Prologue, October 20, 2014

We inherit much that shapes our lives, and from this inheritance we craft our days. So too, both as individuals and as a community, our choices will be the legacy that we offer to our children and our children's children. In this critical time in history our considerations about the future seem especially important. What inheritance will we leave for those who will follow? How may we choose wisely and well?

Sunday, November 2, 2014 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

"Shake Them Bones: El Dia de los Muertos"

The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin

The Reverend Doug Wadkins

The Reverend Emily Manvel Leite

In this annual "El Dia de los Muertos: Day of the Dead" worship service, we will remember our personal and congregational ancestors. As Unitarian Universalists we honor All Souls on this special day with ritual, remembrance and music.

You are invited to bring a picture or small memento of an ancestor, loved one or beloved pet that has died; a special altar will be created during the worship service, when the children are still in the sanctuary with us, to celebrate those who have given us love and life.

MAM's Musings

What a wonderful worship service on Sunday to celebrate the ministry of our Minister Emerita Reverend Barbara Carlson, who served this congregation from 1993-2005. Reverend Carlson will be moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in mid-November to be closer to her beloved family. Her words from our pulpit reminded me of the importance of congregational life and the vital role which ministerial colleagues play on this journey we share together.

At a recent Unitarian Universalist ministerial gathering, my colleagues and I shared characteristics which help maintain a healthy congregation. One, Direct Communication. If you have an issue with someone in the congregation, speak to them directly instead of talking with others about that person, whether that is a member or a minister. Two, Five Positive Remarks for each Negative. In any system, whether congregational or family, a mark of health is when members exchange five positives for every negative; it really makes a difference. Try it! Too often the positives go unspoken. Gratitude can be magical. Three, Assume Goodwill. Even if someone has upset you, look deeper into the situation. Was it intentional? What was going on for that person? What is their deepest hope and desire for the situation? If there was not goodwill involved (a rarity), then deal with it with direct communication. See Number One above and work your way through the list again. May the health of this congregation continue to grow as we transition through these changing times.

Peace, MAM

Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister

From Our Interim Minister

October is flying by, it always seems to do, and I tend to feel so wistful when I realize the month's hasty progression. I find this part of the autumn evocative and meaningful. I love the very old associations in this time with the importance of the spirit of the past. Samhain and Halloween classically point to the thinning of the veil between life and death/past and present in this time; so, too, I find in my own thoughts an attitude of remembrance. I have heard this season evokes similar recollections for many of you as well. The autumn has often been a time of re-collecting in my life and in ministry; a time of reconnecting significant stories and meanings from the past to bring deeper meaning to the future. This process is serves us well in this time of transition. One of the first focus points in interim ministry, as you may recall, is heritage. Its work is described this way: the congregation's heritage, both corporate and individual, is the foundation upon which the present rests. Paying attention to heritage means encouraging and hearing all of the stories about the congregation's past, and embracing the rich variety that makes up this congregation.

On October 19, we gathered to remember and explore the congregation's stories. It was deeply helpful and meaningful. I invite you to re-collect your essential stories, both personal and communal, as well. May these stories create a foundation of depth as we move towards November and our theme of POSSIBILITY!

Reverend Doug Wadkins, Interim Minister

Seeking The Spirit

Fourth Friday Fellowship

Friday, October 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Join us at Building and Trades Park where we have adopted a trail. We will have fun, games and fellowship! Pizza dinner $1/slice . In the event of inclement weather, event will be canceled Find the event on Facebook, www.facebook.com/uubloomington and invite your friends! Info: click here

Age of Reason Ceremony- Sunday, November 9th

Parents of registered First Graders, this is an exciting opportunity to share in a special ritual with your child during Time for All Ages. If you have not received a letter, please contact Adrienne Summerlot, [email protected].

Did you know there are over 100 ways you can help with Religious Education?

We encourage anyone who might have an hour or two to volunteer to visit Sign Up Genius to see if there is an opportunity that is right for you! We need your helping hands to share in the ministry with our children.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a48aca82cabfe3-volunteer

Adult Classes starting this week!

