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November 2, 2021--Take 2 |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
Congregation founded 1949 | LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995 | Green Sanctuary since 2007
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Seeking the Spirit | Building Community | Changing the World |
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Sunday, November 7, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
A Wave in the Ocean
Reverend Forrest Gilmore
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Dr. Michele Grove
Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “Enlightenment is when a wave realizes it is the ocean.” Today, we’ll explore these basic yet elusive words and find ways to make this real in our own lives.
Also, we'll be sharing our Age of Reason ceremony this Sunday, celebrating our first graders' independent learning.
Hearing assistive devices are now available at the AV Tech booth in the rear of the sanctuary for use during Sunday worship services.
NOTE: TIME CHANGE COMING SUNDAY
Remember that we go back to normal time this Sunday, November 7 at 2:00 a.m. Turn your clocks back one hour to "Fall back" to regular old normal time before you go to bed on Saturday.
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Sunday, November 14, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
We Give Thanks
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Reverend Bill Breeden
All ages are invited to join us for songs and stories as we reflect together on 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 with sign ups available to support many local programs.
Hearing assistive devices are now available at the AV Tech booth in the rear of the sanctuary for use during Sunday worship services.
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Changes to Virtual Coffee Hour
Due to very low attendance, Virtual Coffee Hour will no longer be offered after worship services every Sunday. Instead we will periodically offer Zoom gatherings after worship services with specific topics, activities, or special guests. Please read the Friday Update each week for these special Zoom events.
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Golden Sprint Event: We Did It!!!!!
We met our pledge goal for this year 2021-2022 of $620,000. We, as a community, as a congregation, did it! We now have a total of $30,000 in increased pledge amounts. The people who could afford to increase their pledge, did. Those who had pledged generously before but cannot presently, cheered us on. So much support and goodness from this congregation. Maybe not everyone was holding their breath, but for those of us who were, breathe, breathe, ahhh, breathe. Ahhh, Gratitude!
As promised, what you see below is a very ancient photo from a newspaper in 1978 of the future Rev. MAM jumping a hurdle. Almost 45 years ago. I have also included a photo that was shot ten years ago when I was one of the months in the Bloomington Butch Calendar. Hey, how many congregation members can say that their minister was in the Butch Calendar?
More celebration to come. I am off now for my summer vacation (November 2nd through November 27th). See you all on the 28th for a worship service entitled, “2021: A Spaciousness Odyssey”.
Thanks to Reverend Bill Breeden, our Support Minister and Minister Emeritus, for stepping up and into the active ministry team with Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, Reverend Dr. Susan Swaney and Dr. Michele Grove in my absence, as well as staff, lay leaders and all of you.
Peace, Love and Deep Gratitude,
Mary Ann
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Senior Minister
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Emily's Post
Dear Ones,
On Sunday, as we remembered beloved congregants, friends, and family members who have died, we also heard the story of Indra's Net and reflected on the interdependent web of all existence that we all live within. Covid-19 has torn that net, and we are aching. We can feel its effects rippling through all of our lives, whether or not we have lost a loved one in the pandemic. (At left is a photo of some of the offerings at Gathering of Spirits on Monday.)
As we enter into an exploration of our November congregational theme of Holding History, you may have heard that we are beginning work to literally hold the history of Covid in our midst. We are creating an art installation to illuminate the immensity of this experience--a space to witness and remember in community. If you are willing to offer an hour or two to help co-create the memorial, please sign up here —there are more details at the link.
If you have lost a loved one to Covid, we would also welcome your sharing a little about them: their name, a photo, and/or something about what you are missing since they are gone. If you have experienced other losses in the pandemic, you are invited to tell about those experiences, too. Please email your sharing to leite (at) uubloomington.org, and we can begin to hold names, photos, memories and experiences in our sacred space. Thank you for being a community that holds all that life brings—this time sorrowful, but at other times joyful and that in-between—so that we may grow in love and understanding together.
