The Prologue
Monday, January 5, 2015
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, Indiana

Congregation founded 1949

GLBTQ Welcoming Congregation since 1995

Green Sanctuary since 2007


Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, Changing the World

 

January 31

Our Living Faith:

A Community Conversation

9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon

 

February 7

Generosity Workshop

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

 

 

Quick Links
Board Update
New Year Labyrinth
Shambhala Meditation
Bazaar Thanks
Changes in Kroger Cards
Alliance January 8
Exploring UU History
MLK Day Faith in Action
Contact a Minister

Sunday, January 11, 2015    9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

 

"Scientific Integrity--

The Annual Science Review Sermon  

Correlation: Coincidence or Scientific Phenomenon?"

Reverend Mary Ann Macklin

Reverend Macklin will offer her annual review and reflections on scientific discoveries and advances from 2014 as well as thoughts on burden of proof and the 95% confidence limit. We will explore topics from such areas as human origins, environment, physics, math, astronomy, health, mind and brain, and technology. Then we will ponder these things in our hearts in the spirit of integrity.  


 

Sunday, January 18, 2015    9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

 

"MLK: Reimagining the Dream"

Reverend Mary Ann Macklin

Reverend Douglas Wadkins

It has been a difficult and important time in the history of racial justice in the United States.  With significant events of violence and protest across the country and the coming 50th Anniversary of the Selma March, this Martin Luther King Jr Day is a call to deep reflection and transformative action.  Rev. Macklin and Rev. Wadkins will collaborate on a special service to explore the significance of this historic crossroads.

 

MAM's  Musings

Our theme for the month of January is integrity.  As part of our exploration of integrity we will examine the habits in our lives.   We might also explore hobbits and rabbits, but we will try to focus on habits, particularly how they either enhance or diminish our interdependent lives on this spinning blue-green planet we call home.

One of Amazon's Best Books of 2014 was Arianna Huffington's Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder which came out in March of 2014.  Arianna Huffington, or as I sometimes call her Arianna Post (but never to her face :D) is the editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group--considered one of the most successful media companies in the world.   In her book, Huffington takes a critical and discerning look at the true meaning of success in the 21st century.  In a recent article drawing on the wisdom of her book, Huffington suggests twelve habits to develop for the New Year. These habits, or steps, can be found in their entirety here .
  
In brief, these habits are  1) Go to bed a tad earlier to add half hour to your sleep cycle  2) Move your body regularly: walk, stretch, dance  3)  Introduce five minutes of meditation to your day  4) Listen to your inner wisdom  5) Start a gratitude list  6)  Have a regular time at night when you disconnect from the digital world  7) Focus on your breath when you are stressed  8)  Find images that spark joy in you  9) Forgive yourself and others   10) Create small gestures of kindness and generosity in your daily day  11)  Make personal connections with those incidental folks around you  12) Use a talent or skill you have to benefit someone else.

Stay tuned for other habits, hobbits and rabbits for 2015.  The road goes ever on and on...

With respect and love, MAM
  
The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister    

 

From Our Interim Minister

"Our Living Faith"   

A Community Conversation 

Save the Date  

Saturday, January 31,  9 - 12 Noon 

Why is the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington significant in your life? How is the congregation important to the world?  How should such important elements help shape the vision for the future of the congregation?  On January 31, you are invited to an essential  conversation that will give the congregation a rare opportunity to share thoughts about these questions and more. Periods of transition are an especially fruitful time for such exploration.   Together we will seek to discover some vital components of the shared sense of the congregation's mission and vision for the future. We will talk about how to foster and strengthen this shared vision as inspiration for the next chapter in the life of this congregation. Mark your calendars now, and check out the mid-January Prologue for further details. 

 

Warmly!

    Doug 

The Reverend Douglas Wadkins, Interim Minister

Our Folks...

We mourn the passing of Josep Miquel (Pep) Sobrer on January 1, at home, surrounded by his family. Our sympathy is with Pep's family and friends at this time of loss. A celebration of Pep's life will be held here on Saturday, January 17 at 2:00 p.m.

 

We also mourn the passing of Carol Shapiro, who died peacefully at home on January 3. Our healing thoughts are also with Carol's family and friends. A memorial service for Carol will be held here this Wednesday, January 7 at 2:00 p.m.

 

Board of Directors, Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington:
Pat Brantlinger, Von Welch, Deb Hutton, Ann LeDuc, Kathy Sideli, Doug Cauble, and Arzetta Hults-Losensky

 

Board Update on December 14 Congregational Meeting

     The December 14 Congregational Meeting was well attended and discussion was animated.

