Connections: Community Updates
Two Sundays ago, I shared a reflection from the pulpit about the transformative role that religio-spiritual communities have played in my own life and my sense of belonging. I highlighted the nourishing impact I felt from the welcoming-ness of these communities and their desire to help me understand and participate in their traditions. At UUCB, I similarly hope to encourage and facilitate opportunities for folks to learn more, explore what belonging looks like, and contribute personal skills in meaningful ways.
It’s been rewarding to organize and facilitate classes and activities, with many wonderful volunteers, that help folks learn about Unitarian Universalism and our community in particular. Last month’s Young Adult Pizza Gathering saw 16 folks (including two staff) sharing in conversation together. We had a lively and diverse group of young adults including folks who had grown up in other UU congregations; current members and congregants introduced friends to UUCB through the event; and others curious about our religious tradition came on their own. We discussed our congregation’s 8 Principles, shared about our religious life journeys, and got to know one another and the church. Save the date - the next Pizza Gathering is scheduled for November 12. I hope you will come (if you are between the ages of 18-35) or help spread the word – we will soon have posters to pick up and you can share the Facebook event!
Last month, we also wrapped up the first Exploring UUCB class of the church year. This deep dive into Unitarian Universalism and the activities, workings, and history of UUCB allows folks a deep learning opportunity and also prompts introspection into the idea of belonging. Many folks, though not all, attend this class as they contemplate membership and explore what they are seeking in a spiritual home. They might ask, do I want to belong to a larger religious community? Or, how do I see religion playing a part in my identity? Many attendees of the Exploring UUCB course have historically come with complex prior relationships with other religious traditions and seek to explore Unitarian Universalism, and membership therein, with care, intentionality, and a deep deliberation. Though not as deep a dive, the New to UU class I offer every first Sunday of the month prompts similar introspection and discussion as folks learn more about our community and tradition and contemplate it as a part of their life. I want to thank each individual who has taken the time to participate in these courses, attendees and facilitators alike. It has been a rewarding experience to grow in community together!
Lastly, I want to touch on the Building Community fair happening Sunday, October 8 after the service in Fellowship Hall. Our community is full of dozens of groups providing vibrant opportunities to get to know other congregants and contribute our skills in meaningful ways. Positioned after the recent Religious Education and before our Social Justice involvement fairs, this fair will focus on social and volunteer groups and those groups providing structural support to the community. I encourage you to attend and engage in conversation with folks about what is happening in our community. If you have a need to be more active, more social, or more intellectually stimulated, you just might find a group that fills this need–and, you might leave on Sunday with plans to join an activity you had never contemplated before!
As we enter into this new month together, I look forward to continued connection and nurturing of our thriving community.
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
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Introducing our Newest Members!
Anabel also facilitates our Membership Book Signings. Here are bios of the two most recent people to sign the book, on October 1. A warm welcome to new members Jim Strange and Valerie Elliott:
Jim Strange
I moved quite frequently as a child until we settled down in New Whiteland in 1972. I attended IUPUI while working full-time at a Kroger to earn my BSEE from Purdue. Never fear. I’ve been a Hoosier fan all my life. I worked as a technical writer at a laser manufacturer. I worked on guidance systems for the Navy. I worked very briefly for BMG—the company which swallowed up RCA Records--supporting the record club. I have worked for over 25 years at Elevance Health. (Formerly known as BCBS, Wellpoint and most recently Anthem.) I currently work in computer security and governance. I enjoy building guitars the old fashioned way with hand tools, and I’m an avid reader. I guess it’s fate that I married a librarian. My wife Val Elliott and I are avid travelers.
Valerie Elliott
I’m a born and bred SW Hoosier girl growing up just an hour away from Bloomington. My BA in print journalism is from UE, and my MLS is from IUB. I worked in the Music Room at the Indianapolis Central Library. After 35 years, Indianapolis was too crowded. I like to send handwritten cards and letters and pursue genealogy research. I’ve discovered an ancestor who died during a stunt at the Universal Studios lots. He is said to haunt the lots and is known as the Giggling Ghost.