Anvil header

Newsletter of 2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago
January 5, 2017
In This Issue...
Worship at 2U

Sunday, January 8
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music: 2U Choir

Sunday, January 15
Service at 10:30 
Preacher: Rev. Rudra Dundzila
Music: 2U Choir

Sunday, January 22
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Erin Walter

Sunday, January 29
Service at 10:30
Preacher: Rev. Adam Robersmith
Music: 2U Choir
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Children & Youth Faith Development Schedule
 
Child care for infants and toddlers is available every Sunday in the Green Caterpillar room.

Sunday, January 8
Spirit Play
UU Explorers

Sunday, January 15
Spirit Play
UU Explorers

Sunday, January 22
Spirit Play
UU Explorers

Sunday, January 29
Spirit Play
UU Explorers
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Recent 2U Plate-Sharing Recipients
 




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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
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Board of Trustees 
 

 




                                  
From the Minister
Happy and Healthy New Year!
 
I hope, at least, that it's begun well for you; we're back to normal here in the church office with good memories of the past few weeks. The holidays here at 2U were a joy to celebrate. Our New Year worship with the labyrinths proved to be a good way to enter 2017 with a new experience, some contemplation, and new realizations about where we have been and where we are going. The 2U staff, leadership, and I are looking forward to continuing our path forward into the opportunities that 2017 will bring.
 
You'll see plenty of opportunities to get involved in this issue of the Anvil. Another conversation about radical hospitality with Dan Lewis will happen on Sunday, Jan 15, which is a good foundation for all our upcoming opportunities. Two Adult Faith Development classes are beginning in February: a world religions course with Rev. Rudra (see below!) and I'll be running "Making Peace With Your Religious Past" for five Thursday evenings: Feb 2, 9, 23 & Mar 2 & 9. In addition, we're excited to welcome representatives from Masjid al-Rabia, a feminist, LGBTQI+ friendly, multi-sect Muslim prayer group to our space; they'll be holding an open house here at 2U to introduce themselves to our community and to Chicago on Friday, Jan 20 at 6:30pm.
 
This is also a good time to consider joining 2U if it's becoming your religious home. Our winter  Membership Orientation meets after worship on Sundays, January 15, 22, and 29. With information about Unitarian Universalism, this congregation, and ways that you can both participate and contribute, it's well worth taking. We'd love to welcome you as full members of our community!
 
Finally, don't miss the Jan 29th business meeting for 2U to vote how we might engage with the issue of gun control and safety in Chicago. We'll need a quorum for our vote, and we want to make sure that you're well-informed! More information about this is below, too--please get it into your calendar!
 
Faithfully,
Rev. Adam
 
PS: Oh! Have a look at Tom Tunney's newsletter to see our congregation and kids celebrated in the community for their generosity to area social service agencies last month. Well done, 2U Children and Youth!
Special Gifts Update & the Little Engine that Could!
Even though the calendar has thrown off 2 Sunday services for us, we have raised $13,514 or 90% of our $15,000 goal for Special Gifts. Thank you to the 52 households who have contributed.

2U is like the little engine that could. We seek to stand on the side of love, support our members and aid our community. Every year, we make a budget and come up a little short of where we feel we should be as a church community. And so we say, we think we can, we think we can raise that extra bit. Let's ask for help at year end, a natural time for celebration and reflection.   

We have yet to fully meet the $7,000 in matching donations from the Board and several 2U leaders. For every one $ you give, your gift will double. Please give generously! There will envelopes in your January 8 order of service and we can also receive your donation online by clicking here. On your check, please write "Special Gifts" on the memo line.

Let's make 2017 a great year for 2U! Thank you for your kind generosity.
Business Meeting on Sunday, January 29
The Board of Second Unitarian Church invites you to attend a Business Meeting of the church on Sunday, January 29 after worship to learn about, discuss, and vote on a congregational initiative to add our congregation to the list of organizations that support the Illinois Coalition Against Gun Violence.

