The Prologue
Tuesday, February 17, 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

 

 

February 21

Town Hall Meeting

with Jim Key,

UUA Moderator

1:00-2:30 p.m.

 

Quick Links

Sunday, February 22, 2015    

9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.


A Time to be Bold, Brave, and Bodacious

Jim Key, UUA Moderator

 

Jim will share his UU faith journey and how boldness influenced it.  

 

Jim Key, our guest in the pulpit on February 22, was elected UUA Moderator at the June 2013 General Assembly to a single, six-year term. 

As Moderator, Jim chairs the UUA Board of Trustees, facilitates the business sessions at General Assembly, and serves as chief governance officer. He consults regularly with leaders and administrative committees at the national, regional, district and congregational levels.  

Sunday, March 1, 2015    9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.


Resilience and The Winds of Change

Reverend Mary Ann Macklin

        

   Will March come in like a lion or a lamb?  Regardless, the winds of change are with us this time of year.

    How does our understanding of resilience help us navigate change?  How have we evolved to engage or shy away from change? We will explore the wisdom of World Religions as well as characteristics of resilient people as we explore this topic.  

Nomination Process for the Ministerial Search Committee 

for Our New Associate Minister 

Balloting open:          February 1-28, 2015

Who can nominate:  UUCB members and pledging friends

Who to nominate:     Up to 3 UUCB people you trust do a good job representing the entire congregation

Who is eligible:         UUCB members, but not current Board or Staff members

Where are ballots:    Paper ballots at church

Online at Ministerial Transition website (http://search.uubloomington.org)

Where to submit:      Place in boxes in the hall outside the meeting room or in Room 204 (Workroom) or 

                                  Mail to: Ministerial Search, UUCB, 2120 N Fee Lane, Bloomington, IN 47408 or 

                                  Submit online at Ministerial Transition website (http://search.uubloomington.org ) or   

                                  Email to Board Treasurer Arzetta Hults-Losensky at [email protected]  or 

                                  Call Board Treasurer Arzetta Hults-Losensky at (812) 824-1394 

Your name needed:   So that we can call those who have not made nominations

What happens next:  Board assesses nomination list to form a slate for election at June Congregational

    meeting.

More information:    Always available on the Ministerial Transition website
 
http://search.uubloomington.org)

 

From Our Interim Minister

 

Faith and the Future

 

February...YOU are a whirlwind!  But before you are done much will have happened.  This weekend we are hosting the Moderator of Unitarian Universalist Association, Jim Key. The Moderator is a crucial lay leader in our movement. The Moderator is quite busy visiting our various regions and congregations,  but the fact of the sheer number of congregations and limited days in the calendar makes it a rare opportunity when our Moderator visits a specific congregation.  Jim Key will be a wonderful resource in our midst this weekend. Not only does our Moderator carry the cumulative gleanings of conversations with UU's all over the country and the world, but she or he also tends to be a layperson who is a passionate visionary.  Jim Key is an inspiring Unitarian Universalist.  I hope that you will attend the Town Hall Meeting and utilize the opportunity to hear his thoughts about the present and the future. May it inspire your own dreaming.

 

February is a time for us to explore, as a community, the question, "What does it mean to be people of faith? "An important aspect of faith is its emphasis on enduring and trustworthy influences that call us forward to a future focused on possibility. Jim Key's presence with us is an essential component to this time, and so is investing your faith in the process of finding a new member of your ministerial team. There is still time to make your recommendations for the Ministerial Search Team.  You can vote online or pick up a nomination form at church.

 

The Reverend Douglas Wadkins, Interim Minister

 

Fourth Friday Fellowship, Friday, February 27th

Join us in Fellowship Hall for fun, food and fellowship centered around Faith this month!
Pizza dinner from 6-7 p.m. for  $1/slice.  Hymn Sing with Ray Fellman from 7-8 p.m.  Newcomers and Friends, especially welcome!  Find this event on Facebook and share with your friends!

Stewards of Children, Saturday, March 7th, 9:30am-12:30pm
Susie's Place will be offering an empowering workshop to help us to understand what we as a community can do to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse. Learn more by visiting www.d2l.org.  Register by contacting the office.

