Love In Action
February 19, 2020
All events are open and drop-ins are welcome, unless otherwise stated. If no contact person is listed, call or email the office with questions.
Sunday, February 23
Spiritually Disciplined Blessing :
Acts of blessing one another, especially across generations, was an integral part of ancient communities that honored tradition. We still have some of these formal moments, for instance at weddings or funerals. But just "sacramental" moments lead us to overlook equally as important moments of blessing - acts such as mentorship, listening, and affirming. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Leah Gunning Francis back to our pulpit.            

Freedom School: For the past two years, All Souls has run a successful Children's Defense Fund Freedom School® to combat summer learning loss. Here is the great news: 84% of our scholars attending last summer experienced no summer learning loss or gained literacy skills! Please share our link: ( https://faithify.org/projects/freedom-school-2020 ). This crowd-funding campaign is our largest source of individual donations.      


Meditation Walk on the All Souls’ Trail, February 23, 9:30am
Join us for a meditative walk on the trail followed by a shared breakfast and reflection time. This is an all ages event. Nursery care is available. We will gather in the atrium at 9:30, we will then walk the trail together going at the pace that is most comfortable for the majority;. After finishing the trail, you are invited to enjoy breakfast and hot drinks in the lobby, while we share with each other our individual trail meditations.
Please dress according to the weather. RSVPs encouraged but drop-ins welcome, (programs@allsoulsindy.org).

Adult Forum, 9:30am Beattie Room

February 23: Discussion of the Jewish Experience, Don Knebel
Are you In The Know?
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Events
Path to Membership: Sunday, April 19, Noon, Backus Librar y
Questions about Unitarian Universalism? Wondering what it means to belong here at All Souls? Bring your questions and be in conversation about what makes up this living tradition by attending “Path to Membership.” These sessions are designed for people who are new to UU and to All Souls, but they are a great refresher for current members as well. RSVP via the connection cards at Sunday service or email Allison Zafiratos, membership coordinator, at   join@allsoulsindy.org .
The Shared Pulpit: A Preaching Class for Non-Clergy. Feb. 20, March 5 and 26, April 9 and 23, 6:30-9pm. Led by Rev. Anastassia
 Unitarian Universalism has a long history that recognizes and values the perspectives, life experiences, and expertise of those in its membership and wider community. Many of us are fine public speakers, some need more development; either way giving a “sermon” is an art. This workshop, guided by Rev. Erika Hewitt’s book,  The Shared Pulpit,  helps lay people gain experience writing and preaching a full-length sermon for their congregation. Workshop participants learn about the theory and theology of preaching, then practice writing and speaking with authenticity, gradually building toward composing quality 20-minute sermons. The Shared Pulpit includes readings for homework, sample sermons, exercises, and encouragement to help first-time preachers polish their preaching craft. $20 for participation, which includes the cost of the book. Scholarships available. RSVP to Shelley at  office@allsoulsindy.org .
 
