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Coming Soon
Splash of the Sacred
pitch-in and pool party
August 20, 5:30 p.m.
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BACK TO TWO SUNDAY SERVICES!
Sunday, August 7, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
Creativity InAction
Reverend Scott McNeill
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
Often, we imagine that creative necessitates active. There is a time and a place for action; and sometimes, our need to act leads us to painful consequences that could be avoided by thoughtful, intentional inaction.
Join us as we return to our two Sunday services schedule and welcome our new Associate Minister, Rev. Scott McNeill, our new Connections Coordinator, Ann LeDuc, and our new Young Adult and Campus Ministry Coordinator, Orion Day.
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Sunday, August 14, 2016
9:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
To Chase and Catch a Firefly
Reverend Scott McNeill
I am quite taken by these magical summertime creatures that light up the sky. Gone are the days where I might run around and try to catch and hold a firefly or two by hand; but, each of us are called to - in the words of Steinbeck - reach for the moon (and catch a firefly on the way down). Join us in the waning days of summer, as we celebrate the light of each life.
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Greetings Dear Folks of our Beloved Congregation,
What a time of transition. I sit in my office here on August 1, 2016, having just welcomed Reverend Scott McNeill into our building and our ministry. (Picture me jumping out from my doorway and exclaiming Welcome!) For some, this will not be a hard image to create. Scott addresses this very notion of transition in his opening column today.
Meanwhile, I am filled to the brim with the love extended to our outgoing (well, outwent at this point) Interim Minister, Reverend Douglas Wadkins. Douglas will be missed on many levels, but we hold him in our hearts as we go forward. Doug's farewell message is also in our newsletter today.
A few weeks ago, I came back for a weekend during my vacation to be here when the Reverend Susan Frederick Gray was in our pulpit. Susan was in Indiana for a family reunion and I found it an opportune time for our congregation to hear at least one of the candidates for the UUA Presidency; the vote for President will at our next General Assembly in June 2017. I encourage everyone to view the following panel discussion with the three candidates http://www.uua.org/ga/off-site/2016/business/presidential-candidates-forum . I also invite you to explore their websites and follow their campaigns over the next ten months.
Peace and Wonder,
Mary Ann
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin
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 From Our New Associate Minister
"We are going, Heaven knows where we are going, But we know within. And we will get there, Heaven knows how we will get there, But we know we will. It will be hard, we know, And the road will be muddy and rough, But we'll get there, Heaven knows how we will get there, But we know we will. Woyaya, woyaya, woyaya, woyaya." Parenthood. College. Retirement. Illness. Marriage. Divorce. Adolescence. Recovery. Elections. Moving. Really, any life experience makes the perfect setting to start off with a song like, "Woyaya." I love the song's matter-of-fact way of moving us towards acceptance. It holds the space for both ambiguity and uncertainty, and even difficulty. Just where does it get the gall, though - the gumption? How does it know? If I could anthropomorphize the word "Woyaya", I would imagine it shaking its head calmly, but sternly with its hand up. No need for questions about how, or why - just know that it is. You. Me. UUCB. Bloomington. Indiana. The United States. Clinton. Trump. Sickness. Health. Birth. Death. The Sun. The Moon. The Stars. "Heaven knows where we are going; Heaven knows how we will get there. But we know we will. Woyaya, woyaya, woyaya, woyaya."
--Scott The Reverend Scott McNeill Associate Minister
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Thank You from Doug
My dearest good people of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington,
My deepest thanks for the pitch perfect celebration on Sunday. I loved the chance to celebrate worship with you all one last time. The reception and program was fun, funny, and warm, and I felt held in love and appreciation. An extra shout out for all of the people who made it possible! Thank you Jackie Hall, Mary Goetze and Adrienne Summerlot for putting on such a delightful reception with the help of many, many volunteers. Thanks to the staff and board for your extra work to make it a meaningful day. I will miss you more than I can say, and I am excited as you start the loving and good work with Rev. Scott McNeill.
Hugs!
Doug
Reverend Douglas Wadkins, former Interim Minister
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Thanks to Reverend Wadkins from our Board
The Board wishes to extend our deepest thanks to Rev. Douglas Wadkins for his two years of service to our congregation. We are grateful to Doug for his guidance through the transition and will miss his eloquence, wit, and musical gifts. We wish him the best with his new congregation.
And we welcome Rev. Scott McNeill to our congregation as part of the next phase of our ministry. The Board is excited about moving on from the transition and working with our new ministry team, staff and the congregation to foster the long-term health and vibrancy of our congregation.
