Perspectives for May 2024

Dedication of Babies and Young Children

A ceremony of dedication of babies and young children will be included in our Sunday morning worship service on Mother’s Day, May 12, on request. In this ceremony, children are named and blessed, parents dedicate themselves to the young lives entrusted to them, and the congregation dedicates itself to be a loving community in which all may thrive. This ceremony is appropriate for infants as well as young children who may be new to the congregation or have not previously been dedicated. Parents who would like their children to be included in this ceremony are asked to contact Rev. Connie Grant at grant@uublooomington.org by May 8.

Congratulations!

Congratulations on calling Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray to be your settled Lead Minister, to begin August 1. Exciting times are ahead for UUCB!
I have begun interviewing for my next position, and it’s possible that by May 15 I’ll know where I’m going when I leave Bloomington.
Through July 31 I’ll continue to be your Interim Lead Minister, and I’m available to you through the usual methods.
In faith and hope,
-Reverend Connie Grant, Interim Lead Minister

Amanda Waye, our Director of Administration, is going on maternity leave starting tomorrow May 2, 2024. Her last day in the office is today, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Amanda will be unavailable for 2 weeks, from May 2 - May 16. During this time, please contact Jo Bowman, the Communications Coordinator, with any concerns or questions, at office@uubloomington.org or 812-332-3695. They will be able to help congregants with needs such as scheduling, pledging, building access, and more. Jo’s office hours during this time are as follows:

Sunday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Monday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Thursday/Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The office will be closed on Tuesdays.

From May 17 - June 28, Amanda will be working from home from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and will be contactable via email at admin@uubloomington.org. During this time, Amanda will not be in the office, so refer to Jo’s hours as the standing office hours. Starting July 1, Amanda will be splitting time between the office and home for an undetermined amount of time.

From Amanda: Thanks so much to all of you for the well wishes and kind words! See you all soon!!

As you know, at UUCB we rely on volunteer teachers to provide most of our religious education programming for children, youth and adults. These volunteers are a tremendous asset to the congregation; I hope you will join me on May 12 – Teacher Appreciation Day – in expressing your appreciation for their time and dedication, skills, and knowledge that they share on Sunday mornings and throughout the week.

One of my tasks for this year has been to demystify the process of becoming a volunteer teacher at UUCB. Some of the process I’m about to describe is new: as we move from the post-pandemic scramble to provide basic services toward a more intentional, comprehensive religious education program, new procedures and plans have been needed. This is part of an overall system reboot that is designed to be more transparent and resilient, and to build the capacity for growth.

So, how do you become a volunteer teacher? The first step is to let me know that you are interested. We’ll have a conversation about your strengths and interests, age preferences, availability, and so on. If you’ll be working with children or youth, you’ll need to fill out a volunteer application and give consent for a background check. Those who will help with our Sunday programming (Spirit Play, Kids’ Club, middle school, or youth group) will attend a teacher training in August where you’ll learn about our policies and procedures regarding safety, administrative tasks, etc.; you’ll also have a chance to review the curriculum and/or class processes, learn about the developmental stages of the relevant age group, meet with your teaching team, and establish a schedule. Spirit Play teachers attend an additional training to learn the particulars of that approach to religious education. As a volunteer, you determine the extent of your commitment: the number of Sundays you’re able to help, as well as the amount of time (if any) you can devote to preparation.

In order to facilitate Our Whole Lives (OWL) sexuality education, you must complete a rigorous training and receive certification for a particular age-based program. These trainings are offered periodically online and also in person at various locations around the country. Our trained OWL facilitators meet annually (typically in May) to work out who will teach what in the following church/school year.

If you have an idea for an Adult Religious Education program, there is a form you may fill out on our website where you are invited to describe your idea, whether it is a program you would like to offer or something you hope that someone else will facilitate. Our Adult Religious Education Development Team will review all submissions, then work out a prospectus that includes a variety of offerings addressing each of our core areas.

