The Prologue
Monday, May 16, 2016
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

Coming Soon

 

Flower Communion 

May 22

 

Blood Drive

June 5

 

Annual Meeting

June 12

 

Quick Links
Stewardship Goal
Our Folks...
UU Board Update
Women's Alliance
Blood Drive June 5
Talk on Dementia
Contact a Minister
Sunday, May 22, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Flower Communion Celebration for All Ages
The Reverend Emily Manvel Leite
The Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
The Reverend Douglas Wadkins

      Please bring a flower (or several if you have them) to this service!
Join us as we celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of each individual within our community and share rituals acknowledging the changes happening in our lives.  Our children's choir, directed by Jill Courtney, will be singing. 
Sunday, May 29, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
"The Return of the Five Shining Stars: 
The Next Generation!"  
The Reverend Douglas Wadkins
  
     As Rev. Wadkins began his interim ministry with us, we explored the stories and values that were important to this congregation.  Rev. Wadkins summarized that process in a sermon where he explored the Five Shining Stars that he gleaned as important touchstones and guiding lights in our shared path.  In this service, Rev. Wadkins will revisit these ideas and share some thoughts, hopes and wishes as we move into a new and exciting chapter as a congregation! 
Help Us Reach Our Goal! 
     Current pledge total: $497,239
Many thanks to everyone who has made a pledge so far! We are moving toward our pledge goal of $565,000 and we hope everyone who participates in our congregation will make a pledge. 
    Help us reach our goal this week!
    You can pledge online by going to http://tinyurl.com/zrlbyy6 or by contacting Church Administrator Carol Marks, 812-332-3695, or admin@uubloomington.org.
In gratitude, The Stewardship Committee
                                                                   chalice painting by Patricia C. Coleman
Our Folks...
    A service of memory for Sandy Taylor will be held this Saturday, May 21 at 2:00 p.m. here in our Meeting Room, with a reception following.
UU Board of Directors Update   
    
Notice of Proposed Bylaw Change at 
June 12th Congregational Meeting
     The Special Purposes Fund Committee, with the endorsement of the Board of Directors, proposes the following bylaw change for a congregational vote at the June 12th Congregational meeting:
 
In section 7.6, replace the sentence "The assets of such Endowment shall not be invaded but shall be held in perpetuity." with the sentence "The assets of such Endowment shall be managed in accord with the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act."

A complete copy of our current Bylaws can be found here.

Rationale: The existing wording was commonly used to express the intention of endowment management in decades long past. It fails to capture the dynamics of investment practice, such as possible investment losses, the need for occasional investment profile changes, and the possibility of short-term loans to the church. UPMIFA, as the Act referred to in the motion is commonly called, was crafted at the national level to align with prevailing responsible practice. It has been enacted by most states, including Indiana in 2007, to provided legal guidelines for the management, investment, and expenditures of charitable institution endowments. 
--Official Notice of Congregational Meeting--
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, June 12, 4:00 p.m.
The Meeting Room
2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington, Indiana 47448
All members are encouraged to attend.
Childcare provided.
Ride with us to General Assembly!
The Board encourages congregation members to attend UUA General Assembly (GA) in Columbus, Ohio. The church will be renting a van for those who would like to attend GA on Saturday, June 25.  One day General Assembly registration is required via the UUA website: https://www.uua.org/ga/registration  .  Partial scholarships may be available. There are currently nine seats available in the van.  Contact Deb Hutton before June 16 to reserve your seat in the van: huttond@iu.edu .       
--Ann LeDuc, Board Secretary 
MAM's Musings   
          I want to thank the choir for the moving piece offered as the Gift of Music for Sunday's worship service.  Fleeing 'cross the Water, lyricist, Steven Pollitt (2016) captures the plight of many refugees from the wartorn Middle East today.
 
       Boats on the water.
       Lives on the water
       Fleeing their homes.
       Searching for new land
       Searching for new homes.
       Fleeing cross the water.

                                       Some dying there
                                       Drowned in the water
                                              Some come to shore lost and hungry.
                                              They have no homes they have nothing.
                                              Where can they go?
 