UU Seder, Saturday, April 4

The UU Seder will be held  Saturday April 4 at 6:00 p.m. This meal and retelling of the Exodus story will be led by Emily Manvel Leite. The meal will be traditional, but not Kosher. Omnivore, vegetarian and vegan choices will be available. A planning meeting for the Seder will be held on Sunday March 1 after the service in Room 208. Please come help us plan the ceremony and menu for this Seder meal. Contact Ruellen Fessenbecker for questions:  [email protected]  or call 812-837-9550.

 

Intercultural Competency: 

Who Are Our Neighbors? 

Workshop March 27 & 28

Registration Now Open

Friday 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Saturday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm and 7:00 - 8:30 pm
at UU Church of Bloomington IN
$15 registration includes snacks, Saturday breakfast & lunch (dinner is on your own)


     Facilitated by Rev. Dr Lisa Presley, Congregational Life Consultant for the UU Mid-America Region, and Rev. Adam Robersmith
     During this workshop, you will learn about the Development Model of Intercultural Sensitivity. This model proposes that we have the ability to learn how to be more interculturally competent - that we go through stages of ability and attitudes, and that we have the ability to increase our abilities. It provides tools for learning in order to advance our competency. The model is about the "differences that make a difference" in every setting--whether that be race, class, culture, gender, sexual orientation, or any other difference that might be key in our interactions. 


Space is limited for this workshop, and the registration deadline is March 20. Register and get details here.  

Our Folks...

A memorial service for Dick Curtis will be held here on Saturday, February 21 at 4:00 p.m. Dick died on Monday, January 19.

 

Our sympathy is with Steve Dillon and his family. Steve's father, Ward Dillon, passed away on February 12.

 

Thank You...
The Elder Focus Task Force would like to thank Mary M's Walnut House Flowers for the donation of eight beautiful roses for the Valentine's Tea to honor our UU elders.

 

Seeking The Spirit
Stewards of Children, Saturday, March 7th- 9:30-12pm
Susie's Place will be offering a vital workshop on how we as a community can be informed and empowered to prevent childhood sexual abuse.  Contact the office to register [email protected]

Volunteering in the Religious Education Program
The possibilities are endless, we need volunteers for Soul Food dinner, teacher breakfasts, ice cream social, and much more!  Visit sign up genius and find a one time opportunity that is right for you!   http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a48aca82cabfe3-volunteer

--Adrienne Summerlot, Director of Religious Education  

Monday Shambhala Meditation is Every Monday at Noon 

Join us at 12 noon every Monday in the Fellowship Hall (easier to heat in the wintertime) for an hour of Shambhala Meditation, walking meditation, and Shamatha yoga with Sarah Flint. Please bring your own cushion if you have one; sitting in one of the Meeting Room chairs is also fine.

 

 

 

Our Congregational Themes for 2014-15

 

January:   Integrity                

February:   Faith          

March:       Resilience               

April:          Revelation    

  

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

Welcome to Our Newest Members


 
 Kathy Kardynalski

Kathy Kardynalski came to Bloomington in the early '80s to return to school and ended up staying to here raise her family. After being a child in a military household, it has taken most of the past three decades to realize that Bloomington is not just another temporary stop on her journey but is, in fact, home. Her association with the UU congregation and activities over the years played a significant role in that realization and she is happy to find a home here also.

 

Roy and Jonna Capio

Jonna and I attended Unity of Bloomington for over almost three decades, collectively, prior to visiting the Unitarian Universalist Church in Bloomington. In 2012, Jonna and I wed and we both feel like newlyweds, still. Jonna is a practicing therapist at Centerstone of Indiana and I am retired. We both enjoy yoga, walking, volunteering, travel and reading. We appreciate attending weekly services and search for a deeper spiritual connection with the Universe, the earth and all of its inhabitants.

 

Carol Holding 

Carol is a retired psychology professor.  She moved to Bloomington in August 2013 to live closer to her daughter in Brown County. She also has two sons; one in Orinda, CA, and one in New Orleans, LA. She is a two cat person, currently living with three cats (a long story). She knits constantly, reads constantly, eats constantly (sad but true), and occasionally does story telling.


