We continue our exploration of the theme for November: Possibility. This service will explore some of the layers of meaning in this theme through music, reflection and celebrating our community. We will be sharing in the rich, evocative choral piece, "What do you think I fought for at Omaha Beach?" by Melissa Dunphy. We will experience the much-loved tradition of the Age of Reason. We will reflect on what these say about the role of possibility in our faith.

Sunday, November 16, 2014 9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

"The Possibility of Gratitude: An Intergenerational Thanksgiving Service"

The Reverend Emily Manvel Leite

The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin

The Reverend Douglas Wadkins

What is it to "dwell in possibility" as Emily Dickinson writes? This service will explore the idea that it has a lot to do with gratitude. Come to "spread wide [our] narrow hands and gather Paradise" through exploration and rituals of thanksgiving. Janiece Jaffee will lead special music as a part of this service.

Board of Directors, Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington

Update from the Board of Directors

With the transition of the seasons now clearly in evidence, the board has been focused on the next step of our ministerial transition plan: how we will form the ministerial search committee to select our candidate for minister, a process which will culminate in a congregational vote in 2016.

On Saturday, October 18, Reverend Douglas Wadkins, our interim minister, facilitated the board's annual fall retreat which focused on this plan. In preparation for the retreat, board members reviewed information shared by UUA facilitators and also contacted six UU congregations going through the same process to learn from their experiences. In the coming months, particularly at the December 14th congregational meeting and through a website we are setting up, we will share more details of the plan, including the timeline and how we will invite members and friends of the congregation to recommend individuals to serve on the search committee.

Since it has been two decades since our congregation undertook a full ministerial search, the board is developing a job description of a search committee member so that we all understand the commitment involved for those who will serve on that committee. Given the importance of this process, we appreciate having the congregation actively engaged.

Feel free to contact anyone on the board with your questions. While we ponder our church's heritage this month, it is also exciting to be planning for the future.

Kathleen Sideli, President

From Our Interim Minister

We had a wonderful gathering of our community on October 19 to share stories and work with our stories to deepen our understanding of them. It is important to continue to share stories about what is meaningful to you about this community, and explore together what those stories say on many levels about who you are. On October 19, we recognized some of the themes that came up in our essential stories. Here are the themes that we identified in the gathering:

tolerance sense of community grounding

justice respect living your faith

leadership mission welcome

service to others empowerment to act encouraging individuality

embracing caring generosity

diversity renewal of commitment courage

questioning racial diversity stories with multiple sides

supportive rituals legacy of leadership

Some of these themes reflected what we believe is true about this community and some of them reflect what we hope for the future of UUCB. Which do you believe are true? Which are yet to be realized? What should be added to the list? These stories and themes reflect core ideas that will inspire our coming exploration of mission. Keep sharing your stories and dreaming your dreams.

See you soon!

Doug

Reverend Doug Wadkins, Interim Minister

Seeking The Spirit

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 Coming Up!

Philosophy vs. Theology: Friends or Foes?

with Dale Nelson

10:00AM-12:00PM, November 8, 15, 22.

Intergenerational Fiber Arts Group

with Paul and Jenae McElwain

Fridays, 4:00-5:30PM, rooms 208 and 210.

Shambhala Meditation

Monday, 12-1PM in the Meeting Room with Sarah Flint

Yoga Philosophy and Practice group

Wednesdays, November 5 and 19, 7-8:30 PM, Library

Spirit Play for Grown-Ups: Exploring Possibility

with Reverend Emily Manvel Leite [email protected] Monday, November 9, 6:30-8:30PM, Fellowship Hall

Stewards of Children: sexual abuse prevention

with Allison Creekmore of Susie's Place Saturday, November 15, 9:30AM-12PM, Library

See complete course descriptions here.

Sunday, November 23rd, 4-6pm

Spirit Dolls

with Wendy Bethel & Rev. Emily Manvel Leite

Room 210

Dolls have been a vital part of religious ritual and human spiritual expression since the beginning of recorded history, yet today we think of them as "just" toys and specifically feminine ones at that. What's the fastest way to take something important and powerful and make it less threatening? Sadly, in our culture, feminizing and infantilizing is usually a good start. Come and learn how to reclaim the sacred power of the doll for yourself and the future by creating your own example. May it be the first of many! Contact the office to register, [email protected], 812-332-3695, ext. 204. Childcare provided.

Call for Course Proposals: Due December 1

Adult Religious Education Winter/Spring 2015

Consider our Congregational Themes! (Integrity, Faith, Resilience, Revelation)

Are you a spiritual seeker, an avid reader, a poet, a parent, an activist?

Do you have an interest you would like to share and explore with other Unitarian Universalists? We encourage you to submit a course proposal to our Adult Religious Education (ARE) Program.

