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Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World
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Sunday, February 9, 2020
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Ordinary Wealth: Three Stories
Scott Russell Sanders
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Continuing our congregation's theme this month of presence, we welcome back into our pulpit essayist, novelist and congregation member Scott Russell Sanders. Scott is currently working on a collection of short stories, a book about the meaning of wealth, and a collection of essays about the role of the imagination in an age of climate disruption. We look forward to his presence and all of yours
on Sunday.
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Special Congregational Meeting
Sunday, February 9 at 2:00 p.m.
All Members Urged to Attend
Quorum required for this meeting is 177 members.
Childcare provided.
All members and friends have received a separate email or a paper letter
in the past few days concerning this meeting. Please be sure to read it.
Are you ready to become a member?
Membership book signing ceremonies are scheduled for this Thursday (2/6) at 12:00 noon and 5:30 pm, as well as Friday (2/7) at 3:00 pm in the church Library. If possible, please let us know ahead of time if you plan to participate.
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Sunday, February 16, 2020
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Side with Love Multigenerational Service
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Come explore our commitment to Side with Love as a denomination and a congregation. This service will include storytelling, time for personal reflection, and singing, including "Lift Every Voice and Sing", the history and meaning of which we have been learning about. Singers of all ages are encouraged to join the UU Family Choir this Sunday as they lead us in this important song--just arrive at 8:50 or 10:50 to rehearse it with Susan Swaney. Our beloved usual UU Choir will also be singing.
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Side With Love Fundraiser Lunch
Prepared and Served by our Children & Youth
Sunday, February 16,
12:30 pm
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During this difficult time of change, uncertainty and challenge in our world, country, community and, now, our congregation, it is important to be mindful of self-care as we go forward into life, or as Reverend Barbara Child said on Sunday, befriending life.
As I believe we have all heard, in terms of the oxygen mask on the plane example, we must offer ourselves self-care initially (the oxygen mask) before offering help to others.
Recently a staff member offered the simple but powerful spiritual discipline of having one word to focus on throughout the New Year, thus providing focus, intention and self-care. The word I chose for 2020 is
stillness. The following poem embodies an aspect of stillness I find quite powerful, particularly when walking in the woods at night.
A poem by David Wagoner:
Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.
May you find inspiration in this poem. And I invite you to consider a single word focus for the New Year.
Peace, MAM
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
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Emily's Post
Dear Ones,
In this tender week, it may be hard to figure out how to look after ourselves. Among other things, I am turning to haiku.
Traditionally, haiku are rooted in nature and the seasons, making the writer a co-conspirator with the wild world, which, if we pay attention, half-writes a haiku before we even put pen to paper. By paying attention, we can identify "haiku moments": those moments that bring us right here, right now, no longer dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Here are a couple such moments I've experienced:
Orange red berries A cow lies
Ripen on Heavenly Bamboo As still as a rock.
Then, bluebirds. No. It's a rock.
You might notice these poems are unconcerned with syllable counting. They are just 3 short lines. Poet and author Patricia Donegan suggests that haiku aims to include the following 7 attributes:
Form:
three lines, one breath long
Image:
a descriptive image-bring it to life
Season word:
refer to nature and hint at the weather or season
Here and now:
write from real experience, record the present moment
Feeling:
don't explain or tell, show feeling through the image
Surprise:
try for an "aha!" moment that wakes the reader up
Compassion:
expression of open heartedness towards nature
Though I nearly never capture all seven, it is a joy to try!
Wishing you rich moments of collaboration (in whatever form) with nature this week,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Religious Education
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Our Folks...
Congratulations to IU Chemistry professor
Martha Oakley
, who recently received the 2020 President's Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Congratulations also to IU Law professor
Luis Fuentes-Rohwer
, who has been named a Class of 1950 Herman B Wells Endowed Professor.
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Dear Planned Giving:
Q: I love this church and I just finished the paperwork to include it in my estate. What should I do next?
A: Tell the Planned Giving Committee: Libby DeVoe, Linda Pickle, Harlan Lewis, Bob Port or Ann Kamman. We will thank you profusely, ask if we may publish your name in the list of Legacy Circle members, and invite you to an appreciation lunch in the fall. If you want to designate your gift for a specific use, complete a Gift Agreement Form available from the church office.
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Wouldn't your Valentine love some
persimmon pudding?
