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Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World
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Sunday, November 26, 2017
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
The Power of Names
Reverend Scott McNeill
What we're called--given names, formal titles, nicknames--often illustrates our connections with other people. Ask many soon-to-be-parents and you'll hear how hard it is to select a name for someone who is, so far, a blank slate. Join us as we reflect on the gifts and curses that come with names.
Giving Tree: This is the last Sunday to make a selection from the Giving Tree in Fellowship Hall to help someone in need in the community by buying them a present. Please see a Religious Education staff member if you have questions on Sunday.
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Sunday, December 3, 2017
9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Celebrating Compassion
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, Reverend Scott McNeill, Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
In this story-based service for all ages, we will share Eve Bunting's beautiful tale "December" and will reflect upon the gift of compassion during this busy month. Our celebration will include drama, time for quiet reflection and seasonal singing, and a joyful parade as we collectively offer congregational gifts for people in need.
For this special service, please bring a gift, if this is possible for you. We are collecting:
* Mittens, hats, and socks for adults or children
* Toiletries, tissues, hairbrushes
* Non-perishable food--proteins are especially welcome
* The gifts you selected from our Giving Tree
* "Golden Gifts" of cash or checks in amounts small or large to benefit the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee,
uusc.org
.
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MAM's Musings
There is a saying attributed to Buddhist thought, "Boredom is peace that has been rejected." Over the holiday season, I invite you to lean into or perhaps even create moments of boredom. It may just be 'what the Reverend ordered' in the form of a little soulful medicine.
In his poem, Blessing for One Who is Exhausted, John O'Donohue includes this benediction:
May you take refuge in your senses, open up
To all the small miracles you rushed through.
Become inclined to watch the way of rain
When it falls slow and free.
Imitate the habit of twilight,
Taking time to open the well of color
That fostered the brightness of day.
Draw alongside the silence of stone
Until its calmness can claim you.
My hope for you during the Thanksgiving holiday is that you create moments for calmness to claim you, whether alone or with many people, "take refuge in your senses and open up to all the small miracles" that you may have rushed through in previous times.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for something interesting to watch over the holidays, I suggest the recent documentary co-produced by our own Alan Backler. It is entitled "And Justice For All: Indiana's Federal Courts." You can find it here.
While historical in content, the video also addresses issues with which we still struggle today. And if you look carefully, you might notice a few Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington members amongst the cast of historical characters!
And so my friends, may you be blessed with the gifts of warmth, love, enriching entertainment, and a wee bit of boredom during this Thanksgiving holiday time.
In gratitude,
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister
P.S. I also found this piece by David Brooks quite refreshing
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Thanksgiving Gratitude From Reverend Macklin
Recently Bloom magazine's editor Malcolm Abrams made the request, "Tell us where you stand on what's happening in this country, and we will print your thoughts in the next issue of Bloom." 150 word limit. Many of you have shared your creative and thoughtful responses with me. Kudos, folks!
Here is one response, from Jack King:
We have cut them ourselves, these canyons that divide our people's inner landscapes. We have used skin color to come to unshakable conclusions about people we have not met. We have created slogans for those we see as our tribe, and have shouted down those who wear labels that are different. We have dieted on the media's empty-calorie crisis of the day, and have failed to cultivate the nutrition of long-term study and a patient quest for wisdom. May there be leaders who stand for equity and inclusion and truth-and who call us out when we do not. May we together build bridges-and have the courage to take first steps to meet our other. --
Jack King (November 2017)
May your Thanksgiving be so blessed. --MAM
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From Our Associate Minister
Tuesday, November 21st is the date of this year's Interfaith Thanksgiving Service--7:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom. I will deliver the message, and the theme of this year's service is "Celebrating Immigrants and Refugees." Childcare will be provided at Congregation Beth Shalom, by providers from the UU Church and St. Mark's United Methodist. If you're interested in singing in the choir, rehearsal begins at 6:00 p.m. (childcare is available then, as well)! Cider, cookies, and conversation to follow the service.