--Von Welch, Congregational President
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Want to send a note to Doug?
Several people have asked if Doug's uubloomington.org email will still work after July 31, and the answer is, it will not. His email address was deactivated on August 1 at 9:30 a.m. If you would like to send him a note or card, mail or bring it on paper to church and place it in Carol Marks's mailbox in Room 204. We will put all the notes we receive for Doug into a big envelope and send it to him in Ann Arbor in 10 days or so. Please also note that his home study number ending in 4179 is no longer available. We will miss Doug,
but we wish him the best in his new adventure!
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Beacon Young Adult and Campus Ministry Being Moved
to Front Burner
 Hello, I'm Orion Day, the new Young Adult and Campus Ministry Coordinator for UUCB. You may not recognize me because I'm a bit new, but I'm not new to the work I'll be doing. For over 5 years I've worked with the secular student group at IU, so my new work with Beacon Young Adult and Campus Ministry for UUCB is a natural next step in my own journey. I'm very thankful to Reverend Mary Ann Macklin for offering me this long-vacant position to sate my appetite for meaningful work, now with the benefits of support and guidance from the wonderful staff of this church!
Through my peer ministry I will offer a space for diverse beliefs to intermingle and become richer and deeper. This time in life is one of important transitions and trials, and I hope to give my peers a taste of life-affirming activities and self-discovery such that they'll clamor for more. I have found a home here, and my primary goal is help others in the 18-30 age demographic see this church as a home as well.
If you or anyone you know would like to join in, say hello at the next Sunday service, email me at [email protected], or join our Facebook group. Let's get cooking!
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Religious Education in August - Creativity!
We will be exploring creativity this month!
Kids in Kindergarten-8th grade will go to fellowship hall immediately after Time for All Ages at each service, and will have the choice of art, outdoors or photography each week.
Preschool classes will resume on August 7 and we look forward to welcoming children who are just moving up to preschool for the first time. We intentionally build several opportunities to ease this transition. August and January tend to work very well as transition times. If your child is entering preschool classes for the first time, please contact Adrienne Summerlot [email protected] so we can help make this a wonderful experience for your child.
Adrienne Summerlot, Director of Religious Education
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All-Church Splash of the Sacred
Pitch-in Picnic and Pool Party is On!
Saturday, August 20th
1. We will host a pitch-in picnic at Henderson Shelter from 4:30-6:30 pm. Please bring a dish to share and your own table service.
2. We will end our celebration with a private pool party at Bryan Park Pool from 8:00-9:00 pm. Lifeguards will be on duty; parents must accompany
and supervise their children.
This is a great opportunity for newcomers and guests to meet members of our congregation! We hope you will join us in the splashtacular all-congregational, intergenerational celebration at one or both events! If you are able to volunteer at this event please click the sign up genius link:
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 The Divine Feminine Within and Without
Third Thursday of August: August 18.
7-8:30 p.m. Room 210
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 [email protected], or call 812-332-3695, ext. 204.
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 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 250 year old tradition.
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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.
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Ministry Themes for 2016-17
We will be exploring the following themes for the first part of the 2016-17 church year. July: Curiosity, August: Creativity, September: Covenant, October: Healing, November: Story, December: Presence
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The Women's Alliance Welcomes
Kellie Kierce of Planned Parenthood on Thursday, August 4
The Women's Alliance program for Thursday, August 4 has been changed from Share Your Summer, to Planned Parenthood of Indiana. Kellie Kierce, donor engagement officer, from the Indiana/Kentucky Administration Office of Planned Parenthood in Indianapolis. She will speak about changes with our local Planned Parenthood and what is coming up in the future, and touch on the political climate.
Hosts this month are Jean Knowlton and Katherine Hopkins, who will be supplying drinks and desserts. All are welcome to join us for a brown bag lunch at 11:30 AM, followed by the program, a short business meeting, and adjournment at 1:00. The Women's Alliance meets on the first Thursday of each month, and all are welcome.
Bring your checkbooks to pay your dues and help get us off to a good start in the new year!
-- Julie Cauble
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UUA 2016 General Assembly Delegates (and former GA attendees)
Meet Sunday, August 21
As discussed at our post-GA meeting, we will meet again on Sunday, August 21st
at 2:30 PM in the Library. Please bring your ideas as to how we can implement some of the ideas presented at GA and how can we report back to the congregation our GA experience. All are welcome. Info, contact Iris Kiesling.
