News Update 8/7/13

LUNCH FOR NEWCOMERS AUGUST 11

Lunch for Newcomers will be held at 12:45 this Sunday, August 11, 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.

SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT AUGUST 11

Our Social Justice Documentary is Sunday, August 11, with optional healthy potluck at 6:00 p.m. followed by the movie “Bidder 70” and discussion at 6:30.  It features the environmental activism of UU Tim DeChristopher. As a college student he derailed a 2008 federal oil and gas land sale by bidding millions of dollars to save thousands of pristine acres near Federal parkland. With no intention of paying or drilling he was charged with two felonies, though the auction was invalidated. This documentary is in cooperation with the UU Ministry for Earth.

RETIREES’ GROUP AUGUST 13

According to the Center for Disease Control, one out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year. Falls can cause moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures and head injuries. Fortunately, falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable. Come to Retirees’ Group Tuesday, August 13, at 1:00 to learn more about preventing falls. All are welcome!

OMAHA CITY BUDGET HEARING AUGUST 13

Will the final Omaha City Budget have adequate funding for libraries, public safety, neighborhood revitalization, and youth enrichment programs? Find out at the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, in the City County Civic Center, 1819 Farnam. OTOC (Omaha Together One Community) leaders will present research on these budget lines that impact our city services.

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.

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.

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.

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.