News Update 9/18/13

OPEN ARMS TRANSGENDER YOUTH GROUP SEPTEMBER 21

The Open Arms Transgender Youth Group meets Saturday, September 21, from noon to 2 at the church, for a potluck and sharing. Come and help the group be supportive to our youth. Contact Tammy Hunter, Mary Anne Chisholm, or Ferial Pearson with questions.

BOOK SALE CONCLUDES SEPTEMBER 22

The Annual Second Unitarian Book Sale concludes Sunday, September 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Contact Nancy VanderSluis with questions.

BLACKSTONE BOOK CLUB SEPTEMBER 24

Blackstone Book Club members will meet at the church on Tuesday, September 24, at 7:30 p.m. We will discuss The White Masai by Corinne Hoffman. Several other books have been chosen for the coming year including Avalanche: Lessons of Love written by Oddo and Ochoa-Keane which we will be reading in October and Unbroken by Laura Hillengrand which is our November selection. Please join us for any and all discussions of your choosing. For more information, contact Gwen Eurich.

CONGREGATION-BASED COMMUNITY ORGANIZING SEPTEMBER 25

Congregation-based community organizing (CBCO) is a way to revitalize congregational life and to fulfill the spiritual mandate to pursue social, economic, and racial justice and create a better world. Second Unitarian Church is a long time member of Omaha Together One Community, a CBCO in Omaha.  All are invited to a session on Wednesday, September 25, 7 p.m., at Second Unitarian.  For more info, contact Pat Caffrey or Vicki Pratt.

NO CHOIR REHEARSAL SEPTEMBER 26

There will be no choir rehearsal on Thursday, September 26.  Normal rehearsal will resume on Thursday, October 3.

MEDITATION REINCARNATED SEPTEMBER 26

Meditation Reincarnated is beginning its study of a new book, Savor, by Thich Nhat Hanh. This book deals with mindful – and mindless – eating.  Our next meeting is downstairs at church on Thursday, September 26, at 7:45 p.m. when we will discuss chapter 3 of the book.  Both the book and our meditation practice are designed for everyone, whether monk or beginner. No previous meditation experience is necessary, so please come and check us out.

FAMILY SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT SEPTEMBER 29

Join our September Share the Plate recipient Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, 3105 N. 93rd St., Sunday, September 29, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Learn to be an effective advocate for reproductive justice in your community. Regional organizer Adelle Burk will teach the most effective ways to make our voices heard and the tools to make a difference! Afterwards, put your new skills into practice by writing to your representative. This program is targeted towards both non-voting age youth and voting age adults.

FALL CHURCH CLEANUP OCTOBER 5

Our Fall Church Cleanup is Saturday, October 5, 8:00 a.m. to noon.  Please wear suitable shoes (no sandals or flip-flops, please) and bring work gloves. Wear work clothes appropriate for the weather and painting. Feel free to bring tools if you wish, but a supply of tools and materials will be available.  Children are welcome with adult supervision. Contact Clyde Anderson or Tom Rundquist.

SHARE THE PLATE FOR SEPTEMBER

One half of Second Unitarian’s offering received in September will go to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, offering reproductive health care services to residents in Nebraska, Iowa, Arkansas, and eastern Oklahoma.  Planned Parenthood provides trusted community health care, informs and educates the community, leads the reproductive health and rights movement, and advances global health.  To nominate an organization for our Share the Plate, visit the church website or contact the Social Justice Coordinating Council or Rev. Scott.

CARING COMMITTEE NEEDS YOUR HELP

The mission of the Caring Committee is to help and support each of the members of our church community as we experience the events, stages and transitions of life. Please assist us in fulfilling our mission by contacting Rev. Scott or a member of the Caring Committee if you have a concern or know of a church member who may have a special need. Caring Committee members are Dodie Robison, Norma Koelling, Donna Dudley, and Vicki Dudley.