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Upcoming
August 12 & 13
Open Conversations
with Nancy Heege
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Sunday, August 23, 2015 9:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m.
Rowing Across the Atlantic
The Reverend Lisa Presley
There are times in our lives when we are called upon to be heroic-if not in the large sense, at least in the smaller sense. Sometimes, it feels like adventure; other times not. What do Antarctica and the Atlantic Ocean have in common, and what lessons can we glean from considering them in the same light?
Lisa Presley is a life-long UU who did almost every job a lay leader can do before she entered the ministry in 1991. She has served as called minister, interim, and as UUA staff for our part of the MidAmerica Region for a total of 8 years. She lives north of Ann Arbor (Go Blue!) with her partner and their cat--that is, when she's not on the road!
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Sunday, August 30, 2015 9:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m.
The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
The Reverend Douglas Wadkins
Many of us know that we have a need to feel that our voices have been heard, and to experience that there are people who know us and appreciate us. Yet, our culture seems to work rather tirelessly at fostering isolation and a profound sense of loneliness. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington seeks to offer another path, and one of our primary roads to deeper connection comes from our diligent work at cultivating the craft of listening. This service will explore the essence of what it really means to listen and the true power of being heard and known.
We are happy to welcome our Senior Minister Reverend Mary Ann Macklin to our pulpit on August 30, as she returns from two months of time away.
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Sunday, September 6, 2015
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Gather at the Water's Edge
The Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Adrienne Summerlot
The Reverend Douglas Wadkins
In keeping with September's theme of Invitation, you are cordially invited to join us for our annual Water Communion. This year all ages are invited to participate. We invite you to take part in honoring your summer months by bringing a small amount of water that is symbolic of the heart or essence of your summer. Perhaps your summer was about relaxation, or connecting with family, or moving to Bloomington, or surviving a difficult time? Whatever is true, may the water you bring symbolize that truth about your summer. As part of our service, we will combine our offerings, even if they are complicated gifts, to form the generous reservoir of experience and wisdom that will sustain this community over the coming days and cycles of seasons ahead.
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From Your Interim Minister
It was a busy week that just came to a close here at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington!
I am so appreciative of the enthusiastic and engaged participation in the congregation for Nancy Heege's consultation last week. Nancy brought her expertise on systems work and Religious Education to facilitate some meaningful, and, I believe, very helpful conversations. After Nancy has some time of reflection, we look forward to her report sharing her overview of the week and some recommendations for us to consider as we move forward.
A special thanks to Emily and Adrienne who spent many extra hours engaged in the process. I feel very positive about our important collaborative work last week, it will assist us in our continued ministry with our parents, children and youth!
Befriending Film Recap. My deep thanks to all of you that journeyed with us during July as we explored the power of film in assisting us in shaping meaning out of the moments in our lives. I appreciate that so many of you expressed your gratitude and enthusiasm for the services. As promised here are both the films used in the series and some recommendations for other meaningful films for your continued befriending. See you soon! From July 12 "Life in a Day" 2011. Kevin Macdonald, et al, Director. "Up" 2009, Pete Docter, Director. From July 19 "We Were Here" 2011 David Weissman, Director "Beasts of the Southern Wild" 2012 Benh Zeitlin, Director "Marvin's Room"1996 Jerry Zaks, Director From July 26 "The Impossible" 2012 JA Bayona, Director "Defending Your Life"1991 Albert Brooks, Director. "Baraka" 1992 Ron Fricke, Director OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS: Pan's Labyrinth (Chris Haynes), Bedazzled, Strangers in Good Company (Jim Kulis), Goodbye, Children/ Au revoir, les enfants, The Widow of St. Pierre (David Keppel), The Lives of Others, The Downfall, Ikiru, The Rules of the Game, The Remains of the Day, The Wings of the Dove, The Conformist, Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, Wrestling Ernest Hemingway (Amy Makice), Nobody's Fool, Safe Passage, The Departed, Pit Stop, The Tree of Life
In faith,
Doug
The Reverend Douglas Wadkins, Interim Minister
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 From Our Board of Directors -- On Nancy Heege's Visit Last Week
Invited by the Ministers and the Board, Nancy Heege, consultant from UUA's MidAmerica region, visited our congregation last week (August 12-14) to consult with the staff and with others about church size, churches in transition, managing changes, and our religious education program. In addition to individual meetings and phone calls, she held three open meetings at UUCB. She will submit a full report on her visit to the board and the ministers who, in turn, will share it with the congregation. There were over 60 attendees at the open session on Wednesday evening which focused on how size and changes related to size affect church programs, leadership and governance, particularly during times of transition. She also had open meetings during the day and in the evening on Thursday which were focused more specifically on the Religious Education program. Over 30 members attended each of those sessions. Her Wednesday presentation will be made available for distribution.
