MAM's Musings

            JOY! As I said in the pulpit last Sunday, it was a delight to have Jim Key, the Moderator of the Unitarian Universalist Association, visit us last weekend.  Although he arrived without boots to a snowy landscape, he weathered his time with us well, visiting with members, friends, staff and leaders of the congregation.   I appreciated Jim's powerful story about how he arrived to Unitarian Universalism and his call to us as liberal religious seekers to pursue generative thinking as we go forward. 

            SORROW!  As I said in the pulpit this Sunday, it may be illogical for me to mourn a fictional character, but alas, my/our beloved Spock, of Star Trek fame, died last week.  Well, in reality the beloved actor Leonard Nimoy died, may he rest in peace.  

For me, Spock represented that imperative rational side of our Unitarian heritage while Kirk represented the heart of Universalism.   Star Trek itself, through the creative genius of Gene Roddenberry (a cousin of Ledford Carter, a late member of our congregation) used the setting of outer space to tackle controversial issues of the time in a manner that flew under the radar of television sensors.  The first interracial kiss on television occurred on Star Trek. 

           There also was that Vulcan hand symbol for Live Long and Prosper.   Leonard Nimoy would later reveal that this hand signal came from his Jewish heritage.  As a recent article stated, "As a curious young boy at synagogue, Nimoy recalled peeking from under his father's talit as the priests blessed the congregation. He described what he saw as "magical."  Years later, while filming an episode of Star Trek, the first with other Vulcans, he suggested a special greeting--and it stuck. "It's great," he said, "people don't realise they're blessing each other."

           See this video to hear Nimoy describe the origin of the Vulcan hand blessing

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11410229&ref=rss 

May you all be blessed!

Live Long and Prosper!

The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin

Senior Minister

Youth Program Update

           It has been a busy time in our youth programs recently.

           The high school youth spent much of January and February planning the Youth Sunday service.  Like so many members of the congregation, I was moved and uplifted by their storytelling, thoughtful remarks, and original musical offerings.  In early February, the ninth graders and their mentors also began working on credo writing and made chalices together as part of their nine-month Coming of Age program.  

            Meanwhile, the middle school youth are just completing their last month of Our Whole Lives, a sexuality education program for youth that models and teaches caring, compassion, respect, and justice.  Their wonderful teachers, Eve and Sam Cusack and Connie and Guy Loftman, along with many guests, have provided an abundance of useful and thought-provoking information over 20+ weeks.  The middle schoolers also invited middle schoolers from around the region to a mini-conference hosted here at UUCB this past Friday, and really enjoyed meeting fellow UUs of their own age.  

            Some of our youth have an exciting upcoming plan to travel to Washington D.C. over spring break.  They are going with fellow members of ICEY (Interfaith Community of Environmentalist Youth) from other local congregations to attend an advocacy training on climate change run by the Friends Committee on National Legislation.  They look forward to using this training to lobby our senators and Congressional representative or their staff while they are in D.C., and to sharing what they have learned when they return to Bloomington.

             Yesterday, we had a thoughtful meeting addressing the sources of our youth programming after Reverend Mary Ann Macklin's sermon calling us to resilience in the face of prejudice and injustice.  It was a privilege to be in a room with people sharing with such honesty and integrity.  Many thanks to so many of you for braving the snow to come share thoughts, concerns, and hopes regarding future plans for our youth.  The ContinUUing Connections group and Youth Committee will be reflecting upon what was shared and continue to welcome further thoughts if you were unable to attend or have more you would like to share.

With warm regards, and hopes for springtime's arrival,

Emily

The Reverend Emily Manvel Leite

Minister of Religious Education  

UU Seder, Saturday, April 4

The UU Seder will be held  Saturday April 4 at 6:00 p.m. This meal and retelling of the Exodus story will be led by Reverend Emily Manvel Leite. The meal will be traditional, but not Kosher. Omnivore, vegetarian and vegan choices will be available. A planning meeting for the Seder will be held soon. Please come help us plan the ceremony and menu for this Seder meal. Contact Ruellen Fessenbecker for questions:  [email protected]  or call 812-837-9550.

Our Folks...

Play Your Part -- 

a Testimonial by Abby Downey

    I moved to Bloomington with my husband, Jim, after retirement eight years ago. Feeling disconnected from the community, I searched for ways to be involved.  Having never belonged to a church, that avenue was not immediately apparent to me.  However, I did play tennis!  And you know where the IU tennis center is located.  

    Week after week, I drove past that unusual structure perched on the hill across the street and wondered. "What is a Unitarian-Universalist?"  So, one day, all sweaty  and drippy with tennis racquet in hand, I stopped and rang the bell.  Judy Bennett opened the door and took the time to show me around.  But mostly, she graciously answered questions.  I ask lots of questions!  Her answers were to my liking, so we gave these UU's a try the very next Sunday.  

