News Update 4/10/13

COFFEE CHATS AT CHURCH BEGINNING APRIL 10

Interested in having more time to get to know others from church?  Have questions you’d like to ask (or answers you’d like to give)?  Join us for coffee on Wednesday, April 10, at 7 p.m.  There’s no agenda, no business, nothing more than good ol’ fashioned time together.  Another round of our “Coffee Chat” will take place on Wednesday, May 8 and Wednesday, June 12.

STRATEGIC PLANNING CONVERSATION APRIL 13 CANCELLED

The Strategic Planning Committee is cancelling the community conversation scheduled for the morning of April 13. You will be hearing more from the Committee later this month.

ALL-CHURCH BIRTHDAY PARTY APRIL 13 

It’s a birthday celebration for the whole church community!  The All-Church Birthday Party is Saturday, April 13, 3 to 4:30 p.m.  This is a family event.  The children will decorate cupcakes (adults too, if the children give permission).  We will share birthday stories, history, events that happened on our special day, the best birthday gift we ever received, and children will lead us in singing “Happy Birthday.”  Please join us!

LUNCH FOR NEWCOMERS APRIL 14

Lunch for Newcomers will be held at 12:45 Sunday in the main room downstairs. This small, informal monthly meal is a great opportunity for visitors to become better acquainted with Rev. Scott and other members and to ask any questions you may have about Unitarian Universalism or this church.  Children are welcome! For more information, stop by the Welcome Desk.

EARTH DAY OMAHA APRIL 20

We will again have an information booth at Earth Day Omaha at Elmwood Park on Saturday, April 20.  Our booth features our community garden.  This year we’ll distribute packets of organic Sweet Dakota Rose Watermelon seeds.  We are looking for volunteers to be in the booth for an hour at the park.  Please contact Vicki Pratt.

SECOND CIRCLE MOVIE APRIL 21

Second Circle for teens is meeting the third Sunday of the month at 4:00 p.m. for “Popcorn Theology,” a time to view a movie and discuss the values portrayed over pizza and popcorn.  On Sunday, April 21, at 4 we will view either My Bodyguard (PG) or Saved! (PG-13).  Questions to Anita Jeck.

ADULT EDUCATION/DISCUSSION APRIL 24

Please join us for upcoming Adult Religious Education discussions.  These sessions will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, and Wednesday, May 29.  Register for either or both of these by emailing Rev. Scott at minister@2uomaha.org.  The April 24 topic is “What is ministry?  And who is our minister?”  This is an opportunity to reflect together on what ministry means in a church that values collaboration.

SPRING CHURCH CLEANUP APRIL 27

Our Spring Church Cleanup is Saturday, April 27, from 8 a.m. to Noon.  Tasks include painting, fertilizing, raking, setting up and repairing the irrigation system, cleaning up flower gardens, and cleaning windows.  Refreshments will be provided. There will be no childcare, but children with adult supervision are welcome to participate!  For more information, contact Clyde Anderson or Tom Rundquist.

OTOC FUNDRAISER APRIL 27

Join Omaha Together One Community (OTOC) for their annual Spring Fundraiser on Saturday, April 27, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., at the Hot Shops Art Center, 13th and Nicholas.  The evening features appetizers, desserts, beverages, live music by Novak & Haar and Chris-Warren Duo, a variety of silent auction items, and getting acquainted with members of congregations throughout Omaha.  Tickets on sale during coffee hour between services: $20 in advance; $25 at the door.

PARENTS’ GROUP APRIL 28

The Parent’s Group meets on the fourth Sunday each month.  On Sunday April 28, we will be meeting at the church from 4-6 p.m. for check-in and snacks.  We plan on discussing our reflections on a book about being not-perfect parents in a not-perfect world – Hopes and Fears by Moses and McCleneghan.  New parents are always welcome to the group and are encouraged share their own questions and experiences.

SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT APRIL 28

Join us at Second Unitarian for Social Justice Movie Night on Sunday, April 28 for the film “Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue” beginning at 6 p.m., preceded by an optional potluck dinner at 5:30 — bring a dish to share.  Triathlete turned firefighter Rip Esselstyn learned that one of his fellow firefighters in Austin, Texas, was in dire physical condition.  He motivated the entire firehouse to join in solidarity to help save the life of their friend.  See how Rip works with families to take control of their own health, including cooking lessons.

SHARE THE PLATE FOR APRIL

One half of Second Unitarian’s offering received in April will go to Radio Talking Book Service.  They provide information and cultural opportunities to individuals who have visual or physical disabilities preventing them from reading printed material or from viewing community events and activities. To nominate an organization for our Share the Plate program, visit the church website or contact the Social Justice Coordinating Council or Rev. Scott.

DELEGATES IN PSD APPROVE REGIONALIZATION

The delegates to the Prairie Star District Annual Meeting have voted, authorizing regionalization with a unanimous vote. This is the first of three votes, with later votes in Heartland District and Central Midwest District.  The delegates also voted to transfer Camp UniStar to the newly forming Camp UniStar Foundation.  History is being made!

CAMP STARTRAIL – REGISTER NOW!

Looking for something fun and uplifting this summer?  Consider attending Camp StarTrail, a UU camp in nearby Ashland, NE, (at Carol Joy Holling retreat center).  Camp StarTrail brings together UUs from Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Minnesota through presentations and worship by nationally recognized ministers and speakers.  This “camp” has hotel-esque accommodations, but still provides an outdoor-type of getaway.  Visit http://www.psduua.org/Camps/CampStarTrail or talk with Rev. Scott.