During her Wednesday session the congregation was reminded that UUCB board meetings are open to the congregation, usually occurring the third Wednesday of each month unless rescheduled and announced ahead of time, and all board minutes as well as congregational meeting minutes are available on the UUCB website: http://www.uubloomington.org/about-us/board-of-directors/ The Board uses the Prologue to regularly communicate with the congregation, so please check it for updates. Also, a board member represents the congregation to start Sunday services each week, and is available for questions during the coffee hour.
--UUCB Board of Directors:
Kathy Sideli, President, Von Welch, Vice President, Arzetta Hults-Losensky, Treasurer, Ann LeDuc, Secretary, Pat Brantlinger, Deb Hutton, Doug Cauble, At-Large.
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Ministerial Search Committee Update --
Communicating and Connecting!
This is the first update on the progress of the Ministerial Search Committee. Look for future updates in Prologues, UU Friday Updates, Orders of Service, and the Church Website. Let us know if there are additional ways you want us to communicate. The Committee now has a mailbox in the Church Office with envelopes available so that you may leave confidential comments, information, and requests for us. A later communication will advise how to visually identify us when we are at church and we will also provide a confidential email address to use for communicating with the Committee.
Last week we met with the UUA Transitions Director, the Reverend Keith Kron, and we later met to focus on our timetable. September and October we will be hearing your voices. There will be opportunities to attend Cottage Meetings, complete a survey, and additional ways to connect with the Committee. Our job will be to LISTEN and then distill what you have shared. At the same time, we will be gathering facts as part of building our Congregational Record which will be posted for search candidates to see.
With gratitude for the opportunity to serve,
Amy Taylor - Chair, Abby Gitlitz, Barb Backler, Craig Coley, Mary Boutain, Michelle Cook,
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Registration for Religious Education for Children & Youth is NOW OPEN
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Religious Education Prospectus for
2015-16 Now Available
See our webpage for the new Religious Education Prospectus for Children and Youth for this year. Click here to view it. There will also be paper copies available at church.
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite,
Minister of Religious Education
Adrienne Summerlot, Director of Religious Education
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 UU Children's Choir Resumes August 23
New and returning singers, grades K-6, are always welcome! Contact Jill Courtney to get on the Children's Choir email list for updates: [email protected] Sun. Aug 23rd: Rehearse, 10:30-11:00am (Rm 110) Sun. Aug 30th: Rehearse, 10:30-11:00am (Rm 110) Thurs. Sept. 3rd: Rehearse, 7:00-7:30pm (starting location TBA, finish in Meeting Room (sanctuary) with adult choir.) Sun. Sept. 6th: Sing at Water Communion Sunday Services; sing at end of 1st service and beginning of 2nd service.Meet to warm up/rehearse at 9:45, Rm 110; done approx 11:30.
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 Shambhala Meditation is Every Monday at Noon Join us at 12 noon every Monday in the Fellowship Hall for an hour of Shambhala Meditation, walking meditation, and Shamatha yoga with Sarah Flint. We have new cushions available, but you may bring your own cushion if you have one. |
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Conscious Contact Meditation, Wednesdays at 6:00
Kris Roehling leads weekly Conscious Contact Meditation from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Library (or sometimes in Room 210). This event provides insight meditation supporting recovery in all forms.
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Taiji Continues on Tuesdays and Saturdays - Change in Meeting Times Begins August 22
Brian Flaherty leads Taiji in Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m., beginning August 22. This form practices the "Wu (Hao)" style of taijiquan, including practice of standing exercises, forms, and "pushing hands." Anyone is welcome, even those with no experience. Wear loose-fitting clothing.
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Our Congregational Themes
January: Integrity May: Tradition September: Invitation
February: Faith June: Grace
March: Resilience July: Here & Now
April: Revelation August: Wonder
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Welcome to Two of Our Newest Members!
Pam McLaughlin: Pam was attracted to the UU Church for its ecumenical belief system and its excellent children's programming. Along with her daughter, Mora, Pam has been attending regularly since 2002. She loves singing in the choir and making music with fellow UU members. When she's not at church she can be found working at the hospital, studying for her master's in nursing education, or hula hooping with the Hudsucker Posse.
