The Prologue
Monday, June 20, 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

 

Ramadan Iftaar at the Mosque

June 30

 

One Service Each Sunday

through July 31

 

Quick Links
Fond Farewell
MAM's Musings
Sideli Retires
Special Awards
From the Interim
Our Folks...
UU Board Update
One Summer Sunday Svc
R.E. News
Solstice Sunshine
Interfaith Iftaar
First Steps
Women's Alliance
Exploring UU
New Books
Loving Day
UU History
Update on Solar
Interfaith Build
Contact a Minister
Reduced Hours
Sunday, June 26, 2016
10:15 a.m. ONLY (one service)
Hope for Healing
Reverend Shari Woodbury
    It's a pastoral platitude that "hurt people hurt people." But how does this play out at different levels of human community?  And what about healing and love -- are these socially infectious too?  Rev. Woodbury, a recently ordained and soon-to-relocate member of our congregation, will explore how hurt cycles through generations and communities -- and what we can do to help the healing of humankind.    
Sunday, July 3, 2016
10:15 a.m. 
(ONE SERVICE EACH SUNDAY, THROUGH July 31)
In the Spirit of Curiosity, Compassion and Justice    
The Rev. Douglas Wadkins and members of the second Beloved Conversations cohort
     For over 8 weeks, more than a dozen members of this community have been engaged in a transformative learning experience called Beloved Conversations.  These conversations are an embodiment of the spiritual practice of deep listening and the sharing of stories that shape our human experience.  This service will ask us all to reflect on our own understandings of race and privilege, and invite us rethink how we live our own lives in relation to the current trajectory of racial justice in this country and the world.   
Fond Farewell from Shari Woodbury
     Thank you to everyone who signed the frame matte that will hold a photo from my April ordination at this, my home congregation. Your good wishes mean a lot and this keepsake will be a reminder of the love and blessings I carry with me from Bloomington. An update for the curious:  William and I found a buyer for our house here recently. Then a family road trip to Fort Worth last week, to house hunt there, was successful... we are Texas-bound in July, and I begin serving as the settled minister of Westside UU Church on
August 1.
     This week I am winding down my duties as interim Connections Coordinator for our Bloomington congregation. It has been a pleasure supporting the mission and vision of our church, working with its exceptional staff and dedicated lay leaders, and most of all, warmly welcoming new people into this caring community.  I am so pleased that the kind and capable Ann LeDuc will be filling this important role beginning in July. I know you all will welcome and support her in this ministry of membership, as you did me.
     My last professional contribution at UUCB will be this Sunday, June 26, when I will lead worship for our ONE SERVICE at 10:15. After that, see y'all around the wide UUniverse and our blue boat home.
     With love and gratitude,
         Shari
     Reverend Shari Woodbury
     Outgoing Connections Coordinator
MAM's Musings
      We dedicated a Peace Pole this Sunday and the timing could not have been better to have a ritual of peace, healing and a promise to make the world a better place.    The Peace Pole is placed in the second Monarch Sanctuary space.   Thank you to the children for the marbles placed at its base and thank you to Beth and Tom Hollingsworth who dedicated the pole to our children in honor of Beth's son, Andy Starr.   In our worship service we remembered those so deeply affected by the Orlando tragedy and we reaffirmed our path of courage in this world.
      At our Congregational Meeting, Sunday June 12th, we began with candle lighting and silence as we all reeled at the news from Orlando.  Later in that meeting I thanked the congregation:  "the truth speakers, joyful givers and receivers, the curmudgeons among us, the do-ers and thinkers, the practical practitioners and the daily dreamers. Thank you all for your patience and courage during these challenging and heart breaking times.  In gratitude to the Board for your vision and guidance (and new bylaws) as well as all the leaders, members and friends whose passion brings a wholeness to what we do to make music, justice, education and communication a part of our journey.
      On a daily basis, I am forever grateful for the work of our staff.  When I need to shout 'All Hands on Deck!'  They appear!   Thanks to everyone from our tech guys, music folks, assistants, custodial care, number crunchers, and all purpose ship sailors.  Allow me to conclude with a specific recognition for our Core Staff, whose love for this congregation, is steadfast and something to behold.
 