Jill Althage writes: Hello to all of you who like me are upset with Chicago's rising murder rate due to hand gun violence. We have lost over 700 people in 2016 due to handgun violence. I hope many of you will be present at the Business Meeting on January 29 from 11:45 to 12:30 to consider the addition of our name, Second Unitarian Church, on the Illinois Coalition Against Gun Violence supportive organization list. We would be joining with other churches (Unitarian, Catholic, etc.) plus organizations such as the League of Women Voters of Illinois. Colleen Daley or Mark Walsh of the Illinois Coalition will come to make a brief presentation and then answer any questions you may wish to ask.

Since this is a Business Meeting called by the Board of Trustees, we will need a quorum. Each of you is a necessary part of this decision! We value all opinions and input, so please come to listen, learn, and vote your beliefs.
Hospitality Conversation
We typically think about hospitality through the lenses of etiquette (what makes a good host or party); or fellowship (welcoming others into our homes for a good social time); or as charity (taking in someone experiencing misfortune). Yet we find in various religious traditions a deeper, more radical sense of hospitality, a hospitality that engages the roots of our humanity and challenges us to expand our very selves in surprising and unexpected ways. What then is the deeper BEING of radical hospitality? Come, join us on Sunday, January 15 after the service at noon in the sanctuary for a series of conversations exploring the roots, theology, and practices of radical hospitality. Facilitated by Dan Lewis.
Membership Orientation
Membership Orientation will be offered on January 15, 22 and 29, following service:

In the first session, we will discuss spiritual journeys and what brings us to 2U, pus a history of Unitarian Universalism. The following week, we discuss 2U's specific history and congregational involvement such as the many activities and committees in our church community. The last session is devoted to governance and finance. Although our by-laws only start that you must attend one session, we always encourage people interested in pursuing membership to attend all three as it gives you a much broader idea of our church life. Each session lasts until about 2 p.m.

Orientation is offered three times per year. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to the church office. You can also sign up at the Welcome Table following service.
2U Announces Masjid al-Rabia Open House
On December 2, 2016, Masjid al-Rabia opened its doors to host women centered, LGBTQIA+ affirming pluralist community prayers. Since that day they have provided gender-equal Jummah services in a safe, inclusive environment for marginalized Muslims - and anyone who is seeking a community alternative to institutionalized power and codified discrimination in the mosque - every week. 

They will be hosting an Open House at 2U on Friday, January 20 for anyone who is interested in knowing more about who they are, what they do, and how others can help. In this current era of virulent racism, islamophobia, misogyny, homophobia and cissexism; it is more important than ever to come together to resist oppression and uplift one another. This is an opportunity to connect, build community, and empower one another in the spirit of radical equality and pluralism. 

It's not by accident they are hosting this discussion on inauguration day. 

This will be a mediated panel discussion featuring Masjid al-Rabia board members. They will be offering community-led isha prayers followed by tea, coffee and conversation. Doors are open at 6:30, with the discussion beginning at 7pm.
A 7th Principal Inspired Theater Performance Authored by a 2U Member
I wrote my new play Groundswell out of my passion to respect the interdependent web of existence, of which we are a part. In it, there is a lucrative mining offer that confronts a family under pressure. People respond personally to the effects of climate change. Faced with rough weather that forces choices, they find a path forward and the earth abides. I hope that our Second Unitarian community will consider attending, especially since it's "pay what you can" at the door. Sundays at 7pm: Jan. 29,  Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19, Feb. 26 at Prop Theater, 3502 N Elston Ave.  Reserve online at [email protected] or through Brown Paper Tickets for $12. Tickets at the door $15 or pay what you can. A climate social follows at 8:15pm with snacks and drinks provided.
-- Karen Fort
2U Parent Open House
Do you have a child in our Sunday school program? Have you thought about maybe registering your child for one of our programs? If you fit into either one of these two categories, then we'd love to see you at the 2U Parent Open House on Sunday, January 22nd from 11:45am - 1:30pm. We will gather at 11:45 for lunch and conversation about the programs and then at 12:45 you'll be able to visit the classrooms to meet some teaches and learn more about what goes on in each classroom. Childcare will be available. Please contact our Director of Faith Development, Alicia Obando, at [email protected] to rsvp or get further information.
Understanding the World's Religions
Understanding the World's Religions
delves into the UUA principle of "The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all" and the UUA source of "Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life." Who are our religious neighbors in Chicago? What beliefs or practices do we Unitarian Universalists share with others? How can our religious neighbors inspire our own faith? The 6 sessions, led by 2U's Community Minister, Rev. Rudra Dundzila, cover Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Native American religion, and conclude with a final integration. The sessions will meet 7-9 PM. Some will be at Second Unitarian, and some will be field trips to our partners in faith.

