September 6, 2026: Putting the 'Labor' Back in Labor Day
Michael Wallace
As we commemorate Labor Day, this talk will provide a brief overview of the tumultuous history of the U.S. labor movement and its relevance for our lives today. We will explore the meaning and scope of labor unions, the legislative context of union formation and survival, and the current strength of U.S. unions in historical and comparative perspective. Along the way, we will discuss the true origins of “Labor Day”.
Michael Wallace is a recently retired sociologist who received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in in sociology at Indiana University. He previously taught at Yale University, Ohio State University, Indiana University, and the University of Connecticut. He has conducted extensive research on the political economy of U.S. capitalism, work and labor markets, the historical and contemporary status of the U.S. labor movement, and the causes and consequences of income inequality. He has mentored and collaborated with over 50 graduate students who have launched successful careers in academic and non-academic settings.
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
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, Lead Minister
Congregational Prelude
“Union Maid” by Woody Guthrie
Pam MacLaughlin, Jane McLeod
Welcome & Announcements
Olaya Fernández Gayol, Worship Associate (9:30 a.m.)
Amira Sabbagh, Worship Associate (11:30 a.m.)
Land Acknowledgement
Lighting the Chalice Flame
Worship Associate Orin McNeely (9:30 a.m.)
Gladys DeVane (11:30 a.m.)
Time for All Ages
Click, Clack, Moo by Doreen Cronin
Dr. Stephanie Kimball, Director of Lifespan Religious Exploration
Musical Interlude
Ray Fellman, piano
Pastoral Prayer and Meditation
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Dedication of Offering
This fiscal year, 25% of our non-pledge Sunday offerings will be donated to Farm to Family to support their SNAP matching program at the Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, which will expand access to local food by doubling SNAP benefits for eligible food items.
You can contribute to the basket online at this link, or pay your pledge online.
Offertory
Ray Fellman, piano
Introduction of Guest Speaker
Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Gift of Music
“Which Side Are You On” by Florence Reece
Bill Daniels, Steve Krahnke, Pam MacLaughlin, Michael McGregor, Jane McLeod, Licia Weber
Ray Fellman, piano; Matt Zink, bass; Hans Kelson, guitar; Ray Major, harmonica
Sermon
Putting the ‘Labor’ Back in Labor Day
Michael Wallace
Closing Hymn
#109 As We Come Marching, Marching
Benediction
Upcoming Events and Classes!
To view our full calendar of upcoming events go to: uucb.churchcenter.com/calendar
A Celebration of Life for Danny Callison will be held on Sunday, September 6, at 3 p.m. in the Meeting Room.
A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.
UUCB’s office is closed on Monday, September 7, in observation of Labor Day.
Today
A reception to welcome our Ministerial Intern, Maria Renner, will be held at 10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
The Homelessness Task Force meets at 10:30 a.m. in Room 112.
The Habitat Task Force meets at 10:30 a.m. in room 110.
The UU Freethinkers meet at 1 p.m. in Room 208.
Youth Group meets at 1 p.m. in Room 210.
This Week
Voter Outreach Night takes place weekly on Mondays at
6 p.m. in Room 106.
The Rainbow Rights Task Force meets on Tuesday, September 8, at 6 p.m. in the Library.
Tuusday Thing (a Young Adult Gathering) meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in Room 210.
Pastoral Conversations meets on Wednesdays at
12:15 p.m. in the Library.
UU Choir Rehearsal is held on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room.
UU Game Night meets on Friday, September 4, at 7 p.m. in the UU Library.
Next Sunday
Resilience Productions will be tabling during Community Hour in Fellowship Hall for their 5-50 Fundraiser!
New to UU will be taking place at 10:30 a.m. in the
UU Library. If you are new to our congregation, a very warm welcome to you! You are invited to join in a brief introduction to Unitarian Universalism and this congregation.
The UU Humanist Forum meets at 1 p.m. in Room 208 with an option to join online. The discussion topic is, “Should I Have a Gravestone?,” led by Sandy Dolby.
Exploring the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington will be held on Sunday, September 13, at
2 p.m. in the UU Library. All interested in joining official membership are asked to complete this class. Those looking for a deeper dive into Unitarian Universalism and this church are also welcome. This class takes place 3-4 times a year. Please register online or find Anabel after the service.
The Racial Justice Task Force meets at 2 p.m. in Room 110.
The Coming of Age Workshop will be held on Sunday, September 13, at 2:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
