Your November 6 Prologue is here!

The Prologue Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana

Congregation founded 1949

LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995

Green Sanctuary since 2007

Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World

Sunday, November 11, 2018

9:15 am and 11:15 am
We Give Thanks:

A Multigenerational Thanksgiving Service

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite and Reverend Scott McNeill

All ages are invited to join us for songs and stories as we reflect together on the gift of all that makes our days more joyful. Our children's choir (directed by Jill Courtney) will be singing! Our Giving Tree will be available beginning this Sunday. This year, we will have gift tags supporting Positive Link, Head Start, and Stepping Stones. (see article below)

Giving Tree Begins this Sunday, November 11

On November 11, 18 and 25, our Giving Tree will be available in Fellowship Hall for anyone who would like to support a local child or teen in need, or a local adult living with HIV. Gift request tags will be available from Head Start, Stepping Stones, and Positive Link. Head Start promotes school readiness for low-income children through education, health and social services. Stepping Stones provides transitional housing and skills to enable independent living for homeless teens. Positive Link offers personalized case management to individuals living with HIV. Gift requests are available from $5 and up and includes some tags where gently used donations would be welcome, in the hope that many members of our community will be able to participate. Gifts will be collected during our Procession of Giving services on Sunday, December 2. Online sign up for a gift tag will be available November 12--watch for a link in the Friday Update on November 9!

Sunday, November 18, 2018

9:15 am and 11:15 am

"From You I Receive, To You I Give"

Reverend Scott McNeill

During this season of gratitude, we lift up the importance of mutuality, reciprocity, and sharing our gifts with one another (which includes "receiving thanks" just as much as it means "giving thanks").

Minutiae on MAM

*I will turn 59 on November 16th. For my birthday, I ask everyone to send a note of gratitude to a local, national or international journalist. The free press is essential for our democracy.

*I will be in North Carolina for a Death Doula Training (think End-of-Life Coach, a very calm coach) as well as visit with family, November 8th through 17th.

*I am on Jury Duty this month, so if you have a November appointment with me, please know it could be postponed.

*Finally, excerpts from the poem by Reverend Mark Belletini that I shared on Sunday:

...But this morning I say the polls are

not just open on Tuesday,

I say they are open every day.

Every hour. Even here. Even now.

Right now, I am going to vote

For love that does not have

to run in someone else's circles

in order to be love.

I'm going to vote right now

for the power of free people

to actually be free,

no matter who they are,

no matter who has abandoned them.

I actually am going to vote for love.

Right now. Right here.

Peace and Love,

MAM

Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister

From Our Associate Minister

It seems like it's been quite a while since I've seen or talked to so many of you; which is very true - I'm very grateful for the chance to take a break aided by many folks pitching in while I was away (thanks to the Reverends Mary Ann and Emily, our staff, and volunteers).

It seems fitting that I would arrive just in time for the 2018 elections; I recognize that many of us carry hopes and dreams, fears and concerns about any number of issues facing our country and world. And yet, every day, our congregation bears witness to many people committed to the democratic process of informing our electorate and encouraging people to share their thoughts through voting. People work for justice in numerous (almost innumerable) ways, both in and out of our church walls.

Together, we bend the arc of the moral universe--long though it may be, and longer it may seem during these times--toward justice. Thank you for your part in that!

In faith,

Rev. Scott

Reverend Scott McNeill, Associate Minister

The Value of Democracy, Representation, and Community

Election week reminds us of the value of democracy, representation and community.

Your church leaders are committed to helping coordinate and cultivate such values within our congregation so that we remain in right relation with one another, our greater Bloomington community, and our world. For more on the church's commitment to this goal, consult the affirmations established in our congregation's Covenant of Right Relations .

A few weeks ago, our community suffered the sudden loss of the monarch garden on our grounds. It appears that the garden, and those who care for it, are resolved to remain resilient in attempting to restore this small, yet significant example of our commitment to caring for our corner of the earth.

During this recovery period, it is important for our community to continue to foster its commitment to one another in recognizing, respecting, and appreciating the love, thought, and time that many people give to caring for our grounds and our building. Moving forward in this way, each of us is called to "ask before you act." "Asking" not only respects the leadership structure of our congregation, but also demonstrates a clear sense of collaboration, either directly or indirectly, amongst all members of the UUCB community who wish for their work and care to be honored.

Michelle Cook, Board President

NOTICE: The next regular meeting of the Board has been rescheduled from its typical recurrence on the third Wednesday of the month to Tuesday, November 20th at 7pm in Room 110.