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Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar Artisan Applications
Now Available
To all the artisans and crafters in the tri county area and beyond: Now is the time to apply to be considered for a booth at our Holiday Art Fair and Bazaar which will be on December 2 and 3. Information and application forms can be found here:
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 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. |
Worship Associate Opportunity
Do you find lighting the chalice and joys and sorrows candles an important part of Sunday services? Would it be meaningful to you to support this congregation by ensuring that the candles, chalices and other important items are ready on Sunday mornings? If so, please contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator, at [email protected] to volunteer as a Worship Associate. A Worship Associate job description can be found here: Worship Associate Job Description .
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First Steps Class - Sunday, August 7
Are you new to the UU faith? Join us for the First Steps class! First Steps is a 40-minute class that provides a brief introduction to Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. This class is offered the first Sunday each month at 10:35am and 12:35pm in Room 110. Free childcare is available in Room 108 (substantial snack provided for children at 12:35 p.m.). No registration is required. If you have questions, please contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator at [email protected].
Ready to Become a Member of UU Bloomington?
If this is your community, if you feel at home here, join us! If you would like to make the commitment and become a member of UU Bloomington, the next opportunity is Sunday, August 14 at 10:30am in the Library. (We ask for participation in our "Exploring UU" class prior to signing the membership book.) To make arrangements to sign the membership book, or for questions, please contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator, at 332-3695 or [email protected], by Tuesday, August 9.
Fellowship Hour Host Opportunity Do you enjoy meeting new people at church? Do you want to make visitors to our church feel welcome? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you: Fellowship Hour Host! Fellowship Hour Hosts wear a Fellowship Hour Host name tag and talk to visitors during coffee/fellowship hour. If you are interested, please contact Ann LeDuc, Connections Coordinator at [email protected] or call (812) 332-3695, ext. 203.
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Compromise, Betrayal, and Survival in Transylvanian Unitarianism
UU History for You: George Biandrata
George Biandrata (1516-1588) was born in the Piedmont area of Italy and died in Transylvania. He
 studied in France and Italy, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, and wrote a text in obstetrics. He became a physician to royal families in Poland and Transylvania. He read Servetus's Errors of the Trinity and argued with Calvin in Geneva who threatened to have him arrested. He fled with Lelio Socinus to Poland and they wrote a history of Unitarianism from Arius to Servetus. They left Poland for Transylvania and there Unitarianism took root. Religious tolerance was protected by King Sigismund in Transyvania until his death. Biandrata argued with Francis David that if Unitarianism was to survive, they had to compromise and not alienate the Trinitarian Protestant and Catholic churches in Transylvania. David refused to abandon his ideals of an uncorrupted Unitarianism. Biandrata worked with his opponents and agreed to accept infant baptism and the divinity of Jesus but would reject the Trinity as lacking scriptural authority. He testified against David and David was found guilty of heresy and died in prison. What Biandrata accomplished was the survival of Transylvanian Unitarianism which still exists today. Biandrata has been criticized by those who felt principle was more important than a flawed compromise. He has been praised by Transylvanian Unitarians because they would have been crushed like Unitarians in Europe if Biandrata had not worked out a compromise, betraying his his friend, Francis David. It is the stuff of novels to reflect on the pragmatism needed to survive in a world filled with murderous extremism.
--Elof Carlson - Designated Historian
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Prologue UU Histories Book Available Online and in Our Library
Elof Carlson has written about 100 Prologue UU History for You pieces since he was appointed our UU Designated Historian in 2012. He has compiled these chronologically with five accompanying short essays as an e-book for you to download or read online. Elof says, "The surprising effect of reading them in chronological order is that they create a history of the Unitarian and Universalist movements." The book may be read or downloaded as a pdf at the following link on our website, http://www.uubloomington.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/PROLOGUE-HISTORIES-Book-JUNE-2016-by-E-Carlson.pdf There is also a circulating paper copy in the Fuchs Library. |
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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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Attendance
Sunday, July 24 10:15 : 215 Sunday, July 31 10:15 : 240 Non-Pledge Offering
July 24 - $573 July 31 - $616
Total to be donated to New Leaf-New Life - $297
Grocery Card Sales
(Bloomingfoods, Marsh, or Lucky's)
July 24 $900, $45 income to UUCB July 31 $825, $41.75 income to UUCB
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Habitat Interfaith Build Bake Sale August 7
The Habitat Task Force is sponsoring a bake sale with fruit smoothies after each service on Sunday, August 7. Funds will support the interfaith Habitat build planned for next spring. Cookies, brownies, breakfast breads, muffins, granola, quiche, and whole cakes will be for sale.
