Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
Congregation founded 1949 | LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995 | Green Sanctuary since 2007
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Tuesday, November 3:
Spiritual Grounding for Election Day
UU ministers are gathering online from around the country to offer a space for respite, positive energy, peace and spiritual practice on Election Day. Folks will gather on Zoom from 10 am to 10 pm EST. The event will also be livestreamed on Facebook. |
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Wednesday, November 4:
Vespers Service from 6:30-7 pm and Circle of Hope, 7-8 pm
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Join us for online services
Livestreamed on Sunday mornings at 10:15 am
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Sunday, November 8, 2020
10:15 am Livestream
More Water Rising
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Dave Clements
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
At this time, November 3rd, Election Day, we do not know how the election will play out, but we do know that we will gather again on Sunday, albeit virtually, to meet the rising waters of our time. As Mark Belletini wrote in his poem Election Promises,
the polls are not just open on Tuesday. I say they are open every day. Every hour. Even here. Even now…I’m going to vote, right now, for the right to dream of a world where the word politics doesn’t stop me in my tracks, and where the word honor still has a few good meanings left. I’m going to vote right now for the power of free people to actually be free
If you are seeking hope for the future, know that we will be celebrating our First Graders during worship this Sunday in our annual Age of Reason ceremony—don’t miss this important event in their lives and the life of our congregation!
We will be joined by special guest musicians Daniel Reed, Zoe Reed, Adrian Reed, Christy True and Connor True. We will also be joined by singer-songwriter Peter Mayer, singing Blue Boat Home.
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Our Building is Closed, but Our Hearts are Still Open.
To do our part to disrupt the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19 in our community, our building is likely to be closed through May 2021. Our Board of Directors will review this decision at each monthly board meeting.
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Emily's Post
Dear Ones,
We have entered the month of November tenderly together, holding those we have loved and lost close to our hearts and acknowledging the enormous losses of life, livelihood, and liveliness around the pandemic. Since we are exploring the theme of Healing with each other, we could not have started any better way.
We know we'll need comfort this month, no matter how things go in the days ahead. As I said Sunday, we're living through a time of layers and layers of loss, laid down like ash over our everyday lives.
So let's explore and welcome healing together--as I wrote about loss, my cat jumped up to curl herself onto my lap. Healing can come from those who care for us--human or animal. Or it may come from joining a protest or vigil, heading outside to breathe morning air, or holding a warm mug of tea or coffee.
If we can find some healing for ourselves, we may be able to offer it to the world-- through a ride or meal, writing letters to address inequity, or supporting needs in our Bloomington community. Our Religious Education Program is running a special collection Nov 1-21--the collection of non-perishable comfort foods. What food do you turn to when you are in need of comfort? Pay attention, and pick it up for yourself if you can. And when you make that purchase, figure out the closest non-perishable version to add to your cart, actual or virtual. Drop off your offerings in the special bin outside the portico entrance during the month of November. We will make sure it gets into the hands of someone who could use comfort in these days.
I am deeply grateful to be entering this month of Healing with you.
May it touch us all.
Sending love,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Minister of Congregational Life & Religious Education
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Here's a photo of the bin for the Comfort Food Collection, on the north side of our building near the Portico. ---> |
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Thoughts from Rev. Dave
Our theme for this month is healing. What an important theme to think about. Regardless of the outcome of our elections, the work of healing needs to begin. For some of us that might be with family members, for others friends and for others business associates. These times have divided me with my brothers as their beliefs and ideas are not in line with what I believe. I wrestle with the thought of how do I repair a relationship that is so fractured.
One of the ways that can help us in the healing process is to practice gratitude. Here are some suggestions that can assist you in the healing process:
1. Jot down 5 things you are grateful for each night, then read it in the morning.
2. When you’re stopped at a traffic light, waiting in line at the grocery store, waiting for your turn at the barber, or anywhere else, … count your blessings. See how many things you can come up with.