Adult Religious Education would especially love to offer courses reflecting our congregational themes for the coming semester (Integrity, Faith, Resilience, Revelation) We are now accepting proposals for Winter/Spring 2015 classes (January - May 2015). Either a single session or multiple sessions are welcome. Classes with fewer than five sessions preferred. Please go to http://www.uubloomington.org/re/adult/index.php to download a proposal form, or pick up a paper form in the church office, Room 204.

Mail proposals to ARE Chair Carolyn Emmert at 3712 E. St. Remy Drive, Bloomington IN 47401, or emailed to her at [email protected] by December 1st. If you wish to continue a class that is currently or was recently in session, please also confirm this with Carolyn Emmert.

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 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 Possibility help you Seek the Spirit, Build Community, and Change the World?

Our Congregational Themes for the beginning of 2015

January: Integrity February: Faith March: Resilience

April: Revelation

Building Community

Welcome to Our Newest Members

Susan and Doug Gulick

The Gulicks live in Ellettsville, have been married for thirty-six years, and have two children and two grandchildren. Doug retired from software programming and Susan from English teaching. They share love for music--Doug plays the guitar and drums and Susan the piano--and passion for the outdoors, for learning Italian, and, above all, for travelling to Italy where their daughter and grandchildren live.

Jamie Kirkley

Jamie Kirkley has been a Bloomington resident since 1992. A transplant from N.C., she and her husband, Sonny Kirkley, moved here to attend graduate school at IU. Jamie is a writer and a part-time researcher with WisdomTools, Inc., which develops video games to engage children in STEM. However, her favorite job is being the mom of Gigi and Harrison Jack.

Bylaw changes for vote at Congregational Meeting in December

Our Board of Directors, working with others, has compiled a set of proposed changes to the bylaws to promote clarity, better reflect current practices, and streamline church operations. The changes will be brought to the congregation for a vote at the December 14thcongregational meeting. The proposed changes can be found online at http://goo.gl/IldGzt and a printed copy is posted at the Church workroom, Room 204 as well as on the bulletin board in the courtyard entrance. Please take the time to review the changes before the meeting on December 14 at 4:00 p.m. in our Meeting Room.

Learn About Long Term Planning November 12

The Elder Focus Task Force presents Chris Holly, attorney and advocate for the elderly and disabled, on

November 12 at 5:30 pm in the Meeting Room. Chris assists those who anticipate needing long term care, including care at home, navigate the complicated Medicaid application process. Chris is generously offering his expertise for this one hour informational meeting without charge. To learn more about Chris visit: http://medicaidguide.com/id5.htm

Women's Alliance Meets November 6

Please join us Nov. 6 for an update on Middle Way House, a program that serves between 2200 and 2500 survivors of domestic abuse annually, and has been included on a list of six national model domestic violence programs. The program will be presented by Toby Strout, the director of Middle Way since 1987. Brown bag lunch at 11:30, desserts and beverages provided by Anny Wiley and Lee Strickholm, program at 12:00 with short business meeting following. At this meeting we will also start our collection of scarves, hats and gloves for holiday gifts for the current Middle Way guests and their children. These gifts should be brought unwrapped.

UUs for Hire - List Coming Soon

The Elder Focus Task Force has compiled a list of gifted and talented Unitarian Universalists who are available for hire for a variety of useful purposes including Pet Sitting, Home Healthcare, Organizational Skills, Carpentry, Counseling, Sewing Machine repair, Building Construction. We will be posting the list soon, along with a disclaimer form to be signed by both parties when you hire someone on the list. :-)

(This is necessary as a legal protection for the congregation.)

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 mornings in

Room 204. It has a lavender cover.

UU Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar December 5 & 6 !

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it? Dec. 5, 10-7 and Dec. 6, 9-5

Who's in charge? Bazaar Co-chairs: Julie Lawson, [email protected] and Joanne Henriot [email protected]

What is the bazaar?

A major church fundraiser.

A lively community social event.

A great chance to get more involved in the church and meet people.

A tradition begun in 1959 when the women of the church needed funds to send the Rev. Paul Killinger to a conference, so, yes, this year is our 56th consecutive bazaar!

Why is it called an arts fair?

Because it includes a juried show featuring 30 of Bloomington's leading artists in pottery, glass, fiber arts, p

But isn't all that art super expensive?

No. Although many items are costly, one-of-a-kind treasures, almost all of the artisans offer gorgeous items for less than $20.

How big is the bazaar?

The bazaar covers the first floor of the church. Artisans fill the Meeting Room and Commons. Fellowship Hall holds congregation-sponsored booths and caf�. Rooms normally used for child care overflow with books and the unexpected treasures of the White Elephant's Trunk. Our well-known bazaar attracts many from throughout the Bloomington community and beyond. Read more...

How Can You Help?