Creating a Permanent Culture - permaculture class with Rhonda Baird

this Tuesday, October 21, and November 11, 6:20-8PM.

Exploring in Visual Arts - drawing and painting with Betty Wagoner, this Wednesday, October 22, and three more Wednesdays from 1-3PM.

Personal Altars - remembering ancestors or reflecting on your own life with Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, this Sunday, Oct. 26, 4-6PM.

Please contact the church office to sign up! 332-3695 or [email protected]

Click here for details! The current course offerings can also be found on our webpage, www.uubloomington.org and click on Religious Education/RE for Adults

Samhain Celebration October 31

On Samhain (Sow-in), the veil between the world of the living and the dead is thinnest. Samhain is the Celtic New Year as well as the third and final harvest festival, during which the God dies to be reborn again at Yule. The Earth Kin Samhain ritual will be one of remembering and communing with our ancestors who have moved beyond the veil. There will be a guided meditation to find and begin healing our shadow masks. All are welcome to bring photographs of or offerings to the ancestor(s) you wish to honor, which will be placed on an ancestor altar. The ritual will take place on Friday, October 31st at 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. --Brooke Opel, Earth Kin Coordinator

Monday Shambhala Meditation is Every Monday at Noon

Join us at 12 noon every Monday in the Meeting Room for an hour of Shambhala Meditation with Sarah Flint. Please bring your own cushion; sitting in one of the Meeting Room chairs is also fine.

Our Whole Lives for Young Adults and Adults Starts in January

Over 18? Wondering when will there be an Our Whole Lives (OWL) Sexuality Program for you? January 2015 to early March 2015! Information Session for Adult/Young Adult OWL, Sunday Nov 2, 12:30-1:30 in Room 208. Meet the trained course facilitators: the Rev. Doug Wadkins and Amy Taylor, learn about the program, & help schedule. Starts Sunday, Jan 11, 1-4 pm. This will be a safe space to learn & question. Interested and can't make Nov 2? Please contact [email protected], or 812-332-3695 ext 204 with your contact information. -Amy Taylor

Ready to become a member of UU Bloomington?

If this is your community, if you feel at home here, join us! If you would like to make the commitment and become a member of UU Bloomington, the next opportunity is Sunday, November 2nd, at 10:30am in Room 207B. (We ask for participation in our "Exploring UU" class prior to signing the membership book.)

Contact Judy Bennett, Membership Coordinator,

332-3695 [email protected] by Wednesday, October 29th.

Our Congregational Themes for 2014

January: Inquiry February: Connection March: Generosity

April: Honesty May: Beauty June: Love

July: Hospitality August: Creativity September: Deep Listening

October: Inheritance November: Possibility December: Hope

How does the idea of Inheritance help you Seek the Spirit, Build Community, and Change the World?

[photo by John Woodcock]

Building Community

Fourth & Goal to Go

After enjoying the fruits of the

Green Spaces Initiative capital campaign for the last couple of years, it can be difficult to remember that we are still paying for all of these wonderful improvements. 92% of the pledged amount of $817,236 has been paid and, for that, we are very thankful. However, there is still $60,000 plus interest in congregant loans remaining to be repaid. With $64,893 in outstanding pledges, we have enough pledged to repay these loans, but we need to have the pledges fulfilled soon. We are early in the fourth quarter, so there is plenty of 2014 remaining to make a payment and get a current year tax credit.

These are obligations held by the church and must be repaid. Unlike the game, punting is not an option.

Andrew Appel

Green Spaces Initiative Committee

UU Choir and Bloomington Community Band Concert Friday, October 24

Our choir and the Bloomington Community Band will give a free concert in our Meeting Room this Friday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m. The UU Choir will sing two pieces: Eric Whitacre's Sleep and A Jubilant Song, a setting of poetry of Walt Whitman by John Leavitt. Selections from the band will include An Irish Rhapsody by Clare Grundman, Dixieland Jamboree by John Warrington, and Ring Them Bells by Ebb and Kander. Join us for an enjoyable evening of inspiring music. All are welcome.

