July 20, 2025: Death, Loss, and Other Disappointments
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones
When we lose people through death, or experience decline or setbacks in our own lives, it’s hard. It sets us on a path with vulnerability and surprise emotions. And while it can feel so lonely to go through loss, it’s one of the most common human experiences. Today’s sermon draws from Five True Things by Buddhist writer and psychotherapist David Richo.
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones is a co-minister at the UU Society of Sacramento, where he began in 2008. A native of central Indiana, he attended Indiana University, Meadville Lombard Theological School, and Pacific School of Religion.
View the video archive of this service here:
Information about other happenings at UUCB each week is available here.
Ringing of the World Bell
Greeting
Erica Whichello, Worship Associate
Congregational Prelude
#361 Enter, Rejoice, and Come In
Welcome & Announcements
Anabel Watson, Connections Coordinator
Land Acknowledgement
Lighting the Chalice Flame
Erica Whichello
Jason Michálek and Sapphire Perez
Time for All Ages
“What Do You Do with a Problem?” by Kobi Yamada
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
Musical Interlude
Kim Carballo, piano
Pastoral Prayer and Meditation
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones
Hymn
#15 The Lone, Wild Bird
Dedication of Offering
Erica Whichello
You are invited to participate in this morning’s offering by contributing as the basket passes or through the QR code - 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
“Dark Sea” by Steve Pollitt, harmonized by Courage Barda
Cloud 7 and Kim Carballo, piano
Reading
"For the Anniversary of My Death" by W. S. Merwin
Gift of Music
“Blessed Spirit,” music by Anton Bruckner, words by Steve Pollitt
Cloud 7
Andrew Appel, Dexter Edge, Carol Marks, Steve Pollitt, Susie Sullivan, Anabel Watson, Licia Weber
Sermon
Death, Loss, and Other Disappointments
Rev. Dr. Roger Jones
Closing Hymn
#6 Just As Long As I Have Breath
Benediction
Choral Benediction
“For All Who Seek God/Surround Me Alway” music by Deborah Phelps, Courage Barda, arr. Pollitt, words by Doss/Macklin/Barda
Cloud 7
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 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 108.
- Join us for Community Hour after service in Fellowship Hall.
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
