The Prologue
Monday, April 20, 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

 

 

May 3

End of Life Issues Workshop

 

May 17

Goods & Services Auction

 

June 7

Annual Congregational Meeting

 

 

Quick Links
Search Committee Update
Play Your Part!
Envisioning the Future
Our Folks...
Exploring UU History
End of Life Panel
Play Your Part
Women's Alliance
Annual Reports
Auction May 17
UUs for Hire
Earth Fair
25% Fund Nominees
Food Pantry Volunteers
Prism Grant
Contact a Minister
Livestreaming

Sunday, April 26, 2015    

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


Earth Day Celebration

Reverend Emily Manvel Leite

Reverend Douglas Wadkins

special musical guest Carrie Newcomer

       All ages are invited to celebrate our beautiful planet and to consider ways to live more lightly upon it.  We will share drama, personal reflection, and amazing music with Carrie Newcomer, Robert Meitus, Daniel Reed, and our UU Children's Choir directed by Jill Courtney.
       After each service, everyone is encouraged to visit the Earth Fair to obtain a free tree seedling, get involved with The Monroe County Energy Challenge, Citizen's Climate Lobby and Indiana Forest Alliance, and to learn about solar energy, reducing plastic bags, and ways to go deeper with your personal commitment to caring for the earth in 2015.  

Sunday, May 3, 2015

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

Tradition and Transformation: 
May the 4th Be With You
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin 
     In this May 3rd worship service, we will explore the our theme of the month---tradition and the transformational role it plays or does not play within our lives and the lives of our ancestors.. G.K. Chesterton wrote, "Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to that arrogant oligarchy who merely happen to be walking around. This service may or may not include references to StarWars, not to be confused with Star Trek.  

Update on Ministerial Search Committee Process

     The board is finalizing the Ministerial Search Committee based on the hundreds of nominations we received from the congregation.  The process has involved weighing the nominations, the skills of the nominees, their makeup as a committee, representation from the congregation as a whole, and contacting our choices to confirm their willingness to serve in this time and labor-intensive task. We were heartened to see that while not everyone nominated is able to serve, many trusted by the congregation are willing to add this commitment to their already busy lives. 

 

     The seven-member Ministerial Search Committee selected by the board from your nominations will be put forth for a vote of endorsement at the congregational meeting on June 7.  The board will announce the Ministerial Search Committee members in the May 4 Prologue so you can learn more about them. And we will post the same information on the Ministerial Transition website http://search.uubloomington.org/.  After the congregational meeting in June, the committee will quickly get to work, in cooperation with our UUA Ministerial Settlement Representative, to begin the search process for an associate minister for our congregation, which will take a full year.

 

--Kathleen Sideli, President, Board of Directors 


Play Your Part!
     The Stewardship Campaign for 2015-16 is progressing well, with 175 pledges received so far, but we still need to hear from the rest of you about your pledge for the coming year. 
     Easy online pledging instructions can be found here.
     Other ways to make your pledge are to give Carol Marks, Church Administrator, an email or call at admin@uubloomington.org or 812-332-3695, ext. 200 with your pledge amount. You may also stop by the church during office hours, 10-4 any weekday to fill out a pledge card.


And please do respond to your canvasser if you get an email or call from the friendly people who are helping the Stewardship Committee this year.

Supporting our dynamic congregation can be considered a spiritual practice. It's good for you and good for the community.

Thank you so much for your support!

The Stewardship Committee

Envisioning the Future

 

Much of my work as your interim minister has focused recently on thinking about possibilities. It is hardly a surprise in my ministry with you, in this time:  imagining the future and dreaming what is possible.  It is important and meaningful work. In engaging with various groups in the congregation, there is common ground to this task.  It asks for clarity about how our specific ministries are connected to the larger mission.  It involves discernment of the unique contributions each offers in service to the greater good.  It encourages an honest assessment of what is going well and what could use some re-visioning.  Where is assistance and support needed? How can human connection and a spirit of collaboration be better incorporated in the work?  It has been rewarding to begin this work with your extraordinary staff, with the various Social Justice task forces in the congregation and the Adult Religious Education Committee. They have all initiated this exploration with enthusiasm and an open mind!

 

In the coming weeks, I will invite you all to do some of that work in hopes of creating the perfect creative atmosphere for your search team to discover the qualities for future ministry on the ministry team that will best open up even more possibilities. The essence of this exploration involves clarity about who one is. It asks,  What is one to do that is the Good Work?  What is working and what is asking us to change?  Who are good companions for the journey?  Fortunately, these are all also essential questions to explore for our own spiritual journey.  It is always both helpful and humbling to see some of my own inner questions reflected in companioning others in their own discernment. The essence of the interim period is never just about the church, it is always also about we tender souls who inhabit the church, and seek to make it our place, our community. 