In the last Prologue, there was as brief article about the process of having an Affiliated Community Minister. In particular, the Board and Ministers have discussed this process with Rev. Forrest Gilmore (Shalom Community Center).
This link has more information about the details of this arrangement; please read through it and send any questions you may have to
Rev. Mary Ann Macklin or
Rev. Scott McNeill.
--Scott
Reverend Scott McNeill,
Associate Minister
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From Our Board of Directors
The Congregational Meeting is December 10th at 4:00pm!
We'll officially announce the Right Relations Committee and the Fall Social Justice Grant. As described by Reverend McNeill's article in the November 7th Prologue, the congregation will vote to endorse Reverend Forrest Gilmore as an Affiliated Community Minister at UUCB.
The Board is proposing a set of bylaw changes for congregational vote. The changes include adding a provision for Leadership Cultivation Committee (LCC) vacancies, participation by the Connections Coordinator in the LCC, removing the outdated Personnel Committee, and replacing a reference to our Articles of Incorporation with the relevant text. Full details of the proposed changes may be found at
http://bit.ly/2gxOR8x .
There is also a paper copy on the bulletin board at church, and extra paper copies in Room 204.
Plus, we'll hear reports from the ministers, the Board, Planned Giving, Leadership Cultivation, the Green Sanctuary Task Force, and Building and Grounds.
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Official Notice of Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Meeting Room
2120 N. Fee Lane
Childcare provided.
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Our Folks...
Our prayers and healing thoughts remain with Jerry Nees, who has moved from the hospital to a care facility to continue his recovery from injuries suffered in a fire at his home.
Best wishes to Roberta Watson, who recently moved to Florida, and to Anna Wiley, who will also be relocating soon.
Congratulations to Sandy Dolby on the publication of her new book "The Handel Letters: A Biographical Conversation." Copies of her book will be available for a special price on December 3 at the Booktable, and she will be happy to sign your copy! Sandy will donate the proceeds of December 3 sales to the church.
Congratulations to The Pappas Family!
After 1,777 total days in foster care, Anne and Taylor Pappas found their forever home on Monday. Mom, Lindsay, Dad, Tom, and brothers, Mac and Gus couldn't be happier to finally make it official. The Pappas family says: "Thanks to each and every one of you who have loved and supported us."
Congratulations to Armin Mozcek, who
has been named a Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Science, Technology and Innovation.
http://bit.ly/2BbZZky
AND, Congratulations and many blessings to Emily and Tom Phelps upon the arrival on November 17th of Anthony Ronan Phelps. Everyone is home from the hospital now and doing well!
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Thanksgiving Pitch-In Dinner November 23
Amy Crozier will once again facilitate our Thanksgiving Pitch-In Dinner, at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 23 in Fellowship Hall. If you are deciding at the last minute to attend, please let Amy know what food you are bringing to share,
[email protected]
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The Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar
December 1, 10-7
December 2, 9-4
Only 10 baking days left until the UU Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar. We have several reminders for you:
- Books and White Elephants can be dropped off at the church starting Sunday, Nov 26, after 1:00 p.m.
- Cookies and Gourmet Galaxy food items can be dropped off starting Thursday, Nov 30, after 10:00 a.m.
- Bring a reusable shopping bag for your purchases.
And of course, come to the Bazaar, Friday, December 1, 10-7 and Saturday, December 2, 9-4. Don't miss the lasagna dinner Friday evening, starting at 5:00 p.m. Dinner tickets available at church this Sunday, November 26.
Artisans at the 2017 Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar
The following artisans will be at the Art Fair & Bazaar
Dec. 1 and 2
. Come find your favorites and meet new ones in the transformed Meeting Room.