Another way you can support our religious education program is by joining our Religious Education Development Team, either focusing on Adult or Children/Youth programming. These teams help set the program goals, review plans, recruit teachers, promote offerings, evaluate the program, and assist with special projects and events. Please contact me if you think this might be a good fit for you.

This month, our regular programming for 2023-24 will be wrapping up. Summer Spirit Play will begin in June and continue through August. Elementary and middle school kids will have special summer programming from June through August, highlighting outdoor explorations and other activities. Youth group will meet a couple of times for special events in June and July, then resume regular meetings in August. Of course, ALL these plans depend upon the availability of volunteer teachers! If you are able to commit to leading even one Sunday’s class this summer, please let me know as soon as possible.

Again, please take a moment to thank the wonderful teachers that have made our programs possible in this past year. Their names are listed below.

With gratitude,
Stephanie

Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

kimball@uubloomington.org

2023-24 Religious Education Volunteer Teachers/Facilitators

I am surprised if I go to the gym, farmers’ market, Bloomingfoods, or to a large performance without seeing a fellow UUCB community member. I lead a weekly walk at Bryan Park which several congregants attend; I regularly attend meditation, choral, and juggling groups, all with other UUCB participants. I feel that this community nourishes from within and acts as a catalyst for a thriving community in the broader Bloomington area.

Nourishing from within correlates with many of the themes of the UU Association of Membership Professionals Annual Pro-Days conference which I attended in Naperville, Illinois in mid-April. This year’s conference, entitled “Leading with Love: Shared Ministry & Adaptive Leadership,” included a keynote presentation by the reverends mandi huizenga and Roger Bertschausen. They emphasized that the members of a congregation, including lay leaders and volunteers, are active and essential participants in the ministry of the community. According to Rev. Sana Saeed, referenced in the presentation, shared ministry means that “people are working together to support ministries of the congregation along with the minister.” I see this happening in our congregation and encourage anyone looking to further engagement or facilitation of UUCB activities to do so. Please reach out to me or to other designated staff to get involved. I feel that our congregational life is made up of the efforts and passions of its individuals. In this way, the reverends mandi and Roger also emphasized the idea of ownership over citizenship within a congregational community–having an active role in the community.

The presenters also offered the idea of the “church” as the “ethical challenger of the state,” particularly when it comes to “challenging the status quo.” As a graduate of a Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies program and former participant with many nonprofits dedicated to social change and restorative justice, this idea feels particularly salient to me. I see congregants from UUCB doing the work at organizations around Bloomington (and beyond) and am excited about what our congregation will, amidst big changes, continue to do to challenge the status quo in the U.S. Again, if you would like to further engage, to perhaps share in the ministry of ethically challenging the status quo, please reach out. Information on how to engage with our thriving and active Social Justice Task Forces can be found at our website HERE.

So, thank you to all in the UUCB community for your active roles in creating a thriving congregation and promoting change. Whether you are a member, a non-member participant, or someone discerning how engaged you would like to be, you are welcome in this community. I am available for conversations if you would like to work through ways to be involved. Just email me at connect@uubloomington.org and request to schedule a Connections Chat. I can also send out a packet with information on our current activities or provide a general orientation on Unitarian Universalism and/or this church in particular. I hope to help equip you with connections that can help you find a meaningful place from which to actively engage. If you are discerning whether to become an official member, I also welcome you to reach out to me and to participate in the next Exploring the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington course, on June 9 & 16 (please register here).

With gratitude,

Anabel Watson

Connections Coordinator

connect@uubloomington.org

Following Jeff Stone's resignation as Custodian, Dylan Marks, who grew up in the church, has been hired as Sexton. His primary duties will be room set-ups for services and other events. To request a set-up, please use the Event Set-Up Request form in Room 204 (the office) or email Jo at office@uubloomington.org

C.J. Waye has been employed to provide cleaning services.

Wait – was Fuchs Library ever closed? Well, no, it wasn’t – but we’re having a Grand Opening anyway because we have a lot of changes to introduce!

