Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana |
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Spirit Play storytime in our new outdoor classroom space |
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Important Message from Senior Minister, Rev. MAM
Golden Sprint Event Finish Line is TODAY!
Join me to meet the minimum amount set for our 2021-2022 Pledge Drive. We have a $30,000 gap to reach our minimum goal of $620,000. We hope to meet that goal by the end of TODAY, Friday, October 22. If we clear that hurdle, I will share one of my outstanding photos from my high school hurdling days. Also, once my hamstring heals, I promise to clear a hurdle during a worship service. I informed our Board of Directors that my top goal this year is to leave our congregation in good fiscal health.
Yours in earnest enthusiasm,
Reverend Macklin
P.S. To increase your 2021-2022 pledge, please email admin(at)uubloomington.org or call 812-287-9615 and state, “I would like to increase my current pledge by (dollar amount) to support the vision of UUCB.”
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Sunday, October 24, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
Earth, Courage, Calm Abiding:
Finding Sunshine on a Cloudy Day
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Dr. Michele Grove
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Limited In-Person Attendance is 50 for this Sunday
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Join us as we take our time, as a faith community and individuals, to breathe, rest, and find meaning and healing during another difficult milestone in our country as the death toll from Covid eclipses 700,000, and so many other unknowns loom like low clouds before us. We will hear words from UU Chaplain, Reverend Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe, as well as from our Religious Education Coordinator Stephanie Kimball, about helping hands and hearts. Reverend Mary Ann and Dr. Michele will weave together this meditative service with the help of our Unitarian Universalist Choir’s singing of "Earth, Courage, Calm Abiding."
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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From Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Regarding: Islamic Center of Bloomington
I mentioned the recent vandalism at the Islamic Center of Bloomington (ICOB) in our newsletter this week. I have been in touch with Bloomington United about the incident. Reverend Doug Bauder and Reverend Sue Silberberg reported the following: A note from City Hall just moments ago alerted us to the fact that the act of vandalism at the Islamic Center a few days ago was not designated as a “hate crime.” It was a random act by a man who struggles with mental illness. That said, we will be in touch with our friends at the Islamic Center and with the Bloomington Interfaith Alliance to determine how we can best proceed in supporting our friends at the mosque.
After seeing the vandalism at the Islamic Center (including children’s toys) I can only imagine the impact, regardless of intent, upon the people of ICOB. Let us continue our support and connect with our sisters and brothers from the Islamic Center, including listening to their experience of this violent incident on their sacred grounds. And let us draw a circle around all people who suffer in mind, body and spirit in our world today.
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There is room for you at in-person Sunday worship
If you would like to attend Sunday worship service in-person, please sign up via this link:
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. Children's Religious Education (RE) is available this Sunday (see below). If you have questions or difficulty registering, please email office(at)uubloomington.org.
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Greeters are Great!
Whether you have been a Greeter in the past, or are looking for a new volunteer opportunity, you are invited to sign up to greet on Sunday mornings.
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Mark Your Calendars for Work Parties at the Church Next Saturday |
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You're Invited to a Grounds Work Party
Saturday, October 30, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Join us next Saturday afternoon to beautify our grounds and get to know one another while working together. There will be tasks for everyone!
The Grounds Leadership Team: Janice Bagwell, Mike Drescher, Georgia Emmert, Anne Haynes, Ann Kamman, and Bill Lonnberg
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RE Outdoor Spaces Work Party
Saturday, October 30, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
All ages and skills welcome; there will be projects appropriate for all as we work together to develop our Religious Education outdoor classroom area. The current plan is to create paths with woodchips and set the stepping stones.
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Young Adult (18-35) Free Lunch and Companionship
This Sunday, October 24, 11:30 am
This Sunday we'll be hosting an in-person gathering on the church grounds for those ages 18-35 to meet others and discuss church happenings--which could include the service and monthly theme, but will be catered to those who gather (and also catered with free food that is decided by those assembled). If you're interested in a free lunch and deep connection, just bring yourself (and perhaps fellow young adults) to the church courtyard at 11:30 am and we'll find an open space to be physically distant but socially in kind. I also welcome you to sign up and attend the service. Questions? Email beacon@uubloomington.org.
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UU Freethinkers Meet October 24, 12:45 pm
The UU Freethinkers will meet this Sunday at 12:45 pm via Zoom for an open discussion of social, political, and theological/religious issues. If you'd like to join us, please contact Harold Ogren or Ann Watzel for the link to the Zoom meetings and to be added to our email discussion list.
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Explore Unitarian Universalism In-person or Online!
Two Sundays, October 24 and 31, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Explore Unitarian Universalism with us online or in-person, October 24 and 31, 2-4 pm (via Zoom or in the church library). Use this link to register or email connect(at)uubloomington.org. These small group gatherings are a great opportunity to learn about the UU Principles, our ministers, the history of this church, all the ways to get involved here, and what it means to be a member of the church. Plan to attend both dates, since different material will be discussed in each session. We request completion of these sessions before becoming a member of the church. Everyone ages 14 to 100+ is welcome! Questions? Email connect(at)uubloomington.org or call (812)720-3688.