Dates & Tentative topics
Wednesday, February 8 - Buddhism (at 2U, w/ Stephen Starkey)
Wednesday, February 15 - Islam (at 2U, w/ Dawud Wharnsby, via Skype)
Wednesday, February 22 - Sikhism (at Spirit Rising Yoga, w/ Shiva Singh Khalsa)
Wednesday, March 1 - Hinduism (tentatively at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center)
Wednesday, March 8 - Native American (at 2U, w/ Rev. Christopher Basaldu, via Skype)
Wednesday, March 15 - wrap up (at 2U)

2U Senior Potlucks
Are you a "senior"? Are you a member or friend of 2U? Then join us at our Senior Potluck Luncheon for a tasty lunch and casual conversation. We meet at 12:30, on the second Wednesday of every month, in the Palmer Room. It's fun, it's simple, and there is always good food and good company!

Our next lunch is Wednesday, January 11. For more information and to get on our email reminder list, please contact Dave Haeckel at [email protected] , or telephone 773-281-0429.
The DIY Christmas Pageant
The DIY Christmas Pageant on December 18th was great fun for the whole congregation!

Help Wanted
Persons interested in helping to keep our lovely old building functioning well and for all to enjoy. Lots of people use our building each and every day: members of the congregation, staff, those who share our space via rentals, and visitors. The BIG (Building, Infrastructure, and Grounds) Committee seeks both those with knowledge of building maintenance and/or "handy" skills, and novices. If you can pick up the phone to contact a professional in order to obtain the estimated cost of a certain repair or project, then you can help! If you have particular building-systems expertise, such as electrical, plumbing, or carpentry, then that's even better. Our committee meets quarterly, but our work is ongoing. Contact Monica Drane or Andrew Zallar for more information.

Also...

Those willing to get their hands dirty! The BIG (Building, Infrastructure, and Grounds) Committee also seeks those willing to help with maintenance of the church's sizable grounds. There's always lots to do during the growing season: weeding, watering, pruning, planting. Occasional "yard days" provide the opportunity to work with others to beautify and improve the space. Contact Monica Drane or Andrew Zallar for more information.
Children's Offertory
The children from 2U's Sunday school program recently voted on where to donate the close to $500 they had gathered from collecting an offertory each Sunday in their religious education classrooms. They voted to divide the money between The Night Ministry, ONE Northside and Refugee One, which are all doing wonderful work in our community. During the Sunday service on December 18th, some of the children gave the checks to the representatives from each of these organizations.

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].
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].
Money Matters
What is our current financial condition? 
Our budget for this year is $303,451 or $5,836 per week!

Here is a summary of our current finances starting July 1 through November 30:


ActualBudgetedOver/Under Budget
Pledges$105,717$89,901
+ $15,816
New Pledges$0$665
- $665
Collection Plate$5,312$6,400
- $1,088
Fundraising$13,015$12,400
+ $615
Space Sharing$18,978$8,100
+ $10,878

If you have any questions about the budget or would like more information, please contact Andrew Zallar in the 2U office.

Collection Plate Sharing
In November, we raised $688.33 towards the collection plate sharing recipient, UUSC.

Thank you all so much for helping to make 2U possible!
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

You can also now download the Breeze app at the Apple Store or Google Play Store by clicking 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
#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, January 11.

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
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM