Small Group Ministry starts this fall.  Sign ups will take place the next two Sundays, 9/7 and 9/14.  Small group leaders will be hosting coffee hour the next two weeks
as well.  Stop by and talk with them and hear what a small group might mean for
you (besides good food). If you have questions you can also contact Lisa Todd at
secondunitarian@att.net .

The 2U Choir is back in session! Rehearsals this year will be on Thursday nights
at 7PM.  All enthusiastic singers are welcome to join the choir. Come to our first
rehearsal to learn more about this fun way to serve and be involved at 2U!  Music
director, Blake Adams, can be reached by email at music_2U@att.net .

Scrub a Dub Dub!  Calling all Cleaners!  PLEASE help with an extra scrub down of
all the children’s spaces, including furniture and toys, in preparation for a new
church year of classes.  Our kids deserve it!!  The next B&G Day is Saturday,
September 6 from 9-1.  Big and little hands are welcome and snacks will be provided.
If you can attend please contact Suzanne Larimer at office_2u@att.net .  If you are unavailable that morning but can help out another day that week then
let her know.  We are always looking for help with small projects around the church.

Memorial Service for Erik Rasmussen on Saturday, September 6 . Erik was a
longtime member of Second Unitarian.  He died this past week after a prolonged battle
with cancer.  Beyond our walls, Erik was a much loved and instrumental community
leader in Lakeview.  If you would like more information or would like to help with the reception following the service please contact secondunitarian@att.net .

Want an easy, creative, fun way to help?!  The Lifespan Faith Development team is
looking for volunteers interested in helping us get the Spirit Play story baskets
ready for the childrens’ classrooms in the coming church year. This can be a fun
and meaningful way to make a lasting contribution to the Spirit Play program at
2U. We are adding about a dozen new stories drawn from our UU Sources and need
assistance gathering the materials (i.e. props) for the telling of each story. If
you are interested in participating in this, please contact faithdev_2u@att.net .
 

Stop by the Book Store where you will find “100 Questions That Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism” for $5.95. The bookstore is open on Sunday mornings before
and after services and is located in the rear of the Palmer Room.

Cooking for the Night Ministry starts now!  Our summer break is over and we are
in need of volunteers to start cooking  meals again for the Night Ministry bus.
  Volunteers meet at 2U between 5 and 5:30pm to cook. The staff will meet you at
the church at 7pm to talk about the goals of the Youth Outreach Team, youth homelessness,
and the plan for the evening. Together, you’ll head over to the distribution point
(near the corner of Belmont and Halsted just a few blocks from the church).  We
then head to the distribution spot and serve the meal until a little after 10:30pm.
Coming for just part of that time is fine.  Contact secondunitarian@att.net if you have questions or would like to help.  We need 4-6 volunteers for each night.
Please let us know if you are available and interested in volunteering on any of
these nights, especially the rapidly approaching September dates!
Thurs. 9/4/08
Thurs. 9/11/08
Thurs. 10/2/08
Thurs. 10/30/08

WIDE Community is the new name of the 2U initiative formerly known as ‘Anti-Bias’.
We chose this name as a way to describe the goals and work of our ministry in a
way that everyone can understand and appreciate.  W.I.D.E. is an acronym for:
*Welcoming    *Inclusive    *Diverse      *Equitable
Looking forward, WIDE is excited about our plans for the future!  We had an excellent
meeting on August 9th and are working on some exciting plans!  Look for our coffee
hour hosts in the near future, and the upcoming Parenting in Multiracial Families
discussion group.  Also, come experience our growing online fellowship at The WIDE
Community: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=tr8b8qcab.0.0.oa4ailcab.0&ts=S0363&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwidecommunity.ning.com%2F&id=preview .   Blessed be!
Membership 101 orientation class will be held the third Sunday of every month in
the coming church year.    Sunday, September 21 will be the next opportunity. 
We meet from 12:30 - 2:30pm in the Loft.  Please join us for a light lunch and a
discussion of Unitarian Universalism.  This class is a great way to meet other
folks at church and is also a requirement for anyone wanting to become a member
of Second Unitarian.  If possible, read the Sources of Our Faith  sermon series beforehand and come with your questions.  Please contact Lisa Todd if you plan on attending at secondunitarian@att.net .

The Fall 2008 issue of UU World (the magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association) is now in the mail, but you don’t need to wait for your copy to arrive to start
browsing the magazine: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=tr8b8qcab.0.0.oa4ailcab.0&ts=S0363&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uuworld.org%2Fissues%2Ffall2008.shtml%3Fn&id=preview 

Jane Addams Senior Caucus

During the month of August we shared our collection plate cash with the Jane Addams
Senior Caucus.  We were able to give to $663.35 in support of their work. JASC creates
opportunities to train older adults to organize themselves and their communities,
to take responsibility for solving problems in our communities and to renew the
interest of older adults in public life.  JASC continues to move forward with its
efforts of developing relationships between diverse sets of seniors, creating a
place where seniors’ values can be heard, giving seniors an opportunity to participate
in public life, and establishing a culture, where public and private decision-makers
are accountable to the people affected by their actions.   If you have any questions
about the Jane Addams Senior Caucus, please feel free to call their office at 773-404-6429.

Changing Our Covenant, Rev. Jennifer Owen-O’Quill (June 15, 2008)

Description of sermon goes here….

- sermon length is 21:32 minutes

- Audio (mp3) - 29.5 mb

The 2U Choir is back in session! Rehearsals this year will be on Thursday nights at 7PM beginning THIS THURSDAY, August 28th.  All enthusiastic singers are welcome to join the choir.  Come to our first rehearsal to learn more about this fun way to serve and be involved at 2U!  Music director, Blake Adams, can be reached by email at music_2U@att.net .

Memorial Service for Erik Rasmussen on Saturday, September 6 at 1pm. Erik was a longtime member of Second Unitarian.  He died this past week after a prolonged battle with cancer.  Beyond our walls, Erik was a much loved and instrumental community leader in Lakeview.   Pastoral Care Ministry Team is organizing the reception. Please contact them at secondunitarian@att.net or 773-549-0260 ext. 11 if you would like to bring refreshments for the reception.

Want an easy, creative, fun way to help?!  The Lifespan Faith Development team is looking for volunteers interested in helping us get the Spirit Play story baskets ready for the childrens’ classrooms in the coming church year. This can be a fun and meaningful way to make a lasting contribution to the Spirit Play program at 2U. We are adding about a dozen new stories drawn from our UU Sources and need assistance gathering the materials (i.e. props) for the telling of each story. If you are interested in participating in this, please contact faithdev_2u@att.net .

2U’s Nursery is looking for “partime paid nursery attendants” to work with the infants and toddlers (ages newborns through 3yrs). The attendant would need to be available to work on a Sunday, beginning in September. There may be some weekday evenings available as well.   If you know an experienced sitter that you would highly recommend, please pass on their name/email address and phone # to lani.schuster@gmail.com. 

Cooking for the Night Ministry starts soon!  Our summer break is over and we are in need of volunteers to start cooking  meals again for the Night Ministry bus.  Volunteers meet at 2U between 5 and 5:30pm to cook. The staff will meet you at the church at 7pm to talk about the goals of the Youth Outreach Team, youth homelessness, and the plan for the evening. Together, you’ll head over to the distribution point (near the corner of Belmont and Halsted just a few blocks from the church).  We then head to the distribution spot and serve the meal until a little after 10:30pm.  Coming for just part of that time is fine.  Contact secondunitarian@att.net  to let us know in advance when you are available.  We need 4-6 volunteers for each night. Please let us know if you are available and interested in volunteering on any of these nights, especially the rapidly approaching September dates!

Thursdays 9/4/08;  9/11/08; 10/2/08 and 10/30/08

WIDE Community is the new name of the 2U initiative formerly known as ‘Anti-Bias’.  We chose this name as a way to describe the goals and work of our ministry in a way that everyone can understand and appreciate.  W.I.D.E. is an acronym for:

*Welcoming    *Inclusive    *Diverse      *Equitable

Looking forward, WIDE is excited about our plans for the future!  We had an excellent meeting on August 9th and are working on some exciting plans!  Look for our coffee hour hosts in the near future, and the upcoming Parenting in Multiracial Families discussion group.  Blessed be!

Membership 101 orientation class will be held the third Sunday of every month in the coming church year.    Sunday, September 21 will be the next opportunity.  We meet from 12:30 - 2:30pm in the Loft.  Please join us for a light lunch and a discussion of Unitarian Universalism.  This class is a great way to meet other folks at church and is also a requirement for anyone wanting to become a member of Second Unitarian.  If possible, read the Sources of Our Faith  sermon series beforehand and come with your questions.  Please contact Lisa Todd if you plan on attending at secondunitarian@att.net.

The Fall 2008 issue of UU World (the magazine of the Unitarian Universalist Association)is now in the mail, but you don’t need to wait for your copy to arrive to start browsing the magazine: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=jlejsqcab.0.0.oa4ailcab.0&ts=S0363&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uuworld.org%2Fissues%2Ffall2008.shtml%3Fn&id=preview 

Jane Addams Senior Caucus

During the month of August we will be sharing our collection plate cash with the Jane Addams Senior Caucus.  Jane Addams Senior Caucus is the largest grassroots organization for older adults in Chicago.  JASC creates opportunities to train older adults to organize themselves and their communities, to take responsibility for solving problems in our communities and to renew the interest of older adults in public life.  JASC continues to expand its role as an organization dedicated to organizing seniors into a powerful group of civic leaders able to advocate for the welfare of seniors.

