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.
COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY MEETING MAY 8
Join a group discussion regarding the annual evaluation of our church ministry on 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 discussion. If you are unable to attend the meeting, 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.
RETIREES’ GROUP MAY 14
The Retirees’ Group will meet at the church at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14. Dementia is something we all fear, maybe mostly because we don’t know what it really is. Julie Kirn will be our leader to share her knowledge about dementia, and she assures me it won’t get technical or bogged down on a single issue. The dimensions of dementia, how to recognize it in other people and/or yourself, and how to work with people who suffer from it in one degree or another will be facets in this discussion.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MAY 19
This is notice of Second Unitarian Church’s Annual Congregational Meeting, Sunday, May 19, at 1 p.m. Major agenda items will include nominations for Board and Committees, approval of 2013-14 Operating Budget, and selection of delegates to General Assembly. Childcare will be available. Absentee ballots are available by contacting Bill Kuhn.
SHARE THE PLATE FOR MAY
One half of Second Unitarian’s offering received in May will go to Project Harmony, providing effective, immediate, and sensitive support to children who are victims or suspected victims of abuse and neglect, and to their non-offending family members. Project Harmony assembles a multidisciplinary team composed of law enforcement, investigative, social service, medical, and referral professionals dedicated to protecting children and prosecuting offenders. 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.