SAVE THE DATE!

The bi-annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 9th, from 4-6pm in the sanctuary.

Proposed Bylaw Change Increases Flexibility of Planned Gifts

A proposed change to our bylaws, reviewed positively by the Board of Directors and the Finance, Planned Giving and Special Purposes Fund (SPF) committees, would expand the impact of undesignated gifts to the church. Currently, any gift not designated by its donor for a particular use is placed in the Special Purposes Fund, which cannot be used for operating expenses. Thanks to the generosity of Legacy Circle donors, we have an increasing imbalance between funds available for special (usually one-time) projects and the ongoing needs of our operating budget. The bylaws change would allow undesignated gifts to be allocated to both areas.

A new SPF policy would divide undesignated gifts evenly among four areas: special purposes endowment, special purposes general fund, operational endowment and operational general fund. This would move us toward more balance between special and operational needs, and between endowments (in-perpetuity investments whose interest earnings we may spend) and funds for more immediate use.

The change will also clarify to donors that they may designate gifts to all four areas in any proportion. A form will be available for that purpose if the bylaws change is adopted at the Dec 9 congregational meeting.

To learn more, go to http://tinyurl.com/undesignated-gifts , or speak with members of the Undesignated Gifts Committee who will have a table in Fellowship Hall between services on Sunday, November 11, 10:30-11:15 a.m., or attend a forum later on Sunday, November 11 at 12:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room, after the second service.

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OFFICIAL NOTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, December 9, 2018 4:00 p.m.

Meeting Room

2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, Indiana

All members are encouraged to attend.

Childcare provided.

This information is being published in accordance with our Bylaws concerning changes to the Bylaws and notices of congregational meetings.

Our Folks...

As Veterans Day approaches, UU John Summerlot, the Director of IU's Center for Veteran and Military Students, discusses IU's military heritage and the center's recent move and name change in this article.

Director of Religious Education Adrienne Summerlot and Minister of Religious Education Reverend Emily Manvel Leite were inspired by the annual Liberal Religious Educators Association Conference in Houston this past week.

Changing the World

Sunday, November 18

5:00 pm Fellowship Hall

Social Justice Film Series

Sponsored by our

Racial Justice Task Force

Free and all are welcome! Pizza dinner and discussion after the screening.

This WTIU/Indiana University Television documentary, produced by David Guadaitis, Larry Laswell and Alan Backler, tells the story of Reverend Ernest Butler, his family, and his efforts as a grass roots civil rights activist. The documentary, to be shown here on Sunday, November 18 at 5:00 p.m., traces his childhood and formative years as a pastor in Connersville to his efforts to integrate public and private facilities in Noblesville. The major segment of the video concentrates on his years in Bloomington, as pastor of the Second Baptist Church. It describes the conditions he confronted on arrival in Bloomington in 1959, and examines his efforts to open up employment and housing opportunities for African Americans in Bloomington.

Attention is also given to his daily struggle to improve the lives of the members of his church and the wider community. Rev. Butler's transformation from fiery rebel to respected elder leader was hard-fought and decades in the making. The 2008 DVD contains the 28 minute program and approximately 19 minutes of additional material, including two songs and extended interview footage.

No childcare for this event. (The third Sunday film series can provide childcare if it is reserved two weeks in advance of film screening date.)

Hats and Hunger!

That's What It's All About!

Our Hunger Task Force suggests that November is Hunger Awareness Month at UUCB, and in keeping with this idea, the Hunger Task Force will be selling hats between services every Sunday in November. Buying and wearing one of our hats is like wearing a badge that says that you fight hunger in our community. 100% of all sales goes directly to our running of the Walnut Grove Food Pantry, and each hat that you buy represents 167 pounds of food that will feed the hungry !

So, keep your head and your heart warm this month--buy a hat!

Community Connections

Our Faith in Action in the Community

Monroe County United Ministries

Holiday Food Basket Drive

Through December 7

The annual Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) Holiday Food Baskets Food Drive has begun! Last year, members of our congregation donated 75% of all the food baskets donated - a great job! Please keep up the good work. Sign up on the poster in the Commons, and take an instruction sheet as you do. Thank you for sharing with our hungry neighbors. If possible, please deliver your food baskets directly to United Ministries - the deadline for delivering your baskets to MCUM is December 7th. A map is provided on the instruction sheet. --UU Hunger Task Force

Benefit for Amethyst House Features Iris DeMent Nov 9

Support Amethyst House and enjoy the music of Iris DeMent, with special guest Busman's Holiday, on Friday, November 9 at 8:00 p.m. at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre. Tickets available at www.buskirkchumley.org or in person at the BCT box office on Kirkwood.