Or maybe persimmon muffins, salsa or cookies? We still have season 2019 frozen wild persimmon pulp in the kitchen freezer. $6.00 per bag (2 cups in each bag). Recipes on request. Leave the money in the envelope in the freezer. Ruellen Fessenbecker
[email protected]
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Drop-in Childcare on Wednesdays
On Wednesday evenings, from 6-8 pm, we are offering free drop-in childcare in Room 108. Parents must remain on site, on our grounds or in the building. Please use the Courtyard Entrance. The Meeting Room is available for meditation and walking the labyrinth. We hope to provide a moment for parents to breathe deeply, have a cup of tea with a friend, or sit in silence before running children to the next event. For more info contact
Adrienne Summerlot
Free Chair Massage by Millie Jackson February 12
Millie Jackson is offering free 15-minute chair massage sessions on Wednesday, February 12. Drop off your children in free childcare and enjoy a relaxing chair massage.
Come by Room 210 to sign up for a 15 minute block, and then return for your appointment time.
Millie is a member of our congregation and a Certified Massage Therapist.
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UU Singles Notes
Dance, Dance, Dance Feb. 14! On Friday, February 14th, Valentine's Day, from 9 pm to ?, some of the UU singles will be going dancing to the Soul Street band (rock, funk, ... ) at the Golf Club at Eagle Pointe, 2250 East Pointe Road. Tickets are $5 apiece, payable at the door. We do have a table reserved. Please contact Marie Deer at 812 391 0900 with any questions, up until about 7 pm that night.
Game Night Feb. 21 UU singles February game night will be on Friday, February 21st, from 7 pm to about 9:30 or 10, in Fellowship Hall. Please note that for February we have moved game night to the third Friday, rather than the second. Please contact Marie Deer at 812 391 0900 with any questions.
Potluck Mar. 1 The next UU singles potluck will be Sunday night, March 1st, at 5:30 p.m., at the home of Allison Tomusk. If you'd like to carpool, we will meet in the church parking lot at 5:00. Please contact Marie Deer at 812 391 0900 to let us know if you want to be part of the carpool.
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Get Ready!
The Getting Involved Fair is Coming!
February 16, February 23, and March 1
Twice a year, we organize a "Getting Involved Fair" to share information about all the groups and activities of the church. The fair is held over three consecutive Sundays, during Coffee Hour, in the Fellowship Hall. A different set of groups will be represented each Sunday. I hope you will join us! Group Chairs and Activity Leaders-- Sign up today to represent your group at the Getting Involved Fair.
Use this link to sign up. --Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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UU Men's Group Meets on the Third Tuesday
Our UU Men's Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month here at the church in Room 110. The meeting is open to all men of the congregation. If you would like to attend, please contact Dan Wiseman at
[email protected]. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 18, 7:00-9:00 p.m. (No childcare for this meeting.)
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Our February Artists are
Susan Herr-Hoyman and Mary Blizzard
From Susan:
My life with the art world began about 10 years ago when I picked up a pencil and paintbrush and started to draw and paint flowers and birds. Since at its roots my art is self-taught, I call it folk art. My love of nature inspires what I produce.
From Mary:
Know that place where you can go where time and the earth dissolve around you, flowing freely in a process that you know not where it will end. An escape, a meditation, a mantra that is solely yours, visualizing through your eyes alone: that is why I draw.
(Susan's and Mary's artwork will be on display in the Commons and North hallway during the month of February.)
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UU Summer Camp June 28-July 4, 2020
Consider joining fellow UUs this summer in the Missouri Ozarks at the annual Midwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly (MUUSA). The week-long camp offers many workshops and activities for families, couples and singles of all ages. Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout will lead the daily Morning Celebration service on this year's theme: "To Breathe on Purpose."
Come gather with hundreds of other UUs in the beautiful forests and rolling hills of the Missouri Ozarks at YMCA Trout Lodge, where you can connect with old friends, make new ones and participate in a wide variety of activities. Get all the details at
muusa.org
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Climate Vision 2020
Strategy Retreat Saturday, February 8
with Extinction Rebellion
Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in Fellowship Hall
Join Extinction Rebellion Bloomington this Saturday, February 8, in Fellowship Hall as we define our agenda and plans for 2020. We are holding an all-day retreat on Saturday, February 8: Morning for Action Plan and Afternoon for Regeneration. To find out more, email [email protected] or see
Facebook: XR Indiana 2020: Birthing a Movement. Extinction Rebellion Bloomington is supported by our Green Sanctuary Task Force on Global Climate Change.
--Jana Pereau and Ellen Tamura
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Valentine's Bake Sale This Sunday, February 9:
We Side with Love for Reproductive Justice
"Side With Love" is the theme of the Reproductive Justice Task Force's annual Valentine's Bake Sale, which will be on Sunday, February 9 between services in the Commons. This is their big fundraiser, so please consider donating sweets and/or purchasing some for your sweetie, a friend, or yourself! Donations of goodies gratefully accepted in the kitchen by 9:15 a.m. if possible, on February 9. contact: Nan McKinley [email protected]
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Letter Writing Campaign to Support
Workplace Accommodation for
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Feb 10 and Feb 15
The Reproductive Justice Task Force is supporting state legislation for workplace accomodation of pregnant and breatfeeding women, tax-free status for diapers and sanitary products, and other issues affecting women and families. Come join us to write cards, letters, and make calls on Monday, Feb 10 from 6-8 pm in Fellowship Hall or Saturday, Feb 15 from 12-3 in the Sanctuary. Have a cuppa, a snack, and let's gather our power together!