First, our children/youth collections are now housed in the same room as our adult collection in Room 206. Second, we have now entered both collections in our online library catalog, which you can browse from home (or anywhere). Third, in order to check out books you’ll need an account and a UUCB Library Card! Stop by the table in Fellowship Hall this Sunday (May 5) to get yours.

The library will be open for browsing, returning and checking out books, and signing up for library cards most Sundays during Community Hour (approximately 11:15 a.m.to 12:00 p.m.).

Song leader extraordinaire Pam Blevins-Hinkle is coming to lead a singing workshop on Saturday, May 18, and everyone is invited! Specializing in participatory, easy-to-learn, social justice-inspired singing, Pam leads the Song Squad in Indianapolis.

The event starts at 3:30 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m., with a potluck in the middle.

Let’s raise the roof!

-Susan Swaney, Director of Music

Please join us in honoring Dr. Susan Swaney on May 26, 2024, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Sue has served as Music Director of UUCB for 32 years, longer than any other staff member of UUCB has served. If you are able, please bring a pie to share, sweet or savory. Beverages will be provided. Please contact Connie Loftman using this form to let her know what kind of pie you will bring and any questions you may have.

As part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of UUCB, the 45th anniversary of our choir, and the 32nd anniversary of Sue’s leadership, we are suggesting that financial contributions may be made to the Sue Swaney Composition Fund. The Fund has existed for many years and has funded original compositions for the choir, many of which honored deceased UUCB choir members.

-Connie Loftman

Saturday, June 8 10am - 12pm please register here.

Did you know that the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothes ends up in landfill sites every second? And that the manufacture of clothing contributes to rising greenhouse gas emissions, water shortages, and microplastic pollution? On top of that, the fashion industry is notorious for underpaid labor, child labor, and brutal working conditions.

For almost twenty years, the Green Sanctuary Task Force (recently, in partnership with Lifespan Religious Education) has been hosting bi-annual Clothing Swaps to counter this problem. Here’s the idea: bring your clean, wearable, unwanted clothing, and then “shop” for items you can use. If you don’t have time to clean out your closets, that’s ok – there’s no expectation that anyone will necessarily contribute the same amount as they take away. The idea is simply to get in the habit of looking for secondhand clothing instead of buying new, and making items you no longer need available to others. No money is exchanged.

Are you looking to join the official membership of UUCB? If so, register here for the Exploring the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington two-part course occurring on June 9 and 16, 2-4 p.m. in the church library. All participants will have the opportunity to attend a Membership Book Signing on the Sunday following the culmination of the course. If you have been curious about membership or have wanted to dive more deeply into Unitarian Universalism and the history of UUCB in particular, you are welcome to take this class and discern whether membership feels right to you. Topics will include: the UU Principles, role of the UU minister, the history of Unitarian Universalism and this church (including a building tour!), how to get involved, what it means to be a member, and much more. Becoming an official member is a personal decision involving many factors; and we would love to welcome you into UUCB membership if it feels like a good fit!

Everyone ages 14+ is welcome. Snacks provided!

Questions? Email Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator, at connect@uubloomington.org.

On July 3-7, 2024, our church will host MUUSA (Midwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Assembly), with campers coming from all over the Midwest. It will feature a wide range of workshops and activities for children, middle schoolers, high schoolers, young adults, and not-so-young adults, running from early morning to late evening. You can find out about registration fees by going to muusa.org. Click on Cost Calculator under Camp Information. An application for scholarship is also on the website.

Meyer (junior high), Burt (high school), and Young Adults (YA) will have dedicated space in McNutt Dormitory at IU for residential programming. Most adult programs and Morning Celebrations will be at the church. Many of us who live near the church will commute from our homes, but overnight options are available. See Housing Options, under Camp Information, on the website.

For more information on MUUSA, view this pdf.

We will need oodles of helpers to make MUUSA happen: greet campers; help campers find their way around the building and grounds; prepare, serve, and clean up after meals; among many other tasks. Helping out will be a great way to connect with fellow UUCBers and to meet UUs from other churches. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Jane McLeod at using this form.

