Perspectives for April 2025

Choosing to Live Generously

“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” - Pablo Neruda

There is so much about the times we are living in that make me want to shrink back and hide. I often find myself on a bit of an emotional roller coaster – moving between days when the warmth of the sun lifts my spirit and I feel rooted, clear headed, and ready for the day and what may come. There are other days when I feel despair and fear. As April arrives, and Spring begins to show the signs of its abundance of colors and birds, of life and beauty, I am thinking about how to keep my spirit oriented to generosity, and oriented to hope.

Rebecca Solnit writes, “Every minute of every hour of every day you are making the world, just as you are making yourself, and you might as well do it with generosity and kindness and style.” Her words remind me that it is important we don’t believe all is lost. Doing so is another way of conceding in advance. Each day, we do make the world, with how we show up to our friends, our neighbors, and strangers in our communities. When we bring generosity of spirit, of care, of kindness, of hope and commitment we make a difference, not just in the lives of others but in our own life. It’s another way we keep being an affirming flame for love and justice, human rights and democracy in our communities.

It is another way that we help “Love Bloom Here” in our congregation and in our own lives. It is a radical act, in the midst of dangerous times, to continue showing up with your heart and your hope. It is also a way of inspiring it in others.

- Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, Lead Minister

revsfg@uubloomington.org

Musical opportunities for upcoming services!

All Ages String Orchestra

All Ages String Orchestra will play a multi-skill-level arrangement of Ode to Joy for our Easter Service (April 20).

Any and all string players are invited to participate!

Please contact Sue Swaney if you are interested: music@uubloomington.org

Schedule:

• Sunday, April 13 - in between first & second service from 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in Room 103
• Thursday, April 17 – 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. in the Meeting Room
• Perform Sunday, April 20 in the 10:30, service (it’s a one-service day)

Family Choir

Family Choir will perform two numbers from Malcolm Dalglish’s wonderful Hymnody of Earth. There are opportunities to sing and to dance with scarves.

Schedule:

• Thursday, April 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room
• Saturday, April 26 – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room
• Perform Sunday, April 27 (at one or both services)

- Susan Swaney, Director of Music

music@uubloomington.org

Embracing Generosity

Reflecting on this month's theme of generosity, particularly as we enter into our annual pledge drive, I've considered what it truly means to be generous. Beyond Sunday services, our faith compels us to action: to strengthen our community, champion social justice, and build a more just world. Many of us express our generosity through active participation, sharing our time and talents, and through financial contributions, all essential for sustaining our community during these challenging times.

Living our Unitarian Universalist values means actively engaging in social justice as we work to dismantle systems of oppression and anti-democratic policies.

Our pledge drive is a chance for our generosity to fuel social justice. Our pledges enable us to host educational programs on pressing social issues, support community outreach initiatives, and amplify voices advocating for change.

Understanding generosity goes beyond financial pledges; it's recognizing the diverse ways we contribute to our community. It's about acknowledging that our time, talents, and active participation are equally vital. Consider how you can extend your involvement beyond Sunday services. Is it through sharing your skills in religious education, offering hospitality, or singing in the choir? Generosity means actively supporting those in need, engaging in congregational decisions, and lending your voice to our shared vision. It involves participating in social justice initiatives and local service projects, demonstrating our values in action. Furthermore, generosity is a journey of lifelong giving and compassionate connection, enriching both ourselves and our community. By embracing these multifaceted forms of generosity, we will enhance our vibrant community, and continue to grow together.

Take a moment to reflect on the diverse ways your unique gifts can contribute to our community, whether through sharing your time, offering your talents, or providing financial support. Remember, all forms of generous giving are valuable and interconnected.. As we enter the pledge drive, please know that your financial generosity is a vital cornerstone in sustaining our vision and allowing us to continue our important work together.

In closing, we celebrate the strength of our community, built on our diverse contributions. Our generosity enriches us all, empowering our work for justice and love. Please consider how generously you can support our shared vision.

- Regina DiLavore, Board Secretary

Pathways to Engagement at UUCB:

Panel Presentation and Discussion on Saturday, April 19

Register using this link.

Ever look at active UUCB members and wonder how and when they got so involved? You might be surprised at their individual pathways to engagement in UU activities. Come listen to a panel of active members to learn more about the different ways you, too, might engage in the life of this church. Everyone started out here as a newcomer and an observer. So, come hear some unique stories so you can build your own pathway here at UUCB. There will be an opportunity for small group discussions.

Who? All are welcome (and childcare will be provided)

When? Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (with coffee at 9:30 a.m.)

