MAM's Musings

           June's topic of grace has stirred something inside me and many of you.  Your post-worship responses in conversation and through email have been numerous, and I would say, full of grace.   While the topic of grace itself remains a challenge for me, I have found some solace in the two quotes we have been exploring---from writer Anne Lamott.  "I do not at all understand the mystery of grace-only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us," as well as black history scholar and leftist critic Manning Marable, "Grace is the ability to redefine the boundaries of possibility." 

            This past Sunday, in my sermon, I made several references to a journal article from The Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics (Summer 2011) entitled,  "In the Business of Dying: Questioning the Commercialization of  Hospice" by Dr. Rob Stone and Joshua Perry.    This is an important article because it presents ethical considerations regarding the future of health care, particularly in terms of end-of-life issues. 

            Here is a link to this article by Stone and Perry.

            On June 7th, we had our annual spring congregational meeting.  In that meeting, I announced that I will be taking July and August off in order to engage professional and personal time to discern my own ministerial calling during this transitional time.  My time away will also provide you, as a congregation, solid time with Reverend Wadkins to move forward in your next stage of the interim process. 

            Our congregational meeting also included our 2015 Outstanding Service Awards. Our Outstanding Service Awards, presented at our June congregational meeting each year, recognize members of the congregation who have made a special effort or gone that extra mile, figuratively and sometimes literally, in our congregational life. Below are brief descriptions of the wonderful work of our three recipients this year, Ruth Ann Cooper, David Keppel, and Phil Cooper.

RUTH ANN COOPER

Ruth Ann has served several years on our Caring Committee, and her thoughtful contacts with congregation members and friends are an important part of our circle of care. I have also relied on Ruth Ann's nursing expertise when I am not clear about a certain medical term or situation that someone in the congregation is experiencing. Ruth Ann has been diligent in her support of LGBTQ rights and activities in our congregation and around the State of Indiana, and she is also dedicated to many women's issues and environmental issues. Ruth Ann has been a stalwart and valued member of the planning committee for our All Congregational Intergenerational Earth Celebrational UU Retreats, making the challenging administrative parts of organizing such events seem actually pleasant.

DAVID KEPPEL

David is a beacon for justice and peace in our congregation. He not only stays current on domestic and international issues for himself, but he keeps congregation members and leaders of important issues.  David's interfaith efforts in Bloomington are ongoing. He regularly attends the Monroe County Religious Leaders meetings to make present our liberal religious presence. David's involvement in other civic activities representing various social justice task forces of our church has made him an unofficial ambassador of goodwill for our congregation in Bloomington. David also has many connections throughout the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our visit this winter from UUA Moderator Jim Key would not have happened without David's assistance. This past year he also served as a mentor for one of our high school youth.

PHIL COOPER

Phil serves our congregation in a number of dynamic ways. He serves as a Sunday usher, and is often seen assisting others in whatever ways are needed. He has built many connections with our kids, from guiding them in folding peace cranes to teaching our sexuality education course, Our Whole Lives. He is currently working with a congregational team on our future youth programming. Phil is a person who keeps going full steam ahead-currently he is organizing our church social justice task forces to be visible in this year's 4th of July parade here in Bloomington. What Phil's work as our outgoing chair for Rainbow Rights. Phil's leadership for LGBTQ rights is multi-faceted and includes testifying at the State House in support of marriage equality. Phil's creative thinking and engaged manner make him one of our congregation's unofficial ambassadors to the Bloomington community.

Thanks to everyone in our congregational community, for all you do.

Reverend Mary Ann Macklin

Senior Minister

Saturday, June 27th- 6-8pm, Fourth of July Float  Decorating Party

Our church is participating in this year's parade and we need help getting ready. You are encouraged to march with us, help decorate or be a part of all of it.  Everyone is welcome to join us! We will supply the art materials. Bring your creativity and enthusiasm about our church.  Pizza will be available for $1/slice.

ATTENTION High School and Junior High Youth!