Older adults are a vital resource to their communities - but problems like the lack of quality in-home care forces seniors to be isolated in institutions or to be relocated far from their communities late in their lives. JASC continues to move forward with its efforts of developing relationships between diverse sets of seniors, creating

a place where seniors’ values can be heard, giving seniors an opportunity to participate in public life, and establishing a culture, where public and private decision-makers are accountable to the people affected by their actions.   If you have any questions about the Jane Addams Senior Caucus, please feel free to call their office at 773-404-6429.

Please make special note that we officially welcome and install Katie Norris as intern minister for the 2008-09 year during this Sunday’s service.  Plan to to come and offer your own personal welcome to Katie and her family after the service.

Retiree Potluck Lunch is this Thursday, August 14 from noon-2pm.  Bring a dish to share and enjoy the food and fellowship.

Young Adults are having a Backyard Barbecue this Friday, August 15 from 7:30-10:30pm. It is potluck so email secondunitarian@att.net  if you can come and tell us what you plan to bring.

The 2U Choir is back in session! Rehearsals this year will be on Thursday nights at 7PM beginning August 28th.  All enthusiastic singers are welcome to join the choir.  Come to our first rehearsal to learn more about this fun way to serve and be involved at 2U!  Music director, Blake Adams, can be reached by email at music_2U@att.net .

Membership 101 orientation class will be held the third Sunday of every month in the coming church year.    Sunday, September 21 will be the next opportunity.  We meet from 12:30 - 2:30pm in the Loft.  Please join us for a light lunch and a discussion of Unitarian Universalism.  This class is a great way to meet other folks at church and is also a requirement for anyone wanting to become a member of Second Unitarian.  If possible, read the Sources of Our Faith   sermon series beforehand and come with your questions.  Please contact Lisa Todd if you plan on attending at secondunitarian@att.net .

Faith Development Family Meeting, Loft (air conditioned) on Sunday August 24  11:45 AM-12:30 PM   The Summer Minister of Faith Development Rev. Rudra Dundzila will lead a meeting that welcomes back our Director of Faith Development Gabrielle Parra back from maternity leave and introduce our ministerial intern Katie Norris. Two topics will follow: 1. How did the summer programming go?  2. Where are we headed this fall?  Childcare will be provided. Refreshments will be served.  We hope that all of our families will attend.

WIDE Community is the new name of the 2U initiative formerly known as ‘Anti-Bias’. We chose this name as a way to describe the goals and work of our ministry in a way that everyone can understand and appreciate.  W.I.D.E. is an acronym for:*Welcoming    *Inclusive    *Diverse      *Equitable

Looking forward, WIDE is excited about our plans for the future!  We had an excellent meeting on August 9th and are working on some exciting plans!  Look for our coffee hour hosts in the near future, and the upcoming Parenting in Multiracial Families discussion group.  Also, come experience our growing online fellowship at The WIDE Community.  Sign up and join in - you can have your own blog, share pictures and talk with others about diversity in our community (NOTE: Signing up for the online group does not require you to commit to committee work).  Blessed be!

The July collection plate was split with the Howard Area Community Center . We were able to share $659.40.  The money raised at 2U will go towards their Special Assistance Fund to help people with small one-time expenses.  Located in Rogers Park, HACC provides comprehensive social and educational services to low and moderate-income neighbors. Many of the clients at HACC survive on less than $8,000 per year.

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice will hold its Summer Quarter Meeting this Sunday, August 17, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest. The program, between 2 and 3 p.m., will feature a panel addressing the subject “War With Iran: Not Inevitable”, which will be followed by a discussion with the audience. This program is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice Peace Task Force.   The program will be followed by a UUSJ Board of Directors meeting, which is open to all. For driving directions or for a pick up from a Metra stop near Park Forest write to uusj@sbcglobal.net or phone 773-643-8061 at least two days in advance.

Jane Addams Senior Caucus

During the month of August we will be sharing our collection plate cash with the Jane Addams Senior Caucus.  Jane Addams Senior Caucus is the largest grassroots organization for older adults in Chicago.  JASC creates opportunities to train older adults to organize themselves and their communities, to take responsibility for solving problems in our communities and to renew the interest of older adults in public life.  JASC continues to expand its role as an organization dedicated to organizing seniors into a powerful group of civic leaders able to advocate for the welfare of seniors. 

Older adults are a vital resource to their communities - but problems like the lack of quality in-home care forces seniors to be isolated in institutions or to be relocated far from their communities late in their lives. JASC continues to move forward with its efforts of developing relationships between diverse sets of seniors, creating

a place where seniors’ values can be heard, giving seniors an opportunity to participate in public life, and establishing a culture, where public and private decision-makers are accountable to the people affected by their actions.   If you have any questions about the Jane Addams Senior Caucus, please feel free to call their office at 773-404-6429.