Heather Haddad, Jim Halvorson, Chizuko Johnson, Bob Reiberg, Todd Shelby, Walt Schmidt, Jacques Bachelier, Anne Brahaum, Abby Gitlitz, Lee Cohn,
Julie Gootee, Marilyn Greenwood, Wendy Myers, Rhonda Robinson,
Carol Hedin, Mary Hambly, Pat Thummel, Sue Westhues, Linda Chapman,
Julie Bloom,
Tom Fife, Sara Steffey McQueen, Joanne Shank, Haley Brown,
Bonnie Gordon-Lucas, Rob Matyska, Ann McCann, Lynne Mikolon,
Patricia & Jon Hecker, Frank Pearsall.
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Visit the UUnique Cafe at the Bazaar
Many delightful treats await you at the UUnique Cafe at the Bazaar. Serving reasonably priced and delicious lunch and dinner on Friday and lunch and snacks on Saturday. Stop by Fellowship Hall and have a
munch!
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Read and Recycle:
Support the Holiday Bazaar Book Sale!
Cull through your library and find those books you are ready to pass along to another reader. DVD's and CD's also welcome but please no VHS tapes, audio cassettes, magazines or sheet music. For ease of shelving, please sort books by fiction/nonfiction. Drop your items off at the church starting Sunday, November 26 after 1:00 p.m. until Thursday, November 30 before noon. Questions? Contact Rich LeDuc at
[email protected]
or 217.493.9885.
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Clickety Clack, Clickety Clack!
That's the sound of knitting needles, crochet hooks and weavers' shuttles producing scarves, hats, mittens and more to sell at the Holiday Bazaar. Please donate your handmade knitted, sewn, quilted, woven or crocheted items to the Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Fiber Arts booth at the Bazaar. All proceeds to MCUM Emergency Services and The Walnut Grove Food Pantry. Drop box is in the Commons!
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White Elephant's Trunk High Quality Collectibles for the Bazaar December 1 and 2
You might have a valuable item you no longer need or want but that will be desired by others shopping at the UU Bazaar. The White Elephant's Trunk welcomes holiday decorations, children's toys, and exotic collectibles. No electronics or computers please. We can receive donations starting
Sunday, November 26 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 108.
Want to help? Please contact Doris Wittenburg (336-4993 or [email protected]).
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Cookie Bakers, We Still Need You!
The time is now to schedule your baking blitz(es) for the Bazaar! Get out your baking sheets, flour, and sugar and make a delicious mess! We need over 300 pounds of homemade cookies to sell for both days and make our patrons smile with glee. Any kind will do--bar cookies, drop cookies, and the all time favorite: decorated cookies. You may drop off your tasty creations Thursday afternoon, Nov. 30, or bring them early before the Bazaar starts on Friday Dec. 1 and/or Saturday Dec. 2. And please don't forget to volunteer. It's fun! We especially need help on Friday from 11am-1pm and 3-5pm, and Saturday from 3-4pm. Go to http://bit.do/2017bazaar to sign up.
Thanks! Your friendly Cookie Walk Committee:
Amira Sabbagh ( [email protected] ) and Meg Sears ( [email protected] )
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We Want You!
To Make Some Goodies for the Gourmet Galaxy
Help the Holiday Bazaar be successful by donating baked items and other goodies to Gourmet Galaxy! We're interested in anything, except for cookies (cookies can be donated to the Cookie Walk). That includes breads of all sorts, candy, snack mixes, soup mixes, fudge, caramels, cakes, muffins, scones, pickles or most anything you can cook up! We are also in need of volunteers to help staff the Gourmet Galaxy during the Bazaar. Sign up between services in Fellowship Hall or online here: http://bit.do/2017bazaar --Ann LeDuc and Celeste McGregor, Co-chairs
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Women's Alliance Meets December 7
"A Touch of Christmas" with Beverly McGahey and Fran Shelly is the program for our December 7 meeting. The hosts are Ann Watzel and Cathy Hiatt.
The Women's Alliance meets the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. The meeting begins with a brown bag lunch. Drinks and dessert are provided by the hosts of the month. The program begins at
noon, followed by a business meeting. Join us for some holiday fun. Everyone is welcome.
