Perspectives for May 2025

During May, we will be exploring the theme of wisdom and growth. It is a fitting theme for Unitarian Universalists as we embrace life as a journey and faith as something that can grow and change and deepen throughout our lives. The Hebrew poet and philosopher, Solomon ibn Gabriol, says, “We are wise only while in search of wisdom; when we imagine we have attained it, we are fools.” This reminds us there is a natural connection between seeking wisdom and being open to ongoing learning, growth, and discovery. This month, we will explore this theme as we reflect on broadening our perspective while parenting and protecting what we value in difficult times, and learning from our history.

We also celebrate a big anniversary in our tradition this month. May 26, 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the chartering of the American Unitarian Association! The Universalist side of our tradition is slightly older. The organization that would become the Universalist Church of America established in 1791. And in 1961, these two traditions merged to form the Unitarian Universalist Association of which UUCB is a proud member.

In honor of the 200th anniversary of the American Unitarian Association, the UU World has been sharing articles highlighting some important moments in our history.

In this first one, Rev. Ethan Loewi shares how the Iowa Sisterhood, a small group of dedicated women Unitarian ministers in the 1800s, spread the gospel of their liberal faith throughout the Great Plains, while also experiencing discrimination within our tradition.

This next article offers the explanation from Egbert Ethelred Brown, who founded the Harlem Unitarian Church in 1920, tells us why he became a Unitarian minister despite the challenges he faced as a Black man.

These stories reveal the complexity of our faith as one full of trailblazers and how many of our trailblazers faced obstacles and even scorn within our tradition. It reminds us how important it is to understand our history, learn from it, and keep cultivating an openness to growth, learning and wisdom within our tradition today.

Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, Lead Minister

revsfg@uubloomington.org

At this time of year, we can’t escape noticing how things grow every time we look outside: abundant sunlight, warmth, and rain trigger seeds to sprout, sap to move, and buds to open. Sometimes growth occurs even in sub-optimal conditions; other times, everything can seem just right and yet a seed fails to sprout or a sapling fails to thrive.

Similarly, spiritual learning and growth cannot be forced. I believe the best we can do is create conditions conducive to growth and the emergence of wisdom, and then wait and allow things to unfold as they will. What conditions? First, the space. Maybe a physical space, but more likely carving out time and attention. Creating an opening for awareness, listening, making connections. Setting down other obligations, letting go of worries, taking a break from the go-go-go tendencies of daily life. Sometimes then we need input – a reading, a song, a question, or an experience. Maybe that’s enough. But often, experiencing and processing that input in community makes all the difference – learning others’ perspectives can be like spiritual fertilizer, boosting your growth, wisdom, and understanding. Often, in addition, we then need time. And maybe some sleep.

What is it that you need now, in order to grow and thrive?

Religious Education at UUCB offers opportunities for growth for people of all ages and stages, interests and abilities, backgrounds and learning styles. We even try to accommodate different schedules and availability – whether you can commit to a semester-long adventure, or a 1-hour workshop, we strive to have something for everyone. This past year, adults had opportunities to explore spiritual practices through 1-hour workshops on Sundays, and through Saturday art workshops last fall; there were classes on dreamwork, UU history, money management, and coming to terms with your religious past. There was a 12-week course exploring topics in sexuality for adults. There was an opportunity to work on one’s own writing in community with others, and there is ongoing work learning about the history as well as the present-day situation of Indigenous peoples.

Our Sunday morning religious education classes hold space for children and youth as well as the adults who work with them to explore themes and topics important to Unitarian Universalists. In addition, our 7th-8th graders continue through mid-May with their Our Whole Lives sexuality education, and several of our high school youth completed their Coming of Age program.

One thing that fascinates me about spiritual growth is that just about anything can spur it. In January, our youth explored the theme of intention through such varied activities as mending, dancing, planting, juggling, playing games, learning embroidery, making snacks, and more. Anything we do can be an opportunity for reflection, especially when we do it in community so that other people’s perspectives and experiences challenge our habitual thoughts and patterns.

