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Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
October 4, 2016
In This Issue...
Worship at 2U

Sunday, October 9
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Rudra Dundzila
Music: Chris Corsale
Accompanist: Bret Kunst

Sunday, October 16
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Scott Aaseng
Music: 2U Choir
Accompanist: Reece Johns

Sunday, October 23
Intergenerational Service at 10:30
Worship Leaders: Rev. Adam Robersmith and Director of Faith Development, Alicia Obando
Music: 2U Choir (Small Group)
Accompanist: Reece Johns

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

October 9, 2016
Spirit Play
UU Explorers

October 16, 2016
Spirit Play
UU Explorers

October 23, 2016
Intergenerational Service

October 30, 2016
Spirit Play
UU Explorers 
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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

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

Director of Music
773-549-0260, ext. 14

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
Shanah Tova!
 
(or "Good year!" to all of you that don't speak Hebrew.) We are now in Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which will lead into Yom Kippur, the days of repentance, atonement, and healing. While cultures and religions mark the start of a new year in a variety of ways, there's often a combination of reflection and celebration at that moment. Within our community, we can share with one another our various new year's observations, offering so many opportunities to begin again in awareness, creativity, repentance, and recommitment.
 
In this past week, I've had a moment of repentance, atonement, and healing with my own body. I worked too hard, pushed too much. Not only did I have a relapse of the cold I'd been fighting, but I ended up with severe muscle spasms on both sides of my neck. I was sorry to miss worship with you on Sunday - I was looking forward to the theme of creation and recommitment throughout the service. Instead, my doctor told me that I had to recommit to stillness and rest. So, I will be resting until the middle of this week, when I've finished my muscle relaxants, and then be back to this new year with more awareness and less overdoing.
 
I'll need that awareness to stay in balance, though, because there's so much good stuff happening at 2U this month! On Oct 16, the Rev. Scott Aaseng will be preaching in preparation for an all-church workshop on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct 30 to help us reimagine and reconstruct our social justice ministry. On Saturday Oct 22, we'll have our Spooktacular Funraiser: our biggest party and fundraising event of the year. This year, it's a costume party! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's creativity.
 
I hope your reflection, recommitment, and celebration this month is thoughtful, joyful, and completely lacking in X-rays or muscle relaxants. Shanah Tova and blessings for health, wealth, and wisdom to each of you.
 
Faithfully,
Rev. Adam
2U Member Survey
In an effort to get to know our congregants better, and to learn what motivates you to be a part of the 2U community, the Fundraising and Marketing committee is launching a survey. This survey asks basic demographic information about you and your household members (this information will be kept private), as well as questions regarding your training, work and volunteer involvement, and the activities that are of interest to you at Second Unitarian Church.


Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey - it will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
 
If you have any questions about the content of the survey, you may reach out to Susan Zeigler at [email protected].
Race: The Power of an Illusion
Please join us as we share this 3-part PBS video series that was developed with the intention to "help us all navigate through our myths and misconceptions, and scrutinize some of the assumptions we take for granted."

Episodes are stand alone, and yet build on each other, exploring biological myths about race,  the history of the development of the concept of race in the United States, and finally, the impact that the concept of race has had on the lives of Americans, particularly concerning citizenship, education, housing and the accumulation of wealth.
 
Providing a complex historical view of race in the United States, this series allows a fuller insight into what has brought us to the present, so that our current and future actions take the past into account.

Join us the following dates as we plan to watch and discuss this 3-part series:

Episode 1: The Difference Between Us
Sunday, October 9 from 1 pm to 3pm
Tuesday, October 11 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Episode 2: The Story We Tell
Sunday, October 23 from 1 pm to 3 pm
*Tuesday, October 25 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm *This date is still tentative

Episode 3: The House We Live In
Sunday, November 13 from 1 pm to 3 pm
Tuesday, November 15 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Fall Orientation
Calling all visitors-- who want to become members!

2U Fall Orientation will continue on Sunday, October 9 and Sunday, October 16 following services. Sessions are scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM 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.
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.
SPOOKTACULAR FUNRAISER
YOU'RE INVITED!

You're invited to join the 2U community for its Spooktacular Funraiser on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 6pm to 9pm.

It will be a fun and exciting costume party for all ages with prizes for the best costumes! There will be dancing and camaraderie!

Please bring your family and friends for what surely will be a spooktacular time!

Tickets available after Sunday services 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].

See you on October 22!
Enter to win an iPad mini 4!
As part of our Spooktacular Funraiser, you can enter our raffle drawing for the chance to win a brand new iPad mini 4 (valued at $499.99)! Tickets are only $10.00 each and will be available after service on Sunday, October 2, Sunday, October 9, Sunday, October 16 and during the night of the event on Saturday, October 22.

Please visit the ticket table in the Palmer Room after service to purchase tickets or to learn more!
Sunday School Registration
Our children's religious education programming has started and is underway for the year! Have you registered yet? 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 our 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
2U Yard Clean-Up Day!
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.
COVES Workshop
COVES is offering a workshop on the meaning and spiritual tool of a labyrinth. October 11th, Tuesday at 7pm in the Library. We will follow up the workshop on Saturday, October 15th with a trip to the UU Church of Elgin's Earth Wisdom Labyrinth. Meet at the church at 12:45pm for a 1pm departure. Drivers needed. See the sign up sheet on the Welcome Table.
Introducing Breeze!
Have you heard about Breeze, 2U's new online church management software for members?

This new software enables 2U members to have access to our online member directory (with pictures!), update their contact information, check their contributions online and much more!

Have you had a chance to update your profile and add your photo yet?

By now, you should have received an email inviting you to create your account login. If not, please let me know!

You can access the database here

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
Revival 2016

 
Register Now for UU Christian Fellowship's Revival 2016
 
This Fall, you are invited to come home. To attend a Revival. To connect with your people. The Healing Spirit in a Wounded World is a time for you to gather with others, to go deep, to feel held.
 
On Oct 14-15, the UU Christian Fellowship will be offering three simultaneous Revivals in Boston, San Diego, and Turley, Oklahoma. Each Revival will include workshops, discussions, and especially worship and prayer together, along with the great fellowship people find at a Revival to create what is sure to be a transformative and powerful experience.
 
To learn more and reserve your spot, please visit: 
Photos & Q&A about Kenos, Transylvania
Sunday, 9 October, at 12 Noon, Sanctuary

Join Rev. Rudra Dundzila for a brief photo presentation and discussion about 2U's partner church in Kenos, Transylvania.

Second Unitarian's gift to Kenos, 1999.

Rev. Andorko Attila and Rev. Rudra Dundzila greeting Kenos congregants after worship, 2016.

Radical Hospitality Conversation

Choir Corner
Interested in singing and joining the 2U Choir? 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].
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 October: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 9 and Sunday, Oct. 23.

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].
Inner Engineering Workshop
 
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.
Money Matters
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:


RevenueOver/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
In August, we raised $531.50 towards the collection plate sharing recipient, National Runaway Safeline.

Thank you all so much for helping to make 2U possible!
#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!
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, October 12.

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