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Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
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From the Board Chair, Tom Denio
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Wow! What a lovely Water Communion and Homecoming Service we had last Sunday! I remember the first one of these I attended some 25 years ago and thinking what a cool ritual. Reminds me of the Chippewa River of my youth, the Atlantic Ocean beach communities of my grandparents, Lakes Michigan and Superior and the smaller lakes in northern Wisconsin where Dad used to take my brother and I fishing. Which rivers and lakes will I meet in the coming year?
And it was great to see our new Director of Music and Director of Faith Development at the wheel, all bright eyed and ready to go! Neat to see all of our Sunday School teachers actually up on the chancel, and a robust choir with old and new voices. And the familiar, warm voice and smile of Rev. Robersmith.
Fall is my favorite season and life at 2U is part of that. The start of the new church year brings us a fresh start, new opportunities to be involved, stimulating new conversations, new learning and the joy of old and new friends.
Looking for fellowship, fun and ways to try some new involvement? We've been thinking of you! Coming up we have: - Fellowship - Potluck luncheon Sept 25 after service
- Involvement Fair is October 2. See who's involved in what and learn what appeals to you!
- Party with Intrigue - Fall Spooktacular Fun(d)raiser on Saturday evening, October 22. It will be a costume party! Time to start thinking about your costume. What will Rev. Robersmith come as?!
Have you had to reduce your news intake lately in this challenging season for our society? I can not think of a healthier contrast than 2U, a great setting to engage with people of good will, loving hearts and kind intentions. Come and join the circle; there's room for you!
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Save the Date: Welcome Luncheon on Sunday, September 25!
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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! We will be having a Welcome Luncheon potluck next 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!
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Involvement Fair on Sunday, October 2
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2U's Council will host the Involvement Fair on Sunday, October 2 in the Palmer Room after the service. The Involvement Fair is a chance to learn more about the committees and organizations that make our church a vibrant and diverse community. Committee members will be on hand to share their plans for the year, answer questions, and help you find the volunteer positions that are just right for you. Whether you're new to 2U and looking for ways to connect with the community, or a long-time member seeking new ways to give your time and talents to 2U, we welcome you to join us for fun and fellowship. If you would like more information, or if you would like your group to be included in this year's Involvement Fair, please contact Council Chair, Mary-Helen Steindler, at [email protected].
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SPOOKTACULAR FUNRAISER
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Save the date for our SPOOKTACULAR FUNRAISER on Saturday, October 22, 2016!
It will be a fun and exciting costume party for all ages with prizes for the best costumes! Tickets will be available starting after service next Sunday, Sept. 25 in the Palmer Room and online at http://2uspooktacular.bpt.me/!
If you are interested in providing silent auction items or social gatherings for our auction, please contact Susan Richter at [email protected].
If you are interested in helping out for the event, please contact Susan Zeigler at [email protected].
It will surely be a spooktacular time!
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Sunday School Registration is now being accepted!
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Faith Development programming is kicking it into high gear this month. Our new Director of Faith Development, Alicia Obando, is on board and getting everything ready for the Sunday, September 18th start date.
Our children's religious education programming starts this Sunday! We have programs for children in preschool through high school. There is no fee for enrollment, but registration is required. Registration forms can be found on the Welcome Table in the Palmer Room or you can download the form from our website at www.secondunitarian.org/religious-education/.
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?
We'd love to have you join our religious education team. If you are interested, please contact Director of Faith Development, Alicia Obando, at 773-549-0260 x12 or at
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Fall Orientation
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Calling all visitors-- who want to become members!
2U Fall Orientation will be held Sunday, October 2, Sunday, October 9 and Sunday, October 16 following services. Sessions are scheduled to begin at 11:45 AM 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 session swill meet the by-law requirements for membership, attending all three sessions 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 Judy Corbeille with any questions or for more information.
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Introducing Breeze!
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I'm proud to announce 2U's new online church management software, Breeze!
This new software will enable 2U members to have access to an online member directory (with pictures!), update their contact information, check their contributions online and much more!
Very shortly, I will be sending members an online invitation via email to create a user login to access their online profile. Once logged in, you'll be able to upload your profile picture for our online directory, update your contact information and much more! You'll also be able to access your profile in the future, after you've created your user login, from a member login link on our website.
I ask that you plan to login, upload your photo and update your contact information by Saturday, October 15! This will not only help our staff, board and other ministry leaders to stay connected with you, but also help all of us to stay connected with each other!
I also plan to have open hours after service this Sunday, September 18 to meet with people if they have questions or need help with the new software.
As always, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions about this or anything else!
Thank you!
Andrew Zallar
Congregational Administrator
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2U Yard Clean-Up Day!
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Thank you to all who helped during our last clean-up day on Saturday, September 10. Please join us on Saturday, October 15 from 9 am to noon (rain or shine) and spend one last morning in the yard at church to end the season. We'll do some final weeding and prepare the grounds for winter. Contact Monica Drane at 312.550.3412 with questions.
