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Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World
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Sunday, October 6, 2019
9:15 am and 11:15 am
The Healing Practice of Letting Go
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
This Sunday will fall during the Jewish Days of Awe, the period between Rosh Hashanah (the world's birthday) and Yom Kippur (the day of repentance) - the most sacred time of the Jewish year. We will explore the spiritual healing that can be found in asking forgiveness and in letting go, two practices that are central to this season in Jewish spirituality.
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Sunday, October 13, 2019
9:15 am and 11:15 am
The River Running O'er
Reverend Scott McNeill
As life flows past, we feel the all too common urge to hold tightly to what we know, instead of what is changing around us. However, there is another way: releasing ourselves to the river running o'er. This Sunday, we will look at change and how it relates to our own lives and the church (with a special musical reflection by Dan Lodge-Rigal!)
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From our Associate Minister
It is a full time of year, no doubt. Around our communities - schools have begun (and some homework, or grading, has fallen behind). We are in the midst of the High Holy Days, where those in our community (local, national, around the world) who are Jewish are welcoming the New Year as well as moving toward a Day of Atonement.
And here at church, yes, things are busy. On Sunday, we announced the death of someone in our community - Greg Haas. Unexpected deaths bring up unique questions and fears (note - when someone is "expected" to die - it doesn't make the loss any easier; they're both hard - and yet different). Whether it's due to loss, heartache, struggle, fear, anxiety, or being in need of support - please remember that the ministers of the congregation (Rev. Emily and myself), the connections coordinator (Ann LeDuc), and the Caring Committee/Health Resources Team (Sharon Yarber and Melinda Swenson) are here to help. Please let us know what is going on for you.
In faith,
Rev. Scott
Reverend Scott McNeill
mcneill (at) uubloomington.org
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Emily's Post
from our Minister of Religious Education
Dear Ones,
This Peanuts comic strip is being passed around some of the Jewish communities I am connected to this fall. Quoting CustomandCraft.org contributor
JewBelong,
"There is a Peanuts cartoon that poses food for thought for the High Holy Days. In the cartoon, Lucy walks toward Charlie Brown, who is standing on the pitching mound. She tosses him the baseball and says, 'Sorry, I missed that easy fly ball. I thought I had it, but suddenly I remembered all the others I've missed. The past got in my eyes!'" As we enter into the Days of Awe (the time between Rosh Hashanah--New Year's Day-- and Yom Kippur--the Day of Atonement), it provides a humorous invitation to reflect upon what in the past might be getting in our way these days.
* What stories do you tell yourself about who you are and what is possible for you?
* What worries prevent you from getting on to the field to play?
* How are your past failures affecting your view of your own future?
As we begin our month exploring the theme of Letting Go together, I invite you to join me in letting some of that stuff go--especially the parts that are getting in the way of your being a better fielder of all that life sends your direction.
A sweet new year to you all,
---Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, Minister of Religious Education
mre (at) uubloomington.org
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A Report from
Your Board of Directors
Dear UUCB Members and Friends -
I wish to share with you some of my recent observations of our terrific UUCB Staff leaders at work.
First, some background: In keeping with the UUCB Policy Governance Process model for administration, our Senior Minister, Rev. Mary Ann Macklin, is the UUCB executive officer and is required to provide monthly reports to the Board. (Policy V.A.) These reports provide specific updates on designated areas of church administration and overall general performance of clergy and staff.
With Rev. Macklin away on sabbatical until the end of November, the Board authorized me, as Board President, to meet regularly with the ministers and staff to ensure an uninterrupted flow of communication and information. One of the ways I have been able to keep the Board informed has been by attending the weekly UUCB Staff Meeting.
Each Thursday morning, the UUCB Core Staff gathers to share information and coordinate their various areas of responsibility. This weekly meeting brings together Rev. Mary Ann Macklin (currently on sabbatical); Rev. Scott McNeill; Rev. Emily Manvel Leite; Carol Marks, Church Administrator; Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator; Adrienne Summerlot, Director of Religious Education; and Susan Swaney, Music Director.
The meeting agenda includes a chalice lighting, reading, check-in, reports from each member of the team regarding current and upcoming activities, an extensive and detailed review of the upcoming Sunday Order of Service and the calendar insert, and an equally extensive review of the upcoming Prologue or Friday Update. Each week the Chair and Recorder positions rotate so everyone has an opportunity to lead the meeting.
The first task is a review of the Order of Service. Careful attention is given to how each part of the worship service fits together and supports the sermon topic. This is especially obvious in the care given to how the Time for All Ages story and the music selected for the choir, the musicians, and the hymns function as integral parts of the overall service experience. In addition to the extraordinary coordination given to the content of the service, everyone present checks the text for clarity, omissions and typos.