    I do not even remember the message that first Sunday, but it was delivered by Mary Ann and it moved me to tears. When she ended the pastoral moment with "Blessed Be, Amen, Shalom, Salaam",  I knew I had found my community.  In addition, Theodore Barker moved me to laughter!!!  Laughter and tears all in the same service!  How cool is that?

     My favorite church activity is the Ramadan/Iftaar celebration held in conjunction the local mosque.  It is such a special opportunity to meet and greet Muslims from around the world.  Those beautiful, happy faces are in such stark contrast to the evening news broadcasts.  As I watch the evening news, a habit I should discontinue, I find myself thinking, "If the message of universal love and acceptance found at the door of our church could be sprinkled lightly around the world, the news broadcast would be dedicated to the weather, of course, and happy puppies gleefully greeting their masters." 

    At the end of the most recent Ramadan/Iftaar  dinner, a man approached me and introduced himself saying he was a visiting professor from Egypt.  He said, and I quote precisely, "Thank you so much for this evening.  When I go back to Egypt in five months, I am going to tell everyone about these Unitarians.  Why have I never heard of you all before?"  He grinned broadly and shook my hand!  

     For all of these beautiful experiences, Jim and I pledge to support this liberal, religious community.

Women's Alliance Thursday, March 5 - Program on Girls, Inc.

Join us for our March 5 Women's Alliance meeting featuring a presentation on Girls, Inc.  Their mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold through programs and activities on self-reliance, life skills,  leadership, sports and health.  We socialize at 11:30 Thursday, March 5, in  Fellowship Hall with a brown bag lunch with desserts and beverages provided by hosts Linda Pickle and Doris Wittenburg, followed by our program and a short business meeting.

UU Children's Choir Returns - Rehearse March 8

 Any Kg-6th grade singers welcome!

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March 8, Rehearse 10:30-11am, Room 212

(No rehearsal March 15)

March 22, Rehearse 10:30-11am, Room 212

March 22 Spring Equinox Service, 6:15pm: (Sing in service)

Questions or info about future schedule: [email protected]

Parent Talk - Parents of Adult Children Meets March 8

Parent Talk meets to discuss the challenges of parenting our adult children.  Topics include keeping in touch, job and education difficulties, sibling issues.  We often relate our discussion to the monthly ministry theme.  This group is open to all parents of adult children. Please join us on the second Sundays of odd numbered months at 12:30 p.m. at the church,  in Room 207B. Next meeting is March 8.  Info:  Ruellen Fessenbecker   [email protected] or 812-837-9550  

Board meeting on March 11

The Board meeting in February, normally on the third Wednesday, will be on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00pm in the Library. As always, it is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Greetings From the Leadership Cultivation Committee!

     This year we have the following members reaching the end of their current elected terms: Von Welch, Board Vice President; Arzetta Hults-Losensky, Board Treasurer; Doug Cauble and Deb Hutton, Board Directors At-Large; Joanne Wilhelm, Special Purpose Funds Committee; and Allison Chopra, Leadership Cultivation Committee. With the exception of Allison on the Leadership Cultivation Committee, these incumbents are all eligible and able to serve again. Given our congregation's current state of transition, we on the LCC believe our congregation is best served by re-electing these incumbents, leaving just the LCC position to be filled. A job description for the LCC can be found at http://goo.gl/GhP3aK .

     Read more here.
 

Goods and Services Auction Sunday, May 17 -- 

Save the Date! 

Our UU Annual Goods and Services Auction will be Sunday, May 17. Save the Date! Join us for a modestly priced lunch after 2nd service on May 17th and stay for the live auction called by our own Darrell Breeden; registration begins at 1:30 and bidding starts at 2:00! Don't miss this lively and entertaining congregational fundraiser! Contact Martha Foster or Earon Davis for more info. Childcare provided during the auction.  

Small Time Investment, Big Impact

If you have some time on the occasional Friday afternoon from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m., we would love to have help here in the office, with getting our order of service assembled for Sunday. Here's a groovy google doc where you can sign up for a couple of Fridays. Questions? Call Monica Overman at 812-332-3695, ext. 204.

Hospitality for Those with Allergies

As a courtesy to our friends and members who have allergies to fragrances, we are designating the west section of the Meeting Room (next to the sliding glass doors and tall narrow windows) as Fragrance Free. Please do not sit there if you have used any fragrances.  Anyone else is welcome to sit in this area.  Thank you for your consideration. 

Save the Date: Saturday, April 11!

Spring Building and Grounds Workday 

     We'll be working on caring for existing plantings and beds, expanding plantings around the base of trees, creating a veggie garden for R.E. programs, and having lots of fun! If you have extra bulbs, corms or tubers to share, we'd love to include them in the planting spaces: gladiolas, iris, dahlias, daylilies, hostas, bleeding hearts, or other perennials are all welcome. Please contact Rhonda Baird, [email protected] to let us know you are coming or if you have questions. 