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Our Folks . . .
Happy 100th Birthday to Clarence Hawking! If you would like to wish Clarence a happy birthday, cards can be sent to him at home.
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Small Gatherings in October
Just a couple of opportunities remain to attend one of the small outdoor gatherings in October hosted by congregation members. Register here! Thank you to all of our hosts this month for offering the wonderful gift of gathering. -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Writing as a Spiritual Practice
A Drop-in Group on Zoom with Rev. Barbara Child
Tuesdays 1-2 pm, through October 26
I invite you to come along on this journey of personal exploration through writing in community. You are welcome to attend any or all sessions. Click here for a full description of how the group works. You will need to register by clicking here to get the Zoom link. The same link will work for every session during the series.
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Hike with us on Wednesday morning, October 27!
Join us for a 4 mile hike at Allens Creek Trail on Wednesday, October 27 at 10 AM. All the details are on the sign up. Sign Up Here.
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Little Altars Everywhere
Next Saturday, October 30, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Join Dinorah Sapp and Reverend Emily in person or virtually. They will share a bit about their experiences with home celebrations of Dia de Los Muertos and Gathering of Spirits and participants will begin preparations for their own home celebration this year. Appropriate for ages 4 and up--families, partners, and individuals are all welcome! Click here to sign up.
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Social Justice Funds Committee Fall Grant Applications Due Saturday, October 30
The Social Justice Funds Committee welcomes grant proposals for local social justice projects. Projects must be based in Southern Indiana and be consistent with the mission and vision of our congregation. Grant funds may not be used to pay for professional services or salaries. For guidelines and an application, please contact Denise Ogren at uucbsjfunds(at)uubloomington.org.
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UU Online Book Club reads...
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie
This is a fun book that appeals to ages 13-100+. Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist who leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school. This heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written tale, featuring poignant drawings that reflect the character's art, is based on the author's own experiences. Judy Owens has generously volunteered to lead the discussion on Monday, November 1. If you would like to join the discussion, sign up here. The UU Online Book Club meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 pm via Zoom.
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2021 Holiday Bazaar -- Online!
Work is moving forward on UUCB's pandemic version of our annual Bazaar. This year it will be an online sale/auction and will run from Nov. 19-29. We will be using Auctria, the same auction website service that we used for the Goods and Services Auction in May. We plan for the Bazaar to offer the best of both sale and auction, with old favorites like the Cookie Walk and Gourmet Galaxy, and offerings from some of our task forces. For details, please click here.
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Ahoy, Cookie Cruise bakers!
The Holiday Bazaar needs a boatload of cookies to sell! We take any cookies and bars you like to bake, from chocolate chip to exquisitely decorated holiday confections. Frozen cookie dough was a popular item last year, so you don't even have to heat the oven. I'll be contacting those of you who have contributed goodies in the past, but would love to hear from new bakers. Contact Linda Pickle at 812-369-4430 or linda.pickle(at)wku.edu.
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Your Church Office Staff is Available Monday-Friday
You can reach a member of the church administrative staff each weekday. Here is the info:
The land line at the church, 812-332-3695, is checked for messages twice weekly.
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Winter Clothing Drive Through November 2
Our congregation, with the support of our Homelessness Task Force, along with other religious organizations and the Bloomington Fire Department, is participating in the Winter Clothing Drive 2021. Our intention is to collect winter clothing and to distribute it to adults and children in need in Monroe County.
The drive will collect winter coats, winter hats, hoodies, scarves, socks, and thermal underwear in all sizes. The clothing can be new or used, but must be clean and in good condition. It must also be utilitarian, not necessarily stylish.
We will collect clothing from now until November 2 in a box located in the portico, behind the church. The clothing will be distributed from the Main Fire Station on November 6.
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September/October: Food Collection continues for the Little Free Pantry
The Little Free Pantry by Needmore Coffee needs donations of: peanut butter, canned meat (tuna/chicken), canned protein meals, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, pasta sauce, small juice boxes, protein bars, mac and cheese. Hygiene items like toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo are also needed. You can place these items in the labeled bins on the north side of the church (Portico entrance). Thank you from the UU Hunger Task Force!
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Our collection for Beacon is also continuing
Look for bins at the Portico entrance
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Vaccinations available for age 12 and older
People age 12 and older in Indiana are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit this website or call 211: vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov
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Beware Email Fraud
Our ministers, staff, lay leaders, and board members will never send you email asking you for any money besides your pledge payment! This also means they will never use email to ask you to buy gift cards for them or anyone else.
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Masthead photo by Stephanie Kimball. |
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Deadline for submissions to the Order of service and Friday UU Update
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
Mailing address during covid:
UU Church, PO Box 1158,
Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158 Church mobile phone: 812-287-9615
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