Volunteer at the Bazaar!

You've heard it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a

village to make a church community. Be part of our village by working at this year's greatest fundraiser - the BAZAAR! You can sell food or chop it (and later stop by and eat it); price items in advance; sell books, white elephant things, baked goods - all the while looking for the special items you'd like to shop for! You'll meet the most wonderful people. We'll need help moving chairs, counting and weighing, packing up, and providing relief to the artisans so they can shop too! Don't wait till the last minute or your most convenient time to help may be taken! Sign ups are in Fellowship Hall between services - you can also email Jess Davis: [email protected] or Ann Kamman: [email protected].

Clickety Clack, Clickety Clack!

That's the sound of knitting needles, crochet hooks, and weavers' shuttles producing scarves, hats, mittens, and slippers to sell at this year's UU Holiday Bazaar. Last year

we were able to raise $1500 for Monroe County United Ministries. Please place your handmade knitted donations in the box in the Commons. Info: Mary Blizzard 333-8957 or [email protected]. Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force

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.

"C" Is For Cookies!

We hope you enjoyed the Preview Cookie Tasting and thanks to all who signed up! We will keep the sign up sheets in Fellowship Hall until the week of the event (Dec. 5th and 6th) Looking through old family recipes or thinking of new ideas is all part of the fun of Bazaar Baking. Our cookie buyers like all shapes and sizes: classics, drop cookies, rolled cut-outs, bars, chips and lots of icing and decorations. Questions, Mary Jo Conley at 988-6130 or email [email protected]. Thank you! The Cookie Walk Committee

Get ready for the Gourmet Galaxy! If you can bake it, can it, cook it, or create it, we would love to have it to sell at this year's Holiday Bazaar. We're looking for breads - both sweet and savory - candy, fudge, biscotti, chocolate covered goodies, canned pickles, and most anything you can think of for the Gourmet Galaxy. We would also love sugar free, gluten free, or vegan goodies. Sign up between services in Fellowship Hall! You can also sign up there to help staff the booth during the Bazaar!

-- 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, November 9, the topic is "Sympathetic Magic?" with the discussion led by Sandy Dolby.

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.

New Pathway for Off-site Parkers

The grounds crew and a bunch of helpers made a new path from the corner of the Bypass up to our west parking area on Saturday, November 1. This will make it easier for us to hike up the hill if we have helpfully parked off-site on Sunday mornings! Many thanks to all who helped, and to Molly O'Donnell and

Rhonda Baird who facilitated the project.

Gratitude Project

Gratitude opens the door to love and takes us out of our ego-centered selves and reminds us we are part of something larger. Members of the Second Sunday Davis-Beauchamp Chalice Circle have created a Mobile Gratitude Cart as an opportunity for the UU community to thank ministers, staff, and volunteers who keep our community operating and vibrant. It will be available on the second Sunday of each month.

Community Connections

Our Faith in Action in the Community

"Rights and Retrospectives: The Civil Rights Act at 50"
Monday, November 10, The Grand Hall, Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center
6-7:30pm, Refreshments provided
This panel discussion features Dionne Danns (School of Education); Bernard Fraga (Political Science);

H. Timothy Lovelace (Maurer School of Law); Jakobi Williams (History and AAADS); and Ellen Wu (History and Asian American Studies). The panelists will reflect on the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts and their legacies in both U.S. and global context.

Yogananda Film November 19

Members of Self Realization Fellowship hope to get 100 people in the Bloomington area to reserve a place at a screening of "Awake" a film about Paramahansa Yogananda on November 19. Here is the link to go to to reserve a space if you are interested: http://gathr.us/screening/9080

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. 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

Author of Corporations Are Not People to Sign Books at Barnes & Noble

3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, at Barnes & Noble bookstore

Jeffrey Clements, former Massachusetts assistant attorney general, will sign copies of the new edition of his book, Corporations Are Not People: Why They Have More Rights Than You Do And What You Can Do About It. Clements, who filed an amicus brief in the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, is co-founder and chair of the board of Free Speech for People, a national non-partisan campaign to overturn Citizens United, challenge excessive corporate power, and strengthen American democracy and republican self-government. -- Patrick Brantlinger, Jobs with Justice Task Force

The Just Peace Task Force invites you to a panel discussion Nov. 11

The topic is 'The U.S. and I.S.I.S.: Is War the Answer?' The discussion will be held in the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium on Tuesday, Nov. 11 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Along with Just Peace, Bloomington Peace Action Coalition and the Bloomington chapter of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom are co-sponsors. Please join us for this discussion.

Macaroni for Shalom!

Our congregation has been supplying Shalom Center with elbow macaroni and spaghetti for the past couple of years and this need continues. Please pick up a box or two of each the next time you grocery shop and place them in the drop box in the Commons. Thank you for helping to feed our hungry neighbors!