 

Finally, it IS good work but it is also hard work at times.  Exploring possibility will bring about even more change. Change, while ever-present, will make both communities and individuals anxious. Anxiety will bring out intense thoughts and feelings. Working through these natural reactions will take time and energy.  Thus, it is also an essential part of ministry to you to encourage you, again and again, to be kind and nurturing to yourself and each other.

 

I feel very lucky to be present with you as we explore.  I have rarely encountered a congregation with such diverse strength and exciting potential!  May the spirit of Clarity and Connection be our guide in the journey of the coming months!

 

Warmly,

  Doug

The Reverend Douglas Wadkins, Interim Minister     

Our Folks...

Congratulations to Deb Rush on the publication of Nessy's New Home, a children's book by Marcy Cook that Deb illustrated.

  

Seeking The Spirit
Job Opportunity - Childcare Team
We are looking for a caring, attentive, energetic, and experienced person to join our Childcare Team. This position is part time, flexible, approximately 10-15 hours per month. Shifts are on Sunday mornings, some weekends, afternoons and evenings.  For more information contact Adrienne Summerlot dre@uubloomington.org, (812) 332-3695 ext 202 

"Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher..."  
Adrienne Summerlot shares her enjoyable experience subbing in the Spirit Play Class: 

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to substitute in our 9:15am Preschool class, and it was a special treat for me.  I miss being in the classroom regularly and connecting in that way that only a teacher can with her students.  I loved getting to individually greet the children as they entered the classroom, helping them feel welcomed into the circle. One of our middle school youth is currently volunteering as a teacher in the preschool and she was the door keeper and very confident in facilitating activities in the classroom. This was especially helpful for me as a substitute.   Like riding a bike, I found I still remembered the children's chalice lighting words and smiled upon seeing how well they knew them and the motions. More...

 

 

 

Coming of Age Program Completed by Ninth Graders
Yesterday was a delightful celebration of our intergenerational community as five of our congregation's ninth graders completed the Coming of Age program.  Congratulations to 

Tommy DiLavore mentored by Dan Lodge-Rigal
Robbie Gonyea mentored by Andy Beargie
Hans Kelson mentored by Bob Flynn
Creighton King mentored by Dave Sharp
and Carter Makice mentored by Pat Brantlinger

It was a wonderful day!

Attention: Eighth Graders and Parents -- Please join us!
Parent and Youth Potluck for Incoming High Schoolers
May 3, 12:45-2:00 PM
Building and Trades Park Shelters
    Eighth graders and parents are invited to bring tableware and a dish to share as high school youth, youth advisors, committee members and Religious Education staff share information on opportunities we provide for High School youth at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, including Coming of Age, High School Youth Group, and more!  Contact Reverend Emily with questions: mre@uubloomington.org.  

 

NEW!  Exploring UU History April 26,  an optional third class in this series for those wanting more details on UU History. Sunday April 26th, 2:00-3:00 pm. Led by Stuart Yoak.  Exploring UU History is open to anyone in the congregation.  Free child care is provided.  For more information contact Judy Bennett, memcoord@uubloomington.org    

End of Life Panel Discussion

Preferences and Preparation

Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

      You are invited to a panel discussion with an opportunity for questions, and the chance to break into small facilitated groups to fill out forms if you wish.

      Presenters will be Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister UU church of Bloomington, who will address the topics of planning your memorial or funeral.

Jim Whitlach, attorney will guide us through the legal issues. Info here. 

 

Sponsored by UU Caring Committee & Elder Focus Task Force     Contact Sharon Yarber,  812-336-4427 

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.

 

Open Chanting on Thursdays in April -- Continues April 23

Janiece Jaffe will lead chanting as a meditative practice on Thursdays during April, (April 9, 16, 23, 30) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Library. All are welcome. 

 

Conscious Contact Meditation, Wednesdays at 5:30

Kris Roehling leads weekly Conscious Contact Meditation from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Room 207B. This event provides insight meditation supporting recovery in all forms.  

Our Congregational Themes for 2014-15

 

January:     Integrity                May:    Tradition

February:   Faith                     June:   Grace

March:       Resilience               

April:        Revelation    

  

What type of Revelation would help you Seek the Spirit, Build Community, and Change the World?    
Building Community

Play Your Part -- 

by Michael Stucker

 

First and foremost to me, UU Bloomington is where I want my children to grow up. It is a community filled with the kind of people that I want around my children. On a personal level, it is not uncommon for a "sermon", though that word doesn't seem to fit, to make me think about who I am, what I am doing, and who I want to be. That's something truly special.

 

I support the church financially, not only for the reasons above, but also because that money is used to do the things we, as people, should be doing. Things like taking care of other people and the earth. It's absurd to think that it is not easy to find places where people are doing these things. Fortunately there is a community in Bloomington doing that work and that's why we make a financial pledge to UUCB.              