Help with the Monroe County Energy Challenge

    Please spread the word among your friends and neighbors about the Monroe County Energy Challenge! (Our community's entry for the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize.) We have adapted the Task of the Month, originally developed for Earth Care by UUCB member Stephanie Kimball, for community-wide use. And thanks to some grants and donations, the Energy Challenge has resources to help those who haven't been able to accomplish tasks in the past. 

    The March Task of the Month is to find and seal air leaks in your home. The information sheet can be downloaded from the Energy Challenge website: http://mocoenergychallenge.org 

Need help with some of these tasks?  More info here.

Rainbow Rights Task Force on Religious Freedom Bills

There are two religious freedom based bills which remain active this legislative session.  Both of these bills passed the senate and are moving to the house.  If passed, Gov. Pence will almost surely sign them into law.  Please contact your representative and tell them your thoughts regarding these legislative efforts. 

                SB 101 Religious Freedom Restoration

                http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/senate/101 

                SB 127 Religious Exemption

                http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/senate/127   

       Click here for summaries of the content of these bills.

       The definition of "exercise of religion" in SB 101 is extremely broad.  Thus, almost any assertion could stand.  The reason this bill targets LGB and to a slightly lesser extent T people is that sexual orientation is not a protected class like race, gender, ethnicity, national origin and religion. 

       Passing SB 127 could result in a single person getting fired if she becomes pregnant.  A person could be fired for getting married to a same sex person.  A person could get fired for getting a divorce.  A person could get fired for doing something that is legal but in contradiction to the tenants of the religious organization.  Doesn't this go too far?  --Phil Cooper, Rainbow Rights Task Force

25% Sunday Non-Pledge Plate Recipient for 2015-16

Social Justice Funds Committee Invites Nominations Starting March 1

     The application form for nominating our next local non-profit agency to receive 25% of Sunday non-pledge plate collections (July 2015-June 2016) will be available March 1. The application deadline will be April 1st. The Social Justice Funds Committee will choose three nominee finalists for the congregation to vote on at the spring congregational meeting on June 7th. Our contributions to the current recipient, Susie's Place, total $4,897 in the first two fiscal quarters (with 2 more quarters to go!) The total donated to the Circles Initiative, last year's recipient, was $10,277! Which local non-profit agency should be our next recipient?

      Those who submit applications must be able to meet the following obligations: (1) contact the agency you support to gather the information necessary to complete the application. If among the finalists chosen you will need to (2) provide 200 word written information on the agency to be published in the Prologue; (3) arrange for written materials to be available at the church throughout May, and (4) give a brief 3-minute presentation during both services on Sunday, June 7th, including an overview of the organization and an explanation of how the funds will be spent. The agency will also be tabling between services on June 7th.

     Watch for further information from the Social Justice Funds Committee. Contact Millie Jackson, SJFC Chair, at [email protected] with any questions.

     The Social Justice Funds Committee: Jana Anna, Anna Beauchamp, Millie Jackson, Steve Mascari and Ellen Tamura. Co-Advisors: Jackie Hall and the Reverend Douglas Wadkins.  

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!   

Pregnancy Options Workshop March 23

Backline will be facilitating a 2 hour Pregnancy Options Workshop on Monday March 23rd from 530pm-730pm here in our Fellowship Hall. The workshop is free but registration is required.  People can sign up here Pregnancy Options Workshop https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pregnancy-options-workshop-bloomington-tickets-15374615890 and this link is publicly sharable on FB, twitter and email. Light refreshments are being generously provided by the UU Reproductive Justice Task Force. Read more here.

Women Build for Habitat is May 15

     We are again recruiting for a 35-member Women Build team to build on Friday, May 15. Any woman is welcome to join who can donate or fund-raise at least $250. If you can't build, you can donate to help sponsor a woman. Contact Barb Berggoetz, at [email protected]. The community-wide Women Build constructs two homes and contributes funds to Habitat in El Salvador.
     To provide financial support for women, the task force is sponsoring a Women Build fundraising Breakfast on Easter Sunday, April 5.  We can use baked goods donations. Contact Barb or Connie Nelson-Laird at [email protected].
      The task force also plans to contribute $8,750 to sponsor one day of a build in Aug/Sept. We need 25 people to build (no cost to participate). Contact Barb or Connie.
     Over the holidays, we gave $2,000 for "wish list" items for Habitat and the ReStore. Funds purchased a portable house heater, a generator and ladder for Habitat, and many tools and supplies for the ReStore. Photo shows the ReStore shopping spree at Lowe's with Marci Becker, Habitat construction manager (back), and Nick Wheeler (left) from the ReStore, and a Lowe's employee.

Doug Cauble Nominated for MidAmerica Board

Doug Cauble, a member of our Board of Directors who also serves on the MidAmerica UU Regional Board of Directors, has been nominated to serve a three-year term on the Region's board, from 2015-2018. Thanks, Doug, for all your good work for Unitarian Universalism, both here and in our region.