(End of Part 1) (Read Part 2 of this report in the October 15 Prologue!)
Respectfully yours,
Stuart D. Yoak
President, Board of Directors
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington
pres (at) uubloomington.org
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A memorial service for Marcia Harlow will be held here on Saturday, October 5 at 3:00 p.m. Reverend Bill Breeden will officiate.
All are invited to a service of remembrance of Ian Davis on October 13 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room, followed by an October birthday party in Fellowship Hall--a potluck pitch-in meal with cake provided. Reverend Breeden will assist with the service.
Our hearts go out to the friends and family of Greg Haas upon his sudden passing last week. A memorial service for Greg is being planned for later this month. Cards for the family may be sent to the church.
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Register your Children and Youth for Sunday Morning
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National Solar Tour Open House
Sunday, October 6, 3 to 5 pm
We are one of twenty Indiana places of worship taking part in solar open houses the first weekend of October. Our open house is on Sunday October 6th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Please RSVP at the National Solar Tour website:
We currently cover -or offset- 86% of our electricity
with three photovoltaic (PV) solar panel arrays on our south-facing roofs. Our September electric bill was
negative $558.58
and we have saved over $26,600 to date. But before our first two PV arrays were installed in May 2013 we took steps to reduce our energy use, including sealing and insulating the building, installing programmable thermostats, replacing our incandescent lights with fluorescent or, more recently, LED lamps, and setting aside funds to upgrade our nine different HVAC systems to highly-efficient units as they need replacing.
How can you help save energy? Ask to hold weekday meetings in rooms that are already being air-conditioned that day. Close the door when leaving rooms with thermostats (see the signs posted near the light switches) and be sure not to override the thermostat settings!
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Social Justice Fall Grants--
Applications Deadline October 12
Each fall, the Social Justice Funds Committee (SJFC) solicits proposals for grants in support of local social justice projects. Awards are based on available funds, number of grant applications received and the guidelines outlined below.
Guidelines: Projects must be based in Southern Indiana and be consistent with the mission of our church. Priority will be given to applications from (1) Social Justice Task Forces, (2) projects that involve a significant number of the congregation, and (3) applications that will seed new projects with an enduring benefit.
Before submitting the grant proposal, advocates of the proposal should have taken steps to inform members of the congregation and to involve interested members in the project.
Click here to learn more and apply! Please email completed applications to
[email protected].
You can also email Steve Mascari at
the same email address
with any questions or to request an application. Deadline for submitting applications is Sunday, October 12th.
--Steve Mascari, for the Social Justice Funds Committee
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October 18, 7:00 pm
Jammin' Java Coffeehouse Fundraiser
for Habitat
The Habitat Task Force is hosting another Jammin' Java Fundraiser Coffeehouse from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, in Fellowship Hall. Proceeds will support a Habitat build. Nine groups will be performing, including Hungry Five, Dan Lodge-Rigal, Travis Puntarelli, Keaton Springfield and Eric Bowling, King Bee and the Stingers, The Wisely Quartet, Heartland String Band, Ed Robbins & Julie Lawson, and J.C. Clements and Jason Blankenship. Admission is Adults $15 and Youth under 18, $10. We will collect jars of baby food at the door to help the Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force. UU Judy Allensworth will offer her handmade jewelry for sale to benefit Habitat. Finger foods and non-alcoholic drinks will be served. We look forward to seeing many of you at this fun event!
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Green Grounds Work Day
Saturday, October 19, 9 am - Noon
Are you able to help with our grounds maintenance on
Saturday 10/19 from 9 am to noon, with a rain date of 10/26?
This fall we will focus on mulching around the trees along the west and north sides to protect them from drought and from competition from grass and weeds; and
trimming any plants that obstruct sidewalks
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Helpful things to
bring include: labeled tools (small rakes, clippers, loppers, weeding knives) and sunscreen, gloves, hats & water.
Thank you, Molly O'Donnell and Jana Pereau
, Co-chairs, Green Grounds Team
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October 20--
Third Sunday Social Justice Film Series:
And Now for Something Completely Different!
Jordan Peele's Get Out
For October's pre-Halloween Social Justice Film Series presentation, the Racial Justice Task Force brings you Jordan Peele's controversial film, Get Out.
The film is Rated R, and contains violence. Persons under age 18 who wish to attend must be accompanied by a parent.
Description: Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy and Dean. At first, Chris reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with the
ir daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined.
Join us Sunday, October 20th at 5:00 p.m. for this dark thriller, free pizza, and discussion in Fellowship Hall.
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Sweet Sunshine: An Evening of Music with Janiece Jaffe and Curtis Cantwell Jackson
to Support Solar for All
October 25 at 7:00 p.m.