Mary Lee: A native Hoosier and retired RN, Mary Lee moved back to Indiana from Arizona nine years ago. She has lived in several different areas, but is happy to be back in Bloomington. She attended UUCB almost 40 years ago and looks forward to seeing how the community has grown, to experiencing new things, and to making a meaningful contribution. She enjoys reading, working outside, spending time with friends, and traveling.
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Save-the-Date
All-Church Potluck - Friday, Sept. 18 at 5:45 PM
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Who Ya Gonna Call?
Do you have questions about our congregation?
Ministerial and Pastoral--Reverend Douglas Wadkins*, [email protected]
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite*, [email protected]
Religious Education-- Children--Adrienne Summerlot*, [email protected]
Youth--Reverend Emily Manvel Leite*, [email protected]
Adults--Carolyn Emmert, [email protected]
Music-- Susan Swaney*, Music Director, [email protected]
Social Justice Work--Jackie Hall, [email protected]
Membership and Connection--Shari Woodbury*, [email protected]
Small Group Ministry and Chalice Circles--Alan Backler, [email protected]
Administrative, Financial, Facilities--Carol Marks*, Church Administrator, [email protected],
Office Assistants Monica Overman* and Jason Haworth*, [email protected]
Governance--Kathleen Sideli, Congregational President, [email protected]
*The starred people can also be reached by calling 812-332-3695.
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Chalice Circles Small Group Ministry Begins in September
Chalice Circles, the program of small group ministry in our congregation, is beginning its tenth year.
The focus of each Chalice Circle meeting is a topic that serves as a springboard into reflection on deeper issues of who we are and what gives our lives meaning. At the core of each session is deep listening. Questions are posed and each person responds in turn. The other participants provide the speaker with rapt attention. They don't ask questions; they don't give advice - they listen deeply.
Chalice Circles will begin again in September. Watch for our announcements, letters, and Sign-Up Sundays, coming soon.
For more information about our Chalice Circles, contact Alan Backler, 812-340-1323 or at [email protected]
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Why I Changed My Mind about Chalice Circles
I admit to feeling skeptical when I joined my first chalice circle, but I have since participated in two of them, and, in this coming year, my wife and I will be co-facilitating a group. Did I mention that I was a skeptic to begin with? Well, I've obviously changed my mind. Why? Because in my view, Chalice Circles provide one avenue to what I really want from the UU: the opportunity to build closer relationships with fellow members in a safe and intimate setting. That's a good reason in itself to participate, but Chalice Circles also offer something else: the opportunity to learn and practice deep listening.
To listen deeply, you must listen nonjudgmentally to the ideas of others with the goal of understanding their ideas from their perspective rather than from your own. As in meditation, quieting your critical self--suppressing the urge to create advice or counterarguments--is crucial for deep listening; and the more you participate in deep listening, the easier it becomes to do this, both inside and outside of your small group.
Finally, Chalice Circles are a way for you to enrich your understanding of the people sitting next to you in church. As you open up to them and they open up to you, a mini-fellowship develops based on trust and the mutual exchange of personal stories and ideas. It's a growth experience. In the end, isn't that what UU is really all about? --Stephen Gilbert
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First Steps Class - Sunday, September 6
First Steps is a 40-minute drop-in class for newcomers, 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, [email protected], 812-332-3695, ext. 209
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Caregiver Support Network
Sunday, September 6
The Caregiver Support Network will meet Sunday, September 6 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. in the Library. If you are you caring for an elder or person with a disability either here or from a distance, we would like to hear from you about the challenges of caregiving as well as the gifts it brings; support you have or need; and resources available. Info contact Sharon Yarber at 336-4427 or [email protected]
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Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar Seeking Fun People
Your UU Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar organizing committee is looking to fill a couple of vacancies. If you'd like a committee that meets only four times and you want chance to do good for your church community (and have a good time doing it), contact Julie Lawson [email protected] or
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Attention Artists! Holiday Bazaar Applications are Due September 1
The UU Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar is coming this December 4th and 5th! 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
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The Friendly Church
Have you noticed more visitors at church lately? Now is the time when more people are exploring where they might belong. Here are some simple things you can do to offer a warm welcome.
Wear your name tag. Say, "Would you like to join me?" if you see a new person looking for a place to sit.
Look for new people at coffee hour and say hello. (You can also use a "welcome mug" to show that you like to meet new people. ) Good conversation-starters include:
- I don't think we've met. My name is...
- What brought you here today?
- How was the service for you?
- Tell me about yourself.
- Let me introduce you to...