Join UU Fellowship Dinners!

These small potluck dinner gatherings are held in private homes and are the perfect way to meet others in our church community. Everyone - church members and friends - is welcome, and you can sign up any time. You contribute food and conversation. Register at http://www.uubloomington.org/invl/social/index.php

Click the link to the form under "Fellowship Dinners." Complete the form and attach it to an email to [email protected] Forms are also available at church in the literature racks.

-- Linda Pickle, Fellowship Dinners Coordinator

New Directories Now Available

Members and pledging friends may pick up a copy of the newly updated congregational directory anytime during office hours and on Sunday morning in

Room 204.

Become a Greeter!

You can provide an important service to the church by becoming a Greeter or Newcomer Welcomer-and it is a great way to meet people. Greeter training will be held Sunday, Oct. 26 at 12:45 pm in the Meeting Room. Join us!

UU Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar December 5 & 6 !

Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar Doings:

On Sunday, October 26, the Bazaar Committee will kick off the annual campaign for volunteers. Sign up sheets for regular volunteer shifts before, during and right after the Bazaar, as well as for Cookie Walk bakers and Gourmet Galaxy makers will be available starting that Sunday and continuing through November. We will be there to answer your questions. Want to include persimmon pudding for Thanksgiving Dinner? We will also begin pre-Bazaar persimmon pulp sales between services. $6.00/pint (frozen).

Calling All Fiber Artists!

Yes! It's time to knit, crochet, weave or quilt your magical projects for the Hunger Task Force Fiber Arts Booth at the Holiday Bazaar. Proceeds from the sale of these items will help fight hunger in our community. Place your finished items in the drop box in the Commons. Questions? Contact Anne Graham, [email protected]

White Elephant Items for the Holiday Bazaar

The White Elephant knows that all UUs have valuable items they no longer need or want but that will be desired by others shopping at the Bazaar. If you have items such as holiday decorations, children's toys, exotic collectibles, or truly (but not actual) White Elephants, please donate them to the White Elephant's Trunk at this year's Bazaar. We can receive donations starting Nov. 30. Want to help organize and price items? please contact Doris Wittenburg, (336-4993 or [email protected])

Read and Recycle

Support the Holiday Bazaar Book Sale! Cull through your library and find those books you are ready to pass along to another reader. DVD's and CD's also welcome but please no VHS tapes, magazines or sheet music. For ease of shelving, please sort books by fiction/nonfiction. Drop your items off at the church beginning Sunday, November 30 at 1:00 p.m. You may continue to bring books until Thursday, December 4. No book donations after December 4, please! Questions? Contact Abby at [email protected] or 812-824-7755.

Attention Cookie Bakers!

Have you planned your baking and bought your butter and sprinkles? Hints for all our cookie elves: buyers love cookies with eye appeal - think colorful, festive and yummy. Bar cookies are fast, easy and heavy! (Remember: we sell by the pound.) Be adventurous and most of all - have fun! Sign-up sheets will be in Fellowship Hall starting October 26th and samples will be available. Thanks!

Your Cookie Walk committee, Mary Jo Conley and Meg Sears

Gourmet Galaxy needs your help at the Bazaar

The annual bazaar is coming December 5 & 6, so start planning your generous donations of baked goods and other items for the Gourmet Galaxy. Popular items include rum balls, peanut brittle, and divinity. Jams, chutneys and relishes sell well as do cakes, and all kinds of breads. Don't be overwhelmed by the holiday rush-- start baking and freezing now! Ann LeDuc, Molly Gleeson

Co-chairs of the Gourmet Galaxy

UU Humanist Discussion Group Meets on Alternating Sundays

Our Humanist Discussion group meets on alternating Sundays at 12:45 p.m. upstairs in

Room 210. This group offers an opportunity for regular, open, wide-ranging discussions of issues relating to morality and ethics, human development, and the nature of the universe. The next meeting is on Sunday, October 26. Jim Tarnowsky will lead a discussion on "Sustainability, the Good, Bad, and Ugly."