The Green Sanctuary Task Force is hosting a fundraiser for Solar for All to raise money to support installation of solar panels on local homes. Join us Friday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. for a wonderful evening of music with Janiece Jaffe and Curtis Cantwell Jackson. Tickets available at the Green Sanctuary coffee sales table on Sundays, $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Contact
Sura Gail Tala for details.
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BLUU Announces Fall Symposium on Black Theology
10/30 to 11/2 in St. Paul, Minnesota
Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU) is sponsoring a three-day symposium on black theology this fall. The Harper-Jordan Memorial Symposium will be October 30 to November 2 in St. Paul, Minnesota, named for Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, an abolitionist, suffragist, author, and Unitarian, and the Rev. Joseph Jordan, the first black ordained Universalist minister.
Learn more and register at blacklivesuu.com
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Will You Join Us in Reducing Our Reliance on Single Use Plastics? October: Take-out Containers
-- Stephanie Kimball for the Green Sanctuary Task Force
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Be On the Alert for Fraudulent Spoofer Email
As we expected, spoofers have noticed that Reverend Macklin is away on sabbatical, and so they have begun their attack by sending strange-sounding emails to staff members using a bogus email address, impersonating Reverend Macklin. Reverend Macklin's church email is currently turned OFF, since she is on sabbatical.
PLEASE NOTE:
If you receive weird-sounding email, always check the address it's coming from. If it seems to be from a staff member or minister of our congregation and the address does not end in @uubloomington.org, be wary. When in doubt, just delete!
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator
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Community Connections
Faith in Action in Our Community
For the Greater Good Women's Summit, October 4 & 5
For the Greater Good Women's Summit at IU is specifically designed for individuals who identify as female. The summit will include a day and a half of O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs alumni-planned and -led sessions on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5, 2019. Designed to build leadership capabilities, boost confidence, and foster the network of O'Neill undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students, as well as alumni. To register, go to:
oneill.indiana.edu/alumni-giving/womens-summit
Jewish Theatre of Bloomington Presents
Oh God in October & November
The Jewish Theatre of Bloomington presents Oh God written by Israeli playwright Anat Gov, known as Israel's Wendy Wasserstein. Directed by Dale McFadden, performances are October 24, 26, & November 2
nd
at 7:30 PM and October 27 & November 3
rd
at 3:00 PM at the Rose Firebay.
Tickets are $25 and are available through the BCT box office in person (114 E Kirkwood Avenue) or online (www.bctboxoffice.org). Click here for detailed background info on the play.
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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, walking meditation, and Shamatha yoga with Sarah Flint. Beginners welcome to participate in this 2500-year-old tradition.
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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 is Back!
on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm
A gentle Hatha Yoga practice to balance the mind, body, and spirit will resume October 1. 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.
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UU Humanist Forum Meets October 6, 12:45 pm
On Sunday, October 6 at 12:45 pm the UU Humanist Forum will meet in Room 208, after children's Religious Education classes end. Elof Carlson will facilitate a discussion on "The Fallacy of the Meritocracy." The Humanist Forum meets every other Sunday, with a different
discussion topic.
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UU Freethinkers Meet October 13
, 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.
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Welcome to Our Newest Members!
On September 22, we welcomed five new members into our congregation. They are Callen Aster, Ed Long, Dotty Mitchell, Linda Ruchala, and Clair Sunkel. Please give them a warm welcome! Below are their bios to help you get to know them.
Callen Aster
Callen Aster is a 30-year-old transgender person, originally from Upstate New York, and dad to his tiny dog, Xander. Currently employed as a vegetation specialist and a pastry chef, he also participates in the Adopt-an-Acre program and is passionate about environmental conservation. When he finds free time, Callen likes to read, walk, sing, and spend time with family and friends.
Ed Long and Linda Ruchala
Long-time members may recall that Linda Ruchala was an active member here from the mid-1980s to 1991. Parents of young children may also recall the last name because Linda's college-age child was a child-care worker in the nursery while going to Indiana University. After living in Nebraska and Texas, Linda and husband Ed Long have resettled/settled in Bloomington. Ed and Linda enjoy traveling and exploring new places, music, reading, and being active in our communities.
Dotty Mitchell
In 1989 Dotty Mitchell moved to Bloomington from a rural Colorado town with hubby and daughter Cori.
Oldest daughter Kari transferred to IU from DePauw.
After pancreatic cancer took my hubby away from us in November 2018, I decided to attend UU a month ago as I had
always been curious.
To my delight, I found it very welcoming
and decided to take the plunge.
I was raised a Christian Scientist but had no desire to attend any organized religion for 60 years.
I love the fact that UU opens its arms to all.