 

 

 

Women's Alliance Spring Salad Lunch May 7

     Please join us at 11:30 Thursday, May 7, for our annual salad luncheon with a presentation by Alysia Fornal at 12:00 on Stepping Stones, a transitional housing program for homeless youths ages 16 to 20. Youth are assisted through education and employment to build the independent living skills necessary for success after leaving Stepping Stones.

     Please bring a salad to serve four; desserts and beverages will be provided by the Women's Alliance executive board.  All are welcome.

 Community Drumming on Wednesday, May 13

6:30 to 8:00 in the Meeting room
From 6:00 to 6:30, we will share and practice rhythms, followed by freestyle drumming from 6:30. Hope to see you there. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month.  -Ellen Tamura 

Attention Committee and Task Force Chairs:

Annual Reports Due May 15

Each year in June, we provide an annual report to the congregation of the work we have accomplished in the previous year in fulfilling our vision of Seeking the Spirit, Building Community, and Changing the World. All committee and task force chairs are invited to submit a report of up to 150 words summarizing the past year's work. Please send these electronically to Carol Marks, Church Administrator, at admin@uubloomington.org by May 15. Paper copies of the compiled report will be available at the June 7 Congregational Meeting, and it will also be available to read online.

 

Goods and Services Auction May 17 

Join us May 17th after second service for a light lunch ($7 per person) followed at 2pm by an afternoon of fun with live and silent auction led by our own Darrell Breeden, auctioneer.

Auction catalog will be available soon.

--Martha Foster, Earon Davis, Michelle Cook, Judy Bennett 

 

 

 

 

Ready to become a member of UU Bloomington?

If this is your community, if you feel at home here, join us! If you would like to make the commitment and become a member of UU Bloomington, the next membership ceremony is Sunday April26th, between the services, at 10:30am in room 207B.  (Please note:  We ask for participation in our "Exploring UU" class prior to signing the membership book.) To make arrangements to sign the membership book, please contact Judy Bennett, Connections Coordinator, at 332-3695 or memcoord@uubloomington.org, no later than Wednesday April 22nd.   

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

  UU History for You

Hannah Adams: The First American Female Author 

 

Hannah Adams (1755-1831) was born in Massachusetts.  Her father was a teacher, farmer, and book seller and she was home schooled. Her mother died when she was 11. She took an interest in Unitarian history and began reading works by Socinian authors before the English non-conformists of that belief called themselves Unitarians.  She learned Greek and Latin.  She then invited ministers to describe their own faith beliefs and began corresponding with divines in other countries.  She realized from her readings on the world's religions that various Christian authors would describe other religions as heretical and flawed.  She felt that a scholar should find and present what other religions believed so readers could form their own judgments.  She is considered the founder of the field of comparative religion.  Her book appeared in 1784.  It sold well but her publisher kept all the profits. She lobbied Congress and in 1790 got a copyright law enacted.  She then got another publisher to issue a revised version which went through several editions and sold well in the US and in Europe.  She became the first female U.S. author to make a living as a full time writer.  She wrote a History of New England, a History of the Jews, and several other works on comparative religion.  She never married because her father's businesses failed and she supported him and her younger sister. She was a distant cousin of President John Adams and enjoyed visiting him. -- Elof Axel Carlson, Historian 

Changing the World

 

 Earth Fair!  Sunday, April 26

The Green Sanctuary invites you to the annual Earth Fair on Sunday April 26 after each service, at 10:15 and 12:15. Here's why you should come:

- Stand up for the trees!  Visit the Indiana Forest Alliance table to find out what is threatening our forests and how you can help.
- Plant your own tree!  Free seedlings are available at our annual tree give-away.
- Reduce your energy use!  Find out how you can get your neighborhood, workplace, or other organization involved with the Monroe County Energy Challenge, a community-wide effort that could win us a $5 million prize!
- Find out how you can GO SOLAR at your home.  Talk to the representatives from SIREN (Southern Indiana Renewable Energy Network)!
- Get involved with the efforts to wean ourselves from destructive and energy-intensive plastic.  Visit the Bring Your Bag Bloomington table!
- Help bring about policy change, so that we can reduce emissions as a nation.  Talk to the folks from Citizens' Climate Lobby to find out more.
- Ready to go  "deeper"  with your personal commitment to a low-carbon world?  Visit the Habit of the Month table for ideas, camaraderie, and inspiration.   --Marcia Veldman

 