UU Freethinkers Group Enjoys Free Ranging Discussion

The purpose of the UU Freethinkers bi-weekly meeting, Sundays at 12:45 p.m. in Room 210, alternating with the UU Humanist Forum, is to create the opportunity for participants to raise questions and engage in open and non-structured discussion of issues of social concern, political concern, and theological/religious concern. The UU Freethinkers next meeting is on Sunday, November 2. Info, contact John Crosby.

Church Grounds Events October 26 and November 1

We have two upcoming events for our church grounds!

Sunday October 26 join us between services on the north side of the building for the planting of a dwarf cherry tree in honor of Reverend Bill Breeden, our Minister Emeritus. This is a gift of the Bloomington Community Orchard.

Saturday November 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon we invite you to help at our Fall grounds work day. (We will work through light rain if necessary.)�

Create a path from the corner of Fee Lane and the Bypass up to our parking lot.
Plant bulbs donated by Harv Hegarty.
Mulch over cardboard around trees on the north side and plant guild plants.
Weed the mulched area under the big oak tree, and add mulch as needed.
Pull out invasive plants from around the parking lot and driveway.
Clean up in the memorial and rain gardens.

Bring shovels, rakes, gloves, and any gardening tools you'd like to use.

And if you have a wheelbarrow you could bring, please let Molly know, ([email protected] or 812-219-5388)

Community Connections

Our Faith in Action in the Community

Third Annual "Sylvia and Friends Sing for Shalom" December 7

Save the Date!

Launch the holiday season Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 PM with Sylvia McNair in concert at First United Methodist Church. Featuring two-time Grammy Award Winner McNair along with soloists from the Jacobs School of Music/FUMC choir, the 3rdannual Sylvia & Friends Sing for Shalom will feature a program of festive holiday music. Seating is limited, so get your tickets now! Tickets ($30.00 for adults; $20.00 for students/children) may be purchased at the Buskirk-Chumley box office, online at www.bctboxoffice.com, or at the door. ALL proceeds will go to the Shalom Community Center. Sylvia will also be present for CD sales (with autographs) following the performance.

Changing the World

Planned Parenthood Snack Project Needs Volunteers

The Planned Parenthood Snack Project, aka "Snack Brigade," is in need of volunteers to drop off and pick up snacks at Planned Parenthood on Thursdays. This is a fast and easy way to make a difference. To learn more and volunteer, go to: http://tinyurl.com/kl5ekpj .Questions? Contact Ann LeDuc at [email protected] .

Clothing Swap on Saturday, October 25th

The Green Sanctuary Task Force is hosting their fall clothing swap on Saturday, October 25th from 10 am - noon in Fellowship Hall.

Clean out your closets and bring your unneeded clothing (clean and in wearable condition) on Saturday, October 25th to Fellowship Hall. Please drop off clothing starting at 9:30 am and no later than 11 am. "Shop" for what you can use between 10 am and noon. No money exchanged for clothing! Clothing for men, women and children welcome. Remaining items will be donated to Opportunity House and Prison Ministries.

To volunteer or for more info contact Stephanie at [email protected] or(812) 361-3889.

FREE Showing of "Gasland 2"

Saturday, Oct 25

brought to you by the Green Sanctuary Task Force on Global Climate Change

6pm - Showing of Gasland 2

8pm - Discussion with writer/director/producer Josh Fox

Information: [email protected]

GASLAND 2 picks up where GASLAND left off, with Josh Fox's continued investigation into fracking, its side effects, and the industry's responses to the anti-fracking movement. The Huffington Post wrote, "GASLAND just might be the best film of the year." And Variety wrote, "If a film can ever enact social change, which is rare, the potency of GASLAND suggests that this may be that film."

Coffee House Fundraiser Friday, November 14, 7:30 p.m.

Come and enjoy an evening of music, poetry and fellowship to raise money for Interfaith Winter Homeless Shelter. $10 donation requested. Click on the event poster on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/uubloomington to see the list of performers!