     There were positive reports on our fiscal health -- the Green Spaces Campaign (which is just missing a few pledge payments), the 2014 pledge drive (almost at its goal), the Legacy Circle,  the Special Purposes Fund and this year's operating revenue and expenses.  And after engaging discussions on the proposed bylaw changes, all were approved (including one with a friendly amendment).  Bylaws changes here http://goo.gl/IldGzt

     The Board also presented the plan for forming the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) based on input from the UUA and the experiences of other congregations. The congregation will receive more detailed information about the process in January in various ways, including a Town Meeting on January 25 after the second service, and will be given opportunities to nominate members for the MSC in February.

     In the spring, the board will build a slate of nominees for election at the June congregational meeting so that the committee can begin its work on July 1, 2015. Each member of the congregation should consider the job description for the MSC and give thought to nominating trusted and reliable members to this important committee whose work will impact the future of our church.

     The MSC will present one candidate to the congregation to be considered for a call as our new associate minister in the spring of 2016. Our congregation's decision to call will take place after the candidate spends a week with our congregation, meeting with staff, committees, members, etc. and preaching in our pulpit twice. By our bylaws, the vote by congregation members to call requires at least an 80% approval, but common practice in the UUA currently is for ministers to accept a call only if they get 90% approval.

     If called by the congregation, the new associate minister will join our ministerial team in the summer of 2016, under the leadership of our Senior Minister, Reverend Mary Ann Macklin.

 

Kathleen Sideli, President
Seeking The Spirit

A New Year Labyrinth January 5-10  

Change in Open Hours on Wednesday, January 7

As a part of our month exploring integrity, we will be making a labyrinth available for walking in the Meeting Room this week.  You are invited to engage in this ancient practice. 

 

The labyrinth is a model of wholeness.  It differs from the maze in a very fundamental way--it is a single path to the center.  Labyrinths engage the heart, with no decisions about direction needing to be made.  By simply yielding to and following the path, the mind slows and quiets.  The voice of your own heart, a sense of your own integrity and wholeness, has the opportunity to emerge.

 

Our labyrinth will be available on the following days and times. Please note:  no noontime labyrinth walk on Wednesday, January 7, but the labyrinth will be available that evening, 7-8 p.m.

 

Jan 5 - 11:30a-2:00p, 6-7 p.m.

Jan 6 - 11:30a-2:00p

Jan 7 -   7-8 p.m. only (memorial service in the room earlier in the day)

Jan 8 - 11:30a-2:00p

Jan 9 - 11:30a-2:00p

Jan 10 - 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

 

Please enter using the west office entrance when visiting the labyrinth in the daytime.  Use the doors closest to the sanctuary for the evening hours, and use the Courtyard Entrance on Saturday morning.    

--Reverend Emily Manvel Leite


 

Spirit Play Plans for YOU! Next Class is January 12

Spirit Play for Grown Ups (high school and adults) will be exploring the theme of Integrity this coming Monday, January 12, from 6:30-8:30PM.  Please sign up here:
Spirit Play for All Ages is seeking a new time to meet, possibly on Saturdays.  Please visit the doodle poll before January 12 if you would like to participate in this group:  
If we have sufficient interest, we will reconvene.  If you are unable to attend on Saturdays, but would like to attend, please email Reverend Emily Manvel Leite.  Questions about Spirit Play?  Emily is always happy to answer them!  mre@uubloomington.org

Spiritual Crafting Series Continues 

Doorway Amulets on January 25
Sunday, January 25th from 3-5pm in Room 210
The practice of hanging a doorway amulet can help us to take the time to notice and touch it as we enter our homes and rooms and keep our ideals present to us on the busiest days.  Join Rev. Emily Manvel Leite and Adrienne Summerlot to make your own doorway amulet.  Childcare available.  Contact the office to register by January 21st!

Middle School Youth- Mark Your calendars!  
Region-wide Middle School Overnight February 27-28th!
Any youth interested in helping plan the overnight should meet in Room 110 for snacks and a short planning session from10:30-10:45am on January 11th and January 18th- special snack provided.

