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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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Finding inspiration in life matters greatly! And it comes to us in many different ways. A big thank you to Rev. Dundzila for his inspiring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday sermon and call to action. And, as Rev. Robersmith remarked to me recently, "Now is a good time to pay attention to the world in a different way than we have in the past." Is it possible to find inspiration, connection and pay attention differently in a march? There is only one way to find out! This Saturday, January 21, the forecast calls for a spring like 50 degrees F and thousands of marchers downtown for the Women's March on Chicago in support of women's rights, civil liberties and more. There will be pre-rally music starting at 9:30 a.m., a Speakers Rally at 10:00 a.m., and the march at 11:30 a.m. heads into the Loop before ending at or near the Federal Plaza. Starting point is E. Jackson Blvd. and S. Lake Shore Drive.
Please join with friends and fellow members from 2U to march by contacting Rosalind Hurwitz at [email protected] or Marva Williams at [email protected]. We will send out a 2U meeting point and time on Thursday afternoon. More info on the march, including the speaker line-up, can be found at: womens121marchonchicago.org. The organizers encourage women to "create signs reflecting their specific concerns/demands expressed in a constructive way." Hope to see you there!
This Sunday's (Jan. 22) guest preacher, Erin Walter, is a former member of 2U now living in Texas. Happily remembered at 2U for a Texas-sized share of positive energy, Erin is finishing up seminary at Meadville-Lombard this year. Erin is one of numerous 2U members who have gone on to seminary over the years and those of us who remember Erin are eagerly looking forward to her return!
More folks seem to have made a New Year's resolution to find a church this year! One minister suggested to us some time ago: Please treat visitors as if they are a guest in your very own living room. Welcome them, ask if you can help in any way, and invite them to linger afterwards to chat. As the Palmer Room is crowded at times, we may want to converse before heading in for coffee or return to space in the sanctuary after obtaining our caffeine fix. Of course, some need to bolt immediately, but many would like to know what attracts you to 2U.
A deeply felt "Thank You" to those of you who contributed to 2U's Special Gifts Campaign this year. We raised $14,320 from over 58 households! This is 95% of our goal and greatly helps support the life of our community. If you meant to do this, you still can! Just write "Special Gifts" on the memo line of your check. Only $680 left to go.... Or just the final part up the mountain for the little engine that can!
Masjid al-Rabia, the new group we are making space available to, will host an open house in the Palmer Room this Friday at 6:30 pm. Please stop by to welcome them if your schedule permits. More info on the group is below. Where else but at 2U!
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Business Meeting on Sunday, January 29
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The Board of Second Unitarian Church invites you to attend a Business Meeting of the congregation on Sunday, January 29 after worship to learn about, discuss, and vote on an initiative to add our congregation to the list of organizations that support the Illinois Coalition Against Handgun Violence.
In order to vote, we require a quorum of the congregation - which means that we need our 2U members to be a part of this discussion and vote!
Jill Althage writes: In Chicago, we lost over 700 people in 2016 due to handgun violence. I hope 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 Handgun 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, Executive Director of the Coalition, will come to make a brief presentation and then answer any questions you may wish to ask.
Again, since this is a Business Meeting called by the Board of Trustees with the goal of a vote, we need our 2U members to be present to make the vote a valid congregational action. Non-members are welcome to come, learn, and observe the vote; only members are eligible to vote. Every member is a necessary part of this decision! We value all opinions and input, so please come to listen, learn, and vote your beliefs.
To see more information from the Illinois Coalition Against Handgun Violence before the meeting, please visit their website: http://www.ichv.org/.
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2U Parent Open House
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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.
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Second Unitarian Chili Cookoff - bring a friend or two!
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Who makes the best chili at 2U? Is it someone on the staff? Is it someone on the Membership Committee? How about the Board Secretary? Well, you can find out if you attend our inaugural 2U Chili Cookoff!!
Vegetarian, meat-filled, vegan - bring what you like and make best, and we will provide the rest (shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, non-alcoholic beverages, and limited beer will be available - otherwise, BYOB)! Judges will be on hand to give out prizes for the best chili - please plan to bring one batch to share - if possible, bring the chili already warm - if you have a crockpot, bring it, otherwise, we will have the means to keep the chili warm on site. Here are other details: Date/Time: Saturday, February 18, 2017, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Location: Second Unitarian Church - Palmer Room Cost: $10 for adults (18 and older), kids are free Please plan to sign up at the welcome table if you would like to attend or volunteer to assist with this event - you may also email Susan Zeigler ( [email protected]) if you want to be added to the sign up list. The sign-up sheet will be available starting Sunday, January 22, 2017. See you at the cookoff!
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Membership Orientation
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Membership Orientation will continue on January 22 and February 5, following service:
In the next session, we'll 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 the sessions 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.
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2U Announces Masjid al-Rabia Open House
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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.
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COVES: IMBOLC
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Sunday, February 5, 2017
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Covenant of Earth and Sky (CUUPS Chapter) welcomes all to join us for IMBOLC. We are still in the resting period in the Wheel of the Year, but the thaw is coming and the light is returning. We honor the Goddess Brigid. She is the keeper of the hearth, inspiration, poetry and illumination of the spirit. We will work with the sacred elements of fire and water as well as doing some candle magic during this ritual. Please bring a sweet or savory dish to share. Any questions or comments, please email [email protected].
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Making Peace with Your Religious Past
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Thursdays, February 2, 9, 23 and March 2 & 9
7:00 pm to 8:45 pm
We try to offer this class at least once a year to give members of the 2U community an opportunity to explore their own religious past and figure out their religious present and future. Whether you're a long-time UU or just recently come to UUism, whether you have a happy, difficult, or non-existent history as a member of a religious community, you are welcome to take this class. By understanding where you've been, it becomes easier to be more fully here right now!
If you'd like to join Rev. Adam and other 2Uers for any of these, please let him know via email or by signing up on the Welcome Table.
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Understanding the World's Religions
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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)
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A 7th Principal Inspired Theater Performance Authored by a 2U Member
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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
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2U Senior Potlucks
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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, February 8. For more information and to get on our email reminder list, please contact Dave Haeckel at [email protected], or telephone 773-281-0429.
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Help Wanted
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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.
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2U Member Survey
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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].
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Choir Corner
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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].
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Money Matters
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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 December 31:
| Actual | Budgeted | Over/Under Budget | Pledges | $121,974 | $106,539 |
+ $15,435
| New Pledges | $0 | $815 |
- $815
| Collection Plate | $6,155 | $7,100 |
- $945
| Special Gifts | $11,814 | $14,200 |
- $2,386
| Fundraising | $14,423 | $14,000 |
+ $423
| Space Sharing | $22,028 | $9,100 |
+ $12,928
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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 December, we raised $1,088.74 towards the collection plate sharing recipient, the Minister's Discretionary Fund.
Thank you all so much for helping to make 2U possible!
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Introducing Breeze!
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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
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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, January 25.
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
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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