Friday UU Update                      Friday, October 12, 2018
Unitarian Universalist Church 
of Bloomington, Indiana
Resilience: Stories of Monroe
Four Performances - Oct 11, 12, 13 & 14
Here in our Meeting Room
Resilience Productions' new play,  Stories of Monroe, commemorates Bloomington and Monroe County's bicentennial, and it presents a bit of Monroe County's African-American history -- "There's a World of Difference Between Facts and the Truth." The play was researched by Elizabeth Mitchell, written by Gladys DeVane, directed by Danielle Bruce, and features members of the Bloomington community and our congregation in the cast. The performances are here in our Meeting Room this week, on October 11, 12, and 13 at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, October 14 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets available at the door: Adults $20, Military $15, and Children 12 and under $10. 
Sunday, October 14, 2018
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Unitarian Universalist Radical Justice Making and Healing in these Uncertain Times
Reverend Chris Long
"Dear Ones, I am delighted to be joining you again, and meeting some of you for the first time, during my October 13th, 14th visit. Let's explore what it might mean as Unitarian Universalists to 'heal even as we ache.' With the current social, environmental, cultural and political times we are in, does Unitarian Universalism provide a sacred space, theology and other essential tools necessary for times such as these? What might it mean to be radical social/racial justice makers, even as we heal from all that is going on? Hope to see you there... -- Chris" 
     Rev Chris Long is currently the Justice Minister at West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church in Rocky River, Ohio. He is also in his third year on the faculty at Starr King School for the Ministry, as the Visiting Assistant Professor for the Practice of Ministry. When he is not focusing to embody his life's Calling, he enjoys time with treasured friends, theater, cinema, anything Alvin Ailey American Dance Company related, laughter and beauty. He looks forward to being with us this weekend.
A Song for Going Out, During October
For the month of October, we will be singing our children out after the Time for All Ages each Sunday with with the song "Sanctuary" by John Thompson and Randy Scruggs. Here is a link so you can practice at home. 
With the composer's permission, we are substituting the word "Love" for "Lord."


This Week in Religious Education: Healing
World of Wonder (Preschool) will explore our green UU Promise: Grow by Seeking through the story "The Magical Life Saving Stick."  Roots and Wings (K-2) will hear the first part of "Joseph and His Brothers," which draws our Jewish and Christian Source. Curiosity Club (3rd grade+) will learn about Indigenous People of Indiana.  Our Whole Lives (7th-8th grade) will use recycled materials to construct anatomy and physiology. High School youth group will be offsite for their annual cabin weekend.
Recent Changes at Church
As you arrive at the church this weekend, you may notice some things have changed. Earlier this summer, we purchased flags to welcome people to the congregation. Since then, we have purchased a few more to share our message of justice and compassion with those who walk, bike, or drive by (the three newest flags say, "No person is illegal," "Climate change is real," and "Black Lives Matter," plus we have a special flag honoring "Resilience").

As you come into the building, you may also notice our Monarch Butterfly garden is different. A mistake occurred wherein many of the plants were cleared in a misdirected landscaping effort. We will work on
 this to ensure that our beloved Monarch garden returns next year. We're grateful so many of you took milkweed seeds home to create your own backyard sanctuary to support their ecosystems in many places.

Events at the Church this Sunday
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 this Sunday, October 14 at 10:30 am in room 112.  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 (812) 332-3695 ext 203 or connect@uubloomington.org.
UU Freethinkers Meet this Sunday at 12:45 pm
The UU Freethinkers discussion group will meet this Sunday at 12:45 p.m. in Room 208 for an  open and non-structured discussion of issues of social, political, and theological/religious concern.
Our Folks...
Our healing thoughts are with Bev DeFord and her family upon the passing on October 9th of Mike DeFord, who had been a member of our congregation since 1988. A memorial service for Mike will be held here on Monday, October 15
at 1:30 p.m.
Survey:  Supporting the UU Church of Bloomington 
Through surveys, we have learned much about our congregation: what connects you to the church, what inspires you to be involved here, your views on end of life issues, and more. Click here to take a short survey to help us better understand your views and preferences in relation to your financial support of the church. Thank you!
When a Child Leaves Home - Writing Workshop 
Thursday, October 18
Facilitated by Amy Cornell, Thursday, October 18, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, Library
For parents, grandparents, and caregivers who are in a transition to life with fewer (if any!) children at home. This time can present a multitude of feelings and observations worthy of exploration. The tender time of letting go deserves attention, and this circle allows participants to honor that transition with others who find themselves at similar junctures. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, and caregivers are welcome to this circle. We will share readings, reflection, writing and sharing together. No previous writing experience needed. To register, contact Reverend Emily at mre@uubloomington.org.
Benefit Concert for Interfaith Emergency Winter Shelter
Friday, October 19  
A benefit concert for the Interfaith Emergency Winter Shelter will be held at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 3800 E. Third Street, on Friday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m. Music composed and directed by Sulaiman Zai, with guest composers and soloists Maria Izzo Walker, David Pereira, Jill Zai, David R. Zai, and Connie Loftman. Admission is free, donations requested. See here for more information.
Social Justice Film Series - Ava DuVernay's 13th
Sunday, October 21
The Social Justice Film Series will present Ava DuVernay's 13th at 5 pm on Sunday, October 21. This film is a highly acclaimed, in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation's history of racial inequity. Pizza will be served, and a discussion will follow the presentation of the film. No child care is available for this event.
Do you carry a brown handbag? Do you have an extra checkbook in your bag? On Sunday, October 7, Andrea Murray's checkbook ended up in someone else's brown handbag by mistake, in the downstairs kitchen. If you have found her checkbook in your bag, please call Andrea at 345-4194.
Thank you!
Livestream this Sunday's Service
If you can't physically make it to church this Sunday, we invite you to join us via the livestream on our website. At the church we also have screens set up in the nursery (Room 104) and in Fellowship Hall, if you need to leave the Meeting Room for any reason but still want to watch the service.

Direct Links to Archived Video of Recent Services

     October 7

You can find direct links to archived recordings on this page of our website: 
For More Information see the October 2 edition   of our newsletter, The Prologue. (Next Prologue deadline is Tuesday, October 2 at 10 a.m.)
Masthead photo: from the poster for Resilience: Stories of Monroe 
Unitarian Universalist Church