          Recently I have been in touch with both Diane Legomsky from the Syrian Refugee Support Task Force of Congregation Beth Shalom and Cole Varga, Executive Director of Exodus Refugee Center in Indianapolis.  Exodus hopes to open an Exodus Sub-Office in Bloomington which would call for interfaith cooperation to help refugees resettle in our area.   There are more than 20 million refugees in the world, the most since World War II.   Of note, Exodus is the agency that took on Governor Mike Pence in Federal Court and won, over his attempt to block Syrians from Indiana.  Pence is appealing but most likely will be unsuccessful.
 
          What can we, Unitarian Universalists, do now?  This Wednesday, May 18th at 7:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom, there will be a Community Meeting to develop action and advocacy plans for Syrian refugees.  I hope many of you can attend.
 
Peace and Love, 
    MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Doug-2015
From Our Interim Minister
An Update!
     Greetings, good people!  
     Because so many of you have inquired with such warmth and care about what is next for me, let me bring you up all to date.  As I write this, the first round of interim search is at its apex.  I have been interviewing with several congregations, and they are now deliberating and checking references.  It is a process that is exciting, intense and quick! Friday, May 20 is the Offer Day for round 1.  If something does not work out in round one there is a second round. I will journey with you as your interim into the summer, continuing our work to get ready for Rev. McNeill's arrival in August.  I remain profoundly grateful for our shared ministry and look forward to utilizing our remaining time well! 

Warmly and faithfully!
  Doug 
Reverend Douglas Wadkins, Interim Minister  

One Summer Sunday Service at 10:15 a.m. 
June 19 through July 31
     Once again this Summer, we will hold one service and one Religious Education program each Sunday, June 19 through July 31. The Sunday service will begin at 10:15 a.m. during this period, with Religious Education classes beginning about 15 minutes later after the Story for All Ages. Regular schedule will resume on August 7.
Seeking The Spirit
Religious Education News
     Another wonderful church year is wrapping up and we are moving toward summer programming.  This summer will be one full of childhood (and adult) favorite Dr. Seuss fun!  We will be celebrating the stories, making art and playing games.
     Here is a complete list of our seUUsical summer schedule; perhaps your favorite is on our list!
               June 5th - The Shape of Me
               June 12th - The Sneetches 
               June 19th - Green Eggs and Ham
               June 26th - Oh, the places you'll go
               July 10th - Horton Hears a Who
                                                          July 17th - The Butter Battle Book
                                                          July 24th - The Lorax
                                                          July 31st - Happy Birthday to you!

     If you would like to help in Religious Education on any of these Sundays, please contact Adrienne Summerlot, dre@uubloomington.org
Words of Wisdom Sought
     At this season of emergence and change, we hope to send our graduating youth on their way with congregational support and well wishes.  If you have a few words of practical, inspirational, or humorous advice that you would like to share with our youth, please send them along to RE Assistant Kitty McIntosh (rea@uubloomington.org )  by Wednesday, May 18. 
     This year, we have at least 9 youth graduating from high school:
                                 Grayson McKim
                                 Elias McDermott-Sipe
                                 Brantley Goodrich
                                 Mara Flynn
                                 Abe Leite
                                 Mayan Eartheart
                                                                            Satchel Wyatt
                                                                            Camryn Keplinger
                                                                            Ryan Bredemeyer
Please let me know if you know of others.   Alternatively or in addition to sending words of wisdom, you are welcome to bring cards or notes for any of these youth--there will be a box available to collect cards and well wishes on Sunday, May 22. --Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, Minister of Religious Education
The Divine Feminine Within and Without
Third Thursday of each month through August. 
7-8:30 p.m.  Room 210
Sara Steffey McQueen, presenter  quanyinsara_mcf@yahoo.com
Drop-ins welcome; you may join the class at any time. Next class meeting is May 19.
     We will explore ideas and images of the Divine Feminine in Her contexts and cultural perspectives. A variety of approaches will be used: discussion and sharing of our own experiences, music, contemplations on expressions of the divine feminine, and reflecting from writings of others. You will be given resources to use. To register, send an email to office@uubloomington.org, or call 812-332-3695, ext. 204. If you will need childcare to attend the July meeting, request this from Adrienne at dre@uubloomington.org by June 15.

