The Prologue
Monday, November 2, 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

 

Upcoming

 

Age of Reason 11/8 

 

Thanksgiving Pitch-in 11/26

 

Holiday Bazaar Dec 4-5

 

Quick Links
From Our Interim
Our Folks...
Spirit Play for Grown Ups
Themes for 2015
Thanksgiving Pitch-In
Bazaar Volunteers
Cookies!
Gourmet Galaxy
Fiber Arts
Book Sale
White Elephants
More Pie, Please
Children's Choir
Join the Choir
New Teal Hymnals
Article Clippers
Women's Alliance
International Outreach
Homelessness
Office Closed Nov 11
Sunday, November 8, 2015    9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
"Ancestry:  The Handing Down of Wisdom"
The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
          What wisdom have you gleaned from your ancestors?  What was lost?  What gifts of books or music have been passed down from one generation to the next?   These questions and more will be explored during this worship service.  During our Time for All Ages, our first graders will be honored in the Age of  Reason Ceremony, in which their parent(s) will gift them with a book.
          Our Choir will sing "Cantique de Jean Racine" by Gabriel Faure', conducted by Ray Fellman. 
Sunday, November 15, 2015    9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
"Intergenerational Thanksgiving Celebration" 
The Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
The Reverend Douglas Wadkins
       All ages are invited to our annual "thanks giving" service as we explore the story of Ralph Waldo Emerson together.  What do we have in common with this Unitarian ancestor and the things he was grateful for?  What might his story inspire us to celebrate in our own lives?  
       Our UU children's choir, directed by Jill Courtney, will be performing 
"O Clap Your Hands," with support from our adult choir.
Sunday, November 22, 2015    9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
"Ancestry:  Hominids and Homonyms"
The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
          This worship service we will provide some evolutionary reflections regarding our ancestors.  How does knowledge of our ancient ancestors bring meaning to our lives today?    If time permits, we will also learn the true meaning of the word homonym. 
Pat Brantlinger, Von Welch, Deb Hutton, Ann LeDuc, Kathleen Sideli, Doug Cauble, Arzetta Hults-Losensky
Board of Directors Update:  Staffing, Consultant's Report, Policies
       The Board of Directors had its annual fall retreat on Sunday, October 25, facilitated by Dan Wiseman, an expert on organizational structure and governance from the UUA Mid America Region. Board members, Reverend Macklin, and Reverend Wadkins spent the afternoon focusing on how to optimize staffing and ministerial duties in light of the congregation's plan to call an associate minister next year.
       The board and staff continue to address recommendations from the recent consultant's report. The Ends Statements adopted by the board to support the congregation's vision statement are now on the UUCB website (http://www.uubloomington.org/about-us/board-of-directors/). And the Board Policies (http://www.uubloomington.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015-10-21-Board-Policies.pdf) now carry an explanation as to how the policies were developed and are applied, including the role of the Ends statements, to steer UUCB activities. The board will give an update on these activities and progress on linkage, dispute resolution, and social media guidelines at the upcoming Congregational meeting on December 13th at 4:00 p.m.
Doug-2015
Connections: The Spiral Dance of Deepening
 
The religious life is about connections.  The very word "religion" comes from the latin relegare  meaning to bind together.  When religion and faith are doing their job well they are stitching together the complicated quilt of existence.  One of the Focus Points of Interim Ministry is connection. This particular use of the word "connection" is meant to emphasize our broader associations out into the world-- where we live and in the larger Unitarian Universalist community. I believe it calls us to be mindful of the deeper interdependence extending from the very core of one's sense of identity, out into ever-enlarging spirals of meaning and purpose, as far as the imagination can comprehend. 
 
It did not occur to me, however, until I began my ministry here, that one significant path for such connections is theme-based ministry. Since spirals can be understood to move in both an inward and outward direction, I will begin with some outer rings and move towards the heart of the connective spiral.  

Exploring themes emphasizes a practice that other faith traditions utilize as a core of their spiritual practice:  revisiting essential concepts again and again to see how their living faith helps them understand meaning and purpose with revitalized depth.  We will not follow the exact same thematic calendar perhaps, but our own themes take into account the core values illuminated by seasonal observations embraced by many traditions.  Also, in the outer rings of connection, we share bonds with the Unitarian Universalist congregations who also use this list of ministry themes. For instance, over 130 Unitarian Universalist congregations will explore the theme of Ancestry in their community this month.  We are only just beginning to fathom the possibilities and deepened interconnection that this practice might foster for our larger movement, but it is incredibly exciting!
 