Knoxville Response   This past Sunday our congregation took time in worship to lift up all of the people involved in the Knoxville , TN shooting.  During the service we took a special collection for the Knoxville Relief Fund.  We raised $452.43 which will be sent along with all of the cards that were written.  Your prayers, kind words and generosity are tremendous acts of solidarity and compassion.  Thank you for your participation last Sunday.

Membership 101 orientation class is held the second Sunday of every month.   This Sunday, August 10 will be the next opportunity.  We meet from noon-2:30pm in the Loft.  Please join us for a light lunch and a discussion of Unitarian Universalism. This class is a great way to meet other folks at church and is also a requirement for anyone wanting to become a member of Second Unitarian.  If possible, read the Sources of Our Faith  sermon series beforehand and come with your questions.  Please contact Lisa Todd if you plan on attending at secondunitarian@att.net.

Family Social Event this Saturday, August 9th from 3:30 to 5:30 at Haas Playgroup, 2402 N. Washtenaw.  Look for the balloons and picnic blanket which will serve as a home base of sorts.  Please note that there is a spray pool at this park so you might want to bring suits and towels for the kids.  For more information, see this link… Chicago Park District: Haas Playground .  Please RSVP secondunitarian@att.net so that we have an idea of how many people to expect.  Hope to see you there!

This Sunday the Green Sanctuary Committee is taking over Coffee Hour!  Learn about Worm Bins firsthand while munching on organic snacks and sipping Fair Trade coffee. See how Worm Bins work and learn about the benefits they offer to reduce waste and pollution - bring the kids!

Hand Shovels needed for this Sunday’s childrens program.   If you have any small hand shovels for gardening please bring them to church this Sunday.  The children will be doing a project during class.  Label your shovel and drop it off downstairs in Fleishman Hall.  You can pick it up after service.  Our little diggers thank you!

Faith Development Family Meeting, Loft (air conditioned) on Sunday August 24   11:45 AM-12:30 PM    The Summer Minister of Faith Development Rev. Rudra Dundzila will lead a meeting that welcomes back our Director of Faith Development Gabrielle Parra back from maternity leave and introduce our ministerial intern Katie Norris. Two topics will follow: 1. How did the summer programming go?  2. Where are we headed this fall?  Childcare will be provided. Refreshments will be served.  We hope that all of our families will attend.

We’ve Got a New Name - WIDE CommunityW.I.D.E. Community is the new name of the 2U initiative formerly known as ‘Anti-Bias’. We chose this name as a way to describe the goals and work of our ministry in a way that everyone can understand and appreciate.  W.I.D.E. is an acronym for:

*Welcoming    *Inclusive    *Diverse      *Equitable

W.I.D.E. Community’s work will be to develop and enhance our church community’s ability to be a welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable place through community building, identity group support and leadership development. We are having a planning meeting soon (early August) - if you’re interested in coming and sharing inspiration, contact secondunitarian@att.net   Blessings to all!

The July collection plate was split with the Howard Area Community Center .  We were able to share $659.40.  The money raised at 2U will go towards their Special Assistance Fund to help people with small one-time expenses.  Located in Rogers Park, HACC provides comprehensive social and educational services to low and moderate-income neighbors. Many of the clients at HACC survive on less than $8,000 per year.

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice will hold its Summer Quarter Meeting on Sunday, August 17, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest. The program, between 2 and 3 p.m., will feature a panel addressing the subject “War With Iran: Not Inevitable”, which will be followed by a discussion with the audience. This program is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice Peace Task Force.   The program will be followed by a UUSJ Board of Directors meeting, which is open to all. For driving directions or for a pick up from a Metra stop near Park Forest write to uusj@sbcglobal.net  or phone 773-643-8061 at least two days in advance.

Jane Addams Senior Caucus

During the month of August we will be sharing our collection plate cash with the Jane Addams Senior Caucus.  Jane Addams Senior Caucus is the largest grassroots organization for older adults in Chicago.  JASC creates opportunities to train older adults to organize themselves and their communities, to take responsibility for solving problems in our communities and to renew the interest of older adults in public life.  JASC continues to expand its role as an organization dedicated to organizing seniors into a powerful group of civic leaders able to advocate for the welfare of seniors.

Older adults are a vital resource to their communities - but problems like the lack of quality in-home care forces seniors to be isolated in institutions or to be relocated far from their communities late in their lives. JASC continues to move forward with its efforts of developing relationships between diverse sets of seniors, creating a place where seniors’ values can be heard, giving seniors an opportunity to participate in public life, and establishing a culture, where public and private decision-makers are accountable to the people affected by their actions.   If you have any questions about the Jane Addams Senior Caucus, please feel free to call their office at 773-404-6429.