CORE STAFF  (alphabetical order by first name)
     Adrienne Summerlot:  Who keeps me honest in future planning. I tend to build the plane as I fly it, but Adrienne helps me at least provide a basic framework before we leave the runway.  Adrienne also possesses a gregariousness which instills a sense of confidence in those who work with religious education and its many layers.  Her work on the "All We Need is Love" extravaganza as well as "Loving Day" puts a big heart above her head in my book.
     Carol Marks: What can I say? Next to every good minister there is a wonderful administrator whose impact on me and the congregation is one of a gifted writer, organizer, diplomat, detail attendee, educator, ministry of presence, listener, building guru, and mediator.  Carol's sense of loyalty provides security in the face of ongoing change.  Administrators provide the first line of ministry and I am grateful for the presence Carol offers all of us.
     Reverend Douglas Wadkins:  My colleague, Dougie.  What a presence this man has brought to our congregation.   He has integrated his role as Interim Minister into our lives with grace, humor and creative sustainability.   Personally, he has listened to me, listened to me, listened to me and....listened to me some more.  His collegial support and hilarious sense of humor lifts me up time and time again.  With Reverend Wadkins my ministry continues to evolve into that of which I am fully capable.
     Reverend Emily Manvel Leite:  Emily reminds me us all of the important role story plays in our liberal religious life.  Reverend Leite is a storyteller and her narratives often provide the ground floor for a worship service's structure.   Emily's ability to integrate meaningful rites of passage into the life of our congregation is so seamless it often goes unrecognized.   The success of our Intergenerational services, which used to be quite lacking in attendance, is a testament to her ministry.
     Shari Woodbury: Good Gravy Marie and Heavens to Mergatroid!  Is there no end to this woman's ministerial gifts?  When Shari inherited the role of Connections Coordinator from the very capable Judy Bennett last summer, she brought along her ministerial training which enhanced this position in a new way under Shari's vision ( just as Judy did before her).  Shari provides a spiritual depth with her presence as well as a competitive  spirit in Ping Pong.  She's helped me keep in shape in mind, body and spirit.
     Susan Swaney:  Susan Swaney is a musician magician.  What she pulls out of her conductor's hat on occasion never ceases to amaze me.  When she picks up her wand to conduct, well, magic happens.  Sue is willing to co-create regarding musical exploration but is also willing to take the lead when necessary.  Sue also adapts to last minute changes when something unexpected shifts in a worship service.  And she is also stubborn enough not to shift if a shift is truly not needed.
 
Thanks to everyone as we continue "Seeking the Spirit. Building Community.  Changing the World."
 
Peace, MAM
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Retirement of President Kathleen Sideli
     In our Congregational Meeting, Vice President Von Welch recognized our retiring board president of four years, Kathleen Sideli.  Before listing her accomplishments, he provided us a sense of what of four years of being a board president entails. From the board's minutes...
          • o    48 board meetings
          • o    48 meetings with the ministers.
          • o    9 congregational meetings
          • o    5 board retreats
          • o    2 town hall meetings
          • o    Two visits to other UU congregations
          • o    And one external audit
     Reverend Mary Ann Macklin offered, "By my random calculations, I would add that Kathleen Sideli has sent or responded to 1,247,228 emails!!"
     Von added "Lest this sound like a solely bureaucratic journey, these are but the means to ends, Kathy's accomplishments through those means are impressive:
  • o    The handling 2 ministerial sabbaticals,
  • o    Overseeing the conclusion of Green Spaces Initiative & our new roof
  • o    Implementation of Sustainable Fair Compensation Committee recommendations by finding pledge increases to bring us to two-full time ministers.
  • o    The hiring of Interim Minister Doug Wadkins
  • o    Finding the transition of legal services after Guy Loftman's retirement (35 plus years)
  • o    The formation of a ministerial search committee,
  • o    The successful calling of our new Associate Minister Scott McNeill,
  • o    But most of all being a first class leader
  • o    Von then recognized one of Kathy's most outstanding accomplishments, "Bringing an end to the long standing tyranny of requiring the board president to provide chocolate at board meetings." 
Yet!! Yet!!  At the Board Meeting last Wednesday, President Sideli repealed, at least temporarily, this tyrannical practice by showing up with a whopping big Dove chocolate bar.  Stay tuned for the ongoing saga of our Board Presidents' relationship to chocolate provisions in the years to come!
 
     Thank you, President Kathleen Sideli!


