan Faith Dev.

Membership

Music

Newsletter

Night Ministry Outreach
Open

Pastoral Care

Safe Congregations 

Senior Potluck Lunch

Small Group Ministry

Sunday Services

Transylvania Church

Webmaster

Young Adult Group
David Dyer
Stephanie Bens
_____________________
Board of Trustees 
 

 




                                  
From the Minister
There's something about September that always makes me think of grand vistas - looking out over what's in front of me from just enough distance to get a sense of the shape of things. Last fall, I did this in person, standing upon the top of the Helderberg Escarpment to look back toward Albany, NY. 

Helderberg Escarpment

I saw places I'd been, places I knew we would be going to visit, and some spots I knew we'd likely avoid. This fall, I'm doing it again metaphorically speaking. I am standing on top of the year, looking ahead, seeing the landscape of 2U. Some parts of this landscape are well-travelled and comfortable...and a few need some attention and care. One of those was our actual landscape, which is newly beautified due to the efforts of so many members of the congregation (and especially due to Monica Drane for her leadership - please thank her when you see her!). Some parts of the landscape are under new management and care. (You'll see messages below from Alicia Obando, our new Director of Faith Development, and Amanda Thomas, our new Director of Music.) Some parts of the landscape have familiar and trusted guides and managers, like Andrew Zallar (our Congregational Administrator), the Board, and the Committees that keep our landscape alive and passable! 

There are new areas to explore ahead, too: new tools to help us find our way together, new possibilities for our social justice work that you'll hear more about in the weeks and months to come, new relationships with other organizations that are emerging while I write, and new areas of our own ministry that I am looking at from a bit above and a bit away. Being able to take this view before plunging into the year ahead is a blessing - it gives a sense of where we might go, how we might get there, and what we'll do along the way.

If you've been away, now is the time to return! On Sunday, Sept. 11, we will bless this community with our Water Communion and Homecoming, music from the 2U Choir, and a welcome back to our Faith Development teachers. From there, we have a whole landscape to nurture, explore, and make bountiful together. I look forward to these travels with you!

Faithfully,
Rev. Adam
Homecoming Worship and Gathering of the Waters
Sunday, September 11, 2016
10:30 am

Please join us for our homecoming intergenerational celebration of the start of the church year on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 10:30 am! We will celebrate our community through our annual ritual of water communion. Please bring water to the church from places sacred and meaningful to you, from near or far-- your home tap, a beach, winter's snows, or another beloved body of water. We look forward to beginning this new year together.
Sunday School is back in session!
Faith Development programming is kicking it into high gear this month. Our new Director of Faith Development is on board and getting everything ready for the Sunday, September 18th start date. 

All of our classrooms are staffed by wonderful 2U volunteers. We couldn't do this without them. 

Have you volunteered before and are looking to jump back in? Are you interested in becoming a new volunteer? 

Either way, we'd love to have you join our religious education team. If you are interested, please contact Alicia Obando at 773-549-0260 x12 or at

Save the date on Sunday, September 11th at noon for a teacher appreciation and orientation luncheon. Come find out how you can get involved in helping our children become awesome UU kids! RSVPs appreciated.
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HELPED TRANSFORM THE FRONT YARD AT 2U! The church's front-yard landscape redesign project came in under-budget, has received rave reviews from neighbors, and couldn't have happened without the extraordinary generosity of Suzanne Frank of Bluestem Garden Design and the efforts of more than two-dozen members of the congregation, including: Gary B., Judy C., Monica D., Roger Esparza and the 2U cleaning crew, Karen F., Kate F., Lew H., Sally H., Joyce H., Adam H., Libby H., Dana H., Teresa K., Sami N., Jim R., Susan R., Adam Robersmith, Erin R., Laura S., Ronald S., Shauna W., Kat W., Andrew Zallar, other members of the BIG committee and the 2U ad-hoc landscaping group and the 2U young adult group, Rob Montoya and his landscaping crew, and the City of Chicago's yard-waste recycling crew. Please enjoy the new space by taking a seat on one of the new benches in the conversation circle...and please join us, if you're able, on Saturday, September 10 and Saturday, October 15 from 9 am to noon to keep the yard looking good!
The 2U Choir Sings Again!
Interested in singing and joining the 2U Choir? Rehearsals have now begun and the 2U Choir will meet on Thursday evenings from 7:15 to 8:45 in the sanctuary under the direction of our Director of Music, Amanda Thomas! All are welcome!

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Amanda at [email protected].
2U Welcomes Chicago Folklore Ensemble
2U welcomes Chicago Folklore Ensemble for the release of their debut album, The World in Chicago, on Sunday, October 2 at 4:00 PM!

Chicago Folklore Ensemble

Please join them as they celebrate with an afternoon performance of songs and stories of Chicago immigrants, followed by a feast with food from each country!
  
The World in Chicago is a delightful fusion of classical and world music! Original arrangements of traditional folk songs are played by string quartet featuring soloists from each country represented: master musicians Baha'a Abu-Taha, oud player from Jordan; Abee Mensah, keyboard player from Ghana; Alba Guerra, singer from Argentina; Phiwan Phonwiang, khaen player from Thailand; and Jovan Mihailović, violinist from Serbia.

