From Your Interim Minister

August will bring an exciting opportunity for some important work in our time of transition. As the board reported to you in the last Prologue, in the second week of August, we will be lucky enough to have the very experienced, knowledgeable and wise presence of Unitarian Universalist Congregational Life Consultant Nancy Heege to do some essential work with us.

As part of the work of the interim year, Nancy Heege has been invited by the ministers and the board to consult with the staff and with all of you about church size, congregations in transition, managing change, and more specifically about some of the recent conflicts regarding the religious education program.  Nancy is particularly savvy about congregational systems and healthy practices for thriving Religious Education programs.  Nancy will do her focused on-site work with us on August 12 and 13.  She will confer with various groups and individuals, but you all can play your part by joining the open conversation on August 12. 

August 12, 6:30 PM.  "Open Conversation with Nancy Heege" after a presentation on church size, transitions in churches, and change management, Nancy will invite questions and comments.

Nancy will meet with both individuals and groups during her time here and invite them to share their experiences, thoughts, hopes and concerns for the religious education of our children and our youth.  She will take some time after her on-site experience to synthesize what she has heard.  She will prepare a written to report to share her insights and make some suggestions for sustaining and strengthening our vibrant religious education program.  

We are finalizing a few other meeting times for those two days that might offer more focused opportunities for conversation.  We will keep you posted on these opportunities in the Friday Updates and the next Prologue.  This an good moment to gather our thoughts and hopes for a strong and dynamic program that will benefit our children, and children and youth for many generations to come.  We can learn much from both the ways that we minister well together and from practices that might not serve as well in the future.  May a spirit of open and honest inquiry be a benefit to us all!  I hope you will join us on August 12, and be open to what our explorations might teach us.

See you soon,

Doug 

The Reverend Douglas Wadkins

Interim Minister

     Our hearts and thoughts go out to Doris  Wittenburg and family.  Doris's brother, James "Bubba" Wittenburg, died of a heart attack from the stress of serious injuries sustained in a bicycle accident late June.

     Many blessings and congratulations to Chris Hanna and Erica Whichello, who recently became engaged to be married.

Report from Our Delegates to UUA General Assembly in Portland

Julie and Doug Cauble and I were privileged to represent The UU Church of Bloomington as delegates to the 54th annual Unitarian Untversalist Association General Assembly in Portland, Oregon. About 4,500 UU-ers from around the country met to discuss and conduct business on the many areas of interest and concern.

Throughout the General Sessions concepts of tolerance and inclusivity were emphasized. Tolerance of each other within the group as well as tolerance of those outside the group. A highlight was the large, loud and spontaneous reaction of joy to the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality.

An outstanding component was the exhibit hall. There were all kinds of exhibitors from UU-Buddhists, UU-Christians, and UU-Jewish members to the UU Animal Ministry group. All were offering insights into their respective relationship to the UU movement. Beacon Press was there in full force, offering many opportunities to learn more about our church.

Hearing Congressman John Lewis and Cornel West was a particular high point. Both were very effective speakers in delivering the message that we are responsible for caring for all and respecting all.

Thank you again for the opportunity. Next year the GA will be in Columbus, Ohio, just a pleasant drive away, so plan on attending.  --Marlin Howard

Come Dancing with us on July 24

       Come and learn gumboot dancing with with Ellyn Barham this summer! We'll meet on 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. (all ages are welcome, and you can come to one or both of the classes) More info and cool videos at our facebook event page HERE

Remodeling Project for Upper Religious Education Wing Now Complete

We are still shifting furniture and pianos, but the remodeling of the Upper R.E. Wing is essentially complete, resulting in two nice big rooms for meetings and classes, Rooms 208 and 210. Rooms 110 ans 112 downstairs are being repainted and refurnished to accommodate smaller gatherings. Thanks to all for your patience and flexibility during the past few weeks.

First Steps Class for Newcomers - Sunday, August 2

First Steps is a 40-minute drop-in class for newcomers, offered one Sunday a month at 10:35am and 12:35pm in Room 207-B.  It offers a brief introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our congregation.  Free childcare available in Room 108 (substantial snack provided for children at 12:35 p.m.).  Questions? Contact Shari Woodbury, Connections Coordinator, connect@uubloomington.org,812-332-3695. 

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 opportunity is Sunday August 9th, at 10:30am in room 207B.  (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 Shari Woodbury, Connections Coordinator, at 332-3695 or connect@uubloomington.org, by Wednesday, August 5th.

Attention Artists! Holiday Bazaar Applications are Due September 1

The UU Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar is coming this December 4th and 5th! Click here for information on how to apply to this highly respected and wonderful juried show, where you can sell the beautiful things you have made. Follow this LINK to apply

Family to Family Class on Mental Illness Offered Starting September 2

NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness) Family to Family Class is a free 12-week course offered to families of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness.  It will provide knowledge and skills family members need when faced with problems of mental illness.  The class is being offered through our Adult Religious Education program, and will begin on September 2 and conclude on November 18.  Registration is required.  For information and registration, call Cyndi Nelson 812-323-2453 or Cathy Korinek 812-339-6168. 

Could you help keep our church beautiful and welcoming this summer? 

You could pick one small area you'd like to tend or select a week in which you can do whatever tasks are ne eded, like weeding or watering. (Be sure to bring your own gloves and favorite tools!)

If so, you can see a longer description and sign up for a week or for a specific area in which you would like to work using our form on Sign Up Genius: HERE

Questions? Contact Molly O'Donnell at mollysod@gmail.com or 812-219-5388.

Is the Church in Your Estate Plans?

Have you recently included the church in your will, or made it a beneficiary of your retirement plan or insurance policy?  If so, please let the Planned Giving committee know.  We want to include you in the Legacy Circle and invite you to an informal thank-you luncheon this fall.

Contact Libby DeVoe  legacy@uubloomington.org  or 812 336-868.   No sum need  be mentioned, and we will honor any request to remain anonymous.

Seeking Legal Advisor for Our Congregation

With the retirement of Guy Loftman as the church's long-time volunteer attorney, we are seeking attorneys who would be willing to provide occasional consulting and legal services to the church board and ministers.  In order to be included on our list of legal resources, please contact Kathleen Sideli, Board President, pres@uubloomington.org or Rev. Mary Ann Macklin. 

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. 

Community Connections

Our Faith in Action in the Community 

Shalom Community Center Crowdfunding Campaign

Helping the Emergency Services Pantry at 

Monroe County United Ministries July 26

Our Help Feed Our Hungry Neighbors Task Force will sponsor a collection for items for MCUM's emergency pantry. On 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.