This spiral of connection then moves closer to home and to the heart.  Thematic ministry asks many areas within this congregation to bring greater intention and planning in exploring these faith-shaping ideas.  Religious Education, Chalice Circles, and our staff are just some examples of the ministry areas that work to incorporate an awareness of these themes and their implication for shared ministry.  Our Ministry Team continues to enrich its collaboration and conversation in creating specific transformative worship experiences services that address these themes. We continue to learn how to amplify the depth and significance that the Sunday to Sunday interconnections between the worship services can bring to revealing the layers of meaning in these multifaceted themes. 
 
Finally, what I believe is perhaps most significant is that this connective spiral engages the very core of our personal explorations of meaning and purpose.  Engaging a single theme for an extended period of time creates the space for soul searching. It invites us individually and communally to return to the implications of these universal ideas again and again, and with greater authenticity and candor for our lives. Each time we encounter them we may choose to let their truths call for another layer of exploration and transformation, and we know that we are not doing this powerful and challenging work alone.
 
We are all still learning how to dance this connective spiral, but I marvel at what is possible as we learn and grow together.
 
Warmly,
   Doug
Reverend Douglas Wadkins, Interim Minister
  
Our Folks...
     Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Karen McCalister.  Karen frequently attended our 9:15am worship service over the past several years.   Messages of condolence may be expressed at http://www.indianagreenburials.com/   
     Our thoughts are with Pat Aungst who sustained injuries during a fall while ushering at Assembly Hall.  As she puts it, "I am healing up slowly and feeling fortunate; it could have been worse."  Cards are welcome, sent to Pat at Monica and Jim Overman's address.     
Spirit Play for Grown Ups: "Being a Dustbin"
Tuesday, November 17, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
with Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
     High School youth and adults are invited to explore this Buddhist story by Ajahn Brahm. We will share deep conversation and provide time for individual artistic responses and/or spiritual practices.  The evening concludes with tea and fruit.  Childcare is available if requested.  Please RSVP using this link: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409054DAEAC2CA02-spirit3
Seeking The Spirit

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.

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.  

Taiji Continues on Tuesdays and Saturdays 

Brian Flaherty leads Taiji in Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. 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. Please wear loose-fitting clothing.

Our Congregational Themes

 

January:     Integrity                May:      Tradition         September:  Invitation

February:   Faith                     June:     Grace            October:  Letting Go

March:       Resilience             July:     Here & Now    November:  Ancestry

April:          Revelation            August:  Wonder         December:  Expectation

  

  