Young Adult Circle Worship this Sunday August 3, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm  Join us for an informal gathering of reflection and discussion.  We meet in the basement in Fleishman Hall.

**Special Request**

Volunteers needed to prepare and paint the Fleishman Hall floor.  We are looking for people who can help prep and paint the basement floor.  Dates set aside for this project are: August 20, 21 and 22 and August 27, 28 and 29.  Please contact Suzanne Larimer at office_2u@att.net  or 773-549-0260 ext. 10 if you are available to help for any portion of time.

We’ve Got a New Name - WIDE Community

W.I.D.E. Community is the new name of the 2U initiative formerly known as ‘Anti-Bias’. We chose this name as a way to describe the goals and work of our ministry in a way that everyone can understand and appreciate.  W.I.D.E. is an acronym for:

*Welcoming    *Inclusive    *Diverse      *Equitable

W.I.D.E. Community’s work will be to develop and enhance our church community’s ability to be a welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable place through community building, identity group support and leadership development. We are having a planning meeting soon (early August) - if you’re interested in coming and sharing inspiration, contact secondunitarian@att.net  for more details.  Blessings to all!

Membership 101 orientation class is held the second Sunday of every month.  August 10 will be the next opportunity.  We meet from noon-2:30pm in the Loft.  Please join us for a light lunch and a discussion of Unitarian Universalism.  This class is a great way to meet other folks at church and is also a requirement for anyone wanting to become a member of Second Unitarian.  If possible, read the Sources of Our Faith  sermon series beforehand and come with your questions.  Please contact Lisa Todd if you plan on attending at secondunitarian@att.net  .

We will be holding our next Family Social Event on Saturday, August 9th from 3:30 to 5:30 at Haas Playgroup, 2402 N. Washtenaw, Chicago, IL 60647.  Look for the balloons and picnic blanket which will serve as a home base of sorts.  Please note that there is a spray pool at this park so you might want to bring suits and towels for the kids.  For more information, see this link… Chicago Park District: Haas Playground.  Please RSVP to secondunitarian@att.net  so that we have an idea of how many people to expect.  Hope to see you there!

The July collection plate was split with the Howard Area Community Center .  We were able to share $659.40.  The money raised at 2U will go towards their Special Assistance Fund to help people with small one-time expenses.  Located in Rogers Park, HACC provides comprehensive social and educational services to low and moderate-income neighbors. Many of the clients at HACC survive on less than $8,000 per year.

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice will hold its Summer Quarter Meeting on Sunday, August 17, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest. The program, between 2 and 3 p.m., will feature a panel addressing the subject “War With Iran: Not Inevitable”, which will be followed by a discussion with the audience. This program is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice Peace Task Force.   The program will be followed by a UUSJ Board of Directors meeting, which is open to all. For driving directions or for a pick up from a Metra stop near Park Forest write to uusj@sbcglobal.net  or phone 773-643-8061 at least two days in advance.

By now, you have probably heard about the shooting that happened over the weekend at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, TN.  It resulted in the death of a TVUUC member and that of a member of Westside Unitarian Universalist Church (located in Farragut, Tennessee) who was visiting TVUUC for the performance of a youth play. Seven adults were also injured but no children were harmed during the melee. The gunman was tackled by congregants and eventually taken into police custody.

We share our love and concern with the congregants, their families, and friends.  We pray for our sisters and brothers, as they begin to recover from this act. We especially remember Greg McKendry, who died as he blocked the shooter, and Linda Kraeger, who died from her injuries. We place our trust in the Spirit of Life that unites us as one human family, and sustains us through the good and bad.

It is moments like these that challenge our liberal faith. We face our fears, our anger, and our distress. How can we deal with someone who wants to harm us because of our views? How do we handle such intolerance? Jesus laid down a challenging call when he asked his disciples to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors.

Our Unitarian Universalist values demand the same radical love. One of our challenges today is to resist the urge to react out of fear.  Today, more than ever, our faith calls us to a love that embraces all people and to acts of compassion and justice that unite us.

We continue to welcome everyone to be part of our community. We must affirm the inherent worth and dignity of all people even as we hold them accountable for hateful acts.   We strive to be radically inclusive, knowing that the only way we can overcome fear and hatred is to reach out to those we do not understand and those who do not understand us.

We are concerned about the well-being of the Knoxville congregants.   This coming Sunday we will gather after worship to write letters of support and invite anyone who can to include monetary gifts of support as well.  (If you are unable to come on Sunday, we have included the information below.)