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Ready to become a member
of UU Bloomington?
If this is your community, if you feel at home here, join us! A Membership Ceremony is scheduled for
Sunday, December 1
0 at 10:30 am in the church library. We ask for participation in our Exploring Unitarian Universalism class prior to signing the membership book. To make arrangements to become a member, or for questions, please contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator, at
[email protected]
or
(812) 332-3695
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UU History for You
Curtis Williford Reese:
Founder of the American Humanist Association
Curtis Williford Reese (1887-1961) was born and raised in North Carolina where his father was a merchant and farmer. He was raised as a Southern Baptist and decided to become a minister. He attended Baptist College in Mark Hill, North Carolina and was ordained in 1908. His love of scholarship led him to read the "higher criticism" of German scholars whose work made him skeptical of the theological tenets of his religion. He searched for another religion and became a Unitarian minister in 1911. Most of his Unitarian ministry was in Des Moines, Iowa, and in Chicago. He played a major role in moving Meadville-Lombard Theological School to Chicago. He stressed social justice for his preaching and believed the universe was self-existing, dualism was false, our knowledge of the universe should be based on science, and we should focus on social justice and not personal salvation. He called this credo "Humanism." He wrote and edited Unity magazine. In 1941, he founded the American Humanist Association and served as its president from 1941-1954. He suffered from congestive heart disease, from which he died in 1961.
--Elof Carlson, UUCB Historian
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Current Membership: 528
Attendance Sunday, November 12 9
:15: 115 11:15: 150 TOTAL: 265
Sunday, November 19 9:15: 121 11:15: 163 TOTAL: 284
Non-Pledge Offering
November 12: $565.25 November 19: $574.54
Total to be donated (25%) to All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center $284.95
Grocery Card Sales (Bloomingfoods or Lucky's Market)
November 12: $50, income to UUCB $3.50 November 19:
$325, income to UUCB $16.75
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UU Freethinkers Enjoy Free Ranging Discussion
Nov 26
The purpose of the UU Freethinkers bi-weekly meeting is to create the opportunity for participants to raise questions and engage in open and non-structured discussion of issues of social concern, political concern, and theological/religious concern. UU Freethinkers meet on alternating Sundays after children's religious education classes end, in Room 208.
UU Freethinkers meet next on Sunday, November 26, 12:45 pm.
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UU Humanists Meet December 3
An opportunity for regular, open, wide-ranging discussions relating to ethics, human development, and the nature of the universe. The bi-weekly forum will meet next on Sunday, December 3, at 12:45 p.m. in Room 208. The discussion will be led by Harold Ogren, on "The Future of Sex." For general questions about our UU Humanists,
contact
Harold Ogren
.
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Earth Kin Discussion on the Elements December 4
On
Monday, December 4th
, Earth Kin will hold the fourth and final Book Club Discussion for the year, on the topic of the elements--earth, air, fire, and water, in Room 210 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Discussion
will focus on Parts II and III of Wisdom of the Elements: The Sacred Wheel of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water by Margie McArthur. These sections discuss elemental weaving, the magical winds, the magical circle, and balancing the elements. The book can be purchased used on Amazon, or you can email Brooke Opel at
[email protected]
for a PDF copy of the reading(s). This meeting will be an open space for us to discuss and to share our experiences working with the elements. All are welcome--no prior experience necessary, nor any need to have attended previously.
Looking Ahead: Although this is the last book discussion for the year about the elements, Earth Kin will return early next year with another discussion topic and book. Please feel free to provide suggestions!
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Special Worship Services in December
We will hold two services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. as usual on both Sunday, December 24 and Sunday, December 31. Childcare may be limited on these Sundays depending on staff availability.
Wednesday, December 20, 6:15 p.m.
Winter Solstice Celebration, with a greenery labyrinth and candlelight. No childcare.
Sunday, December 24, 4:00 p.m. Away in a Manger service especially for children; includes a Nativity pageant. No childcare.