Reverse Citizens United!

Steering Committee Meets Nov 9 -- All are Welcome

The Reverse Citizens United steering committee is meeting on Friday, Nov. 9th at 1:00 p.m. at 1127 E. First Street, to discuss the last-minute details of the Nov. 15th Call Out on gerrymandering. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. -- Tomi Allison

Seeking the Spirit

Religious Education for Adults

Shambhala Meditation Meets Mondays at 12 noon

Join us at 12 noon every Monday in the Library for an hour of Shambhala Meditation, walking meditation, and Shamatha yoga with Sarah Flint. Beginners welcome to participate in this 2500-year-old tradition. Contact Sarah at:

[email protected]

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 Room 112 here at the church. All are welcome regardless of faith or experience.

More info: [email protected] or

openmindzenbloomington.org

Traditional Taiji on Tuesdays at 7:15 pm

Brian Flaherty leads "Wu (Hao)" style Taiji in Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. (but no class on Tuesday, November 6.) Anyone is welcome, even those with no previous Taiji experience. Please wear loose-fitting clothing. Info: contact Brian at [email protected]

UU Freethinkers Meet this Sunday

November 11, 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. UU Freethinkers meet on every other Sunday in Room 208 at 12:45 pm, after children's Religious Education classes end.

Humanist Forum Meets November 18, 12:45 pm

On Sunday, November 18, at 12:45 pm, the UU Humanist Forum will meet in Room 208 after children's Religious Education classes end. The discussion topic is "Handel's Last Oratorio" and will be led by Sandy Dolby. The Humanist Forum meets every other Sunday, with a different discussion topic.

A New Ministerial Stole for

Rev. Susan Swaney

It was a fun project. At a Women's Alliance meeting in the summer, Jean Knowlton suggested that we present our Minister of Music Susan Swaney with a gift of appreciation from the Women's Alliance for all her contributions to the church. Pat Reitemeier felt strongly that it should be a non-monetary gift, something that Susan could enjoy and something that represented our gratitude for her wonderful musical energy. Barb Backler agreed to chair the committee. A fine collaboration of talented and creative women it was. Barbara Edmonds put together a design combining a musical motif with a chalice.

Deborah Rush took the idea and created a beautiful design which Nedra Carlson turned into an applique. Ruellen Fessenbecker stitched the musical staff onto the silk, and then Carolyn Emmert, the sewing engineer, put it together--oh, so skillfully. Everyone had Susan in mind as she worked on her part of the project, filled with gratitude and inspiration. Sandy Dolby added her words of testimony and appreciation as a long-time member of the choir. When she presented the stole to Susan at the Women's Alliance meeting on November 1, Jean mentioned that Noretta Koertge had told her that Susan was chosen (in 1992) above all the other applicants for the position of choir director because of her great talents and because she made everyone want to sing!

--Barb Backler

Building Community

Grief Support Group Offered -- Begins November 10

Grief may be one of life's most challenging and difficult transitions. To help give support to this transition, our UU Caring Committee is offering a five-part series to explore the grief process. We will create a safe place to share our feelings about the death of a loved one and other losses in one's life; to normalize the grief experience; and to share coping strategies. We will meet on five Saturdays, November 10, November 17, December 8, December 15, and January 12 from 10:30-12 noon at Sharon Yarber's home.

We are offering this series around the holidays as this can be a difficult time with losses in our lives. We ask that participants commit to most of these sessions. This will be a shared group experience, honoring everyone's privacy and confidentiality. Facilitators will be Melinda Swenson and Sharon Yarber. We will be meeting at Sharon Yarber's home, which is not far from the church.

If you are interested, please respond by November 9 by calling Sharon Yarber at 812-345-0364, or email [email protected]. Phone calls are best.