Claire Sunkel
Claire is originally from Lafayette and attended undergrad at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she met her partner, Sean, in the kayak club. She recently completed her master's and is working to become a licensed mental health counselor. In addition to working as a therapist, Claire teaches yoga at a few places in town. During her free time, Claire loves to do crafts, read fiction, and snuggle on the couch with her partner and their two pets.
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UU Singles News
UU singles First Friday game night will take place this Friday evening, October 4th, at 7 p.m. at Fellowship Hall. Come and bring yourself - and possibly a friend, a game, snacks or drinks to share?
On Sundays, we generally go out to lunch together after the second service. Look for us as we gather in the foyer to decide together where to go.
Our Sunday night fellowship potluck for October is tentatively scheduled for Sunday night, October 27th, at 5:30 p.m. Location still to be determined. No fellowship lunch on the day of the potluck.
Our friend Greg Haas, who passed away suddenly last week, will be on all of our minds as we gather in various ways.
If you'd like to be added to our singles fellowship e-mail list or Facebook group, or if you have any questions, contact Marie Deer at 812 391 0900 or
[email protected]
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Time for a New Paper Church Directory!
We will print our own in-house congregational phone directory soon, aiming to have copies ready to pick up by mid-October. If you have changed your name, phone number, address, or email since October 2018, please send your new information to us at [email protected]. You may also make corrections on the draft 2019 directory, which will be available in the Commons on 10/6 and 10/13.
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Join the Young Adults on October 13 and 27
The Young Adults (age 18-35) will gather at 12:30 pm in Room 112 on October 13 and 27. We will go deeper into the sermon topic. Lunch will be provided. If you would like to be added to the email list for Young Adult events and gatherings, email
[email protected]. Upcoming events include baking together and a hike.
Are you looking for new ways to get involved?
If so, complete this handy on-line form to help us help you.
http://bit.ly/UUconnect --Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Be an Activist! Letter to the Editor and
Op Ed Workshop Oct. 27
Be an activist by writing Letters to the Editor (LTEs) and Op Eds and getting them published in local, regional, and national newspapers.
In this workshop we will discuss how to write good LTEs and Op Eds, and how to get published. Experienced LTE and Op Ed writers will facilitate this free workshop. Join us on October 27, 2-4 pm, in the library to learn how to make your voice heard.
Let us know you will attend the workshop by emailing [email protected].
Free childcare is available if requested two weeks in advance by emailing [email protected] by October 13.
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The UU Holiday Bazaar (Dec 6-7) Cookie Cruise (the ship formerly known as the Cookie Walk) is under sail! All you bakers can get aboard - it's never to early to bake and freeze the confections that earned the church $1,500 last year. All types are welcome, from chocolate chip to fancy-dress. Questions? Contact Linda Pickle or Meg Sears.
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New! Drop-in Childcare on Wednesdays
On Wednesday evenings, from 6-8 pm, we are offering free drop-in childcare in Room 108 (as space allows). Parents must remain on site, on the building grounds or in the building. Please use the Courtyard Entrance. 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. The Meeting Room will be available for quiet meditation. For more info contact Adrienne Summerlot, [email protected].
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B
uy Grocery Cards on Sunday and Support the Church
We have grocery gift cards for sale in the Commons every Sunday between services. The participating grocery stores send a percentage of your purchases back to the church to support our operating budget. We have gift cards for Bloomingfoods, Lucky's, and Fresh Thyme, and you can
register your Kroger Plus card
by clicking here.
Our Kroger organization ID number is EW763.
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Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister
Reverend Macklin is on sabbatical
until December 1.
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.
For pastoral emergencies, please call Scott at 812-727-0919.
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 Order of Service and Friday Update Info
Thursdays at 9:00 am
We ask everyone to please send us information for the Order of Service as well as the Friday Update by 9:00 am on Thursdays. Please send info to
admin (at) uubloomington.org.
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Who Ya Gonna Call?
Click here for a semi-comprehensive list of which UUCB Staff Member to call for various kinds of questions, some humorous. A staff email directory is included.
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator, 812-332-3695, ext 200
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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:
Oct 15, Nov 5, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 17.
Office Closed October 14
The church office will be closed on Monday, October 14 for the federal holiday.
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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: 533 certified members; 547 current members.
Attendance:
Sunday, September 22 9:15 - 98 11:15 - 153 RE: 24 TOTAL: 251
Sunday, September 29 9:15 - 90 11:15 - 158 RE: NA TOTAL: 158
Non-Pledge Offering:
September 22
: $748 September 29: $457
Total to be donated (25%) to Volunteers in Medicine: $301.28
Grocery Card Sales:
(Bloomingfoods, Lucky's Market, or Fresh Thyme)
September 22: $1,050 September 29: $500 Total income to UUCB: $83.50
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Masthead photo from the interwebs, used with permission.
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