Finalists for the 2015-16 25% Plate Fund 

The Social Justice Funds Committee has chosen the three finalists for the 25% Plate Fund for 2015-16. The members of the congregation will choose the recipient at the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 7th. The three organizations are Bloomington PRIDE's PRISM Youth Community, Girls Inc. of Monroe County and Monroe County CASA. Please read the May 18th issue of The Prologue for details about these organizations and look for information throughout May at the church. Each organization will make a short presentation at services on June 7th and will have a representative tabling between services that day to answer any questions you have about their philosophy and services. Thank you to all the church members who nominated local organizations--so much amazing work being done in our community!  
--Millie Jackson (Chair) 

Walnut Grove Food Pantry Needs Volunteers

     The Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force hosts a food pantry at Walnut Grove Apartments (3100 S. Walnut St. Pike) on the 3rd Friday of each monthm 3-5pm. We need volunteers! Duties include helping food pantry recipients sign in and select food. Some volunteers need to be able to help unload the delivery truck, but not all volunteers need to do this.  It's very rewarding to help the neediest in our area and it feels good to help in person. We want have enough volunteers so we can open pantry twice a month. The need is great. Info, contact Mary Blizzard maryblizzard6@gmail.com

  Rainbow Rights Task Force Report:

Prism Youth Community Grant from UU Social Justice

 

The Social Justice Funds Committee awarded Prism Youth Community a generous grant this year.  Prism Youth Community is a program of Bloomington PRIDE, serving LGBTQ youth and allies.  This fledgling program grew out of an expressed need for community.  I think that may be one of the higher expressions of human bonding.  This article is provided to inform the congregation how the funds are being used.  First, everyone associated with Prism is very grateful.  Second, the short answer on use of the funds is for special events.  That is just the book cover, there is a lot more to it.

 

The Rainbow Rights Task Force has supported and sponsored Prism during the first 14 months of existence, and Prism has returned that support.  Details here!  

Macaroni for Shalom!

Our congregation has been supplying Shalom Center with elbow macaroni and spaghetti for the past couple of years and this need continues. Please pick up a box or two of each the next time you grocery shop and place them in the drop box in the Commons. Thank you for helping to feed our hungry neighbors!   

News from Denominational Affairs

    Several delegates and staff members from our congregation experienced a wonderful MidAmerica Regional Assembly in Naperville this past weekend. Keynote speakers Reverend Marlin Lavanhar and Reverend Rosemary Bray Mcnatt gave inspiring talks, and the workshops and worship services were informative and joyous.   

    The General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations is in Portland, Oregon, June 24-28.  Delegates are needed.  Please see the current issue of the UU World magazine for interesting articles on this gathering of Unitarian Universalists from all over the world. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Cornel West.  UUA provides some financial assistance for delegates. Go to uua.org/ga to learn more about scholarship and volunteer opportunities (work in exchange for registration.)  GA scholarship applications are time sensitive.

    Our congregation provides some financial assistance to our delegates attending these meetings.  Please see Iris Kiesling. 

Community Connections

Our Faith at Work in the Community

 

Alzheimer's Association Workshop Friday, April 24

The Alzheimer's Association will present a workshop at Ivy Tech on Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in Lamkins Hall. Registration is required; call 800-272-3900 to register and see more info on our bulletin board or https://www.facebook.com/events/339817109556057/

 

Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive May 9 Last year, donations were down 9000 pounds from the year before, yet the need is increasing. A large group of volunteers is needed. Small groups and individuals are welcome. Call 812-334-8374 or email volunteer@hhfb.com for more information. 

 

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, April 26; the topic is "Distinguishing the Innate from the Learned" and will be led by Elof Carlson.

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, May 3. Info, contact John Crosby.   

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. 


 

    

    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.  

  

 

 

 

Who to Call about Building Problems

If you notice a problem with the building, please contact Carol Marks, Church Administrator, admin@uubloomington.org, 812-332-3695, ext. 200, and she will contact the experts to get it taken care of.

Attendance and Membership

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

Attendance

Sunday, April 12          9:15: 157              11:15: 196      RE: 89            Total:  442

Sunday, April 19          9:15: 87                11:15: 172      RE: 102          Total:  361

Non-Pledge Offering

4/12 - $604.00;  4/19 - $576.00     Total to be donated to Susie's Place - $295.14

Grocery Card Sales

April 12     $975, income to UUCB $48.75

April 19     $725, income to UUCB $36.25

Livestreaming of Sunday Services
Livestreaming the Sunday Services Link:   uubloomington.yourstreamlive.com
As archived videos of service become available they will also be at the link listed above.
--Andy Beargie, Multi-media Specialist, media@uubloomington.org

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

Next issue, Monday, May 4. 

Deadline for articles about congregational events and projects is 10 a.m. on 5/4/2015, to admin@uubloomington.org.  The Prologue is published on the first and third Mondays of each month, with exceptions. Next few publication dates: 5/4, 5/18, 6/1, 6/16, 7/6, 7/20.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408, 812-332-3695