Sending you my love,
Emily
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite (she/her)
Minister of Story and Ritual
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From Our Interim Religious Education Consultant
Sunday, November 7th 11:45 AM
Dedication of UUCB’s Outdoor Play space and Classroom
Under the leadership of Religious Education Coordinator, Stephanie Kimball, congregation members created an innovative and inviting outdoor classroom in the woods to the east of the parking lot. We will dedicate this space following worship on Sunday, November 7th. Join us! There will be opportunities for participants to share their ideas of how to use the space! What are your dreams for the religious education future?
OWL for 8th and 9th Grade begins November 7th
This year's Junior High Our Whole Lives Sexuality Curriculum for 8th and 9th graders (or 13-15-year-old equivalent) will begin on Sunday, November 7th. If you have a youth who would like to be a part of this program, it is important that parents and guardians view the orientation and sign the permission form. Reach out to Michele Grove, interim religious education consultant, to request the links to the orientation and handouts. She is also available for a conversation if you wish to explore the possibilities. grove (at) uubloomington.org/605-237-1319
The Junior High OWL (Our Whole Lives) program is a comprehensive sexuality and identity program with deep roots in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. This year's facilitation team is amazing--this is a program youth will benefit from for years to come!
In addition, this program is open to community members outside of UU Bloomington. If you know of anyone who may be interested in the program, invite them to reach out to Michele for a conversation, grove (at) uubloomington.org.
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Disney’s Coco Movie Night November 5
Mark your calendars for the family movie event of the year! Friday, November 5 at 7:00 PM at the church. We will show Disney’s Coco. Here is some detailed information on this in-person AND online event (please note that this is no longer an outdoor event as originally planned).
· We will show Disney’s Coco in the sanctuary with overflow in the upstairs Library.
· You can attend in person at the sanctuary or online via Zoom. Those who join us via zoom will stream the movie from their own home and will join others via zoom at the beginning, at intermission and at the end of the movie.
Youth Pizza Night before the Disney Movie Night
Youth in 6 th-12 th grade are invited to join Michele Grove, Jessie Monroe and Kelly Rockhill for pizza, laughter and conversation prior to the movie night. You can then stay for the movie if you want (youth are invited to watch upstairs in the youth room). If you would like to join us for this gathering, please register here. We want to be sure we have plenty of pizza! |
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7th Principle Project: Brainstorming Session
November 7, 10-11:30am
Do you enjoy being outdoors? Are you curious about the natural world? Come share your ideas with us as we explore possibilities for a new kind of Religious Education experience -- one that takes place outside, draws inspiration from the natural world, and leads us to greater appreciation for our interconnected web of life.
What this program -- or set of programs -- looks like will depend on the input you bring. It could be for kids, youth, or adults, or a combination of all. It could meet on Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons, or some other time -- weekly, monthly, or quarterly. We could gather on our church grounds, at a park, or around a campfire. The possibilities are endless!
Please register to attend on Nov. 7 10:00 - 11:30, or attend the Open House and Space Dedication after the service.
If you can’t make it on the 7th, you can share your thoughts here, or email Stephanie (kimball (at) uubloomington.org).
List of Upcoming Religious Education Events, all in one place!
November 5 5:30pm Youth Pizza Party
November 5 7pm Movie Night: Disney's Coco (In person or online)
November 7 10-11:30am 7th Principle Project: Brainstorming Session
November 7 11:30 - 12:30 Outdoor Space Blessing & Open House
November 7 Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Curriculum begins (registered 8th & 9th graders)
November 21 10-11:30am Outdoor Spirit Play
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Updated Guidelines for Gatherings in the Church Building from NEST
The Nest Committee: Abby Gitlitz, Judy Klein, Rich LeDuc, Dan Lodge-Rigal, Jane McLeod, Sarah Sanchez, Melinda Swenson, Ann LeDuc, and Mary Ann Macklin
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Your Church Office Staff is Available
by Phone and Email
Here is how to be in touch with the church administrative staff during their office hours as they continue to work from home.
Church Administrator Carol Marks, M-F, 10-4, 812-287-9615, admin@uubloomington.org
Office Assistant Monica Overman, T, Th, 10-1, Friday 12:30-3:30, 812-322-5546, office@uubloomington.org
Office Assistant Mandy Skinner, M, W, F, 10:30-1:30, 812-340-9981, office@uubloomington.org
The land line at the church 812-332-3695 is checked for messages twice weekly.