This month, I want to hear from you. What kind of educational experiences are you looking forward to next year? Are there topics you would like to explore, books you’d like to read and discuss, or questions you’d like to ask? What formats appeal to you – Sunday afternoon workshops, weeknight classes? In person, on Zoom, or hybrid? Or are you looking for asynchronous, self-paced explorations? Do you like writing, discussing, or both? Books or movies?

I also want to hear from you about the gifts and interests you could share with others. For this summer, I’m looking for adults who can co-lead one-time classes with our children and youth in a variety of activities, such as cooking, outdoor activities, life skills, storytelling, music, puppets, art, spiritual practices, yoga, and more. If you have an idea for an activity you would like to do with children or youth, please let me know!

May we take in the abundance of springtime, nurturing wisdom and growth in ourselves and each other.

Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education

kimball@uubloomington.org

This month’s theme of Growth and Wisdom tangibly resonates with me as I continue to process my past month plus a little more. On March 17th, I drove toward Asheville to attend the annual Finding Our Way Home conference for BIPOC religious professionals of the UU tradition (more on this transformative experience later). Upon returning the following week, I tested positive for COVID and subsequently spent a little over two weeks quarantining in my apartment, the longest amount of time I may have ever spent alone.

Once I accepted the reality that I would have to cancel some eagerly anticipated plans–including the installation of Rev. Susan, which I joyfully watched via livestream–and once I overcame the first several days when my Covid symptoms were most severe, I noticed an unanticipatedly healing slowness and ability to enjoy and be present prompted by this singular focus on getting better. Without social events to go to, I enjoyed my own company while reading books. I enjoyed the dynamic weather, the sunlight streaming through windows, and the budding flowers and trees outside. I made peace with noisy neighbors and delighted in their happiness. I took time by myself. I rested. I thought about who I am. I developed a tenacious determination to get well. I learned to clean and wash dishes without unneeded stress—I just did it. I did my taxes without worrying too much. I eventually felt that, though life will not be perfect, if we stay with it in the present and enjoy what we can, we can make the most of it.

A large part of my ability to truly rest was also facilitated by the incredible community of caring and generous individuals in Bloomington. Many friends, from UUCB and elsewhere, stopped by with food, my prescriptions, and other supplies while I was sick. Allowing the care of others into my life during those few weeks reminded me that life can be so much gentler, more supportive, and more intertwined than our culture might so often lead us to believe. Whereas I often feel the need to prioritize my survival, if I only allow the generosity of the community of which I am a part to care when care is needed, I can relax and remember what it is to enjoy, to take time, and to therefore allow myself to get well.

I think this community care is so essential. And I don’t think it juxtaposes with one’s ability to be alone. I wonder if, maybe, when we support the wellbeing of others, it gives those people the space to be more fully present and grounded. I certainly experienced this at Finding our Way Home. Amidst the frustration and anxiety of this moment in history, this conference felt like a pilgrimage to a holy place, and indeed it was! Surrounded each day by over a hundred and twenty religious professionals sharing the lived experience of being people of color, a great many of whom were ministers or who work for the UUA, was a truly supportive, affirming, and communal experience. I remarked to folks that I had rarely been in spaces with people who shared so much in common with me, from our line of work to our shared values and lived experiences. The palpable care and dedication in this space–as well as the workshops, talks, and services held–reinvigorated my resonance with Unitarian Universalism and my conviction in the impact that it has on society. I left the conference feeling much more grounded amidst the chaos of the moment, despite coming down with Covid.

To tie things together, connecting with my BIPOC identity–and increasingly thinking about my queer identity as well–and engaging with the receiving end of community care allowed me the space and time to connect with myself in a more authentic and present way. I hope to be more intentional about how much time I spend alone or with others, how much of that time with others is spent in affirming environments that resonate, and what I can do to best support others through community care.

Thanks for reading through my month’s journey with me!

Membership and Orientation Classes

New to UU: May 11, 2025

If you are newly attending UUCB, I hope you will join me to learn more about Unitarian Universalist values, our ongoing and current activities, engage in an (optional) building tour, and have the chance to get to know others visiting. I will answer folks’ questions, along with a volunteer who will share about our numerous opportunities to engage with social justice in the community. This class is approximately 45-minutes and occurs at 10:30am between services. All are invited with no registration necessary. Please feel free to email with any questions to connect@uubloomington.org. Those unable to attend or interested in further discussion are welcome to schedule an in-person or virtual Connections Chat with me during the week.