Cooks and Bakers at the Birds of a Feather Common Interest Table - November 11

On Sunday, November 11, in the Fellowship Hall during coffee hour ( 10:15-11:15), all cooks and bakers are encouraged to meet at the Birds of a Feather (BOF) Common Interest Table. Join us, whether you are a cooking and/or baking enthusiast, or just learning. This is a great opportunity to get to know other bakers and cooks in our congregation and share your baking and cooking knowledge and experiences. All bakers and cooks are welcome! -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator

Family Brunch Potluck Between Services on November 18

Do you have young children and want to connect with other UUs with young children? Would you love to make play dates with other families for when your kids are out of school during Thanksgiving week? Then please join us at 10:30 am in the Library on Sunday, November 18 for our first monthly gathering. Bring a snack to share if you're able to! We'll be continuing the conversation about what a new group for UU families could look like. Our first step is to have a monthly gathering at the church (day and time is open to change), where we can meet up, get to know each other, and plan activities together. The whole family is welcome; childcare is also available.

Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner Here on November 22

Once again this year Amy Crozier will head up our Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner at 5:00 pm in Fellowship Hall on Thanksgiving Day, November 22. Please sign up in the Commons by November 18, indicating how many people are in your party and what food you will be bringing to share. We will provide turkey. All are welcome! Questions, contact Amy at [email protected].

How Can You Help?

Volunteer at the Bazaar Nov 30 and Dec 1

You've heard it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to make a church community. Be part of our village by working at the year's greatest fundraiser - the HOLIDAY ART FAIR & BAZAAR! You can sell food or chop it (and later stop by and eat it); price items in advance; sell books, white elephant things, baked goods - all the while looking for the special items you'd like to shop for! You'll meet the most wonderful people. We'll need help moving chairs, counting and weighing, packing up, and providing relief to the artisans so they can shop too! Don't wait till the last minute, or your most convenient time to help may be taken! Sign up online at bit.do/UUBazaar2018 or email Melinda Pettijohn at [email protected]

Click, Clickety Click, Clickety Click

That's the sound of knitting needles, crochet hooks, and weavers' shuttles once again producing delightful scarves, hats, mittens, slippers, and more to sell at this year's Holiday Bazaar. Last year we raised over $2,000 for Monroe County United Ministries and the Walnut Grove Food Pantry. Last year we had several requests for "messy bun hats" (a quick and easy knit or crochet project) - click here for ideas! We'd love to find a messy bun hat knitter! There is a box in the Commons to drop off your creations! For more information, contact Mary Blizzard at 333-8957 or [email protected]. -- Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force

Gourmet Galaxy Goes International

The Annual Holiday Bazaar will be upon us soon, November 30 and December 1. This year Gourmet Galaxy will have an international theme, and we hope you'll dig through old family recipes for those special treats from places near and far. Think cakes, fudge, caramels, canned goodies from the garden, biscotti, candy and anything else that is not a cookie! If you want to avoid being overwhelmed by the holiday rush, start baking and freezing now! We're also looking for volunteers to staff Gourmet Galaxy during the bazaar. Click here to sign up: http://bit.do/UUBazaar2018

Thank you! -- Celeste McGregor and Ann LeDuc

Cookie Bakers, We Need You!

It's getting cold out there, and that means the time has come to schedule your baking blitz(es) for the Bazaar. We need over 300 pounds of homemade cookies to sell on Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1. Any kind will do--bar cookies, drop cookies, and the all time favorite: decorated cookies. Let your family and friends play like elves with icing and chocolate and sprinkles galore! You make 'em, we sell 'em and everyone is happy! Reminder: cookies and cookie dough freeze so you can start now! Thanks! Your friendly Cookie Walk Chair: Meg Sears ( [email protected] ).

UU History for You

John Murray

and the origins of American Universalism

John Murray was born in England in 1741, in a small town not far from London. His father was a Calvinist Anglican, who beat his son and made him feel God was hostile to humanity and life was a dreary procession of sins and negative feelings towards the rest of humanity.

Murray broke with his father after hearing a Methodist preach and soon became acquainted with John Wesley, who inspired him to consider the ministry. Murray loved the social life and music in the Methodist church and became an effective preacher. After his father died when John Murray was 19, he began preaching for a living wherever he could find invitations.

In London, he encountered the views of John Relly, who preached a doctrine of universal salvation. This had immense appeal to Murray who was then excommunicated by the Methodists, who resisted the doctrine of universal salvation.

Around 1770, Murray's wife and infant son died, leaving him grief-stricken, and he decided to emigrate to the Colonies. He arrived in New Jersey when his ship nearly ran aground, and was befriended by a Universalist farmer named Potter, who invited him to preach at his farm. His preaching was well-received. Later the Universalists would buy Potter's farm and rename it Murray Grove, a Universalist retreat.