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Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War
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Airing on PBS starting Tuesday, Sept. 20 , Defying the Nazis: The Sharps' War, directed by Ken Burns and Artemis Joukowsky, is an account of a daring rescue mission that occurred on the precipice of World War II. It tells the story of Waitstill and Martha Sharp, a Unitarian minister and his wife from Wellesley, Massachusetts, who left their children behind in the care of their parish and boldly committed to multiple life-threatening missions in Europe. Over two dangerous years they helped to save hundreds of imperiled political dissidents and Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi occupation across Europe.
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The 2U Choir Sings Again!
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Interested in singing and joining the 2U Choir? Rehearsals have now begun! The 2U Choir meets 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].
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2U Welcomes Chicago Folklore Ensemble
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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!
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Writing Your Memoir for Personal Growth
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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.
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Chicago Pagan Pride
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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.
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Autumn Equinox/Mabon
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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].
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Lay Preacher Training in September
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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].
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Photos from "Worship in the Park" Available
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Photographs of the 2U picnic, "Worship in the Park" are available for download here! All 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
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From Jill, the Librarian
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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.
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Looking for 2U Night Ministry Volunteer Coordinator
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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].
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Westar Institute Seminar at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church
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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.
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Election Day: Tuesday, November 8, 2016
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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.
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Money Matters
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What is our current financial condition? Our Treasurer, Dana Hill, reports that we are off to a decent start for the first two months of the fiscal year, July 1 through June 30, 2017. Our budget for this year is $303,451 or $5,836 per week! Good news includes the fact that we have two reserve accounts and balances are:
Fleishman Reserve: $77,084 (slightly higher than a year ago)
Building Fund Reserve: $18,797 (down from about $25,000 a year ago)
The Fleishman fund's use is restricted. Our building fund falls short of meeting building needs. Our operating account seeks to cover 6 weeks of normal expenses.
What's the point? We really depend on our annual pledges, fundraising and budget to keep things afloat! Please keep up to date with your pledges! Our budgeted pledges for this year of $211,091 are down from $227,152 last year despite generous pledge increases from over 56 households this year. The result largely reflects moves out of town by some large donors. On the bright side, we have raised budget targets for space sharing and special gifts. On the expense side, we are tightening our belts by reducing the hours of our Director of Faith Development by 5 hours per week and our commitment to the UUA by $4,350.
In summary, our finances are OK for now and will benefit if we all realize our individual support matters and we all do our part!
So, how did 2U come out financially for the year ended June 30, 2016? Good news: better than expected! We actually met our pledge budget, had a very good year of rental income, and Special Gifts also did well. The collection plate fell well short of budget; perhaps this was due to lower attendance while Rev. Robersmith was on sabbatical. As a result, we were able to return $16,148 to the Fleishman Reserve (big sigh of relief!) and had an $11,703 surplus. Here are some of the highlights:
| Revenue | Over/Under Budget | Pledges | $229,539 |
+ $2,387
| Collection Plate | $13,848 |
- $4,507
| Space Sharing | $30,227 |
+ $15,340
| Special Gifts | $16,637 |
+ $7,137
| Fundraising (Net) | $11,149 | + $49 |
Expenses were pretty well controlled although necessary building repairs were $4,019 over budget. For the year, we shared $7,081 from our collection plate with community groups and contributed $9,158 to the denomination (UUA and Mid-America region).
These very good results were due to all of you! Those who fulfilled pledges (and some of you gave hundreds of dollars more), the folks who put on Evergreen Fest last December and participated in the event, those who supported the special gifts campaign, those who chipped in via the collection plate, and those who helped keep our expenses in line. Thank you also to our Congregational Administrator, Andrew Zallar, for the best space sharing year we've had in some time.
What did the Board do with the Surplus from last year?
At our August Board meeting, we voted to allocate the surplus of $11,703 (after repaying the Fleishman Reserve ) and an Anonymous donation of $4,500 as follows:
Start the new Dir. of Music and DFD 2 weeks early | $1,500 | Front Landscaping project (about 1/3 of cost) | $3,500 | Dues for ONE Northside, Com. Renewal Society, etc. | $1,000 |
Participation in a winter program, Beloved Conversations
| $1,000 | Money set aside towards air conditioning of sanctuary | $8,703 | Addition to Fleishman Reserves | $500 | Sum | $16,203 |
The kind and generous Anonymous donor expressed certain wishes to Rev. Robersmith on how their gift should be used and these are incorporated above.
We are seeking quotes for partial air conditioning for the sanctuary and know the money set aside here will perhaps cover 45% of the total. This will make our space more usable by our members and renters in the summer months. However, due to the nature of the space, a realistic expectation is a reduction in the sanctuary of 10-12 degrees compared to the temperature outside.
Collection Plate Sharing
Thank you all so much for helping to make 2U possible!
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Stay Connected
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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.
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Submission Deadlines
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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 28.
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
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