Special Services Awards 2016-17


Melinda Swenson
          Melinda Swenson served unswervingly as the chair of our Reproductive Justice Task Force over the last five years.  Melinda's presence for our congregation as well as Bloomington and Indiana in our work for reproductive justice has been exemplary.   Melinda defines what needs to be done, with input from others, and makes sure it gets done. 
          This past year Melinda, Nurse Practitioner and former Nursing Professor, served as a liaison for the staff regarding medical issues encountered by congregational members and friends and Melinda is currently creating a "Health Concerns Team" to further care for our congregation.
          Melinda has also assisted the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomngton in our Long-range planning process using Appreciative Inquiry and other Liberating Structures (2005 or 2006 I think) - Shaping Our Future Together. She has sung in our Choir since 1977.    She has mentored youth, explored Unitarian Universalism with prospective members, and helped at the Bazaar, among many other things.  She joined our Planned Giving Committee last year and looks forward to the new adventure of the Health Concerns Team in the future. 
"Melinda, you are a peach!"


John Summerlot
          Dear John, What haven't you done?  John Summerlot is the go to guy for the behind scenes work of the congregation.  For over a decade we struggled to design an organizational chart that described how our congregation functioned.  It was John Summerlot who provided the chart in the end.  Our Beta Fish organizational chart is a masterpiece to behold.  John also provides many favored photographs of congregational activities as well as posters celebrating who we are.
          John has been invaluable as the chair of our Usher program and Security team.   Again, a behind the scenes group, these folks offer assistance on Sunday which involves everything from assuring help to those needing assistance from the parking lot to implementing emergency procedures.  John also created this congregation's first Emergency Procedure manual which is now posted throughout the building.  He now offers assistance to other congregations in this area.
          When we are without a Campus Ministry Coordinator, John fills in to help keep campus connections up to date and help with various activities with the Indiana University Campus.  John has also served on our Board of Directors.
 
Of course, both of these Special Service Award recipients have served this congregation in many other ways, both subtle and not-so-subtle;  their love for this congregation expresses itself in their loyal service to its vision of Seeking the Spirit, Building Community,  Changing the World.    
Doug-2015
Going to General Assembly!    

     As you read this many Unitarian Universalists from across the country, and often from around the world, will be making their way to Columbus, Ohio, for the General Assembly of the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association.  I want to say a little bit about why I think gatherings like this are important.  I doubt that very many of you will read this and instantly pack your bag and set out east.  However, I hope that this will plant a seed of interest and help you know what will happen for the many people from this congregation who will be away most of the week attending GA. The week is so intense and full that one person could not do it all.  There are lectures, worship services, classes, exhibits, social gatherings and so much more.
      I used to go every year for many years, and I am glad I did that for awhile. I learned much from that time.  Now I appreciate the gifts of going a little less frequently.  I am actually an advocate of an alternating schedule of General Assembly and regionally-focused events.  For now, it is what it is, and it is absolutely worth attending when you can.  As I have stepped back from the yearly immersion, I find I come away consistently with two gifts from my investment in the time.   I appreciate the way that these gatherings give me a real sense of the present state of our movement and a fruitful insight into our growing edges.  
      General Assemblies offer a sort of zeitgeist of who we are, and frequently one can recognize from the buzz around certain topics and ideas what will catch fire in the congregations in the coming months.  I always return with a refreshed sermon list, ideas I want to explore, and more to try than I could accomplish in a single ministry.  In addition, I am moved by the way that GA reminds me of our past.  Certainly various services, lectures and exhibits bring the past alive, but it also offers a more personal connection to the past as well.  
      General Assembly is often a chance to reconnect with faces and places from your past.  Old friends see each other from across the exhibit hall, past congregations parade by with their banner in the opening parade, and your former ministers hug you in the hall.  This year marks my 25th year in UU ministry, and I look forward to celebrating that milestone.  All of it combines to inspire a deep reverence for this work and it renews my sense of calling to this complicated, beautiful faith.
      I know I will see many of you there this week.  But,  I look forward to the coming years spotting you in the hallway of the convention center in some now unknown city, and for a moment reconnecting with the power of our shared journey here in Bloomington.  Blessings to those who are staying in Bloomington this week--keep us in your thoughts. Safe and joyful journeys to those who are Columbus bound.  I will see you soon!
 