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Our Worship Arts Playgroup Meets Nov 3!
Would you like to gather with a group of creative folks who are playing with ways the arts can enrich our engagement with congregational themes? A drop-in group is happening monthly, including this Wednesday, November 3, from 7:30-8:30PM. You can join in by contacting Reverend Emily (leite (at) uubloomington.org) for the Zoom link.
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There is Room for You at In-person Sunday worship!
Have you been missing in-person church attendance on Sundays? If you feel the need to attend in-person, you can sign up via this link: https://uucb.churchcenter.com/registrations All the details and safety information are on the sign up. Please read the details carefully, because a lot has changed.
When deciding whether or not to attend in-person services, please take into account your health risk factors and that we cannot ensure that all participants are vaccinated. Childcare and Children's Religious Education (RE) will not be available every Sunday; watch the Prologue for information about occasional outdoor RE. If you have questions or difficulty registering, please email office(at)uubloomington.org.
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You are Invited to a Green Grounds Party this Saturday, November 6
Join us on November 6, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., to beautify our grounds and get to know one another while working together. There will be tasks for everyone! The Green Grounds Leadership Team: Janice Bagwell, Mike Drescher, Georgia Emmert, Anne Haynes, Ann Kamman, and Bill Lonnberg. Questions? Email connect(at)uubloomington.org.
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Are you new to UU Bloomington? Join us this Sunday, Nov 7, for a short introduction.
If you are new to our congregation, a very warm welcome to you! This Sunday, Nov 7, at 2:00 pm you are invited to join in a brief online introduction to Unitarian Universalism and this congregation. Just click on this link at 2 PM on Sunday.
If you have questions, you are always welcome to email Ann at connect(at)uubloomington.org. Hope to see you online this Sunday! -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Become a Member on November 14!
Membership indicates your kinship and affinity with this church and the larger Unitarian Universalist religious community. The next membership ceremony is scheduled for this Sunday, November 14 at 11:45 AM in the church library. If you are new to Unitarian Universalism, we ask that you complete the Exploring Unitarian Universalism class before becoming a member.
Let the Connections Coordinator know if you would like to attend the membership ceremony and become a member of the UU Church of Bloomington. Email Ann at connect(at)uubloomington.org or phone (812) 720-3688 (mobile office phone).
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2021 Holiday Bazaar--Online!
IMPORTANT CORRECTION: The Herald Times printed incorrect information in the paper this morning, November 2. We are NOT having an in-person Bazaar. We are still trying to figure out why the HT printed this erroneous information. --Carol Marks, Ch. Admin.
Bazaar: Donate, Shop, Volunteer, Pick-up
Donate: Donations are still needed until November 12. We need cookies, gourmet items and your quality collectables. See details below.
Shop: The Bazaar shopping and bidding opens November 19. Go to https://auctria.com/auction/UUBazaar2021 to browse the fantastic selection of gourmet items, cookies, collectables and offerings from our task forces.
Volunteer to help with sorting and distributing purchased items. There will be free cookies for volunteers. Sign up here to volunteer
Pick-up. Don't forget to pick up your purchases at the Portico of the church. Friday Dec 3 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. or Saturday Dec 4 from 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
To donate cookies, contact Linda Pickle linda.pickle (at) wku.edu
To donate gourmet items, contact Ann Kamman aok719 (at) yahoo.com
To donate quality collectibles, contact Doris Wittenburg dwittenb (at) indiana.edu
For other questions or to volunteer contact Ruellen Fessenbecker rfessenb (at) indiana.edu
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All aboard! The Cookie Cruise is Embarking!
