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February 1, 2023

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana

Congregation founded 1949 | LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995 | Green Sanctuary since 2007

Seeking the Spirit | Building Community | Changing the World

Join us on Sunday mornings

One service at 10:15 a.m.

In person in our Meeting Room

2120 N Fee Ln, Bloomington, IN 47408

Or watch the livestream

All are welcome!

Masks are optional at all church activities and events, including worship services. Coffee hour has returned to Fellowship Hall. Pandemic-related guidelines are posted on the front page of our website.

Hearing assistive devices are now available at the AV Tech booth in the rear of the Meeting Room for use during Sunday worship services.

Upcoming Services

Sunday, February 5

10:15 a.m.

Inherent Worth and Dignity and the Problem of Evil

Reverend Connie Grant

Sunday, February 12

10:15 a.m.

Being Each Other's Valentine

Reverend Connie Grant

with music by Carrie Newcomer

From our Ministers

Emily's Post

Dear Friends,

When I got hearing aids last fall, I spent the first few days on complete overwhelm: there was so much SOUND happening, and my brain wasn’t used to filtering out the sounds that weren’t important—like the fridge cycling on or distant traffic. I kept being startled and feeling anxious. I have heard that many people stop using new hearing aids for just that reason. Fortunately, after a few days my brain adjusted.

Recently, I’ve been wishing that there were some way to filter effectively in other contexts—news, social media, and so on. How do we figure out what is important when these have been purposefully designed to thwart our filtering? I've learned that my brain never adjusts to overwhelm in those contexts, and when I take in too much, I shut down. I have to consciously slow down, pause, and take in less.

As Beltane and Groundhog Day approach, we're beginning to look towards spring--but perhaps we could find a way to hold on to the slower winter energy for now. Perhaps mirroring this quiet time in our intake of media could help us filter more effectively and experience feelings of connection and compassion rather than overwhelm. Then we can stay in touch with what is really important--like our connections with each other.

Sending my love,

Emily

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite

Minister of Story and Ritual

Meet Amanda Waye, our new Director of Administration

Amanda Waye joined the UUCB staff in December to learn the ropes from outgoing Church Administrator Carol Marks, and since the beginning of January has been settling in to her new full-time position here as Director of Administration. If you haven't had a chance to meet Amanda yet, she is looking forward to meeting you! Stop by her office in Room 201 and say hello! Her available hours at the church are Monday-Friday 9 am to 3 pm.

Amanda comes from a background in banking and administration, and grew up in Lafayette and Crawfordsville before making Bloomington her home. Her prior roles include branch manager of a local bank and Office Administer of a local manufactured home dealership. Amanda is an avid learner and explorer. In her free time you can find her relaxing with a good book, practicing another language, gardening, jogging, hiking, roller skating, or walking trails. She enjoys time with family and visiting new places. Amanda also enjoys meeting new people, drawing, painting, and crafting, and loves animals.

Pictured: Amanda at her desk in Room 201, ready to field your church admin requests!

In-person: Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm

Email: admin@uubloomington.org

Phone: 812-332-3695 (church office line), 812-287-9615 (mobile / best used for texts and voicemail)

Article II Discussion

Sunday, February 12, 12:00 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Join us on February 12 after the Sunday service as we continue our exploration of the proposed changes to Article II of the Unitarian Universalist Association's bylaws. The latest revision can be found in the Article II Study Commission's report to the UUA Board of Trustees, along with our current Article II wording. You may also view a copy of this report on display in the new Children & Youth Library in Room 106. On the 12th, we will focus on comparing the two versions, noticing what has changed and what remains.

Seeking the Spirit

Spiritual Development and Lifespan Religious Education

Imbolc Ritual with Earth Kin

Saturday, February 4, 7 - 9 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Earth Kin, UUCB’s Earth-centered spirituality group, will be holding our Imbolc ritual on Saturday, February 4, 7–9 pm in Fellowship Hall. This will be a ritual in the OBOD Druidic tradition focusing on the coming of spring and all the feelings of potential and hope it implies. We will see off the Cailleach, the Scottish goddess of winter, and connect with Brìde, the Scottish form of Brighid, the Gaelic goddess of healing, poetry, and spring. No prior experience with Earth-centered or Pagan spiritual work necessary; anyone with respectful intent may attend. Please bring a dish to pass and, if you like, bring a spring-focused poem to read aloud during the ritual. We would love to have you join us! Email Rhiannon at rhiannonsnow3@gmail.com with any queries.

Upcoming RE Offerings

Additional offerings are listed on our Registration page.

YRUU (High School Youth Group) Meets February 5

Calling all high school youth! Reminder: YRUU (aka youth group) begins this Sunday, February 5, 12 to 1:30 p.m. in Room 210. Hope to see you there! Contact Stephanie with any questions.