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. Performers include Ray Fellman, Scott Hogset, Tom Townsend, Dan Lodge-Rigal, David Sharp, Elias McDermott-Sipe, Glenda Breeden, and Carol Marks.

Double Bag It!

HOLIDAY MIRACLE FOOD BASKETS

C'mon! Admit it! You know you feel warm and fuzzy as you wander up and down the grocery store aisles trying to decide - hummmmm . . . blueberry pancake mix or butter�milk, tuna in water or oil, cranberry sauce smooth or lumpy. Yep! That's because you're buying food to fill a Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM) Food Basket. And once again you have the opportunity to join in the UU annual holiday food drive that shares our many blessings with families who are less fortunate than we are.

Food shortage is an ongoing struggle for MCUM - the demand is up and the supply is down. In fact, to ensure they don't turn any hungry families away, MCUM has been forced to REDUCE the amount of food given to each family from a 5-day supply of food per week to a 3-day supply of food per week.

Please sign up on the Holiday Food Baskets contributors' sheet found in the Commons by the Social Justice table. Grocery lists with careful instructions are placed with the sign up sheet. Be sure to take all the information you will need. Thank you! Read more...

https://www.facebook.com/notes/unitarian-universalist-church-of-bloomington/holiday-baskets-for-monroe-county-united-ministries/794137417312820

Unitarian Universalism in the Wider World--Traveling in 2015?

Join UU's from around the country at either the regional UU Assembly, the national UUA General Assembly, or both! If you are a member of our congregation, you can be a delegate to the Mid-America Regional Conference in Naperville, April 17-19 (http://www.midamericauua.org/) or the national UUA General Assembly June 24-28 in Portland Oregon (http://www.uua.org/ga/). Please contact Iris Kiesling at [email protected] if you are interested.

UU History for You

BELA BARTOK AND HUNGARIAN UNITARIANISM

Bela Bartok (1881-1945) was born in what is now Romania. His father died when he was 7 and his mother, a piano teacher, recognized his early musical aptitude. He began composing when he was 9. His mother made an effort to find teachers for him who could enhance his talent. He adored Dohnanyi when they moved to Budapest, and he became a concert pianist. In 1904 he heard a woman singing folk songs and he began collecting folk music. Although raised Roman Catholic, Bartok described it as "a fairy tale" and he became an atheist. He said "If I ever cross myself it would signify 'in the name of Nature, Art, and Science.'" He taught at the conservatory in Budapest and inspired Kodaly to collect and use folk music in his compositions. He married twice and had a son with each marriage. Bartok first encountered Unitarianism in 1907 while visiting Transylvania and became a Unitarian in 1916. A major figure in 20th century music, he abhorred fascism and refused to perform in Germany or Italy. He came to the US in 1940 and supported himself with commissions including some of his most admired works. In 1943 Bartok developed leukemia and he died in New York City in 1945. After the Cold War, his son Bela, Jr had his body returned to Budapest.

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 Macklin will be away from the office November 3-11. In her absence please contact Reverend Wadkins.

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.

Phone Number Erratum For Rev. Wadkins

The numbers to use to contact Reverend Doug Wadkins are 812-369-4179 (home study number and for pastoral emergencies) or 812-332-3695, ext 207, which is his number at the church. Both these numbers have voicemail so you can leave a message. We inadvertently printed an incorrect phone number for him in the recent directory.

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.

Attendance and Membership

Current Membership: 514 Certified Membership as of 2/1/2014: 492

Attendance

Sunday, October 26 9:15: 108; 11:15: 144; RE: 88 Total: 340

Sunday, November 2 9:15: 114; 11:15 172; RE: 154 Total: 440

Online Livestreaming

10/26/14 9:15 31 11:15 42

Non-Pledge Offering

10/26 - $337; 11/2- $735 Total to be donated to Susie's Place - $268.01

Grocery Card Sales

October 26 $2,025, income to UUCB $101.25

November 2 $1,425, income to UUCB $70.75

Crew of the U.S. Starship UUCB

Office Closed November 11 to Honor Veterans Day

Our church offices will be closed Tuesday, November 11 to honor Veterans Day.

BULLETIN BOARD

WAGNER PROGRAM NOV. 9 "I love Richard Wagner," 3:00 pm on Sun Nov 9, Monroe Library Auditorium. Presenters will be Velda Kaune, Lecturer, and Guest Artist, Roy Samuelsen. Dedicated to the late Prof. Dr. Ulrich Weisstein, the program will include The Flying Dutchman and Tristan and Isolde.

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! Our facebook page also has scads of useful information: www.facebook.com/uubloomington

Next issue, Monday, November 17. Deadline for articles about congregational events and projects is 10 a.m. on 11/17/14, to Carol Marks at [email protected]

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