If you have found here a warm community and spiritual home, please help others find it too. It may change someone's life. -- Shari Woodbury, Connections Coordinator
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Women's Alliance Meets September 3
Women's Alliance meets the first Thursday of each month 11:30 am at the church, unless otherwise indicated. Meetings begin at 11:30 with a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert are provided. The program begins at noon, followed by the business meeting. September 3, 2015, is Monroe County CASA; our church donates 25% of our Sunday morning non-pledge offerings to CASA.
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UU History for You
Francis David and the Origins of Transylvanian Unitarianism
Francis David (Ferenc David) was born in 1510 and died in prison in Hungary in 1579. He was raised Catholic and became a Lutheran when he went to Wittenberg to study. He switched to Calvinism in Frankfurt and came back a Calvinist Bishop in Transylvania where he became preacher to Prince (later King) Sigismund. In 1565, he absorbed the teachings of Laelio Sozzini and considered Jesus a human who had no prior existence before his birth. He rejected the existence of the Holy Spirit, and felt prayer should be directed to God and not to Jesus. He preached that we should follow Jesus's moral teachings and not worship Jesus. He called his movement Unitarianism. When Prince John became King, he adopted David's Unitarianism and encouraged its spread in Transylvania by providing support for its churches along with Catholic, Calvinist, and Eastern Orthodox churches already present. David urged the King for an act of toleration because of resistance among the established churches to the new reform movement. King John issued the Edict of Torda n 1568, but he died a few years later. The new king revoked the Edict of Torda. David was summoned to a hearing on charges of heresy, and when he refused to recant his Unitarian views he was imprisoned, dying seven years later in prison. --Elof Carlson, Congregational Historian
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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.
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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
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Reproductive Justice Task Force Meets August 24
The Reproductive Justice Task Force (RJTF) will meet at 7:30 on Monday, August 24 in the Church Library. We will be discussing upcoming legislation regarding Planned Parenthood, activities at the All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center, and fund-raising/volunteer opportunities for the upcoming year. Please come and share your concerns, ideas, and energy! Contact Melinda Swenson for more information at 812-332-1020 or [email protected].
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Social Justice Fall Grant Campaign Begins September 1
Attention Social Justice Leaders: SJ Fall Grant Campaign is upon us! What Social Justice project would you like to see get funded?
The Social Justice Funds Committee (SJFC) encourages all social justice task forces, organizers, workers, and leaders to apply for our church's social justice grants.
Projects must be based in Southern Indiana and be consistent with the mission of our church. Priority will be given to applications from (1) Social Justice Task Forces, (2) projects that involve a significant number of congregation members, and (3) applications to seed new projects that will have an enduring benefit.
Grant applications will be available Sept. 1st and the deadline to submit an application is Oct 1st. Request applications from Millie Jackson at [email protected].
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Many Thanks to the Monks of Tashi Kyil
Our thanks to the monks of Tashi Kyil Tibetan Buddhist monastery in India, who were with us all week last week in our Fellowship Hall to create and then ceremoniously deconstruct this beautiful mandala for world peace.
photo by Jason Haworth
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Special Purposes Fund Committee
Town Hall Meeting on Fossil Fuel Divestment Saturday, September 26
The Special Purposes Fund (SPF) supports the Church's religious, charitable, educational and civic purposes beyond activities under the normal operating budget, via management of both endowment and general funds. It accepts both direct donations and donations from estates through Planned Giving. In 2014-2015 a donation to the SPF was made by Harv Hegarty and donations were received in memory of Robin Black-Schaffer, Gabe Langdon, and Gene Lawlis. The SPF supplied funds for grounds improvements, Reverend Wadkins' moving expenses, special choir music, and a variety of social justice projects endorsed by the Social Justice Task Force. Details are in the annual report.
In recent years there has been growing interest in fossil fuel divestment, especially since the announcement at the 2014 General Assembly that the Unitarian Universalist Association has so divested its endowment. The SPF Committee has been reviewing its investments, with special consideration of this possibility. To share its findings and welcome discussion with congregants on this matter the SPF Committee will hold a Town Hall meeting, Saturday, September 26th, from 10:30 to noon in the church library.
For more information about SPF, please contact Chris Haynes, SPF Committee Chair, [email protected]
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
Marriage: Past, Present and Future--August 22
A seminar at Trinity Episcopal on Saturday, August 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Keynote speaker Don Reed, PhD. Philosophy Chair, Wittenberg University. Small group discussion, Q&A on recent Supreme Court decision. All are welcome. Childcare available for up to age 4, if reserved by August 19, 336-4466.