Embark on a journey of melody, laughter, tears, and joy, we realize together the human behind each story, the worlds contained in each song.

Tickets will be on a sliding scale between $15-$30. More information can be found here.

Chicago Folklore Ensemble will also be performing as part of worship with Rev. Adam on Sunday, September 25 at 10:30 AM!
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, 2016 - Welcome Luncheon for the start of the church year


Saturday, October 22, 2016 - Fall Fest Fundraiser
 
Sunday, June 4, 2017Celebration Luncheon for the end of the church year

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 Sunday, September 11, 2016 after the service. All are welcome, as there is a lot to get done! 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].
Save the Date: Welcome Luncheon on Sunday, September 25!
SAVE THE DATE FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 and PLAN YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELCOME LUNCHEON TABLE!

It's always fun to get together as a congregation and eat! Sunday, September 11 is our Homecoming service "welcome back" to 2U after our collective summer vacations, and we will be having a Welcome Luncheon potluck on Sunday, September 25, in the Palmer Room directly after the worship service. Hopefully by then the weather will have cooled off a bit, and going into the kitchen to prepare something to bring to the table won't feel so daunting. We have divided the requests for what to bring according to the first letter of your last name, as follows:

A - D    Drinks/Bread
E - I      Desserts 
J - N    Meat-Based Entrees/Sandwiches
O - T    Salads/Side Dishes
U - Z    Vegetarian Entrees/Sandwiches

* If you would like your container/serving dish back after the potluck, please be sure to put your name on it!

** If you would like to bring something in a different category than what you were assigned to, please contact the co-coordinators, Kate Friedlob ([email protected]) or Mary-Helen Steindler ([email protected]), and tell us what you'd prefer to bring.

There will be a sign-up sheet on the Welcome Table in the Palmer Room beginning this Sunday. Please sign up there and indicate what you will be bringing. You can also email Kate or Mary-Helen (see above emails) and let us know. As always, we will be asking for volunteers for set-up and for clean-up too. It should be fun!
Writing Your Memoir for Personal Growth
2U announces a new class this fall, Writing Your Memoir for Personal Growth, hosted by 2U's David R. Matteson. Here are notes about the class below from David:

David R. Matteson
The usual goal in writing a memoir is to get it published, but unless you're famous or lived a highly unusual life, that's unlikely. But the process of reviewing your life and putting it into writing can be enlightening, especially if you reconnect with the people still living who were important to your own growth. Consider joining me for 3 sessions (October 5th, 12th, & 19th). We will meet in the "Youth Room" at 
7:00 p.m. until about 9:00 p.m.

I will use segments on my own memoir, and provide a series of exercises to do in session and between sessions. If some of those attending "catch the bug" for memoir writing, we can decide on additional meetings to follow up on your work.

If you plan to come, please email me in advance so I have some idea how many copies of the exercises to bring: [email protected]If you have questions, feel free to call me on my cell phone: 708-207-7353. If I don't answer, please leave a message.

About me: I've been a UU for over 40 years, with my ministry mainly in college teaching and counseling; I'm trained in psychology, theology, and family therapy. My wife and I have visited 2U several times since we moved into the Admiral on Foster Ave. & Lakeshore. We have 2 adopted biracial "children" (now adults) and 5 grandchildren.
Chicago Pagan Pride
Covenant of Earth and Sky welcomes all to join us on Sunday, September 18th in attending Chicago Pagan Pride at Pleasant Home on Mills Park in Oak Park, IL.
This is an annual celebration of all spiritual paths in Paganism and Earth Centered traditions. Workshops, Live Music, over 50 Vendors, Kids activities and 4 food vendors. Pleasant Home is accessible by public transportation. COVES will also be arranging car pooling, see the sign up sheet on the Welcome Table in the Palmer Room. The festival takes place between 11am and 6pm. You may attend anytime you like! COVES presented the Opening Ceremony in 2015. Come for a day of fun! For more information, see www.chicagopaganpride.org.
Photos from "Worship in the Park" Available
Photographs of the 2U picnic, "Worship in the Park" are available for download hereAll photos are set up for print size 5" X 7", however if you want larger prints, I can reform them for any up to poster size for best clarity.

Earl Wood
Autumn Equinox/Mabon
Friday, September 23, 2016
7:00 PM

Covenant of Earth and Sky invites all to join us for
Autumn Equinox/Mabon, on Friday, September 23rd at 7pm in the Sanctuary.

The ritual will center around the 2nd Harvest, the Goddess Pomona (the keeper of Apples and Fruit Trees) and the God of the Vine Dionysus (the keeper of Grapes and joy). We will welcome in the 4 directions, learn about the Autumn Equinox, join in a visualization and honor the 2nd Harvest. Please bring a Harvest dish to share (sweet or savory). If you have any questions or comments, please contact Shauna Womeldorff, [email protected].
Lay Preacher Training in September
Are you interested in learning more about the process by which our lay services are crafted at 2U? Are you interested in possibly presenting a service yourself at some point in the future? Do you have a service in mind and want to know the next steps involved in presenting it? 

