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April 5, 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

Events this Week

Women's Alliance Meeting

Thursday, April 6, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Fellowship Hall (and on Zoom)

In honor of National Library Week, bring your favorite book to share. All are welcome! Snacks and beverage will be provided. If you wish to be added to the email list or want the Zoom link to join online, contact Doris Wittenburg.

UU Hikers: 10 Mile Grubb Ridge Peninsula Hike

Saturday, April 8, 9:15 am - 3 pm

Meet at 9:15 in the Pate Hollow Parking lot to carpool to the trailhead. Bring: Water, lunch, hiking poles, sense of adventure, sturdy shoes. We will walk 10 miles at a moderate pace from the trailhead down to Lake Monroe shore where we will stop for lunch.

Tai Chi (Taiji) and Qigong, Saturday at 9 a.m.

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

Canned Goods Hunt (and treats!) for kids this Sunday

On Easter Sunday, April 9, children will be invited to participate in a “canned goods hunt” at 11:30 a.m. (after Religious Education classes). Children will hunt for the hidden cans and then trade them in for a small bag of toys and treats. Our middle and high school youth will organize the event and assist children in the cooperative hunt, and the canned goods will be donated to a local charity.

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!

Upcoming Services

Sunday, April 9, 2023

10:15 a.m.

Reverend Connie Grant

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite

Why does Jesus matter to UUs?

Using reason, our Unitarian forebears developed new ways of thinking about the nature of God, of Jesus, and of humanity in general. Why does Jesus matter to Unitarian Universalists today?

Sunday, April 16, 2023

10:15 a.m.

Reverend Connie Grant

Humanity and Humanism

An account of my conversion from Metaphorical Theism to Eclectic Humanism. Are these mutually exclusive?

From our Ministers and Board

Emily's Post

Dear Friends,

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to be part of a group from our congregation visiting Unmasked -- an exhibit of anti-lynching art from the 1930s to today that is currently on the IU campus. There was much to learn and absorb in the exhibit, which is largely made up of thoughtful and troubling artwork exploring the impact of lynching on individuals and communities, including here in Indiana.

Visiting the exhibit was a moving experience of learning a part of our history and reflecting upon what we need to do now to make sure this history is known. Our conversation was especially timely in the context of Senate Bill 380 which is currently moving through the Indiana state legislature. The bill would make it easier for parents to request the removal from school libraries of books that tell the true, unflattering history of race in the US, books that include LGBTQ characters or themes, and anything else they object to, and harder for schools to defend against their removal. LaKimba DeSadier writes, "These book banning bills do nothing but erase history and prevent individuals from feeling included and safe in their educational environments." Let your state senator know that the book banning portion of the bill needs to be removed or they should vote against it.

In the context of the movement to make the truth less accessible to our children and youth, it is essential that as many people as possible learn the history and share it widely. The Unmasked exhibit is a small but important part of making sure that history is not erased. The shared time of reflection afterwards about how to make that history visible is incredibly important right now. If you are interested in forming a second group of UUs to visit the exhibit, let me know and I will work to make that possible.

One of the things I realized as I visited the exhibit was that I was getting in my own way--struggling to see the materials because I was casting a shadow on them, both literally and metaphorically. I needed to pay attention and get out of the way. And that work is ongoing. So I just picked up a workbook at Morgensterns to help me keep learning how to get out of the way--it is called Do the Work: an Anti-Racist Activity Book. Want to join me? I would love to have some accountability partners.

And the work goes on.

Emily

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite

Minister of Story and Ritual

leite@uubloomington.org

812-333-9822

From Our Board of Directors

This April two major things are happening that will shape and define who our congregation wants to be going forward: our pledge drive, and the start of the ministerial search committee formation. April 1 kicked off our annual pledge drive. Our goal is to have every member and friend pledge financially in some amount, no matter how small. Your financial engagement allows us to set our 2023-24 budget. Until we have our final pledges in, we will not know how much we can allocate to staff salaries (where it is part of our mission to pay a living wage), facilities including things like web streaming and buying toilet paper, support of social justice task forces, and all of the good works this church does. Our 2023-24 budget will also help us determine what sort of called lead minister we should be looking for in 2024.

In the next few weeks you will be getting an email from the board with a link to a form asking you to nominate three people who you think would do a good job of representing you, and the church as a whole, on the Ministerial Search Committee. When you click on the form you will see a list of names of eligible members. Please select up to three people. You are welcome to self nominate if you think you would be a good fit.

Things you all should keep in mind as you make your recommendations:

What are the good qualities needed for someone to serve on a ministerial search committee?
Who in the congregation works well with others?
Who can represent and serve the congregation as a whole (including looking out for the needs of children) rather than specific subgroups or constituencies? Who would have no “axe to grind?”
Who knows (or can learn) the history and culture of the congregation, whether a member of long standing or relatively new?
Who has been and/or is active in the congregation and has demonstrated both responsible participation and responsible leadership?
After a high salary, the most attractive quality a congregation can have to ministerial candidates is self-awareness – awareness of strengths and weaknesses, what the congregation is like at its best and at its worst, as well as on an average day. Who would be able to know and relate all this to potential candidates?
After thinking about all of these questions, who would you trust to serve on the search committee on behalf of the congregation?