Shambhala Meditation 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 cushions available, but you may bring your own cushion if you have one.

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 Ministry Themes        April:  Creation
January 2016:  Resistance                                              May:   Blessing  
February:          Desire                                                     June:   Simplicity
March:              Liberation 
Building Community
First Steps Introductory UU Class - Sunday, June 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.).   


Beacon Young Adult Lunch at Church - Sunday, May 29
     This month's Young Adult Lunch will be on Sunday, May 29 after the second service. Enjoy free pizza and conversation with other young adults and Shari Woodbury, our Connections Coordinator, on our theme of the month (Blessing) or any other topics that may arise. Just head up to the church library on the 2nd floor after the 11:15 service. Any young adult (age 18-35) who is interested is welcome, whether you have been a regular at these lunches or are new to the church.

Introducing a Few of Our Newest Members
     We had a surge of new members over the last month, from our bi-monthly new member ceremony, an exciting congregational vote, and the culmination of our Coming of Age program.  Rosalee Trimble, Beverly Walsh, Carter Makice, Emily Phelps, Tom Phelps, Nan McKinley, Victoria Rogers and Amira Sabbagh joined in April. The following youth joined in May, after completing our Coming of Age program: Maya Baird, John Smith, Gigi Kirkley, Angel Smith, Viola Kadish, and Jonathan Leite. Please welcome them all when you see them!
     Look for bios and pictures of our new members over the next several issues of the Prologue. Here's a handful to start:


Rosalee Trimble has lived in Bloomington for 48 years.  She graduated from Paoli High School and then moved to Bloomington. Rosalee raised three children, obtained a BS degree from IU, and worked in the Monroe County Schools for 15 years.  "I've traveled the west, rafted rivers, mountain biked, and hiked many trails," she says.  "Being raised in the southern Baptist Church, I find the UU church a refreshing sanctuary.   I feel proud to become a member of your congregation."


Beverly (Becky) Walsh is a widowed, mostly retired clinical social worker who grew up in NY and has lived in many places. "Now I live half the time in Bloomington," she says, "where I am co-guardian for my 16 year old granddaughter, who resides with me when I am here.  The rest of the year I live on Bainbridge Island WA, where my other two children and grandchildren reside."  Becky also has a PhD in pastoral counseling, and it was while she was working on that that she became a Unitarian and is so glad she did!  Becky is very interested in social justice issues and affinity groups and was active in completing the Welcoming Congregation process for her other congregation.  She looks forward to getting involved in many activities here, also.


Victoria Rogers has lived in Bloomington since 1970 and served the community as a teacher and principal for 32 years until her retirement in 2004. She serves on the board of the Bloomington Project School, is a certified Backyard Habitat Steward, and is trained as a Master Gardener. In addition, Victoria is a Reiki Master, daily meditator, and feels a strong affinity to Buddhist philosophy.  She has a son, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.



Gianna (Gigi) Kirkley:  I have lived in Bloomington all my life. I am fourteen, starting my sophomore year this fall. I play violin in Bloomington South's orchestra and play soccer as a goalie and a striker. I have been coming to UUCB for two years (regularly) and several times when I was one or two, being part of OWL, YUUMS, YRUU and teaching in RE for K-1. This year I plan to learn Chinese, continue in orchestra, and visit the Blue Ridge mountains this summer. 



Jonathan Leite:  I have been going to the UU Church of Bloomington since I was 2 months old. This fall I will be starting my sophomore year at Bloomington South and I particularly enjoy science, math, history. I am an avid reader and ping-pong player. I have particularly enjoyed becoming a part of the youth community at UUCB and cannot wait to begin getting to know more of the adult members of the congregation.  
Women's Alliance Meeting Thursday, June 2
     At the May meeting we had a member of our congregation, Mary Ann Williams, speak about her work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She answered our questions and gave an overview of the agency's operations.
     June's Women's Alliance meeting on Thursday, June 2, is on IU researchers' work toward prompt concussion detection. Our own Nicholas Port, a researcher at the IU School of Optometry, is creating a device that can diagnose concussions on the football sideline.
      Come and join us--all are welcome to attend. The Women's Alliance meets the first Thursday of each 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. 
Kroger Community Rewards - Please Re-Up to Support the Church
Kroger Community Rewards, which sends 5% of each purchase made using your Kroger Plus card, requires us to re-register each calendar year in order to participate. If you would like a percentage of your purchase amounts this year to be donated to our congregation, please follow these instructions:
Select "Sign In" or "Create an Account"
Scroll down to Community Rewards and follow instructions. 
Our church's organization number is 10159.