The Inner Work of Age

2nd and 4th Fridays, 10 a.m - Noon

Starting Feb 10, through April

In the words of Connie Zweig, “Aging is our next frontier - a physical, emotional, moral, cognitive and spiritual frontier. Its mysteries and its terrors need to be faced consciously and mindfully, and this book offers the inner tools we need to do just that. We can only truly reinvent late life from the inside out.” Together, we will work through the initial sections of Zweig’s book The Inner Work of Age: From Role to Soul, with a dual focus of both doing the work ourselves, and exploring how to do this work in community. Facilitated by Stephanie Kimball and Rev. Emily Manvel Leite. Meets on 2nd and 4th Fridays from 10am-noon starting on February 10 and continuing through April. Registration required.

Shambhala Meditation

Mondays at Noon, February 6 - March 20

Join Sarah Flint at 12 noon on six Mondays in the Library for an hour of Shambhala Meditation, with a break during the hour for walking meditation and Shamatha yoga. Beginners welcome to participate in this 2500-year-old tradition of presently knowing and grounding practice. Zoom options available. Meets February 6 through March 20, except 3/13.

Please register.

A Journey through Unitarian Universalist History

Saturday, February 18, 10 am - 3 pm

Have you ever wondered how the Unitarian Universalist church evolved? Where this way of doing church came from and who were the leaders and founders of the Unitarian and Universalist movements in Europe and North America? Come find out in this one-day workshop led by Stuart Yoak. Saturday, February 18, 10am - 3pm. Lunch included.

Please register.

21-Day Racial Equity Challenge

Everyone is invited to join this challenge: for 21 days, do one action every day to further your understanding of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression, and equity. The plan includes suggestions for short readings, podcasts, videos, and more – which you can take in on your own, with your partner or family, or in a group. There will also be opportunities for group discussions and watch parties! Please register to receive the link to the challenge as well as updates, notices of upcoming events, and additional resources.

Writing as a Spiritual Practice

A Drop-in Group on Zoom with Rev. Barbara Child

Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm

January 10 - February 28, 2023

You are invited to join me on a journey of personal exploration

through autobiographical writing in community on Zoom. Season 9 of this gathering will happen Tuesday afternoons 1:00-2:00 pm, January 10 through February 28. You are welcome at any or all sessions with no commitment in advance. SIGN UP HERE for the Zoom link.

You need to register only once and will then be able to attend as many Season 9 sessions as you choose, using the same link each time. You may register up to a few minutes before a session begins.

Here is a description of “Writing as a Spiritual Practice” and what happens in our Zoom room on Tuesday afternoons at 1:00.

Tea with Reverend Emily and Friends

4th Wednesdays, 3-4 pm, in the Library

This month: February 22

We invite you to come over to the church on 4th Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m. to share a cup of tea. Enter at the office entrance and join us in the library for an hour of fellowship and conversation. Reverend Emily will be there, and other staff may also drop by.

Tai Chi (Taiji) and Qigong Mondays & Saturdays

Brian Flaherty leads Tai Chi and Qigong practice here at our church, Mondays 2:15 to 3 p.m. and Saturdays 9 to 10:30 a.m. The practices are free of charge. Usually in Fellowship Hall, occasionally moved to the Libray. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. All are welcome.

Open Mind Zen at Friends Meeting House

Open Mind Zen with UU member Sensei Frank Seisho Diaz meets weekly at the Bloomington Friends Meeting House (most recently Mondays at 7 pm). If you'd like to participate, visit openmindzenbloomington.org for more information.

Connecting and Volunteering

Are you new to UU Bloomington? Join us this Sunday, February 5 for a short introduction, after the service

If you are new to our congregation, a very warm welcome to you! This Sunday, February 5 from ~11:30 to 12:15 p.m. you are invited to join in a brief introduction to Unitarian Universalism and this congregation. This short introduction will take place after the worship service in the church library upstairs. Questions? Contact our Connections Coordinator, Anabel Watson, at connect@uubloomington.org

Next Membership Book Signing: Sunday, February 12, 9:30 am

Have you attended Exploring UU and plan to join membership? Did you attend a virtual Membership Ceremony and miss signing the Membership Book? If so, please RSVP for the book signing on February 12 at 9:30 am. Signing the membership book is a significant symbolic act in our tradition that actively marks one's affinity with our faith. I am so grateful to help facilitate this important moment and hope you will join us. Please RSVP and/or direct any questions to Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator, at connect@uubloomington.org

Your Welcoming Energy Needed on Sunday Mornings

Help further a radically welcoming and inclusive community by volunteering on Sunday mornings! Join the mailing lists for Java Crew, Greeters, or Flame Keepers to stay up-to-date on opportunities, actively contribute to our thriving congregation, and share the joy of hospitality with fellow congregants, both old-timers and newcomers. Your help is valuable and so appreciated!