Exploring UUCB Membership Class: May 4 and 18, 2025 (sign up here!)

For those looking to dive a bit deeper, the Exploring UUCB course, also known as the Membership Class, is upcoming on May 4th and 18th. This two-day course is a prerequisite to joining official membership at UUCB and is also an excellent learning opportunity for those newer congregants to build upon the condensed information presented in the New to UU class. We cover UUCB and UU history, the topics of ministry, governance, and membership, current activities and involvement opportunities, UU values, and so much more. Participants have the opportunity to sign the Membership Book, officially marking their affinity to Unitarian Universalism and commitment to this community. It is an engaging class with long-time members as facilitators and guest speakers and an opportunity for meaningful connection amongst participants. Whether you are hoping to become a member, looking to learn more about this community, or both, I welcome you to sign up. This two-day class occurs 3-4 times a year. So, if you are unable to make this spring offering, keep an eye out for upcoming dates. Please register HERE or reach out to me for more information at connect@uubloomington.org.

Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator

connect@uubloomington.org

QR codes (like the one we project every week for the offertory) can be extremely convenient and useful. They can be scanned by almost any device with a camera, providing an easy way to access a website on a mobile device. This ease of use, though, makes QR codes a prime avenue for scammers and hackers to fool you into giving them information. In previous Tech Talks articles, I've advised close scrutiny of links you click on. The same caution should also be used when scanning a QR code - but how?

Since you can't read QR codes with your eyes, it can be more difficult to tell whether one is safe or not. If you read Tech Talks back in March of last year, you may remember that a good strategy out on the open internet is to hover over links before clicking on them. A similar technique is usually possible for QR codes.

If you use an iPhone, the built-in camera app does a good job of showing you the website a QR code will lead you to - note the yellow button at the bottom indicating that this QR code will go to something on churchcenter.com. This particular example happens to be the offertory QR code, so that makes sense.

On Android, it's harder for me to give a specific description, as Android devices are incredibly inconsistent between manufacturers. Most Android phones either have a similar interface to iPhones, or a separate QR code scanner mode. If your device doesn't have a way to see where a QR code leads before opening it, I recommend the free app Binary Eye. It's super fast and shows you all the info about whatever you scanned before you open anything. The green button on the lower right of the second screenshot will open the QR code in your web browser.

Once you know what website the QR code is sending you to, you can use that information to make an informed decision about whether or not to go there. Here are some tips:

1. Do you recognize the site? For example, QR codes at UUCB usually go to uubloomington.org or uucb.churchcenter.com (or perhaps other organizations that we're promoting). If you're scanning a code from a flyer, does the QR code link you to the organization that created it?
   
   It's fairly common practice to print both a QR code and the text representation of the link close together, so look around and make sure you're going to the right place.
2. If the QR code links you to a shortened URL (bit.ly or similar), be careful. Services such as bit.ly which shorten URLs are, in themselves, legitimate, but it's easy to hide malicious links by shortening them. Proceed with caution and read the eventual URL in your web browser before interacting with the page.
3. Once you get to a website, watch out for odd requests. For example, QR codes are frequently used in restaurants as an easy way to show a copy of the menu on your phone. If the restaurant's menu is asking for your name and email address before you can see what food is available, that's a cue to at least make sure you're in the right place.

Here are two example QR codes. If you have a moment, get out your phone and scan them to try out these methods of deciding which one to trust!

Additionally, scammers have been known to engage in blatant tactics such as taping a malicious QR code over the original legitimate one, especially on signs in public places. Before you scan, make sure the QR code looks like it was included wherever it is intentionally.

QR codes, like many innovations to do with the internet, are both convenient and fraught with potential danger. I hope this article allows you to take advantage of the useful parts while avoiding some of the malicious behavior.

As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to send me an email via hkelson@uubloomington.org. Thanks for reading!

Hans Kelson, Technology Coordinator

hkelson@uubloomington.org

Last spring, the Board adopted a policy that regularizes our annual planning. At the beginning of each fiscal year, in collaboration with the Lead Minister, we establish annual goals and, toward the end of the year, we assess our progress toward achieving them.