We are registering to participate in Bloomington’s annual 4th of July Parade! While we won’t have a boat float this year, we plan to embody the same enthusiasm as we represent UUCB to the broader community. If you are interested in participating, please register here so that we have a rough estimate of our group size.

We will reach out to those registered to gather folks who might be interested in planning. Questions? Contact Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator, at connect@uubloomington.org.

Farewell from your Ministerial Search Committee! We thank you for your support, your participation in the search process, and your trust in us. We also thank the UUCB staff and board, Reverend Grant, the UUA Transitions Office, UUA Regional Staff, Women Writing for a Change for hosting some of our meetings, and everyone who helped host events during Candidating Week.

We are delighted in the congregation’s decision to call Revered Susan Frederick-Gray and see a bright future for UUCB.

With gratitude, your Ministerial Search Committee: Ann, Christine, Denise, Mary Beth, Michael, Olaya, and Von

What a wonderful congregational meeting we had on Sunday April 28th! We have many reasons to rejoice in the unanimous vote by 274 members of our congregation to call Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray as Lead Minister of UUCB. Her time with us promises to be one of strong, inspired, and inspiring leadership.

We still have a few months before Reverend Susan joins us to begin the shared journey we have agreed upon. Some of the preparation is work for the Board; finalizing the proposed operational budget for the next fiscal year, for example, is an especially important task we face. Everyone in whose life UUCB has a special place has a role as well. The Board trusts that the congregation, given the strong support that our vote for Reverend Susan's ministry indicated, will be particularly generous with its time, energy and resources in the coming year. The hopes and dreams that any organization holds require support of many kinds, including funding, to be fully achieved. Let's do our best to prepare a strong foundation for this new chapter in our congregational life.

Reverend Susan will be busy herself with preparations. She needs time to settle into a new home and community before entering upon the many obligations of being the UUCB Lead Minister. Until August 1 Reverend Connie Grant will continue as our Lead Minister. Before then it is inappropriate for any of us to contact Reverend Frederick-Gray with questions, requests, pastoral care needs, or even with friendly greetings and offers of assistance. A team has been designated to help in the ways she wishes. If you have any questions regarding this interim period or Reverend Susan's approaching ministry, please direct them to Reverend Connie or a member of the Board.

-Linda Pickle, At Large Board Member

Voting in congregational meetings, as members did this last Sunday to call Rev. Susan Fredrick-Gray, is one of the core responsibilities of membership in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington. Members are the people who determine the path forward for this church.

In the last few months the staff at UUCB has gone through our membership roll to determine who is actually a member using the criteria set forth in our amended bylaws (https://www.uubloomington.org/documents/339/UUCB-Bylaws-October-22-2023.pdf) adopted October 22, 2023. Members who have not made a pledge of financial commitment (or received an exception) in the last year were contacted by email, letter, and by phone call to see if they wished to remain on the membership roll. Some chose to stay members, others have moved on, either physically or spiritually, and have removed themselves. Some did not respond in any way, and they have also been removed.

Going forward the staff will conduct an annual review of the membership rolls in July. Members who have not made a pledge for the following year, or spoken to the minister for an exception, will be contacted in July via email, letter, and phone call to see if they wish to remain a member. Those who decline, or who do not respond in any way will be removed from membership.

Members who made a pledge for the previous calendar year but have not fulfilled the pledge by June 30 of that year will also be contacted.

Having an accurate understanding of who is a member of this church allows us to create effective programming, construct an appropriate budget, and conduct congregational meetings to further the life of this community.

-Abby Gitlitz, Congregational President

Building and raising house walls. Installing siding. Making lunch for builders. Serving as a build site host. Working at the ReStore or in Habitat’s office. Joining or donating to the UU Women Build team. Helping with fundraisers at UU.

These are some of the many ways UU Congregants can support efforts of the Habitat Task Force in helping Habitat for Humanity provide more affordable, decent housing – a significant and persistent problem in Monroe County.