Where? Fellowship Hall

Organized by members of the Leadership Cultivation Committee: Glenda Breeden, Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, Linda Pickle, Carol McCord, Daniel Reed, Kathleen Sideli and Anabel Watson

Green Sanctuary Task Force Congregational Survey

Take the survey here by clicking this link!

The Green Sanctuary Task Force on Global Climate Change has created a short survey for members and friends to take between now and Earth Day, April 22. The survey takes about five minutes. Your anonymous responses will help us to (1) judge how effective our past work has been in reducing our collective impact on global climate change and (2) set priorities for our work in the future.

Whether you have just started attending UUCB services or have been a member for 50+ years, your responses matter! Please use this link to complete the survey at your earliest convenience.

Green Sanctuary members will be in Fellowship Hall after each service on April 6, 13, and 20 to answer questions. We’ll also have iPads and laptops for people to take the survey right then if they prefer. We will share the results during the Earth Day service on April 27.

• Molly O’Donnell, co-chair of the Green Sanctuary Task Force

On Saturday, April 5, many folks at UUCB are joining the Hands Off! National Day of Action to stand up for our democracy with nonviolent protests planned in Washington, D.C., and cities and towns across the country. A group of us at UCCB are organizing a carpool and caravan to the Indianapolis action that is scheduled from 12-4pm outside the Statehouse. All ages are welcome. Note from the organizers: "A core principle behind Hands Off! is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values."

To join the UUCB carpool and caravan (as a driver or rider), please arrive at UUCB by 11am on Saturday, April 5, and meet at the playground entrance. There's no need to RSVP or to tell us ahead of time if you need a ride. Some cars will stay the full four hours. Others will return earlier. If you have questions or want to talk through specific ways that we can support you or others to participate, please contact a member of our April 5 caravan team, including Dee Morris (get in touch with this contact form) or Emma Crossen (get in touch with this contact form). If you won't be joining the caravan but will be at the action in Indy and want to connect with other UUCB folks there, please email Emma Crossen your phone number using this contact form to stay in touch on the ground. And, please check the UUCB Friday Update next week on April 4 for any last minute updates.

Seder Service on Sunday, April 13 in Fellowship Hall!

Register to attend using this link.

The Passover Seder Service is a ritual meal and retelling of the story of Moses and how he led the Jews out of slavery in Egypt. This story celebrates freedom, aspirations, miracles, wise leadership, and the earth's spring rebirth. This is an event for the whole family and the community. You do not need to be Jewish or a member of the congregation to attend. All are welcome. The Seder includes several traditional foods like Matzoh, Charoset, bitter herbs and boiled eggs. The dinner will follow with roast chicken, a vegetarian entree, matzoh ball soup, redbud salad and other Passover treats. The event begins at 5 p.m. with food served around 6 p.m. Join us for this memorable event (not Kosher) by registering using this link to sign up. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children. Use this registration link to sign up to help with setup (3 p.m.), Food preparation and serving (3 p.m.) and cleanup (8 p.m.). Information will be available in Fellowship Hall on March 30 and April 6. Contact Dan Wiseman using this form or Ruellen Fessenbecker using this form (food).

Safety Training for Sunday Volunteers and Leaders

On Saturday, April 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Safety Team will be conducting a building walkthrough for Sunday Volunteers and Leaders. The walkthrough will be throughout the entire UUCB building and grounds with the intention of helping volunteers and leaders locate safety items such as first aid kits, fire extinguishers, AED’s, etc. We will also be reviewing the evacuation procedures (in case of fire) or shelter-in-place procedures (in case of tornados) and what the volunteers’ and leaders' roles would be in case of emergency. Sunday volunteers of any position, but particularly Worship Associates, Welcomers/Greeters, and RE Teachers are encouraged to attend. Contact Matt Stonecipher using this contact form for more information.

We continue to hold the Marks family - including Carol Marks, and Dylan Marks (who works as our sexton) in our thoughts and prayers. Carol’s mom, Dylan’s grandmother - Margaret Hill passed away on Friday afternoon, March 14. She was 90 years old and her health had been declining in the last weeks and months. May the Marks family feel the love and support of this community during this time of grief. To view Margaret’s obituary, click the following link: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/nashville-in/margaret-hill-12285380

Service Times: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Special Service Time - April 20 at 10:30 a.m.

Current Member Number: 469

February Attendance

02/02/2025 - 370

02/09/2025 - 350

02/16/2025 - 161 (first service cancelled due to inclement weather)

02/23/2025 - 369

Offertory Total: $6,239.98