With deep affection,  
Doug 
Reverend Douglas Wadkins
Interim Associate Minister
Our Folks...
   We mourn the passing on May 27 of Virginia Clendenning, age 101, at Meadowood Health Pavilion. A memorial service for Virginia will be held here in our Meeting Room on Thursday, June 30 at 11:00 a.m.
UU Board of Directors Update   
     The board of directors was pleased at the turnout for last week's congregational meeting, with over 100 attendees.  The UUCB Annual Report for 2015-16 was distributed and is now available on-line.   All members and friends are encouraged to read this 54-page compendium of our congregation's activities throughout the past year, including minutes from the past three congregational meetings and reports from the ministers, staff and committees. 
      Members in attendance voted to support New Leaf - New Life with 25% of the Sunday Plate for 2016-17.  There was also a vote to permit the board to adopt one of two 2016-17 budgets, depending on the outcome of this year's stewardship campaign.  The board explained that the current level of pledges will result in a 'low' budget which means that staff will not receive the planned wage increases which have been part of our long-term strategy for providing fair and sustainable compensation.  We are hopeful that pledges will come in from those who haven't pledged yet and from those who wish to increase theirs. A major step forward came from the Special Purposes Fund Committee which reported that a portion of SPF funds are now fossil fuel divested and donations can also be divested if the donor indicates this desire. 
      Note from the President:  Since this is my last Prologue article, I thank everyone for the abundance of appreciation which you demonstrated to me at the congregational meeting and during other moments of church life.  The framed Timeline will be a cherished reminder of the path we have walked together over the past four years and my umbrella that unfolds to display 'colorful'  Sideli character traits (you had to be at the meeting to understand this reference!) will bring a smile to my face for years to come.  It has been my privilege to serve all of you during a critical time in UUCB history when, together, we showed what individuals can do when we unite in our commitment to "seeking the spirit, building community and changing the world."
 
Kathleen Sideli, President, Board of Directors  

One Summer Sunday Service at 10:15 a.m. 
June 19 through July 31
     Once again this Summer, as we did last year, 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 list of our upcoming seUUsical summer schedule; perhaps your favorite is on our list!   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!
Solstice Sunshine
     Try this during June, as we continue to explore simplicity and appreciate the rhythm of the seasons:  
     Research conducted by Matthew Keller and colleagues in Virginia found that hot weather caused people to be in a better mood and with improved memory--but only if they had spent more than 30 minutes outside.  If they'd spent less than that much time, they were less happy than usual.
     With so much extra daylight around, try to find 30 minutes in most of your days to head outside.  Just don't forget the water and sunscreen!
Happy Sun-days, Emily  
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, Minister of Religious Education
The Divine Feminine Within and Without
Third Thursday of each month through August: July 21, August 18.
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. 
     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.
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. Beginners welcome in this 2500-year tradition. No meeting on July 4.

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
Successful Ramadan Iftaar Gathering June 17--
Another Opportunity June 30
     Thank you to everyone who helped make our Iftaar Ramadan gathering a success last Friday evening. Special thanks to Abby Downey and her crew for warm welcomes, preparation, hosting,  cleaning up, resetting worship area and general grand hosting.
     It was wonderful to break fast with our Muslim sisters and brothers.  The church grounds were filled with members of our congregation and an Islamic community.  What an important time to join together in solidarity, love and peace.
     The Islamic Center is hosting another Interfaith Gathering on June 30th.  Let us continue our ongoing friendship.  See information below....
     Peace be with you,
     The Islamic Center of Bloomington, in partnership with the Openhearted Campaign, will be hosting an Interfaith Day of Fasting and Dinner at the Islamic Center of Bloomington on June 30th at 8:30pm, insha'Allah.  We are inviting those that wish to participate to fast that day (okay to only fast a part of the day - we are happy to have people participate however they feel comfortable!) and then join us at 8:30pm for a short presentation on Ramadan and breaking the fast together as a community. 
    Click here for RSVP. There are only about 50 slots available since this is such a well-attended event, so act soon if you want to participate! We hope to see you there!  -- Anna Maidi  
Many thanks to Bill Conley for Refinishing Work
Thank you to member Bill Conley who lent his woodworking expertise to refinishing the top of the welcome table, which has now returned to the main entrance foyer and looks beautiful!
Please Remember Your Pledge
Please remember to pay your current pledge for 2015-16, as the fiscal year ends on June 30. We would love to end the year in the black! If you need an update on the balance on your pledge for 2015-16, please email or call the office, office@uubloomington.org or 812-332-3695 ext 204 and we'll be happy to look that up for you.

