October Event Highlights
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October 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
When did Unitarian and Universalist ideas first crop up? What happened to the people who promoted those ideas? How has the faith changed over the years? Learn answers to these questions and much, much more by attending Stuart Yoak’s one-day workshop on Saturday, October 7. (You can visit the Clothing Swap during the lunch break!) (Note: This class will be repeated on February 3, 2024.)
Fall Clothing Swap
Saturday, October 7, 12 - 2 p.m.
If you’re wondering whether the semi-annual Clothing Swap is for you, the answer is YES!
There will be items for children, men, AND women – though the quantities, sizes and styles will depend on who shows up and what they bring. Swapping is a great way to refresh your wardrobe, or find items for your fast-growing kids. Everything is free, so you can even try out things you’re not completely sure about, knowing you can “return” them to the next swap in a few months. Leftovers will be donated to local charities.
After hearing from many people who had regular Saturday morning commitments, we are experimenting with a new time: noon to 2 p.m. You can come anytime between those hours, but it’s best to arrive 30 minutes before the end (1:30 pm) so that any items you bring will have a chance to be seen by others who might be able to use them. We’ll pack up promptly at 2 p.m, and always need volunteers to help deliver leftovers. Boxes and sturdy bags are always appreciated as well.
Why do we do this? As people who have been participating for the past 15+ years can tell you, it’s a fun community event that encourages people to clean out their closets and provides an opportunity for everyone to pick up free clothing. What’s not to love? But here’s the bigger reason: We know that producing, shipping, and selling clothing comes with a significant carbon footprint. We know that many items available in stores and online are produced in sweatshops, sometimes by children. Meanwhile, so much clothing is discarded in this country that it ends up in landfills. By swapping the clothing we no longer need, we can begin to opt out of this system, and stop supporting these injustices with our dollars. The more we get in the habit of exchanging items instead of always buying new, the more impact we’ll have. Moving away from our assumed roles as consumers takes effort and intention – but come to the Clothing Swap and see that it’s also fun and rewarding!
SO, what should you bring? Any clean, wearable article of clothing: shirts, pants, jackets, formalwear, Halloween costumes, gloves, hats, shoes, socks, belts, pajamas, accessories, sweaters, etc. All sizes, styles, colors, and fabrics are welcome. You may also bring household items, but please be aware that leftovers need to be carried and transported by volunteers at the end of the swap – so, no furniture, TVs, computers, etc. (If you have things like that to give away, feel free to bring a sign with a description and your contact information; perhaps you’ll find a taker!) And if you happen to have cardboard boxes ready for recycling, bring your items in those so that we’ll have containers for packing leftovers.
See you Saturday at the Swap!
2023 Faith in Place Green Team Summit Watch Party
“Bridging the Divide: Intersectionality in Environmentalism” Keynote address by Leah Thomas
Sunday, October 8, 6 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
When you hear “Climate Change” do you feel overwhelmed or hopeless?
Join our Green Sanctuary Task Force on Sunday, October 8 in Fellowship Hall to watch the livestream of the keynote address for the 2023 Faith in Place Green Team Summit. The talk, “Bridging the Divide: Intersectionality in Environmentalism” is by Leah Thomas, author of The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet. Members of Earth Care and Bloomington Multifaith Alliance have been invited to attend. The talk begins at 6:00 PM. Courtyard doors will open at 5:45 PM. To register, please go to: https://www.greenteamsummit.org/register-2023 and scroll down to select the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington. Together, we can make a difference! Questions? Email Molly O’Donnell, mollysod@gmail.com.
Announcing Parents’ Night Out!
Friday, October 20, 5 - 9 p.m.
This Fall, the Religious Education Support Staff is offering a monthly Parents’ Night Out (PNO) on an experimental basis. If there is sufficient interest and the events go well, we will continue into the spring and add some Parents’ Day Out dates as well!
Parents may drop off their child(ren) at 5pm, and must pick them up by 9pm. Staff will provide activities that may include games, crafts, movies, stories, and more. Please pack a sack dinner with foods your child is likely to eat. Suggested donation is $40 per child (less for siblings). Note that when you register, it will appear that the set cost is $40; however, you may enter a different amount. Children ages 3-12 are welcome; if you would like your infant or toddler to participate, please discuss this with Stephanie to ensure adequate staffing.
Possible future PNO dates include November 10, and December 15; a Parents’ Day Out is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 9, from 1-5 p.m.
Advance registration is required to secure your spot!
Questions? Contact Stephanie Kimball (kimball@uubloomington.org)
Emma’s Revolution: Justice in the Heartland Concert
Friday, October 27, 7 p.m.
UUCB Meeting Room
We are so excited to be hosting Emma’s Revolution as part of their midwest tour this fall! This songwriting duo from Oakland, California has been inspiring audiences with their music for twenty years. They are especially known for their social justice themes, so it’s fitting that our Social Justice Circle is organizing this event as a fundraiser for their important work. Let’s pack our Meeting Room on the 27th! Purchase tickets here, or in person during Community Hour after services this month.
Not familiar with Emma’s Revolution? Check them out on Spotify, on YouTube, or on their website. Here are some staff favorites!
Our House is On Fire (Stephanie)
Keep on Moving Forward (Hans)
Swimming to the Other Side (Connie)
Pumpkin Decorating
Sunday, October 29, 11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the season by joining in our pumpkin decorating event during Community Hour after the service on October 29! Bring your pumpkin, or use one of ours (while supplies last). Pumpkin carving stations will be available for those with the time (and stamina) to create a jack-o-lantern. Paint, markers, and all kinds of embellishments will be provided to help you create your unique fall decoration. If you’d like to volunteer to help on the 29th, please contact Stephanie (kimball@uubloomington.org).