Religious Education Round Table
Sunday, January 11th, 12:30-1:30pm in Fellowship Hall
Parents and Caregivers are invited to join the Children and Youth Religious Education Committees, RE Staff and Volunteers.  The is an opportunity to meet other parents, Religious Education teachers, and youth advisors.  *Soup & Sandwiches and Childcare Provided* RSVP to Adrienne Summerlot      dre@uubloomington.org or (812) 332-3695 ext 202.  Find the event on Facebook here

Spring Religious Education Classes for Children Begin Sunday, February 1st.  We are still searching for 5 teachers!  If you have time, consider spending your Sundays with our children.  Contact Adrienne Summerlot for more information, dre@uubloomington.org

Fourth Friday Fellowship- Friday, January 23rd, 6-8pm in Fellowship Hall 
Join us for pitch-in pot luck dinner and fellowship.  We will be collecting travel size toiletries and making cookies for the Interfaith Winter Shelter.  We will also launch our children's campaign for Templeton School Snack Brigade.  

Best,
Adrienne Summerlot, Director of Religious Education

OOPS!

CORRECTIONS FOR ADULT RELIGIOUS ED COURSE LIST for Winter 2015:

 

Plan, Pack Travel! is on Monday, Jan 12, (not Weds.!)

Plan, Pack, Travel!                                                                                          

Monday, January  12, 7-8:30 p.m., Room 210

Linda Pickle  Linda.pickle@wku.edu                        

A single session presentation on how to plan and pack for a trip of 3-6 weeks and end up with one roll-on, carry-on-sized piece of luggage and an airline-permissible hand bag.  Handouts and demonstration of packing techniques. Limited to 15 participants.

 

Meeting Times for Taiji were listed incorrectly.

Correct Meeting Times:

Taiji Class is Saturdays 10:15-11:45 a.m.

and Tuesday practice session meets 6:15-7:45 p.m.

 

Community Drum Circle Friday, January 9

Join us for drumming on Friday, January 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Beginning February 11, monthly drumming will change to the second Wednesday, same time, same place.

Monday Shambhala Meditation is Every Monday at Noon 

Join us at 12 noon every Monday in the Meeting Room for an hour of Shambhala Meditation, walking meditation, and Shamatha yoga with Sarah Flint. Please bring your own cushion; sitting in one of the Meeting Room chairs is also fine.

 

 

 

Parent Talk Meets January 11 

Parents of adult children are invited to Parent Talk meetings.  The next meeting is Sunday January 11 at 12:30 p.m. in Room 207B.   This group meets to discuss the challenges of parenting our adult children and keeping in communication with them.  We also support each other through the changes we experience.   For questions contact:  Ruellen Fessenbecker   rfessenb@indiana.edu 

Our Congregational Themes for 2014-15

 

January:   Integrity                

February:   Faith          

March:       Resilience               

April:          Revelation    

  

How does Integrity help you Seek the Spirit, Build Community, and Change the World?  


 

Building Community


Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar Kudos and Thanks to All!

The 56th annual Art Fair and Bazaar is now just a sweet memory. The weather was on our side this year, and although Saturday was a little slow, we were able to raise about $1000 more than last year:  $11,097.14 net. The Task Forces did well very, reporting together about $4,500 in earnings for their missions.  Complete reports will follow.  More than 100 people signed up for and worked one or more volunteer shifts during the two-day bazaar, and dozens more baked cookies, bread, and cakes, pickled, canned, mixed and assembled, made tubs of soups and tons of pies, donated books, knitted hats and scarves, dug up wonderful White Elephant treasures, pushed brooms, bussed tables, and shifted hundreds of chairs!   We had wonderful Chalice Circle participation-- better than any elves, they were!  Thank you so much.   Thanks, too, to the artists for bringing good cheer along with their beautiful things.  We wish we could tell you how many visitors we had, but it was certainly many hundreds, and for many of them it was a happy discovery of UU hospitality. So, warmest thanks to all who worked, played, purchased, or just hung out, and warmest wishes for a happy and healthy 2015 from your Bazaar Committee! --Julie Lawson

Changes Coming for Kroger Grocery Card Users

For several years, we have participated in the Kroger gift card program, which results in 5% of purchases with Kroger gift cards coming back to the church.  Kroger recently announced that they have discontinued their Kroger Cares fundraising assistance to non-profit organizations through Kroger gift cards. In its place they have instituted a new program whereby individuals enroll their Kroger Plus Card, designate UU Bloomington as the recipient of rewards, and shop at Kroger being sure to scan their Kroger Plus Card on each visit. Every time an enrolled individual shops using their registered Kroger Plus Card, UU Bloomington will earn rewards. Kroger gift cards that you may have already purchased here at church do not expire; use them just as you have in the past. You will be able to enroll in the new program sometime in February pending Kroger's approval of our participation in the new program. We will keep you updated!