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Valentine Gourmet Fundraising Dinner
Saturday, February 15, 5 pm in Fellowship Hall
for Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force
Don't miss out on an elegant, chef-prepared, four-course Valentine Gourmet Dinner, Saturday, Feb. 15, in Fellowship Hall.
Purchase your tickets by February 10, available at church between services, or online at
lagomfood.com. $50 per person. For more information, contact Mary Blizzard.
Menu includes: Potato Leek Soup, Beet Salad, Filet Mignon or Portobello Mushroom, Mashed Potatoes, Almond Tart, nonalcoholic sparkling wine.
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UU Social Justice Film Series Sunday, February 16 at 5 pm
The Dhamma Brothers
Presented by our Hope for Prisoners Task Force and Open Mind Zen Bloomington
Join us in Fellowship Hall for a free screening of
The Dhamma Brothers
,
which tells a dramatic tale of human potential and transformation through the practice of Vipassana meditation in an Alabama maximum security prison. This film has the power to dismantle stereotypes about men behind prison bars, and illustrates a path to freedom available to all.
Discussion to follow, led by members of the task force and the Zen group. Free Pizza available.
No childcare for this event
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Elizabeth, A Free Woman of Color
A Resilience Production
Saturday, February 22, 7:00 p.m.
Monroe County History Center
Written and Performed by Gladys DeVane
Historical Commentary by Elizabeth Mitchell
Directed by Danielle Bruce
The year is 1825. A young negro woman, known only as Elizabeth, is bound in servitude in the free territory of Indiana. This is the story, inspired by actual court documents, of her struggle against the man who unlawfully owned her and the amazing outcome of this precedent-setting court case.
Tickets are $5.00 per person. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Reception and Q&A session to follow the performance.
This is a Resilience Production, supported by our Racial Justice Task Force.
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MidAmerica UU Annual Regional Assembly
April 18, 2020 - Save the Date!
Please save the date for the
MidAmerica UU Annual Regional Assembly,
to be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rockford, Illinois, on Saturday, April 18. Our keynote speaker will be Taquiena Boston, Special Advisor to the UUA President for Institutional Inclusion, Equity, and Change. The day will feature worship, the annual business meeting, lunch, keynote presentation, and workshops. On Friday evening, April 17, the UU Church in Rockford will host an evening gathering. Info about registration here
. If you would like to be a delegate, contact
Iris Kiesling
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B
uy Grocery Cards on Sunday and Support the Church
Did you know that we have grocery gift cards for Bloomingfoods and Fresh Thyme for sale in the Commons every Sunday between services? Pick one up before your Sunday afternoon grocery shopping! We buy them in bulk at a small discount, and sell the cards as a fundraiser to support our operating budget.
You can also
click here to register your Kroger Plus card with their Community Rewards Program and send a percentage of your purchases to the UU Church - o
ur organization ID is EW763.
During the last quarter (September thru December 2019) we received $424.87 from Kroger, with 135 UU households participating.
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Religious Education for Adults
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Shambhala Meditation Meets Mondays at 12 noon
Join us at 12 noon every Monday in the Library for an hour of Shambhala Meditation.
There is no cost to sit down with us and practice meditation. We are beginner friendly. We meet in the library at church on the second floor. Use the Portico entrance and turn right, we are in the first room on the left, the library. You can use a cushion or a chair or switch between. We stretch 1/2 way through, and walk, then sit some more and close with some teachings in chant form. Take what you want and leave the rest.
All are welcome. Info:
Contact Sarah Flint.
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Open Mind Zen Meets Mondays at 7:00 pm
Join Frank Seisho Diaz for meditation, talks, and discussions on Zen Buddhism, Mondays 7:00-8:30 pm, in the Library here at the church. All are welcome regardless of faith or experience.
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Gentle Hatha Yoga
on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm
A gentle Hatha Yoga practice to balance the mind, body, and spirit. Tuesday evenings, from 5:30-7 pm, in Fellowship Hall. Led by Kate Mulligan of Maxwell House Yoga.
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Traditional Taiji Meets Tuesdays at 7:15 pm
Brian Flaherty leads "Wu (Hao)" style Taiji in Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays at 7:15 pm. All are welcome, even those with no previous Taiji experience. Please wear loose-fitting clothing.
For more i
nfo: Contact Brian.