Building Community
Thanksgiving Pitch-in Dinner November 26
Everyone is invited to Thanksgiving pitch-in dinner here in Fellowship Hall at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 26. Please bring food to share that serves 8 people. Turkey will be provided. Sign up sheet will be available at church starting November 8. Info, please contact Amy Crozier at tutoringwithamy@yahoo.com.  
How Can You Help?
Volunteer at the Bazaar!
Help the church by working at this year's greatest fundraiser - the BAZAAR! You can sell food or chop it (and later stop by and eat it); price items in advance; sell books, white elephant things, baked goods - all the while looking for the special items you'd like to shop for! You'll also meet the most wonderful people. We'll need help moving chairs, counting and weighing, packing up, and providing relief to the artisans so they can shop too! Don't wait till the last minute or your most convenient time to help may be taken!  Sign-ups are in Fellowship Hall between services - you can also email Melinda Pettijohn at Melinda.Pettijohn@gmail.com .
Cookie Walk Time!
The frost may not yet be on the pumpkin but the time has come to schedule your baking blitz(es) for the Bazaar.  We need over 300 pounds of homemade cookies to sell and make our patrons smile with glee.  Any kind will do - bar cookies, drop cookies, and the all time favorite: decorated cookies.  Let your family and friends play like elves with icing and chocolate and sprinkles galore!   You make 'em, we sell 'em and everyone is happy! Reminder:  cookies and cookie dough freeze so you can start now! Questions please call!  Mary Jo 812- 988-6130 or email brwnbeyond@msn.com. 
Your friendly Cookie Walk Committee:  Meg Sears and Mary Jo Conley    
Bakers and Makers of All Sorts!
We need your wonderful creations for the Holiday Bazaar's Gourmet Galaxy.  Think cakes, fudge, caramels, canned goodies from the garden, biscotti, candy and anything else that is not a cookie!  This year Gourmet Galaxy goes international, and we hope you'll dig through old family recipes for those special treats from places near and far.  Please sign up between services in Fellowship Hall.  We're also looking for volunteers to staff Gourmet Galaxy during the Bazaar.  Thank you!  Ann LeDuc and Molly Gleeson, co-chairs
Calling All Fiber Artists! Yes! It's time to knit, crochet, felt, weave or quilt your magical projects for the Hunger Task Force Fiber Arts Booth at the Holiday Bazaar. Proceeds from the sale of these items will help fight hunger in our community. Place your finished items in the drop box in the Commons. Questions? Contact Anne Graham, aegraham@indiana.edu
Read and Recycle
Support the Holiday Bazaar Book Sale!  Cull through your library and find those books you are ready to pass along to another reader.  DVD's and CD's also welcome but please no VHS tapes, magazines or sheet music. For ease of shelving, please sort books by fiction/nonfiction.  Drop your items off at the church beginning Sunday, November 29 after 1 p.m. until Thursday, December 3 before noon.  Please, no book donations after Thursday, December 3 at 12:00!  Questions? Contact Abby at abdowney46@gmail.com or 812-824-7755.   
White Elephant's Trunk High Quality Collectibles 
The White Elephant knows that all UUs have valuable items they no longer need or want but that will be desired by others shopping at the UU Bazaar.   If you have items such as holiday decorations, children's toys, exotic collectibles, or truly (but not actual) White Elephants, please donate them to the White Elephant's Trunk at this year's Bazaar. We can receive donations starting Sunday, November 29 at 12:30 p.m.  Want to help organize and price items? Please contact Doris Wittenburg (336-4993 or dwittenb@indiana.edu).
We Love Pie! Consider Baking for the Bazaar
Please volunteer to make your favorite pie for the UUnique Café at the Bazaar. Please deliver pies by 11:00AM on Friday, December 4th or 11:00AM on Saturday, December 5th. We love pie and so does everyone else. We'd like to have at least 20 pies this year for the UUnique Cafe'. There is no such thing as too much pie!
UU Children's Choir Upcoming Schedule, Fall 2015
Sun. Nov 8: Rehearse, 10:30-11:00 Rm 110
THURS. Nov. 12: Extra Rehearsal, 7:00-7:30pm Meet in Fellowship Hall, end in Meeting Room (Sanctuary) to rehearse with Adult Choir
Sun. Nov. 15: SING at Intergenerational Thanksgiving Services: sing at end of 1st service and beginning of 2nd service. Meet to warm up/rehearse at 9:45; Rm 110 
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Sun. Dec. 13: Rehearse, 10:30-11:00 Rm 110
Sun. Dec 20: Rehearse 10:30-11:00 Rm 110
Sun. Dec. 20: SING at evening Winter Solstice Service: Rehearse at 5:55 pm in the Meeting Room (Sanctuary).  Service at 6:15, lasts 45-60 min.   
Join the Choir!
Did you know that singing is good for you in many ways? It reduces anxiety, builds community, helps you become more interculturally literate, makes you smarter, prevents snoring, helps you breathe deeply, balances the hemispheres of your brain, slows memory loss, is good for your heart, helps you sleep, and releases oxytocin into your bloodstream. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to join our choir. There are no auditions. Our director Susan Swaney teaches us to sing  better than we believe we can sing. AND we provide childcare during the rehearsals on Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Please let Adrienne know if you will need childcare to attend, dre@uubloomington.org. Come sing with us!
New Teal Hymnals
We have purchased 200 copies of Singing the Journey, the teal-colored hymnal that contains so many of the new songs UU congregations are using. The teal hymnals will be stored on a cart instead of under our chairs in the Meeting Room, but we'll make the cart full of hymnals available as you come in on Sundays when we will be singing songs from that hymnal. Thanks for your help in placing them back on the cart after the service ends.

Looking for a Few Good Gliders
Now accepting donations of glider-style rocking chairs to place at the back of the family area in the Meeting Room. Must be in good condition and durable. Do you have such an item you'd be willing to donate, to help make our worship space inviting to families with wee ones?  If so, please contact our Connections Coordinator, Shari Woodbury, at connect@uubloomington.org or (812) 332-3695 x209.
If You "Keep Up," Can You Help Out?
Looking for one or two devoted H-T readers to clip articles and pictures featuring church members and friends. You'll receive a list of names to watch for, the rundown on how to post the clippings on our membership kiosk in Fellowship Hall, and the satisfaction of helping to Build Community at UUCB. Oh, and the perpetual gratitude of our Connections Coordinator, Shari Woodbury. Contact her at connect@uubloomington.org or (812) 332-3695 x209 if you might be the right reader for this small-but-valuable job.  
Woman's Alliance Meets November 5
       The November 5 Women's Alliance meeting will feature Mother Hubbard's Cupboard with Amanda Nickey. Not a member? No problem; all are welcome to attend. Hosts will be Anna Wiley and Ann Kamman.
       Women's Alliance meets the first Thursday of the month at 11:30 AM in Fellowship Hall. Meetings begin with a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert are provided.  The program begins at noon, followed by the business meeting.