Looking for additional ways to get involved?

If so, please fill out our online connections form so we can learn about your talents and interests. You can also sign up here for upcoming activities and events: uucb.churchcenter.com/registrations. Our Connections Coordinator, Anabel Watson, would love to connect with you! Just reach out to connect@uubloomington.org.

Building Community

Upcoming Events and Ongoing Groups / Classes

Women’s Alliance Meets Thursday, February 2

11:30 am – 1 pm in Fellowship Hall (and on Zoom)

TRAVELPALOOZA:

Where have your travels taken you?

Join your friends for a travel memories program on Thursday, February 2 at 11:30 am in Fellowship Hall or virtually by Zoom. Bring photos and small memorabilia from a favorite trip or trips to share. Wearing clothing souvenirs is encouraged! For display, long tables will be set up to lay out travel items. Please create a card to go with the artifacts that includes the name of the traveler, the place, and the date/season/year. We will ask volunteers to talk about their trips and the meaning they hold. All are welcome! Snacks and beverage will be provided. Contact Doris Wittenburg with any questions or to be added to the Alliance email list.

UU Humanists Meet Sunday, February 5

12:00 pm in person and on Zoom

The UU Humanist Forum will meet next January 22 at 12 noon in person in Room 208 at the church, with an option to join online. Sandy Dolby will facilitate a discussion on "Quilts." To join via Zoom, contact Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren.

UU Book Club continues reading And There Was Light, a biography of Abraham Lincoln

Discussion on Monday, February 6, 6:30 p.m. (Zoom)

Our February 6, 2023 meeting is at 6:30 pm via Zoom. We will discuss the remainder of And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle by Jon Meacham, from Part IV (Pg. 231) through pg. 421. There are over 250 pages of source notes, bibliography, etc. at the end, so it's a shorter read than the thickness of the book indicates! Join the group for the Zoom link. Newcomers always welcome.

Red Cross Community Blood Drive

in Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, February 8, 9 am - 2 pm (all slots filled)

Thursday, February 16, 9 am - 3 pm

The Red Cross will be set up in Fellowship Hall on Feb 8 and Feb 16 for a Community Blood Drive. To sign up online for a time slot to give blood, please visit redcrossblood.org. All time slots for Feb 8 have filled up, but there are still openings for Feb 16.

UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, February 12

12:00 pm in person and on Zoom

This 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 in person in Room 208 at 12:00 pm. To join via Zoom, contact Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren.

The Heartland String Band Rises Again!

Third Thursdays in Fellowship Hall, 6 pm

This month: February 16

The Heartland String Band, a part of our music program, was founded by Carol Marks in August of 2001, but because of Covid they have not been able to play together in a while. Sally McGuire has graciously agreed to revive this merry band.The band will practice from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in Fellowship Hall. They play old-time and Celtic music as well as folks songs, and all lovers of this music are welcome. Dulcimers, fiddles, cellos, pennywhistles, guitars, banjos, mandolins, even accordions!

Changing the World

News from our Social Justice Task Forces

Open online until February 8!

Order here: tinyurl.com/RJTFbakesale

The UU Reproductive Justice Task Force Siding with Love Bake Sale is online again this year. Our highly skilled volunteer bakers will be busy at work making an assortment of fabulous treats, just in time for Valentine's Day! Our Task Force works in partnership with Planned Parenthood and All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center. This is our major fundraiser, supporting diaper drives, reducing maternal mortality, and providing abortion funding and transportation. Each box is an assortment of Valentine-themed decorated cookies, brownies, or fruit bars. Also available, a gluten-free cookie box and savory snack boxes! Suggested donation is $20 per box, or pay as you are able. All donations welcome!

Fill out the order form by Saturday, Feb 8. Pick up your treats at the UU Church Library (Portico door) on Saturday, Feb 11. Delivery available if needed.
Questions? Email Pat Slabach or call her at 317-796-1820 and leave a message or text. You can place orders with Pat as well.
Don't need treats and just want to donate to the fundraiser? Skip the order form and simply donate here: uucb.churchcenter.com/giving/to/RJTF-bake-sale.

WHAT'S NEXT?

A panel Q&A and community discussion about the future of incarceration in Monroe County

Hosted by the Hope for Prisoners Task Force

Sunday, February 12

3 to 5 p.m. in our Meeting Room

Invite friends - share the Facebook event

Calling All Chili & Soup Makers! Sign up by Sunday, February 12

The Habitat Task Force is sponsoring its winter Chili & Soup Fundraiser again to help finance an affordable Habitat for Humanity home for a deserving local family. We also want to help warm everyone’s stomachs with delicious homemade chili and soup to get us through the end of winter! We are asking for contributions of all types of chili and soup – meat, vegetarian, and vegan. Anyone can make their favorite recipes and donate their contributions - sign up by February 12:

We will supply cooks with 5-cup containers available at UU. Further details are on the sign up page. Orders will be taken online (site to be publicized) from Feb. 13 to 28 and will be distributed on Saturday, March 4. We also will sell take-home soup and chili for $15 per container after the March 5 service in Fellowship Hall. Thanks to those who can donate AND to those who can buy some delicious chili and soup for a good cause. Contact Barb Berggoetz with any questions.

