News Update 4/24/13

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. tonight and Wednesday, May 29.  Register for either or both of these by emailing Rev. Scott at minister@2uomaha.org.  Tonight’s (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.

FAMILY SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT APRIL 28

This Sunday’s April Family Service Learning Project will start at 10:30 a.m.  We will meet in front of the church if weather is favorable. If we get rained in, we will be in the downstairs classroom areas. “Welcome to Our Church” is a project that lets us take a second look at how our church welcomes us and its visitors, then we will work together to spruce it up a bit.

COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY MEETINGS APRIL 28 & MAY 8

Join group discussions regarding the annual evaluation of our church ministry on Sunday, April 28, at 1:00 p.m. or Wednesday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m.  A survey was mailed to you (also available at https://2uomaha.org/ministry-survey) to be completed and will be collected during the group discussions.  If you are unable to attend the meetings, please leave the survey in the designated box at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you! We look forward to your comments, insights and feedback!  Questions: contact Gay Robinson Abraham, Molly Kliment-Jenkins, Louise Foster, Richard Koelling, or Pat Caffrey.

PARENTS’ GROUP APRIL 28

The Parents’ 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.

PEACE & JUSTICE EXPO MAY 1

Second Unitarian is participating at the Omaha Peace and Justice Expo, Wednesday, May 1.  Booths open at 6 p.m. and the keynote speaker is at 7.  The location is the UNO Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom.  The keynote speaker is Medea Benjamin, discussing how our government’s use of drones impacts civilians and our national security.  We will host a booth highlighting our Sixth Principle, to build a fair and peaceful world.  You can help!  Chat with attendees who visit our booth.  Contact Vicki Pratt.

OTOC CANDIDATES’ ACCOUNTABILITY SESSION MAY 6

The Omaha Together One Community (OTOC) Accountability Session for Mayor and City Council Candidates is Monday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Parish Hall (70th and Blondo). Mayor Suttle and candidates for Districts 1, 2, 3, and 7 have committed to attend. Find out where they stand on critical issues such as housing revitalization, job training, summer youth enrichment, neighborhood security, and support for refugees and immigrants. Contact Pat Caffrey or Vicki Pratt for more information.

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.

PLEASE CHECK LOST & FOUND

Spring cleaning time…. Please check the “Lost and Found” basket on the shelf above the coat rack. There are several shopping bags from various events, hats, children’s items, and keys that have been “found” for several weeks. An umbrella is there for anyone to use as needed, but other items need to be claimed. Unclaimed items will be donated after May 5, so make sure to look for your “lost” items.

FOYER PROJECT UPDATE

The Communications Committee along with representatives from other committees discussed the purposes of the church foyer.  We felt that these were (1) to be inviting and to show that we are a welcoming place for all, (2) to be representative of who we are, and (3) to provide the entry to the sanctuary.  As a part of this process we will be removing or redesigning items currently there and deciding what should be placed there and how it should be displayed. We welcome your input!  Questions?  Contact Nancy Amsler.

CAMP STAR TRAIL – 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.