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UU Humanist Forum Meets February 9, 12:45 pm
On Sunday, January 26, at 12:45 pm the UU Humanist Forum will meet in Room 208. Elof Carlson will facilitate a discussion on "Our Load of Mutations - revisited."
The Humanist Forum meets every other Sunday with a different
discussion topic.
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UU Freethinkers Meet February 16
, 12:45 pm
The UU Freethinkers bi-weekly meeting creates the opportunity for participants to raise questions and engage in open and non-structured discussion of issues of social, political, and theological/religious concern. Every other Sunday in Room 208 at 12:45 pm.
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UU History for You
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz:
Reconciling Reason, Faith, and Reality
Gottfried Leibniz (1646-1716) was born to Friedrich Leibniz and Catharina Schmuck in Leipzig and died in Hanover, both in Germany. His father was a lawyer and died when young Leibniz was 6 years old. From that point on he was raised by his mother, who made his father's extensive library available to him at age 7. Leibniz read on his own in his father's library and became a lawyer, obtaining BA (at age 16), MA (at age 18), and a doctorate in law (at age 19).
He was also a polymath gifted in philosophy, mathematics, and physics, acquired through his reading and his travels to scientific societies and the great scientists of his era. He was raised Protestant and retained that faith but was employed by Catholic as well as Protestant monarchs and other wealthy patrons. He earned his living using his legal skills, serving as a diplomat, and providing education for the scholars in his patron's realms.
Leibniz was a discoverer of calculus (Newton called him a thief) but his notation was superior to Newton's and mathematicians today use Leibniz's version. He rejected
atomism and proposed a theory of
monads that had no material existence, but were forces that created motion, material form, and space as attributes of their presence. He believed that this was the best of all possible worlds created by God (a view lampooned by Voltaire in his novel
Candide. His answer to the question (assuming no God existed) "Why is there existence rather than nothing?" was, "because there is existence."
--Elof Carlson, UUCB Historian
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Of Snow Days and Cancellations
When local travel conditions deteriorate due to ice and snow, please check with the leader of your group before coming over for weekday meetings here at church, to be sure our lot and sidewalks have been cleared and are safe. If schools are delayed or closed due to snow or ice, there is a good chance our office will open late or will be closed. Always call the church (812-332-3695) first before coming over after a snow or ice event, to be sure someone is here. We post meeting cancellations and up to date information on the front page of our website,
www.uubloomington.org and our
facebook page. If you have a friend without easy access to the internet, you might consider being an internet buddy for them, to give them a call to let them know (as appropriate) when meetings and events at church have been canceled or postponed.
Thanks for your patience, and remember to wear your snow boots!
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator
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Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister
can be reached on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, 812-332-3695, ext. 201.
macklin (at) uubloomington.org
Reverend Scott McNeill, our Associate Minister
With the approval of our Board of Directors, Reverend McNeill's leave of absence has been extended. The Board asks that you please give him privacy at this time.
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
,
our Minister of Religious Education,
can be reached at
812-332
-3695 (ext. 207) and is available by appointment
on Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Email: mre (at) uubloomington.org
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Our Covenant of Right Relations
In June 2017, our members affirmed a Covenant of Right Relations.
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Deadlines for Publications
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Order of service and Friday UU Update:
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The Office Will Be Closed,
But Our Minds Will Stay Open!
Office closed February 17
Because Monday, February 17 is a federal holiday, the church offices will be closed and staff will not be in the building. Regular meetings may take place anyway; please be in touch with the leader of your group to confirm. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, February 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Office hours
: M-F, 10 am-4 pm
Facebook: Many church events are also posted on our
Facebook page.
Prologue
Publication Schedule:
The deadline for articles is 10 am on the date of publication, which is
the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Upcoming
issues:
Feb 18, Mar 3, Mar 17, Apr 7, Apr 21
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Livestreaming Our Sunday Services
View a live broadcast of our Sunday services (9:15 and 11:15 am):
Have a problem viewing or hearing the service?
Links to Archived Services to View Online
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Membership: 527 certified members; 527 current members.
Attendance:
Sunday, January 26 9:15 - 103 11:15 - 169 RE: NA TOTAL: 272
Sunday, February 2 9:15 - 121 11:15 - 173 RE: 45 TOTAL: 339
Non-Pledge Offering:
January 26
: $662 February 2: $565
Total to be donated (25%) to Volunteers in Medicine: $306.76
Grocery Card Sales:
(Bloomingfoods, Lucky's Market, or Fresh Thyme)
January 26: $960 February 2: $625
Total income to UUCB: $83.45
During the last quarter (October thru December 2019) we received $446.72 from Kroger, with 134 UU households participating.
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Masthead photo by John Woodcock.
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