Sock Collection

It's cold outside! Please consider donating warm socks to those experiencing homelessness in Bloomington and Monroe County. Socks may be left in the bins under the portico, behind the church, or at the Social Justice table in the Commons. Thank you!

-- UUCB Homelessness Task Force

The Hope for Prisoners Task Force

is collecting BOOKS for the women incarcerated at the Rockville prison

– one of Indiana’s maximum security facilities

WE NEED LOTS OF BOOKS

new or used, hardcover or paperback, fiction or non-fiction, romance, mystery, self-help, spiritual, humor, law, science, lgbtq,

westerns, etc. poetry, too

No worries about typical prison library restrictions

as these books will be donated to the

Chaplain’s Lending Library

LOOK FOR OUR COLLECTION BOX

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

AT THE SOCIAL JUSTICE TABLE

IN THE COMMONS

(MAIN ENTRY HALLWAY)

HUGE thanks to all who have already contributed.

Books can change lives!

Please Send Info for Prologues and Updates to the Office Email:

office@uubloomington.org

Deadline for Prologue: by 10 am on the Tuesday before publication

Deadline for Update: by 10 am on Thursdays

Mandy Skinner, as our new Communications Coordinator, will be in charge of editing our email publications from now on, as well as postings to our website, Facebook, etc. Oversight and proofing of these publications will still be one of the Director of Administration's tasks.

From now on, please send all information for the Prologue (note the publication date change -- now going out on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month) and the Friday Update (sent out every Friday) to office@uubloomington.org.

Grocery Gift Cards Now Available for Sale on Sundays

Office Assistants Monica Overman or Mandy Skinner are available to sell grocery gift cards on Sundays between 11:15 and 12:00 noon in the church office, Room 204. To check on how many cards we have on hand, click here. Proceeds from the sale of grocery gift cards for Bloomingfoods and Fresh Thyme support our operating budget.

COVID-19 Vaccination News

For information, call 211 or visit this website: vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov
Indiana Department of Health info: coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine

Some Details

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 a member of our staff or one of our 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, 9 am - 3 pm.

The Church Office can be reached via text or voicemail during office hours at 812-287-9615. Email: admin@uubloomington.org or office@uubloomington.org.

Calendar: For our full calendar of events, visit uucb.churchcenter.com/calendar.

The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Deadline is 10 am the day before date of publication, to office@uubloomington.org

Church Mailing Address: UU Church,

PO Box 8132, Bloomington IN 47407.

Details on Membership & Offering

Membership: 561 certified members as of 2/1/2022;

550 current members.

Attendance (online and in person):

January 22: 243

January 29: 229

Non-Pledge Offering:

January 22: $1,392

January 29: $431

Total to be donated (25%) to Bloomington Refugee Support Network: $455.75

Online giving: To make a contribution for the Non-Pledge Offering (Sunday Plate), or to make a payment towards your pledge, visit our Giving page: uucb.churchcenter.com/giving

Free Money from Kroger!

Fresh Thyme and Bloomingfoods

Grocery Cards Available by Mail or In Person on Sundays

Did you know that Kroger sends our congregation 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.
We are also still selling grocery cards for Bloomingfoods and Fresh Thyme by mail. Click here to see what kind of cards and how many are available. Send your check to the church (UU Church, PO Box 8132, Bloomington, IN 47407) 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 a return envelope. We also have grocery cards available on Sunday mornings between services, in Room 204 from 11:15 to 12 noon.

Our Ministers & Staff

Reverend Connie Grant, our Interim Lead Minister

Email grant@uubloomington.org, 847-840-8542

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, our Minister of Story and Ritual

Email leite@uubloomington.org, 812-333-9822

Amanda Waye, Director of Administration: admin@uubloomington.org

Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator: connect@uubloomington.org

Monica Overman, Administrative Assistant: office@uubloomington.org

Mandy Skinner, Communications Coordinator: office@uubloomington.org

Stephanie Kimball, Director of Religious Education: kimball@uubloomington.org

Susan Swaney, Music Director: music@uubloomington.org

Andy Beargie, Hans Kelson, and Brady Egan, Multimedia Managers:

mediateam@uubloomington.org

Masthead photo by Mandy Skinner.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana

Mailing address: PO Box 8132 Bloomington, IN 47407

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