 


 

Judy Berkshire

Judy and her husband Jim Tarnowski retired from their farm in northern Indiana and moved to Bloomington two years ago. Judy, an avid gardener, grew most of their food on the farm and has continued gardening on a smaller scale here. UU Bloomington was near the top of their list of reasons for choosing Bloomington for their retirement. Judy is active on the Elder Focus Task Force and serves on both the housing and Valentine Tea committees. 

 

Christy True and Dan Reed

Originally from the Chicago area, Christy True began attending the UU Church of Bloomington in 2002 with her two children Jessica and Connor.  It was here that the Trues met the Reeds (Daniel, Zoe and Adrian), who, following a UU marriage, would become known as the "True/Reed Bunch."  Christy is a Montessori preschool teacher with a B.A. in French and M.S. in Special Education. She enjoys teaching in the RE program. Living a purposeful life is essential to her and being a member of the UU Church helps her with this daily goal. 

 

Originally from northern Ohio, Daniel Reed works as associate professor of ethnomusicology at IU, and plays music of various kinds.  He also loves travel and hiking his favorite trails around Lake Griffy, with dog Winter or, on lucky days, with beloved family members Christy, Zoe, Adrian, Jessica, and Connor. Daniel has enjoyed regularly attending UU Bloomington since 2004 and has absolutely no good explanation as to why it has taken him so long to become a member.  

 

Paulina Makowska

Paulina Makowska moved to Bloomington eight years ago. Raised and born in Poland, she lives in Bloomington with her two sons Nathaniel and Julian. My passion and profession is to explore and grow in understanding of Body-Mind connection,structural anatomy and systems, kinesiology and mindfulness. Dance Movement Therapy is my degree but every day I work as an Active Release provider, Therapeutic Massage Therapist and Pilates Trainer. I enjoy modern dance, play music, hike, cook and come to UU for spiritual growth.I am happy I found for myself and my family a place and people like UU.


Building Community
Spring Greeter Orientation is March 1

Help make this congregation a friendly place.  Learn to be a greeter or newcomer welcomer.  The work is important and fun, but it takes only a little time, and you get to choose the time and date of the one service every month or so that you will serve.  Join us for  orientation on Sunday, March 1, at 12:45 in the Meeting Room.   -- Libby DeVoe

This Is My Church 

 

You walk in the door and can say, "This is my church" because you feel at home. In the last year, our congregation spent a month talking and thinking about generosity. We are a generous congregation; the examples are many.   Walk through the Commons, see the displays and boxes filled with pasta, toiletries and other gifts and know that you are part of a congregation that is taking responsibility for the community in which we all live.  The generous contributions of time, talent and resources given by the members of this congregation change the world.

--Carol Ver Wiebe, member of the Stewardship Committee

Stewardship 2015 - Play your part!

In the coming weeks and months, the UUBC Stewardship committee will begin our Annual Pledge Campaign. This year, we will be using the theme "Play your part" to prompt our seasonal reflection on the value of this congregation in our personal lives and in the life of the greater Bloomington and world communities. As our we journey through this time of transition it is vital that we celebrate the spirit of generosity and gratitude that has become a hallmark of this congregation. Individually, and collectively, we are a generous people. Generous of mind, of spirit, of time, and generous with our material resources as well. Each of us plays our own small part in the larger song of this community. While our personal motivations and resources for giving are varied, we are brought into harmony through the elegant orchestration in the immortal words of Dan Quilter, we all simply give until it feels good. Be on the look-out for spoken and written testimonials and other campaign activities, culminating in a "jazzy," not-to-be-missed Commitment Sunday on April 12th. The Stewardship Committee invites you to enter into this season with a sense of pride in what we have done together and excitement for what is possible in our future.

 

Goods and Services Auction Sunday, May 17 -- 

Save the Date! 

Our UU Annual Goods and Services Auction will be Sunday, May 17. Save the Date! Join us for a modestly priced lunch after 2nd service on May 17th and stay for the live auction called by our own Darrell Breeden; registration begins at 1:30 and bidding starts at 2:00! Don't miss this lively and entertaining congregational fundraiser! Contact Martha Foster or Earon Davis for more info. Childcare provided during the auction.  