During the month of May, the Habitat Task Force is hosting a fundraiser lunch, holding a call-out meeting for builders and volunteers, educating congregants about local housing needs, recruiting for two Habitat builds, conducting a snack-packing activity, selling outdoor benches and tabling in Fellowship Hall.

Habitat for Humanity’s unique role in the community creates a way for local people to afford purchasing homes through the assistance of volunteer builders, including UU congregants and UU & friends Women+ Build teams, and partner groups, such as businesses, nonprofits and churches. For more than 20 years, our task force has recruited many UUers to participate in builds, helped bring together three interfaith builds, organized Women Build teams annually, and raised thousands of dollars, with the help of UU congregants, for construction costs, building equipment and supplies and other needs.

HOW YOU CAN HELP AND LEARN ABOUT HABITAT AND HOUSING

• Enjoy our Italian Feast fundraiser lunch after the service on May 5 in Fellowship Hall. A take-out option is available. All food is donated by task force members and UU supporters.
• Attend the May 19 call-out meeting for anyone – especially first-time builders – to learn what happens on a build site, what work you could do, and how to sign up. A Habitat representative and volunteer will make a presentation and answer questions. The meeting will be in Room 103 from 11:30 a.m. to about 1 p.m.
• Register for a special build day for UU congregants on Sat., June 29, at Habitat’s growing Osage Place neighborhood. No experience is necessary. Crew leaders will instruct you. Register at the May 19 meeting or by contacting Barb Berggoetz using this form.
• Join the UU & friends Women+ Build team on Wed., Sept. 4, the first day of this three-week community build. Our 35-member team will build and raise outside walls. Learn more about this build at the May 19 meeting. Donate funds to help women meet the $300 minimum donation needed to participate (no other builds require a donation).
• Find out other ways, such as being a site host, lunch provider and office worker, to help Habitat for Humanity at the May 19 meeting.
• Attend our monthly task force meetings, usually on the first Sunday of the month, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at UUCB, announced monthly.
• Read more about the task force’s accomplishments and activities at: https://uucb.churchcenter.com/groups/changing-the-world/habitat-for-humanity-task-force
• To learn more about the local Habitat for Humanity, visit its site at: www.monroecountyhabitat.org.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Habitat’s impact has been felt throughout the community since its inception. Habitat provides a lower-barrier opportunity for families to purchase a home, often serving first-time homebuyers. In doing so, the program provides adults and children with safe, affordable places to live and thrive. Habitat says the program builds strength, stability, self-reliance and provides shelter, and the only thing it gives away is an opportunity.

In a broad sense, Habitat helps stabilize and grow communities and even creates new neighborhoods. Habitat has completed two neighborhoods, housing 80 families, between 2008 and 2022. Its third neighborhood, 12-acre Osage Place, is under construction on the southwest side of town near the intersection of Rockport Road and Rogers Street. So far, 11 of 30 planned homes in the first phase of development have been completed there, with several more under construction or starting later this year. Infrastructure work for the second half will develop the land for 39 more homes and will begin in 2024. This emerging community will be built out for years to come and will make a major impact on the availability of affordable, decent homes in Bloomington.

HABITAT’S FOCUS ON GREEN, SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES

Habitat builds high-quality, air-tight homes that lead to affordable energy costs and healthy indoor living environments. The goal is not just affordability during construction, but throughout the life cycle of each home. Sustainable building practices not only keep costs down for homeowners, but also leads to lower utility usages and minimizes the effects of air pollution in our community.

Low-income families often pay the price for inadequate insulation, poor building practices and maintenance and inefficient fixtures through high utility costs and negative health impacts. In addition to offering affordable mortgages, Habitat in Monroe County builds social equity by utilizing green sustainable building practices that improve access to affordable utilities.

Given this focus on good energy practices, the task force has applied for funding for energy-related expenses to be funded by UU’s 25% Sunday Plate funds for 2024-25. We are one of three finalists in the running to be the recipient of these funds. We are proposing the funds be used for:

• Solar panel installation and labor costs (installation of conduit from home electrical panels to roofs) on existing and new homes.
• Home energy monitoring systems installation expenses to show homeowners inefficiencies that can increase energy bills and provide suggestions to take advantage of off-peak energy rates.
• Radon exposure testing in Habitat housing required starting this year under federal regulations.