Sunday, June 21st and July 12th, we will meet in the kitchen from 10:15-11:15am to make lunches for the homeless to be delivered to People's Park.  Incoming youth are especially welcome--bring a friend!

Travel in Time, Summer Religious Education for K-8th grade

We have had a blast the first two weeks of summer RE.  We created our own classroom and personal timelines and interviewed family members about our parents.  We learned about time in general and important events that have shaped our faith and culture.  We went on our own Dangerous Journey to better understand how Unitarian and Universalist religions came to America and who played an important role in making that happen.  We closed last week by learning the hymn, "Come, come, whoever you are." Where will we go next week? Join us in Room 210 after the Time For All Ages in the 10:15am service to find out!

UU Children's Choir

Interested singers, K-6, are welcome to join us! Upcoming Kindergarteners are invited this round, too! Questions? Contact Jill: jillmcourtney@gmail.com

June 21 Summer Solstice Service, 10:15am (Meet at 9:45am, Sing near beginning of service)

Come and Learn Gumboot Dancing with us This Summer! 

Starts June 19

       Come and learn gumboot dancing with us this summer! We'll meet on Friday, June 19, Friday, July 10, and Friday, July 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for an excellent aerobic time. Gumboots is an African step dance that found life in the mines of South Africa. Miners traveled from different parts of Africa to find work in the mines. Despite language barriers and harsh work conditions, Gumboots was used as a way for miners communicate and uplift each other. A variety of African cultural dances have been fused into this high energy dance. 

       Come enjoy an hour of exercising while learning more about 

Gumboot dancing with Ellyn Barham! (all ages are welcome, and you can come to one or all of the classes)

One Service only at 10:15 a.m. June 21 through July 26 

During this time of interim transition, it is a good moment to try a different summer worship experience. With the approval of our Board of Directors and our core staff, we are excited to share that we will be holding one service only each Sunday at 10:15 a.m. from June 21 through July 28 this summer, as an experiment. We have been exploring this idea for several years. Coffee and fellowship hour will take place after the service, at 11:15 a.m.  Our core staff will be working with all of you in the next few weeks  to adjust Sunday meeting and volunteer schedules to accommodate this experiment! Two services at 9:15 and 11:15 will resume on August 2.

Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, Senior Minister

Reverend Douglas Wadkins, Interim Minister  

Women's Alliance Thursday, July 2

      The first Thursday of each month, The Women's Alliance meets in Fellowship Hall for lunch and a program.

      Meetings begin at 11:30 AM. Bring your brown bag lunch and our hosts will provide the drinks and dessert. The programs start at 12:00 PM, unless otherwise indicated. In the month of June, we had Dr. Karin Harman James from Indiana University, on how handwriting helps with brain development in young children.

      On July 2, the topic is "China, Inside, Out" with Martha Foster. Come join us for an exciting trip to China.

Exploring Unitarian Universalism 

Class Meets July 12 and July 19

Are you interested in learning more about Unitarian Universalism and this congregation?  Whether you are considering membership or are just curious, this class is for you.  The Exploring UU Class will be held 

on Sunday, July 12 and Sunday, July 19 from 2-4 p.m. in the Ralph and Annetta Fuchs Library.  Sign up by Sunday, July 5 at the welcome table in the foyer, or by emailing office@uubloomington.org. Childcare is available by prior request.  

Please Remember to Pay Your Pledge!

We are closing in on the end of our 2014-15 fiscal year and it would be so helpful if we all could finish paying our pledges for this year (2014-15) by June 30. If you are traveling this summer, please remember to pay your pledge before you go! If you need to know your current balance, please email treasurer@uubloomington.org, or admin@uubloomington.org or call the office, 812-332-3695.

--Arzetta Hults-Losensky, Treasurer

East 17th Street closed for construction project

Motorists traveling along the east edge of the Bloomington campus should be aware that East 17th Street is closed through August 7. 17th Street will be closed from St. Paul Catholic Center to Lingelbach Lane. Fee Lane through campus or the Bypass will be the best routes to church from the east side all summer.