3. At night, when you hit the pillow, think back over the day and bring to mind any positive interactions you had.
Stop for a moment and think about what you are grateful for and write them down. We may have different things on our list and that doesn’t matter. In the end, it matters most how you feel when you think of what you are grateful for. May this help support you in your journey to healing.
Rev. Dave
Reverend Dave Clements
Interim Minister Consultant
What Have We Lost? What Have We Learned? What Do We Envision?
Part of my responsibilities of being your Interim Consulting Minister is to assist you in thinking about these three questions. The pandemic has affected each of us in a variety of ways. I would like to hear what you have experienced, what you have learned and what are your hopes and dreams for the future of this congregation. In the next few weeks you will have the opportunity to sign up in participate in group online discussions. The following dates are being arranged for some online meetings: November 17, 18 & 19 and December 1, 2, & 3. Watch for times and signups in the coming Friday updates and Prologue. --Rev. Dave
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MAM Musing
What to do with our election day anxieties and worries? A number people have told me that they have re-watched the Star Trek worship service and appreciated the meaningful message of hope, joy and strength to go forward. So here’s the link for those of you inclined to watch it again or for the first time. The future is now. Do not abandon ship.
This week, I received the following message from our Unitarian Universalist friends with the Living Legacy Project. Through their inspirational music and powerful words, Melanie DeMore, Greg Greenway, Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell, and Living Legacy Project's co-president Reggie Harris prepare us for whatever comes this week and beyond:
Peace and Love,
MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Senior Minister
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News and Happenings in Religious Education
Have you heard? We are busy putting together some kits to help families celebrate the many holidays between the end of November and early January. Request your Winter Play kit BEFORE November 8th! https://forms.gle/bz5v2gZVFmyEiHpR8
UU Home offers parents an online space to drop in to connect and find support. Next meetings are: November 12th at 7pm and November 24th at 10am. Contact Reverend Emily Manvel Leite for the Zoom link.
To find family activities, information about programming, and more Religious Education News, visit our webpage!
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Comfort Food Drive for Monroe County United Ministries:
November 1st-21st
Our Religious Education program is sponsoring a comfort food drive for Monroe County United Ministries. We are especially seeking non-perishable food items to share that bring you comfort or you might consider to be healing! Soups, macaroni and cheese, instant coffee, etc. Please drop off items in the bin at the Portico (see picture of the bin in Emily's Post, above!)
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Our Folks...
Our deepest sympathy is with Earon Davis and his family upon the passing of his beloved younger brother, Geary Davis. Geary passed on October 31 from a sudden heart attack. If you are Facebook Friends with Earon, he invites you to read his reflections on his Facebook page. Notes to Earon via email are welcome at earondavis1 (at) gmail.com.
Patricia C. Coleman’s "63 Suffragists of Color" Quilt Project--Patricia C. Coleman has completed a quilt that is an homage to 63 suffragists of color, from 1792 to today. Click here for a press release with more information about the history of the project, and about Patricia and her art. Click here to see an image of the quilt.
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Wondering What to Do about Thanksgiving
This Year?
In years past, the church has held a potluck gathering for Thanksgiving, but this year because of COVID restrictions that is not possible. However, don’t worry! There are other ways in which we can gather. Great minds thought about what can we do, and the following ideas came forth:
- For those who would like to be adventurous and want to try something outdoors, we will be gathering on Thanksgiving morning at the Switchyard Market (located in Switchyard Park) at 7:30 am for an hour walk. We will practice social distancing and masks will be required.
- For those who enjoy gathering for meal time, we are offering a Zoom Thanksgiving. Join online at 3 pm. Come prepared to share with the group a food item that you have made or purchased that you enjoy. Tell us why you enjoy it. Also come prepared with a thought about gratitude that you might share with the group.
- For those who want to escape and a walk is not appealing, nor a mealtime together, we are offering getting together to play games at 7 pm by way of a Zoom meeting.
