Good Ideas to Share

Beloved:
          I’m home from the CBF General Assembly with a bagful of ideas for church life and community ministry!  I’m home in Indiana, grateful not to live in Florida in the summertime.  I’m excited to share these ideas with you over the coming months.  To that end I hope you will join us for the UBC Commons group which begins tomorrow.
          I’m also enjoying working on the section of the church flowerbed assigned to me.  I’ve plenty more weeding to do but I’ve transferred lots of irises from my beds and have plans to move in a big clump of bergamot.  The butterflies and bees love it and it spreads nicely.  See Donetta and let her know you’d like your own patch to tend or if you have plants to share from your own yard.
          Indoors, I’ve been hand piecing a quilt and knitting a baby blanket for Poppy Ann.  Of course I have oodles of other unfinished projects spread all over the sewing room and half-read books in every room.  I’ve just finished The Lost City of Z, A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann, who deep-dives into little-known historical events and people to write really amazing non-fiction narratives.
          Back indoors, I’m working on the usual list of projects like preaching, pastoral care, administration as well as my responsibilities with the Bloomington Severe Winter Shelter.  We are currently focused on the quickly approaching enforcement date for Indiana Senate Enrollment Act 285 criminalizing (class c misdemeanor) sleeping or camping on public property.  Our concern is the displacement and safety of our unhoused neighbors as they scatter to avoid arrest.  They are already so careworn and exhausted, this law only adds to their trouble with no provision for the promised outcomes.  You can read the full law here:  https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/285/details.
          Returning to my first thought ~ my time with so many other ministers, learning about the good work other churches are doing ~ I am so grateful for my calling and my career at UBC.  Everything I know about the business of the gospel I learned from you and among you.  No pastor, preacher, minister ever had it better.  How fortunate I am to live and work and serve here.
          I pray this gorgeous day allows you some time outdoors.

~peace & prayers,
pastor annette