News Update 8/14/13

YRUU COVENANTING SESSION AUGUST 16

To lay the foundation for this upcoming year, Young Religious Unitarian Universalists (YRUU) will have a covenanting session on Friday August 16, from 6-9 p.m. at First Unitarian Church. Pizza will be provided for dinner. The purpose of the YRUU Covenant is to establish how we will work with each other, what we expect from our Youth Group, and how to create a meaningful UU experience while continuing to fulfill the vision and needs of each of the Church communities. If you have questions, contact omahayruu@gmail.com.

OTOC TRAINING AUGUST 17

OTOC (Omaha Together One Community) is offering a second August training session Saturday, August 17, 9:00-11:00 a.m., St. Pius Catholic, 70th and Blondo Streets. Topic: intro to organizing — OTOC 101. Find out about a relational culture, listening for issues, acting for the common good, and creating a culture of participation and problem solving.  For more info contact Pat Caffrey, Carol Johnson, or Vicki Pratt.

SECOND CIRCLE MOVIE AUGUST 18

Monthly teen movie nights will resume on Sunday, August 18, 4 – 7 p.m. at the church. This month we will reflect on issues of self-identity with the movie “Breaking Away.” Movie critic Bob Fischbach will facilitate discussion over pizza and popcorn.

MEDITATION REINCARNATED AUGUST 22

Meditation Reincarnated meets in the church on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:45 p.m. Our next meeting is August 22.   We begin our study of a new book, Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh. This book deals will mindful – and mindless – eating. Thich Nhat Hanh will guide us with thoughts and practices to improve our eating habits and help us truly taste and enjoy our food. Please join us as we begin this book.  No previous meditation experience is necessary.

WATER COMMUNION AND ICE CREAM SOCIAL SEPTEMBER 1

Remember to gather water on your summer travels and bring your water on September 1 in a ritual where we all touch water and connect to the Holy.  And don’t miss the annual Ice Cream Social starting at 10:30 between the two services!

SHARE THE PLATE FOR AUGUST

One half of Second Unitarian’s offering received in August will go to Educare of Omaha, a partnership between the public and private sectors to create a more efficient, more effective early learning program that nurtures early learning and sends a bold message about the value of investing in the first five years. For more information, visit educareomaha.com. To nominate an organization for our Share the Plate, visit the church website or contact the Social Justice Coordinating Council or Rev. Scott.

HELP PASS IMMIGRATION REFORM LEGISLATION

The Immigration Reform action team of OTOC (Omaha Together One Community) is working with Nebraska Appleseed to make calls to members of OTOC congregations. Calls will be made from Second Unitarian at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 22. The recipient will be asked to be transferred to our Congressional representative’s office and leave a message urging comprehensive immigration reform. If you can help (move chairs, make calls, bring snacks/sodas), contact Vicki Pratt.

KIOS CAMPAIGN COMING IN OCTOBER

This year our church campaign to raise money for advertising on KIOS public radio is scheduled for October 1 – 31. Those who are interested in contributing will be asked to make their checks to Second Unitarian Church, and the amount raised will be used to place messages on KIOS. Watch for more information later.

WELCOME DESK MAKEOVER NEEDED

The Membership Welcome Desk in the foyer needs a face lift. If you have the skills and time to help out with this task, contact Pam Curtiss-Smith.

MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES SHARING PROJECT SURVEY

The UUA Multicultural Ministries 2013 Sharing Project is soliciting input from UUs historically marginalized by ability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, race, and/or ethnicity. If you have one or more of these identities, Multicultural Ministries staff invites you to participate in a Sharing Project survey. This online survey will take 20 minutes to complete. Your input is invaluable to the future of Unitarian Universalism.
More information: http://www.uua.org/multiculturalism/287941.shtml
Take the survey now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UUAMMSP

JOIN THE CHORUS!

Do you love singing?  Please join the Second Unitarian Choir!  No prior experience is necessary.  Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. starting the first Thursday in September.  For information and encouragement, contact Music Director Donna Zebolsky at music@2uomaha.org or speak with Donna after Sunday morning worship.

SUMMER RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – CELEBRATING ALL KINDS OF FAMILIES

For the remaining Sundays in August, children approximately age six and younger will be celebrating “all kinds of families” downstairs on Sunday mornings.  We will be reading stories such as And Tango Makes Three, My Little Foster Sister, Black is Brown is Tan, Daddy’s Roommate, Heather Has Two Mommies, and Bigmama’s. If parents have any questions or thoughts to share, please contact Anita Meyer or Anita Jeck.