We have many great donations of cookies, bars, and frozen cookie dough on deck already, but can use more! Let Linda Pickle know if you can contribute a favorite holiday goodie, or if you'd like to see the recipe list of items we are putting in our holiday assortment boxes. Our timeline: Contact Linda by November 12; your donations are not due at the church until Nov. 30 or Dec. 1. Linda's contact info: 812-369-4430, linda.pickle (at) wku.edu
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UU Choir Rehearses Thursdays
The UU Choir continues to rehearse at the church, indoors and distanced, with singing masks on, on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. Because of current public health conditions, things are likely to change quickly. If you would like to participate in Choir, it is important for you to be on the Choir email list to get the latest news on rehearsals. To be included, please contact Dr. Susan Swaney our Music Director at music (at) uubloomington.org. photo credit: Sandra Freund
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Hope for Prisoners is Helping--
A Thank You from UU Member Phillip Stroud
Our Hope for Prisoners Task Force was recently able to assist one of the incarcerated members of our congregation, Phillip Stroud, with a financial contribution of $125.00 to his trust fund. Debbie Fish shared that Phillip's goal is to find ways to have his own Hope for Prisoners task force where he is. Attached is a copy of the thank you letter received from him by Debbie Fish, Hope for Prisoners chair.
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UU Freethinkers meet Sunday, November 7, 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 pm. To join, contact Harold Ogren or Ann Watzel.
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Monthly Life Stories Writing Group
Welcomes New Members --
Next Meeting Thursday, November 11
Thinking about writing a story from your life? We invite you to join the monthly life writers, a supportive group that meets on the second Thursday of every month from 3 to 5, on Zoom. Attendees usually read short excerpts from work in progress. If you are new, it’s fine to just listen and ask a few questions. To get your Zoom invitation for November 11, email John Woodcock at woodcock (at) indiana.edu.
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UU Humanist Forum Meets Sunday, November 14,
12:45 pm
Every other Sunday at 12:45 pm, our UU Humanists meet together online on Zoom for discussion. Sandy Dolby will lead a discussion on "Identity Politics." Email Harold Ogren or Ann Watzel if you would like to join the discussion.
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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 meetings away from our building. If you'd like to participate, visit openmindzenbloomington.org and use their contact page for more information.
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
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Frances Moore Lappe to Receive Honorary Degree November 8
Frances Moore Lappe, author of Diet for a Small Planet and Recipes for a Small Planet, will receive an honorary degree at IU on November 8 at 2:00 p.m. If you would like to attend the event, please click here for more information.
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COVID-19 Vaccination News -
Vaccines for Age 12 and Older!
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Email SCAM Alert
Our ministers, staff, and board members or other members will never send you email asking you for any money besides your pledge payment!
How to Recognize an Email Phishing Scam:
Is the email impersonating Rev. Macklin or another of our staff or ministers? Are they asking you to purchase gift cards? Wait! Don't do it! We will never send you emails like that. To double check, look at the email address of the sender. Is it from an address at uubloomington.org? If not, that's the second good reason to delete it!
Office Hours, Calendar, Deadlines
Office hours: M-F, 10 am-4 pm. Our building is on Limited Access right now, so staff is mostly working from home and for a few hours from time to time in the building.
The Church Office can be reached via text or voicemail during office hours at 812-287-9615. Email: admin (at) uubloomington.org or office (at) uubloomington.org
The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Next issue is
November 16. Deadline is 10 am on date of publication, admin (at) uubloomington.org
Mailing Address
During the pandemic (which is still now):
UU Church, PO Box 1158, Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158.
(Items mailed to 2120 N. Fee take 3-4 weeks on average to be forwarded by the Postal Service! So please use the PO Box instead of the street address! Yes, this is still true as of 11/2/2021. --cm)
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Details on Membership & Offering
Membership: 574 certified members as of 2/1/2021;
566 current members.
Non-Pledge Offering:
October 17 $151
October 24 $1,744
To make a contribution for the Non-Pledge Offering (Sunday Plate), or to make a payment towards your pledge, click on this link to get to our new Giving page: uucb.churchcenter.com/giving
Total to be donated (25%) to The Net childcare center at New Hope Family Shelter: $435.98
Grocery Card Sales: (Bloomingfoods or Fresh Thyme) $500; Total income to UUCB: $25
Free Money from Kroger!
Fresh Thyme and Bloomingfoods
Grocery 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.
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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 an envelope. Orders are received in Nashville, but fulfilled in Bloomington. (smiley face)
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Masthead photo by John Woodcock. |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, IN
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