 Volunteers Wanted for Habitat Build August 27 The Habitat Task Force is looking for volunteers to participate in a Habitat build on Saturday, Aug. 27. Male and female workers are needed to work full-day or half-day (morning or afternoon) in the beautiful west side Trail View neighborhood along the B-Line. No financial commitment is necessary; lunch and drinks are provided. Volunteers do not need experience, as training will be provided for all tasks. Contact Barb Berggoetz, at [email protected], or 812-320-8422, as soon as possible if you can participate. Also, the task force is planning an interfaith Habitat build early next spring with at least five other faith communities. Our task force has committed to contribute at least $10,000, hopefully more, to the $70,000 needed for the build. Please support our bake sale on Aug. 7 between services to raise funds for this build. If you can contribute any baked goods, contact Barb as soon as possible.
We also are planning joint fund-raisers with the other churches and more of our own fund-raisers for this good cause that will bring us closer together with other faith communities in Bloomington. More information will come soon on those efforts.
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EPA Building Energy Conservation Challenge 
Our church is one of just 58 congregations that is EPA ENERGY STAR rated (no other congregations in Indiana, and we are one of just six UU congregations across the country), having achieved a score of 99 out of 100 in 2015. But we all know more needs to be done to reduce global warming, and to meet our Paris Pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050, so we have entered the EPA's 2016 National Building Competition. The goal is to reduce our energy use in September through November 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. I will take part in the EPA's monthly web-based "boot camp" to receive advice for ways to make further energy use reductions. But I will need all of your help to achieve this goal. Watch for updates and suggestions this fall in the Prologue.
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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, [email protected]. This will be an ongoing project.
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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 14, at 12:45 a.m. in Room 208. The topic is "Rethinking Nuclear Energy" led 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 Room 208. UU Freethinkers meet next on Sunday, August 7, at 12:45 a.m. Info, contact John Crosby.
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Community Connections
Our Faith in Action in the Community
Host an Italian Student for Two Weeks Bring more multicultural experiences to your family by hosting an Italian student (between the ages of 16 and 18), or an adult leader, August 26 - September 9. The IU Office of International Development has invited a group of Italian youth and their adult leaders here to learn about civic leadership and inclusion, and we need host families. Responsibilities of the host families include transportation, some meals, and including them in your normal household activities.
Alive Inside Alzheimer's Program Seeking Volunteers
Seeking steering committee specialists to serve intergenerational initiative. Bloomington Alive Inside Alzheimer's will train BHSN students to "Adopt An Elder, Build a Bridge" using music as a therapeutic solution. Info: Barbara Edmonds [email protected] or 812.333.8879.
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Contact a Minister
Reverend Mary Ann Macklin, our Senior Minister
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 201 and is available by appointment on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons
Reverend Scott McNeill, Our Associate Minister, can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 209 (office hours to be determined soon!) email: mcneill@uubloomington.org
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, our Minister of Religious Education
can be reached at 812-332-3695, ext. 207
on Wednesday and Friday mornings.
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New Phone Extension and Email Information -- for Ministers and Staff
As we welcome our new Associate Minister, Rev. Scott McNeill, we have made some changes in officing (is that a word?) and phone extension numbers. The phone extensions are changing because of these office changes:
Reverend Scott McNeill, Office 207B, ext. 209
Reverend Emily Manvel Leite, Office 207A, ext. 207
Ann LeDuc, Office 205, ext. 203
All other staff member offices and extensions are staying the same.
New Staff Members and Emails:
Beth Kaylor, Religious Education Assistant, contact her through Adrienne at [email protected]Everyone else's email stays the same, except of course Reverend Wadkins's email which is now inactivated. For a full list of our staff members and their contact info, go to http://www.uubloomington.org/contact/
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 Who Ya Gonna 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.
The leaky skylight situation is being reviewed by the roofers who installed our metal roof, and progress is being made there. For details, talk with Dick Stumpner.
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, Deeva Khatiwada and Monica Overman)
--Carol Marks, Church Administrator
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Livestreaming of Sunday Services
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 or Andrew Walden, our Multi-media Specialists, [email protected]
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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 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, Monday, August 15.
Deadline for articles about congregational events and projects is 10:00 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. Upcoming publication dates: 8/15, 9/6 (a Tuesday), 9/19, 10/3, 10/17.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington IN 47408, 812-332-3695
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| Masthead photo by John Woodcock |
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