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. 

Ramadan Iftaar June 26

      On Friday, June 26, members of the Islamic Center of Bloomington will join us in celebration of the 2015 holy month of Ramadan, by breaking their daily fast with us in our Fellowship Hall.  For 15 years, the Muslim community of Bloomington has joined Unitarian Universalists for a shared Ramadan/Iftaar meal.  Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, the most blessed month of the year in which Muslims around the world rededicate themselves to God.They abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours, purifying their souls and refocusing attention om God.   

       Doors open at 8 p.m. and the call to prayer will occur just before sunset at approximately 9:15.  Breaking of fast begins with the sharing of dates and is followed by a delicious meal prepared by the members of the mosque.   THE FOOD IS DELICIOUS!  Members of our congregation are encouraged to provide desserts for the meal. Families are especially welcome at this event. Questions, talk with Abby Downey. Click here for details.

Reproductive Justice Task Force Meets June 22

The Reproductive Justice Task Force will meet in the Library on June 22 at 7:30 p.m. We will have a guest from Planned Parenthood Community Advocates, and will discuss float possibilities for the 4th of July Parade. 

--Melinda Swenson, convener

Habitat Builders Needed August 1 

        The UU Habitat Task Force is sponsoring a day of a build in Habitat's beautiful new B-Line Trail neighborhood on Aug. 1. We are donating $8,750 to financially sponsor that day and we also need to provide 25 builders. Please consider joining our team!

* Anyone can help -- men & women, ages 16 & up -- UUs and friends.

* Build day is 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or half-day am or pm options are available.

* Lunch, snacks and drinks are provided.

* No building skills needed, instruction provided. Tasks will include framing, and porch, window & door installation. Use your skills or learn new ones!

* No individual fundraising needed (only Women Build requires that).

Contact Barb Berggoetz, barbberg@bluemarble.net or 812/320-8422, by July 5 if you can join our team. 

Thanks for Participating! 

Next Blood Drive is Sunday, November 1 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Red Cross blood drive on June 7. Fourteen pints of blood were collected. That will support the lives of 42 hospital patients with life saving blood! There are over 200 churches in Bloomington. Fewer than 10 of them are currently partnering with The Red Cross, and UU Church of Bloomington is one of them!   -- Michael Gordy, American Red Cross

     The Red Cross blood bus will be back on November 1.

Save the Date - Congressional Climate Message Day is Monday, June 22

       On Monday, June 22, the day before 800 Citizens' Climate Lobby members go to Capitol Hill, we ask you to participate in Congressional Climate Message Day (CCMD), communicating by phone and social media with our members of Congress to register your support for legislation to price carbon.

       Sign up at  http://citizensclimatelobby.org/ccmd/ today to receive a reminder on June 22 along with complete information on how to participate. 

       Our meetings can be even more successful if you contact your one representative and two senators and declare your support for congressional action on climate change. You can contact your members of Congress by calling or Tweeting them.

       It will only take a few minutes, but it will have a huge impact in our efforts to fight climate change. 

Helping the Emergency Services Pantry at 

Monroe County United Ministries

June 28 and July 26

Our Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force will sponsor a collection for items for MCUM's emergency pantry. On June 28 and July 26 we are asking friends and members of the church to bring the following items to church: razors, new women's and men's socks, and men's and women's deodorant.  These may be left in the Hunger Task Force basket under the table in the foyer. 

March in the July 4th Parade!

Our congregation is registered for the July 4th parade.  All members and friends are encouraged to participate.  Each task force, committee, or group is encouraged to develop a mini float on a wagon, bike trailer, or stroller to be pulled (or pushed) in a procession or train along the parade route.  The float should in some fashion represent your group.  This will be an opportunity to present our many and varied social justice efforts and the committees that support their efforts by providing the structure and community within our church.  Float decoration party will be here in Fellowship Hall on June 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. You can contact me with questions as I will be coordinating. 

Phil Cooper, 812.339.1722, pvcooper@comcast.net

Community Connections