February 09, 2025: “When Compassion Isn’t Easy”
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
We all know times when being compassionate is not easy. How do we cultivate compassion even for those we are in conflict with? What does this even mean or look like and why would we even try?
Graphic by Tanya Webster.
View the video archive of this service here:
Ringing of the World Bell
Congregational Prelude
#131 “Love Will Guide Us” words by Sally Rogers; music traditional arr. Betty A. Wylder
Welcome & Announcements
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Land Acknowledgement
Lighting the Chalice Flame
Erica Whichello, Worship Associate (9:30am)
Jason Michálek, Worship Associate (11:30am)
Mary Beth O’Brien
Time for All Ages
“Holy Man in the Ditch,” a Sufi Tale
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Musical Interlude
“Billie’s Song” by Valerie Capers
Ray Fellman, piano
Covenanting with New Members
Congregation: We welcome you into membership in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, knowing that we are changed by your presence among us.
New Members: We gladly join with you in a spirit of goodwill and collaboration, knowing that we too are changed.
All: We covenant together as members of this congregation, bringing our gifts and needs to this community. Together, we support the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington through our contributions and our participation. We pledge to do our part to create and sustain this community of encouragement and strength for each other and for the common good of the world.
Pastoral Prayer and Meditation
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Hymn
#1031 Filled with Loving Kindness
Dedication of Offering
During the Offertory, you are invited to silently light a candle to represent a joy or sorrow in your life.
You are invited to participate in this morning’s offering by through this link uucb.churchcenter.com/giving - with the drop down option titled “Sunday Plate.” You may make a non-pledge gift or a contribution towards your annual pledge, or both, at that site. This fiscal year, 25% of our non-pledge Sunday offerings will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County to fund the installation of solar panels and energy monitoring systems and mandated radon testing in Habitat homes. The non-profit organization and its volunteers work to make more affordable, energy-efficient, and safe housing available locally. See monroecountyhabitat.org for more information.
If you pay your pledge through the Sunday offering, please write “pledge” on your check, on an envelope with your contribution, or by donating at uucb.churchcenter.com/giving.
Offertory
“Agapé” by John Leavitt
Ray Fellman, piano
Reading
Gift of Music
“Lights Upon Our Souls” by Nick Page
UUCB Choir
Susan Swaney, Director of Music
Sermon
“When Compassion Isn’t Easy”
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Closing Hymn
#151 I Wish I Knew How
Benediction
Choral Benediction
#95 There is More Love Somewhere
Welcome Guests!
Welcome to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington!
We are so glad you are here. To learn more, visit uubloomington.org.
Guest Card: tinyurl.com/UUCBwelcome
To receive our email newsletters or connect with a member of our staff, please complete our Guest Card online or at the Welcome table in the lobby.
Looking for more ways to get involved? Complete this form to help us connect with you: tinyurl.com/UUCBgetinvolved
Hearing assistive devices are available at the AV Tech booth in the rear of the Meeting Room for use during Sunday worship services.
- Childcare is available today from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in Room 108.
- Spirit Play will be exploring the story, "Tree of Sorrows," about having empathy for the problems of others.
- Kids’ Club will be hearing the story, “Desmond Gets Free," and exploring the power of working together for justice.
- Join us for Community Hour after each service in Fellowship Hall.
- The UU Humanist Forum meets today at 1 p.m. in Room 208. The topic is, “The Built Environment,” presented by Nancy Jones.
- New to UU, a class for newcomers, meets today at 1 p.m. in Room 112.
View our full calendar of upcoming events: uucb.churchcenter.com/calendar
To make a donation online, visit: uucb.churchcenter.com/giving
UU Church Staff:
Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, Lead Minister
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Dr. Susan Swaney, Music Director
Amanda Waye, Director of Administration
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Hans Kelson, Technology Coordinator
Jo Bowman, Communications Coordinator
Dylan Marks, Sexton