Board meeting on February 19

The Board meeting in February, normally on the third Wednesday, will be on Thursday, February 19th at 7:00pm in the Library. As always, it is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Spring Greeter Orientation March 1

Learn to be a greeter or newcomer welcomer. The work is fun, takes only a little time, and you get to choose the time and date of the one service every month or so that you will serve. Join us at the spring orientation on Sunday, March 1, 12:45 in the Meeting Room.  --Libby DeVoe


UU HISTORY FOR YOU

 

Antoinette Brown Blackwell, the Other First Woman Minister in the United States

Antoinette (n�e Brown) Blackwell (1825-1921) was born in Henrietta, New York, to a Congregationalist family.  Her father was a farmer. At age 8 she took an interest in becoming a minister and her mother encouraged her to pursue that attempt.  First she became a school teacher and then studied literature and theology at Oberlin College, entering the theology program in 1847.  She lectured and gave occasional guest sermons until 1852 when she became ordained in a Congregational church in S. Butler, New York.  She left the church after it condemned two infants who died in infancy before they could be baptized and claimed she could not believe in a God who would take such a view.  She went to New York and wrote articles for the New York Tribune on poverty in New York City and issues of women's rights and the need for abolition of slavery. She married Samuel Blackwell, who had a substantial income and they had seven children, five of whom survived infancy.  She worked out with her husband the right of a mother to hold part-time work and for her husband to assist with the housework.  She promoted this arrangement as part of her women's rights advocacy.  In 1878 she and her husband became Unitarians and she resumed her preaching in New Jersey.  At the age of 95, she voted for the first time.  Blackwell was not related to Olympia Brown, but she met her many times and they sometimes preached together in their many efforts to promote women's rights to vote.  Both Blackwell and Brown have a claim to being the first female ordained minister depending on the years of training, preaching, or being a settled minister.

   --Elof Axel Carlson, Congregational Historian  

New Kroger Grocery Card Rewards Program -- How to Sign Up

Here are the instructions for participating in the Kroger Grocery Card Program, to make your Kroger purchases count for a percentage to come back to our church, since Kroger is no longer issuing Kroger grocery gift cards for this purpose. In a couple of weeks we will have laptop computers and helpful people available during coffee hour to help you with the registration process. Thanks for your participation! 

Our Kroger NPO (Non Profit Organization) number is 10159.

TO USE THE KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:

 

  • Register online at krogercommunityrewards.com
  • Be sure to have your Kroger Plus card handy and register your card with your organization after you sign up.
  • If you do not yet have a Kroger Plus card, these are available at the customer service desk at any Kroger.
  • Click on Sign In/Register
  • Most participants are new online customers, so click on SIGN UP TODAY in the 'New Customer?' box.
  • Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions
  • You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email.
  • Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step.
  • Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number.
  • Update or confirm your information.
  • Enter UUCB's NPO number, 10159, or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm.
  • To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see our church's name on the right side of your information page.
  • REMEMBER, purchases will not count for our church until after you register your Kroger Plus card.
  • Do you use your phone number at the register?  Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.
  • Always swipe your registered Kroger Plus card or use the phone number that is related to your registered Kroger Plus card when shopping, for each purchase to count towards a percentage  being donated to our church.  

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

25% Sunday Non-Pledge Plate Recipient for 2015-16

Social Justice Funds Committee Invites Nominations Starting March 1

     The application form for nominating our next local non-profit agency to receive 25% of Sunday non-pledge plate collections (July 2015-June 2016) will be available March 1. The application deadline will be April 1st. The Social Justice Funds Committee will choose three nominee finalists for the congregation to vote on at the spring congregational meeting on June 7th. Our contributions to the current recipient, Susie's Place, total $4,897 in the first two fiscal quarters (with 2 more quarters to go!) The total donated to the Circles Initiative, last year's recipient, was $10,277! Which local non-profit agency should be our next recipient?

      Those who submit applications must be able to meet the following obligations: (1) contact the agency you support to gather the information necessary to complete the application. If among the finalists chosen you will need to (2) provide 200 word written information on the agency to be published in the Prologue; (3) arrange for written materials to be available at the church throughout May, and (4) give a brief 3-minute presentation during both services on Sunday, June 7th, including an overview of the organization and an explanation of how the funds will be spent. The agency will also be tabling between services on June 7th.