By supporting additional energy-efficient building practices for Habitat homes, UU would help build social equity among low- and very low-income households in Monroe County. Before building with Habitat, many families face high rental costs, coupled with substandard living conditions that lead to high utility usage and costs. Habitat strives to provide a more equitable, low-barrier pathway to homeownership and the benefits associated with it.

The Habitat Task Force also has committed to donate $10,000 this fall that it has raised over about 2 ½ years. This additional donation, plus Sunday Plate contributions, would make an even larger impact on funding building costs and important energy-savings expenses for Osage Place homes.

The need for more affordable housing in Monroe County continues to grow. Our county is consistently named as one of the least affordable places to live in Indiana. Habitat now has 20 families, comprising 70 people, including 41 children, who are working toward homeownership. The process takes an average of 18 months. As Habitat continues building 8 to 10 homes yearly, it plans to accept new applicants by the end of 2024 to begin their homeownership paths in 2025.

The Habitat Task Force, which has about 12 members, welcomes new members of all ages to participate at any level possible for them. You can attend meetings, plan activities and fundraisers and/or focus on participating in Habitat builds.

-Barb Berggoetz

The Social Justice Funds Committee is happy to announce the nominations for the 25% plate funds for 2024-25.

They are:

Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County: To support Osage Place neighborhood home construction and long-term energy sustainability, specifically solar panel installation and labor costs, energy monitoring system installation costs, and radon exposure testing. Nominated by Barb Bereggoetz

Special Olympics Indiana Monroe County: to give those with Special Needs the ability to participate in the Special Olympics. Nominated by Cindy Brandes

CJAM The Community Justice and Mediation Center – to support the Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program, to provide opportunities for advanced mediation training, to develop a new volunteer program, to support volunteer outreach and recruitment efforts. Nominated by Mary Mahern

Stand by for more information about each agency coming in May. Voting will take place June 9 at the congregational meeting.

Social Justice Funds Committee: Denise Ogren, Steve Mascara, Sandy Davoren, Scott Sanders, Sarah Kopper

UU-RISE Educational Event and Refugee Support Fundraiser

May 19th, 3 -4:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room

The Wreck of the Asylum System

Guest Speaker: Christie Popp, IU professor and immigration lawyer.

Hear stories and music about the experiences of our neighbors who have worked to get to America. Additional contributors to the program include Sylvia McNair, RSN board member and musical ensemble, Cloud 7.

Donations will be accepted for Bloomington Refugee Support Network, an all-volunteer 501C3 organization dedicated to helping individuals and families who have fled violence in their home countries and are working to restart their lives in Bloomington.

The link for the livestream will be distributed via this group list when it is available. That message will also include instructions on how to donate online.

-Jenny Vessels

May Task of the Month

The May Task of the Month flier suggests ways to “shift your ride.” When possible, share a ride, take a bus, bike, or walk. Many of us are able to work or meet remotely, even to keep in touch with far-away friends and family. But when you need to drive, combine trips, use GPS to find the most efficient route, and follow the illustrated tips for driving more efficiently. (These can help even if you drive an EV, a plug-in hybrid EV or a hybrid car.)

What about visiting family who live over 2,000 miles away? Flying economy, on newer, medium-sized jets, and flying direct would reduce the impact of our air travel. Eliminating unnecessary trips reduces our carbon footprint. Remember to talk about your decisions on these issues!

FYI: Our social justice webpage now includes all the Task of the Month fliers (except December’s, as we await the election results).

As I write this on Earth Day, I want to add a thanks to all who helped make our Earth Fair a success!

-Molly O'Donnell

Current Member Number: 445

Attendance-

04/07/2024: 242

04/14/2024: 204

04/21/2024: 369

04/28/2024: 374

Offering Total for March 2024: $3,542.55

25% Donated to All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center: $885.63