Once all of the submissions are in, in early May the board will look at your nominations to create a short list of 10-12 people that would be a good match for the search committee, with the goal of identifying a pool of potential members that includes a range of demographics and stakeholder representations including, but not limited to, such things as: age, gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation, how long they have been a member, whether they are parents of school-aged children, etc.

Board members will call this short list to see if these people are interested in serving, and if they agree to give up any other leadership position they hold if chosen for the search committee. Once seven of the top people have agreed to serve, the board will then nominate the full search committee slate to be elected by a congregational vote at the June 4, 2023, Congregation Meeting. The Sunday following the meeting there will be an official commissioning of the committee when the committee members are given a charge and they vow publicly to serve and take the charge seriously. After the Search Committee is elected they will operate independently from the board or any other group within the church.

It will take all of you to be involved to help determine the shape of this congregation as we look to the future. I hope you will pledge to support our vital mission and be involved in the ministerial search committee process as it begins.

With awe and gratitude for what we can accomplish as a beloved community,

Abby Gitlitz

Board President

Updates on the Article II Process: Submit amendment ideas in April, for public discussion sessions in May

Check out the Article II Commission space for details on the process of discussing and amending the proposed changes to Article II of the UUA Bylaws, leading up to the General Assembly in June! Until April 30, any Unitarian Universalist may submit suggestions and ideas through an online form for ways they recommend modifying the Article II Study Commission proposal (PDF). All qualifying suggestions will be posted for public chat discussion at discuss.uua.org, starting after April 15. The UUA Board of Trustees will host public discussion workshops on May 11, 18 and 21, 2023, to review suggestions and ideas. These rounds of public discussion will inform the way amendments are prioritized for discussion and voting at General Assembly.

Understanding Article II info and Q&A session

Offered by UUs of Greater Pittsburgh, on Zoom

Saturday, April 29, 10 am - 12 pm

If you want to know how you can be involved with Article II going forward, and what will be happening at General Assembly 2023; you are invited to join Rev. Sunshine Wolfe and leaders from the Greater Pittsburgh area as they answer questions related to the Article II revision process.

Learn more and register for the Zoom link

Announcements

25% of Sunday Plate Fund Recipient

Nomination Campaign for 2023-24

Application deadline is April 15

Guidelines and Application

Our congregation gives 25% of undesignated/non-pledge Sunday Plate donations to a local non-profit project or service agency. In the spring the Social Justice Funds Committee accepts nominees for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, and narrows it down to 3 finalists. The congregation will have chances to learn about the nominees through announcements in newsletters, displays in the building, and presentations during services. At our spring congregational meeting on June 4, church members vote on the recipient of this fund. Which local non-profit agency would you like to see be our next recipient? See the Guidelines for full details about how to submit your nomination!

Contact Denise Ogren, SJFC Chair, at ucbsjfunds@uubloomington.org with any questions.

The Social Justice Funds Committee is: Denise Ogren, Steve Mascari, Sarah Kopper, Sandy Davoren | Advisor: Jackie Hall

The Annual Goods and Services Auction Needs YOU!

Be Creative! Auction Runs Online April 28 - May 7

We have a goal this year of $10,000 and we are looking for MORE – more dinners and parties, more beautiful artwork and ceramics, more lessons, more yard work, more baking, more everything! We have one of the most creative congregations in town, and it is time to enjoy it!! New to the congregation, or maybe feeling a little detached? This is a FUN way to get to know people and to let them know you. Your talents and treasures are needed to contribute to the budget and to help us SEEK THE SPIRIT, BUILD COMMUNITY, and CHANGE THE WORLD!

Please complete the form below for each of your items to donate. You will receive an email for your record for each form completed:

tinyurl.com/UUAuction2023

Thinking of a new idea? Want help with ideas? Just have questions? Feel free to contact Ann Kamman (aok719@yahoo.com) or Charlotte Appel (appel.charlotte@comcast.net).

How to Request Childcare for Events

We endeavor to make childcare freely available for UUCB events. If you need childcare in order to attend an event, please make a request by filling out this form as early as possible: tinyurl.com/UUCBchildcare - greater lead time increases the chances of childcare staff availability.

Connecting and Volunteering

Join UUCB Young Adults for a Lunch Meet-and-Greet

Sunday, April 16, 12:30 p.m. at Feta

The March Young Adult Lunch was a success with engaged conversation, great food, and seven UU's in attendance! If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and would like to meet others in the congregation who are as well, come and join in! Mark your calendars for lunch after community hour on April 16. We will meet at Feta Kitchen and Cafe on the corner of Hillside and Henderson St around 12:30 p.m. UUCB will cover the cost of food. This will be an unstructured time to gather in community and get to know one another.

Questions? Email Anabel at connect@uubloomington.org and Hans at hkelson@uubloomington.org.

Are you looking to deepen your knowledge of Unitarian Universalism and this church?