The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) in collaboration with the Thomas Jefferson District has established the Knoxville Relief Fund to bring ministry, spiritual care, and practical financial assistance to those affected by the tragedy in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Your gifts will assist the Tennessee Valley UU Church and the Westside Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and their members, and will show them that they are not alone during this time of shock and grief.  Make an online, credit card donation through the UUA’s secure website to the Knoxville Relief Fund .  Send checks payable to the “Knoxville Relief Fund”, c/o Tom Klein to:

Unitarian Universalist Association

Stewardship and Development, 6th Floor

25 Beacon Street

Boston, MA 02108

For more information contact giftinfo@uua.org.

The Unitarian Universalist Association president the Rev. William G. Sinkford has issued a pastoral statement in response to the incident: http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/117154.shtml . 

Lastly, we are concerned about the safety of our own church. We are conducting a preliminary Disaster Preparedness review of our church this week, and updating our Emergency Procedures. Over the next weeks and months we will continue to review our policies, including seeking professional outside assistance.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at the church so we could meet with you for pastoral care.

How to talk to our children about violence

We are concerned about our children. We have no way of knowing how pervasive the news coverage will be or what they might overhear.  How will they cope if they hear about this event? They may hear about the news from friends, or relatives, or on the TV. Bad things aren’t supposed to happen at church. Our children need our reassurance and support.

The Unitarian Universalist Association has a Trauma Response Ministry with free resources. In brief, there are 6 basic recommendations: offer reassurance through physical contact, maintain structure, respond to children’s interest in talking about the disaster, offer experiences that help children release tension, watch for changes in behavior, and take care of yourself.

For more details, please consider reading the two articles under the section “Working with Children:” http://www.traumaministry.org/resources.htm .  They provide sound guidance in talking about such incidents to your children in an age-appropriate manner.  Additional information is also available at the National Association for the Education of Young Children http://www.naeyc.org/families/disaster.asp .

In faith and fellowship,

Rev. Rudra Dundzila

Summer Minister of Faith Development

Lisa Todd

Membership Coordinator

Second Unitarian Church

**Special Request**

Volunteers needed to prepare and paint the Fleishman Hall floor.  We are looking for people who can help prep and paint the basement floor.  Dates set aside for this project are: August 20, 21 and 22 and August 27, 28 and 29.  Please contact Suzanne Larimer at office_2u@att.net or 773-549-0260 ext. 10 if you are available to help for any portion of time.

GLBTQ Brunch is this Sunday, July 27 starting at 11:45 am.  We meet after the church service in the Palmer Room and then walk to a nearby restaurant.   Join us!

We’ve Got a New Name - WIDE Community

W.I.D.E. Community is the new name of the 2U initiative formerly known as ‘Anti-Bias’.  We chose this name as a way to describe the goals and work of our ministry in a way that everyone can understand and appreciate.  W.I.D.E. is an acronym for:

*Welcoming      *Inclusive     *Diverse         *Equitable

W.I.D.E. Community’s work will be to develop and enhance our church community’s ability to be a welcoming, inclusive, diverse and equitable place through community building, identity group support and leadership development. 

We are having a planning meeting soon (early August) - if you’re interested in coming and sharing inspiration, contact secondunitarian@att.net .  Blessings to all!

Membership 101 orientation class is held the second Sunday of every month.  August 10 will be the next opportunity.  We meet from noon-2:30pm in the Loft.  Please join us for a light lunch and a discussion of Unitarian Universalism.  This class is a great way to meet other folks at church and is also a requirement for anyone wanting to become a member of Second Unitarian.  If possible, read the Sources of Our Faith sermon series beforehand and come with your questions.  Please contact Lisa Todd if you plan on attending at secondunitarian@att.net .

The June collection plate was split with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).  Because of your generosity we were able to give the UUA  $1212.76 and an additional $141.50 to UUA Flood Relief.  If you would like to learn more about the UUA or about Unitarian Universalist programs go to http://uua.org/ .

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice will hold its Summer Quarter Meeting on Sunday, August 17, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest. The program, between 2 and 3 p.m., will feature a panel addressing the subject “War With Iran: Not Inevitable”, which will be followed by a discussion with the audience. This program is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice Peace Task Force.   The program will be followed by a UUSJ Board of Directors meeting, which is open to all. For driving directions or for a pick up from a Metra stop near Park Forest write to uusj@sbcglobal.net  or phone 773-643-8061 at least two days in advance.

Howard Area Community Center recipient of the July collection plate split.  Howard Area Community Center (HACC). Located in Rogers Park, HACC provides comprehensive social and educational services to low and moderate-income neighbors. Many of the clients at HACC survive on less than $8,000 per year.   Money raised at 2U will go towards their Special Assistance Fund to help people with small one-time expenses.

Stuart Iseminger, Director of Social Services at HACC, and 15 year member of 2U recently cited these examples of using the Special Assistance Fund:

“Reyna recently came in with her two pre-school aged children. She had a black eye and could not tolerate another beating from her boyfriend. HACC bought her a bus ticket to re-locate to a city out of state to escape her boyfriend. This family only had what they wore into HACC so we also helped with bags of food, clothes, and toiletries for the trip.