Sunday, December 24, 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve service with music from our choir, and singing of carols, including Silent Night by candlelight (We'll be using the UU hymnal, so please feel free to sing the words you like the best!)
No childcare.
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Double Bag It!
HOLIDAY MIRACLE FOOD BASKETS
What is a holiday food basket? It's several days' worth of groceries, plus the fixings for a holiday meal, that UU members and friends contribute each year. Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) distributes the baskets to local families. Food shortage is an ongoing struggle for MCUM--the demand is up and the supply is down. Please take your baskets to MCUM anytime before December 8.
Sign up sheet in the Commons.
Grocery lists with careful instructions are with the sign-up sheet. Be sure to take all the information you will need.
Read more...
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Just Peace Task Force Visited
Senator Donnelly's Office November 6
On November 6th, members of the Just Peace Task Force and other peace advocates met with Hodge Patel, Senator Joe Donnelly's State Director. We asked Senator Donnelly to cosponsor
the bill (S.2047) introduced by Senator Chris Murphy
of Connecticut barring the President from attacking North Korea without Congressional authorization. On November 8th, David Keppel spoke with Kevin Marsh, Senator Todd Young's Defense aide, who made clear that Senator Young rejects deterrence with North Korea and considers "preventive" war an "option."
Such a war
could claim hundreds of thousands or millions of lives. Please speak out for peace and diplomacy. Call Senator Donnelly:
(202) 224-4814 and
Senator Young
(202) 224-5623
.
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Farm to Family Fund Gift Cards Support Local Growers and Families
A gift to someone close and to someone you don't even know
. Many of you may already make gifts to others through an NGO, in honor of, or with thanksgiving for, or as a hostess gift or Christmas gift to someone dear to you. Now you can make such a gift in your own community. The Farm to Family Fund, a project of the Center for Sustainable Living, has lovely gift cards designed by Kayte Young, the new host of Earth Eats on WFIU. The Farm to Family Fund buys food at half price at the close of the Bloomington Winter Farmers' Market every Saturday, December through March, and donates the food to The Rise, The Community Kitchen and Mother Hubbard's Cupboard. For a $10 minimum gift you can provide a dozen eggs to 15 local families, or $25 will provide a 1-week supply of greens for 7 families. Please stop by the Green Sanctuary Task Force table between services to purchase these lovely gift cards.
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Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister,
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 201 and is available by appointment on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons.
[email protected]
Reverend Scott McNeill, our Associate Minister,
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 209 and is available by appointment on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
mcneill@uu
bloomington.org
. He can also be reached on his mobile phone, 703-577-0919 and for after-hours pastoral emergencies, please call him at 812-727-0919.
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
,
our Minister of Religious Education,
can be reached at
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Our Covenant of Right Relations
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Livestreaming Our Sunday Services
Please let us know if you have a problem with the livestream, by emailing Andy Beargie at
[email protected] It is also helpful if you let Andy know which web browser you are using.
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Beacon Young Adult/Campus Ministry
Orion Day, our Young Adult/Campus Ministry Coordinator, can be reached at
[email protected] and keeps office hours at the Indiana Memorial Union Room 577. Stop by and say hello!
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Who Ya Gonna Call?
Our Church Administrator Carol Marks acts as a contact point for many questions that come up about church life. If you see something around the building that needs attention or you have other churchy questions, please call or email Carol: 812-332-3695 ext. 200 or [email protected], and she will help figure it out.
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Church Calendar
The offices will be closed November 23-25 for Thanksgiving. Administrative staff will be in the office Sunday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as usual.
A link to our church calendar can be found on this page of our website.
Prologue Publication Schedule
The Prologue is edited by Carol Marks, mostly. The deadline for articles is 10 a.m. on the date of publication. Next few issues: The first and third Tuesdays of each month.
Dec 5, Dec 19, Jan 2, Jan 16, Feb 6, Feb 20, etc.
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Masthead photo "Lake Griffy" by Linda Mjolsnes.
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