One of our primary goals for the year resonates with May’s theme of growth and wisdom: “Nurture the congregation as we grow and change.” Our three subgoals were: bring a joyful, welcoming, and open-hearted spirit to our work as a Board; move forward with courage and a willingness to take risks; and identify key hopes of where and how the congregation wants to grow and foster a sense of common purpose. Overall, we evaluated ourselves as more successful in achieving the first two subgoals than the third. Our Board meetings have been fun and fulfilling, we have allowed ourselves to take risks, and we feel excited about the work that lies ahead.

We have not yet focused our energies on hearing from all of you about your hopes for the future of our congregation: how we can continue to grow and serve each other, our local community, and the larger world. We plan to devote much of our effort next year (beginning in July 2025) to these discussions, drawing from your individual and collective wisdom to consider whether to change our name, to revisit our congregational covenant, and to craft a mission statement that represents who we are and who we want to be as a community, in this time, in this place. I hope that you will join with us as we learn and grow together.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the importance of our pledge drive to supporting this work. Aligning our budget with our needs will allow us to move into this year of discernment, with firm and stable support for our basic operations, so that we can vision boldly and creatively and grow as a community into the work we set for ourselves. If you have not yet renewed your membership by submitting your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible so that we can start the joyful work of planning our collective future.

Jane McLeod, President

pres@uubloomington.org

The Habitat Task Force has some exciting plans for May and the rest of 2025 that we hope will spark new interest and expand participation in our efforts to help provide more affordable, decent and energy-efficient homes in Monroe County.

During the month of May, we are hosting a fundraiser brunch on May 18, recruiting for our UU & Friends Women+ Build team and for a May 17 build day, and tabling in Fellowship Hall after services. We already have filled a May 31 build day and conducted a snack packing activity on May 3 to provide snacks for builders.

Currently, Habitat is developing its third neighborhood, called Osage Place, on the southwest side near the intersection of Rockport Road and Rogers Street. This emerging community will be built out for years to come and will make a major impact on the availability of affordable homes – a significant and persistent problem here. The 12-acre area now includes 13 finished homes, with five additional homes under construction in the first construction phase that will ultimately have 30 homes. Phase two infrastructure began last August and will accommodate another 39 homes.

Proceeds from our Habitat Brunch: Supporting Women+ Build will be used to help team members reach the $300 minimum required to build on our team’s day, Sept. 17, in Osage Place. The brunch will be between services and after the 2nd service. Please enjoy casseroles, pancakes, quiches, fruit, and baked goods to help our team financially support homes for two local families. Twelve teams from the Bloomington community are raising $240,000 for construction costs and building homes in that neighborhood, alongside the future homeowners. You can sign up to provide food or volunteer for the brunch by clicking this link.

We are actively recruiting more women to join our Women+ Build team. It is a wonderful community-wide build that brings together more than 300 women. We will paint walls and finish installing siding. To register, click here!

Habitat for Humanity has reserved two other build days for any UUers over 16 years old on May 17 and May 31. We are building a fully handicapped-accessible home for local resident Samantha Walker. With financial help from the UU congregation, last fall the task force donated $10,000 to help sponsor her home. We've already filled openings for May 31, but a few remain for May 17. Volunteers do not contribute funds to build homes, other than for the Women+ Builds. Building experience isn't necessary.

To build on May 17, register at this link.

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 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 contributed thousands of dollars, with the help of UU congregants, for construction costs, building equipment, supplies, and other needs. This fiscal year, Habitat for Humanity was approved by the congregation to be the recipient of 25% of the Sunday Plate funds. Money is being used to provide solar panel installation and radon testing in Habitat homes.

Habitat has made a consistent and significant impact on housing over the last 36 years since it was created in Monroe County. It has housed more than 863 people, including 493 children. Currently, it is building an average of eight to 10 homes each year and currently has 14 families in its program. Through the work of thousands of volunteers and community partners, Habitat has built 233 homes.

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.

