Main Temporary (Test) Version of the Online Anvil

The online version of the Anvil (2U's monthly newsletter) which has been dormant since July/August, is now being revived. The purpose of the online version is to provide a selection of items from our primary communications piece, which is the printed version of the Anvil.

From the Minister’s Study
Rev. Jennifer O’Quill, Parish Minister

This month our Sunday services are full of celebration and sharing. On December 7th, as the Choir sings for Music Sunday we will be collecting mittens, gloves and scarves for the Night Ministry. 2U helped found this organization which serves Chicago’s homeless women, children and men. After worship, the Church Bazaar and Craft Sale takes place, where we can find holiday gifts for others as we raise funds for our church community.

December 14th is the Sunday to share the blessings of both our Unitarian Universalist faith and the exuberance of the 2U community with your friends and loved ones. It is Bring a Friend/Bring a Family Sunday and all of you are invited to bring your friends, neighbors and co-workers to church today. We have a special children’s program planned, and after worship is our annual Cookie Sale! December 21st the children of 2U share their gifts with us as they help lead worship, and our Children’s Choir sings for the first time this church year.

Christmas Eve we will gather together at church at 7 pm for our worship service and share carols and stories by candlelight. From Thanksgiving
through Christmas Eve members of 2U contribute to the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) at every meal with our “Guest at Your Table” boxes. These boxes are collected on Christmas Eve and forwarded to the UUSC to support their international aid work.

It is important throughout the year that we keep before us the needs of the wider world, the needs of our own communities, and the religious and
spiritual needs of those around us. May we take the time this season to recall the blessings we receive from each other, and enjoy in sharing that blessing with those around us. Ours is a faith of abiding hope which calls us to the religious practice of just action. At 2U I believe we live out our faith with great joy. May ours continue to be a church of both invitation and welcome – our good news needs to be shared!

I look forward to seeing you in church!

Blessings, /s/ Jennifer