Please feel free to join any of these planned activities as we strive to connect in various ways during these Covid Times. If any of you would like to be involved in helping with these activities please feel free to contact Marie Deer at mariedeer1961 (at) gmail.com or 812-391-0900.
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Welcome to Our Newest Members!
On October 25th we welcomed seven new members to the church. They are Elizabeth Beauregard, Bill Daniels, Dee Morris, Jeanne Myers, Dinorah and Chris Sapp, and Alysa Schroff. Please give them a warm welcome when you see them. Here are their bios to help you get to know them. -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Caring for Our Community - A Message from Our Ministers and Staff
Dear Members and Friends of our UU Community,
During the pandemic, our staff and ministers want to stay in touch with you. We want to know how you are doing. Are you struggling? Are you okay? Have you been able to stay connected to the church through our online Sunday services, various online classes, groups, and meetings? Below is a link to a short questionnaire we would like you to complete so that we can know how you are, and stay connected. https://forms.gle/DspJMjPPPo1tvhG69
In community,
Reverend Macklin, Reverend Clements, Reverend Leite,
and Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Women's Alliance meets November 5 on Zoom -- Rev. Clements will Speak
The Women's Alliance will meet on Zoom on Thursday, November 5 at 11:30 a.m. Rev. Dave Clements will share about his experience in interim ministry in South Africa. If you are a newcomer, please contact Doris Wittenburg to receive the link for the meeting, dwittenb (at) indiana.edu.
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Say "Yes, And!" to Leadership with Improvisation
November 14,
10 to 11:30 am
Humor is the glue that binds all. Join Executive Coach and UUCB member, Suzanne Fodor, on Saturday, November 14th from 10-11:30 am for Say “Yes, And!” to Leadership with Improvisation. This virtual workshop/play session will investigate the principles of improvisation and how they apply to leadership, communication, and teamwork. Applied Improvisation (improv) helps leaders think on their feet, connect with others, and communicate effectively. Our time together promises to be fun and may include laughter and creativity! This FREE leadership workshop is sponsored by our Leadership Cultivation Committee. Questions? Email Ann LeDuc.
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Who: You! Leaders and team players of all ages, experience levels, and backgrounds. (up to 20 participants) NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Just an open heart, listening ear, and eager energy.
Why: It will be a fun time and, hopefully, you will carry away good memories and awareness of your Inner Leader.
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New T-shirt Available! Order by Nov 20 |
Mary Blizzard and Marcia Hart have designed a new t-shirt for us, also available as a pullover hoodie. Join in and order one today! (Not a fundraiser--just for fun!) |
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Fridays at Noon with Rev. Dave
Join our interim minister consultant, Reverend Dave Clements, in online discussion every Friday at noon.
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UU Singles - Upcoming Events
We are a group of single adults within the UU Bloomington community who meet occasionally for various kinds of connective events as a group. We'd love to have you join us! Except for the early morning Thanksgiving walk, the following events will take place over Zoom:
- Thursday evening, November 5:
* 6 to 6:30 p.m., introductions and check-ins
* 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., conversation with prompts
- Thursday evening, November 12:
* 6 to 6:30 p.m., introductions and check-ins
* 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., game night
- Thursday evening, November 19:
* 6 to 6:30 p.m., introductions and check-ins
* 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thanksgiving poems, songs, and memories
- Thursday evening, November 26 (THANKSGIVING!)
joint events with whole church community
* 7:30 a.m. B-line trail walk
* 3 to 5 p.m. shared meal and fellowship online
* 7 p.m. game night
If you are not already on the UU singles e-mail list, please contact mariedeer1961(at) gmail.com or 812-391-0900.
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Annual Holiday Bazaar - Online Auction Version!
