February 15, 2023

Connie's Column

How are you in relation to UUCB?

In January, a questionnaire was sent to everyone currently on the UUCB membership roll, to check in about how you are in relation to UUCB. Hoping that this is a time of engagement and reengagement for members with the church, your Interim Lead Minister and Connections Coordinator asked you to help us understand and address the current needs of UUCB members.

Thanks so much to everyone who responded! The results were fascinating and useful—and suggested further questions for the future.

There were 261 direct responses to the questionnaire, mostly electronically and a few on paper—which is a response rate of 47%. I also received some additional messages indirectly responding to the questionnaire with general comments or requesting meetings.

129 people said they attend Sunday services regularly, in person or online. 137 said they attend Sunday services occasionally, in person or online. 40 people said they do not currently attend Sunday services. 158 people said they participate in ongoing programs such as Chalice Circle, Humanists/Freethinkers, Earth Kin, or other group (and I assume that in some cases, folks participate in one of these programs even though they do not currently attend Sunday services—although we didn’t specifically ask that question).

225 people responded that they want to continue their commitment and involvement as a member of UUCB; 23 said that they want to deepen their commitment and involvement. Ten indicated that they have “moved on” and no longer wish to be members of the church. Some have likely moved on in a literal sense, and perhaps have found UU congregations in other locations. It is, of course, sad to lose members, but it’s also important to know who is and wants to be a member of the congregation.

A few people said they would like assistance connecting with programs and activities of UUCB, and a few said they need some help and hope the church may be able to provide assistance. A couple dozen said they’d like to be contacted by Anabel or by me. We have been or very soon will be in touch with these folks. (And of course, we’d be glad to hear from you if you have questions or would like to talk.)

Your church is here for you, however you choose to engage!

Past, Present, and Future of Black Lives

February has been designated as Black History Month. How do we remember and celebrate Black history?

Black Lives Matter posters that were hanging outside the meeting room have been taken down out of expressed concern that their depiction of Black mothers in pain is a limited view of Black lives.

For now, the posters, which have been on loan to the church, are carefully stored. For now, on the wall where the posters were is a small painting titled “Lotus Chalice” by visual artist and UUCB member Patricia Coleman. 

What would you like to see on the walls of UUCB? What does it look like to create a welcoming and healing space for all who enter?

In faith and hope,

Connie

Rev. Connie Grant

Interim Lead Minister

grant@uubloomington.org

847-840-8542

Emily's Post

Dear Friends,

I have been looking up lately. On Saturday, I looked up because I heard sand hill cranes for the first time in years (love my hearing aids) and enjoyed spotting multiple flocks as they flew over. On Sunday, I looked up at the clear blue sky because I’d been talking about growing up in “big sky country” with two new members and I was curious about why the sky feels different here. It does—and both are beautiful. Today, I looked up seeking a subject for my column and saw these words writ large on my dining room wall: “leave room for the sacred”. Exactly.

Sending my love,

Emily 

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite

Minister of Story and Ritual 

Legacy Museum Trip: May 29 - June 1

2 Spaces Remain

Stephanie Kimball, Director of Religious Education, and Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, Minister of Story and Ritual, traveled to Alabama last November and visited the Legacy Museum in Montgomery. We found it to be a transformative experience that we want to share with members​ ​of the congregation, so we are taking a small group of 10-14 people to visit the museum, the nearby memorial, and sites in Selma at the end of May. We expect that some of what we learn through traveling together will be shared with the congregation and inspire a larger group to go in the future. The trip costs $500 per person this year: we hope to offer financial support as needed. If you are interested in going, please contact Reverend Emily as soon as possible at leite@uubloomington.org.  

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.

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.

UU Book Club reads Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout

Discussion on Monday, March 6, 6:30 pm (Zoom)

This novel looks at how Lucy Barton's life is upended as the pandemic shutdown of 2020 unfolds. She reluctantly leaves New York for a house in Maine. An enjoyable read. Let's discuss the novel's surprises and reflect on how we dealt with our own shutdown experience. Join the group for the Zoom link. Newcomers always welcome.

Order online here, until February 28:

Habitat Chili & Soup Fundraiser

Delicious homemade chili and soups made by UU cooks are now available to order online! All proceeds will help the Habitat Task Force financially sponsor a day of an upcoming Habitat build. Online orders can be picked up from 10 a.m. to noon, Sat., March 4, at the Portico entrance. You can also buy chili or soup in-person after the March 5 service. Meat, veggie, and vegan options are available; suggested donation is $15 per container. Thanks for your continued support of Habitat and its goal of providing more decent, affordable housing to Monroe County residents.

UU Fourth Trimester Team

Are you expecting a new baby? Or maybe you already have a new baby? The UU Fourth Trimester Team is here to lend support during this special time of transition and adjustment. Our volunteers can offer a listening ear, rock your baby so you can rest, run an errand, or do some light housekeeping to name a few of the ways. This period of time can have more challenges than you expected. If we can be of assistance, please contact us at 4thtrimester@uubloomington.org. We will be holding our next volunteer training in early April.

A project of our Reproductive Justice Task Force

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.