Richard, recently out of prison, needed steel-toed boots for his new job which HACC purchased for $50.

Donald struggled with unemployment for a year. He successfully completed his food sanitation certificate. HACC bought his $185 uniform for his new job at a catering company.

For many of us, these one-time expenses would not cause us an economic hardship. However, for many of HACC’s clients, the Special Assistance Fund can make a crucial and often life-changing difference.”

Stuart is thrilled to be part of 2U - a church that shares its resources with the wider community and knows the difference it can make in the lives of our neighbors.

**Special Request**

Volunteers needed to prepare and paint the Fleishman Hall floor.  We are looking for people who can help prep and paint the basement floor.  Dates set aside for this project are: August 20, 21 and 22 and August 27, 28 and 29.  Please contact Suzanne Larimer at office_2u@att.net  or 773-549-0260 ext. 10 if you are available to help for any portion of time.

Lifespan Faith Development Council meets this Wednesday, July 16 from 6:30-8p.m. in the Faith Development Office.

Lakeview Action Coalition (LAC) will hold its Annual Community Walk this coming Sunday July 20, 1PM to 4PM starting at 835 W. Addison.  To participate, pick up a form at the “What’s Happening” table and raise or contribute $25 or more in pledges. As a longtime member organization of LAC, Second Unitarian Church will be one of the stops on the walk.  If you cannot attend the Walk, consider giving a pledge in any amount to one of the 2U walkers (look for the bright yellow T shirts on Sunday).  Contact Gene at (773)561-5296 if you have questions.   Go to www.lakeviewaction.org  to learn more about the work of the Coalition in our community.

Green Sanctuary group will meet this Sunday, July 20 from 12:00 - 1:00 downstairs in Fleishman Hall.

Membership 101 orientation class is held the second Sunday of every month.  August 10 will be the next opportunity.  We meet from noon-2:30pm in the Loft.  Please join us for a light lunch and a discussion of Unitarian Universalism.  This class is a great way to meet other folks at church and is also a requirement for anyone wanting to become a member of Second Unitarian.  If possible, read the Sources of Our Faith  sermon series beforehand and come with your questions.  Please contact Lisa Todd if you plan on attending at secondunitarian@att.net .

The June collection plate was split with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).  Because of your generosity we were able to give the UUA $1212.76 and an additional $141.50 to UUA Flood Relief.  If you would like to learn more about the UUA or about Unitarian Universalist programs go to http://uua.org/  

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice will hold its Summer Quarter Meeting on Sunday, August 17, from 2 to 5 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 70 Sycamore Dr., Park Forest. The program, between 2 and 3 p.m., will feature a panel addressing the subject “War With Iran: Not Inevitable”, which will be followed by a discussion with the audience. This program is sponsored by the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice Peace Task Force.   The program will be followed by a UUSJ Board of Directors meeting, which is open to all. For driving directions or for a pick up from a Metra stop near Park Forest write to uusj@sbcglobal.net or phone 773-643-8061 at least two days in advance.

2U Young Adult Group receives UUA recognition

The UUA Office of Young Adult Ministries selected Second Unitarian as one of three churches to receive recognition as a young adult Anchor Congregation!  Erik Kesting, the Acting Co-Director of Young Adult Ministries at the UUA wrote, “We believe that other congregations can look to yours for leadership and best practices in ministry to and with young adults and that the commitment you have made to young adult ministry is especially commendable.  Thank you for prioritizing this important work and congratulations!”

The Anchor Congregation certificate will be presented at General Assembly later this week.  The two other recipients are First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego and Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock.

This recognition comes as a result of the commitment and leadership of many people, most recently Quinn and Rachel  and the continued service and care of Liz.  The recognition also comes as a result of how many young adults are involved in key leadership positions throughout the church.  We are so proud of the Young Adult group and look forward to experiencing all the ways that the church will transform as this ministry continues to develop.

Howard Area Community Center will receive the July collection plate.  Howard Area Community Center (HACC). Located in Rogers Park, HACC provides comprehensive social and educational services to low and moderate-income neighbors. Many of the clients at HACC survive on less than $8,000 per year.   Money raised at 2U will go towards their Special Assistance Fund to help people with small one-time expenses.

Stuart Iseminger, Director of Social Services at HACC, and 15 year member of 2U recently cited these examples of using the Special Assistance Fund:

“Reyna recently came in with her two pre-school aged children. She had a black eye and could not tolerate another beating from her boyfriend. HACC bought her a bus ticket to re-locate to a city out of state to escape her boyfriend. This family only had what they wore into HACC so we also helped with bags of food, clothes, and toiletries for the trip.

Richard, recently out of prison, needed steel-toed boots for his new job which HACC purchased for $50.