Unitarian Universalism in the Wider World -- Let's Participate!

Our congregation participates in Unitarian Universalism at both the regional and national level. We can send up to 10 delegates to both the MidAmerica Regional Annual Meeting and also to the Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly each year. Delegates must be members of our congregation, but anyone may attend either meeting as a non-delegate. The MidAmerica Regional Meeting is April 17-19, 2015, in Naperville, Illinois, (http://www.midamericauua.org/) and the UUA General Assembly is June 24-28, 2015, in Portland, Oregon (http://www.uua.org/ga/ ). Delegates receive financial support for registration from the congregation. If you are a member and would like to serve as a delegate at either the regional or national level, please contact Iris Kiesling, our Denominational Affairs chair, [email protected].

UU History for You

James Luther Adams Helped Shape Unitarianism

James Luther Adams (1901-1994) grew up in Ritzville, Washington, where his father was minister of a fundamentalist Plymouth Brethren church. Young Adams was saturated with Judgment Day assessments of his soul. As soon as he went to college at the University of Minnesota, he became an atheist. After attending a men's club for Unitarians, he shifted his views and decided to enter the ministry. At Harvard Divinity School he was put off by the mysticism many of his teachers embraced. He said he didn't like mysticism "that begins in mist and ends in schism." He married Margaret Young, a pianist, and they had three daughters. As a Unitarian minister in Massachusetts, he became a voice for the oppressed, especially minorities and organized labor. In 1935, he was on a fellowship in Germany and he saw first-hand how the Nazi Party used government to crush all dissent. He taught at Meadville-Lombard Divinity School for seven years, warning liberal churches about their lack of commitment to justice. In 1957, he joined Harvard's Divinity School and used his knowledge of German to translate and make theologian Paul Tillich's writings known to American seminary students. Adams insisted that the newly formed UU church in 1961 required diversity and a commitment to social change.

Contact a Minister

Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister, can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 201 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, or [email protected]. For pastoral emergencies, please call her mobile, 812-322-0205.

Reverend Doug Wadkins, our Interim Minister, can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 207 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, or email [email protected]. For pastoral emergencies, please call his home study number, 812-369-4179.

Both ministers have voicemail on their numbers so that you can leave a private message.

It's Not Too Late to Pledge!

If you have not yet pledged for the fiscal year that started on July 1, it is never too late! You may make a pledge at anytime during the year. Please call 812-332-3695, ext. 200 to let us know the amount of your pledge, or send the info in an email to Church Administrator Carol Marks at [email protected] or pledge online. See our Stewardship webpage at http://tinyurl.com/uustewardship or go to the Donate page (tab to the far right at the top of the page) at www.uubloomington.org and click on "I want to make a Pledge." Please call the office if you have questions, 812-332-3695.

"If we are going to be kind, let it be out of simple generosity, not because we fear guilt or retribution."

-- J.M. Coetzee

BULLETIN BOARD

SACRED HARP SINGING OCT 25 - Fairview United Methodist Church (600 W 6th St) on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. - 3p.m. Come by and sing (or just listen). Music provided. Info at fasola.org. There will be a potluck mid-day meal on the grounds.

Attendance and Membership

Current Membership: 510 Certified Membership as of 2/1/2014: 492

Attendance

Sunday, October 12 9:15: 102; 11:15: 155; RE: 92 Total: 349

Sunday, October 19 9:15: 137; 11:15 151; RE: NA Total: 288

Non-Pledge Offering

10/12 - $511; 10/19- $679 Total to be donated to Susie's Place - $297.45

Grocery Card Sales

October 12 $1,000, income to UUCB $48.00

October 19 $1,950, income to UUCB $91.50

Calendar of all our congregational events can be found at www.uubloomington.org Click on "Full Calendar" and then on the date you are interested in. You can also search for a specific event!

Next issue, Monday, November 3. Deadline for articles about congregational events and projects is 10 a.m. on 11/3/14, to Carol Marks at [email protected]

Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408, 812-332-3695