Open from November 20-30
UU Bloomington’s new twist on the old fashioned church bazaar is only 15 days away from opening online. You can get a sneak peek at the catalog—a work in progress— for ideas of what to purchase between Nov. 20 and Nov. 30, when the Bazaar auction website will be live. Here’s your key to unlock the goodies cupboard:
Along with old favorites Cookie Cruise, Gourmet Galaxy and Quality Reusables, three UUCB task forces will offer hand-knitted Christmas gifts, exotic jewelry and creative hand puppets. Several artists and artisans who have participated in past years will have their websites listed in the online catalog. Purchases from the task forces will benefit the world we live in--Habitat for Humanity, Feed Our Hungry Neighbors and International Outreach.
Now is the time to help by baking cookies for the Cookie Cruise (contact Linda Pickle at linda.pickle (at) wku.edu), coming up with some creative food ideas for Gourmet Galaxy (Ann Kamman aok719 (at) yahoo.com) and donating a special reusable item for online auction (Doris Wittenburg dwittenb (at) indiana.edu) You don’t need to deliver your donation now, but the deadline to let these folks know what you will be giving is November 10. Baked goods will be brought to the church on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and Thursday, Dec. 3. Other items can be brought to the church December 1-3. Specific timing for delivery of your items will be available soon.
Experts say that the most successful promotion of our event is email sharing with our friends. Show your enthusiasm for this 60 year tradition by sharing it with your friends.
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Visit with Ann LeDuc on Mondays!
Every Monday, 1-2 pm, join the Connections Coordinator, Ann LeDuc, via Zoom to ask any church related questions. Newcomers and current congregation members are all welcome to drop-in. Additional ways to contact Ann are via email at connect (at) uubloomington.org or church mobile phone at (812) 720-3688.
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Ask the Administrator on Wednesdays
Do you have burning church administrative questions? Drop in on Zoom with Carol Marks our Church Administrator on Wednesdays, from 11:00-12:00 noon Also available at admin(at) uubloomington.org or call/text at (812) 287-9615, M-F 10-4. (Not available November 11 due to Veterans Day.)
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WANTED: General Production Manager for
Virtual UUA General Assembly 2021
Because of the continuing Covid-19 health emergency, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly of Congregations will take place virtually in 2021, June 23-27. The planning group is seeking a General Production Manager for the online event. Please see attached job description.
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Each One, Feed TWO Food Drive
November 7 and 8
We're participating as a drop-off location for a two day Food Drive organized by Monroe County United Ministries, coming up this weekend. Drop off donations on the north side of the UU Church, near the Portico entrance. Place your food donations in the bins marked EACH ONE FEED TWO. Thank you from the UUCB Hunger Task Force!
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Backpack Buddies Food Collection for Nov.
Backpack Buddies provides backpacks of weekend food to low income children at twenty-one local schools. Children receive a backpack of food each week to help their families with food over the weekend. Food can be left in the bins near the Portico entrance through November 30.
--Homelessness & Hunger Task Forces
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Homelessness and Hunger Task Forces
Still Collecting Items
Through November 30, we will be collecting food, hygiene items, and clothing for Shalom Community Center and food for our Pantry at College Square.
Needed items: Chunky soups, tuna, canned vegetables and fruit, cereal, coffee, peanut butter, macaroni & cheese, powdered milk, pasta, institutional size cans of food, condiments, tea, new socks. Collection bins at the northside Portico Entrance. Simply drive up and drop off--we are collecting donations from these bins daily. Many thanks! --Homelessness Task Force and Hunger Task Force
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Repro Justice Suggests Amazon Smile
Put a Smile on your face ;)
Our Reproductive Justice Task Force encourages use of the Amazon ‘Smile’ version of Amazon, if you use Amazon for online purchases, especially now when the need is great. Experience the exact same website except you can designate a charity to receive 0.05% of your spending! The two main recipients of our Reproductive Justice Task Force’s fundraising efforts are on that list: Planned Parenthood of IN and KY and All Options Pregnancy Resource Center. The list of charities is long (and mixes the different Bloomingtons in the US) and includes dozens of choices. AmazonSmile: You shop --Nan McKinley
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UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, November 8, 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 via Zoom at 12:45 p.m. To join, contact Harold Ogren.