 

Your Questions Answered About Data Backup for Our Congregation

     The upshot:  Our financial and membership data are secure and backed up regularly.

     Read on, for details.

     Special Purposes Fund bookkeeping is recorded on our Google drive. Paper copies of quarterly reports are filed in the office and electronic records are also backed up onsite on an external hard drive.

     All other bookkeeping for church accounts resides on our server computer, which is backed up daily. We also have paper copies of monthly treasurer's reports. This document is also available on the Message board of Churchdb each month. 

     Financial documents and check copies are kept for 7 years and then shredded. For historical use, the Annual Report each year includes a treasurer's report. We have electronic copies of the annual reports on the website and on the server in our building.

     Our on-site server computer backup is in the form of two external disk drives. These are swapped out every Monday morning. The extra one is kept off-site.

     The financial pledge and membership info for our members resides online on Churchdb a secure site, which is backed up every day. That backup is kept at an off-site location in Austin, Texas, which is the location of Churchdb corporate offices.

     If you have further questions about data backups for our congregation, please contact Carol Marks, Church Administrator, admin@uubloomington.org, or 812-332-3695, ext. 200.

New Email for our Multimedia Specialist 

    Our Multimedia Specialist, Andy Beargie, has a new email address: media@uubloomington.org. Please do not use his *@indiana.edu address for church business any longer, but use this new address instead.

Women's Alliance Thursday, January 8

Please join us in Fellowship Hall at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, for fellowship and informal sharing of memories and stories.  Bring your lunch; desserts and beverages will be provided by hosts Dee Morris and Sharon Yarber.

NEW! Exploring UU History on January 25,  a third class for those wanting more details on UU History. Sunday January 25th, 2:00-3:00 pm. Led by Stuart Yoak.  Exploring UU History is open to anyone in the congregation as a stand-alone class.  Free child care is provided.  For more information contact Judy Bennett, memcoord@uubloomington.org   

Hospitality for Those with Allergies

As a courtesy to our friends and members who have allergies to fragrances, we are designating the west section of the Meeting Room (next to the sliding glass doors and tall narrow windows) as Fragrance Free. Please do not sit there if you have used any fragrances.  Anyone else is welcome to sit in this area.  Thank you for your consideration. 

UUs Who Can Provide a Variety of Professional Services - 

List and Waiver Form Now Available

The Elder Focus Task Force has compiled a list of Unitarian Universalists who are available for hire for a variety of tasks including Pet Sitting, Home Healthcare, Organizational Skills, Carpentry, Counseling, Sewing Machine repair, Building Construction. The list and the liability waiver form are posted here:     UUs for Hire and Liability Waiver

Changing the World
Habitat Task Force Organizes Mid-Week January Build
The UU Habitat Task Force would like to help Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County this winter by providing workers for a mid-week build. The local organization is holding mid-week builds, in addition to Saturday builds, to cut the building time from 14 to 7 weeks in order to help more families this winter. We are hoping to recruit 10-12 volunteers for Wed., Jan. 7, or Thurs., Jan. 8 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Work planned for those days primarily includes painting and trim work inside, but maybe some siding outside. If you can participate, please contact 
Barb Berggoetz, barbberg@bluemarble.net.  Thanks for your support.  

 

Helping congregations who want to obtain solar panels

Two years ago our church was able to obtain a rare $25,000 Community Conservation Challenge grant to help us pay for solar panels on our roofs. Multiple congregations have contacted us about our process, and about how they might pay for solar panels on their buildings. So Earth Care Bloomington will be holding a workshop on this topic in our Meeting Room on Sunday, February 1, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.  This event will also be live streamed, so please share this info with family and friends in other Indiana congregations. Livestream Link   --Molly O'Donnell

Giving Tree and Gifts of Grace

The other day I had the pleasure of delivering our Giving Tree gifts to Positive Link for their Gifts of Grace program.  This is the third year we have participated to assist families living with HIV who are served by Positive Link .   Again this generous community has reached out to help others.  Twenty-four people from a wide age range received gifts they might not have received otherwise.  We were sincerely thanked.  Positive Link staff expressed a wish that we could see the genuine gratitude expressed when the families pick up their gifts.  I said that we are happy to do it and that we are grateful to be privileged enough to be able.  Thank you for your participation.  --Phil Cooper, Rainbow Rights Task Force  

UU Humanist Discussion Group Meets on Alternating Sundays

Our Humanist Discussion group meets on alternating Sundays at 12:45 p.m. upstairs in

Room 210. This group offers an opportunity for regular, open, wide-ranging discussions of issues relating to morality and ethics, human development, and the nature of the universe. The next meeting is on Sunday, January 18; the topic is "MindUP in Schools?"  and will be led by Anna Wiley. 