Donald struggled with unemployment for a year. He successfully completed his food sanitation certificate. HACC bought his $185 uniform for his new job at a catering company.

For many of us, these one-time expenses would not cause us an economic hardship. However, for many of HACC’s clients, the Special Assistance Fund can make a crucial and often life-changing difference.”

Stuart is thrilled to be part of 2U - a church that shares its resources with the wider community and knows the difference it can make in the lives of our neighbors.

Sunday, July 13, 2008   Karen Mooney, long time member and Meadville Lombard Seminary student, preaches, “A Certain Face- the G-d of today” and the 2U Band plays for worship.   There is one service at 10:30 A.M.

Retiree Potluck Lunch is this Thursday, July 10 at noon at the church. Please join us and bring a dish to share.

Council Meeting is this Saturday, July 12 from 9:45-11:45 am in the Palmer Room.

Calling all gardeners…  The next B&G Day will be this Saturday, July 12th - join us!  Our garden is an ongoing work in progress.  We are always looking for plant donations and are trying to focus on native species.  Please call Suzanne Larimer if you can come and help 773-549-0260 ext. 10 or office_2u@att.net.  

Parents Circle this Sunday 11:45 am-12:45pm downstairs in Fleishman Hall.  We will be talking about … Playing!  Making time for play, being yourself while still being open to being pushed out of your comfort zone.  Child care is available upon request.  Please contact secondunitarian@att.net to confirm your attendance.

Membership 101 orientation class is this coming Sunday, July 13 from noon-2:30pm in the Loft.  Please join us for a light lunch and a discussion of Unitarian Universalism.  This class is a great way to meet other folks at church and is also a requirement for anyone wanting to become a member of Second Unitarian.  If possible, read the Sources of Our Faith  sermon series beforehand and come with your questions.  Please contact Lisa Todd if plan on attending at secondunitarian@att.net.

The June collection plate was split with the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).  Because of your generosity we were able to give the UUA  $1212.76 and an additional $141.50 to UUA Flood Relief.  If you would like to learn more about the UUA or about Unitarian Universalist programs go to http://uua.org/ .

2U Young Adult Group receives UUA recognition

The UUA Office of Young Adult Ministries selected Second Unitarian as one of three churches to receive recognition as a young adult Anchor Congregation!  Erik Kesting, the Acting Co-Director of Young Adult Ministries at the UUA wrote, “We believe that other congregations can look to yours for leadership and best practices in ministry,

to and with young adults and that the commitment you have made to young adult ministry is especially commendable.  Thank you for prioritizing this important work and congratulations!”

The Anchor Congregation certificate will be presented at General Assembly later this week.  The two other recipients are First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego and Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock.

This recognition comes as a result of the commitment and leadership of many people, most recently  Quinn and Rachel  and the continued service and care of Liz .  The recognition also comes as a result of how many young adults are involved in key leadership positions throughout the church.  We are so proud of the Young Adult group and look forward to experiencing all the ways that the church will transform as this ministry continues to develop.

Uncle Bob’s Anvil  (AKA the 2U Folk Ensemble)

Will be Performing For You!

 Sunday Night - July 13, 2008

At the Gallery Cabaret in Bucktown

Starting at 7:00pm  For One Full Set

The Gallery Cabaret

2020 North Oakley

Chicago, IL 60613

www.gallerycabaret.com

(773)489-5471

Directions:

The Gallery Cabaret is conveniently located one block east of Western Avenue and one block north of Armitage in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood.  It is also just a five minute walk from the CTA Western Avenue Blue Line Station.

Howard Area Community Center will receive the July collection plate.  Howard Area Community Center (HACC). Located in Rogers Park, HACC provides comprehensive social and educational services to low and moderate-income neighbors. Many of the clients at HACC survive on less than $8,000 per year.   Money raised at 2U will go towards their Special Assistance Fund to help people with small one-time expenses.

Stuart Iseminger, Director of Social Services at HACC, and 15 year member of 2U recently cited these examples of using the Special Assistance Fund:

“Reyna recently came in with her two pre-school aged children. She had a black eye and could not tolerate another beating from her boyfriend. HACC bought her a bus ticket to re-locate to a city out of state to escape her boyfriend. This family only had what they wore into HACC so we also helped with bags of food, clothes, and toiletries for the trip.

Richard, recently out of prison, needed steel-toed boots for his new job which HACC purchased for $50.

Donald struggled with unemployment for a year. He successfully completed his food sanitation certificate. HACC bought his $185 uniform for his new job at a catering company.

For many of us, these one-time expenses would not cause us an economic hardship.  However, for many of HACC’s clients, the Special Assistance Fund can make a crucial and often life-changing difference.”

Stuart is thrilled to be part of 2U - a church that shares its resources with the wider community and knows the difference it can make in the lives of our neighbors.