First Steps Introductory UU Class - Sunday, July 3
First Steps is a 40-minute drop-in class for newcomers, one 
Sunday a month at  11:35 in Room 110.  It offers a brief introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our congregation.  Free childcare available in Room 108. Questions?  Email Ann LeDuc, connect@uubloomington.org

Women's Alliance Meeting Thursday, July 7
      June's Women's Alliance meeting featured UU Nicholas Port, a researcher
at the IU School of Optometry, who is creating a device that can diagnose concussions on the sidelines of sporting events.
      July's program on July 7 will be First Books with Patty Callison.
Hosts are Kathy Dilcher and Beverly McGahey.
      Come and join us for a meeting; all are welcome to attend. The Women's Alliance meets the first Thursday of each month at 11:30 am at the church, unless otherwise indicated. Meetings begin
with a brown bag lunch; drinks and dessert are provided. The program begins at noon, followed by the business meeting. 
Exploring Unitarian Universalism 
Class Meets July 10 & 17
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 10 and Sunday, July 17 from 2-4 p.m. in the Ralph and Annetta Fuchs Library.  Sign up by Sunday, July 3 at the welcome table in the foyer, or by emailing connect@uubloomington.org. Childcare is available if requested in advance by contacting dre@uubloomington.org. Class facilitated by Steven and Kathy Gilbert, with participation by a minister and our new Connections Coordinator, Ann LeDuc.
New at the Booktable
1. Sebastian Junger's TRIBE: On Homecoming and Belonging 
2. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING: Capitalism vs. the Climate, by Naomi Klein (requested by one of the congregation)
 3. THE PARADOX OF CHOICE: Why More Is Less, by Barry Schwartz
4. MAGIC AND LOSS: The Internet As Art, by Virginia Heffernan
5. YOU KNOW WHERE WE WERE: Poems by Carol Hill Marks
The Booktable is open after the first service each Sunday. (11:15-12:15 during summer Sundays, June 19-July 31.)
We Loved Loving Day!
Many thanks to all those from our congregation, community and beyond who turned out for our celebration of Loving Day on June 12. In a packed Fellowship Hall, we learned together about the historic Loving vs. Virginia case (which ended laws against interracial marriage throughout the country), celebrated the beautiful families love has created, and enjoyed good food and multicultural community. The planning committee (pictured:  Adrienne Summerlot, Kitty McIntosh, Shari Woodbury, Peter Dorfman, and not pictured, Matt Zink) welcomes interest from church members or other community groups who may want to help plan a Loving Day celebration next year -- contact Adrienne Summerlot, dre@uubloomington.org.
UU History for You
Elizabeth Gaskell: A Feminist Critic of Victorian Society, and a Friend of the Lower Class 
    Elizabeth (nee Stevenson) Gaskell (1810-1865) was born in Chelsea (north of London) and died in Hampshire.  Her parents were Unitarians and her father was a Scottish minister.  She was related to the Darwin and Wedgwood families.  She was the youngest of eight children, only two of whom reached adult life.  Her mother died about year after she was born and she was raised by her maternal aunt.  
     In 1832, she married William Gaskell, a teacher and Unitarian minister, and they moved to Manchester where she got to know the impoverished laborers in the cotton mills of that industrial city. Her husband encouraged her to write and she began publishing poems and short stories.  Her first novel, Mary Barton, exposed the hard work, low wages, slum-like living conditions, and exploitation of the workers.  Charles Dickens hired her to write for his magazine. The elite in her husband's church were not happy with her depictions.   Her second novel Cranford depicted a feminist utopia and it was a success, establishing her literary reputation. Her third novel, Ruth, on a woman persecuted for having a child out of wedlock, was condemned as immoral. She wrote two more novels and a biography of Charlotte Bronte.  Her last novel was unfinished when she died.  She felt Unitarianism was closest to her ideal of what a religion should be, to "do as much and as extensive good as it can."                                           
--Elof Carlson, Designated Historian 
Ice Cream Social and Fourth of July Fireworks Show - Auction Item Available
     Wondering how to celebrate this 4th of July?  How abut ice cream and a great vantage point to see the Ellettsville fireworks show?  Indulge in several kinds of homemade ice cream, including a vegan option, served before and during the show, and settle in to be wowed by an outstanding fireworks display.  Enjoy a warm welcome at the home of Ann Robins.  Cost is $25 for adults.  Children are free. Proceeds benefit the church. Interested?  Contact Arzetta Hults-Losensky, zetta@bluemarble.net or 812-824-1394.

