From the Ministers
As we watch and witness the violent attacks on our democracy in this country, we are deeply grieved. While we have already witnessed the dangerous instability of the current President, the images of the past few days are painful. Please know we are here for you and equally as important, in community, we are all here for each other.
During the unfolding tragedy of white supremacy in this country which began 400 years ago and the unfolding tragedy of the current White House administration which began four years ago, it is imperative that we remember the valued principles of our lives. As ministers to this congregation, we urge you to ground yourself firmly in the love and justice of this faith we call Unitarian Universalism.
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
We invite you to take time to be with these words from black theologian Howard Thurman, which were shared at our staff meeting yesterday:
In the quietness of this place…. my heart whispers: Keep fresh before me the moments of my High Resolve, that in fair weather or in foul, in good times or in tempests, in the days when the darkness and the foe are nameless or familiar, I may not forget that to which my life is committed. Keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve.
Each Sunday we light our chalice, the lamp of our heritage, for the light of truth, the warmth of community, the fire of commitment and the spark of the sacred which calls on each of us to care for our earth. Lift these words up and hold them in your heart and spirit -- embrace the light of truth with courage. Reach out to one another in community. Remember that to which your life is committed. Know deep in your being that we will get through this together. We will not let the fire go out in swamps of hopelessness. The world we all desire can be reality. It exists. It is real. It is possible. So let us grieve and also move courageously forward on all fronts of social justice and all depths of love.
In the spirit of love and justice,
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
Reverend Dave Clements
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Sunday, January 10, 2021
10:15 am Livestream
"There's No Place Like Home..."
Rev. Dave Clements
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The Wizard of Oz is a classic, a legend, and a children’s story that will never grow old. Quotes from the story such as “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” “Lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh, my,” and “There’s no place like home,” are ones that will always pop into our heads when someone says “The Wizard of Oz.”
What can we learn about the messages from this classic children’s story? The Scarecrow wishes for a brain, the Tin Man wants a heart, and the Cowardly Lion wants nothing more than to be brave. I invite you to join us as we explore The Wizard of Oz.
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Early Bird Coffee Hour at 9:15 am
Bring your coffee (or tea) and join us to relax with friends before the service. Click on this link to register for the early bird coffee hour and receive the Zoom link . -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Connect with our UU Community during Virtual Coffee Hour
Everyone is welcome to join us after the worship service, until 12:30 pm, for engaging conversation in Virtual Coffee Hour.
This Sunday we will feature an "Oz - Over the Rainbow" breakout room, as well as general conversation and choir breakout rooms. Let me know if you would like to host a themed breakout discussion room! -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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This Week in Religious Education
We continue to visit our Worlds of Imagination. This Sunday, January 10th, we will follow the yellow brick road to the Land of Oz. Join us in the breakout room during virtual coffee hour to revisit this story with us. Find activities on our calendar!
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Attention Middle School & High School Youth!
Our next gathering is via Zoom on Sunday, January 17th at 7pm.
We are going to try our hands at some art this month as we explore the theme of Imagination! Please RSVP through this Sign Up Genius link by January 13th!
Contact Adrienne Summerlot for more information.
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Our Folks . . .
CORRECTION - In this week's Prologue, we erroneously indicated that new member Phillip Stroud is incarcerated on death row. Phillip is incarcerated, but not on death row.
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UU Humanist Forum meets January 10, 12:45 pm
The UU Humanist Forum will meet this Sunday at 12:45 p.m. via Zoom. Sandy Dolby will lead a discussion on "Will the Circle Be Unbroken--the afterlife?" Contact Harold Ogren, ogrenh (at) gmail.com to get the link to the Zoom meeting.
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New! UU Online Book Club
This month's book, The Long Loneliness: The Autobiography of the Legendary Catholic Social Activist, is the autobiography of Dorothy Day.
Order a copy of the book today, and join us on February 1 at 6:30 pm via Zoom for the discussion.
If you are interested in joining, please sign up here for the Zoom link:
This new book club will read books chosen by its members that dive into our congregation's monthly themes. The Long Loneliness will help us dive into February's congregational theme of Beloved Community. Each month a book club member will pick the next month's book and facilitate the discussion. A few places where the book can be purchased online: amazon.com, alibris.com, and thriftbooks.com. Order your copy today! -- Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator
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Visit with the Connections Coordinator every Friday at 3:30 pm
Join the Connections Coordinator, Ann LeDuc, on Zoom every Friday. Ask your questions, or just visit. Newcomers and current congregation members are all welcome to drop-in. Additional ways to contact Ann are via email at connect(at)uubloomington.org or phone at (812) 720-3688.
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UU Singles - Upcoming Events
We are a group of single adults within the UU Bloomington community who meet occasionally for various kinds of connective events. We'd love to have you join us! To find out about upcoming events, check the January 5 Prologue. These events will take place over Zoom. To join the UU singles email list and get the Zoom link, please contact mariedeer1961(at)gmail.com or 812-391-0900.
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Writing as a Spiritual Practice, with Rev. Barbara Child
A Drop-in Group on Zoom
Tuesdays 1-2 p.m., January 5 through February 23
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. Register by clicking here to get the Zoom link.
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Openings in Chalice Circles
There are currently several openings in Chalice Circles, meeting on Zoom at the following times:
- First and Third Mondays of each month, 7-9 pm
- Second Monday of each month, 2-4 pm
- Third Thursday of each month, 7-9 pm
- First Friday of each month, 7-9 pm
If you are interested in joining one of these groups for the rest of the year (now through May 2021), or would like more information, email Anne Haynes or call 812-360-2619. You can also learn more on the church's website, Chalice Circles: Small Group Ministry.
-- Chalice Circles Executive Team
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COVID-19 Vaccination is now available to those 80 and older
Today the state of Indiana opened COVID-19 vaccination to those age 80 and older. Visit this website for all the facts. To register, go to this website and choose your vaccination location:
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Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force
Collecting Kitchen Items for New Hope for Families
For JANUARY & FEBRUARY our food drive will focus on New Hope for Families. We often think of food for those in need, but we overlook kitchen items that enable people to COOK the food. For a list of needed items, click here.
-- Mary Blizzard
Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force
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Donations for Shalom Community Center
Until the end of March, Shalom Community Center guests would really appreciate the donation of tents, sleeping bags, coats, hats, blankets, socks, and gloves, as well as macaroni, coffee, and hygiene supplies. Donations may be left in the bins, under the portico at the church. Donations are collected every day. Thank you.
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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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Deadline for submissions to the Order of service and Friday UU Update
Thursday, 9 am, to office (at) uubloomington.org
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Masthead photo - "Shadows on Snow II" by Linda Mjolsnes |
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
Mailing address during covid:
UU Church, PO Box 1158,
Nashville, Indiana 47448-1158
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