Housing Needed for Americorps Volunteers this Fall
The Bloomington Department of Economic and Sustainable Development is hosting an AmeriCorps NCCC team from September 22 to November 6 and they need housing for them. They will help with community outreach and home energy assessment work as part of the Monroe County Energy Challenge.
Volunteers: 8-10, 18-24 years old, led by a team leader
Duration: September 22-November 6
Accommodations: Can be basic (can be open room basement - they can bring their own cots, don't need beds), access to kitchen and shower/bathroom. Please contact Alix Collins if you can house a couple of volunteers: [email protected], 812.325.6199
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UU Humanist Forum Meets on Alternating Sundays
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 forum will meet on Sunday, August 30 at 12:45 p.m. in (the new) Room 208, after the second service Religious Education program ends.
The topic for August 30 is "Charlie Hebdo: Humor or Hate?" presented by Noretta Koertge.
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UU Freethinkers Group Enjoys Free Ranging Discussion
The purpose of the UU Freethinkers bi-weekly meeting 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. UU Freethinkers meet on alternating Sundays after children's religious education classes end, in (the new) Room 208.
UU Freethinkers meet next on Sunday, August 23, at 12:45 p.m. noon. Info, contact John Crosby.
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Reducing the Glare from our Circular Window
The beautiful circular window in our Meeting Room can be inspiring, but also challenging. While many of us enjoy the view of clouds, birds, and blue sky, others find the glare and brightness distracting and even painful. Glare is also a problem for the camera system which generates our popular internet streaming services. A committee, including our senior minister, the building architect, a video expert and several long-term members, has been exploring a wide range of options. Whatever we recommend will need to balance aesthetics, practicality, flexibility and cost. We will present the best options this fall for feedback from the congregation. Questions and comments can be directed to Molly O'Donnell, co-chair of building and grounds, at [email protected].
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Parking Lot Striping on Wednesday Morning, August 26
We are having the church parking areas' striping repainted on Wednesday morning, August 26. Please note that our parking lot will not be available that day until 2:00 p.m. If you have business at the church that day, please park across Fee Lane on the paved area near the ball diamonds, or at Marching Hundred Hall across the Bypass. Thanks! -Carol Marks, Church Administrator, [email protected] |
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Contact a Minister
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister is away from the office until Wednesday, September 2.
Our Interim Minister, Reverend Douglas Wadkins can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 207 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
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
For pastoral emergencies, please call her at home, 812-333-9822.
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 Who Do I Call about Building Problems?
If you notice a problem with the building, please contact Carol Marks, Church Administrator, [email protected], 812-332-3695, ext. 200, and she will contact the experts to get it taken care of.
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Attendance and Membership
Current Membership: 484 Certified Membership as of 2/1/2015: 468
Sunday, August 9 9:15 99; 11:15 147; RE: 80 Total: 326
Sunday, August 16 9:15 100; 11:15 171; RE: 86 Total: 357
8/9 - $405 8/16 - $492 Total to be donated to Monroe County CASA - $224.24
August 9 $900, income to UUCB $45.00
August16 $1,000, income to UUCB $50.00
Lucky's Grocery cards now available between services every Sunday!
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Bulletin Board
ART SHOW OF VER WIEBE COLLECTION. Artwork collected by Richard and Carol Ver Wiebe is on display at the Meadowood Retirement Community's art gallery through Aug. 25. The gallery is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is on the lower level of the main building at 2455 Tamarack Trail.
SEEKING LOST BOOK OWNER. Ruth Ann Cooper borrowed Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality by Jack Rogers in 2012. She'd like to return it to the owner, but we can't read the signature on the note with the book that says "Please don't lend it to others so we don't lose track of it." Please contact Ruth Ann at [email protected]
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Livestreaming of Sunday Services
As archived videos of service become available they will also be at the link listed above.
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Calendar of all our congregational events can be found at www.uubloomington.org
In the left hand column, click on "Calendar" and then on the top link on the page. Information is also available on our public Facebook page: www.facebook.com/uubloomington You do not need a Facebook account to read our page.
Prologue Publication Schedule
Next issue, Tuesday, September 8.
Deadline for articles about congregational events and projects is 10 a.m. on date of publication, to [email protected]. The Prologue is published on the first and third Mondays of each month, with exceptions for Monday holidays. Next few publication dates: 9/8 (a Tuesday), 9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408, 812-332-3695
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Masthead Photo by Carol Marks.
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