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UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, November 15, 12:45 pm
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Shambhala Meditation Online on Mondays
Every Monday at noon online, or anytime it's easy, since there are saved sessions, you can join Sarah Flint in this 2500-year-old practice of cultivating peace and inner wisdom. Contact Sarah Flint to join the group in real time. On Facebook at UU Bloomington Meditation.
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Open Mind Zen Online
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Open Mind Zen with Frank Seisho Diaz is currently holding all meetings online. If you'd like to participate, visit openmindzenbloomington.org and reach out via their contact page for more information.
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From Noah's Ark Bloomington: Coming up Nov 8 and 15, "Stereotypes - Loosening Their Hold on our Hearts, Minds, and Actions"
The second Noah's Ark event in our series, Facing Our Fear and Outrage -Finding Ways Forward Together, happens soon. This two-part event will be held via Zoom on Sunday, November 8 and Sunday, November 15.
Interfaith Understanding through the Art of Storytelling November 12
Onn Thursday, November 12, 7-8:30pm you are invited to hear sacred stories told through Jewish, Buddhist, and Christian perspectives before sharing the stories that have shaped you. Featured storytellers include representatives from Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, the Christian community, and the Buddhist tradition. This is a free virtual event hosted by Franklin College and is part of the Spirit in Place Festival. Click here for details. RSVP directly with the event organizers via Eventbrite.
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Email Fraud Alert
Our ministers, staff, and board members or other members will never send you email asking you for any money besides your pledge payment!
Handy Email Fraud Detection Tips: Never reply to requests for personal information via email. Never email your social security number, date of birth, password, or credit card numbers. Always call the business or go to a website that you trust belongs to the business. Even if the link printed in the email looks legitimate, the website it takes you to may be different from what is printed.
Office Hours, Calendar, Deadlines
Office Closed November 11
for Veterans Day
The church office staff will be unavailable on Wednesday, November 11 in honor of Veterans Day. Office hours will resume on Thursday, November 12.
Office hours: M-F, 10 am-4 pm (office closed at church, but staff working from home)
Church Administrator Carol Marks can be reached via text or voicemail during office hours at 812-287-9615. Email: admin (at) uubloomington.org
The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Next issue is November 17. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, admin (at) uubloomington.org
Mailing Address
During the COVID emergency:
UU Church, PO Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158.
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Membership and Attendance
Membership: 527 certified members;
568 current members.
Attendance:
Sunday, October 18 10:15 673 attended virtually
(Facebook's live feed was down.)
Sunday, October 25 10:15 648 attended virtually
Non-Pledge Offering:
October 25: $260.00 November 1: $200.00
To make a contribution for the Non-Pledge Offering (Sunday Plate), or to make a payment towards your pledge or the Minister's Discretionary Fund, click on this link to get to our PayPal page: bit.ly/UUCBdonate
Total to be donated (25%) to Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) Compass Early Learning Center and Self-Sufficiency Center: $115.00
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) -- $400; Total income to UUCB: $20.00
Free Money from Kroger!
Fresh Thyme and Bloomingfoods
Gift Cards Available by Mail
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Did you know that Kroger sends us over $1,600 each year? This is made possible by those of you who participate in Kroger's Community Rewards program. Register your Kroger Plus card online at this link. We received $450.48 from Kroger for the months July through September from this program.
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We are also still selling grocery cards for Bloomingfoods and Fresh Thyme. Click here to see what kind of cards and how many are available. Send your check to the church (UU Church, P. O. Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158) with a note to let us know the type and value of card(s) you want, and we will mail them to you. You do not need to send a SASE.
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Masthead photo by Molly O'Donnell: Cosmos blooming in front of the church. Seeds from the memorial service of Greg Haas. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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