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
Sunday, May 8                       9:15     122;       11:15      151;              RE: 98          Total: 371
Sunday, May 15                     9:15       93;       11:15      153;              RE: 90          Total: 336
Non-Pledge Offering
5/8  -  $698   5/15  -  $455
Total to be donated to Monroe County CASA - 288.23
Grocery Card Sales  
(Bloomingfoods, Marsh, or Lucky's)
May 8                          $700, income to UUCB $35.00
May 15                        $625, income to UUCB $31.75 
Changing the World
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, May 22, in Fellowship Hall for a potluck to decide on discussion topics for the summer.

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 Room 208.  UU Freethinkers meet next on Sunday, May 29, at 12:45 p.m. Info, contact John Crosby.   

Red Cross Blood Drive Sunday, June 5
Mark your calendars and get ready to donate blood here at our church on the Red Cross bus on Sunday, June 5, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Register at 1-800-733-2767 or www.redcrossblood.org, and at the "Find a Blood Drive" box, enter sponsor code "UUC." Or contact Steve Mascari at steve.mascari@gmail.com if you would like him to register you for an appointment.
The Homelessness Task Force Invites Us to Donate Household Goods for the Newly Housed
All are invited to help the Rapid Re-Housing program at Shalom Community Center, providing short term assistance to people who are moving from homelessness to permanent housing.  Many participants will be moving into their apartments with nothing. We are creating "welcome baskets" to help these community members get started. These can include toiletries (toothbrush, towel, shampoo...), cleaning supplies, a few dishes, sheets, blankets, a shower curtain, items that could ease their transition from a shelter to an apartment. To donate items please place them in the macaroni basket in the Commons. Questions, contact Alan Backler, abackler@aol.com. This will be an ongoing project.
Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community

Caring for a Loved One with Dementia - Presentation May 20 at the Hospital
       Free community presentation on dementia care, Friday, May 20, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Bloomington Hospital, Wegmiller Auditorium. The speaker is Teepa Snow, and the presentation is titled "Changing Resistance to Care to Participation in Care." It's full of great information for anyone who is caring for a loved one with dementia.  To watch a video of Teepa Snow click here.  

     An afternoon of meditative walking, observation, and journal writing to explore mindfulness, May 28,1:00 - 4:30 p.m. at Mt. Gilead Friends Retreat, 3363 N. Mt. Gilead Rd, Bloomington.  Workshop is led by Leslie Bishop.  Please register in advance, as space is limited.  Cost of workshop is $25.  For more information call 812-332-4074 or email: mtgileadretreat@gmail.com 

BULLETIN BOARD
Items Available at Auction: From the family of Paul Lane---"Items from Paul and Dee Lane are online at kennyblandauctions.com.   Auction will run through May 25, with more pieces being added along the way.  Furniture, household  goods and art will be included. "
Housing greatly needed by June 1st: short/long term-1+rooms-shared housing, home sitting, low cost rental-good with pets, house/yard keeping, companionship-contact Pat at catangst@yahoo.com or (812) 219-9718
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. However, he will be away April 17-24.
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 Wednesday 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.  
Weekday office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exceptions are posted on the office entrance. Sunday office hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
.   --Carol Marks, Church Administrator
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, our 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 and then click on today's date. 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, June 6.

Deadline for articles about congregational events and projects is 10:00 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:   6/6, 6/20, 7/5 (a Tuesday), 7/18, 8/1, 8/15.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408, 812-332-3695  
Masthead photo by John Woodcock.