Not Really a Dream

Does good faith demand first mention of the crisis
or am I allowed to begin with my garden full of blue birds,
bluer and fuller than I remember either ever being before? 
My brain has ceased its spinning and finally I can sleep, 
now it’s my arms that ache 
with needing something necessary to do.

stay and wait . . . be still and know . . . . 
like the bluebirds, I suppose.

March 24, 2020
Beloved:
      
Every morning I wake up and I wonder for a moment if I dreamed it.  Nope.  We really are all staying put and doing our lives the best we can from inside our respective houses.  Once I’m up, the day goes by faster than I expect, possibly because I’m not homeschooling little kids.  I do some work, cook some food, take the dogs in/out fourteen times, read, sew and wash my hands.  I also try to get outside, if only in my yard, where spring is positively exploding.
 I pray the days are settling into a kind of rhythm for you and yours and that you are able to connect with friends and family elsewhere via what technology you have.  I got a real letter with a stamp from my seven-year-old niece, which means I’ve got correspondence piling up.  A treat unto itself!  Don’t forget to check on one another and to pray for those who are sick.  I miss you oodles and look forward to staying in touch as we are able.  See below for news about online church events and changes regarding the state-wide order to stay home issued on March 23rd.

~ peace & prayers, 
pastor annette

• The church building is closed to all but essential entry for property maintenance and security until at least April 7th, as per the state-wide order.
•  All staff are working from home but may still be contacted either through church voicemail, which is checked often, e-mail, or via their direct numbers which may be found in the church directory.  If you are unable to connect with them easily, please use the church office telephone and voicemail.
• Online church programming can be found here:   

Sunday Worship Services ~ Since March 22nd, the service is being pre-recorded and available for streaming at 10:45 AM on Sunday mornings.  You can access it at the following link: UBC BLOOMINGTON IN YOUTUBE SITE .

The church building will not be open on Sunday mornings, but people with wi-fi-enabled devices can access the church wi-fi from the parking lot and are welcome to do so.

Life Together Live ~ Twice a week Pastor Annette will host live church gatherings online.  Zoom meetings are easy-peasy, and you don’t have to sign up for anything to participate.  Just contact our church administrator (ubc3740@gmail.com) to receive the appropriate link.
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Pass the Peace of Christ ~ Welcome * Conversation * Reading * Prayer
Sunday Afternoons, 4-4:45 PM

Bible Chat ~ * Prayer & Discussion of the Coming Sunday’s Bible Text
Thursday mornings, 11AM-12PM

The Lenten Reading Group will also meet on the previously arranged dates, at these slightly adjusted times.
March 29th, 5:15~6:30 pm  
April 5th, 5:15~6:30 pm
April 14th, 6:30~7:45 pm

P.S. It’s not too late to join. E-mail the church office at ubc3740@gmail.com for an online copy of the text, The Journals of John Woolman, and start reading!
* Continue checking your e-mail and/or the church website (ubcbloomington.org) regularly for updates about church programming and church family news.
* Please e-mail or call the church with your own family news and to let us know if you are ill or need help.