UU Freethinkers Group Enjoys Free Ranging Discussion 

The purpose of the UU Freethinkers bi-weekly meeting, Sundays at 12:45 p.m. in Room 210, alternating with the UU Humanist Forum, is to create the opportunity for participants to raise questions and engage in open and non-structured discussion of issues of social concern, political concern, and theological/religious concern. The UU Freethinkers next meeting is on Sunday, January 11. Info, contact John Crosby.   

Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
Share Warmth on Martin Luther King Day

"Everybody can be great, because everyone can serve."   - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This Martin Luther King Day, make a difference that keeps on giving!  Together, we will warm our neighbors' homes and shut out the bitter cold while cutting outrageous heating bills. Join a trained team and perform simple weatherization tasks. No experience necessary - just the desire to serve - and enjoy some free hot chocolate with other community volunteers.  We hope you can join Earth Care and the Interfaith Community of Environmentalist Youth to help care for creation and our neighbors!  

Monday, January 19th, 1:00 pm

Rachael's Café: 300 E. Third St.

Free Street Parking

Optional Team Leader Training: Sunday, January 11th, 1:00 pm, Rachael's

For more info, contact Anne: annetm@att.net or 812.327.3804 

Sponsored by the City of Bloomington Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission

Everyone is Invited to Make a Pledge or Make a Financial Gift

If you have not yet pledged for the fiscal year that started on July 1, it is not too late! You may make a pledge at anytime during the year. Please call 812-332-3695, ext. 200 to let us know the amount of your pledge, or send the info in an email to Church Administrator Carol Marks at admin@uubloomington.org or pledge online. 

See our Stewardship webpage at   http://tinyurl.com/uustewardship or go to the Donate page (tab to the far right at the top of the page) at www.uubloomington.org and click on "I want to make a Pledge."  You may also make a one-time donation (as many times as you like!) to General Donations or Sunday Plate 14-15 at the same Donate page. Click on "I want to make a Payment." Please call the office if you have questions and we will be happy to help, 812-332-3695.     

 

Contact a Minister

    Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister, can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 201 on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, or macklin@uubloomington.org. For pastoral emergencies, please call her mobile, 812-322-0205. 

    

    Reverend Doug Wadkins, our Interim Minister, can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 207 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, or email wadkins@uubloomington.org. For pastoral emergencies, please call his home study number, 812-369-4179.

 

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, our Minister of Religious Education, can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 203 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, or email mre@uubloomington.org. For pastoral emergencies, please call her at home, 812-333-9822.

    All ministers have voicemail on their numbers so that you can leave a private message.  

Attendance and Membership

Current Membership: 500    Certified Membership as of 2/1/2014: 492

Attendance

Sunday, December 21                       9:15:    83;       11:15:  154;     RE:      75        Total:   312

Sunday, December 28                       9:15:    61;       11:15   99;       RE:      34        Total:   194

Sunday, January 4                             9:15     91        11:15   175      RE:      83        Total:   349

Non-Pledge Offering

12/21 - $548;     12/28- $396;     1/4 - $633;       Total to be donated to Susie's Place - $394.25

Grocery Card Sales

December 21  $2,325, income to UUCB $114.25

January 4 $1,025, income to UUCB $49.25

Limiting Doors Unlocked for Evening Meetings and Events 

Unless your event or meeting is being held in the Meeting Room, for evening meetings please unlock and use courtyard or portico entrances only. This helps us with building security.  Questions, contact Carol Marks, Church Administrator, admin@uubloomington.org, 812-332-3695, ext. 200 

Calendar of all our congregational events can be found at www.uubloomington.org

Click on "Full Calendar" and then on the date you are interested in. You can also search for a specific event! Our facebook page also has scads of useful information: www.facebook.com/uubloomington

Next issue, Tuesday, January 20. 

Deadline for articles about congregational events and projects is 10 a.m. on 1/20/2015, to Carol Marks at admin@uubloomington.org.  The Prologue is published on the first and third Mondays of each month, with exceptions. Next few publication dates: 1/20, 2/2, 2/17, 3/2, 3/16.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408, 812-332-3695