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, June 12                       9:15     78;         11:15      123;              RE: 32                   Total: 233
Sunday, June 19                      10:15   175;                                           RE: intergen           Total: 175
Non-Pledge Offering
6/12  -  $551   6/19  -  $454 
Total to be donated to Monroe County CASA - 251.31
Grocery Card Sales
(Bloomingfoods, Marsh, or Lucky's)
June 12         $525, income to UUCB $30.25
June 19         $500, income to UUCB $25.00

Changing the World
Update on Solar Panels and 
Our Building's Energy Use
     Mid-May was the three-year anniversary of our solar panels installation. We had created over 90,000 kWh of electricity, over half of which we used directly. The rest was sent to the electric grid, for which we received $4,780 in "net metering" credit on our electric bills. (So they saved us over $10,000.)
     This isn't the whole story, of course. Monitoring thermostats and investments in our building, HVAC equipment and lighting, from our Green Spaces Initiative and reinvestment of savings lowered our total energy use. Since May 2010 we have reduced our annual energy use by 27% (from 516,634,987 BTUs in 2010-11 to 375,360,669 BTUs in 2015-16) not taking differences in weather into account. (To 
get a total, I converted both natural gas and electricity to BTUs.) But taking weather into account it may be closer to 20%, again, not counting production by our solar panels.   -- Molly O'Donnell
  • Which month had the highest output by our solar panels? June 2014, at 3933 kWh.
    • And the lowest? January 2014, at 729 kWh.
    • What was our cost in 2015-16, counting our solar panel production? $0.29/sq.ft. 
     The Habitat Task Force is so thankful to the congregation and to the 35 women, nearly all UUs, who participated in the Habitat Women Build on May 13. We had a great day of installing siding and baseboard trim and helping finish two homes in the westside Trail View neighborhood. Rev. Mary Ann Macklin started our day with a wonderful devotion. Our team raised a total of $11,100, including funds raised by each team member, with generous donations of $1,705 from individual UUs who didn't build, $300 from our bake sale, and $250 from the Women's Alliance. Thanks!
     Our task force and members of numerous other local faith communities are now planning an interfaith Habitat build, tentatively planned for next March. If you'd like to participate in the interfaith build, help raise funds and/or contribute baked goods, please contact Barb Berggoetz, barbberg@bluemarble.net.
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, July 3, at 11:45 a.m. in Room 208. The topic is "Future Food Availability, with Jim Tarnowski. (Sunday services June 19-July 31 are at 10:15 a.m. only.) 

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, June 26, at 11:45 p.m. Info, contact John Crosby.   Freethinkers meetings June 26-July 31 will be at 11:45 a.m., since the service ends at 11:15 a.m.

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
email: macklin@uubloomington.org  Rev. Macklin will be away from the office June 19-24.



 
  
 
Doug-2015
Our Interim Minister,     
Reverend Douglas Wadkins 
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 207 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons. He will be away June 19-24 but reachable at 812-369-4179.
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. Rev. Leite will be away until June 29.
 
   

  

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.  
Last week we had carpets cleaned in all rooms on the lower level, and on 6/23 the upper level carpets will be cleaned.
We have a new outdoor light to install to see if we like it and want to buy more. The globe lights are worn out, and the new one uses an energy-efficient LED lamp and is dark sky friendly.
Last weekend we had 3 Meeting Room re-sets in 48 hours! Thanks to Jeff Stone our custodian and to everyone who helped move chairs during the big weekend.
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. (staffed by the Office Assistants)
Offices will be closed on Monday, July 4.
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator
Reduced Office Hours June 21-24
     Because many staff members will be at General Assembly next week, our church office hours will be slightly reduced:
            Tue 6/21           12-3
            Wed 6/22          12-3
            Thu 6/23           10-12
             Fri 6/24            10-3
     Feel free to leave us email messages and we'll get back to you after 6/26. 
Monica and Deeva: office@uubloomington.org; Carol: admin@uubloomington.org
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, Tuesday, July 5.

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:   6/20, 7/5 (a Tuesday), 7/18, 8/1, 8/15, 9/6 (a Tuesday), 9/19.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408, 812-332-3695  
Masthead photo by John Woodcock.  Luna moth, well-spotted by Liz LeDuc.