Soul of A Stranger: Reading God and Torah from a Transgender Perspective, February 27, 7pm, JCC Indianapolis, $10
Dr. Joy Ladin, a published poet and tenured professor at Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University, was born a male and for more than 40 years was known as Jay Ladin. In her latest book  The Soul of A   Stranger , she relates how her exploration of some of the best-known Torah stories and religious texts, helped her shed light on her transgender experience. Tickets available at : https://bit.ly/3bKnByT
Women's Retreat. March 6-8. Teter Organic Farms Retreat Center, Noblesville, IN.
We all need a support system that buoys us up. Join us for a weekend away building new relationships and strengthening old friendships. We hope that this time away can provide room for rest, restoration, and expansion, so that we can return to our everyday lives with greater capacity for the work we do, and the people we love. All woman-identifying people are welcome. RSVP or direct questions to programs@allsoulsindy.org . Cost is 75$ for the weekend. Financial aid available.
Sign up for Tree Planting Day. Saturday, March 28, 9 AM - 12pm (ONLY 7 spots left for naming rights)!
All Souls has received a grant from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) to add 30 trees to our property.  We need 30 volunteers to help plant. After the planting, we will celebrate with a tree blessing and pitch-in lunch. Sign up to help plant or to bring a dish for the potluck by emailing weekly@allsoulsindy.org The first 30 to sign up, and then attend on March 28, get naming rights for one of our new trees. 
Announcements
EMBRACE LOVE IN ACTION 20/21
On Sunday, March 1, 2020, All Souls launches its annual operational pledge drive, EMBRACE LOVE IN ACTION,  the major source of funding for the All Souls community.   These funds make our inspiring and thought-provoking worship, top-notch choir, children’s and family programs, member services, and spiritual growth possible.   Without your financial support, we cannot maintain and grow our vibrant programs and services. During the week of February 23, 2020, you will receive your EMBRACE LOVE ACTION 20/21 pledge packet in your mail at home. You can return your completed pledge card at coffee hour on Sunday, March 1, 8, or 15 and receive a free limited edition All Souls coffee mug.    
UU The Vote is Here!
UU the vote is put out by the Mid-America region, our UUA to try to foster more voter engagement this cycle. They include resources on building a grassroots campaign to mobilize votes, counter voter suppression and engage in community conversations like team building tool kits and webinars. More info an be found here . If anyone is interested in becoming involved in building a partnership with All Souls and UU the vote email programs@allsoulsindy.org.
September Trip to Transylvania
We would like to start planning a trip to visit our Partner Church in Sepsiszentgyorgyi, Romania, and also take in some World-Heritage-class sites along the way, including a stay in beautiful Budapest. The trip, our sixth, will take about two weeks and cost, about $2,000 total including airfare.  Even if you're just curious and would like to know more, please e-mail Jim Schrementi at  jims.indy@gmail.com  and we will pick a meeting date where we'll outline the trip. No commitment is made until summer.
General Assembly Registration now Open
General Assembly is the annual national gathering of Unitarian Universalists. Please join us Wednesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 28, 2020 in Providence, Rhode Island for this 5-day immersive experience. The theme is  Rooted, Inspired, & Ready!   Registe r by March 15 for the lowest rates. Congregant scholarships available. Contact Helen Dwyer at hdwyer1492@msn.com .
Regional Assembly 2020, April 18, Rockford, IL.
Info and registration here.   All Souls congregants who would like to go can apply for scholarships; contact Helen Dwyer at hdwyer1492@msn.com .
All Souls Feedback Procedure
All Souls Unitarian Church is guided by the seven UU principles including our belief in mutual respect and democratic process. Thus, we strive to respond to serious concerns with an interest in resolving them as well as possible to the satisfaction of all parties. Concerns should be communicated to the senior minister or the president of the Board of Trustees. Feedback and suggestions can also be submitted on the connection cards.
A concern usually falls into one of three categories:
1.       Preference: A member wishes for a change in some aspect of congregational life, such as choices of music, decorations, publications, religious education curricula and sermons. Some of these choices are steered by policy governance, but other choices may be influenced by member input. At the least, personal preferences will be acknowledged, and, pending similar input from multiple members, may lead to changes in the indicated aspect of congregational life.
2.      Performance: A member provides input about a shortcoming in staff, key volunteer, or ministerial performance of duties, such as not replying to an e-mail in a timely manner, lapsing in attendance at committee meetings, exerting too little initiative in pursuing a social justice project, or not exercising due diligence in studying a problem before making a decision.
3.      Policy: A member or group brings to the attention of the appropriate person that they think there has been a violation of board governance policy, non-compliance with government regulations, or failure to report something essential to the Board.
All Souls will provide regular reminders (in “In the Know” and through other communications) of the way to submit a concern or suggestion. Confidentiality will be respected, especially concerning personnel issues or possible criminal behavior.
The full procedure can be found on our website here .
Choir Concert Home stay Volunteers Needed
There is a special concert by the Men's Glee Club of Ohio University scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 in the All Souls sanctuary. Historically, the host Church provides some home stays to offset the cost of touring. Home stays tremendously help the Singing Men of Ohio financially by cutting down the costs of hotels while allowing for the members of your community and members of our choir to enjoy a very special experience getting to know each other. Please contact Lucy Newton at lpnewton@sbcglobal.net  to volunteer and for more info on what being a host entails.
WhaleCoast Alaska 2020
4 Alaska UU congregations invite you to experience our unique environmental and spiritual program this summer. See Alaska through the eyes of local UUs, with friendly homestays and unique tour activities. Wildlife tours in Denali National Park and a taste of Native Alaskan culture. Tours led by Dave Frey, member of the Fairbanks UU congregation. Info available here . Contact Bonnie Kenyon with questions.
Coming of Age Starts This Sunday!
Was your 7th or 8th grader invited to participate in Coming of Age this year? The welcome potluck is this Sunday, February 23rd, at 12:30 pm. Please RSVP to Sarah Cannon at families@allsoulsindy.org.
Words from Our Director of Community and Children's Programming
I would like to thank our youth from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work they put in this weekend. Social Justice CON was a smashing success, with excellent small group ministry, nine workshops (most run by youth), two lovely worships, and lots of meaningful community building. Attendees came from as far away as Des Moines, Iowa! It’s not easy to run a pop-up event like this and have everything wrapped up by 9 am. It took a lot of work!
 Our congregation’s Heartland Area Youth Council members, Aidan Hamilton, Evan Cannon, and Graeme Cannon, did an amazing job. I’m so grateful to the volunteers who showed up to support this important lay-led youth leadership, including Fern Page, Crystal Francis, Virginia Snell, Alison Cole, Bill Cannon, Jean Miller, and Tom Mulcahy. Many thanks to Indra Frank and Nasreen Khan for their wonderful workshops, as well!
In Our Hearts, Thoughts, and Prayers
It is with love that we share that Dr. Jack Eaton passed away peacefully on Monday evening. For almost ten years Jack was a member of our community.He enjoyed bringing people together. Jack also enjoyed gardening, travel, cooking, photography, genealogy, walking, and reading, as he was an active learner. Jack spent the last years of his life battling the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Jack is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carolyn, and their children Mark Eaton (Julie), Lisa Newman (David), Greg Eaton (Sabrina), and grandchildren and a large, loved extended family. Cards can be sent to:
Hamilton Trace Family- First Senior Living
11851 Cumberland Rd
Fishers, IN 46037

If you would like our community to hold a deep sorrow or joy of yours, or to share with us a significant update in your life, please email Shelley Carver.
Publication Deadlines
For events happening in the next 7-10 days, submit your notice for the Wednesday In the Know E-mail Blast by Sunday 5pm to weekly@allsoulsindy.org

For announcements and events happening in the current month, submit your notice for the Sunday's OOS Insert by Tuesday. 12pm to weekly@allsoulsindy.org