     Watch for further information from the Social Justice Funds Committee. Contact Millie Jackson, SJFC Chair, at [email protected] with any questions.

     The Social Justice Funds Committee: Jana Anna, Anna Beauchamp, Millie Jackson, Steve Mascari and Ellen Tamura. Co-Advisors: Jackie Hall and the Reverend Douglas Wadkins.  

MidAmerica UU Regional Assembly --  April 17-19
Naperville, Illinois  Theme - the "New" in a "New Era in Unitarian Universalism." Two keynote speakers and a chance to be a delegate from our church to vote for the next leaders on the Regional Board including the President and Vice President of the MidAmerica organization:  http://www.midamericauua.org/governance/business-meetingEarly bird registration is due by March 15.  Special rates for hotel. Naperville (near Chicago) is about a five-hour drive from Bloomington.  Please consider being a delegate.  We need your voice.  Please let Iris Kiesling know if you are  interested in being a delegate.

UU General Assembly in Portland, Oregon -- June 24-28
Delegates are also needed for the UU General Assembly, which will be held in Portland, Oregon, June 24-28. Contact Iris Kiesling if you are interested in being a delegate.

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, March 1; the topic is "Global Warming"  and will be led by Sandy Dolby. 

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, February 8. Info, contact John Crosby.   

Contact a Minister

    Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister, will be out of the office February 10-19. In her absence, please contact Reverend Douglas Wadkins or Reverend Emily Manvel Leite.


 


 

    Reverend Doug Wadkins, our Interim Minister, can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 207 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, or email [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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.  

  

 

  
 

     

Bulletin Board

Available 3/28 - Seeking house sitting or live-in companionship/assistance opportunity (pets welcome). Pat Aungst (812) 219-9718 or [email protected].

Attendance and Membership

Current Membership: 474    Certified Membership as of 2/1/2015: 468

Attendance

Sunday, February 8               9:15:    114;     11:15:  187;     RE:      112      Total:   413

Sunday, February 15             9:15:      86;     11:15   142;     RE:      106      Total:   334

Non-Pledge Offering

2/8 - $536;  2/15- $370;         Total to be donated to Susie's Place - $226.60

Grocery Card Sales

February 8      $825   income to UUCB $41.25

February15     $1,550   income to UUCB $77.50

Webpage in Transition: Contact Form Out of Order The "contact us" form on our webpage, www.uubloomington.org, is not currently working in any of its locations. Please contact office@uubloomington.org or 812-332-3695 for email contact info for staff or leadership. We will have our new website up soon, and this will improve communication! You can also find email addresses for core staff members and ministers by clicking here  .

And here is another handy list for your reference:

Carol Marks, Church Administrator,                               [email protected] 

Susan Swaney, Music Director,                                      [email protected] 

Adrienne Summerlot, Director of Religious Education, [email protected]

Judy Bennett, Connections Coordinator,                        [email protected] 

Office Assistants Monica Overman and Jason Haworth, [email protected] 

RE Assistant Kitty McIntosh,                                          [email protected] 

President Kathleen Sideli,                                              [email protected] 

Vice President Von Welch,                                             [email protected] 

Treasurer Arzetta Hults-Losensky,                                 [email protected] 

Secretary Ann LeDuc,                                                    [email protected] 

NEW Livestreaming and Archives of Sunday Services -- HOORAY!
Livestreaming the Sunday Services Link:   uubloomington.yourstreamlive.com
Archive of February 1 service is at http://yourstreamlive.com/events/121246 

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, [email protected], 812-332-3695, ext. 200 

Masthead photo credit: zwordi (anonymous user of reddit.com)

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  It's open to all and you don't need a Facebook account to read it.

Next issue, Monday, March 2. 

Deadline for articles about congregational events and projects is 10 a.m. on 2/17/2015, to [email protected].  The February 17 issue will be edited by Monica Overman.  The Prologue is published on the first and third Mondays of each month, with exceptions. Next few publication dates: 3/2, 3/16, 4/6, 4/20, 5/4, 5/18.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408, 812-332-3695