The task force meets most months of the year, usually the first Sunday, between services and after the second service when UU switches to one service. We welcome new members and encourage UU congregants to participate in any way that fits their schedules, whether it’s participating in builds, fundraisers or other activities.

We thank the congregation for its long and consistent support of our task force and of Habitat for Humanity. The need for affordable housing is only increasing and the cost of construction continues to grow. To learn more about the local Habitat for Humanity, visit www.monroecountyhabitat.org.

Contact task force chairperson, Barb Berggoetz, using this contact form for more information or questions.

During a recent hour-long zoom meeting with a handful of other lay leaders of large UU congregations, information was shared about UUA resources on political protest and collective action. Here at UUCB, members of an emerging democracy task force are already engaging with these resources to support our congregation’s participation in pro-democracy actions, including the recent protests in Bloomington and Indianapolis on April 5 and 19. Here are some of the resources available to us all:

Side with Love is the organizing strategy team of the UUA. Among their offerings are The Gathering, a monthly virtual event to offer spiritual grounding, political analysis, and collective action. All are welcome to register to join the next event on May 12 and view recordings of previous gatherings at https://sidewithlove.org/the-gathering

UUA source on taking collective action: "Risk Courage and Discernment: Spiritual Preparation for Collective Action," from UU Reverend Elizabeth Nguyen:

https://www.uua.org/leaderlab/prep-collective-action

UUA Resilience Hub has resources on safety, leadership, congregational organizing, protecting democracy, protecting communities and cultivating moral imagination:

https://www.uua.org/safe/community-resilience

UUA site about protests for staff and lay leaders/Board members (requires permission to access):

https://secure.everyaction.com/0TGYJBT1o0iLz-Axe4T0wQ2

We hope that some of you will take advantage of these resources individually and also with your friends, and stay tuned for more about the work of our emerging democracy task force at UUCB. Together we are stronger than we are apart!

Linda Pickle, Board Vice President

When I was a teen, the most asked question was "what are you majoring in?" I knew I wanted to study music, but I also had a snarky answer that I used with certain people. I would respond: "I want to major in Sagacity. That way I will either be a sage or an ass." Snarkiness aside, I was indeed inspired by the line in the hymn, "Angels From The Realms Of Glory". The second verse says, "Sages, leave your contemplations. Brighter visions beam afar.” Something about the image of the sages discerning the real truth behind the contemplations appealed to me. I did actually aspire to be a sage, although at that time, it seemed like a distant goal. Now I see the goal of being truly wise as an ever-receding point. I will leave it up to you to decide how close I am coming to sagacity.

Many events in my life have contributed to the discernment and wisdom that I seek. One of the important ones is Chalice Circles. The UU Church of Bloomington is full of people who have gained an amazing amount of wisdom throughout their lives. How can I not be changed by the thoughtful musings of a Chalice Circle member who shared her difficult decision to continue or break her commitment to a loved one? Or the story of a member who set a firm intention to become a parent despite many setbacks? Or the member who is grieving the loss of a spouse? Each meeting, the group members share their thoughts about the selected topic. The questions, related to Reverend Susan's themeof the month, invite members to dig deep for stories that reveal the wisdom they carry.

There is also a lot of laughter in the group meetings. There are stories about humorous and ingenious ways that people solved their problems as well as explanations of trials and errors. When we were discussing Perseverance, I told of a time in my childhood when I won the camp bone because I collected so many stones on a nature walk, that my pants wouldn't stay up. Sharing the Chalice Circle stories and hearing them connects me to my own growth and wisdom.

Ruellen Fessenbecker, Chalice Circle Executive Team Member

Congratulations to Eve Loftman Cusack!

Eve, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington and our Green Sanctuary Task Force, was named a Hoosier Resilience Hero for 2025 by The Environmental Resilience Institute. Learn more about this award and the incredible work Eve has done (and continues to do) in our community by clicking here.

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

May 25th - September 7th Service Time: 10:30 a.m.

Current Member Number: 473

Attendance for the month of March

3/02/2025: 379

3/09/2025: 328

3/16/2025: 264

3/23/2025: 319

3/30/2025: 597

Offertory Total: $4,050.78

Total Raised for UUA Living Trust Fund (for Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray’s Installation): $2,900.48