Sign up for Exploring the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, held at the church on April 23 and 30 from 2-4 p.m. In these small group gatherings you will dive into the UU Principles, role of the UU minister, the history of Unitarian Universalism and this church, how to get involved, what it means to be a member, and much more. Guest presentations from staff, board, and members, with ample time to chat and share, make these gatherings informative and rewarding. Plan to attend both dates as different topics 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 as well as those unable to make prior dates. Registration link HERE. Snacks will be provided! Questions? Email Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator, at connect@uubloomington.org.

The Java Crew Needs You!

If you are ready to learn a new volunteer role on Sunday mornings

(monitoring and cleaning up the coffee tables in Fellowship Hall), please join the Java Crew mailing list! You do not need to commit to any weeks yet in order to be on this list. A general description of duties can be found HERE. Questions about Java Crew tasks can be directed to Anabel at connect@uubloomington.org.

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! She is available for Connections Chats via phone call, Zoom, or in-person. Just reach out to connect@uubloomington.org.

Seeking the Spirit

Spiritual Development and Lifespan Religious Education

Upcoming Religious Education Offerings

Additional offerings are listed on our Registration page.

Shambhala Meditation starting up again

Mondays, 12-1 p.m., in the Library or join on Zoom

As of April 3, this weekly group is now being led by Leigh Grunhoefer and Susan Middlestadt. Much gratitude to Sarah Flint for the years she facilitated Monday meditation! Check the calendar listing for the Zoom link if you'd like to join from home.

Raising Anti-Racist Kids

Sunday, April 16, 12 - 2 p.m. in Room 106

This two-hour workshop provides an overview of the issues, concerns, and challenges of raising anti-racist kids. A variety of resources will be available for viewing and loan, and participants will discuss options for additional programming. Appropriate for parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone else who interacts with children of any age. Register here.

Building Community

Upcoming Events and Ongoing Groups / Classes

UU Freethinkers Meet Sunday, April 9

11:30 a.m. in Room 208 (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 11:30 am. To join via Zoom, contact Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren.

UU Humanists Meet Sunday, April 16

11:30 a.m. in Room 208 (and on Zoom)

The UU Humanist Forum will meet on March 19 at 11:30 a.m. in person in Room 208 at the church, with an option to join online. Harold Ogren will lead a discussion on "Chatbot: Pandora's Box or Golden Fleece." To join via Zoom, contact Ann Watzel or Harold Ogren.

Are you a UU connected to Judaism?

Join our Jewish UU Connections Group!

Jewish UU Connections is a group of people within our congregation who feel connected to Judaism, either culturally or religiously or both. The group meets monthly on the third Friday, often over Zoom, to discuss movies, books, or essays, to share music and memories of holiday celebrations, and to talk about issues connected to Jewish identity or practice. We also gather for occasional sabbath dinners and a Passover celebration. If you're interested in joining, send a note to Reverend Emily Manvel Leite at leite@uubloomington.org to be added to the group.

Changing the World

News from our Social Justice Task Forces

Hoosier Abortion Fund April Fundraiser

It’s time to donate to the Hoosier Abortion Fund, which is administered by our local All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center to help cover the cost of an abortion and sometimes for transportation and hotel expenses. Help preserve the right to have an abortion by making a donation. Our Reproductive Justice Task Force has a team page for your donation: UUBloom Hoosier Abortion Fund page

BOOKS FOR OUR

INCARCERATED SISTERS

The Hope for Prisoners Task Force continues, with your help,

to collect books for women incarcerated at one of

Indiana’s maximum security prisons.

A good book is a great way to “escape” so

we’re currently looking for some enthralling romance novels

and some captivating page-turner mysteries.

New or used. Hardback preferred, but not required.

Thanks, SO MUCH, for your ongoing support of this project!!

Some Details

Prologue submissions:

The Prologue is published on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Deadline for submissions is 10 a.m. the day before date of publication, to office@uubloomington.org

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

Office hours: M-F, 9 a.m - 3 p.m.

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.

Church Mailing Address: UU Church,

PO Box 8132, Bloomington IN 47407.

Membership:

550 certified members as of 2/2/2023;

554 current members.

Attendance (in person and online):

March 19: 145

March 26: 201

Non-Pledge Offering:

March 19: $308.09

March 26: $630.07

Total to be donated (25%) to Bloomington Refugee Support Network: $234.54

Online giving:

To contribute to our non-pledge offering (Sunday Plate), or to make a payment towards your pledge, visit our Giving page: uucb.churchcenter.com/giving

Bloomingfoods & Fresh Thyme Grocery Cards Available by Mail or In Person on Sundays

We are 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, in Room 204 from 11:15 to noon.
Recent Grocery Card Sales: $1,900; Total income to UUCB: $95

Free Money from Kroger!

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.

Our Ministers & Staff

Reverend Connie Grant, Interim Lead Minister

grant@uubloomington.org, 847-840-8542

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, Minister of Story and Ritual

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

Hans Kelson, Technology Coordinator: hkelson@uubloomington.org

Andy Beargie and Brady Egan, Multimedia Managers: mediateam@uubloomington.org

Masthead photo by Marcia Hart, "Swirling Fog"

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana

Mailing address: PO Box 8132 Bloomington, IN 47407

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