Come to Lay Preacher Training at 7pm on Wednesday, September 28th presented by the Sunday Service Committee and Rev. Adam Robersmith. If you would like more information, to sign up for the workshop, or have any questions about anything related to our Sunday Services, email the Sunday Service Committee at [email protected].
From Jill, the Librarian
The Library is up and running.

We have some interesting materials for your viewing pleasure. You are welcome to come in and browse when you have a meeting and when the library is open officially (without other meetings). Here is the schedule for September:
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Sunday, Sept. 11 and Sunday, Sept. 25.

Attached is a list of recent books/materials and a list of titles on order. I have added a new books shelf. Come in and enjoy. Checking items out is easy and you can do it without a librarian. Find the card in the back of the book, write your name and the current date, place card in file next to the computer. 
 
Here's where you get to talk/email/phone me about library wishes:
1. How would you like the library to improve? What would that look like?
 
2. Name some books you hope that we have, but if we don't will order. 
 
3. Would you like to help with the library? How?
a. Cataloging new books/materials        
b. Being a member of the Library Committee
c. Helping with policies.
d. New ideas.
e. Checking materials out and telling the world you love libraries.
Looking for 2U Night Ministry Volunteer Coordinator
As you know, for years 2U has regularly served a meal at the intersection of Belmont and Halsted in support of the outreach program of the Night Ministry. Many 2U members have cooked soup, made sandwiches, desserts or served on the corner. Most nights we serve between 30 and 70 people.

What you might not know is, that this year The Night Ministry has cut down on the numbers of evenings it serves the Lakeview neighborhood. So rather than a once-a-month commitment, we only cook and serve on the street once every other month. On alternate months, our church provides a meal to homeless LGBTQ youths who find shelter at the The Crib (located at the Lake View Lutheran Church near Halsted and Addison). The shelter has a maximum occupancy of 20 young people between the ages of 18 and 24.

We are looking for someone or a team of folks who beginning January 2017 would take on the responsibility of coordinating the meal at The Crib 5-6 times a year (the first Sunday night of the odd months). It might involve cooking mac and cheese, a casserole, hot dogs or you can be as creative as you'd like. The meal would be prepared in the 2U kitchen and then transported and served at the Crib. The church has a generous budget for The Night Ministry, so the only expense is your time. The coordinator would not be expected to cook or even be there physically each month, only to organize the event and support the volunteers.

If you are interested in more information you can contact Sami Nordmark at [email protected].
Chicago World Music Chorus at 2U!
Become a member of Chicago World Music Chorus!


Led by the dynamic team of Patty Cuyler (co-director of Village Harmony) & Mollie Stone (conductor at University of Chicago and the Chicago Children's Choir) in partnership with Second Unitarian Church, their innovative non-auditioned world music community choir is open to all Chicago-area adult and teen singers, regardless of experience level or music reading ability. 

They perform authentic, challenging choral music from across the globe, vital and honest music chosen from among the world's most powerful harmony singing traditions and in diverse languages. Our repertoire this year will include songs from South Africa, the Republic of Georgia, Corsica, Bulgaria, Scandinavia, Latin America, the United States and western Europe.

In each of their first three years, they've had over 50 singers coming from around the city, from the suburbs and from as far away as Urbana-Champaign and Indianapolis. Our singers include college & university students, teens, retirees, professional singers, choral directors and beginners, fluent sight-readers, singers who only learn by ear.

Their basic requirement is that would-be members be committed to making good music-and be willing to go for it when confronted with what may be drastically-new musical genres and singing styles.

This year, their season will be include a series of eight once-a-month rehearsals that will culminate in a public performance on Sunday, May 7, 2017.

2U members receive a 50% discount on tuition!

For more information and to learn how to register, please click here!
Westar Institute Seminar at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
1828 Old Naperville Rd
Naperville, IL 60563
 
You are invited to an important workshop by the Westar Institute held at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church in Naperville, IL on Sept. 16-17, 2016. Geared for the layperson, these seminars are conducted throughout the country. You do not need to be a member to attend. Early registration by Sept. 2 is only $60 for the entire weekend. Topic for this program is entitled "Theology in Politics, Then and Now." Speakers are David Galston, a University Chaplain, Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, and Jeffrey W. Robbins, Chair and Professor of Religion and Philosophy and director of the American Studies program and the Undergraduate Research Symposium at Lebanon Valley College.

Westar Institute is a part of the Jesus Seminar, comprised of seventy-five international scholars such as Robert Funk, John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg, who met twice yearly in a painstaking search for the authentic Jesus. Since its 1990s beginning, their study has continued, expanding, incorporating Polbridge Press and their "On the Road" seminars. Further information can be found at [email protected] or (651) 200-2372. DuPage UU Church also has information at their website here.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 8, 2016
According to the 5th Principle of Unitarian Universalism, "The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;" the upcoming November election is an opportunity for you to exercise your right to vote.

Please help take part in the democratic process in the general election this year on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Please click here to find information about how to register to vote, your status of your registration, your polling place, and to also find other helpful information.
#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 July, we raised $330.78 towards the collection plate sharing recipient, Pets Are Like Family.

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, September 14.

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