Church Directories Now Available

Members and friends are invited to pick up a new paper directory in Room 204. They will not be mailed -- too big and heavy! Available Sunday mornings and weekdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

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

Attendance and Membership
Current Membership: 482   Certified Membership as of 2/1/2015: 468 
Attendance
Sunday, October 25              9:15   97 ;    11:15 154 ;    RE: 75            Total:  326
Sunday, November 1            9:15  117 ;   11:15  142;     RE: 79            Total:  338
Non-Pledge Offering
10/25 - $561       11/1   - $561
Total to be donated to Monroe County CASA - $280.58
Grocery Card Sales
October 25     $1,475, income to UUCB $74.25       November 1  $675, income to UUCB $36.25
Changing the World
International Outreach Sale of African and Africa-inspired Jewelry November 4 at the Union
Come and buy beautiful things to support two AIDS orphanages and a women's agricultural cooperative in Kenya. This project is also supported by our International Outreach Task Force. Weds November 4, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Hoosier Room in the Indiana Memorial Union. 
Homelessness Task Force Announces Fundraiser for Interfaith Winter Shelter
The Interfaith Winter Homeless Shelter, supported by volunteers from our congregation and our Homelessness Task Force, has launched a second crowd-funding campaign to raise $35,000 for the upcoming 152-night winter season. For details, please CLICK HERE.  You can view and contribute to the campaign by visiting: http://igg.me/at/wintershelter2015-16  You can also contribute to the campaign by check.. For more information contact Alan Backler, UUCB Homelessness Task Force at abackler@aol.com.
 
Volunteer to Help at the Interfaith Winter Shelter Starting November 14
The Interfaith Emergency Winter Shelter will be opening on November 1. Again this year, our congregation will be responsible for the second Saturday night/ Sunday morning of the month at First United Church, from November 14 through March 13. Darrell and Vivian Breeden serve as our leaders.  If you are interested in volunteering at the winter shelter, or learning more, please contact Alan Backler, of the Homelessness Task Force, at abackler@aol.com or at 812-340-1323.
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 next on Sunday, November 8 at 12:45 p.m. in Room 208 after children's classes end, when the topic is  "Natural Spirituality and Humanism" presented by Jon Chaffin. If you would like to see a list of upcoming topics through December, click here.

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, November 15, at 12:45 p.m. Info, contact John Crosby.   

Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community

Wild Care, Inc. Open House November 7
All are welcome (carpooling recommended) to attend an open house at Wild Care, Inc. on Saturday, November 7, 1:00-5:00 p.m., 198 N. Hartstrait Road. Meet the critters and their caretakers! Have your photo taken with an owl! Wild Care is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that specializes in rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife in our area. They have given special presentations for our religious education program several times in the last few years.

Interfaith Community of Environmentalist Youth Raises Funds Nov. 14 
for Youth Empowering Event on MLK Day
Members of Interfaith Community of Environmentalist Youth (ICEY) are planning a Youth Empowering Sustainability Statewide Kickoff in Indianapolis for Martin Luther King Day. They will teach weatherization skills to youth, jump-starting ICEY chapters throughout the state. Come to their fundraiser at the First United Church of Bloomington, Saturday, November 14th, at 6:00 PM to see the critically-acclaimed documentary The Merchants of Doubt. Admission is $5.00. Soup, sandwiches, desserts and popcorn will be available for purchase.  
Contact a Minister
    
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister 
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 201 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons



 

 
 
Doug-2015
Our Interim Minister,     
Reverend Douglas Wadkins 
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 207 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons 
email: wadkins@uubloomington.org
    In case of a pastoral emergency after office hours, 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 Monday and Friday mornings. 
 
   

  

Who Ya Gonna Call about Building Problems and 
Facilities Maintenance?
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.
 
 
Facilities Maintenance Update
Here are some details on recent facilities maintenance activities.
Office Entrance Repair  Wood trim replacement over office entrance is in the process of being painted. Thank you, Steve Pollitt!
Kitchen Garbage Disposal This has been repaired, but is 15 years old and will be replaced soon.
Doorbell for Office, Portico and Courtyard entrances has been purchased and will be installed soon.
New Electric Leafblower has been purchased to expedite removal of leaves around the entrances.

Weekday office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday hours: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator
Office Closed November 11
Shortened Office Hours November 12
Church offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11 for the federal holiday.  
Offices will be open on Thursday, November 12 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Staff will attend a workshop offsite in the morning.
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.
If there is a problem with livestreaming, please contact Andy Beargie, Multi-media Specialist, media@uubloomington.org

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 or Click Right Here. 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, Monday, November 16. 

Deadline for articles about congregational events and projects is 10 a.m. on date of publication, to admin@uubloomington.org. The Prologue is published on the first and third Mondays of each month, with exceptions for Monday holidays. Upcoming publication dates:  11/16, 12/7, 12/21, 1/4, 1/19 (a Tuesday), 2/1, 2/16 (a Tuesday).
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408, 812-332-3695  

Masthead Photo by John Woodcock, 11/1/2015.